Page 51 of PR Stunt

My breath hitches. “Don’t call me that.”

His head tips slightly, a quiet question in his gaze as he steps toward me. I should back away, but I stay exactly where I am, my feet glued in place.

“Why not?” His gaze dips to my lips before meeting my eyes again. “You’re dreaming about me, aren’t you?”

He leans in, his voice a low hum against my skin. “Will you be a good girl for me?”

The praise shouldn’t land, but it does. Warm and low, curling in my stomach and sinking between my legs.

He clicks his tongue once, slow and knowing. “You’ll admit it to me in time.”

I open my mouth to argue, to deny it, but his fingers grasp my chin, and the world tilts.

I wake up with a start. Heart pounding. Sheets twisted around my legs. Not a chance. Not today. Not ever. I throw off the covers and practically launch myself out of bed, my skin still buzzing like static electricity is trapped beneath it. The dream clings to me, refusing to fade. Cold shower. Immediately. I march into the bathroom, twisting the faucet until the water is borderline freezing. A sharp gasp leaves my lips as the chill crashes over me, but I welcome it. Anything to shut down that nightmare I was having.

You’re dreaming about me, aren’t you?

I dig my fingers into my scalp as I squeeze my eyes shut beneath the spray. I’m going to scrub that voice right out of my head. Pretend it never happened. Fifteen minutes later, bundled in sweatpants and a loose hoodie, I head downstairs, my hair still damp, skin still tingling. Just need coffee.

And a session with my therapist.

The kitchen is quiet as I move on autopilot, pulling out a mug and filling the coffee machine with water. The scent of espresso fills the air, bringing me back to myself. I exhale, letting the last remnants of the dream slip away.

A soft knock sounds at the door.

Who the hell—

I grab my phone from the counter as my pulse races and pull up the security camera feed. Relief floods me.

I sigh and walk over, undoing the lock and pulling open the door.

Anna strides in, already in business mode. She barely glances up from her phone as she steps inside. “Good. You’re up. We have things to discuss.”

I groan, shutting the door behind her. “Has anyone ever heard of a heads-up?”

She marches straight toward the kitchen, setting her bag on the counter. I glance at my coffee machine longingly. At least let me get some caffeine before the chaos starts.

Anna scrolls on her phone as she leans against my kitchen island, her nails tapping absently against the counter. “Have you seen the article this morning?” she asks, tone far too pleased with herself.

I exhale, pinching the bridge of my nose. “No, but something tells me you’re about to enlighten me.”

She turns the screen toward me.

Spotted: Grayson Cole and Charlie Grace Looking Cozy. Candlelit Dinners and Cuddly Car Rides

My stomach drops. I don’t need to read the rest to know exactly what kind of nonsense is inside.

“I knew you guys would sell it,” Anna continues, swiping through the pictures. “I mean, I expected good, but this? You two look picture-perfect. It’s a shame you aren’t actually cast in a movie together.”

I shake my head. “Right, because fake dating isn’t already a horror movie.”

She ignores me, lips pursed in thought as she keeps scrolling. Then she straightens, snapping her fingers. “Wait a second… That’s actually not a bad idea. Why didn’t I think of this sooner?”

I groan. “Anna—”

“No, listen. I need to discuss this with Miranda. A rom-com would be perfect. The chemistry is already there. The public is eating this up. If we play our cards right, I could get you two attached to—”

“Anna, I haven’t even had a sip of caffeine, and you’re already ruining my day.”