Page 55 of The Mistletoe Makeover

“You cook?” I don’t know why I imagine that Jace Knight eats out every night. Maybe because he can.

“It’s notexactlycooking,” he explains. “I have a chef who stops by a few times a week and preps meals for me. I know it’s cheating, but it’s better than eating chips every night.”

He has a chef, in addition to a housekeeper?What does this guy not have?

“That’s not cheating. It’samazing.” I don’t want to admit that I’ve eaten chips more nights than I can count.

“It’s not like I’ve always been able to afford a chef. When I was on my own for the first time, I worked at a warehouse during the day and gigged at dive bars in the evening. Most nights, the people were so drunk they talked over my songs and booed me.”

“It’s hard to imagine anyone doing that to you.”

“Well, it’s not all awards and high-profile parties. Sometimes I actually miss those days of being unknown.”

“Why?”

He stops playing and looks over at me. “Fame is like being in a fishbowl. Everyone is watching you, but it’s a lonely place. People take normal life for granted. And anyone I date has to accept that my life is anything but normal.”

I want to ask him what he means, but the barn door squeaks open and a young woman with bright pink hair steps in. “Hey, Jace, sorry I’m late.” She looks around. “This place has some great vibes. Perfect for TikTok.”

Jace leans over to me and whispers, “This is my social media manager, Cammy.”

Cammy sets up her lights and microphone while Jace practices his new song. When he’s not looking, I soak him up—the music, his dimple, his scent. He’s so insanely talented, and I’m more than happy to be the girl he practices his songs for.

Cammy climbs up the steps to the stage. “Are you Jace’s new hire? I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“I am,” I reply, suddenly curious about what Jace said about me.

“How do you feel about being on camera?” she asks.

“What?” I reply, shocked. “You don’t want me. I’m really terrible on video.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll focus the camera on Jace the whole time. His last video got a million shares.”

“A million?” I pause, my mind reeling.

“Free promotion for the festival,” she hints.

With our limited budget, I’d be a fool to pass up this opportunity. “Okay, I guess.”

“It’s easy,” she promises. “And Jace will be the star. Just let him do his thing.”

Before I can ask her what she means by “do his thing,” she turns to Jace. “Let’s run the song again with background tracks so you don’t have to play the whole thing. And could you interact with Mia? Pull out your signature move, like you throw into every concert.”

She gives me a quick wink, like I should know what she’s talking about.

As my heart bounces against my chest, I whisper to Jace, “What does she mean?”

There’s a wicked gleam in his eyes. “You don’t know my signature move, do you?”

“I don’t. And no sarcastic remarks about how I should’ve done my homework. I’ve been busy.”

“The fact I’m going to surprise you is even better,” he says with a low chuckle.

“Jace,” I growl under my breath. “This is not funny.”

Cammy holds her hand up from behind a camera. “Okay, Jace. We’re ready to roll. You can start singing to her.”

“To me?” Sweat suddenly breaks out on the back of my neck, and I wonder if I look as scared as I feel.

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