Page 56 of The Mistletoe Makeover

“There’s no one else here to sing to,” Jace replies, like this is the easiest thing in the world for him.

But it’s not for me. I’m not used to the limelight or being on camera for millions of fans. I’ve never wanted fame, and I’m perfectly happy being unknown.

He starts the song and concentrating on the keys, which gives me a few seconds to pull my thoughts together.

Then he sings,

I built my walls so high, swore love couldn’t find me,

Locked my heart away, believed I was finally free.

But then you walked in, stormed into the night,

Tore down my defenses, couldn’t put up a fight.

As soon as our eyes meet, my stomach starts doing cartwheels. I know Jace isn’t singing this to me, but my body doesn’t know that. Before now, I could always count on stuffing my emotions into a locked container inside my chest. But now it feels like those emotions are spilling out, like a shaken bottle.

Jace stops playing, letting the background music take over. He moves off of the piano bench and takes my hand. I’m confused about what’s happening, but Cammy told me to follow Jace’s lead. And right now, I’d let Jace take me anywhere.

He gathers me in his arms, pulls my body next to his, and starts to dance with me in the middle of the stage. As we find a slow rhythm together, his body brushes mine, and for a second, I forget that I’m on camera because my heart is beating wildly inside my chest.

Jace’s hand sweeps across my lower back, shooting sparks where his fingertips move. For a moment, it almost feels like we’re alone until Cammy yells, “Keep dancing. This will make great B-roll!”

Jace shifts his hands tightly around me and pulls me even closer so that I can hardly breathe. With my body next to his, I’m overwhelmed by his scent.

Why did I have to fall for someone so perfect? So unattainable?

There’s no question. I’m out of my league.

“Are you having fun?” he whispers in my ear. “Because if I remember right, we made an agreement to have more fun.”

“If you call making a fool of yourself on camera fun, then no, I’m not having fun.”

He chuckles. “Then forget the camera. Pretend this is spontaneous,” he whispers, sending shivers down my arm.

If only I could forget that I’m slow dancing with Jace.

“And what part, exactly, is your signature move?”

“It’s a thing I do at my concerts with a woman from the audience.”

“You slow dance with a stranger?” I repeat, finally understanding why he pulled me into his embrace. It’s not me he wants to dance with. It’s his publicity stunt.

“You’re not a stranger,” he whispers. “That’s why this is more fun.”

Jace is having fun with me?I know it’s only for the camera, but he’s outstanding at playing this role. With his lips close to my ear, my brain turns into a thick soup, making it hard for me to think straight.

The problem isn’t the dancing. Every place he touches me is melting with heat.

“Maybe I need more practice,” I say. “Before it becomes fun.”

Jace pulls back so he can look at me. “If you need someone to practice with, I’m available.”

“Okay,” I say, my heart twirling in my chest. Did I just agree to dance with Jace again?Who have I even become?

His gaze holds mine for a moment, and I swallow, suddenly wishing we weren’t just pretending.

“And cut!” Cammy yells as she shuts off the camera.

---