Page 17 of Fake It 'Til You Sleigh It

“Look, I’m not an idiot,” I say somberly. “But I need to level up and explore new aspects of my career. I can’t ride off my good looks forever.”

Chase studies me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she sighs. “Okay. I’ll put in a good word. But don’t get your hopes up.”

“Thank you,” I say, genuinely grateful. “One last thing.”

“There’s more?” she groans. “Seriously, do I need my lawyer present?”

“You gotta sell it as my girlfriend around my folks. I’m not kidding, Chase. You might enjoy being alone in a cabin like some kind of psycho, but I love going home for Christmas."

“Not everyone loves the holidays,” she snaps. “That doesn’t make me a fucking psycho.”

I backpedal faster than when a fan asks me to sign her chest. “Look, what I’m saying is, my family goes all out. We have a tonof traditions. I haven’t been home in a year because of work and I don’t want you to—”

“Fuck it up?” Chase finishes.

“No! I mean, yes. I mean...” I rake a hand through my hair. “I just need you to act like you’re into me and actually enjoy the damn festivities. Think you can manage that?”

Chase’s eyes widen in horror. “You mean like physical contact? Hell no.”

I chuckle. “Whoa there, Handsy McGrabby. That’s where your mind went first? I mean, I know I’m irresistible, but get a grip, woman.”

A flush creeps up Chase’s neck, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t kind of adorable. “That’s not—I didn’t—Oh, go fuck yourself, Barrett.”

“Is that your way of saying we have a deal?”

“I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?” She looks up at me, resignation written all over her face. “Fine. Deal.”

“Shall we seal it with a handshake? Or would that be too much physical contact for you?”

Before she can protest, I pull out my phone and start filming for social media. “Hey there, Ethan Addicts! I’m here with my girlfriend. We are packing for Florida!”

I put my arm around Chase, who looks about as comfortable as Scrooge searching for a character witness. “Are you excited, darlin’?”

Chase grimaces, her attempt at a smile. “I-I-I’m speechless!”

Just to really get under her skin, I give her ponytail a little ruffle.

“We wanted to come on and ask for your help to make our new holiday movie,Fa La La Love, the biggest movie of the season! Let’s show the doubters that we believe in love. We need one million new subscribers to watch the movie when it premieres on Christmas Eve. What do you say, Ethan Addicts!”

Chase adds awkwardly, “Give the gift of the Cherish Channel this Christmas.”

“We love you!” I say, ending the recording.

Chase gruffly pushes me away. “Next time, warn me when you’re going to touch me!”

“Ooh, so feisty. Exactly why I fell in fake love with you.”

Chase shoots me an intense stare. “You know that feeling when you look into someone’s eyes and just know, deep down, you’re definitely notevermeant to be together? That’s us.”

“Right back at ya.” I wink. “Now, get packed. We’re taking the red-eye to Miami tonight.”

“Tonight?” Chase sputters.

“Pleasure doing business with you,” I say, heading for the door. As I reach for the handle, I turn back with a grin. “Oh, and pack for the beach. Christmas in Florida is still pretty warm this time of year.”

As I close the door behind me, there’s a look of sheer panic on her face. It’s priceless, maybe even worth all the chaos about to come our way.

Chase Pemberton, the ice queen herself, pretending to be my loving girlfriend for two weeks? This is going to be one hell of a Christmas.

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