Page 96 of Fake It 'Til You Sleigh It

But there’s no more avoiding it. Time for an Emmy-worthy performance of “Everything’s Just Dandy in Ethan-land.”

“Morning, sweetheart,” I say, the endearment slipping out before I can stop it. “I guess Santa’s elves have been getting a real workout with the boss lady.”

Chase’s eyes meet mine with a hint of yearning, but they swiftly change to a more detached demeanor. “You’re late.”

I hold up the script. “Blame this masterpiece of yours. I was up all night decoding it. I have notes.”

“Ethan, I don’t have time for this. You agreed to say the words as written.”

“That was before I saw the crazy shit you wrote into it. A fake engagement? Seriously? What’s next, a sham pregnancy? Alien abduction?”

“Keep your voice down,” she snaps, her eyes darting around nervously.

“It’s all just a game to you. Another scene to direct. But this isn’t a movie, Chase—this is my life we’re talking about.”

Her assistant Taylor appears as if summoned, tablet in hand and looking frazzled. “Chase, Frank is looking for you.”

“Who?”

“The drone guy. Something about the opening shot.” She spots me and her professional smile kicks in. “Oh! Ethan. Hair and makeup want you in twenty.”

“Sure thing, Taylor. Nice to see you got sucked into this mess. What do you think of Florida?”

“It’s like breathing soup,” she says flatly.

Chase starts to leave. “Tell Frank I’ll be right there.”

“Whoa, hold up,” I say, catching her elbow. “We need to talk about this scene.”

“Let go,” she snaps, wrenching her arm free with a sharp twist and taking a step back. “This is exactly what I was afraid of. I have an entire production to manage. You are not the only person who matters here.”

“Yes, you’ve made it very clear how low I am on your priority list,” I say with unmistakable hurt. “But we’re going to discuss this script and—”

Out of nowhere, Chase’s arms are around my neck and she’s kissing me. My thoughts explode like fireworks. Instinct kicks in,and I’m bringing her to me, deepening the kiss. It’s everything I’ve been craving, everything I was terrified I’d never have again.

She breaks away, breathless, and for a second I think maybe, just maybe—

“Don’t look now,” she whispers urgently, “but Gail’s filming us.”

Clarity smacks me in the face when I hear Gail’s shrill voice. “Your fans deserve better than this, Ethan. You can’t hide the truth. Chase, I will not rest until they fire you!”

Protective anger surges. I yell to a nearby security guard, “Get that woman off this set, NOW!”

I grab Chase’s hand, her fingers trembling in mine, and lead her toward my trailer. I fling the door open and guide her in, kicking it firmly shut.

The sudden silence engulfs us. I turn to face her, my heart racing and lips still tingling. For a moment, hope flutters in my chest. But the guarded look in her eyes kills it.

“You alright?”

Chase nods, finally peering back at me. “I’m fine. It’s fine. Sorry about the kiss. I couldn’t think of anything else.”

“Emergency makeouts are my specialty. It’s written in my contract.”

She doesn’t laugh. Instead, her face goes serious. “We can’t have any more bad press, Ethan. We only have 800k subscribers. Both our jobs are on the line.”

“But a fake engagement? That’s your big idea?” The words come out harsh. “You want me to pop the question on live TV?”

“I’m giving the fans what they want. The love story ends happily ever after.”

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