Page 70 of Fake It 'Til You Sleigh It

Riley chimes in, “Quite. And then some. Keep this up, Chase, and those ten films are all yours. And as promised, you’ll have your pick of any cast member you want… that we can afford.”

My heart leaps. This is it—exactly what I wanted. It’s everything that I’ve been working for.

“We’ve even started taking meetings with other directors who are willing to work with Ethan,” Wiley adds. “You know, in case he decides to play hardball with his contract.”

The implications of that statement hit me like a bucket of ice water. Other directors? Working with Ethan? My Ethan?

I shake my head. NotmyEthan. Just… Ethan.

“Plus, we found some extra cash in the couch cushions for your ‘Shamrock Shenanigans’ parade scene.”

“Great,” I manage.

“Maintain the effort,” Wiley says. “We’ll see you back in LA after the holidays—ifyou hit that million-subscriber mark.”

The call ends. I stare at my phone.

“Everything okay?” Ethan asks.

“Couldn’t be better. The network says we’re killing it and to keep up the good work.”

“Fantastic news, babe!”

Ethan pulls me in for another kiss, and I’m filled with regretful longing. I swallow the guilt like a shot of black coffee—bitter, hot, and burning its way down to my stomach.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Ethan

“Did you bring mehere to feed me to the sharks?” Chase asks, eyeing the water warily.

“Nah, sweetheart. The sharks wouldn’t dare come near you. They’re too afraid.”

We’re alone on the speedboat, watching the sun sink below the horizon, casting its last golden rays across the gulf. The boat rocks gently, and I use it as an excuse to snuggle up to Chase. She lets me hold her, and we quietly take in the view. The scene is like something from one of our romance movies. Just us, the sound of waves, and the day’s fading light.

But this isn’t a scripted scene with perfect lighting and calculated camera angles. This is as real as it gets, and I’m done playing the charming lead. I want more.

Being home has filled holes in me I didn’t know existed. Yeah, I still have an image to maintain—fans are always watching. But here, I can breathe. In Florida, I’m a guy who helps with his mom’s craft store and laughs at his dad’s bad jokes. I can take my boat out at sunset and remember who I was before Hollywood changed me. This is the real me—the version Chase has been seeing.

She’s different here too. Away from expectations, her sharp edges soften. I see it every day —how she gets swept up in my mom’s wild family traditions, how her phone stays forgotten in her bag. I’m seeing moments when raw joy breaks through before she can lock it down again.

But fuck, I’m in dangerous territory. While I’m imagining a future where this isn’t just a PR stunt, Chase is building walls faster than I can tear them down. Every time she lets herself be vulnerable, panic follows. When she truly smiles—those real ones that hit me straight in the chest—fear immediately darkens her eyes. She’s opening up, sure, but like someone waiting for the ground to disappear beneath her feet.

How do I prove that this could be more than a holiday fling?

“The sunset is beautiful, but it’s got nothing on you, babe.”

“You see, this is why you need me to write your lines,” she quips. “Your flirting game is… lacking.”

I move in, my lips gently grazing her neck, and when her breath falters, I know she can’t deny the magnetic attraction between us. “The way your body responds, darlin’, I’d say you’re into me.”

Chase stiffens and pulls away. “Oh, you’re mistaken, pretty boy. My body’s just scared of being thrown overboard and sinking into the dark abyss. Do you not remember the last time we were on this boat? You strapped me to a pool floatie and launched me forty feet in the air.”

“You mean the day you kissed me?”

“Oh, that day…” Chase taps her chin, feigning deep thought. “I don’t remember you, but I do remember Fernando, the clit-flicking fish prince. It’s so sad because he’s still trapped in a fish body by an evil sea witch with anger-management issues.”

“Right, let me guess. One kiss from you will turn him human?”

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