Page 49 of It's Not All Fake

Liam’s name and social security number are on the top, and I notice the date.

“You got tested today?” My eyes flick to his, surprised.

“I’ve included lab tests from a couple of months ago too, if you flip a few pages.” He glances at the packet in my hands.

I scrunch up my face, turning the pages. He’s clearly had extensive testing and he’s healthy, like he said.

“I’ve never had anyone show me their STI results before.” I chuckle awkwardly.

“Well, you should see it. I want you to know you’re safe.” He looks at me earnestly.

Part of me feels like this is overboard and strange, but maybe it’s because no man has ever been this prepared and thorough.

I set the papers down on the table and grab my phone out of my purse.

“What are you doing?” he asks, looking concerned.

I unlock my phone and open a browser tab. “Pulling up my results. They’re from several months ago, though.”

I feel it's only fair to return the favor, to reassure him that he’s also safe.

Surprise flickers across his face. “You don’t have to do that Chloe. I trust you.”

Now it’s my turn to be surprised. “Why? You have trust issues, don’t you?” I tease him gently with a smirk.

He leans back in his chair, shrugging. “I don’t think you’d lie to me.”

“Oh, no?” I challenge him playfully as I log into my patient account.

“No, I don’t,” he asserts confidently, his tone suggesting he can see right through me. It leaves me feeling exposed yet excited under his piercing gaze.

I find the results from four months ago and hand him my phone, needing the distraction. “I got tested after my last time with my ex and haven’t been with anyone until… you.”

Liam scrolls through the results for a few moments, then hands my phone back with a polite smile.

“So, what do you think?” he asks, looking at me intently, his gaze filled with a thinly veiled desire that suddenly makes my breath catch.

What do I think? His proposition of barrier-free sex has my heart racing. He’s talking about being completely connected physically.

It’s an intimacy I’ve never shared with anyone.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want this with him. I’m completely turned on by the thought of us being fully naked with each other. But this isn’t just enhanced physical intimacy—my emotions are inseparable from this, and removing all the barriers means I’m at greater risk of getting hurt.

Aren’t I just his training wheel girlfriend?

Footsteps approach again—the waiter. This guy has terrible timing.

Liam offers me a small smile. “Maybe I shouldn’t have asked. I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“You really need to stop saying that,” I remind him quietly, just as the waiter arrives with giant plates of crab legs.

Liam catches my eye, looking surprised by my correction. I’m surprised myself at how quickly he seemed to back off from his proposal.

I shift my attention to the bright red crustaceans set in front of us. “Wow.” Liam really went all out—or maybe this is normal for him, I wonder.

As the waiter places salads and a bowl of fresh, warm rolls on the table, I observe Liam. He appears perfectly at ease, unbothered by the possibility that I might decline his offer. I don’t feel pressured by him, and it makes me more inclined to accept.

But I won’t do this unless I’m his only partner. This needs to be monogamous for me to feel safe—physically and emotionally.

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