Page 52 of It's Not All Fake

Robert nods and quickly departs.

Her?

“Something wrong?” I ask.

“The owner of that horror production company might back out of the acquisition,” he reveals. I can see his thoughts churning, and I wonder what he’s not saying.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry—I didn’t want any interruptions.” His voice is low, and his gaze holds mine.

It makes my cheeks flush.

“So, what do your friends and family think about us?” he asks, his smile curious. “Maybe they’ve seen the tabloids, or have you told them?” He takes a sip of water, watching my reaction closely.

“Um…” I hesitate, caught off guard by his question. “Well, I haven’t had a chance to tell my father yet,” I start. “He’s doing business in London, so it’s sometimes hard to catch him with the time difference. And my brother and I aren’t on the best terms now because my ex is his best friend, and he didn’t exactly choose my side when my ex and I broke up,” I admit, trying to dismiss the sudden sadness that tugs at me.

“I’m sorry,” Liam responds softly.

I nod and decide to continue. “But… some of my friends know. Most think it’s really amazing that we’re ‘dating.’” I use air quotes for dating, which causes Liam to momentarily frown.

Ashley and I still catch up regularly with a group of girlfriends from college. They were sending me gushing text messages about my relationship with Liam when it hit the news.

“Well, I’m glad most do.” He smiles only briefly before lines cross his forehead. “I hope our being together hasn’t complicated any of your relationships if someone in your life disapproves.” He says it like a statement, but I know he’s asking me a question.

Ashley. She’s the only one who knows the truth and who thinks this is going to blow up in my face.

I realize Liam doesn’t know Ashley, or that she’s aware of our arrangement. Suddenly, I feel like I’m hiding something from him. But then I remind myself—I never agreed to keep this arrangement a secret from everyone in my life.

“No, it hasn’t messed up any relationships,” I answer carefully, but honestly. “My best friend Ashley is the only one who’s been skeptical. But she’s just worried I’m going to get hurt… with you being a big-time celebrity and all,” I add with a smirk, trying to lighten the conversation.

His lips twitch up into a smile. “Well, maybe I can reassure her someday.”

I return the smile, but confusion tugs at me again. How can he reassure her? Isn’t this a short-term deal with an already-scheduled break-up?

My mind is aflutter with doubt and questions, but my body and emotions are responding as if this is all real. As if he won’t hurt me. As if I am only watching a movie and can enjoy all the delicious thrills without the real risk of having my heart painfully cut out at the end.

Before I can formulate a response, the sound of footsteps cuts through our lingering, tension-filled moment.

Liam’s expression hardens as he notices Robert heading our way with swift strides.

“Sir, I apologize.” Robert holds out another note.

This guy’s timing is beyond terrible.

What the hell could be so important?

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHLOE

“Just tell me,” Liam demands, waving off the note. His gesture suggests he's comfortable with me hearing whatever business matter is at hand.

“Ms. Barron is on the phone again. She won’t wait until the morning,” he explains apologetically.

Liam exhales sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose and closing his eyes in thought.

Robert and I watch him silently until he opens his eyes and sighs deeply.

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