Page 123 of The Match Faker

With my business on the line, it was important before, but now my parents knew, it was more critical.

I couldn’t disappoint them.

I needed to win.

It was the only option.

43

Mia

‘Ready?’ Liam peeked his head around the bedroom door.

‘As I’ll ever be.’ I smoothed down the front of my bright yellow backless dress, then turned to face him.

‘Mamma Mia!’

‘I thought we were done with that nickname!’ I rolled my eyes.

‘It was never supposed to be something bad. When I called you that, I meant it as a compliment. Just like I do now. You look… wow! That dress is fire! So like I said before: Mamma Mia.’

‘Oh.’ I swallowed. ‘I didn’t realise. You should’ve told me sooner that it was a compliment. Thanks!’

‘And spoil the fun of getting you all worked up?’ He stepped forward and brushed his thumb across my cheek.

‘If the car wasn’t coming to take us to the awards ceremony, I’d suggest you find another way to get me all worked up.’ I smiled.

‘Don’t tempt me,’ Liam growled, then pushed his lips onto mine. He was going to ruin my lipstick, but I didn’t care.

His phone buzzed. Liam pulled it out of his pocket.

‘Car’s outside. How you feeling?’

‘Nervous.’

That was an understatement. My stomach was in knots. So much was riding on this award, and as much as I wanted to be excited, the consequences of not winning were getting to me.

I wasn’t just anxious about the ceremony. I was also sad about Liam leaving. In twelve hours he’d be gone.

As we’d originally agreed, he was flying back to LA first thing in the morning. And I had no idea when and if I’d ever see him again.

Every time I’d tried to bring up the future, he’d reminded me of what we’d said: that we’d just enjoy the time we had together.

I couldn’t complain. I’d gone into this with my eyes wide open, knowing that Liam lived on the other side of the world. I knew Liam didn’t do long-term relationships. This was only temporary.

And I should be grateful. This had started out as a mutually beneficial business transaction. It was never supposed to be anything more. So the fact that I’d got to enjoy companionship, endless laughs and amazing sex too was a bonus. Wanting more was being greedy.

‘Nerves are normal.’ He squeezed my hand. ‘But I’ve got you.’

‘Thanks.’ My eyes flicked to his and my stomach fluttered.

God, I was going to miss him.

I’d miss his smile. The way his eyes lit up when he saw me. The way he made me laugh. His supportive words. His hugs.

Everything.

We headed to the car. It didn’t take long to get to the fancy five-star hotel on London’s Park Lane where the awards were being held.

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