Page 45 of The Match Faker

Mia was naturally beautiful. Whenever she wore make-up, it was subtle and sophisticated. Nothing like the heavy layers on her face when I came to meet her. She was normally confident, but when she couldn’t look me in the eye, I knew she was embarrassed and that I needed to help. So I got those supplies.

It was only when I was paying that it occurred to me that I might get recognised. But Mia needed me and that was all that mattered. And the look of relief on her face when she saw the products proved it was worth the risk.

For once, we didn’t argue, and seeing that softer side of her took me back to the good times we’d spent together as kids.

There was something about that moment when I removed those fake lashes. Sitting there, our faces just inches apart, with her bare skin, listening to the sound of her breathing and inhaling her beautiful scent was so calming.

When my gaze dropped to her full lips, for a second I wondered how they’d feel against my mouth. Were they as soft as I’d always imagined?

I’d quickly pushed those stupid thoughts away and was glad when her eyes opened so we could go back to being normal around each other.

Hearing her confirm that she’d got her hair and make-up done because she was worried about looking nice for the paps cracked my heart. That was when I realised that although I’d weirdly been looking forward to dinner with her, it wasn’t a good idea. She needed to go home.

I’d planned to take her to a swanky restaurant in Mayfair where the probability of being photographed was high. Although it would’ve served me well to be seen with someone sophisticated like her for a second time, Mia wasn’t ready for another experience with the paps. I needed to protect her.

So tonight I was taking her somewhere more low-key that was away from the spotlight. But first, I had to check she was sure she could handle the shit that came with being with me. It wasn’t too late for her to back out.

‘We’re here,’ Phil, my driver, announced. Mia had asked me to meet at her office again. I pulled out my phone.

Me

I’m downstairs. You ready or do you need more time?

Tutti-Frutti

I’m ready. Coming down now.

My lips curved into a smile as I looked at the name I’d used for her. I was tempted to put her as Mamma Mia, but I knew how much she hated that nickname, so I chose her favourite ice cream instead.

Minutes later, the back door opened and…

Wow.

I lowered the window to get a better look before she saw me.

Tonight, her make-up was natural. Much more her. Her hair was styled into an elegant updo, with a few loose tendrils falling around her face.

She was wearing a fire-engine-red knee-length dress and, as always, looked elegant. Most of the women I dated always had their cleavage on show. No judgement from me. How they dressed was their choice. But Mia never seemed to wear anything low-cut. Yet she still looked sexy. Maybe it was the mystery of wondering what was underneath.

Wait. Why was I even thinking about Mia naked?

‘Hi,’ she said as she got closer.

I jumped out of the car and held the door open for her.

‘Oh…’ She frowned. ‘Thanks. But you didn’t have to…’ She slid onto the black leather seat and I got in next to her.

‘This is a date. It’s something that I always try and do.’

‘Right. Course.’

Mia might think this was a joke to me, but when it came to work, I took that shit seriously. I was a professional. Mia had asked me to play a role, and so I was gonna give it my all.

By the time I returned to LA in October, the world would believe we were madly in love. Only me, Mia and Trudy would know that it was fake.

‘You look pretty.’ I turned to face her as Phil set off.

‘Thanks. Is that part of your dating spiel too?’ she whispered.

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