Page 63 of The Match Faker

‘When you get out, try to look straight ahead instead of at the cameras, okay?’ I said. Mia nodded again.

Once we were safely inside, my shoulders loosened.

‘That was… intense.’ She exhaled loudly.

‘If this is too much for you…’

‘It is a lot, but I’ll be fine. I’ve just got to get used to it, that’s all. I’ll change the times I leave work and get home.’

‘Your office seems secure, but your flat doesn’t. You can’t go back there. Not for at least a couple of weeks, until this calms down.’

‘I can’t just leave home! All my stuff is there.’

‘We’ll get you new stuff.’

‘But—’

‘Mia,’ I said firmly. ‘What security do you have there?’

‘Well, nothing. The main door doesn’t always close, but… I thought about it and I overreacted. There must be rules about paps trespassing.’

‘If the public are responding well to photos of us, they’ll be sold for a lot, so the paps will do whatever it takes to get them. It’s safer to stay here. There’s cameras and an alarm system, and if it gets bad we can hire security.’

‘But where will I sleep?’

‘There’s four bedrooms. Well, technically two, because one’s been converted to a gym and another into an office, but there’s a spare room my friend uses for storage. You can stay there.’

‘I don’t know…’ Mia chewed her lip and I could hear the wheels turning in her brain as she weighed up the options.

For me it was simple. The most important thing was keeping her safe.

‘Okay,’ she said softly. ‘This was my idea, so for this to work, we have to go all in. And it’d screw up your reputation if I turned out to be just another one-night stand. I can’t leave you high and dry now.’

A warm sensation flooded my veins. She was actually worried about affecting my reputation? That was kinda sweet. Most women I’d dated didn’t care. Some barely waited until the next morning to sell their story.

‘You’re sure? You know that once the press find out you’re staying here, they’ll be more interested in us.’

‘I guessed that. It’s okay. I’m ready. Well, I’m not, but I will be. I’ll need something else to wear, though. Otherwise tomorrow’s headline will be “Liam’s new girlfriend seen wearing the same clothes two days in a row!”’ she laughed. Mia was always so serious, so seeing her smile, especially after the night she’d had sent a jolt of happiness to my chest.

‘Wouldn’t put it past them.’

‘I could ask Trudy to stop by my place later and pick something up. I don’t want to put you out.’

‘Don’t worry. I’ll make a call and get some clothes delivered first thing. I’ve got an early start for a shoot, so I’m gonna hit the sack soon, but let me get you set up in the spare room. Pretty sure I saw an airbed in there. First, I’ll give you a tour.’ I led her through to the lounge. ‘So you know this is the living room. Dining room is next door, but I don’t really use it much.’

I wasn’t a fan of a lot of the furniture in this place. It didn’t have any personality. The white leather sofa probably cost a bomb, but it was uncomfortable as hell. Like sitting on a concrete park bench.

The huge grey marble dining table could seat about twelve people, so sitting here alone would feel lonely. I preferred to eat in the kitchen.

I led Mia through. There was a massive white marble island in the centre, which stood out against the sleek black leather stools, kitchen cabinets and double-door American-style fridge-freezer.

‘Nice kitchen!’ Mia gushed. ‘Do you use it much? Looks spotless.’

‘Yeah, I love cooking. It’s relaxing.’

‘Wish I could say the same!’ She smiled again. Two smiles in one evening? I wondered if I could do something else to make it three.

‘Have you eaten?’ I asked.

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