Page 65 of The Match Faker

‘What time are you going?’

‘Five.’

‘Wow. You better get some sleep.’

‘If you need anything, just shout.’

‘I’ll be fine. And, Liam…’

‘Yeah.’ I turned back.

‘Thanks.’ She smiled.

Three smiles in one night.

To anyone else it might not seem like a big deal. But given how tense things had been between the two of us, to me it was a big win.

25

Mia

The microwave pinged. After taking out the steaming-hot plate, I sat at the island and picked up a knife and fork.

This kitchen was a world away from my tiny one. It was almost as big as my entire flat.

To think that tonight I thought I’d be sitting in front of the TV. I had no idea I’d end up being hounded by the paps and staying at Liam’s house.

That reminded me. I should message Trudy.

Me

Paps were outside my flat, so Liam sent a car and I’m staying at his (IN THE SPARE ROOM) tonight. See you in the morning xx

I slid a forkful of food into my mouth.

Oh. My. God.

I squeezed my eyes shut and groaned with pleasure.

Liam made this?

The chicken melted on my tongue, the tomatoes were deliciously sweet and it had just the right amount of seasoning.

Liam was already blessed with good genes and now he had to be an amazing cook as well? Save some talents for the rest of the world.

I devoured dinner at lightning speed, then crept up the stairs so I wouldn’t wake Liam and went to the bathroom. A pile of towels and a selection of fancy toiletries were neatly laid out. I popped open the lid of what looked like a very expensive bottle of shower gel and inhaled.

Mmm. It smelt like Liam. Woody, fresh and delicious.

He’d been really sweet tonight. Sending a car, checking I still wanted to go through with this and suggesting I stay here.

Of course, it would’ve been a million times easier if I could’ve found a fake boyfriend who wasn’t famous. But this was what I’d signed up for, so I had to accept the good and the bad. And it was only for a little while. Hopefully they’d get bored soon and move on. Or maybe we’d argue and I’d end up leaving anyway.

I was also concerned about where I would sleep. At first I’d thought he’d use it as an excuse to get me to share his bed. But that ridiculous idea lasted for a millisecond. Liam didn’t see me like that.

Pretty sure he’d said last night at dinner that Nina Rose, one of Hollywood’s most beautiful actresses, was starring in his next film. If he’d be snogging her every day on set, he’d never be interested in someone like me.

Not that I was interested in him. Why was I even thinking about this?

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