Page 74 of The Match Faker

‘Been shopping?’ I gestured to the large bag she was holding.

‘I bought an airbed. So I wouldn’t have to disturb you tonight.’

My stomach sank. I knew it’d be sensible not to spend another night together, but I liked having her in my bed.

‘You didn’t disturb me… it’d be better to stay in my bed. The cleaner’s coming tomorrow morning and it’s hard to know who to trust. If she sees you sleeping in the spare room she might leak something to the press.’

‘Oh. I see what you mean. I hadn’t thought about that.’

‘Welcome to my world!’ I paused. ‘So, you okay with that? We slept in the same bed last night and survived, so we can do it again, right?’ I didn’t know if I was trying to convince Mia or myself.

‘Yeah. At least I have clean clothes, so there won’t be any incidents like yesterday.’ Her gaze dropped to the floor. She must still be embarrassed. I meant what I’d said when it happened. Mia had nothing to be embarrassed about. If she was mine, I’d be happy if she chose to walk around naked all day. ‘Thanks again for everything.’

When I’d checked my phone this morning, there were three gushing messages from her about how grateful she was for the clothes. And now she was thanking me again. Most of the women I’d bought stuff for in the past barely grunted their appreciation.

‘You’re welcome.’ I stood up.

‘How did you know I’d need the silk scarf?’

‘You used to put one on before bed. Can’t remember why, but you said it was important.’

‘Wow.’ Mia’s eyes widened. ‘Your memory is scarily good. You’re right. I always wear one to protect my hair whilst I’m sleeping. I used to relax it, so the hairdresser recommended that I wrap it before bed, which is basically brushing my hair round in a circle, then covering it with the scarf to keep it smooth.’

‘Relax?’

‘Relaxing is chemical hair straightening. Now I get a keratin blow-dry treatment instead.’

‘Cool.’ I nodded. ‘Well, whatever you do, it looks good.’

Damn straight. Mia could shave off one side of her head or wear her hair in a rainbow-coloured Mohawk and still look great.

‘Thanks!’

I caught myself staring and knew if I stood here any longer drinking her in, I’d get myself in trouble. Time to get out of here.

‘I should… go.’

Mia was still at the doorway. As I got closer, she shifted to the right, just as I did. We both then moved to the left.

‘Sorry.’ She smiled, sending a bolt of electricity to my chest. ‘Let me get out of your way.’

‘I was just gonna make dinner.’

‘You’ve been up since crazy o’clock! If anyone should make dinner it’s me. Then again, you don’t want to be ill tomorrow, so maybe I better not! I can go to the supermarket and buy pizza or something.’

‘Can’t.’ I winced as I breezed past her, inhaling her sweet scent. ‘Gotta watch what I eat. I’ll make a turkey salad. Won’t take long.’

‘Life without pizza must be hard.’ She followed me into the kitchen, then pulled out a stool at the island.

‘You have no idea.’ I loved pizza. And fried chicken, fries and ice cream. Sometimes I wished I could just eat whatever I liked instead of always having to worry about how I looked. But if I wanted to keep these sponsorship deals and pay the bills, I had to stay in shape.

‘At least you’re a brilliant cook. That chicken stew was delicious.’

‘Thanks.’

After washing my hands, I took the bag of salad and fresh turkey fillet from the fridge, then poured some olive oil into the frying pan.

‘So how was your day?’ Mia asked.

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