Page 83 of The Match Faker

‘She’s caring, smart, sexy and brilliant at her job. Did you know that thanks to Mia, almost all of her friends are either married or happily coupled up? And in less than two years, her agency has already had more than a dozen engagements and marriages? That’s like one every other month. That’s fucking phenomenal. Excuse my French. She does this job because she wants to make people happy. If there were more Mias in the world, it’d be a better place.’

Liam Stone: Marry Me.

A million butterflies floated in my chest. That was one of the nicest things I’d ever heard anyone say about me.

‘That’s lovely. And, Mia, what do you think is the secret to a happy relationship?’

‘Mutual respect and understanding. And love.’

‘Anything to add, Liam?’

‘Communication. And… great sex.’ He smirked.

Mr Grumpy Grump’s head shot up from his notepad and my eyes bulged.

Everything was going so well.

‘Come on, guys. We all know it’s true. It’s a basic need. Great sex isn’t just carnal. It’s about intimacy. Having that connection. And it makes us happy. And happiness is important in a relationship, am I right?’

The room fell silent.

‘That’s an important point,’ Susie said.

‘I agree,’ I added. ‘There are many reasons relationships break down: infidelity, money…’ My voice trailed off as I thought about my ex. ‘The pressures of family life, but sexual incompatibility can be a factor too.’

‘We have everything we need.’ Mr Grumpy Grump put his notepad in his briefcase and stood up. What would it take for this guy to crack a smile?

They didn’t even ask the question about whether being in a relationship made me a better matchmaker, and I had a brilliant answer ready for that. Maybe they saved that for the actual magazine profile interview. If his lack of enthusiasm was anything to go by, I wouldn’t get the chance to find out.

‘Thanks for your time.’ Susie got up. ‘We have your paperwork and client testimonials, so we’ll go through everything next week, then we’ll be in touch soon about the finals.’

‘If she makes it that far,’ Mr Grumpy Grump added.

Arsehole.

‘You’d be crazy not to put her through.’ Liam shot Mr Morgan a look, then followed it up with a saccharine-sweet smile.

‘He’s my biggest supporter!’ I loved that Liam had my back. ‘Thanks again for coming.’ I followed them to the front door.

‘Great to meet you,’ Liam said as we waved them off.

After shutting the door, I exhaled deeply, returned to the living room and collapsed on the awful sofa.

‘I’m so glad that’s over!’

‘You did great. Don’t be put off by Mr Dicky Dick.’

‘Ha! I’d nicknamed him Mr Grumpy Grump! It wouldn’t have hurt the man to crack one smile!’

‘Forget about him. We should celebrate.’ Liam took my hand and led me to the kitchen. My pulse raced. I loved the sensation of his palm wrapped in mine. I loved him touching me full stop. ‘I know this was a big deal for you. And now it’s done.’

He plucked a bottle of champagne from the fridge, placed it on the island, then grabbed two glasses from the cupboard.

‘I’d better open this.’ He released his palm and I instantly missed the skin-to-skin contact.

After popping the cork and pouring it into the glasses, he handed a flute to me and raised his glass.

‘Here’s to you winning this competition!’

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