Page 61 of Faking It (and falling in love)

“No,” said Alex. “That’s not it. What I wanted to say is that yes, I’m afraid, and I haven’t done this for a while. But the truth is, Phil, I really am falling in love with you.”

“You are?” said Philippa, her eyebrows hitting her hairline.

“Yes. I think I knew that from the moment you swooped in to save me from that oaf at the networking event,” said Alex. “Remember what I said about meeting you at that dinner with Gerry?”

Philippa nodded, not trusting herself to say anything for now.

“Well,” said Alex, “the reason it was so believable is that it was true. I wanted you from the moment I saw you.”

“And I you,” admitted Philippa. “And I fell in love with you ages ago.” Her heart soared as she looked into Alex’s glittering eyes and pulled her in for a passionate kiss.

Chapter Forty

FOUR WEEKS LATER

“So, is this where I ask you to paint me like one of your French girls?” asked Philippa, a wicked grin on her face.

“Well, I could certainly do that, should you wish,” said Alex, “but I’m not sure it would work particularly well with my usual style of painting.”

They were in Alex’s spare room, where two easels sat under dust sheets and the walls were lined with paintings leaning with their faces against the wall.

“I can’t believe I’ve finally managed to persuade you to let me in here,” said Philippa. “I so want to see your work.”

“Well, don’t get your hopes up too high,” said Alex. “It’s been a while since I painted. Life has been quite busy in the last couple of years, and if I’m honest, I lost my mojo a bit.”

Philippa was wearing an oversized t-shirt of Alex’s and little else. She took Alex’s hand. “I think we can safely say, based on what we just did, that I’m pretty sure your mojo is back.”

“Why, thank you,” said Alex, affecting a curtsey, which looked even more silly in the boy shorts and vest she was wearing.

“Come on, no more excuses. Let’s see,” said Philippa.

“You know I love it when you’re bossy,” said Alex.

“Hmm.” Philippa pursed her lips.

“Here you go,” said Alex. She gave the nearest sheet a tug and revealed a glorious interpretation of mountains and a lake with a moody stormy sky in oils.

“Wow,” exclaimed Philippa. “This is incredible.”

Alex blushed. “You don’t have to say that.”

“No, I know I don’t. Really though, it’s amazing. I love the depth and the darkness in it.” Very softly, Philippa placed her fingers on the painting to feel the undulation of the angry clouds in the sky.

“Depth and darkness,” said Alex, “that’s me.”

“Well, maybe sometimes,” said Philippa. “You’re certainly deeper than you gave yourself credit for when we first met. So where is this?”

“It’s a place in Cumbria I visited with Jess when Seren was a baby. I remember thinking I’d love to take her there again, when she’s old enough to appreciate it.”

“And did you?” asked Philippa.

“No,” said Alex, putting an arm around Philippa, who was officially now her girlfriend. “Family life became a bit harder, and then there was the divorce. I haven’t really painted since then either.”

“Do you think you might start again?” asked Philippa, turning to face Alex.

“Yes,” said Alex. “For the first time in a long time, I do.” Alex framed Philippa’s face with her hands. “Now that we’ve managed to agree a proper plan for me to spend time with Seren, I feel like I can really be creative again.”

“I’m glad,” said Philippa, leaning forward to kiss Alex. “And maybe we should take the girls to Cumbria sometime? I think they’d both like it.”

Alex’s eyes lit up. “Yes!” she said. “Yes, I’d love to. We could camp.”

“Woah,” said Philippa, “Samfires do not camp.”

Alex pulled Philippa into her. “I love you, Samfire. And I’m sure I can convert you to camping.”

Philippa looked into Alex’s eyes. She loved how much lighter Alex seemed since she’d begun to see her daughter regularly. And it was wonderful to spend time with her, without the constant question about whether they were really having a relationship or not. “I love you too, Fletcher,” said Philippa, “but I think sleeping under canvas might be a step too far.”

“Thank you,” said Alex, looking serious for a moment. “Thank you for helping me keep my daughter here.”

“Thank you for taking a chance on me,” said Philippa.

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