Chapter 6 #2
‘It suits me—I can oversee the big suppliers while they’re focused on the flowers matching the napkin rings. It should be a very harmonious working experience for all of us. Symbiotic, even. We’ll all be playing off each other’s strengths.’
Frankly, it’s a turn-on hearing Nora talking shop. I’ve been with too many bimbos lately, and she’s the antidote. At least I won’t get bored during our outings together. She’s smart and commercial and competent, and she’s reminded me that those are all character traits I find sexy.
And best of all, Mum’s gaze keeps flitting between Nora and me while she’s talking. She’s lapping it up, and there’s an expression on her face when she catches my eye that it takes me a moment to place, because I haven’t seen it for God knows how long.
Pride.
I’ve pleasantly surprised her.
‘I can’t wait!’ Saoirse claps her hands together in what I can only describe as pure glee. ‘We’re all going down to Sorrel Farm next week for a recce.’
‘You’ve been there before, though, no?’ Mum asks.
‘Yep—Miles took Bea and me there for a weekend a couple of months ago. But walking around knowing we’ll be getting married there will be totally different. I actually think Miles is more excited than me.’
It’s impossible to dislike Saoirse. She’s as cheerful and guileless as a kid. No wonder she hit my miserable brother over the head with her sunshine brand of charm.
And her rack.
And her legs.
She’s fucking glorious, and even I can’t begrudge Miles this happiness. Especially when it means little Bea has an amazing new stepmother in her life.
The conversation gets girlier and girlier, until I’m not sure I can take much more, so it’s a relief when Mum says it’s time for lunch. She wafts off to instruct the chef (yes, she’s had lunch catered) and Saoirse makes a beeline for Miles and Bea, leaving me with my delicious fake girlfriend.
I’m experiencing a rare and uncharacteristic sensation of relaxation.
Usually, family lunches are a nightmare.
Mum and Dad are great hosts (I mean, obviously.
They own a hotel chain), but Miles has historically been a pain in the arse, and Stephen and Margot are held up as beacons of virtue.
In addition, I’m the only one who hasn’t produced a grandchild yet.
That I’ve just turned thirty doesn’t seem to go down as a valid excuse, given my younger brother’s wife has produced twins.
But today, I’m basking in the warm glow of approval, and it’s very bloody pleasant. I have a beautiful woman on my arm, and she’s winning over my family. Already, Mum’s drooling over her and suddenly I’m a hero for choosing a good ‘un.
I could get used to this.
In fact, I’m wondering why I haven’t played this game before. The bring-home-a-nice-girl game. It’s low effort and high return.
I pull Nora into my arms and put my mouth to her ear so I can speak to her confidentially. She hesitates for a second before allowing me to pull her close, but her body is upright. Tense.
‘You are a fucking rockstar,’ I murmur. Fuck, she smells good. I reach up and brush some stray strands of hair away from her ear and over her shoulder, my fingers brushing the skin of her neck as I do. She shivers a little.
Or shudders.
I’m not sure which.
I keep whispering. ‘Mum loves you already, I can tell. And you haven’t even met Dad properly yet. You’re doing great. And I know Elle’s parents have adored you for years.’
‘Glad it’s working.’ She clears her throat and tentatively puts a hand on my chest. ‘You have a lovely family, you know. Do you not feel bad lying to them?’
I pull back in surprise, so I can see her face, because I can genuinely say it hasn’t even occurred to me to feel guilty.
Perception is reality. I’m here with a lovely, wholesome girl and it’s making my family happy.
When Nora and I ‘break up’ in a couple of months, it will hopefully be because I’ve upheld my end of the bargain and got her useless boyfriend back for her.
The best thing about that? It’ll look like she dumped me for the love of her life, and I’ll get all the sympathy. And what could be a better way for me to get over my heartbreak?
You’ve got it. A fresh start in the Big Apple, with hundreds of millions of dollars of hotel assets in my control.
Honestly. This plan is fucking flawless.
‘No,’ I tell Nora. My fingers brush along her collarbone.
She gazes up at me, her huge eyes clear, their whites brilliant white.
I could get used to this. Having her gaze up at me from inches away, that is.
‘I don’t feel guilty. Everyone’s happy. Honestly.
Just relax and enjoy it, and know how grateful I am to you right now. I definitely owe you that dinner.’
She rolls those princess eyes at me. ‘Okay, fine. You’re a sociopath. I forgot. Well, I feel pretty shitty about deceiving everyone, but they’re not my family. So as long as you can sleep at night.’
I grin at her. ‘I sleep just fine, gorgeous.’ Over her shoulder, Miles and Dad are watching us. I give them a little wave and pull her in closer. ‘People are watching. Give your fake boyfriend a hug before lunch. Act like you’re actually into me.’
She rolls her eyes again, but I close the gap between us and fold her into my arms. My hand goes to the back of her glossy head and I pull it against my chest. After a pause, her arms go around my waist. I’ve lost the blazer, and her palms on my back are warm through my shirt. Grounding.
I rest my chin on the top of her head. It smells like sunshine. And once again, I congratulate myself on an all-round fan-fucking-tastic plan.