She stared at herself in the bathroom mirror that morning, toothbrush dangling from her mouth, foam bubbling like a stressed cappuccino.
"No," she said aloud, "I'll have no go alone this time."
She spit, rinsed, and stared at her reflection for a while. "He has plans anyway. I'll say he travelled."
When she arrived, everything went better than she expected. Her father, back from China and still smelling faintly of international airports and dignity, wrapped her in a bear hug.
"My girl," he said warmly. "You look happy."
"So you're Sophie," her father's surprisingly hot businessman partner from Shanghai, Robert, came forward and smiled.
"Nice to meet you."
Her cousins flocked. People she hadn't seen since the great family fight in 2007 hugged her with affection. Then she found Ella, glowing beside her husband. They were about to walk to her when...
He arrived.
A murmur passed through the gathering like someone had just opened a bottle of scandal.
He wasn't supposed to come. At least in her head. And yet, there he was, stepping out of a sleek car and tucking his hands in his pocket. He wore a soft grey sweater under a fitted navy blazer, tailored pants, and the kind of shoes that screamed "I don't walk, I glide."
Her breath caught. Her cousin nudged her. "Breathe."
She silently felt relieved she hadn't told anyone he wasn't coming. They were too distracted by Robert's charm and whatever Aunt Belinda was cooking up about her third husband.
Now, everyone saw him.
They left her side like pigeons fleeing an empty bag of bread crumbs. He smiled politely, looked around until his eyes found hers.
She decided the only strategic maneuver left was avoidance. If he wanted to show up unannounced and make her heart palpitate, then he could do it without her presence.
She dipped and weaved like a ninja through relatives and over-enthusiastic matchmakers. But just as he looked like he was turning toward her, Aunt Melinda came to her rescue.
Out in the backyard, the cool breeze cooled her overworked nerves. She exhaled.
"Thought I might find you out here," a voice said.
Robert smiled, holding two wine glasses. He handed her one and leaned casually against the railing.
"Well. here I am,"
He chuckled. "Good, because I wasn't going to report your movements to the aunts,"
Robert was easy to talk to. They chatted about Shanghai, his work and his hobbies. She was starting to feel normal again. And maybe he might be the one...
"Oh," Robert said suddenly. "You've got company."
Sophie turned to see him approaching like a villain in a movie, except more dashing and attractive physique. He looked at Robert as he passed like a trespasser.
"Are we hiring more boyfriends now?"
"Hello Mr. Carter. He's a friend,"
Not that she needed to explain to anyone.
"Liam is fine. It'll make the whole pretend easier."
She sighed. "Why did you come? I should have told you this wasn't important."
He was quiet, which made her more nervous.
"I'm sorry I dragged you into this," she added. "You can sign off now. You've helped me enough."
He stepped closer, just enough for her heart to trip over itself.
What is he doing?
"I'm not signing off...yet." he said, voice low.
Before she could respond, his mouth was on hers with passion. He slid a hand behind her neck, while the other gripped her waist and pulled her flush against him. His lips moved hers with intent.
She gasped softly against his mouth and he took that as an invitation. Her fingers clutched his shirt as his scent filled her senses.
"Ahem,"
Tina.
She stood there, blushing, and clearly delighted. "I'll see you both inside."
Sophie turned to face Liam again, her heart thudding like a war drum. But then, something in his expression shifted.
"Had to keep the act going, right?" he said with a faint smile. "They were starting to ask questions."
A show.
Not something that had set her skin on fire. Something that made her feel she'd come home. Just a convenient, believable moment for the benefit of the crowd.
She walked back in, every step feeling heavier than the last.
Inside, the evening had softened to warm chatter and gentle goodbyes. She found her father near the door, speaking to Robert. As she met her dad's smile, the tension eased a little.
Robert turned, eyes lighting up. "There you are. I was worried that man had stolen you away again."
She smiled awkwardly. "Still here."
"I was wondering if we could hang out tomorrow."
"Sure, sounds nice."
He gave a quick wink. "Great. I'll text you."
He shook her father's hand and disappeared into the night.
As everyone said their goodbyes, she noticed her parents speaking to him.
"You should stay the night Liam," her mother said loudly, walking towards the door. "That would give you quality time to spend with your girl."
Sophie turned, eyes wide in his direction, silently pleading. Just say you've got a meeting. Say the dog needs feeding.
"Sure," he said with a small smile. "That sounds great Mrs. Blake."
Of course it does.
A guest room was arranged as they waved them goodnight like they were sending off newlyweds.
"I'll sleep on the floor, you take the bed."
"Are you this considerate, Miss Blake?" he asked flatly.
"Well..."
But he already tossed a pillow on the floor and was unlacing his shoes. "You are my employee and you will follow instructions."
"And you're my fake boyfriend," she shots back.
She walked into the bathroom and shut the door. The steam and water did a little to clear her head. She emerged ten minutes later, wrapped in a towel, her wet hair cascading over her shoulders in dripping waves. Grabbing a loose cloth in the wardrobe, she turned and saw him standing by the window and turning to look at her. The tension between them swelled, thick and unbearable.
"Sorry," as she turned to leave, he walked towards her. She took a step back instinctively, only to feel the cool brush of the wall against her spine.
"There's no one here to act for Mr. Carter...I mean Liam," she whispered.
"I know."
His hands found her waist, steadying her. Her towel threatened to slip.
"What are you doing?"
"I don't have any idea." he whispered back, and turned away.
She walked towards him and stepped close.
No warning this time. Just lips crashing into hers with longing.
The kiss deepened, slow and consuming. Their bodies pressed together as if scared to let go. Her fingers tangled in his hair as he lifted her, gently, like she was something breakable. When he laid her on the bed, he didn't rush, he simply stared at her eyes, connecting deep to her soul.