Page 34 of Fake Dating the Silver Fox

“Almost there,” Graham says. “You’re doing great.”

My knees quake with every step. “I don’t know how you do this.”

“It’s not always like this. I’m a nominee this year.” His posture stiffens. “Next year no one will remember me.”

“Don’t say that.” I squeeze his hand. “You’re gonna win. And no one will ever forget you.”

His shoulders relax. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.”

My heart goes out to him. Graham is not a man to hide what he’s feeling, and nerves radiate off him. Suddenly, I feel terrible for making this night about me.

“Win or lose, you’re the best writer here.”

He looks down at me, a tentative smile breaking through the self-doubt. “You’re a fan of my work?”

A rock settles in my stomach. I’m not much of a reader. I prefer the movies. I lie to Graham, vowing it will be the only time I do so.

“Your books are amazing.”

His brows shoot up, and a bark of laughter escapes his mouth. “You haven’t read a single book I’ve written.”

Unable to contradict him, I misdirect. “What makes you say that?”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

Nonetheless, he seems bolstered by my efforts. We sail through the crowd, following Cupid’s lead.

Inside the building, the air vibrates with energy. I’ve never seen so many creatives packed into a room at once.

Cupid is exhausted from his debut and settles in my tote bag for a nap while Graham makes the rounds. He introduces me to dozens of people, lavishing me with praise.

He says I’m not only his girlfriend, but his inspiration. His muse.

When he calls me his “Guiding Light,” I clap a hand over my mouth to stifle the laugh.

“What’s so funny?” He steers me toward a table set for eight with our names on little cards.

“That’s a soap opera my grandmother used to watch.”

His dimple flashes as he grins. “You’re myYoung and Restlesslover.”

A giggle bubbles from my mouth. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“You’re my…”

“Graham! Where have you been?” Vanessa Blake swoops in, wedging her tall, slim form between us like a human shield. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“I’ve been making the rounds.” He puts his arm around my waist, claiming me. “Vanessa, you remember Mara. MyBold and Beautifulgirlfriend.”

I burst into laughter, bumping Graham with my elbow. Vanessa doesn’t understand the joke. She looks from me to Graham and back to me, her eyes narrowing.

“I need to speak with you in private.”

Graham turns to me apologetically.

“I’ll grab us drink from the bar and meet you back here,” I say.

“You sure?”

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