Page 59 of Perfectly Faked

I chuckle. “Oh, no, you can’t. You said it—and I’mnotforgetting it.” If she thinks I’m charming, maybe all those dates in college weren’t wasted after all.

“Okay, lovebirds,” Desmond interrupts, motioning for us to stand in front of the camera. “Let’s see some magic.”

Victoria and I reluctantly move into place, standing stiffly across from each other. I don’t know what to do with my hands, so I shove them in my pockets.

Desmond frowns. “You two look like strangers forced to share a crowded elevator. Lean into each other a little more.”

Victoria looks at me and hesitates. I step closer, brushing her arm lightly, before my hand finds the curve of her waist. The contact feels like a live wire, and I have to force myself to keep my expression neutral and my mind under control. As long as I can look convincing for the camera, then it doesn’t matter what I’m feeling underneath. Because having her this close, pretending like we’re still in love? It’s going to ruin me.

Desmond nods with approval. “That’s better. Victoria, rest your hand on his chest.”

Her hand hovers for a moment before settling on my chest, her fingers sending a warmth through my jacket that’s impossible to ignore.

“Now, that’s what I’m talking about,” Desmond says as the camera flashes.

Victoria’s eyes dart around the room, looking everywhere but at me.

“Tell me how you feel right now,” I murmur as the photographer continues.

“You mean other than totally awkward?” she asks.

“What if you tried what my high school drama teacher suggested when I was nervous? He said to remember a time when I was relaxed and happy.”

She presses her bottom lip between her teeth. “I’m not sure I can pull it off like you. You’re so good at being confident, you don’t even have to try.”

A low chuckle escapes my lips. “Maybe some of us are better at hiding our insecurities than others.”

She lifts her eyebrows. “You . . .insecure?”

“Especially when you’re standing this close,” I murmur. “I’m afraid you’ll see the real me... and be disappointed.”

Her lips part. “How could you think that? You’re the strongest person I know.”

“I’m not,” I say, looking away. “When I was little, whenever I felt sad, I’d go outside and climb into my tree house. I knew nobody could hurt me from up there because it was my happy place. That’s what I’m thinking of right now.” My eyes cut to hers. “I want you to find your happy place, looking out over the world.”

She finally snuggles into me, closing her eyes, her body relaxing in my arms.

Maybe this isn’t the kind of fireworks Desmond was talking about. But what he can’t see are the fireworks exploding in my chest, and how when I hold her, everything is right in my world.

TWENTY-THREE

victoria

As I settle into Leo’s arms, I feel a calm I haven’t known in years. His touch melts everything away, just like those nights I’d fall asleep in his arms in college when we were watching a movie together. Being here now feels almost as peaceful, except for the faint click of the camera, reminding me that this moment isn’t really ours.

Desmond clears his throat. I slowly open my eyes and the bright lights of the studio nearly blind me.

“Victoria, if you could turn around.” He circles his fingers for me to spin the opposite way.

I wheel around as Leo stands behind me.

“Now, get cozy with your girlfriend and put your arms around her,” Desmond instructs.

Leo’s hands settle low on my waist, firm but steady, as if they belong there. My heart does a little somersault, and I start to wonder if I’m actually going to survive this level of closeness. Is it possible to pass out from being held too well?

“Now lean in, almost like you’re nuzzling her neck,” Desmond adds.

Leo’s lips brush the curve of my neck, warm and light, and I suck in a sharp breath.

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