Boyfriend Material (London Calling, #1)

by Alexis Hall

“Hello, boys.” An immaculate gift box of a woman—mostly eyes, cheekbones, and cashmere—was gliding towards us. “So sorry I’m late. Had a beastly time getting through the photographers.” There followed a brief flurry as she and Alex exchanged a surprisingly complex sequence of air kisses. “Don’t worry, old girl. I kept them entertained. This is Oliver Blackwood—he’s a lawyer. Frightfully clever fellow.” More air kisses, which Oliver fielded expertly. Because apparently everybody got to touch my boyfriend—I mean, my fake boyfriend—except me. “And this is Luc O’Donnell, who I’ve told you all about.” She came in to kiss me and I moved my head wrong and we banged noses. “Gosh,” she said. “You look very young to be Speaker of the House.” “Um. No. That’s not me.” “Are you sure? That’s definitely who Ally was telling me about.” “Is it possible,” I asked, “he’s told you about more than one person?” She blinked. “Possibly, but that would get terribly confusing.” “Anyway”—that was Alex again, and for possibly the first time in my entire life I was relieved he was speaking—“Luc and Oliver are boyfriends. Only not really. They just have to pretend until the Beetle Drive. It’s the most tremendous wheeze.” He blushed modestly. “My idea actually.” “Oh, Ally. You are a smarty-pants.” “Only don’t tell anybody because it’s a gigantic secret.” She tapped the side of her head. “Video et taceo.” “And this,” Alex went on, “is my… I say, Miffy, are we engaged?” “I don’t recall. I feel like we pro...