Faking with Benefits

by Lily Gold

“You look fit,” I drawl. Luke glances up at me, grey eyes crinkling slightly as he smiles. “Layla. I didn’t know you were coming over tonight, sweetheart.” He caps his pen and looks down at himself. “Ah, thank you. Zack made me buy these trousers.” “They make his bum look good!” Zack calls from the kitchen.

Layla’s a knockout. Tall and leggy, with high cheekbones and pale green eyes, and this sharp, shoulder-length hair that she bleaches white-blonde. It’s really hot.

I’ve never seen her this tipsy before. She’s usually so uptight. “I love her,” I say. “She’s so cute. Oh my God.”

Beth Ellis

nanny for the neighbours 🫶

Josh has been head-over-heels for Layla ever since they met, but he won’t admit it. It’s obvious, though.

“You’re a beautiful girl, Layla. You’re smart and put-together.

sweetbuns,”

zacks nicknames make me pmsl

muffin-face.”

here’s another one

“I’m Layla.” I stick out my hand. His eyebrow twitches. “How formal.” He shakes my hand firmly. “Joshua.” I nod. “Well, Joshua. What makes you think you can do better than the 120 men who came before you?” Josh shrugs a shoulder, his eyes not leaving mine. “I’m a hard worker.” “You say that now, but I’m a pretty difficult girlfriend. I’m not sure you could handle me.” Josh’s eyes spark. “I bet we have more in common than you think.” “Doubt it.” “Try me.” I narrow my eyes. Well. Zack did tell me to be honest. “I’m a workaholic.” “Me, too,” Josh counters. “I’ve never had a boyfriend.” “Me, neither.” I snort. “I’ve been told that I’m high-maintenance.” “I’d do whatever you wanted me to,” he says softly, and his low voice suddenly sounds so dirty that my insides clench. Jesus. “How are you still single?” I blurt out. It is ridiculous that a man this hot hasn’t found a partner. Something odd flickers over his expression. “I’m saving myself for you,” he informs me drily, leaning back in his seat. “Obviously.”

“Ooh. A rich man. Maybe I should go flirt with him instead.” He stiffens, his hand still on my throat. “Don’t. I’ll end the night in a jail cell.”

I should just focus on my work. Maybe one day, I’ll be rich enough to buy a husband.

“Stop,” he rumbles. “Don’t talk about yourself like that.” “Like what?” “Like you’re not the biggest catch in the bloody room.” His voice is stern. “You wanna know what I see when I look at you?” I don’t say anything. He tugs at my hair. “Gorgeous hair. Gorgeous eyes. Killer smile, when you actually let yourself do it.”

“You’re right. No smilin’. You’d probably start a stampede. Keep your smiles for me.” His hand slides down my hip. I swallow as he gives my bum a squeeze. “You’re smart. You’re driven. You have the best backside I ever saw. You’re an absolute knockout, babe. So what if you’re shy? If people judge you for that, they don’t deserve you.”

I pick up another ice cube and slip it down the collar of his shirt, making him howl.

LAYLA: Okay, hang on. I’m wearing one right now. (Muffled sound of clothing) What do you think? JOSH: Jesus. LUKE: Layla! Put your shirt back on. ZACK: This is the best day of my effing life. LAYLA: Thanks. Review, please. ZACK: Um. Yeah. Your tits look huge. Five stars. Would recommend. LAYLA: The pants match. ZACK: Please tell me you’re wearing them. LAYLA: Yes, actually, let me just— JOSH: (speaking quickly) Use the code THREESINGLEGUYS for twenty percent off. Terms and conditions apply. The full collection launches August 1st. Layla, for the love of God, please put your shirt back on before Zack’s drool breaks the equipment.

layla showing her products xo

Josh is sitting propped up against the headboard, staring down at Layla sleeping on his chest like she’s the centre of his damn universe.

“Oh, you found Josh’s Mute button,” Zack says casually, uncapping the bottle. “That’s nice.”

I’d like to congratulate Beth, Cyrus, Sebastian and Jack on their engagement.

when they’re interlinked <3

“For God’s sake. Could the best man kindly remove the lipstick from his neck?” She calls out, her voice dripping with irritation. I turn to glare at Rob, who’s bent over laughing. “You prick.” “I thought you were experimenting with a new look!”

“Okay, mate. Baby, do you want a lukewarm sauvignon blanc or a two-pound rosé?” “Surprise me.” “Aight.” He leans over to pick up the bottle, and then diverts his direction and kisses me hard on the mouth. I gasp against his lips. “Zack!” “I was surprising you! Sorry, wasn’t that what you meant?” I reach up and tug at his man-bun, making him growl.

“You’re so scary,” Zack says into my ear. “Where’s the bathroom? I need to jump out the window to get away from you.” “Most of my dates feel a similar urge. Breathe deep, it’ll pass.”