Faking with Benefits

by Lily Gold

“I’m the same guy, yeah,” Zack says. “I just got really hot and buff all of a sudden. I would never abandon my gorgeous, stunning, slightly scary date.”

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.”

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

“You’re way too selfless. You put everyone else before yourself. Even if they don’t even want you to. You gotta grow out of it, man, it’s not good.”

“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.”

“If you were mine, I’d want you all to myself.”

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

Grinning, I trail my mouth down his throat, pressing a kiss to his Adam’s apple. His whole body flinches. I pause, then kiss his neck again. He shudders in a breath. “Layla—” he groans, tensing against me. “Shit.” A smile spreads over my face. It looks like Joshua Tran has a weak spot.

“Okay. Give me them back.” She frowns. “But they’re mine!” “Nope. They were a test. You failed. Hand them over.” Begrudgingly, she picks the flowers back up, and I take them back. “We’re going to try this again, and you’re going to act like a regular human person, okay?” “You’re giving out strong alien vibes,”

I think I could kiss Josh and Zack all day and not get enough.

See, we know you, sweetheart. We can take care of you better than any of those other guys.”

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.

Okay, babe. I don’t know how strong the human head is, and I don’t think it matters. There’s no weight capacity. Just sit on his face, and if he dies, he dies.

So, yeah. Between the eighteen-hour workdays, and getting systematically railed by my three fake boyfriends, I’m pretty busy. By

“I want you. I want to see you happy, and proud, and sad, and tired. I want your low moments, as well as your high ones. I want all of you. I want as much of you as you’ll give me.”

I’ve never been in love. I don’t know what it feels like. But I wouldn’t be surprised if it felt like this.

“Baby. I didn’t mean it. You’re the best fake girlfriend I’ve ever had, I can’t share you with another man!” Luke coughs. “Okay. I can’t share you with a third man,” Zack allows. “Two is my limit.”

“But I couldn’t stop myself from falling in love with you, even if I tried. And I’m a coward for not admitting it to myself. Layla, you are so much braver than all three of us.”

“A lovely girl like you deserves more than one boyfriend.”

“If you think you’re going anywhere alone with my girl, mate, you’re even dumber than you look. She just told us you tried to grab her in a parking lot, for Chrissakes.”

“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.”

But it really is possible for everyone to find their person.

“We’ve got all the time in the world.”