If she wanted to read into the move, then lether.
Matilda looked at me, and I nodded, letting her take the lead. I’d suggested the plan of flirting; I wanted her to decide how far we’d takeit.
A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and a swell spread through me, knowing I was in onit.
I winked ather.
She rolled her eyes.
The perfect picture of flirtatious teasing.
“It’s going well. We’ve had some hiccups along the way, but it’s been great working together,” she said diplomatically.
I didn’t care whether she was lying to the camera; I had just done the same, afterall.
“What sort of hiccups?” the interviewer pushed.
Pausing, Matilda looked over her shoulder at me, her lips pulled into a small smirk. “Well, Luca struggled with some of the lifts at the start.” She paused again, a full smile blossoming across her face. “And the fitness regimen. It’s tough, you know.” She patted my leg sympathetically before returning to the camera. “A lot of exercising, so he took a while to get up to speed, bless him.”
I fought the urge to laugh at her teasing. “Does it look like I’d struggle with the fitness regimen?” I asked the camera, gesturing to my body.
“He’s a bit cocky, too.” Matilda pointed at me with her thumb, making the interviewer laugh.
“She pretends she hates it, but is that the face of someone who hates it?” I teased.
“You two seem pretty close,” the interviewer observed, eyes flicking to Matilda’s arm where my fingers brushed her shoulder. I hadn’t realized I was touching her until the interviewer pointed itout.
Was it overkill? Maybe, but I couldn’t stop now. It would look suspicious.
“More than six weeks of seeing each other all day makes it hard not to be,” I offered, and a blush tinted Matilda’s cheeks. The timing was perfect.
“And have there been any late-night practice sessions?” The interviewer raised her eyebrows suggestively.
“We’ve spent a few nights watching old recordings, much to Luca’s dismay.” Matilda omitted that Jack had been there for all of them.
“Well, well, well…” The interviewer turned to the camera. “I think I can speak on behalf of the people watching when I say that we can’t wait to see what you two bring to the season this year. It’s going to be a good one.”
I had difficulty ignoring thebutterflies in my stomach from Luca’s finger stroking my shoulder. Something about knowing we shouldn’t have been flirting made it just alittlemore exciting.
I doubted Luca and I would ever be friends—let alone anything more. Admittedly, while I enjoyed his company more these days, I thought our tentative truce was as good as it wouldget.
But, dear god. He was among the most handsome men I’d ever seen, and his undivided attention did something tome.
I pulled out my phone and texted Lily as we returned to reception after the interview.
Matilda: I need to get laid, asaaaaap.
“Are you going out with Asha and the others tonight?” Luca asked. The studio was much quieter. Jack had had to take a call straight after our interview and swiftly left to deal with some family stuff, so it was just the two of us left.
“I probably should,” I groaned. “I haven’t spent much time with them this season. It’s been a bit hectic with my family.”
“How are things with your mother?”
I glanced at Luca, surprised by his question.
“What do you mean?”
“Your phone call with her didn’t sound particularly positive the other night,” he explained.
