So here's chapter three, went for a different approach from what I had originally planned. Anyway enjoy and leave a review to let me know what yous think. Really hope my plan change hasn't ruined it..

Chapter Three

Brendan's pov

I don't know what I'm playing at. Driving past that restaurant every afternoon hoping to get a glimpse of the unnamed boy that's plagued my mind. It's probably because he said no to me and being the man that I am, I'm not used to hearing those words.

That's why on Wednesday morning I decide to make a reservation for myself and Chez for later that night. She raises an eyebrow when I tell her I booked in there because I liked the food. I might have lied. I put extra work into my appearance on the off chance I see him.

Cheryl was right about the press, they haven't gaven it a rest they're constantly around my apartment and my work. I've saw at least five different articles in three days about apparent things. I'm glad when I go into the restaurant it's dimly lit so not everyones faces are as clear.

It doesn't look like the same place from the other night but I know that it is because the red headed waitress comes over to take us to our table. She gives me a knowing smile before saying "Your waiter will be with you's in a minute." she directs it at me and it's that subtle that I'm not sure wheather she means it as something underlying or not, "Here's your menus." she sits one down for us each on the table and I give her a smile in a small thanks.

About two minutes later the young waiter that knocked me back the other night is over at our table. He looks even more gorgeous than what I remember.

"Can I get you's a drink?" he asks pad in hand.

"Can I get a white wine please." Cheryl says openly grinning back.

"Course." he says while jotting it down before looking at me. I can see a slight tremble in the lads fingers and I guess that I must have some sort of effect on him.

"Just a beer." I say to him, giving him a smile, I'm never this friendly to people.

He walks away and I can't help but stare at the globes of his arse while he moves, Cheryl nudges me to bring my attention back to her.

"I knew he was the reason for coming here." she says with a knowing grin.

"Shut up Chez." I sigh, can't bring myself to deny it, it's blatantly obvious, the boy probably knows so himself.

"He could be our solution.." she says but then shakes her head, "but it's a bad idea."

"What?" I say sharply, would never go on one of Cheryl's good idea's never mind her bad ones.

"Well.. All this with the press and that lad in the paper." she looks thoughtful, "I said the other night about getting a pretend boyfriend.."

"Jeez.. I don't want him to be my.. Boyfriend." I say quickly.

"And he won't be. I can tell ye like him, maybe if ye just tried.." she sighs.

I don't even let her finish, "No Chez." I snap again.

She shuffles around her bag before bringing out her tablet, "I really didn't want to show ye this Bren.."

My heart clenches, I know this isn't going to be good news. Then she shows me the page, rows and rows of lads now claiming to have spent the night with me only to get chucked out the next day or afterwards.

"Shit." I grunt, don't know what else I can say, "how would getting a boyfriend help this?"

"Because if ye do that we can make it look like these are just people trying to get some attention or press.." she huffs.

"And we can't do that without.. A boyfriend?" I ask.

"We could yes, but it's much more believable if there's someone that's been keeping your bed warm at night.. If ye get what I'm saying." she says.

"Fine Chez fine." I snap. Lean back in the chair with my arms folded.

The lad comes back over with our drinks and Chez pulls out a seat beside her for him. There's no way she's actually going to do this now.

"Can ye sit down for a few minutes with us love?" she asks him.

He frowns at that, obviously isn't used to this. "I'm Cheryl Brady and this is my brother Brendan."

"Yeah I know who he is." the boy nods,

"What's your name?" she grins at him.

"Ehh Ste?" he says dumbly.

Jesus he's obviously all looks and no brain, what kind of name is Ste?

"Steven ye mean?" I ask him, can't help saying it.

"Well yeah.. Nobody calls me that though." he says and gives me a short smile.

"Listen, this is a really weird request but I'm guessing ye know what's in the papers about Brendan?" Cheryl says to him, she's going to do this now. I sink further into my seat when I see Steven nod at her, "Well its not like that, but what we need is someone to pose as my brothers boyfriend.. Just a few public appearances and that's it."

"Right.." Steven says frowning, obviously doesn't see where this is going.

"That's why we're talking to ye.. Would ye be interested?" she asks putting her best innocent face on.

"Your joking right?" Steven laughs until he sees both of our faces are serious.

"Ye don't need to obviously.. And we would do a contract that would suit the both of you's. And ye would get a pay aswell." She blurts out to the boy but he's still sitting with a frown on his face, she drives a hard bargain does our Chez but I don't get her angle, why she's wanting it to be him.

Normally she's the one talking me out of stupid ideas, this time she's the one powering it.

He looks like he's running it all through his mind, "Right so ya want me to be your pretend boyfriend?" he looks at me, a laugh spilling from his lips.

"What's funny?" I hiss before I can help myself, shifting uncomfortably in my seat.

"Just that you'd need to pay someone to do that." he gives me a wink, is that counted as flirting?

"Fine I won't pay ye then." I grunt back, the lad has me speechless and its not often that happens.

"How about ye get back to work and have a think about it? Ye can tell us what ye think before we leave." Cheryl gives him a toothy grin, "Don't feel like you have to do this, it would be doing us a favour though." She must know how much pressure she's putting on him, even I can tell.

"I'll have a think." he says while standing up, "So are you's ready to order the now or do you's need more time?" He slips back into the role of waiter with ease, rolling his shoulders back to relieve tension.

"I'm ready the now, how about you Bren?" Cheryl asks me.

"Yeah I'm ready." I nod, "Can I try your BLT hamburger with wedges."

"Alright." he says while writing down the order, "Ya wanting a side salad or coleslaw?" he asks.

"Coleslaw will do thanks." I say and pass the menu back to him.

Cheryl makes some 'ooh' and 'ahh' noises before deciding, even though she had said she knew what she wanted "Can I get the chicken, mayonnaise pasta please?"

"Sure, you's okay for drinks?" he asks.

"Can we get another please love?" Cheryl asks.

"Yeah, just the same again?" he says looking between the both of us and we both nod. "Okay it shouldn't take too long." he tells us before making his leave, my eyes follow him as he walks through the door which I'm presuming is the kitchen.

"I can't believe ye done that Chez." I sigh, head in my hands.

"What? It wasn't like you were going to ask." She says back as though that justifies it.

"Still though, I'm going to look like I'm desperate now." I grunt.

"Aww I didn't know ye cared." she says with a petted lip.

Steven was right within ten minutes we've got our meals infront of us and I scoff it down, don't care if I'm in a restaurant. I can see Steven chatting with the red head at the bar and can't help but wonder what they could be talking about.

He comes over when he sees that were both finished, looks nervous. "How was the meals?" he asks us.

"Yeah brilliant love." Cheryl tells him while wiping her mouth with her napkin.

He grins at her before looking at me, "Yeah it was.. Tasty." I can't help but look him up and down as I say it. His cheeks light up and I feel Cheryl kick me under the table as a warning.

"So have ye came to a decision then?" I grunt to him.

"Yeah.. I think so." he says shuffling his feet, "I've got questions about it first though."

"Yeah course." I say, while going into my wallet, I place fifty five pounds on the table, know that should cover the meal and drinks while leaving a generous tip aswell. Then I place my card down aswell, "That's my number, give me a call when ye have the time."

"That's too much." he says nodding to the money.

"Keep the change." I tell him in a clipped tone while standing up and waiting for Cheryl.

"Ehh alright.. Well thanks." he says, looking unsure, "I'll call ya."

"See ye." I say and give him a grin.

"Bye love, I'll see ye soon no doubt." Cheryl says so cheerfully that I can't resist rolling my eyes.

"I think he likes ye Bren." Cheryl says when we get outside.

"Or maybe it's because he'll be getting paid?" I remind her.

"Oh yeah." she starts laughing, I think the wine has went to her head.

"Do ye think we're doing this right Chez? I don't think it's going to work." I sigh.

"We speak to Ste about it later.. Well you do. Then I'll speak to your manager and you can get an interview with someone to get your story across." she tells me, calms me. Sometimes I don't know what I'd do without her.

Ste's pov

I've been flipping Brendan's card in my hand for the past ten minutes, it's embarrassing really. I'm getting nervous about phoning him to make arrangements about this 'fake boyfriend' palaver. I don't even know why I'm agreeing to it, wheather it's because of the money or the fact that Brendan does generally interest me, he's intriguing.

I get a grip and pick up my phone, it's been hours since he gave me it so it's not like I'm phoning him straight away.

After a few rings he picks up, "Brendan Brady." he says and I almost laugh.

"Eh hi." I say can't help smirking, "It's Ste."

"Steven." he says as though correcting me on my own name, "This about our talk earlier?"

"Yeah it is.. I was wondering if you wanted to em.. I dunno talk this out?" I can't believe how awkward I'm making this already.

"Send me your address and I'll come over." he says after a few seconds. I don't know how I feel about giving him my address, letting this man I barley know into my home but I give him my number regardless.

Not even half an hour after I get off the phone to him there's a knock at my door, I look around at my flat. It's a little messy but it's only me that stays here so it isn't that bad. I open the door and am overwhelmed with the smell of aftershave, it's like he's bathed in it.

"Hey come in." I say opening the door wider.

"Nice.. Place." he says while looking around.

I huff at that, "Not all of us can afford a penthouse apartment."

He raises an eyebrow at that, "Ye been doing your research?" he asks.

"Well yeah.." I tell him in honesty, seems stupid that I wouldn't.

He cocks his head to the side before reaching into his inside jacket pocket and handing me a few bits of paper, "What's this?" I ask while unfolding it.

"Just a quick draft I made of our contract.. Well Chez made it." he tells me.

I quickly scan through it not really taking much of it in before sitting it down on the table between us, "Just tell me what I've gotta do."

He looks uncomfortable, "Well it won't be anything major, a couple of dates in public, maybe the odd interview or two."

"The thing is though, will I be able to go back to me normal life after this is by?" I ask folding my arms.

"I won't release any of your personal details, we can keep your name out of it." he tells me.

"Yeah but if I'm gonna be out in public with you as your 'boyfriend' people are gonna see what I look like int they?" I sigh, I can't risk losing anything important over this. My job, my family, anything.

"I'll make sure they don't find out anything we don't want them to know." he says and I can't help but feel like I should trust him.

"How long will this be going on for?" I ask him.

He shrugs, "Few weeks. Just until this blows over. I've got a few ground rules."

I feel as though I'm a ten year old having a set of rules but I nod for him to carry on anyway, "Rule one, ye can't tell anyone that it isn't real, we'll get a story sorted about how we met. Rule number two ye can't date anyone else for the time being, I don't want to look like an idiot even if we are fake. I don't want anything that will jeopardise the truth about the two of us becoming public knowledge"

"That it?" I ask him and he nods, "Right but.. I don't get it, why me? Why don't you just ask someone you actually have dated the be your cover up." How does he know he can trust me not to say anything is what I really want to ask.

"Do I look like the type that goes on dates?" he hisses the last word as if the idea of it pains him.

"Fair enough." I shrug, of course someone like Brendan would be playing the field, he's Brendan bloody Brady, hard ass businessman, millionaire. Obviously he would be all no strings attached.

"We'll get the story straight. We've been seeing each other for a year solid but before that we were on and off. Ye stay at mine most nights and the only reason we've not went public before now is because you've got a normal life." he tells me and I try to remember it all, "We met when I had first moved to england, which was three years ago." I wonder if he's sat and thought about this story or if he just made it up on the spot.

"Okay, I think I got it." I tell him.

"Anything ye want to talk about?" he asks me,

"What would ya say is public shows of affection?" I ask while looking at the 'contract'.

"Kissing? Hand holding? Cuddling? I don't know whatever normal couples do." he says, looks like he generally doesn't have a clue how to be in a relationship, he's sitting tensed and I think the one question i asked is making him uncomfortable, doesn't stop me asking more though.

"Have ya never been in a relationship before?" I ask, might aswell get it out there, I doubt theres any point in keeping anything back.

"Not with a man before no." he answers honestly. "My last relationship was with a girl Eileen back home and it was more for my da's approval than anything else." His face darkens slightly so I change the subject.

"Well ya don't look like the type to hold hands." I grin to try lighten the mood "Don't worry I won't be over the top with it." He lets out a sigh of what I think is relief.

"Sexual contact to be discussed? Eh what does that mean?" I can guess but I want him to come out and say it.

"Well.. I wasn't sure if ye would be willing to take it as far as to ye bedroom." he says with a filthy smirk.

"I'm not a prostitute." I snap, there's no way I would sleep with him if he's paying me, a slight chance I would if he wasn't but still now that money's getting exchanged I know what I would feel like.

He looks surprised, "Jesus I know. Its just that there's an obvious attraction here, it could end up happening."

"I wouldn't touch ya with a barge pole mate." I say, brushing it off even as I'm saying it I know it's a lie.

"Aww baby don't be cute with me." he says back sarcastically, his eyes darting around playfully.

I fight a grin but fail, "Ya busy tonight?" shit why did I just ask that?

"No plans." he says, "You?"

"Same." I nod, "Ya can sit for a while, obviously don't need to but if you want I mean." shit I'm nervous, the thought of spending more time with him sends shivers down my spine, in a good way I think. Get a grip Ste, I tell myself.

He grins, like he wants to spend time with me "Yeah I'll stay awhile." he nods, "Ye hungry?"

"Should it not be me asking you that?" I smirk back, "We're in my house."

"Yeah well it's not like I could mistake this for mine." he says back, I didn't expect him to be so playful.

The rest of the night is spent with us sitting in my living room, getting to know each other I guess. Neither of us realise the time until its one am and Brendan has to drive back home. I can't help but think that perhaps I don't have a clue what I'm getting myself in for as I walk him to the door and watch him get into his sleek black Audi giving me a small wave as he opens the door and slides in.

Brendan's pov

I'm speaking to Angela McQeen, a reporter for the Chester Herold. My agent got the interview set up during the night.

"So Mr Brady, have you got me here today to release some information about your boyfriend?" she asks clearly interested.

I plaster on a fake smile, "Call me Brendan please." I say trying not to hiss it, I hate all press they're like vultures trying to collect the scraps "And as a matter of fact I am here about my boyfriend. Just not the one that ye think I'm talking about."

"I don't follow Brendan?" she says sitting forward a little, practically drooling over the idea of some hot gossip.

"Well according to you's press my boyfriends this guy." I say producing the front page of the paper which is a picture of my apparent boyfriend grinning wearing a black jumper that's apparently mine, I sit it on the table between us with a little more force than I meant. "Truth being I don't even know him, have never seen him before in my life." I don't have a clue if I had seen him before so it's easy enough for the words to come out my mouth.

"So you don't have a boyfriend?" she says frowning.

"Oh no I do. It just ain't him. I've got better taste than that come on?" I say while laughing, Steven's on a different level from the usual one night stands so it isn't technically a lie.

"So are you going to tell us about your real boyfriend then?" she says giving me a firm smile.

"Yeah, fire away with the questions then." I say while sitting back in the table.

"Who is he? How long have you's been together?" She's straight at it, probably has the questions imprinted in her mind.

"Three years, give or take." I avoid the first question.

"Wow." she is actually speechless I think, "Why is it just coming out now?"

"Because he has his own life, we knew if it became public knowledge he wouldn't have that anymore."

"So why now?" She frowns,

"Were sick of the rumours, people have separated us several times without even knowing. It just seemed like a good time to come clean." The lies are so easy and I have a feeling Steven is to do with it.

"Will he be coming into the public eye now?"

"I still feel quite protective over that, he wouldn't be able to get peace." I do feel protective over him, a lad that I've known for less than a week has managed to plant himself in my mind more than anyone else ever has.

"What does he do for a living?"

"He's a cook, a chef." Something that's the full truth.

"So it's true then the way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

"Ye could say that." I grin, from what I know.

"So is it love then?" She's biting her lips while looking towards her tape recorder, I bet she's over the moon she got this scoop before anyone else.

"I don't feel comfortable discussing that, all I want now is these ridiculous rumours to stop."

And with that I finish the interview, Cheryl gives me the thumbs up as we head out. "That went great Bren! Ye dealt with that really well." she sounds surprised about that.

"Come on Chez I just want to get out of here."

"That isn't going to end it Bren, there's still a lot we've to do." She rolls her eyes at me.

"At least that's by with now though."I let out a sigh of relief.

"Yeah I suppose." she hands me over a coffee as we walk out the main doors, "Here ye go love."

We manage to get down the front path when a bunch of press with cameras and mics appear.

"Mr Brady! Mr Brady!" they shout, each of them fighting with each other to get to the front.

I stop infront of them, Cheryl beside me with her arms crossed.

"Chez.." I say waiting for her to tell me what to do. She grabs ahold of my wrist and pulls me along with her to my company car that's parked on the road.

When we're in the car and the doors are closed she turns to me and let's out a sigh, "Thought it was best we wait until the news about the interview with Angie gets out before you start talking to anyone else about Ste." I ignore the noise from outside and the flashes from the cameras coming through the tinted windows.

"Yeah okay sis, ye know what's best" I hum to her.

She calls my agent and lets him know how the interview went before going into her handbag and bringing out a few pieces of paper.

"It's yours and Ste's contract, have a skim through it and make sure it suits ye before signing."

I read through it quickly before printing my name on the dotted line.

"Done." I say letting out a deep breath.

"We'll meet up with Ste later, I was thinking it would be a good idea if the public see me and him together. If he's your longterm boyfriend then he'll obviously have a relationship with your sister."

"What ye goin to do? Go shopping and grab some lunch while they take pictures and make assumptions?"

"That sounds a lot like my plan Bren." she grins back.

"Well have fun I guess." I grunt ignoring the jealousy I feel in my stomach, "Ye spoke to the paps about Stevens faced being blurred?"

"Don't worry about it love, me and Barry have for it all sorted out."

I get out the car and wait for her to follow before peeking my head back in the door, "Ye comin?"

"Gonna go to the restaurant love, I'll bring Ste to yours later tonight." and with that she grabs the door handle and shuts the door.

"See ye then." I grunt before making my way into work. At least I'll get to see Steven tonight.

Thanks too everyone who's reviewed so far, hope yous have enjoyed it, stay tuned!