Page 34 of Fundamentals in Flirting

“You can come as my plus one.”

“Your date?”

“If you like.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want your family to think we’re an item, Ted.”

Plus, I really would be quite happy if I never saw any of them again after the shitshow in the pub the other night.

“I’ll tell them we’re just friends.”

“No.”

“Giles will be there. It’s your chance to show him how personable you can be.”

How was he so persuasive? How did he manage to coerce me into these situations? Why was my brain freaking out while my body was already willing me into a dress and high heels? Maybe, with a few ground rules, I could be his platonic plus one at this event.

“No touching.”

Teddy laughed and held up his hands in front of him. “All right. No touching.”

“That includes no attempts at handholding or unexpected cuddles.”

“As long as you’re sure you can keep your hands off me, I think I can resist the urge to unexpectedly cuddle you.”

His expression was mischievous as he blew on his steaming mug of tea and watched me.

“Ok.”

It was a begrudging agreement because I couldn’t afford to lose my job. At least, that’s what I told myself.

I dunked my bourbon biscuit sloshily into my tea.

“Excellent.”

ChapterTwelve

“First things first. As my DIY skivvy, and not my friend, or heaven forbid,girlfriend, you need to put on some old clothes before we get started.”

Teddy was busy rummaging in a large box.

“And since I couldn’t possibly bear the barrage of disdain you would direct at me if you ruined your own things, especially those expensive-looking and very tight trousers”—he perused my jodhpurs appreciatively for a moment, until he caught my glare—“you can wear some of mine.” He threw a large black T-shirt and a pair of jogging bottoms at me. “Put these on. I’ll turn my back.”

“There’s no way these will fit me, Ted.”

I eyed the huge jogging bottoms with fear.

“You can cinch them in at the waist or something. Get creative, Hannah.”

The T-shirt had been neatly folded and smelled of washing powder and that citrusy scent that I subconsciously associated with Teddy. I shook it out and started to laugh, at first giggle-snorting and then hiccoughing loudly.

“Why do you have aDirty DancingT-shirt?” This was so at odds with his uber cool, ladies’ man image that I couldn’t comprehend it. “Did Henry get it for you as a joke?”

“No, he did not.” He folded his arms and fixed his shrewd gaze on me, looking cross.

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