Page 100 of Just One Fake Date

Tyler held the door for her, then said something to Marcus. Shannyn heard them laugh together, then Tyler got in the car.

The carwasfast when the roads were empty, and it did have a smooth ride. Tyler was a good driver, and Shannyn found herself watching his hands. To keep herself from remembering the feel of them on her bare skin, she decided to tease him.

“Are you showing off?”

“Why wouldn’t I? I’ve got nothing to lose since you already hate the car.”

“I don’t hate it. I just think it would be more useful with a bigger trunk.”

Tyler held up a hand, clearly disinclined to debate the matter. “It suits me just fine.”

Whether that was a reminder that he had no interest in ensuring that her future scores could be transported—because they had no future together—or not, Shannyn took it as one. Fake date, she reminded herself. Zero future prospects.

But maybe another kind of connection. This might be a perfect opportunity to ask him about her idea for the club. Not only were they alone, but she was out of work again.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” she began, feeling nervous.

“Go for it.”

“If I had a marketing idea for F5F, how would I present that?”

“A marketing idea?”

“Yes. I had it when doing the photographs. I think you’re missing an obvious advantage.”

“And you could help?”

“Yes.” Shannyn wondered if he would ask for details. Although she didn’t really think Tyler would just take the idea and use it without giving her credit, she was happier not to share it yet. She wanted to work up a plan that answered any obvious questions. That would make her feel more prepared about discussing the idea, which was still kind of vague.

“You could present it to the partners,” Tyler said. “We have a weekly meeting on Wednesdays at six. If you want to be on next week’s agenda, I can arrange that.”

“Do you meet every week? Because I could use a little more time to put together a presentation.”

“Done,” he agreed easily. “A week Wednesday. Will you need a projector?”

“Yes, please.” Shannyn shook a finger at him. “So long as you don’t pull any strings or fix it that I get the work, if there is any work.”

“Another rule?”

“That’s an old one. I’m serious, Tyler. I don’t want any hand-outs or pity-work.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said, then cast her a sidelong smile. His voice dropped to that low pitch that made her toes curl. “You don’t need me or anyone else to fight for you, Shannyn. You do just fine all by yourself.”

It was a compliment that made her heart squeeze and Shannyn felt a bit tongue-tied from his praise. Fortunately, Tyler pulled into her driveway and she didn’t have to say anything.

The moment of truth had come. Would she manage to say no? It would be tough, since she didn’t want to.

When Tyler opened her door, Shannyn realized that he’d left the car running. “Thank you for sharing your story,” he said with a smile when she got out.

“Thank you for dinner and for accepting my rules.” She offered her hand and he smiled as he shook it.

Then he lifted it to his mouth and planted a kiss on her palm. The touch of his lips against her skin sent a raging desire through Shannyn and the way he watched her could only mean that he’d noticed. She saw his restraint again in the way his jaw tightened, then he folded her fingers over her palm, as if he was tucking in the imprint of his kiss for safekeeping, and released her hand.

Their gazes clung the whole time, an inferno burning in Shannyn’s veins.

She almost chucked her principles and invited him in.

But Tyler spoke first and turned to the car door. “Sunday, then.” He made a face and Shannyn laughed at him.

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