Page 115 of Just One Fake Date

“Your mom has known you longer than anyone.”

He exhaled. “That’s true.”

“And you might change your mind later.”

“No.” Tyler was adamant. “The point is the partner. That’s the decision you make to the best of your abilities. Everything else you deal with as it comes, ideally more easily because you have the right person at your back. No one knows what the future holds. No one can guarantee anything.”

“You could have just told her it was a fake date.”

His gaze locked with hers. “I don’t think it is anymore,” he said softly and leaned closer, his intensity making Shannyn’s heart skip. “What if we’re onto something good?”

What if? She had to be sure he never guessed how tempting that was. “Don’t be ridiculous. You just like the challenge of it all.” She leaned against the counter. “And you know, you’re right. You’ve convinced me. You are nice.”

He took a step back to survey her and Shannyn figured he’d be gone within minutes. “What are you talking about?”

“You’ve won. You’re triumphant. You succeeded at the challenge and I agree.” She brushed her hands together. “And now we’re done. Mission accomplished.”

“And don’t let the door hit you in the ass?”

“Pretty much.”

Tyler studied her for a long moment. Then he took his suit into the bathroom and returned, dressed for war. He shrugged into his suit jacket, his gaze unswerving. He watched her as if he was trying to figure her out.

Then he took the step between them and held her gaze. “You’re so sure I’m going to let you down,” he whispered. “But I wonder if your real fear is that I won’t.”

“What?”

Tyler reached out to touch her chin with a fingertip. “I challenge you to give us a chance. It’s not even three weeks to Katelyn’s wedding. What if we act like a couple for those three weeks? And if you don’t want to make it real after that, I’ll walk away, without a word of protest.”

“You’re going to try to change my mind.”

“Can you blame me?”

“You just like to win.”

“I like to build upon success. And I think you’re afraid because you know as well as I do that there’s something special going on between us.”

“You don’t have time for a relationship.”

“That’s what I thought, but I seem to be making time for you.”

“You’ll get bored.”

“Why not find out for sure?” His fingertip slid along her jaw in a slow caress, leaving hot tingles behind it. “Why not invite me to Kirsten’s wedding, Shannyn? What are you afraid of?”

“Nothing! It’s because I’m doing the photography. I’ll be working.”

“And I’ll be a groomsman at Katelyn’s wedding, so it would be fair.” His gaze dropped to watch his fingertip, which was sliding toward her ear. Shannyn’s chest was tight and she licked her lips without meaning to do so. She wanted to lean into his touch and knew that if he speared his fingers into her hair, she’d be powerless to resist. His gaze met hers again. “What’s the worst thing that could happen?”

Shannyn could fall head over heels, again, and be left broken-hearted, again.

“You survived it the last time,” Tyler whispered, as if he’d read her thoughts. “Don’t you think it’s worth taking a chance again?” He leaned closer, his breath against her cheek and his lips touching her ear. “Take the challenge, Shannyn,” he murmured, his words sending a stab of desire through her. “I promise to make it worth your while.”

And Tyler would. She knew that.

But he didn’t wait for her answer.

Maybe he knew she had to think about it.

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