Page 19 of Just One Fake Date

“What do you mean, no?” Tyler demanded, his voice rising slightly. “We need to know about each other’s families and jobs, what we like to eat and what we hate, our dream vacations and romantic histories, and everything else to pull this off. My family is never going to believe that I’d bring a woman to my sister’s wedding as a first date.”

“Too bad you didn’t negotiate that, then,” Shannyn replied brightly and watched him seethe. “We have a deal. The terms are agreed.” She pointed to the bedroom. “Thatin exchange for one wedding date. You’ve delivered, now I will.” She hefted her bag to her shoulder. She waved her fingertips at him playfully, provoking him again. “Text me the details. I’ll meet you there.”

It was satisfying to see how well her ploy worked. Tyler’s eyes flashed and when he flung out his hand, Shannyn nearly ducked. “You can’t possibly mean that.”

“Of course, I do.” She recited her phone number and he quickly typed it into his phone, obviously convinced that she wouldn’t repeat it.

He was right about that.

“My aunt is hosting a bridal shower a week from Sunday,” he said and she gave him points for persistence. “It would be best if you came and met everyone.”

“Best for who?”

“For both of us.” He impaled her with an intense look. “For plausibility.”

“Plausibility isn’t in the plan.”

“Shannyn!” He growled her name in a way that made her forget three awesome orgasms in rapid succession and burn for a fourth.

She couldn’t stop herself. She tapped a finger in the middle of his rock-hard chest for emphasis.

“You’re thinking about whatyouwant,” she said. Tyler didn’t move. He just glowered down at her like a vengeful god. She wanted to slam him back into the wall and kiss him into a better mood. Drag him back into the bedroom until he begged for mercy.

Oh yes.

But no.

“I don’t care if your family thinks my presence is plausible,” she said, hoping he didn’t notice that she sounded a bit breathless.

“I do.”

“Too bad you didn’t negotiate that, then,” she said, then smiled at him. “Maybe Kyle’s wrong about your mad bargaining skills.”

“Shannyn, we have a deal...”

“Which does not include dinner or conversation or anything about making this fake date look more real.” She patted him on the chest, then straightened his tie, as if he was harmless, but Tyler gave no sign that he noticed. No, his eyes glittered a little more. He’d noticed. Shannyn felt alive in a way she’d forgotten. She brushed an invisible speck of lint from his perfectly tailored lapel, feeling the heat coming off him in waves, then smiled up at him. “If you want to strike a new deal, Tyler, then you have to think about what you can offer in exchange.”

“We could do it again,” he said immediately.

Itwassatisfying how quickly he offered that option.

Shannyn shook her head, as if it wasn’t as tempting a prospect as it was. She knew her limits. Getting used to having sex with Tyler would just set her up for disappointment.

“One and done,” she stipulated. “You’ll have to think of something else.”

He stared at her. Clearly, women didn’t turn down Tyler McKay.

Shannyn headed for the door, taking advantage of his shock. “I’ll see you, maybe, when I come to take the pictures. Do you think all the partners will be here on Saturday?”

“I’ll make sure of it.”

“Thanks, Mr. Fix-it.” She paused at the doorway. “You conquered two challenges but not the third. Oh well. I’d say better luck next time, but there won’t be a next time.”

Shannyn hadn’t expected to leave Tyler behind and she was right about that.

He followed her grimly, slamming the door to his apartment, and marched down the corridor to the elevator behind her. He pushed the button hard. “Which one is outstanding?”

“Obviously, I’m not convinced that you’re nice.”

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