Page 106 of Just One Fake Date

“I’m sorry,” he said and meant it.

“They mean well,” she acknowledged then squared her shoulders. “And now I’m ready for them. It won’t happen again.”

But Ty had seen the assessment in his mom’s gaze and knew Shannyn’s reaction wouldn’t be forgotten anytime soon.

In the meantime, he needed to make her smile. He ran his fingertips up and down the back of her waist and watched her eyes darken. “I’m thinking that maybe we need a diabolical plan of our own.”

“I don’t think that’s all you’re thinking.”

Ty grinned. “Go ahead and guess.”

“Maybe you’re trying to make it look like we’re crazy in love.”

“Is that such a bad idea?”

“It’s not going to make any difference to your mother.” She spoke with the conviction of a lesson learned, which also intrigued Tyler. “What’s this plan?”

“That we give Princess Paige a run for her money.”

“How?”

“She wants the furniture. You want a roof.”

“She already told you that they’d make a deal.”

Ty nodded. “So, let’s make it a better one. You’re the one who likes to barter and I’m guessing that any money you don’t spend on the roof can be used for another repair.”

“True.”

“So, let’s get the cash component of the deal as low as possible.”

She met his gaze and smiled. “You’re taking this as a personal challenge.”

“We have to do something here other than talk about seating arrangements, napkin colors and diaper services.” He rolled his eyes, which did make her laugh a little. “Otherwise, this is going to be a really long afternoon.”

“Okay.” Shannyn tapped a finger in his chest. “I challenge you to make a deal that involves no cash whatsoever.”

Ty gave a low whistle. “Nothing like setting the bar high.”

“Everyone makes everything too easy for you.”

“Thank goodness I have you around, then,” he teased. “Okay, what have you got to offer?”

“Aidan,” she said immediately. “He could help. He works for food.”

“And you said he’s handy.” Ty led her toward the bar, thinking. “Lunch for the crew?”

“Oh! I can totally make lunch. I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Plus you have the furniture, which will be restored.”

“And reupholstered,” Shannyn said. “Aidan’s bringing the cushion covers back, and Mom told me how to rebuild the cushions. It’ll be done this week.” She chose a glass of sparkling water and the bartender poured it into a champagne glass. Ty had the same. “Do you really think you can do this?” she whispered, and her hope was obvious to him.

“I think you have a gift for compelling me to lift my game,” he confessed, liking how she laughed.

“Is that good or bad?”

“It’s one of the things I most admire about you,” he said, holding her gaze. She looked a little flustered, which he took as a win. Ty clicked his glass to hers. “Come on. Shannyn Hawke. Let’s go make a deal.”

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