Page 110 of Just One Fake Date

“He wanted kids.”

“He wanted you first.”

“Apparently, only so I could give him kids. When I couldn’t do that, he didn’t want me anymore.”

Tyler’s tone was fierce. “Then he was—and probably still is—an idiot and you deserve better.” He was so vehement, so sure, and Shannyn couldn’t just let it go.

“Volunteering?” she asked, intending to tease him but it didn’t come out quite right.

“What if I was?” His voice dropped and his eyes darkened, his gaze falling to her mouth. Shannyn felt a perfectly predictable reaction to that simmering look.

“Then I’d tell you to forget it,” she said, knowing she was speaking with more resolve than she felt. “I’d remind you that we have an arrangement and nothing more than that.”

“And there’s nothing more you want?” he asked softly. “Not another deal you want to negotiate?”

Shannyn knew there was and decided to ask for it. “Sex again,” she said quickly, before she could question her impulse. “But fast and hard this time.”

“What was wrong with last time?”

“Nothing. I just want to know what it’s like when you let loose, when you’re not all about staying in control and taking it slow.” He was watching her so intently that he didn’t even blink. Shannyn stretched across the car to whisper in his ear. “I want to know what it’s like for you to want me and take me.”

He caught his breath and looked away, his throat working. “Why?”

“I’m curious.”

Tyler shook his head. “No. It sounds dangerous, like you could get hurt.” He flicked a questioning look at her. “Is that what you really want?”

“No, and I wouldn’t get hurt.”

“I’m a lot bigger than you.”

“But you’re a nice guy. You’d never hurt me.” Shannyn froze as she realized what she’d said. She’d given him the reason to walk away, without meaning to do so.

And that was it. He’d take his victory and drive away.

But Tyler just smiled, his satisfaction clear.

Shannyn took a breath. “So, there you go. Mission accomplished. You’ve changed my mind about you and I’ve admitted it.” She reached for the car door but Tyler put a fingertip on her arm.

“That’s not really it, is it, Taz?” he asked quietly and she was startled that he used her nickname. “You’re just trying to push me away, and it’s not going to work nearly that easily.”

“But...”

“I think you’ve been hurt and you’re scared and that’s fair.” He placed a fingertip across her lips, stopping her heart and silencing her with one gentle touch. “There’s something really good happening here. Something unlike anything I’ve had before. Don’t you want to see where it goes?”

Shannyn lifted his hand away. “It’s not going anywhere.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive. It’s just novelty. You’re visiting my neighborhood, so to speak, and will go back to your own when you get bored.”

“What if I never get bored?”

“I think you will.”

“Why? Are you?”

Shannyn parted her lips but then she couldn’t lie. “No,” she admitted quietly. “Not nearly.”

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