Page 135 of Just One Fake Date

“First time?” she asked and he smiled.

“Guilty as charged.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.” He was carrying a large envelope and he opened it, pulling out a sheet of paper. On it was printed the image of a tattoo. “I think this might be your work.”

Chynna smiled as she took the sheet and eyed the two fish, swimming in opposite directions. They were curved slightly, making a circle, and they looked like Japanese brushwork. It had been a piece for a customer who was a Pisces and Chynna had been proud of how it had come out. “It is. I haven’t seen it for a while.”

“I found it on his blog. I was looking for a yin yang symbol that was a bit different,” Tyler explained. “I thought this one looked like it was painted on his skin and I liked that.”

“I don’t repeat designs, though.”

“I thought that might be the case,” he said easily. “And I was looking for more contrast between the two fish. I wondered if you could use it as inspiration, because I don’t want a tattoo that is the same as anyone else’s either. That’s why I came to you.”

“Do you know a client of mine?”

“Shannyn Hawke.”

“The moons,” Chynna recalled with a smile.

“Do you remember every tattoo you’ve ever done?”

“Pretty much.” She surveyed him. “Where do you want it and how big?”

“I was thinking here,” he said, pointing to his left bicep and drawing a circle with his fingertip. “Is that a good place?”

“It’s a pretty common choice. Hurts less,” she added with a smile. “Come on back and let me work on a variation for you. It’ll take a while if you want it done tonight.”

“I do.” He was resolute, which Chynna liked.

“It won’t be cheap.”

That smile charmed her again. “The best things aren’t.”

Saturday dawned sunny and clear,the perfect day for a perfect wedding. Kirsten and Lukas were being married in a Soho restaurant owned by friends who had closed it to the public for the day. There was a roof courtyard where they planned to exchange their vows, then a buffet dinner would be set up on the second floor. The bar on the ground floor would be open as well, and the dancing would be there.

Shannyn had decided to wear pants and boots so she’d be able to move around better, and had chosen a tuxedo for the day. There was no way she could manage her gear while in heels, too. She went to their apartment to take pictures of Kirsten getting dressed in the morning. Kirsten’s maid of honor was her twin sister, and her mom was there, as well. The apartment was filled with flowers and sunlight. They were all blondes and so pretty that the pictures looked like images from a fantasy. It was a wonderful and loving morning and Shannyn had tears in her eyes more than once.

The rooftop patio was also filled with flowers and Shannyn arranged drapes and lights to make sure that the pair would be properly illuminated. She took a lot of candid shots of guests arriving, knowing that Kirsten would want pictures of all the guests.

Her heart stopped cold when Tyler showed up, wearing that same blue suit as he’d worn to the shower and his sunglasses. Lukas was greeting people as they arrived and obviously guessed who he was. By the time Shannyn got to his side, they were shaking hands and already talking. She introduced them, well aware of Tyler’s warm gaze upon her.

“Do want me to guard your bag?” he asked and she surrendered the messenger bag with gratitude. “Go on. Do what you do. I’ll be here.”

Lukas introduced Tyler to someone then and it sounded as if they might already know each other. Shannyn knew that he’d be fine. She made the most of every minute, ensuring that she photographed every guest at least a couple of times. Tyler sat on the bride’s side for the service, and Shannyn went to stand beside him during the exchanging of the vows. She felt a little overwhelmed by the service, her throat tight as she saw the love between her best friend and partner. Tyler offered her a handkerchief and when their gazes met, he mouthed ‘four’ and winked. Shannyn smiled and dabbed her eyes, liking that he held her hand as well. His grip was warm and firm, and she found herself leaning against him a little bit.

It was too easy to get used to having him around.

For the moment, she decided to just enjoy.

Just as Shannyn had warned,the wedding was different from those Ty had attended before. It was both more casual and more romantic. There was a mix of people and styles of clothing and a warmth that was genuine and inescapable. No one stood on ceremony. He talked to Tate and Genevieve, who he’d met at Katelyn’s, who introduced him to another circle. It was easy, even though he was over-dressed, and Ty felt welcome. He loved watching Shannyn move around the crowd and through it.

There were hors d’oeuvres served on the patio with the champagne, and lots of conversation, everyone stopping to congratulate the new couple. Kirsten and Lukas were both tall and attractive people, who laughed often. Ty instinctively liked them both. It looked as if the bride might be pregnant and when Shannyn confessed that she was going to be a godmother, Tyler liked the new couple even more.

The crowd flowed down the stairs as the air cooled in the late afternoon. The restaurant was filled with flowers and candle light, as well as strands of fairy lights hung above. There was a buffet dinner and he loaded a plate for Shannyn as well as himself, staking out two places on the perimeter so it would be easy for her to stop and take a break. She didn’t manage it for long, because there were speeches, but he defended her plate until she came back to have another bite or two. She didn’t eat much, and he was wondering where he could take her for a late snack.

He was looking forward to showing Shannyn his new tattoo and smiled as he imagined her reaction.

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