Page 54 of Just One Fake Date

“Really well,” Theo said and Ty could see his relief. “Although my mom might kill him with kindness. My sister is staying with them to help get him to rehab twice a week—and be referee.”

Ty grinned, easily imagining his parents being the same way. “I bet you reminded him of the benefits of regular exercise.”

“Absolutely. We worked out a routine of easy walking that he can increase as he heals. The rehab team is awesome, and my mom’s walking with him.” Theo snapped his fingers. “I forgot to mention at the weekly meeting that the local residents’ association here is organizing a 5K run in July with a block party afterward and they’re looking for sponsors. I talked to them before I left, but they pinged me again.”

“I think it would be a great opportunity for us to make better connections with our neighbors.”

“Do you think they’re bad now?”

“No, but we’re getting to be a big enterprise and when the apartments go in, our neighborhood profile will be even bigger. I want us to be seen as both innovative and good neighbors.”

“What’s the progress on the permits, anyway?”

“We’re still waiting.”

“I’ll make a couple of calls next week.”

One of the things Ty most appreciated about their team was that they knew each other’s strengths and counted on each other to keep each area up to their own standards of excellence. He’d missed Theo’s insights and connections in the couple of weeks he’d been gone. “It’s good to have you back.”

“I really need to get back into my workout routine.” Theo patted his stomach, which was completely flat. “My mom’s cooking has its price.” They laughed together.

“You up for the game?”

“Absolutely. Is the article going to be a good piece?”

“Cassie thinks so. The interviewer was obviously ready to put a positive spin on what she found. She called you, right?”

Theo nodded again. “Yes, after my dad was home. It was good to talk about something other than his medical prognosis. It made me want to get back here.”

Ty indicated the last item. “Kyle still wants to expand into other markets.”

“Kyle will always want to expand, but it’s starting to become more feasible, at least to me. Maybe we should target some cities and do some research.”

“London?” Ty suggested, thinking Theo might want the excuse to be closer to home.

But Theo shook his head. “I think our aesthetic might be a better fit for California.” Theo checked his watch. “Hey, I’m going to get changed. I want to do some sprints before the game.”

“See you on the court.”

Theo gave him a thumbs-up and strode out of the office. Ty heard him laugh with Jax, then checked his own watch.

If Shannyn wasn’t going to come to him, he’d go to her.

Eight

It was amazing.Each partner was more attractive than the last.

And they were all so photogenic.

Shannyn found Theo on the track, stretching as he joked with a couple of members. They challenged each other to an impromptu race and she hurried to introduce herself. He was as tall as Tyler and just as fit, black and possessed of a British accent. Shannyn bet he turned knees to butter all over the club when he spoke. There was an elegance about him and a bit of reserve—she wondered if it mattered to him that he was the only person of color on the team, but didn’t think it was her place to ask.

He was just as agreeable as the others to cooperate but checked with the two club members before giving Shannyn the okay. Once again, she was struck by the sense that there was a concern for the collective good at the club. It was welcoming and nice.

If she’d lived downtown, she might have joined up.

She stepped back and got to work, trying to be an invisible observer. Once again, it seemed impossible to take a bad shot. Still, Shannyn took many. She was so absorbed in her work that she jumped when she felt someone’s hand on the back of her waist.

She caught the scent of a familiar cologne and the bottom dropped out of her stomach. Then Tyler’s thumb traced a little circle at the base of her spine and Shannyn melted. Was he doing that on purpose?

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