Page 87 of Just One Fake Date

She’d been devastated when Cole left, then insulated from the world by her anger. But thanks to her deal with Tyler, she felt invigorated and ready to take some chances. They had no romantic future, but she could consider that one day, she might find someone new. She had Tyler to thank for her newfound, if fragile, optimism.

The very least she could do was reassure him that their relationship could appear plausible to his family.

Shannyn knew exactly what dress to wear—even though their dinner wasn’t even a fake date. It was a strategy meeting to share information. Nothing more and nothing less.

Funny how that didn’t even begin to explain Shannyn’s level of anticipation.

After all, she had five shiny new rules.

The restaurant Tyhad chosen was a small cozy one that had been in business for half of forever and run by the same family the whole time. Ty was greeted like an old friend—or maybe a long lost cousin—and ushered to his favorite corner booth. Shannyn wasn’t there, but he was slightly early.

He wondered whether she was going to show.

He felt uncertain as he seldom did, and yet excited about the evening. Anticipation was something that had been missing from his personal life and he liked its return. He really never knew what to expect from Shannyn, and Ty was surprised by how much he liked that. He thought he was a fan of predictability, but apparently not.

Shannyn kept him guessing and he just wanted more.

When she appeared, Ty almost didn’t recognize her. She was wearing a different black raincoat, one that was tailored rather than big enough to engulf her completely, and she carried a crossover purse that was much smaller than her messenger bag. She must have left her camera at home. He stood up as the maître d’ took her coat and he felt his eyes widen at the change. Shannyn was dressed in her typical black, but wore a sleeveless blouse and slim trousers. Along with her signature silver ring, she wore silver earrings that dangled against her cheeks and a bit of eyeliner. She looked elegant and artistic at the same time and Ty admired the combination. Uptown and downtown in perfect harmony.

Of course, Shannyn noticed his reaction. “You can pick your jaw off the floor now,” she said, sitting down and opening her menu. Her eyes were sparkling and he knew she’d planned to surprise him.

“You look great. A little different than usual.”

Shannyn laughed. “I just wanted to prove to you that your family might not think it insane that we’re together.”

“I’m sold.” In fact, Ty felt a bit boring in his usual suit and tie. He stole another look, trying to figure out how Shannyn took classic clothes and gave them her own twist.

This was also the first time he’d been able to get a good look at the tattoo on her arm. It was a large piece, of the sun and a crescent moon together on her upper arm, the rays of the sun reaching around her arm and raindrops falling all the way to her wrist.

He recalled the phases of the moon across the back of her shoulders. Why the moon again?

Shannyn caught him looking and her brows rose. “You could take a picture.”

“I’d like to,” he admitted, pulling out his phone before she could argue.

“Eye candy for the sisters,” she said, her tone patient as he leaned closer for a selfie of them together. “No,” she said when she looked at the result, much to his surprise. “You’re way better looking than that.” She claimed his phone and changed the settings. “Now lift your chin and squinch your eyes a little...”

“Squinch?”

“Yes, just a little narrowing. Be intense. No teeth in the smile. Do that dangerous one, the one that makes you look like you have it all figured out.”

Ty laughed out loud at that.

“No teeth!” Shannyn chided, then took a bunch of shots. “It’s digital. You can’t waste anything by taking multiples.” She scrolled through the pictures she’d taken, deleted half of them, including the one he’d taken and handed him back his phone.

One more time, Ty was impressed. “Damn. We look great.”

“Just like I know what I’m doing,” Shannyn said lightly and they laughed together. She cast him a playful glance. “And we both clean up well. Look at that. Something in common, against all the odds.”

“Oh, I think we have a lot in common,” Ty said, returning his gaze to the menu as if he didn’t have it memorized.

“Neither of us want more than a fake date,” she added.

“That’s two.”

“You make that sound as if there are more.”

“I think there’s a whole list, but discovering it is part of the fun.” He flicked a glance Shannyn’s way in time to see her eyes narrow. “Why that tattoo?” he asked before she could shut him down.

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