Page 89 of Just One Fake Date

“Between you and me. A fake date shouldn’t stand in the way of a real one with another interested party.”

“I have to beg to differ on that.” Ty thought that she was warning him, but didn’t believe they were that different. She’d left when Giselle had arrived, and he didn’t think that was about threesomes.

After all, she’d been the first to ask about other relationships.

“Okay, for a few weeks, I can surrender that. If either of us finds a candidate, we can renegotiate.”

Ty doubted she’d surrender more than that. “Sounds like a plan. Number two?” he invited.

“No kisses.”

“You’re taking all the fun out of this,” he teased, wanting to make her smile.

Shannyn looked startled instead. She shook a finger at him. “Number three: no late night phone calls.”

Ty couldn’t understand that one. The temptation of physical pleasure was one thing, but phone calls? “Why not?”

“My rules. I don’t have to explain them. You said you’d follow them.”

“How many more are there?”

“Two. Number four: no poetry.”

That one surprised Ty completely. “I didn’t realize we were at risk of random poetry,” he said. “Mine or any poet in particular?”

“Just no poetry.”

She was mystifying.

“Because mine would be worth avoiding at any cost.”

She smiled.

“Okay. And one more? Let’s have it.”

“That one’s just for me.”

“Then how will I follow it?”

“You don’t have to. It’s to keep me from doing something.”

What was it Shannyn wanted to do but had decided not to? Ty was curious, but he knew she wouldn’t tell him. Better to let it go, maybe figure it out on his own.

No sex, kissing, poetry or late conversations. If Ty hadn’t known better, he might have concluded that Shannyn thought there was a chance she could start to believe their relationship was real.

Ty had to think about that. Did he want this to become a real relationship? He liked being with Shannyn and how she always pushed him a little. He liked being challenged to deliver a little bit more. And he liked the way she surprised him, a lot. It had been a long time since he’d enjoyed a woman’s company so much.

He asked her about her job for the Met and watched her eyes light as she described the project, and the upcoming show. She was excited about her work and proud of it, which made her more forthcoming. There were sounds of activity in the kitchen and tempting smells wafting into the restaurant. It was comparatively early for New Yorkers to eat out and cozy having the place pretty much to themselves. Shannyn told him about the shots she’d sent to the alumni magazine, then pulled out a notebook and pen.

“If I’m going to study, I need to take notes.” She held up four fingers, prompting his smile that she remembered. “First agenda item is a family summary from Tyler McKay. You have four sisters, three married, one each year.

“You have a good memory.”

“It hasn’t been tested much yet.”

“Okay.” Ty held up a finger. “Lauren. Oldest daughter, next after me, probably my favorite sister.”

“Are you allowed to have a favorite?”

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