Page 27 of Text Me Baby One More Time

“Okay.”

“W-What?” I sputter.

He shrugs. “Okay. I’ll do an interview.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “What do you want?”

He lets out a hearty laugh, one that sounds almost a little…maniacal.

“What makes you think I want something?”

“Because I know you.”

He gives me a pointed look. “As you so kindly pointed out last night, a lot can change in six years.”

“Sure, but this isn’t one of those things.”

Another sip of coffee. Another smirk.

“You’re right. It’s not.”

He finishes off the hot liquid in his hand, rinses his cup, and sets it in the sink before turning back to me.

“I have conditions.”

I roll my eyes and cross my arms over my chest, jutting my hip out against the counter, bracing myself for the long list I’m certain he’s about to regale me with. “Of course you do. Name them.”

“I have a few charity events coming up. I need a date.”

I stumble back at his request, stunned.

“I’m sorry, you wantme”—I press my finger against my chest for emphasis—“to beyour”—finger pointed at him now—“date?Date?”

“Yes. No hanky panky involved.” He pauses then winks at me. “Unless you want it to be involved.”

I shiver at the idea.

He believes it’s in disgust and laughs, but I know it’s because the idea slides inside of me and hits me right between my thighs.

Treacherous body.

He waves a hand. “It’s strictly for show. It’ll be a great opportunity for you to see me in other environments for the interview, too.”

He’s not wrong.

Damn him for not being wrong.

“Is that it? I just have to be your date to a charity gig or two?”

His eyes spark with a mischievous glint, and I know that’s not all he wants.

“I need to do some damage control with my parents…and Zach. Especially with Zach.”

I let out a dry laugh.Of course.“What did you do, Shep?”

“Something really fucking stupid that I need to fix. I need to show them I have my life together, show them I’m better than I was in the moments I can’t take back and I’m growing up.”

“Are you though?”

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