Page 16 of One Pucking Surprise
With a wink, I turn and make my way toward the exit, feeling her gaze follow me as I go. I can practically hear her thoughts, running through all the reasons she shouldn’t even consider my offer. But somehow, I know she will.
I’m halfway across the parking lot when I hear her voice behind me.
“Zach!”
I stop mid-stride, turning to find Lainey hurrying after me, her heels clicking against the pavement. Her cheeks are flushed, and she’s clutching that damn notebook to her chest like it’s her lifeline.
I fold my arms, waiting as she comes to a halt in front of me, slightly out of breath. “Changed your mind already?”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” she snaps, though the way she avoids looking at me undercuts the irritation in her tone.
I arch an eyebrow. “So why the sprint through the parking lot?”
She hesitates, shifting the notebook under one arm. “I… thought about what you said. About chemistry. And…” She blows out a breath, clearly frustrated. “You might have a point.”
My smirk grows. “That sounded dangerously close to a compliment.”
“Don’t push it,” she warns, though there’s no real heat in her words.
I step closer, dropping my arms to my sides. “So, what are you saying?”
She halts a few feet from me, glaring. “Are you serious?”
I tilt my head, confused. “About what?”
“This.” She gestures vaguely between us, narrowing her eyes. “Your offer. Are you actually serious about being my date to the wedding, or are you just messing with me?”
I step closer, my expression softening. “I’m serious, Lainey. Look, you need someone, and I’m offering. It’s not that complicated.”
Her gaze flickers with doubt. “Before I even think about accepting, what’s the catch?”
I grin, shoving my hands into my pockets. “I knew you’d ask that. Alright, here it is: my family reunion is coming up, and I need a date.”
She stares at me, her mouth falling open slightly. “I knew it! I knew you had an ulterior motive.”
“What can I say?” I give her my most charming smile. “You’re efficient. Why go through the hassle of finding someone else when we can help each other out?”
She arches an eyebrow, still skeptical. “And why do you think this will work?”
I drop my voice, letting the playful edge return. “Because we’ve already gotten that tension out of our system.”
Her cheeks flush at the reminder, and I catch the way she presses her lips together, trying to block out whatever memory just surfaced.
“Zach,” she starts, warning in her tone.
I hold up a hand to stop her, keeping my grin intact. “Hear me out. Falling in love won’t be an issue. You can’t stand me, and I’m about as far from your checklist as it gets.”
Her eyes narrow, but there’s a spark of intrigue there. “What’s your point?”
“My point,” I say, stepping even closer, “is that I can be everything on that list. And I can prove it to you in one weekend.”
She scoffs, shaking her head, but I can tell she’s wavering.
“And,” I add, pressing my advantage, “I’ll even give you pointers to help you find your perfect guy. Think of it as research.”
Her laugh is quick and incredulous, her shoulders relaxing just slightly. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Is that a yes?” I ask, my grin widening.
