Don’t
She texted back, surprising herself with her own decisiveness.
We can fake it, but we need to lay down some ground rules
Air hissed through her teeth like a slow leaking balloon. Emma knew exactly what her family would think about this. But, based on Tyler’s message, it didn’t sound like Troy was on property all that often, which meant it wouldn’t be every second of the day. If they could spell out boundaries, it wouldn’t have to impact her life much.
Spending time with Tyler at work would be far easier than sitting alone with him in his truck, which she would have to ensure didn’t happen again. She would see him at work and consider interacting with him part of her job description. If Troy only had a few weeks or months left, this was Tyler’s last chance to show up the way he wanted to.
Emma didn’t owe him anything, she knew that, but Tyler had stepped in with Sean when she’d asked him to—when they barely knew each other. He hadn’t planned on her working for Troy, and she was the one benefitting there. It was only a few weeks, and then she could mop up the emotional wreckage as needed. That was a skillset she already had.
Tyler hadn’t responded, and Emma second-guessed herself. Maybe Tyler didn’t want to do this? She’d feel like an idiotaskingto fake date him if he’d already written it off. Maybe she needed to make it clear she didn’t want this, but was willing to—
His message popped up.
I love rules
Emma grinned.
Nobody loves rules
False
Fine, Bowen. Name some rules you love
No icing. No offsides
Emma snorted. Hockey rules. Perfect.
Great start.
No offsides. You don’t come into my work space unless I invite you.
No delay of game. If I’m working, you can’t distract me
How would I distract you?
So. Many. Ways. She ignored the question.
No face offs
Emma snorted. Let him chew on that for a minute.
Then how do we start the game?
Emma laughed out loud.
Touching only when necessary. If Troy isn’t there, hands off
I wouldn’t be offside anyway
Exactly
Kissing?
Emma sucked in a breath.No kissingwas her gut reaction, but that wasn’t practical. Tyler was touchy, and his dad wasn’t going to believe they were into each other if he didn’t at least see a few. Her stomach swooped.
Once a week. Max. I give penalties
