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Ivy turned back to Kendra. “We have a speed dating event to finish. You might not have noticed because you were otherwise occupied, but the chime rang to change partners.”
“I’m not moving on.” Faron put a protective arm around Kendra’s waist and pulled her close. “I have found what I want.”
Kendra’s eyes bugged as she stared up at him. He had to be kidding.
Ivy shook her head and waggled a finger in the air. “It doesn’t work like that, hot stuff. For all you know, there could be somebody even more suitable.”
“It doesn’t matter. I know what I want.”
Despite herself, Kendra felt a swirl of pleasure at those words. Faron wanted her. Okay, he might only want her for one thing, or he might be saying these things because she’d begged him to put on a good performance, but she appreciated it. It had been a long time since she’d felt wanted. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time she had.
“Your mind’s made up?” Ivy asked Faron. “You won’t be swayed by any of the other beauties in the room?”
“Kendra stays with me.”
“In that case, I have an announcement to make.” Ivy turned and faced the rest of the daters. “Everybody, our first successful match will be rewarded with dinner for two.”
Kendra grabbed hold of the table. “Hold on. That can’t be right. I didn’t arrange that.”
Ivy grinned. “I did. I wanted it to be a surprise. Everyone loves to follow a happy coupling.”
“It’s not a good idea.” Kendra caught hold of Ivy’s arm before she walked off.
Ivy yanked her away from Faron. “Just do it. This speed dating event was your idea. It has to go well, or you’ll find yourself in front of Diadora explaining yourself. Put on a good performance with that Tolong, and it will be amazing publicity. You might even get Diadora to crack a smile.”
Kendra glanced back at Faron, who stood by the table watching them. She didn’t want to lead him on, but a single date meant nothing.
“I take your silence as an agreement,” Ivy said.
“So long as it’s just one date,” Kendra said. “Faron is very... full on.”
“You can say that again. That kiss even had my toes curling.”
Kendra flushed scarlet. “I didn’t ask him to do that.”
“He’s into you. Faron hasn’t taken his eyes off you since I dragged you away. You’d better get back to him before he explodes with lust.”
Kendra shook her head. “That’s not what this is about. We’ll have our date, but that’s it.”
“And be filmed doing it.”
Kendra blinked in surprise. “What?”
“That’s the deal,” Ivy said. “Get me great publicity for My Single Alien. You go on a date, and I have a camera bot follow you. I edit the footage for the next promotional campaign.”
“So long as Faron agrees,” Kendra said.
“He’ll agree to anything so long as he gets to spend alone time with you.” Ivy batted her lashes. “Now hurry up. The dinner is all arranged.”
“We’re going on the date now!”
“That’s right. No rest for the horny. Grab your man, and I’ll take you for your prize.”
Kendra swallowed her nerves. She could handle one dinner with Faron. She sucked in a deep breath and walked back to the table.
“Is that female bothering you?” he asked.
Kendra was tempted to say yes. It would be amusing to see Ivy stand up to Faron, but she had a feeling Faron didn’t do anything gently. And although Ivy could be a pain, she didn’t want her to come to any harm.
