“You got me something?” He walks over to the table, a smile pulling on his cheeks.

“Black coffee.” I hand him the hot cup as he pulls out the chair across from me and sits down.

“How’d you know?”

I shrug playfully. “Shot in the dark. You give off ‘black coffee guy’ vibes.”

“You’re not wrong.” He sips from the cup, keeping his dark and powerful gaze fixed on me. “Although I recently found out I have a weakness for pumpkin spice lattes.”

I laugh sharply at this. “It’s April.”

“Why should pumpkin spice be limited to just one season?” His teasing gaze challenges me, every feature of his face sharp and defined and wickedly cute. “It’s criminal, if you ask me.”

Laughter bubbles in my chest. I shake off the attraction and forcefully remind myself that he is beyond off-limits, and he only wants to meet me here today to ask me to tutor his kid in Spanish.

“So.” I swirl my drink and arch a brow. “I’m assuming you’ve changed your mind and will be needing my services after all?”

Alec bites his lower lip, glancing to the side as he hesitates. “Yeah, about that.” He runs a hand through his soft brown hair, seeming nervous about whatever he has to say next.

Am I wrong? Is this not about Spanish lessons for Dane?

Before I let my mind start racing through some wild possibilities, I keep my attention focused on him, as he is clearly thinking something through pretty hard.

“I am definitely requesting your services,” he says slowly, drawing out the words as his eyes find their way back to mine. “But not actually for Spanish lessons.”

“Oh?” I draw back in surprise. “Unfortunately, it’s the only other language I know. And if you’re looking for someone to help with, like, math, I am really not your girl.” I laugh softly, but his face stays dead serious.

“No.” He averts his glance again. “This isn’t a tutoring type of favor.”

I swallow the smattering of flirtatious responses that instantly fly to the front of my brain, because it’s pretty clear he’s not trying to be playful.

What else could he possibly want or need from me? I’m just a fun girl who goes to his bar, that’s it. That’s all I’ll ever be to him.

“I’m a no-BS kinda guy, so I’ll just cut to the chase here.” He raises his brows, looking even more uncomfortable.

I hold my hands out and lean back in the chair. “Hit me with it.”

Alec takes in a slow breath, almost cringing as he finishes the sentence. “I need you to marry me.”

Um, okay. Did he just…? What?!

I practically choke on the sip of coffee I’m taking, my jaw falling open as I wonder if there’s any possible way I misheard him. “You need me to what?”

“I know, I know.” Alec presses his palms flat on the table. “Just hear me out.”

“Oh, man.” I shake my head, laughing with complete and utter disbelief. “I am all ears. Please. Explain.”

“Let me rephrase.” He chuckles, his rare smile bringing light to his serious face. “I need you to fake marry me.”

I furrow my brow. “Not quite as intriguing, but I’m still very curious,” I say, trying my hardest to even attempt wrapping my mind around this. “Please elaborate.”

“So, Carmichael Academy.” His eyes narrow as he grimaces. “Evidently, they aren’t too terribly fond of single parents. And they’re even less fond of single parents who work full-time. You can probably imagine how they feel about a single parent who works full-time at a bar.”

I nod, watching his expression as I take in what he’s saying. “Not the ideal Ivy League preschool dad, I’m guessing.”

He scoffs. “Yeah, to say the least. Anyway, there’s an ungodly amount of interviews and steps in the process and even a home visit to assess the kid’s home-learning environment.”

I blink in surprise. “We’re seriously talking about three- and four-year-olds, right? Preschoolers ?”

“Unfortunately, yes. Anyway, Dane has basically zero shot at getting admitted if they know I’m painfully busy most nights and even more painfully single. My capabilities for at-home learning are next to nothing. I mean, I don’t even,” he averts his gaze, lowering his tone as if embarrassed, “have a college degree.”

My heart tightens. “Who cares? The school sounds snobby and really judgmental. You’re an amazing dad, and you have an amazing kid, and that’s all that should matter.” I cross my arms, somewhat shocked by how defensive I just got over a dude and his son that I barely know.

“It’s not actually the school as much as it is the PTA moms, apparently. They get a say in who gets into Carmichael and they’re picky.”

I curl my lip. “Yikes.”

All of this stress and confusion and frustration for freaking preschool is just a perfect example of why I’m never having kids.

“My point is, I need a fake wife. And fast. Someone who is going to be the most adoring stepmom to Dane and wow the pants off the jerks at Carmichael so he can get in. They’re accepting the whole family, not just the kid. It’s really…” He blows out a frustrated breath. “Important.”

“Let me get this straight. You want me to pretend to be your wife—Dane’s stepmom—and fake it for these interviews and assessments so they’ll accept you guys into the school?”

“Yes, that’s it.” He gives me a charming grin, his brown eyes dancing in a way I’ve never seen them do. “I know it’s asking a lot, but please. I really need to get him into this stupid school.”

I laugh, leaning back in my chair as I swing my hair behind my shoulders, studying the man who just fake proposed to me in the most odd and unexpected conversation I’ve ever had. “I have a question.”

“Sure. Anything.”

“Why me?” I lift a shoulder, angling my head. “I mean, you hardly know me. I’m just a regular customer at the bar who talks too much. Why did you think to ask me of all people?”

He leans close, his broad, muscular shoulders bulging under the tight cotton T-shirt. “You’re right. I don’t know you that well. But I do know that you’re always down for a good time. And I think this whole thing could be pretty fun.”

“Is that all that’s in it for me?” I tease. “Fun?”

“Oh, I’d be happy to pay you—”

I slap his arm. “Stop it. I’m completely kidding. Fun is more than enough compensation for me. Besides, I wanted to be an actress when I was little, so it’s a great chance to really hone my skills.”

Alec snorts. “There you go. So, seriously? You’re in?”

“Like you said, I never turn down a good time.” I lift my coffee cup, smiling to myself as I consider what’s just unfolded.