Seth nodded, pursing his lips. “So you’re having second thoughts about having a picnic at the park?”

“No. It’s highly unlikely I’ll see anyone I know there.” She offered him a wry smile. “It’s more about having you pick me up at my house. Silly little mistakes like that could blow our cover.”

“I guess you’re right. I don’t need Landon to lecture me when he comes home. He thinks I’m a player, too.”

“He thinks you are?” Tara cocked her head to the side and stared at his profile. “Are you saying you’re not?”

“I’m saying there’s more to me than you think. At any rate, he probably doesn’t think I’m suitable for Aubrey’s best friend.”

“Well, tell him to mind his own freaking business. Aubrey’s best friend can take care of herself just fine. Even with a renowned playboy.”

“I’m not as bad as you think.” Seth half groaned and half laughed. “I don’t go through women like they’re single-use items. They’re human, real, and fascinating. Many of the models I’ve been seen with are truly just friends.”

Tara waved aside his words. She didn’t mind if he was a player. In fact, she preferred it that way. They were both looking for a good time. No complications. “Anyways, we’re in agreement that the dating dare will stay between us, right?”

“Sure.”

“We don’t have to sneak around and meet at remote cabins or anything, but there’s no reason to announce it to our family. Or friends. Aubrey might freak out if she knew that I was dating her little brother-in-law.”

“Cut it out with the little-brother jabs. You’re only two years older than me. I’ve dated women older than you, and they had no problem with me being younger than them.”

“Okay, fine. I honestly don’t want to date a man who calls me noona either.” She should let it go, but she couldn’t stop herself. “So … you’ve dated lots of older women, eh? Did they, you know, teach you things?”

“They certainly had a willing student.” He glanced sideways at her with a wicked smile. “Do you want details?”

“You’re coming on to me.” Tara gasped with feigned horror. “Is it because I’m an older woman?”

Seth burst out laughing, and almost missed a turn. “I’ve dated a few older women. They were beautiful and interesting. That’s it. I don’t have a fetish for older women or anything, so you can relax.”

“Sure, you don’t.” She gave him an exaggerated wink, channeling her inner Lucy Ricardo. “Anyway, what I said about you being Aubrey’s little brother-in-law is a fact. Aubrey and Landon seem so protective of you sometimes. Which is pretty odd. From what I’ve seen, your friend The Ego should shield you from trivial things like hurt feelings.”

“Hey, stop making fun of my ego. You’re hurting my feelings.” Seth grinned. “Anyway, Landon has been protective of me ever since our dad left. He thinks I’m his responsibility. It must’ve rubbed off on Aubrey. But you’re right. I don’t need protection from anything … or anyone.”