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I do the quick calculation in my head. If Dax and I split that, there would be enough to get me by for another month. By then, I should have more photography jobs lined up. That would be huge in helping me buy some time.

Wait. What the hell am I thinking? I’m not going on a game show with Dax. Even if he agreed to it, which he won’t, that would be totally insane. We aren’t dating. We barely tolerate each other.

“Yes, ten thousand. But that’s just the start. Each of the six locations you travel to will have a monetary prize associated with it. If you arrive at the location first, you will receive the top prize of ten thousand dollars for that check-in point. If you arrive second through sixth, the prize amounts will be smaller. So, speed is important for the best prizes. You have the potential to make a lot of money. And you’d get paid for any appearances after the show is over, as well.”

Dax’s eyes flicker in surprise, and I can’t help the gasp that escapes my open mouth.

This amount of money would solve my problems, and it physically hurts that I have to turn it down.

The server comes by and drops off our food. We barely notice. No one makes a move to pick up their silverware.

I shake my head regretfully. “Kenneth, we appreciate the offer. The show sounds amazing. But Dax and I can’t do it. Not only will it be difficult to take off for three weeks, but neither of us wants to be in the public eye.”

Not to mention, we aren’t a real couple.

Kenneth leans forward and clasps his hands on the table in front of him. He’s undeterred by my response. “We are a smaller network. Though we’d love this show to take off, the reality is that our viewership is lower. It is unlikely you’d have notoriety from this show. Besides, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You and Dax would have a real chance at winning. I know Dax has a business to run and doesn’t need the money, but think of the fun you two would have.”

“I’m due some vacation time,” Dax says thoughtfully. “I could take off for three weeks.”

I swing my startled eyes to him. “You’re not seriously considering this ludicrous idea, are you?”

“Well, why not? It sounds like fun.” He shrugs and then takes back his drink and finishes it off with one large swallow. His blue eyes hold mine in a challenge. He’s daring me to say yes. “Don’t you think it sounds fun, sweetie? Just you and me and the open road.”

Three weeks alone with Dax? No, that doesn’t sound fun at all. It sounds like pure torture. There’s no way. If he thinks baiting me is going to work, he’s lost his damn mind. I’m not one to fall for those kinds of tricks.

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea.” My eyes shoot daggers at Dax. “You’re very busy at work, and I can’t just leave my photography business with such little notice.”

Dax isn’t done trying to convince me. “You have a few weeks with no business lined up. It’s perfect timing. Plus, it would benefit you to get away from that issue happening at your condo,” he reminds me slyly.

Ugh. He’s right. Anthony is still living at my condo. I’m freaking homeless for the time being. How could I forget that tiny fact? Still, there’s absolutely no way I’m doing this show. None. Zilch. Nada. No chance. No one with an ounce of sense would agree to this.

My brain is screaming those words at me.

But that’s not what comes out of my mouth.

“Okay. Yes. Okay, let’s do it. Let’s do the show,” I blurt unexpectedly.

Kenneth claps his hands in delight. He’s practically cooing with excitement. “Yes! I knew it. The moment I sat down, I knew this was fate. You two are going to be amazing.”

My eyes meet Dax’s across the table. He’s completely unreadable. I have no idea what he’s thinking. What made him agree to this crazy idea? Boredom? Surely he’s not giving up three weeks of his life just to help me? I have so many questions.

A thought is tickling my brain. Suddenly I remember. “Kenneth, you mentioned that the competing couples are engaged. But Dax and I aren’t engaged. Is that a requirement for being able to win?”

Kenneth’s overly eager smile falters a bit. “Well, now, technically, all of the couples are supposed to be engaged. You said you’ve been dating a while, so . . .”

I look at Dax helplessly.

He wags his finger in the air toward Kenneth. “Now, Kenneth. Look what you’ve done. You’ve ruined the surprise. I had this big thing all planned out for Jess this weekend when I was supposed to ask her to marry me. There was going to be a band and flowers, and I was going to get down on one knee and beg Jess to finally agree to be my bride,” he confesses solemnly.

Dax is so convincing. If I didn’t know better, I’d believe every word. The crestfallen look on Kenneth’s face is slightly hilarious. He believes he ruined my surprise.

That sad look lasts for approximately five seconds. And then Kenneth is excited again. “Oh, this is so great. I can send a camera crew to film the proposal. Please say yes, please!”

“No!” Dax and I both half-yell in unison.

But it’s too late. Kenneth is over there rubbing his hands together like he’s just hit the jackpot on the lottery. I can see his brain whirling through the possibilities. Time to shoot this one down. Quickly.

“I’m not having our engagement recorded, Kenneth. I have to draw the line there. No deal,” I tell him sternly.