I shake my head. He’s so different than most men I find attractive. He’s the furthest thing from sharp-suited-yuppy-looking guys who are always on their iPhone and in between business meetings.

I stare at him a beat longer and wonder what it is about him that won’t let go of me.

It’s more than just his good looks—not that any woman would balk at that chiseled jawline and his broad shoulders—but there’s a magnetic appeal to him. A definite sex appeal. An ease with which he carries himself that says he knows women are noticing but that he doesn’t take it too seriously. That, of course, is part of his charm.

Not to mention his sense of humor. Oh, and his smile too. Jesus, when he smiles it absolutely lights up the room.

You’ll say yes.

You’ll say yes, because you’re smitten with him and your libido is in some desperate need of attention. Attention he can most definitely give.

So I’ll say yes if he asks. I’ll say yes without any shame because there’s something about this unexpected find—him—in this pretty cool bar that makes me want to explore things a bit more.

Besides, how better to find out more about this town—possibly about where Ryan Camden is—than to befriend a local?

And maybe have a bit of fun.

“He is, indeed.” Nix takes a sip of his beer. “Hell, if any more sparks fly between the two of you, this whole bar is going to catch on fire and burn to the ground.”

“I doubt that.”

“Women come in and out of here all the time. Pretty ones. Funny ones. Downright forward ones. He’s rarely fazed by them, but this time around—mmm, mmm, mmm—he’s definitely fazed by you.”

“I—thank you—I guess?” I laugh the last words out as my cheeks heat and my smile widens.

“No need to thank me,” he says and winks. “Just remember that we never had this conversation.”

And the last words clear his lips when Gunner steps up to the counter between us and looks from me to Nix and then back again. “Is he being my wingman again or should I worry he’s telling my deep, dark, sordid secrets?”

“You worried?” I tease.

“Not in the least,” he says, that brilliant smile of his now a bit crooked. “Another?”

I glance down at my empty glass and contemplate whether or not another one will be me overstaying my welcome. “Nah. I think I should head on out. I had a long day and it’s catching up to me.”

I swear Gunner’s expression falls some, and my ego appreciates the sight of it. “So soon?”

I slide some cash across the bar top with a more than generous tip. “Maybe I’ll stop in tomorrow night.”

“Sorry. I won’t be here.”