“Oh?” I hate that I’m disappointed by the mere thought. “Okay.”

“I’ll be taking you out on a date instead.”

“What?” I cough out the word through a laugh.

“Is that going to be a problem?” he asks, his voice low, his smile soft, and his eyes hopeful.

God, he is charming. And good-looking. And . . . “Not at all.”

He nods, his smile turning to a grin. “Good to know. I had to make sure and ask before you’re asked ten more times as you walk out that door.”

“Ten more times?” I ask.

“Maybe five.” He scrunches up his nose. “It’s a slow night so I’m thinking . . . five.”

“And if you’re right?” I lift my eyebrows.

“That’s up for you to decide what my reward is.”

“You like rewards, do you?” I ask coyly.

“Doesn’t everyone?” Our eyes hold, despite someone calling his name. “Meet me at six o’clock tomorrow outside Grandy’s.”

“Grandy’s?”

“You’ll figure it out. See you then.” Gunner winks and emits a chuckle as he heads toward his next customer.

I stare after him as I shake my head.

But he was spot-on. Five times. That’s the number of times I was stopped on my way out of FU-Bar by men giving me half-hearted proposals. They were all in jest but funny nonetheless.

And just as I walked out the door, I looked back to see Gunner smiling at me.

This was not how tonight was supposed to go.

The thought is on repeat as I drive back to my hotel, flop back on my bed, and stare at the ceiling.

“So much for going in there with guns blazing,” I note and then chuckle.

Hell, I didn’t even think of Ryan Camden more than once, let alone ask about him. Isn’t that why I’m here?

And to complicate matters more in my little charade? A thesis on deployment and how it affects kids? I told the man I’m going on a date with tomorrow that that was why I was here in Destiny Falls. Now what am I supposed to do when he asks me about said work?

I could be a no-show. That would solve the problem.

But the ridiculously stupid grin on my lips tells me that’s not going to happen.

There’s no way I’m standing him up.

Not a chance.

It’s not just the incredible sex I’ve already predetermined that we’ll have, but more so the fact that he’s going to be my in to finding Ryan Camden.

Then again, maybe it is the sex. Five months is a long time for a dry spell.

Maybe parts of me are already fantasizing about that.

CHAPTER SIX

Chase