The silence lengthened. Some crickets chirped. The cold aluminum of the lounge chair pressed into her back.

He stood and stretched. “I’m beat. C’mon Biscuit.”

She stood as well. “Thanks again for killing the water bug.”

“Anytime.” He smiled. Their gazes held for a pulse too long. It was a perfect night for a kiss. She could feel his gaze lingering on her face. She stepped closer.

“That reminds me. I don’t have your number or email,” he said. “I’m leaving for Las Vegas tomorrow for the iHeartRadio music festival. And then we’re going to London. I’ll be gone for about two weeks. Can you take Biscuit next weekend? My sister is going to take him this week and next week, but she’s going away that weekend to visit friends in the Hamptons. My mom can do it, but …”

“I’d love to,” she interrupted his flow of words.

“I’ll get my keys and give my sister your email.” He disappeared through the hole in the fence, and the cold night air swooped into where he’d been standing.

She shivered and went back to her apartment to get her spare set of keys and her phone to store his number and email.

She met him back outside. He was on the other side of the fence. The leaves of the trees rustled as a small breeze passed through. They exchanged numbers and email addresses.

As he handed her his keys over the fence, looking into her eyes, he mused, “Sharing keys.”

She waited to see if he would say more.

He just smiled and shook his head.

He’s driving me crazy. Should I go for it and kiss him? He might be really tired. And he’s about to go on a business trip. Also, there is a fence between us. Logistically, it seems challenging—at least for me. I’m not super smooth at this.

To fill the silence, she said, “You’re also welcome to help yourself to my beer supply. I can’t seem to get rid of it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He leaned over the fence and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m shattered from last night. I’ll see you when I get back. Thanks for taking care of Biscuit.”

“It’s my pleasure. Have a safe trip.” She walked through the dark yard to her door. The vetting had seemed like a sign of interest, but then nothing happened. She had been so sure that something would have happened yesterday had his sister not called. But tonight had been a second chance, sitting outside in the dark, sharing secrets.