“I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “Nothing feels particularly well-timed these days.”
“Fair,” he said. Then, smoothly, he shifted. “Do you come here often?”
“No, this is my first time. Friends dragged me out.” I replied. “Brandon’s Jessica’s cousin,” I added, nodding toward the bar. “The one who just left.”
He glanced over, then chuckled. “That explains why I’ve never seen you before. I’m here a lot. Usually with friends.”
“That explains the clearance with Brandon,” I said, smiling.
He laughed. “Guilty.”
“So why are you here alone tonight?” I asked.
“Maybe I was meant to run into you,” he said easily.
“You’re very smooth,” I said, arching a brow. “Does that ever fail?”
He smiled. “Only when I’m wrong about the chemistry.” He shifted slightly on the stool, not closer, just enough that our arms brushed. Barely. “Tell me if I am,” he said softly.
I glanced at our hands, then back at him. “I will,” I said. “I don’t do polite silence.”
That made him smile. “Good,” he said. “Neither do I.”
He lifted his glass in a small, almost casual gesture. “To comfortable pauses.”
I clinked mine against his. “To not rushing things.” I finished my drink, letting the last sip settle before setting the glass down, then leaned back gently. “I should go.”
“Let me walk you out,” he said.
I shook my head, already sliding off the stool. “It’s okay. I parked nearby.”
“Still,” he said, sliding off his stool. “I’ll walk you to it. No ulterior motives.”
I paused, glancing at him. “You do realize this is the part where I make sure you’re actually a cop, not just very committed to the bit.”
He laughed, real and easy. “That bad, huh?”
“Single mom. I’m cautious now,” I said lightly. “It’s character development.”
“Fair.” He lifted his hands in mock surrender. “Badge is at home. But I can show you my extremely boring work ID next time.”
I smiled as we stepped away from the bar. “Next time,” I repeated, like it was just a word and not a possibility.
“Scout’s honor,” he added. “No weirdness. Just making sure you get to your car.”
“I appreciate that,” I said. “Very on-brand for law enforcement.”
“Hey,” he said. “We do our best.”
We walked toward the exit together, the noise of the bar fading behind us with every step until it was nothing more than a dull hum. Outside, the air was cooler, quieter, a welcome contrast to the warmth and chatter we’d left behind. My car was parked just a few steps away, a couple of blocks from the bar.
“This is me,” I said, stopping beside it.
“So,” Tommy said lightly. “Good night?”
“Good night,” I echoed.
There was a pause. It wasn’t awkward, just... unfinished.
