Page 17 of Hard to Lose

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.”

“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.