Page 18 of Hard to Lose

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

“Kelly, it’s so nice to talk to you. It feels like it’s been forever,” I say and lean back against the pillows and headboard at my back, trying not to disturb the stacks of papers all around me on my makeshift desk—the hotel bed.

“It has. I think the last time we all saw each other was when your dad invited me to hang out at the Super Bowl two years back,” he says, the warmth in his voice flooding through the phone.

“Has it been that long?”

“I believe so,” our longtime family friend says. “What can I do for you, kiddo?”

“I need you to find someone for me.”

He chuckles. “Poor bastard.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I laugh.

“If you’re looking to find someone, that means he’s wronged you and”—he whistles—“I wouldn’t want to be him when you do.”

“I am not that bad.” I’m met with silence and then a chuckle. “Then again . . .”

He joins in with the laugh. “I’m a little backed up at the moment so I won’t get to it for a few days. If you’re okay with that, then—”

“Private detective business that busy at the moment?”

“Yes, and none of it juicy or scandalous, sadly,” he says.

“I can wait. I’m just looking for a guy who sent my dad a letter . . .” and I proceed to tell him the story about the letter, Ryan Camden, and why I’m in Destiny Falls.

“Destiny Falls, huh?”