Page 13 of Win a Date with a Detective

“Look intimidating,” she instructs.

“I am intimidating.”

“You’re adorable.”

I stare at her.

She grins. “Sorry. Very scary. Terrifying, actually.”

She snaps the photograph. Then another. Then she insists on taking a selfie.

Rachel tucks herself into my side, her arm wrapped around my waist, and her cheek pressed against my chest. Warmth spreads in my chest.

I could get used to this.

“Okay,” she announces, examining the photographs. “Now I’m starving.”

“Good. Because I made reservations.”

Her head snaps up. “You did?”

“Of course.”

“Where?”

“It’s a surprise.” I offer her my arm. “Come on, Detective. Let’s get you something to eat.”

She slips her hand into the crook of my elbow.

And for the first time in a very long time, I’m genuinely disappointed that the evening is eventually going to end.

The restaurant came highly recommended by my partner.

It’s inside an upscale hotel just off the Strip, with low lighting, excellent food, and enough privacy that I shouldn’t have to worry about running into someone I’ve arrested.

Rachel looks around appreciatively as the hostess leads us toward our table.

“Oh, this is fancy.”

“You sound surprised.”

“After the escape room, I wasn’t sure you’d want to be seen in public with me.”

“Are you kidding? I’ve never had so much fun investigating a murder.”

She laughs. “You’re just saying that.”

“I’m really not.”

And it’s the truth.

I’ve been on plenty of dates over the years. Some good. Some bad. Most entirely forgettable.

But I’ve never met anyone quite like Rachel.

She makes me laugh. She challenges me. She seems genuinely interested in what I have to say.

And when she looks at me, I feel like I’m the most interesting man in the world.