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He let the comment hang between them.

“I . . . see.”

“Tell me tonight,” he said, his decision made. It probably wasn’t a good idea, but he found he didn’t much care about all the reasons why he should stay away from her.

“Tonight? As in . . .”

“On our date.”

She hesitated for long enough that Lawrence thought she might decline. One would think he’d be hardened to the thought of rejection, having lived for so long, but just the opposite was true. Lawrence had known many women throughout his life, enough to understand that Toni was special.

“Okay.” Taking a deep, almost nervous breath, she smiled up at him.

“I know it’s soon after—”

She shook her head, cutting him off. “Don’t even say his name. He’s a part of my past.”

And you’re a part of my future.

She didn’t say it, but the words were there nonetheless, hanging between them.

“Deal.” He thought quickly about how long it would take him to prepare. “Pick you up at 7:00?”

“Deal,” she shot back at him.

Lawrence excused himself. He knew exactly where he was taking her and needed time to prepare. Because what woman could resist a first date in a run-down, dusty bank?

He smiled, imagining her reaction.