Page 7 of Win a Date with a Detective

A week later, I’m waiting in the lobby of my apartment for my date. I’m equal parts nervous and excited.

I’m about to start another lap of pacing when a deep voice clears its throat.

I turn. And nearly walk directly into Detective Bronson’s chest.

Oh wow. He’s even better looking than I remember. He’s tall. Broad. Ridiculously handsome.

And those eyes. Dear God, those eyes. They sweep over me with an intensity that makes me suddenly aware of every inch of my body beneath my dress.

“Detective,” I manage.

His mouth curves.

“Rachel, isn’t it?”

I blink. “You know my name?”

“The auction coordinator told me.”

“Oh.” I purse my lips. “What else did they say?”

“That your payment cleared.” He cocks his head to the side. “Don’t worry. Your secrets should be safe.”

“I’m supposed to believe you didn’t have me background checked? You are a detective after all.”

“Do you really think I’d abuse taxpayer resources like that?”

“Sorry.” I pull a face, but keep my tone flirty. “You’re not going to arrest me for making false accusations, are you?”

“Depends. Should I?”

I glance at his hands. Then back at his face.

“Do you have handcuffs?”

His eyebrows rise.

Bronson’s smile deepens. “I generally don’t bring them on dates.”

“That’s disappointing.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He stares into my eyes more deeply, and my heart flutters. “So, Rachel. What made you bid on a detective?”

Oh, this is going to be fun.

“I’m a true-crime enthusiast.”

He nods slowly. “That explains it.”

“Does it?”

Bronson chuckles.

And something warm settles in my stomach. Because there’s something about this man.

Something beyond the broad shoulders and handsome face. Something about the way he’s looking at me, as though he’s genuinely interested in what I’m going to say next.

“So,” he says. “What did you have in mind for the first part of our date?”