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“She was a hula girl last year.” Lex chuckled at the grass skirt and lei the dog wore.

Eating a birthday cake…

“She just turned five. I baked her a special peanut butter cake.”

The way Summer glowed was adorable. Such a proud dog mom. Flossie dominated her photo album. She continually swiped forward, sharing a little about each image. When she reached a picture of an older woman who looked remarkably like Summer, Flossie on her lap, Lex guessed it was her mother.

“My mom,” she confirmed softly. “Flossie used to love sitting with Mom, and I think it was therapeutic for her. Comforting in a lot of ways.” She pressed her lips together, turning thoughtful. “I’m not sure what I’d do without Floss. Ever since I lost my mom—” Her words broke off, and she set her phone back down on the bar top. “Let’s just say it’s been a rough year.”

Damn. They had more in common than he realized. Lex drained the rest of his drink, thinking over the shitty year he’d had, too. “You can say that again.” She seemed to be waiting for him to say more, and even though he didn’t want to steer the conversation into darker territory, he found himself wanting to commiserate with her. “My dad passed away a few months ago.”

“I’m so sorry.” Her words rang with true sympathy and complete understanding. It wasn’t simply an empty platitude because she was weathering the same storm.

“I’m sorry about your mom.”

They shared a look, the fact that they’d both lost a parent recently bonding them.

“I’m waiting for it to get easier,” he said, voice gruff.

“Me, too,” she whispered.

Their fingers touched, the barest of strokes, but comforting.

“Last call!” Lottie called out, jolting him back to the here and now.

Last call? Lex glanced down at his watch. Damn, he’d usually be in bed by now. How long have we been over here in our own world? He glanced at the back corner table and realized it was empty. There were only a handful of people left in the bar. Shit. He’d been so focused on Summer, he’d lost all track of time.

“I didn’t realize it was so late,” Summer said, sliding off her stool.

“Me neither.” Lex stood, stretching his lanky body, trying to wake it up after sitting for so long. “C’mon, I’ll walk you out.”

“Okay, thanks.”

As he turned, he caught sight of Chaz and Corey picking up empty bottles, helping Lottie and Sera close up. They were both grinning and gave him chin tilts. He couldn’t help but smile back. He felt on top of the world. Kind of like he was in a musical and on the verge of breaking out into song and dance. Jesus, he’d never felt so smitten. It was the only word that could adequately describe the freaking butterflies fluttering madly in his belly.

Lex accompanied Summer outside, and the parking lot was nearly deserted. The sound of cicadas filled the air and a soft breeze lifted Summer’s hair. Lex wanted to touch it, tangle those soft, silky strands around his fingers. Pull it as he pressed her against the nearest car with the length of his body, feeling every single one of her curves as he kissed her, tasting her with his tongue.

Instead, he politely walked her to a midnight blue Honda CRV. She shifted, clutching her purse in front of her, suddenly looking nervous.

And as much as he wanted to go for it, he held back. Everything he used to do in the past with women, he was throwing it all out the window. Slow down, take your time, savor the connection, and, most of all, don’t scare her off.

So, instead, he tucked a loose lock of auburn hair behind her ear—because he couldn’t resist the urge to feel its silky texture—and then rocked back on his heels. “Care to join me for dinner tomorrow?”

“I’d like that.”

“Great.”

They stared at each other another moment before he forced himself to snap out of it. No kissing tonight. He’d save that for tomorrow. At least, he hoped. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone. “What’s your number?” She rattled it off, and he sent her a quick text so she’d have his number, too. “I’ll text you,” he promised. She nodded then licked her lips, and he nearly groaned.

“It was really nice talking to you tonight, Lex.” The way she said his name sent a shot of heat through his body. “I’m glad you came over and said hi.”

She pushed up on her toes and pressed a quick kiss to the corner of his mouth. As she started to back away, he caught her elbow. Very slowly, he lowered his head and captured her lips. Soft, sultry, teasing. Just a taste. But it was the best goddamn taste he’d ever had.

Before he got carried away, he broke the kiss, lightly brushing his nose against hers as he breathed in her scent. Coconuts and flowers. Tropical. God, he felt dizzy.

Locking eyes with her, he laid a hand against the curve of her face. “Me, too,” he rasped. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”