We sat at the bar for the better part of two hours. The appetizers were good, and the conversation got better over time. Maybe it was the three glasses of wine we each had that loosened us up. Thinking about the bartender’s comment on Lynn’s earlier visit, I chalked it up as an innocent date Lynn had, not unlike our own. The chances of meeting that perfect person on the first date weren’t realistic, yet I wondered why Lynn had told me she’d never been at Woodland Tap before. I assumed it was because meeting someone at the same bar she had just been at a few nights earlier might have been embarrassing. I wasn’t sure, but I wasn’t going to dwell on it either.
It was after nine o’clock, and I had a full day ahead of me tomorrow. The wine was kicking in, and I needed to get home before I ordered another glass. I told myself to end the night on a good note so there would be a chance of another date.
“I really ought to get going. I have a busy day tomorrow.”
She smiled. “A current case?”
“Yep, you can say that.”
She looked at the time on her cell phone. “Really? It’s only a few minutes after nine. Why not come to my place for a nightcap, and then I promise to let you leave. I only live a few blocks from here.”
I chuckled. In my half-drunken mind, it sounded like a great idea, but as with most great ideas, I had to put on my cop hat and decline. “Sorry. Even though it sounds like fun, I really can’t.”
“Come on, please? You won’t regret it.”
I glanced at her hand caressing my leg and knew it would be trouble if I left with her. Things were moving too fast for my comfort level, and although I wasn’t positive about what she was insinuating, I had a pretty good idea. I needed to rethink her intentions. I wasn’t a prude in any sense of the word, but I also wasn’t looking for a one-night stand. The way she’d presented herself on her profile and her actions in person didn’t match up.
“Sorry, but that isn’t in the cards tonight.” I waved to the bartender to get his attention. “I need to settle my tab.”
“Sure thing.” He brought back my credit card and the slip for me to sign. “Thanks, folks, and have a nice evening.”
I tossed a ten on the bar, thanked the bartender, and turned to Lynn. “Can I walk you to your car?” I could tell by her change in attitude that she had grown cold, but she agreed to let me walk her out.
“I’m around the block over there.” She pointed in the same direction where I had parked.
“Good. I’m parked over there too.” We walked in silence for a minute. “That’s my car.”
“The yellow one?”
“Uh-huh. So, was tonight a deal breaker?” I asked.
“No. I’d like to see you again. I can’t help it if I find you attractive, and I’m sorry if I came on too strong.”
I laughed. “Usually, that’s the guy’s line. When are you leaving town?”
“Sunday.”
“Then you’ll be busy Saturday getting ready to leave. Want to shoot for tomorrow night? Hopefully, I won’t have to work Saturday.”
She smiled. “I’d like that, and I’ll text you.”
“Good.” I held the driver’s-side door open for her. “Dinner, then?”
“Dinner would be nice.”
I gave her a hug and closed the door of her van once she was settled in. Then I walked to my car with a strange feeling about the night. I liked Lynn and she was beautiful, but something about her seemed off.