Chapter 14 - THE DATE HE WAITED A YEAR FOR
Lucian arrived at Rosabelle's at five fifty-eight.
He wore a dark blue shirt.
No tie.
No expensive watch.
No security entourage.
Just a man carrying a bouquet of white roses.
Harper stood beside the window.
When she saw him, she smiled.
“You're early.”
Lucian looked at his watch.
“Two minutes.”
“That's unusual.”
He laughed.
“I've been waiting a year.”
She took the flowers.
“Thank you.”
He smiled.
“May I buy you coffee?”
Harper raised an eyebrow.
“Are you going to ask me to marry you before dessert?”
Lucian laughed.
“I'm trying not to get ahead of myself.”
They walked to a small café near the waterfront.
The city looked different in the evening light.
Quieter.
Less threatening.
They sat by the window.
For the first time, there were no questions about evidence.
No warnings.
No police reports.
Just two people getting to know each other.
Harper learned that Lucian hated olives.
That he loved old jazz records.
That his mother still called him every Sunday.
Lucian learned that Harper collected terrible mystery novels.
That she had once wanted to become a veterinarian.
And that she was afraid of deep water.
He smiled.
“You arrested me beside a flower shop.”
She laughed.
“Yes.”
“And now we're having coffee.”
“Apparently.”
He leaned forward.
“So, Detective Lane.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“Yes?”
“Can we have a second date?”
Harper smiled.
“Ask me tomorrow.”
May you like
Lucian laughed.
“I can do that.”
