Page 65 of Dash

“If they find out, won’t they come after us?” I really don’t want to be worrying, every time I take off, if my helicopter has been sabotaged. Worse yet, getting turned into an accordion while driving to the beach.”

“Don’t worry. The drug lord has been put into a maximum-security prison. He’ll never be seen or heard from again. Frankly, as long as he’s no longer able to hurt the people I love, I don’t care if he’s shivved in the shower.”

He takes my hand and leads me to the bar where my bot has been hired for his first job since reprogramming. “Jonathan, I need a little help here.”

“What can I get you to drink?”

Dash winks at me, then turns to the humanoid. “We’ll have champagne but first, I want to ask you something.”

“Shoot.” It expertly pours the bubbly, not losing even a drop of foam.

“How does a man prove he loves his woman?” As my date takes my hand, I laugh at Jonathan, trying to close one eye, while keeping the other open.

Giving up, the robot puts his elbows on the bar. “According to Google’s top results, when a man loves a woman, he treats her with respect, he makes time for her, and demonstrates his vulnerable side. He talks about a future and introduces her to important people in his life.”

Dash chuckles and holds up my hand. “You can stop now, Johnny-boy, I believe you have made my case.

“You’re insane, you know that?” I cup his rough unshaved stubble in my palms, then kiss his soft, willing lips.

When done, he hands me a pile of papers and I flip through them. Most of the legalese is way over my head. “What’s this?”

“Where was Sherlock without Watson? Mulder without Scully? Booth without Bones?” Tilting his head, he raises his glass, and a light bulb flickers on in my brain.

“Clyde without Bonnie?”

“Except for the dying part, exactly. Be my partner. We’ll hunt down bad guys, collect rewards, and in between, burn up the sheets.”

“Oh my God, I thought you’d never ask.” My heart bursts and as I jump into his open arms, he brings out a small box and puts it in my hand.

I gasp, not sure I’m ready but he’s already reading my mind. “It’s a pre-engagement ring. No pressure, but I need you to know I’m serious and when you’re ready, we’ll pick out the real thing.”

As I pull out a gorgeous jade heart surrounded by emeralds, my throat closes, and tears well. “It’s b-beautiful.”

Much later, we walk alone on the pier and the fireflies come out and I ask, “Do you think all of them will find a mate?”

Standing behind me, he pulls me close, and whispers in my ear. “If I did, I’m sure those poor sods can bloody well muddle through.”

“You’re such a romantic.” Laughing, I turn in his arms, lace my fingers behind his neck, and as I kiss him, his phone pings.

He checks the screen, grins, and shows me the reward. “Ready to go to work?”

At the thought of spending more time with him, my heart swells and I smile so widely, my cheeks hurt. “Sure thing, partner.”

THE BEGINNING