Page 16 of Win a Date with a Detective

I raise an eyebrow.

“Don’t look at me. I’m not responsible for anything that happens next.”

She laughs.

Then slides the ring onto her finger.

And something unexpected happens.

I imagine buying her one.

Not that ring.

Something better.

Something she’d love.

A ring she’d wear because she wanted to spend the rest of her life with me.

What the fuck?

I’ve known this woman for a matter of hours.

Clearly, I need to get more sleep.

Rachel holds out her hand, admiring the diamond.

“Okay, I understand why people get engaged now.”

Vanessa laughs.

“Right?”

Rachel turns toward me.

“What do you think, Detective?”

I look at the ring.

Then at her.

“I think it suits you.”

Her smile falters for just a second.

And I realize she heard something in my voice that I hadn’t intended to reveal.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Vanessa’s fiancé clears his throat.

“We should probably get going, sweetheart.”

“Oh! Of course.”

Rachel immediately slips off the ring.