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needed to get it together before she drew unnecessary attention to her past.
    She followed him into the kitchen. His hom e was of very masculine decor. With leather furniture, animal hide rugs, stained concrete mixed with hardwood floors and the ostentatious big television mounted above the fireplace, it was a true man cave in every sense of the word.
    He pulled out the bar stool for her to sit, “Can I get you some wine or a beer?”
    “I’d love some wine. What can I do to help?” She didn’t want to sit and watch him, it made her nervous. She could control her nerves if she busied her hands.
    “The grill is heating up and I’m about to make the salsa. It’s killing you to watch me do the cooking, isn’t it?” he teased as he poured more wine.
    “It’s a habit, doctors are always trying to be in control,” she said with a quiet laugh.
    “So are detectives,” he said with a big grin.
    She downed the first glass of wine quickly while they made small talk. Eventually, she booted him out of the way and went over to his side of the bar where she helped prepare the mango salsa, while he took the cedar planks loaded with salmon out to the grill.
    Both relaxed, they really began to enjoy each other’s company. Once, he even put his hand on the small of her back as he scooted past her to get something out of the fridge. This time she didn’t mind his touch and she gave him a quick smile and a wink to let him know it was okay. While he was outside grilling the fish, she walked out to chat with him and handed him another beer.
    “Ryler, this backyard is nothing short of amazing. Did you do all of this yourself?”
    His backyard was an oasis to die for in the midst of the big city. She walked around admiring the beautiful pool with multiple rock waterfalls surrounded by lush landscaping. As if that wasn’t enough, it was accented with butterflies and birds fluttering through the yard and lots of beautiful, colorful flowers.
    “Well, I can’t take credit for the pool. My ex-wife designed it and all the landscaping. But I dug all the holes. I enjoy being out here, but would like it better if I had someone to enjoy it with me. Chris, Brody, and some of the guys from the department come over with their girlfriends and families from time-to-time, but mostly, it’s just me.”
    “I met Chris at the hospital, right?”
    “Yes, he’s my partner. Brody and I’ve been best friends since going to high school together. He also works on the force.”
    Just then, Makenzie’s phone rang. Looking at the caller-ID, it was Jonathan. Un-perfect timing. She ignored the ringing.
    “Feel free to answer that. If it’s like mine, they’ll keep calling.”
    “Sure. Excuse me just a moment, Ryler. Be right back.”
    Makenzie escaped to the living room to talk to Jonathan. “Hey there, how are you?” Why did chatting on the phone for the first time always have to feel so weird?
    “Sorry, Makenzie. I was out at the park with Trippe. We were trying to fly some kites, but it wasn’t a very successful day without much wind. I apologize for being late getting back to you. Are you in the middle of something or can you chat now?” His voice was smooth and calming, very polished. He instantly put her at ease.
    “Actually, I only have a minute, but I wanted to say thank you for last night. I enjoyed myself.” She was smiling way too big. What she didn’t know was that Ryler had come back into the kitchen and could easily overhear her conversation.
    “I had a great time. The best in a while and I’m looking forward to Thursday, if we’re still on?” His voice was full of anticipation.
    Her anticipation met his. “Yes, that would be lovely. What time should I be ready?”
    “I’ve made reservations for seven-thirty at a really quaint place that I think you’ll love. I’ll pick you up about seven in the lobby if that works for you.” He sounded sweetly excited to see her again.
    “Sure, that works for me. I’m looking