Page 75 of Another Girl Lost

“I’d like to go out again.”

I rubbed my chalked hands together, watching as the remains of the white powder floated to the floor. “I assumed you’d wised up and moved on.”

“I won’t lie. I’ve put some thought into it.”

“And yet you just happened to be here randomly?”

“Nothing random about it. I remembered you said you climbed in the evenings. I took a chance.”

“You could’ve texted.”

“I hate texts.” His deep tone added traces of humor to the confession. “Nothing beats face-to-face conversation.”

“Very stalker-like.” There was nothing desperate or angry about him, like there had been about Tanner once the mask dropped. Tanner had needed to control, hurt, and conquer. Was the man behind Luke’s mask the same charming guy?

“Strategic.” He jammed his thumb toward the locker. “I was going to shower and grab a burger. Care to join?”

I’d bought food earlier in the day thinking I might find Tiffany, but I hadn’t, so I still had plenty in the refrigerator waiting for me. “I could eat. Let me change.”

“Meet you here in fifteen?”

“Deal.”

I moved into the dressing room and dumped my gear by the last shower on the left. It was the farthest stall from the door, which I liked. Also, its water pressure was the best.

I showered, taking time to wash my hair and shave my legs. Not sure why I felt like both were necessary to share a burger with a guy, but I did.

After swapping my climbing clothes for jeans and a blouse from my bag, I slipped on sandals. I combed my hair, ran a dryer over it quickly, and headed out of the changing room.

I found Luke by the front desk, talking to the attendant, Marty. The gym closed in five minutes, and normally Marty, in a rush to get home to watch basketball replays, got pissy when clients lingered. But he was laughing as Luke talked. I didn’t think I’d ever seen Marty smile.

When Luke’s gaze shifted to me, Marty turned, shrugging. “The fearless climber. You’re going to give me a heart attack.”

“I’ve signed all the waivers,” I said. “You’re in the clear.”

“I don’t like mopping up blood,” Marty said. “I’ve done it before, and it isn’t pretty.”

This strange newfound directness was endearing. “That’s why I’m careful.”

“That’s what the last guy said,” Marty grumbled. “And thensplat.”

“Ready?” Luke asked.

“I am.”

“Same time tomorrow?” Marty asked.

“Most likely,” I said.

The air outside was cooler thanks to an afternoon rain shower, but it was still heavy with humidity. “Where do you have in mind?”

“The burger place five blocks away. Likely safer if we drive.”

“Okay.”

“I can drive us both.”

He was offering it up to me, leaving the final decision in my hands. I rarely rode in a car with anyone other than the Judge, but theendorphin high from the climb still lingered and I was feeling optimistic. “Okay. You drive.”

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