Page 19 of Dangerous Pursuit

“I’m literally of age in under three weeks. Chill out. Not to mention, half the girls in high school are having sex with someone who could get in trouble for it. Are we all supposed to stay celibate until we’re eighteen or just date underclassmen?”

“Not my problem to solve. But back to the point. You’re telling me you went on an app to find some random guy you know nothing about, who could be some psycho or turn out not to be who he said he was.” He runs his hand through his hair in evident frustration. “You do know you’re vulnerable, not tomention naïve, and could easily be taken advantage of or worse. Does that not worry you?”

I’m screaming inside at the condescending remarks. “I am not naïve, for your information. Walker helped me choose a few guys I’ve been texting and getting to know, and we picked safe, public places to meet.”

He blows a huff of air out like all of this is crazy. “How nice of Walker to help you. Who the fuckisWalker, and where the hell are you going that is so public and safe?”

“You’re acting like a lunatic. You know this is how most people meet these days, right? Walker happens to be my best friend, and he was the one who suggested I do this. Mason and I are having dinner at Beach Hut. It’s a good location with a lot of people around. Why do you care anyway?”

“Good question. I don’t. I’m wasting too much time trying to talk sense into someone who clearly doesn’t have any. You’re right. Your choices are your business. Have fun withMason.” He stomps off, spewing the last words as he walks away.

What is his problem?

Jackson

What the fuck is my problem? I’m letting this girl get to my head. Why couldn’t I keep my mouth shut and thoughts to myself? Dammit. I don’t want to care about her.

Wait. Caring for her isnotthe issue. I simply want to make sure she’s okay, just as I would for anybody.

That’s the only reason I’m walking into the Beach Hut Deli right after work to scope out a table. I know all about dating apps. I’m a guy who likes to get laid, and there was no better way to find a willing girl than one of those sites back in the day. If I believed that was really what she was doing, then whatever, but something’s not adding up, and I intend to figure it out.

Twenty minutes into my brooding, I catch sight of a guy standing at the entrance, scanning the place. He stays there, not finding who he’s looking for. This could be Mason. He’s young, maybe a couple of years older than Mia, and doesn’t look like a total creep, but who knows? He also doesn’t look capable of what she’s supposedly into—but again, you never know.

Not that I’m buying that crap. Not when I’ve seen her almost every day for nearly two months and haven’t seen a single sign of it. Plus, it’s not proper to leave visible marks if youareinto that type of thing. She’s full of shit. So what is the truth? She could have been attacked, though would she be going on a date right after if that were the case? Not knowing is killing me.

Braden: Up for drinks?

Me: Can’t, busy.

Braden: With what? You don’t have a life.

Me: And you do?

Braden: Did you find some pussy for the night?

Me: No, just doing some recon. I’ll explain later. Enjoy yours tomorrow.

Braden: I will. She’s a hot one.

Me: Dinner with my parents again on Sunday. Meet after?

Braden: Yeah, good luck, see you then.

Two minutes later, Mia walks in, and the guy recognizes her immediately. How could he not? She’s fucking beautiful. They awkwardly greet each other, proving this is, in fact, a first date. At least she was telling the truth about that. Luckily, they’re seated where I can watch easily out of their line of sight. I chose my location well.

I watch intently as they interact, trying to decipher as much as I can through their body language. I’m mesmerized watching Mia outside the office in a casual setting. She’s cute. Her laugh, which I now realize I’ve never heard, is music to my ears. Enough that it makes me want to change my tune in the office and try a new approach. I don’t know when I went from trying to get her to quit to trying to get in her life, but my sudden determination is fierce.

It’s obvious the guy is already infatuated with her. Who wouldn’t be? He’s made her laugh quite a bit, pissing me off on one hand while also wanting him to do it more. They’re paying now, and I quickly signal my waitress to do the same. I’m pretty sure she thinks I’m a total stalker, noticing where my attention has been all evening. Funny how she’d be right. It wouldn’t be surprising if the cops show up any minute from an anonymous tip.

I wait until they’re out the front door to head in their direction.Let’s see if she makes good on her intention to find someone with the same interests.What a joke.

When they start walking, it’s safe for me to exit, and since there are plenty of people out, I’m unconcerned about being spotted. I’ll give this Walker guy props for picking a busy place.

They walk along the Embarcadero, apparently not ready to call it an evening, and I’m not prepared to let her out of my sight. Fifteen minutes have passed, and they stop for ice cream at Seaport Village. Fuck, could this date go any longer? At this point, I’m ready to interrupt this thing and not-so-casually end it for them. I’m getting increasingly irritated as I continue watching from the shadows, feeling much like the creeper I am as he makes his move.

After tossing their garbage, he reaches for her hand to help her up and pulls her into his body, steadying her with his hand on her hip. She doesn’t seem to mind as she looks up at himand smiles.Fuck me.How is it that suddenly, I want that smile directed at me?The guy says something, and she nods before he cups her cheek and leans down to kiss her. It’s chaste at first—wimpy fucker—but then he goes in for more, and soon they’re standing there with their tongues down each other’s throats.

Christ, this is torture.

---