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“I still have one more full year of school. Then my master’s program. Probably a Ph.D. after that.”

“I have no problem calling you doctor.”

“I won’t put my dreams on hold for a relationship.”

“I’ll never ask you too. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way. We can save the details of long-distance for date number four.”

“It’s not that far.”

“It’s not. Besides, while I’m slaving away on contracts you can save marine life, uninterrupted by my charm. But the weekends are all mine.”

“It’ll be dark soon. I made reservations at Sharky’s. I’m buying. Someone left me an envelope of cash this morning.”

We paddled in. Sharky’s was a popular beach bar but everyone wore bathing suits and flip flops. They were known for the freshest catches of the day. We had a table on the beach with a flickering candle between us. Potted palm trees with twinkle lights marked the edges of the restaurant’s perimeter in the sand. A live band was playing beats.

“Well, well. It’s Mr. July.”

Chase stiffened at the guy approaching our table with two giggling girls under each arm. He was drunk. They all were. The smell of beer came from all of them. His eyes were glassy, his feet unsteady.

“Beat it, Diersky.”

“Don’t be rude. I was offended I didn’t get invited to your party last night, but you can make it up to me by buying us a round. He pulled a chair over to join us. Right as he was about to sit down Chase kicked a leg. The chair fell back and Diersky hit sand.

“Son of a bitch!” He roared.

Chase stood over him. “Get lost. Now.”

“You think you’re so tough, Carmichael? I’ll kick your ass.”

“Try it. You can’t best me at anything. Not in the office, not here.” The man’s eyes shifted past Chase, settling on me. “That’s your girl? That tomboy with no tits?”

Chase moved fast. Picked the man up by the collar of his shirt. His free fist had cocked back. “No.” I stilled him with my hand. Chase was shaking with rage.

By now security was almost here. “He’s drunk. Fell in the sand. I was helping him up. He’s way over the limit. You might need to call a cop.”

“No, I’m good. We’re leaving.”

Chase sat back down but our date now had a dark cloud hanging over it. “What was that about?”

“Diersky works at the same firm. He’s always been jealous of my success. Tries to undermine me at every turn. He knew if they called the cops, he’d get fired. Our partners don’t mess around with their public image. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize for what’s not your fault.”

“You’re beautiful. I mean it.” His hand covered mine. He stood, moved his chair right next to me. Instead of sitting across from me, his side pressed against mine. I rested my head on his shoulder as we sipped our drinks, listened to the notes from the band mix with the surf and just enjoyed the simplicity of it.

“Come home with me tonight?” The words fell from my lips before I could stop them.

“I’ll think about it,” he winked.

“I mean. The new season of Creed MC is out on Netflix.”

“You want me to come over to watch it with you?”

“Yes. What did you think I was asking?” Somehow, I kept a straight face. I smacked his arm, blushing. Our food came out saving me from further embarrassment. We chatted easily about my thesis paper; he spoke briefly about his work. I had so much knowledge about him for only two days. I had my cash out as the waitress came, but she wouldn’t take my money. It seemed Chase pulled a fast one, paying when he excused himself. I lost my nerve about driving him to my place. So, I took him home. “I thought we were going to your place?”

“Your TV is bigger.”

“I’ll make popcorn.” Chase left me to turn on Netflix. He came back with drinks and a large bowl. His arm curved around my shoulders. Daisy jumped up next to us.