Page 60 of Stone Coast

“Sort of,” I said. “We just met.”

“He’s cute!”

“Not interested.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Positive.”

“So, he’s fair game?”

“He’s all yours, honey.”

Cooper spotted us and ambled in our direction. He smiled and waved, and I forced a smile and waved back.

He pulled up to the bar beside me and leaned in with that charming grin. “Are you stalking me?”

“I think maybe you’restalking me.”

"This is my regular bar. I'm here all the time.”

The bartender pulled a long neck from the tub of ice, popped the top with a hiss, and slid the amber bottle across the counter. “Hey, Coop!”

Cooper smiled as he took the beer. "See.” He took a swig. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?”

"Cooper, this is Olivia. Olivia, Cooper.”

Olivia smiled and batted her lashes, doing that thing she does that makes her irresistible to men. And by that thing, I mean breathe. That's all she had to do.

The two exchanged pleasantries.

"Girls’ night out?” Cooper said.

"Something like that.”

"I saw you on the news. Pretty impressive.”

"I told her she's a superhero,” Olivia said.

"I think you might be right,” Coop said. “Have you seen this girl shoot?”

“No.”

“She doesn't miss.” Cooper paused, then said to me, “That guy you captured. They think he’s responsible for at least six liquor store robberies and two murders. Looks like you did a helluva thing today.”

I lifted a curious brow. "Where did you get that information?”

Cooper shrugged. "I heard it on one of the news outlets.”

“Oh,” I whispered almost involuntarily.

Cooper lifted his beer. "To superheroes!”

Olivia lifted her glass and so did I. We all clinked and sipped.

"I'm telling you, somebody's gotta fight back. This place is going to hell in a handbasket, and the PD around here are so corrupt or inept or both.” Cooper stopped himself. "Don't get me started on local politics.”

"And what is it that you do?" Olivia asked with hopeful eyes.