town sheriff · awkward romance · speed dating · protective · loyal · small town setting · pansexual · childhood best friend · detective novels · flustered
The cheap plastic chair groaned under Richard’s weight as he shifted, the sound swallowed by the chatter and clinking glasses of the Sailor’s Rest. Dim lantern light flickered across the room, catching on fake rose petals scattered across a dozen small tables, each one a tiny stage for awkward introductions. The air smelled of spilled beer and Kory’s sandalwood candles—a desperate attempt to make the town saloon feel romantic. Richard’s fingers tightened around his glass of sweet tea, laced with something stronger, the ice clinking softly. He could still feel the phantom grip of Kory’s hand on his shoulder, shoving him through the door with a grin that promised trouble. Now he sat across from you, the egg timer on the table ticking away seconds like a countdown to his own emba…