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Walker disappears down the hallway toward the restrooms. I wait five seconds before I slide off my stool.

“Heading out?” Becky asks.

“Just stretching my legs.”

She smiles. “Don’t be a stranger.” If only she knew.

The hallway is quieter than the bar. Muted music and old floorboards. A buzzing fluorescent light that should’ve been replaced years ago.

Walker stands near the far end instead of entering the restroom, as if expecting company.

Without turning around, he speaks. “I was wondering how long it’d take.” His voice is deep, calm, and not surprised in the least.

I stop walking. “Excuse me?”

He turns slowly, and those grey-blue eyes settle on mine with unnerving steadiness. “You’ve been watching me all night.”

“So have you.”

“I watch everyone.”

I lean one shoulder against the wall. “Maybe I wanted you to notice.”

One dark eyebrow lifts. “Maybe?”

Silence stretches between us, not awkward. Measured. He studies me with the patience of someone who doesn’t need to rush to understand people. Up close, the difference in our size is almost laughable. I’d have to tilt my head just to keep eye contact.

He could probably pick me up with one arm if he wanted. The thought needles under my skin, sharp and unwelcome. And worse, it distracts me.

“You always follow strange men into hallways?” he asks.

“Only the interesting ones.”

“And what makes me interesting?”

“I haven’t decided yet.”

The corner of his mouth moves slightly, almost a smile. Almost. “You’ve got a funny way of introducing yourself.”

“I haven’t introduced myself.”

“No.”

“You first.”

He considers me for another long second. “Walker.”

I pretend his name is just a word, nothing more. “Poppy.”

His gaze lingers. “Poppy.” The way he says it sounds less like a question and more like he’s committing it to memory. “You from around here?” he asks.

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“You could.”

“But you wouldn’t answer.”

“No.”