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Laughter steals my attention, and I follow it to Casper, ordering our gyros at one of the food trucks. He has an arm braced up on the counter, head dipped as he chats with the cooks inside. He’s laughing with the guys as if he’s known them for years. He seems to know everybody, but he’s so outgoing that I also wouldn’t be surprised if he just met them five minutes ago. His energy is magnetic, people are naturally drawn to him—myself included.

Casper glances over his shoulder, still wearing that sexy smirk that makes my stomach flip. His broad shoulders stretch the canvas jacket he wears over a hoodie. He speaks in a way that’s easy and confident, never forced like he has ulterior motives or something to prove.

He turns back, leaning in slightly when the cook pipes up. Casper’s reply has the man chuckling, and then another voice chimes in from behind the first man. I can’t hear what’s being said, but suddenly there are three of them talking over each other and laughing.

He glances back at me again, and catches me watching him. His smile widens. They continue joking around until the food is done. Casper pays, tucking a few extra bills into the tip jar. His parting words get a few more laughs before he spins around, carrying two paper trays of food. Behind him, the crew is still beaming from their interaction. He leaves everything and everybody better than how he finds them.

I wonder if that’s his plan. What else does a man like Casper see in a woman like me?

On the surface he’s an open book, but beneath there’s an enigmatic darkness hiding. I suspect he has his own demons—perhaps we’re more similar than it would appear.

Heat crawls up my neck as he gets closer; his sight locks on me, as if I’m the only person he sees in a ten-mile radius. The wafting aroma of grilled meat and spices has my stomach growling. When he sits down across from me I can’t help but wear an idiotic grin.

We dig in, savoring our gyros and fries in silence for the first few bites. Maybe it’s because I’ve been rationing my meals at home to cut my grocery bill, but I swear I’ve never tasted anything so delicious.

I groan, dipping one of my fries in tzatziki. “Is this not the best thing I’ve ever eaten?”

He swallows a bite, and winks. “I can think of one thing better.”

My face flushes and I tuck my tongue into my cheek, trying to hold back the nervous laughter trying to escape. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure.” He takes a bite, chewing thoughtfully as he studies me. Finally he says, “So, how was your day at work?”

I sigh. “You tell me, you were there for my shift that lasted all of . . .” I glance down at my phone on the table to check the time. “Fifteen minutes.”

“I’d say it was pretty good. Okay, so, pole dancing . . . what made you start that?”

My shoulders relax slightly. “It was a suggestion from my therapist, and after a few classes I found I enjoyed it. I like dancing. It makes me feel strong.”

“Do you enjoy performing for other men? ‘Yes’ is an acceptable answer, just so you know.”

I marvel at the meal in front of me, picking up my gyro with two hands. “Not always,” I answer, before taking a bite, hoping to buy myself some time with my mouth full.

“But sometimes? Dancing isn’t anything to be ashamed of; I’m just trying to get to know you, Anna. This isn’t an interrogation.”

I narrow my gaze at him while I finish chewing, scrutinizing the question. “Depends on who the audience is.”

“What if it’s me?”

“Yes.” Glancing down, I fidget with my stupid press-on nails while I gather my confidence. I have enough to say the words, but not enough to look him in the eye when I say them. “You’re the only person I enjoy performing for. I like feeling desired by you. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt anything like that.”

He blinks at me with raised brows. “So you don’t enjoy stripping for other men, but you need the money.”

I cover my mouth to laugh and cock my head to the side. He’s not going to address what I just said to him?

“What’s the money for?”

My smile disappears. “Because I need it.”

He pulls back from me, looking disappointed.

“Okay, okay,” I say, remembering my promise to be more honest. “I owe somebody money and this is a way for me to pay it off quickly. Your human lie detector thing is annoying.”

“I know.” He sighs. “Everybody loves it.”

I glance at him, biting my lip, hoping this is enough to satisfy his curiosity for now.

“You’re hiding something, I assume it’s from your past. But I can’t figure out why. You know I wouldn’t ever judge you, right?”