One morning before work, Alan Travers accidentally bumps into Detective Jim Garrison at a cafe where both men stop for coffee. The handsome younger man interests Alan, but he misses his chance to get to know the detective better and wonders if he'll get another.<br><br>With the help of his nephew Bryce, Alan concocts a plan to try and get Jim's attention "accidentally on purpose." It works, but as things heat up between them, Alan worries what Jim will think if he finds out their getting together was no accident.<br><br>Then Bryce goes missing, and Alan's going to have to come clean. But is he the only one not being truthful?

Accidentally On Purpose

Sitting back, Alan asks, “Don’t what?”


“Don’t give up.” Jim’s brow is furrowed, his mouth set, his jaw clenched with determination as he grips the steering wheel in both hands and navigates the parking lot. “We’ll find him, I promise. I’llfind him. I will.”


Alan reaches across the center console and pats Jim’s thigh. “I know you’re doing everything you can, and I thank you.”


They pull into an empty spot with an eyeline to the mall’s main entrance. The doors are still closed, but now a small clutch of people have gathered around them, waiting for the mall to open. From the sweatpants and leggings most of the people wear, they’re likely mall walkers looking to get in a few circuits before the crowds come.


Putting the car into park, Jim relaxes into the driver’s seat. His hands release their grip on the steering wheel, and one drops to cover Alan’s, still on his leg. He squeezes Alan’s fingers, a comforting gesture. “Do you have any other suggestions for where he might be?”


Chapter 51