Chapter 149: Three Women and a man

He tried to downplay it, focusing instead on her experiences—coordinating the city's evac plan, managing citizen safety, etc.

The more they talked, the more Luke felt a warm camaraderie from her, layered with strong attraction.

"Anyway," Tanya said after they finished a sumptuous main course, "I owe you more than one dinner date. You not only saved Arcadia but also me from a meltdown." She reached across the table, sliding her hand over his. He stiffened, feeling heat climb his neck.

He coughed, glancing at the clock on the wall—eight-thirty. "If you want to keep me out late, you might succeed," he teased, summoning a last shred of energy. "But I still have a bit of stamina left."

She laughed softly. "Good, because I have dessert plans." The evening continued with sweet confections and gentle talk.

By nine-thirty, Luke could hardly hide his fatigue—he'd had three back-to-back dates in a single day, bridging from morning to night.