“Rowan. That’s an interesting name. I like it.” She continued to hold her hand thrust forward.

“Thanks,” he replied, still avoiding the offered appendage. “So listen, Erika, you’ve got to know that you’re playing a dangerous game here. You have absolutely no idea who I am.”

After a thick silence she finally pulled her hand back. “Yeah. Well, that’s part of the turn-on too.”

“Uh-huh. Well, I could be some kind of sicko for all you know.”

“You look pretty safe to me.”

“Most sociopaths do,” he said. “And, I’ve actually got some experience in that area.”

“Really? How so?”

“Trust me, you really don’t want to know.”

She paused for a moment, giving him a once over, then said, “Okay. So, tell me. Are you a ‘sicko’?”

“Again, that’s not the point.”

She stuck out her lower lip in an exaggerated pout. “So what is it then? Are you just not into blondes?”

“Listen, Erika, is this some kind of game show? Is there a hidden camera somewhere? Because, honestly, I don’t have time for this.”

She chuckled. “You’re funny too.”

He let out another heavy sigh and held up his hands. “All right, look, I’m flattered…At least I think I am…Anyway, this just isn’t going to happen. Understand?”

She blinked and gave her head a quick shake as if reality had just rapped her on the back of the skull. “You’re serious.”

“Yes. Yes, I am.”

“You really don’t want to…”

“No. No, I don’t.”

“Well…Okay. It’s your loss.”

“I’ll just have to take your word for that.”

“Well, you know…” she started as she opened her notebook to a fresh page and began fishing a pen from the spiral binding. “I could give you my number in case you change your mind…”

This time he did the interrupting. “That isn’t necessary. I won’t.”

She paused then shoved the pen back down and closed the notebook. “Okay. Well, never know until you try.” She shrugged and added, “Good luck with whatever you’re doing there, I guess.”