Page 12 of Glow

“Some of the décor is a product of its time.” Quinn noticed Dan eyeing the bear. “That kind of thing isn’t supported in town anymore.”

If his hunch about a shifter community was right, Dan could understand why the stuffed relics would make visitors uncomfortable.

A server guided them to a table with a view of the lake and handed out menus.

“I’ve never had a bad meal here, and they have a pretty good selection,” Quinn said as Dan studied the choices.

Dan noted the menu ranged from beef to chicken to seafood, but that it omitted game meat. That just strengthened his suspicion about shifters in the community. They ordered and were quiet for a moment, still getting used to each other.

“How was your afternoon?” Quinn asked.

“Nice. Liam took good care of me. I read up on town history, got an idea of what’s in the area, and looked at rentals,” Dan replied. “I’d like something that isn’t right in town with some elbow room.”

In the woods, so we can take walks without being chased, Wally supplied silently.

“I don’t think that will be hard to find.” Quinn seemed genuinely happy that Dan was taking steps to move. “Liam’s one of our best ambassadors. He has a good sense about who is going to like it here, and steers others to somewhere that might be a good fit.”

Dan felt certain that Liam sensed his other side, even if he didn’t identify Wally as a cryptid. Dan was equally sure that Liam was a shifter, although he still couldn’t quite figure out Quinn’s special ability.

“I won’t be able to come into town until dinnertime tomorrow,” Quinn told him. “Will you be okay?”

Dan reached over and brushed Quinn’s hand, feeling that zing again. “I’ll be fine. I’m going to look at rentals in the morning, and I have an appointment at the Fox Institute in the afternoon. If there’s time after that, I might just take a nap or read a book on the porch. I’d kind of like to soak up some of the vibes, and I don’t often get to just sit and read.”

“Sounds like a good day to me,” Quinn agreed.

Dan noted that the other man startled a bit at the frisson that passed between them, but he hadn’t drawn his hand back.

“I’ll want to hear all about it. And if you want a second opinion to narrow down rental options, I’m happy to help,” Quinn offered.

“I’d appreciate that. Can you tell me more about the Fox Institute? Liam steered me there, but I’m not quite sure what to expect.”

Quinn took a long sip of his coffee as if he was trying to figure out what to say. “I’m not trying to pry, but I’ll be more helpful if I know what you are looking for.”

Dan wasn’t quite ready to spill the beans about Wally just yet, but he knew he had to say something. “I mentioned having a keen weather sense. I’m also pretty attuned to other people’s magical abilities. Those talents weren’t welcome where I am now. I’d like a chance to learn more about what I can do.”

Quinn nodded. “I remembered that you’re a sensitive. You’re in good company here. I’m guessing you’re meeting with Dr. Jeffries? He’s very knowledgeable about supernatural and paranormal abilities. The Institute does a number of classes and seminars, but he might also be able to connect you with a mentor if someone local has similar gifts. You can trust him.”

Dan trusted Quinn too, but years of dodging danger had taught him to be extra-cautious. Maybe if I trust Jeffries with the truth, I’ll get an idea about whether it’s safe to tell Quinn.

Their meals came; chicken for Quinn and a steak for Dan. Both smelled amazing, and Dan couldn’t hide a murmur of satisfaction after his first bite.

“You were right about the food,” he told Quinn, who seemed equally happy with his entrée. “I’m betting it’s not just travelers who eat here.”

“Nah, it’s also a popular date night choice, since most of the other local restaurants are more casual.” Quinn’s faint blush made Dan wonder if Quinn considered this a date.

I sure hope so, he thought.

Quinn filled him in on his afternoon routine as a park ranger, and Dan shared what he had seen and his impressions. Before he knew it, the dining room had emptied, and the staff was starting to get ready for the morning.

“I guess we’d better go,” Quinn said reluctantly. “This was fun. If you’re not tired of me already, do you want to do dinner again tomorrow night?”

Dan grinned. “I’d love to. Maybe I’ll have all kinds of exciting news to share by then.”

He and Quinn walked to the front porch together, standing a little closer together than friends. They chatted all the way to Quinn’s truck.

“I’d like to kiss you,” Quinn said. “Is that okay?”

“More than okay,” Dan assured him, surprised at himself that it felt right. He knew it was fast but somehow not.