Two Years Earlier…

Elsie Hart was a sophomore at LSU when she heard that famed treasure hunter, Riley Poole, would be doing a book signing on campus while promoting his podcast. She couldn't resist the chance to meet one of her heroes.

She stood in line with Mr. Poole's first book tucked in her arms, almost unable to contain her excitement.

Once it was her turn, she moved up to the table and handed him her book.

"What's your name, beautiful?" Mr. Poole asked as he took her copy of his book. He'd surprised himself with his flirtation but he couldn't help himself once he saw her.

Elsie couldn't stop the blush from reaching her cheeks as she responded, "Elsie Hart. Thank you so much for visiting our school. I've always been a huge fan," she gushed, unable to stop herself.

Riley smiled to himself as he signed the inside cover, adding a special message. "I'm very glad you decided to come by."

She thanked him again before she started walking back to her dorm. She opened her book and noticed he'd written an invitation along with his message. Riley Poole asked her out for a drink at the bar on campus once his signing was done.

Elsie couldn't believe it but she wasn't going to miss out on the possibility, heading straight to the bar to wait for him.

An hour later, Riley entered the dive bar, smiling to himself once he saw Elsie sitting at a table sipping on a soda.

"Can I get you a glass of wine?" he asked as he took a seat across from her.

Elsie nodded, "I'd like that."

Riley flagged down a waiter, "Can we get two glasses of pinot noir, please?" The waiter acknowledged his request and disappeared.

"I have to say," Elsie began, "I was very surprised to see your note in my book. A part of me has always hoped to go on a date with you, but I never imagined it would actually happen," she added as their wine glasses were placed on the table.

Riley smiled, timidly, "I'm just as surprised as you are. This isn't something I've ever done or thought I would do. There was just something about you that made me want to take a risk and I'm very glad to see you decided to join me."

The pair shared casual conversation until Riley decided to be bold once more.

"Would you like to come back to my hotel for a nightcap?" he offered before joking, "I'd say we could go to your place but I imagine you have roommates," causing her to let out a small laugh.

"You would be correct," she replied, "I would love to join you."

Riley and Elsie nearly fell through his hotel room door, entangled in a passionate kiss. He led her to the bedroom where he slowly removed her dress.

"This is not how I saw my night going," he admitted while he took in the sight of her before him.

She playfully began undoing the buttons of his shirt as she whispered in his ear, "Ditto."

He pressed his lips against hers as she finished undressing him before moving her onto the bed, covering her body with his own.

The following morning, Elsie woke in Riley's arms. She noticed he was still asleep so she slipped out from his comforting hold trying not to wake him.

She was unsuccessful as she saw him sit up in the bed.

"Leaving so soon?" he asked, with a sweet smile on his lips.

Elsie nodded, "Wish I didn't have to go but I have class in twenty minutes. Find me if you're ever in this area of town again," she offered an open invitation before she walked back over to him and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

"Call me before then," he added with a smirk.