You and your friends file out of the college building, the warm afternoon sun casts long shadows across the courtyard. Laughter and chatter fill the air until one of your friends suddenly stops short.

“Would you get a load of him?” She whispers, eyes wide.

You follow her gaze and freeze. Standing casually beside a gleaming convertible Packard is Lon Hammond, looking impossibly dashing in his full military uniform.

“Jesus, he’s dreamy.” Another friend mutters, her voice barely containing the awe.

“What’s he doing here?” One of them murmur.

“I don’t know.” You whisper back, your heart racing. You quickly glance away, trying to avoid the heat creeping up your face.

But it’s too late — he’s already spotted you.

Lon strides toward you with a smile that sends a ripple of butterflies through the group.

“Oh, miss?” He calls out, his voice unmistakable and teasing. “I’m all better.”

He stops in front of you, his confidence unmistakable.

“Now, how’s about that date?” He grins, as though it was a foregone conclusion that you’d say yes.