Because if she wasn’t, if she did remember, if there was still something there—
Then he’d have to do something about it. And he wasn’t sure he was ready for that kind of truth.
7
One Drink In
Malloryploppedbackintoher chair, setting Savannah’s drink in front of her with a mischievous grin. She leaned forward, eyes sparkling with something that Savannah immediately knew meant trouble.
"Okay, don’t look now, but there’s a ridiculously hot guy sitting over by the bar with a man and a woman."
Savannah lifted a skeptical brow, fingers wrapping around the condensation-slick glass in front of her. "And you’re telling me this why?"
Mallory took a slow, deliberate sip of her drink before smirking. "Because, my dear, I am deeply invested in your love life. And because… damn. He’s got that whole brooding, ‘I probably break hearts for fun’ thing going on. You know the type—strong jaw, broad shoulders, bearded and tattooed, beer in one hand, and probably a trail of exes who still dream about him."
Savannah huffed a laugh, shaking her head. "Not interested."
Mallory groaned. "Oh, come on. Don’t be that girl. It’s been too long since you’ve had fun. And this guy? He looks like the kind of fun that ruins you for all other fun."
Savannah took a slow sip of her drink, eyes flickering toward the water instead of the bar. "I came here for a vacation, Mal. Not for—"
"A good time? A distraction? A little toe-curling, screaming-his-name-against-the-wall fun?" Mallory teased, her voice low and scandalous.
Savannah nearly choked on her drink, setting it down with a sharp clink. "Jesus Christ, Mal."
Mallory cackled, fully enjoying herself. "I’m just saying, a little fun wouldn’t kill you. Besides, you always did have a thing for—"
"I don’t even know what he looks like," Savannah interrupted, her tone exasperated.
Mallory grinned wickedly. "Oh, but I do. And let me tell you, he’s exactly yourtype. Rugged. Intense. The kind of guy who looks like he could build you a house with his bare hands and then wreck you in it."
Savannah rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up her neck. "Sounds exhausting."
"Sounds exhilarating," Mallory corrected. "And you need exhilarating. You need something to shake you up."
Savannah sighed, tapping a nail against the side of her glass. "I think my life is shaken up enough as it is."
Mallory tilted her head, studying her. "That what this trip is really about? Escaping the chaos?"
Savannah hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. Something like that."
Mallory let the moment hang before nudging her foot under the table. "Fine. But just know that if you don’t make a move, I might have to go introduce myself. You know, for research purposes."
Savannah groaned. "I hate you."
Mallory laughed, raising her glass. "You love me. Now, drink up. This night is just getting started."
Just as Savannah was about to respond, the hostess reappeared, a clipboard in hand and a practiced, polite smile on her face. "Ladies, your table is ready."
Mallory clapped her hands together. "Perfect timing. Come on, Savy, let's get you seated closer to this mystery man."
Savannah rolled her eyes but stood, grabbing her drink as she followed the hostess through the crowd. As they weaved between tables, Savannah was hyper-aware of her surroundings—the low hum of conversations, the occasional burst of laughter, the scent of fried seafood mingling with the salty breeze drifting in from the open patio doors.
Her heart thudded a little harder in her chest, though she refused to acknowledge why. It was just the atmosphere. The nostalgia. Nothing more.
They stepped onto the patio, the warm air wrapping around them, string lights swaying slightly with the night breeze. The hostess led them toward a table tucked in the corner, offering a perfect view of the dock and just enough privacy to escape the chaos of the main bar.
Savannah slid into her seat, exhaling slowly as Mallory took the one across from her, still grinning like she knew something Savannah didn’t.
