Mallory grinned, reaching for her drink and settling back comfortably. "Well, this just got interesting."
Savannah couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move. Every muscle in her body had turned to stone. She wanted to look away, wanted to pretend this wasn’t happening, but her eyes betrayed her, tracking his every move as he closed the distance between them.
The way he walked—it was the same. Confident. Unhurried. Like he knew exactly how much space he took up in the world. Like he owned every damn roomhe walked into. And now, that intensity, that presence, was coming straight for her.
Her heart slammed against her ribs.
And then, just like that, he was standing at her table.
Chase Montgomery, in the flesh. Bigger. Broader. Rougher around the edges.
Still the most dangerous man she’d ever known.
His voice, low and steady, sent a shiver down her spine. "Savannah."
And just like that, everything she thought she’d buried came rushing back to life.
10
The Edge
Acrossthetavern,Chasehadn’t moved a damn inch. His fork was still abandoned on his plate, his drink untouched, his entire body coiled tight like a spring about to snap. The weight in his chest pressed down hard, making it difficult to draw in a full breath. He wasn’t sure if it was nerves, anticipation, or some wicked mix of both, but either way, he felt like he was standing on the edge of something monumental, something irreversible.
Sara, ever perceptive, arched an eyebrow and leaned in, resting her chin on her hand. "So, what exactly is your plan here?"
Chase tore his gaze away from Savannah for half a second, just long enough to scowl at her. "Plan?"
Sara rolled her eyes. "Don’t play dumb. You’re sitting here looking like you’ve just seen a ghost, but let’s be real—you’ve thought about this moment, haven’t you? What would happen if you saw her again? If you got another shot?"
Chase clenched his jaw. Of course, he had. More times than he’d ever admit. Late at night, when he let himself slip back into old memories. When he heard a song that reminded him of those stolen glances, those lingering moments that never quite turned into something more. He had wondered what it would feel like to be in front of her again, to see if time had dulled the pull between them—or if it had only sharpened it into something dangerous.
Jaxon smirked, clearly enjoying this way too much. "Gotta say, man, I’ve never seen you this rattled. It’s kinda entertaining."
Chase exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "I don’t even know what the fuck I’d say."
Sara scoffed. "Oh, for God’s sake. You’re acting like you don’t have a set of balls. Get up, walk over there, and talk to her."
Chase glared. "And say what? ‘Hey, remember me? The guy you used to steal glances at before you chose the safe bet’?"
Sara’s lips curled into a smirk. "That’s a start. Hell, it’s better than sitting here looking like you might pass out."
Jaxon chuckled. "Pretty sure that’s not the worst pickup line she’s ever heard."
Chase sighed, gripping the edge of the table. "You think she even wants to talk to me?"
Sara leaned in, lowering her voice. "Chase, look at her. Look at the way she’s staring at you right now, like she just had the wind knocked out of her. If she didn’t want to talk to you, she would’ve turned away by now."
Chase hesitated. His pulse was a fucking war drum in his ears, but she was right. Savannah hadn’t looked away. She hadn’t moved. It was like they were frozen in some suspended moment, hanging in the balance between past and present.
His fingers drummed against the table, restless, indecisive. "I don’t know, Sara. It’s been a long time. What if—"
"What if what?" Sara interjected, tilting her head. "What if she hates you? She doesn’t. What if she’s moved on? Maybe. But maybe not. What if she regrets never taking that chance? What if this is your shot?" She leaned in, her voice firm but knowing. "Since I've known you, you’ve never been one to back down from anything. Don’t start now."
Jaxon grinned, lifting his glass in mock salute. "Worst that happens? She tells you to fuck off. But judging by the way she’s looking at you… I doubt it."
Chase swallowed, exhaled, and finally pushed back his chair. His heartbeat thundered as he stood, his feet suddenly heavy as hell. Every muscle in his body felt taut, bracing for impact.
Sara grinned, watching him. "That’s it, cowboy. Go get your girl."
