“I did.” I keep my gaze on her a beat too long. “Looked important.”
She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, still catching her breath. “It was. I just found out I’m getting an assistant. Officially. I’m… still a little shocked, honestly.”
“That’s brilliant. You deserve it.”
Her smile softens. “Thanks. I’ve been stretched thin for a while now.”
“Will this mean we won’t see you around as much?”
The question slips out before I can stop it, quieter than I mean.
Her brow lifts. “You’ll still be seeing plenty of me, Gallagher. Don’t sound so worried.”
“I wasn’t…” She’s smirking now, so I don’t bother finishing the lie.
She crosses her arms loosely, still flushed from running. “What are you even doing here?”
“Running. Same as you.”
Her eyes sweep over me, a spark of mischief flickering there. “Of course you run.”
I shrug, wearing a hint of a grin. “Occupational hazard.”
“Right, professional athlete and all that.”
“Still, didn’t picture you doing sunrise cardio.”
“Needed air,” I admit. “And I like the quiet before the world wakes up.”
She hums softly, looking toward the horizon. The sun glints against her skin, and I have to drag my eyes back to the water before I forget how to be decent.
After a pause, I nod at her. “You done with your run, then?”
“Not really. Why?”
“Because…” I step closer. “I was going to offer you a coffee. Seems the least I can do after interrupting your dance.”
She looks torn between surprise and something else, something warmer. “Coffee?”
“Aye,” I nod, voice low. “If you’ve the time.”
There’s a flicker of hesitation, then she nods. “Sure. Why not?”
We walk along the shore, the waves licking at the sand beside us. For a while, neither of us talk. It’s not uncomfortable, though. It’s quiet in a way that feels… steady. Like breathing after you’ve been holding it too long.
Heaven help me, I’ve missed that.
“Take me to your favorite place,” I say, glancing down at her.
She looks up, shading her eyes with her hand. “My favorite place?”
“For coffee.”
“Oh.” A small smile tugs at her lips. “It’s just off the boardwalk. Two blocks away.”
“Lead the way, then.”
We climb the ramp to the boardwalk, our footsteps thudding softly against the wood. The town’s waking up, shops unlocking, gulls shrieking overhead, the scent of espresso drifting on the air.
