Eyes narrowing just a little.
Until Sean showed up late, apologizing, kissing Beth’s cheek.
Something in Sage softened after that.
Like:okay… she’s not competition.
Still…
Her fingers never left mine.
Not once.
An hour later we were walking toward the marina.
City glowing. Streetlamps warm and gold. Harbor air salty and cool.
She stopped mid-step and kicked off her heels.
“These things are torture devices,” she muttered. “Fashion is a scam.”
I laughed.
Before she could protest?—
I scooped her up.
She squealed.
Arms around my neck instantly.
I spun her once just to hear that laugh again.
“Better?” I asked.
She grinned down at me. “Did you just sweep me off my feet?”
“Don’t know,” I said. “Did I?”
We kissed under a lamppost.
Slow.
Soft.
A promise more than a spark.
Had to pull away because a cab rolled by and someone wolf-whistled.
We both laughed like idiots.
Then she hopped onto my back and I carried her piggyback down the docks, her shoes dangling from her hand, her chin tucked against my shoulder.
It felt stupid.
Fun.
Easy.
