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“This is the first time,” he said, then added, “Which probably makes me sound either very honest or very bad at this.”

I blinked, a small, half-amused smile tugging at my lips. “Uh... okay,” I said, trying to keep my tone light.

He continued. “And I promise I’m not trying to be creepy. I just—” He paused, searching for the right phrasing.

“When I saw you... I couldn’t really look away,” he said, then added quickly, “Which—sorry. That sounded worse in my head than it was.”

My cheeks warmed slightly. I let out a soft laugh, more awkward than flattered.

“That’s dangerously close to a line,” I said.

“I know,” he said easily. “I crossed it anyway.”

I shook my head, smiling despite myself, a faint flutter in my chest I wasn’t expecting.

“I’m Tommy,” he said, extending a hand. “Tommy Sullivan.”

“Elena,” I replied, shaking it. “Elena White.”

I had chosen to keep the name after the divorce, and somehow, it felt lighter now.

He smiled. “Your friend did a very thorough background check before leaving.”

“I noticed.”

“She is a good one.”

“She is,” I agreed. “Also very dramatic.”

He chuckled. “I appreciate the caution.”

“I can defend myself,” I said casually.

His brows lifted. “Oh?”

“I have excellent aim,” I added. “And low tolerance for nonsense.”

He laughed. “Good to know. For the record, I’m a cop.”

I paused. “You’re serious.”

“Off duty,” he added quickly. “And before you ask, no, this isn’t a sting.”

I smirked. “Disappointing. Undercover would’ve sounded cooler.”

“It would’ve,” he agreed.

We talked easily after that. Work. Drinks. Why he liked this bar.

“Are you seeing anyone?” he asked, direct but not abrupt.

I didn’t tense. That alone felt like progress.

“Divorced,” I said.

He winced slightly. “Okay. Is this bad timing or perfect timing for me to have bought you a drink?”

I considered that.