At last, I can breathe.
CHAPTER ONE
Aurora
“The Hollow,”I mutter to myself as I stare up at the bar. “I guess this is the place to go now that I’m feeling a bit more sociable.” I sigh heavily. It’s only been, what, three days since I got here?
The neon sign above the door flickers slightly, beaming a soft, inviting glow. It’s quiet on the outside, but I can already feel the pulse of something alive inside.
Curiosity tugs at me.
Maybe this place will be the escape I need, or maybe it’ll just be another chapter in a string of nights spent trying to figure out what to do with myself.
I step inside, the warmth of the bar washing over me, mixing with the smell of whiskey and wood. The low murmur of conversation fills the air, but there’s an edge to it.
Behind the bar, a man’s making his rounds. Maybe it’s the excitement in the room, or the tension from the crowd, but it feels like tonight’s going to be anything but ordinary.
He’s tall, with rough hands that seem used to hard work, his dark hair slicked back just enough to look neat without trying too hard. His eyes flicker over the room, and when they land on me, I can tell he’s sizing me up.
“You look new,” he says warmly, as if he's been greeting strangers for years. “First time here?”
I blink, caught off guard , then smile. “Yeah, I’m on a… vacation, I guess. Staying at the cabins near here. Figured I’d check it out.”
He gives me a quick once-over and then nods. “Arlo Benton. Good to meet you.”
I shake his hand, noting the roughness of his grip. “Aurora Harper.”
Arlo’s eyes narrow slightly, but it’s not unkind. “Well, you’re in for an interesting night, Aurora. We’re just getting started here.”
I raise an eyebrow, looking around at the crowd. “What’s going on tonight?”
He chuckles, a low sound that seems to vibrate in his chest. “You’ve picked a good night. New owners took over The Hollow today. People are curious about the changes. Stick around long enough, and you’ll get the full story.” He winks, then slides a drink down the bar to someone else. “Take a seat, enjoy yourself. You’re among friends here.”
I nod, deciding to follow his advice. I take a step back and scan my eyes around the bar, seeking out a chair.
“Hey, you.”
The man’s bright blue eyes lock on mine, sharp and playful. He’s already decided he’s going to make my night interesting.
He’s leaning against another table, tousled dark blond hair falling messily over his forehead. His grin is wide, effortless, like he’s just stepped out of some magazine shoot for guys who look good without trying.
“Erm… hi.”
“Aurora, right?” He steps closer to me. “I heard you talking to Arlo. Finn Reilly.”
“Finn,” I repeat in a whisper, my lips twitching as I take in the effortless way he holds himself. I bet he’s never tried too hard in his life.
He shrugs with a devil-may-care smile.
“The one and only,” he says, smooth as melted whiskey. “What’s a beautiful stranger like you doing in a place like this? Breaking hearts?”
“I’m just passing through,” I reply, but my smile can’t quite hide the curiosity that’s creeping up on me. There’s something magnetic about him, but I can’t put my finger on it yet.
“Well, I’m glad youstopped by.” Finn points to the seat next to him at the bar, then gestures grandly around the room. “The Hollow’s where the magic happens in this sleepy town.”
I can’t help but raise an eyebrow. “Magic, huh?”
“Oh yeah,” he says, leaning in slightly, sharing a secret. “It’s the kind of magic that sneaks up on you when you’re least expecting it.”
