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“Good thing I’m not weak.”

His grin widens slightly. “That’s exactly what Rhett said you’d say. I’m Jace, Search & Rescue.”

My grip tightens faintly around the glass. “Rhett talks about me?”

“Not much.” Jace takes a drink. “That’s how we know he’s interested.”

“I’m not interested in Rhett.”

“Didn’t say you were.”

I glare at him.

He laughs outright this time.

“You city girls are fun.”

“I’m not a city girl.”

“You’re drinking tequila at a mountain bachelor auction while wearing boots that cost more than my truck tires,” he says calmly. “You’re definitely a city girl.”

Before I can answer, the microphone squeals loudly overhead.

“Alright, ladies,” the auctioneer booms. “Who’s ready to spend irresponsible amounts of money for mountain men and women and make some questionable life decisions?”

The crowd erupts.

A woman near the front yells, “Take your shirt off, Rune!”

Rune points toward her dramatically. “Buy me dinner first, sweetheart.”

The room explodes into laughter.

I can’t help smiling despite myself.

The energy here is infectious. Loud and chaotic and warm in a way Seattle never is.

Until it shifts.

It happens slowly at first.

A few glances.

A whisper behind me.

Then another.

The back of my neck prickles instantly.

I turn slightly on the stool, scanning the room.

And there he is.

Dark baseball cap.

Tourist jacket.

Too focused on me.