You had Minnie's hand in one of yours and a half-finished drink in the other, weaving through bodies. Jacey had already abandoned both of you for Bryant — again. She was near the kitchen counter, leaning in close to him, very obviously flirting. Bryant looked as unimpressed as always. Whatever. She'd get bored eventually.

You kept walking.

Then stopped. Minnie nearly walked straight into your back.

Three slow steps backward. And there he was — the man you'd passed without processing. Tall. Broad. Dark hair falling over his forehead. A drink in one hand, mid-sentence with the two guys beside him.

Someone laughed somewhere behind you. Jason's friends exchanged a look. He didn't move — just waited, watching you with open curiosity, mouth curving like he was already enjoying himself.