The night was alive with music, laughter, and the sound of waves crashing onto the shore. Drinks flowed freely, and the bonfire's glow painted warm hues over the sand. Callie found herself caught up in the energy, dancing with her colleagues, letting go of every lingering thought of the past.
Ava had already lost herself in the rhythm, pulling Callie with her onto the makeshift dance floor near the bonfire. "Tonight, we are letting loose! No thoughts, just vibes!" Ava declared, raising her drink high before taking a generous sip.
Callie laughed, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spread through her. She swayed to the beat, enjoying the moment, when she caught a familiar gaze through the flickering flames.
Dave.
His eyes were locked on her, unreadable yet intense. He sat with a drink in his hand, surrounded by a few colleagues, but his attention was unmistakably elsewhere—on her. The sight sent an unexpected rush through her, a tension she wasn't sure how to handle.
She turned away quickly, focusing on the music, determined not to let his gaze get to her. But the attraction was undeniable, and every time she moved, she felt the weight of his eyes following her.
Needing a moment to clear her head, Callie excused herself from the group and made her way toward the restroom near the resort's open-air bar. The cool night breeze was a welcome contrast to the warmth flooding her cheeks.
Just as she reached the dimly lit hallway leading to the restrooms, she felt a presence behind her.
"Leaving the party so soon?"
She turned sharply, already knowing who it was before she saw him. Dave stood there, hands in his pockets, his gaze unwavering. The sharpness of his suit from earlier had been replaced with something more casual—an open-collared shirt and rolled-up sleeves, but he still carried the same air of authority.
Callie swallowed, suddenly aware of how alone they were in the quiet hallway. "Just needed a break. It's a bit overwhelming out there."
Dave took a step closer, his voice low. "I noticed. You've been avoiding looking at me all night."
Her breath hitched, but she forced herself to meet his eyes. "I wasn't avoiding you. I was just... having fun."
His lips curled into a smirk. "You're a terrible liar."
Callie exhaled, feeling the tension crackle between them. The air was thick with unspoken words, with things neither of them were willing to admit—yet.
"Maybe I should go back before Ava comes looking for me," she said, turning slightly.
But before she could take another step, Dave reached out, gently grasping her wrist. It wasn't forceful, just enough to make her pause. "Stay. Just for a moment."
Her heart pounded as she looked up at him. The flickering lights from the bonfire outside barely reached them, but she could see the sincerity in his expression, the hesitation, as if he was fighting himself just as much as she was.
Callie didn't move. And neither did he.
Tonight was going to be more than just interesting.