When he pulls back, his hands linger on my arms for a beat longer than necessary. Long enough to make me wonder if he’s going to kiss me. Long enough to make me realize that I wouldn’t stop him. “See you tomorrow, Selene.”

I manage a small smile. “See you then, Hot Shot,” I say as he walks away.

Instead of walking into the cafe like I thought he would, he walks past my Subaru and to the passenger side of an old, beat-up truck. He catches me checking it out and laughs, tapping the hood.

“It was my uncle’s.” He says like it’s an answer to a question I didn’t ask.

I just smile at him as Valkyrie and I get in my SUV to head home. On the drive, I can’t help but feel a shift deep in my chest. I’d come to the lake looking for solitude… but somehow, I’d left with an unexpected gift. A connection. And maybe—just maybe—that’s exactly what I needed.

5

Theo

The engine rumbles beneath my hands as I steer my old truck down the quiet streets of Shadow Grove. The truck—a ‘93 Ford F-150 with more character than reliability—was my uncle’s before it was mine. He took damn good care of it, and I am beyond grateful he let me have this piece of him after he passed. The dashboard’s a little worn, and the radio takes some sweet-talking to cooperate, but it still drives smoothly. Steady. Dependable. At least, when it wants to be.

Like the man who left it to me.

I exhale, tapping my fingers against the wheel, glancing at the bouquet of fresh herbs and wildflowers I just picked up from the supermarket, sitting in the passenger seat. Not roses, not anything too much—just a simple bouquet that smells like summer and fresh starts. I told myself I wouldn’t overthink tonight, but here I am, running through the checklist in my head to make sure nothing is missed before we head back to my house.

Food? Check.

Drinks? Check.

Playlist? Already queued up.

Selene doesn’t strike me as someone who needs grand gestures. She doesn’t seem like the type to swoon over candlelit dinners or elaborate surprises. If anything, I get the sense she’d find them suffocating. She values control—keeps people at arm’s length until they prove they deserve to be let in. Tonight isn’t about impressing her with fancy restaurants or over-the-top plans. It’s about making her feel comfortable. Seen.