She’s smaller than I pictured. I knew she was short, but seeing her curled into her chair, barely reaching the edge of the table compared to me? It’s different. It makes me hyperaware of how much space I take up, how much bigger I am than her. I’m still processing that, still trying to drink her in without being obvious, when she turns to Cassie, her expression shifting into full dramatic flair.

“This is, without a doubt, the best iced coffee I’ve ever had,” she declares, lifting the cup like she’s making a toast. “It has officially ruined me for all other coffee.”

Cassie rolls her eyes over the rim of her own drink. “So, you’re saying I was wrong to make you try something new.”

Haven groans. “Don’t make this about you.”

I watch them, amused, sipping my coffee while Haven mutters something under her breath about Cassie being intolerable. Maybe I’d keep enjoying this, keep soaking in the way she leans into their banter so effortlessly, but then… out of the corner of my eye, I see movement through the window. And just like that, my entire body goes tense. Tate. Standing outside the café. Right by the curb, leaning against a streetlamp like he’s got all the time in the world, and isn’t in the middle of some calculated move.

Shit. He’s watching, waiting. I don’t know what his next move is, but I do know one thing. I need to get Haven out of here before he makes it for me. I don’t know what he’s planning. That’s the problem.

I turn my gaze back to Haven, who’s still completely unaware, still talking to Cassie about the flavor notes in her drink like she’s a coffee connoisseur instead of someone who lives off energy drinks.

I clear my throat, pushing back from the table in what I hope looks like a casual stretch. “So,” I say, standing up, keeping my tone as easy as possible. “What’s next? You guys wanna check out more of the town?”

Haven looks up at me, blinking in confusion. “We just got our drinks.”

Shit. Okay, adjust the plan. I gesture toward the counter. “We can take them to go.”

Cassie tilts her head, eyeing me suspiciously. “You in a rush or something?”

Yes. Absolutely. Because my brother is right outside, probably deciding whether he wants to reveal himself or keep playing this sick little game where he lurks around and watches from a distance. But I can’t say that, so instead I force a grin, pretending like I’m not actively suppressing the urge to drag Haven out of here immediately.

“Nah, just figured I could show you more than a coffee shop,” I say, shrugging like it’s no big deal. “Unless you guys wanna sit here all night.”