The pool wasn't busy.
At nearly closing, the cavernous room echoed only with the low hum of pumps and the occasional ripple of water.
I hesitated in the entryway, clutching my bag like it was a shield.
"This place looks… empty." My voice bounced too loud against the tiled walls.
Lucian was already speaking to the man at the counter, his tall frame angled slightly. The man, a broad-shouldered giant of a person with sun-darkened skin, sandy blond hair, and the kind of easy grin that looked carved into his face, clapped Lucian on the arm with a laugh.
Then his eyes flicked over Lucian's shoulder, landing on me.
"Maeve Sinclair!"
I blinked, startled, before recognition hit me like a bucket of cold water.
"Connor?"
God. I hadn't seen him in years. He used to work summers as a lifeguard at the community pool, where I'd sat with my friends pretending to tan while sneaking glances at him through oversized sunglasses.
