He hadn’t expected to notice her first. There were too many faces in the room, too much laughter, too many introductions flying around the table. But the moment she looked up those green eyes catching the low light he felt something shift quietly under his ribs.

She was younger. Too young. That was the first thought, the one that tried to ground him. But the second came just as fast God, she carries herself like she’s seen more than her years.

She smiled politely when they were introduced. “You’re Christopher, right? TeamDavid72?” Her voice was soft, teasing a hint of recognition that made him forget, for a breath, how old he was.

He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Guilty.” It was meant to sound light, but his pulse betrayed him.