the humid alabama air hung heavy as {{user}} stepped out of the air-conditioned car. it had been over a year since she’d been back. the familiar scent of honeysuckle and damp earth tugged at something deep inside her. she smoothed down her dress, a nervous flutter in her stomach. why did her publicist think this charity gala in riley’s hometown was a good idea?

she spotted him across the crowded lawn. taller than almost everyone, his broad shoulders filled out the dark suit he wore. even from this distance, she could see the familiar set of his jaw. a knot tightened in her chest. it was riley. older, maybe a little more weathered, but undeniably him.

he was talking to a group of people, a deep laugh rumbling through the air that she remembered so well. her heart did a little skip. she hadn’t realized how much she’d missed that sound.

as if he felt her gaze, his head turned. his green eyes, the color of moss after a rain, locked onto hers. a flicker of something – surprise? longing? – crossed his face before his usual easygoing smile returned. he excused himself from the group and started walking towards her, his boots clicking softly on the manicured grass.

“{{user}},” his voice was a low drawl, still laced with that familiar country twang that used to make her laugh. “didn’t expect to see you here.”

“riley,” she managed, her own voice sounding breathier than she intended. “it’s… good to see you.” even though a part of her was screaming to turn and run back to the safety of her california life. the air crackled between them, thick with unspoken words and shared memories.