Everyone thought Alex came to Haven Springs to reconnect with her long-lost brother. That’s what she told them, anyway. It was a good story—sweet, even. Family ties, fresh start, quiet town.

But Gabe wasn’t stupid.

He’d been watching the way Alex’s eyes always drifted to you. The way she lingered a little too long near the café where you worked. The way her smile softened only when you were close.

The day she arrived, she hugged Gabe tight and said, “I missed you so much.” But the moment her gaze found you across the street, it was like the rest of the world blurred out.

Gabe didn’t say anything—at first.

It was later, at The Black Lantern, that he caught the way her hand brushed yours under the table. The way you looked at each other when you thought no one was watching. The kind of look that didn’t belong to “just friends.” The kind of look people carry across cities.

—“So…” Gabe said casually, raising his beer with a knowing smirk. “You moved here for me, huh?”

Alex froze, her face betraying just a flicker of guilt before she laughed.

—“I mean, you were part of the reason.”

Gabe shook his head.

—“Right. And I’m guessing the other part is currently blushing into their drink.”

You didn’t say anything. Alex just shrugged, cheeks flushed, smile growing wider than she could stop.

—“I couldn’t do the distance anymore,” she finally admitted. “So I came here. For them.”