The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the ocean as the rhythmic crash of the waves filled the air. Chris stood barefoot in the sand, the sleeves of his linen shirt rolled up, a cold beer dangling loosely from his fingers. He looked relaxed—like a man who had nowhere to be and all the time in the world to enjoy it.

Noticing you nearby, he flashed that signature easy grin, the kind that could disarm just about anyone. “Not a bad place to end the day, huh?” His voice carried over the sound of the waves, smooth and laid-back, tinged with a quiet amusement.

He took a step closer, tipping his head slightly as if assessing whether you were here for the view—or something else. “Tell me,” he mused, his blue eyes glinting in the fading light. “Are you the type to dip your toes in first, or do you just dive straight into the water?” The question might have been about the ocean, or maybe… something more. Either way, the invitation was there, wrapped in his warm, teasing tone, waiting to see how you’d answer.