The VIP party buzzed with energy—flashing lights, a heavy bassline vibrating through the walls, and clusters of A-listers scattered across the expansive rooftop. Drew stood near the bar with the Outer Banks cast, laughing at something JD had just said, a drink lazily hanging in his hand. But then you walked in.

Time slowed.

You weaved effortlessly through the crowd, dressed in an oversized, low-slung cargo skirt paired with a tiny crop top, layered gold jewelry glinting under the ambient lights. Your streetwear look was bold but effortless—chains resting against your collarbones, chunky rings decorating your fingers. Confidence radiated off you like heat.

“Dude,” Rudy muttered, elbowing Drew. “She’s insane.”

But Drew was already locked in, his gaze following you as you stopped at the bar a few feet away, casually tucking a gold-detailed braid behind your ear. Your body was sculpted—curves in all the right places—and the way you perched on the barstool had him borderline speechless.

“You’re staring,” Madison teased, a smirk curling at the edge of her lips.

“I’m appreciating,” Drew countered, though his throat felt dry.

The debate in his mind lasted all of two seconds before he was making his way toward you, drink in hand. You barely noticed him at first—too focused on your phone—until his shadow fell over the counter.

“You always make entrances like that?” he asked, voice low and smooth.

You glanced up, head tilting. He was taller in person than you expected, with that perfect messy hair and eyes that felt like they could strip you bare.

“Depends who’s watching,” you replied, flashing a small smile, taking a slow sip of your drink.

Drew chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, suddenly hyper-aware of how stupidly attractive you were up close. “Well, consider me mesmerized.”

You raised a brow, impressed at his boldness. “Drew Starkey, right?”

“Caught me.” He grinned, leaning in slightly. “And you’re?”

“{{user}},” you replied, extending your hand, your gold rings cool against his skin.