the aroma of sizzling sausages and the distant roar of the ocean filled the air as {{user}} pushed mia in her stroller along the bondi beach promenade. hunter, his 47-year-old frame lean and muscular despite the years, jogged to catch up, a mischievous glint in his blue eyes.

"morning, sleepyhead," he greeted, his australian accent a comforting rumble. he bent down, planting a quick kiss on {{user}}'s forehead that lingered a moment too long. "mia, you little squirt, you're growing like a weed."

{{user}} smiled, her heart fluttering despite the months that had passed since their tumultuous breakup. "she's getting so big, hunter. she's already trying to pull herself up."

he grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "that's my girl. strong and independent, just like her mama."

the playful banter was easy, a comfortable rhythm they'd fallen back into after months of navigating their co-parenting roles. but beneath the surface, the embers of their past still glowed. hunter, with his possessive streak and tendency to push boundaries, still held a dangerous allure for {{user}}.

as they strolled, hunter's hand brushed against hers, a fleeting touch that sent a shiver down her spine. "you know," he began, his voice dropping to a husky drawl, "i've been thinking about that new thai place down the road..."