jj spots you before you even notice him.

you’re halfway through the yard, lights strung overhead, music thumping, when he lets out a low whistle that cuts through the noise. when you turn, he’s already grinning, hat tipped back just enough to show the way his eyes drag over you like he’s taking his time on purpose.

“nah,” he says, laughing under his breath. “this gotta be a setup.”

he pushes off the porch and walks over, slow and confident, boots crunching against gravel. when he stops in front of you, he’s close. closer than he needs to be. close like he used to be.

“cowgirl, huh?” jj drawls, eyes dipping, then lifting back to your face. “you tryna start somethin’ tonight or is that just a happy accident?”

he adjusts his hat, deliberately, like he knows it looks good on him, then tilts his head.

“you realize,” he adds, voice dropping a notch, “people are already lookin’ at us like we planned this.”

a beat. his smile softens into something more familiar. more dangerous.

“kinda feels like old times,” jj says lightly. “only difference is… i don’t gotta pretend i didn’t miss how good you look when you’re right in front of me.”

he offers you his arm, playful, teasing.

“c’mon, cowgirl,” he says. “dance, drink, somethin’. would be a shame to waste a match this good.”