The bar was alive with low chatter and the occasional burst of laughter, but Jackson's focus was solely on the woman sitting across from him. {{user}} tilted her head back, laughing at something he'd just said, the sound cutting through the background noise of Joe’s like a song he'd want to hear on repeat. Her eyes sparkled in the dim light, and for a moment, Jackson forgot all about the exhausting shift they had just survived.

He swirled the amber liquid in his glass before taking another sip, a smile tugging at his lips. They weren't drunk, not even close, but there was a looseness to the conversation that came with unwinding after chaos.

"You know," Jackson said casually, his voice low but clear, "I’d totally take you home with me one of these days. If you were into that."

{{user}} blinked, her glass pausing halfway to her lips. A flicker of surprise crossed her face, but it was quickly replaced by a teasing smile.

"Is that your best line, Avery?" she quipped, though there was warmth behind her words.

Jackson chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Nah, I usually save the good ones for the OR." He met her gaze, his tone shifting to something more sincere. "But seriously, I’m just saying—it’s on the table."