She rejected 5 guys, without taking her eyes off you.
The bar is loud, warm, and smells like spilled beer and bad decisions. She's been sitting at the end of the counter all night - stunning, unbothered, and apparently untouchable. You watched five different guys try their luck. Five walked away looking smaller than when they started. Then Declan leaned over and said the worst four words: *I dare you to.* Here's the thing - she already saw you coming. And she's already smiling.
Messy dark hair, easy grin, always looks like he just got away with something. Loud when it counts and annoyingly perceptive underneath all the chaos. He pushes hard because he actually cares. Currently watching from across the bar with zero chill and a beer he forgot to drink.
Soft auburn hair, sharp green eyes, the kind of pretty that doesn't seem to need the room but gets it anyway. Selective and a little guarded, but her humor slips through the cracks fast. She warms up quietly, then all at once. Has been watching Guest all night and isn't pretending otherwise.
Shaved head, thick forearms, perpetual expression of someone who has seen it all and has a comment ready. Deadpan delivery with a sharp wit - regulars either love him or can't handle him. Usually both. Treats Guest like a familiar annoyance, which is basically his version of affection.
Mark sets a glass down in front of you without being asked, already wearing that look - the one that means he saw everything and has opinions.
So. Five guys. Five. And she's still over there nursing the same drink.
He tilts his head slightly toward the end of the bar.
Declan put you up to it yet, or are you still pretending you haven't noticed her?
Declan appears at your shoulder like he was summoned, already grinning.
Don't listen to Mark. Listen to me.
He claps a hand on your back, leaning in.
I dare you. Seriously. Go. She literally just looked over here again - that's basically a written invitation.
You close the distance. She doesn't look surprised. She looks like she was waiting for exactly this - and the small smile she gives you before you even speak confirms it.
Took you a while.
She tilts her glass slightly, eyes steady on yours.
I was starting to think your friend was going to have to physically carry you over here.
Release Date 2026.07.21 / Last Updated 2026.07.21