Chapter 18 - Unwanted Encounters

Callie wasn't in the mood for a night out, but Ava was relentless.

"It's my birthday, Callie! You can't say no!" Ava whined, tugging at Callie's arm dramatically.

Callie sighed, knowing resistance was futile. "Fine. Just dinner."

"And drinks after!" Ava added with a triumphant grin.

They ended up at a cozy restaurant, the lively chatter and warm lights making it easy to let go of the day's stress. Callie managed to enjoy herself, letting the wine ease her lingering thoughts about work and everything else. But after dinner, as they walked into a dimly lit bar, she suddenly felt uneasy.

Ava pulled her toward the counter, ordering their first round of drinks. Callie was about to take a sip when she felt it—that strange sensation of being watched.

She turned her head, and her heart did an unwelcome jolt.

There, in the far corner of the bar, sat Dave Howard.

His dark eyes were trained on her, an unreadable expression on his face. He wasn't alone. A few of their officemates surrounded him, chatting and laughing, but he seemed distracted. Callie swallowed hard, quickly turning back toward Ava, pretending she hadn't seen him.

"Okay, what's up with you?" Ava nudged her. "You just went stiff as a board."

Callie forced a laugh. "Nothing. Just… didn't expect to see anyone from work here."

"Oh!" Ava followed her gaze, then smirked. "You mean the boss? Yeah, the guys invited him. Didn't expect him to actually show up, though. He doesn't seem like the type to hang out."

"Yeah. He doesn't," Callie muttered, taking a long sip of her drink.

But even as she tried to ignore him, she couldn't shake the weight of his gaze. Every so often, she would glance up, only to catch him looking at her again. There was something unnerving about it—like he was studying her, trying to figure her out.

Annoyed, she turned back to her drink, deciding to focus on enjoying the night. She wouldn't let him get under her skin.

Yet somehow, he always managed to.