I’d felt it like a physical touch and hated myself for the way my body responded.

“I broke up with Jake,” I said. The words tumbling out before I could stop them. “Six months ago. In case you’re wondering why I’m… free to be here.”

Something shifted in his expression. “I heard. Jake mentioned it.” No sympathy in his voice. Just acknowledgment. “Tough break.”

“And you? The divorce?”

“Finalized last year.” His hand found my arm—light, but deliberate. Sparks shot through me at the contact. “Seeing you here tonight, though. That’s a surprise.” A pause. “A good one.”

We talked. Or tried to, over the pounding music. Surface things at...