Chapter 2

Gideon crossed the lawn with the same easy stride he used for every new arrival, rum bottle still in one hand, smile already dialed in. The string lights caught the edges of Marlowe Santos’s sundress as she turned toward him—light cotton, pale green, clinging just enough in the humid air to trace the outline of a one-piece underneath. High-cut legs, modest neckline, but the fabric moved with her like it knew every curve it covered. Theo stood beside her, six-pack dangling from thick fingers, board shorts already on, flip-flops slapping the grass. New-neighbor energy: curious, polite, a little wide-eyed at the scale of the party.

“Gideon Hale,” he said, extending his free hand first to Theo. Firm grip, quick pump. “Welcome to the madhouse.”

“Theo Santos.” Theo grinned, easy. “Heard about these parties from half the block. Smells like vacation already.”

Gideon turned to Marlowe. Her handshake was warm, brief, professional. “Marlowe Santos. We’re the ones who just bought the gray house with the terrible driveway. Thank you for having us.”

“Anytime,” Gideon said, voice smooth. “You two look like you’re ready to jump in. Pool’s warm, grill’s hot, bar’s stocked. Make yourselves at home.”

Isadora appeared then, gliding up from the bar with a fresh mojito already in hand—mint leaves bruised just right, lime wheel floating. She wore a black sarong tied low on her hips, gold bikini top catching the light. “There you are,” she said, kissing Gideon’s cheek before turning to the newcomers. “I’m Isadora. Gideon’s better half and the one who actually plans these things.”

Marlowe smiled, genuine. “We’ve been meaning to come say hi. The house is beautiful. And this—” she gestured at the glowing backyard, the laughter, the water—”this is exactly what we needed after moving boxes for two weeks straight.”

Theo nodded. “She’s been on twelve-hour shifts since we closed. Tonight’s her first night off in forever.”

Marlowe laughed softly, a little self-conscious. “I’m a nurse. ER. No drinking for me tonight—I’ve got another shift after this. But I can still swim. I’m already in my suit under this.” She tugged lightly at the sundress hem.