Reese felt her heart rate quicken as she pushed her way through the throng of elegantly dressed guests, her thoughts spiraling. The dim lighting and soft clinks of glasses provided a surreal backdrop to her current reality. Just moments ago, she'd been lost in an intense conversation with Christian in the private guest room. The lingering sensation of his closeness still tingled on her skin, but now, she had to face a different ghost from her past.

"Where have you been?" Naomi's voice cut through her thoughts like a blade. Her tone was sharp, accusatory, her eyes searching Reese's face. "I've been looking for you everywhere. I found Collin!"

Reese blinked, struggling to process her friend's words. "You did?" she asked, raising her brows in surprise. "Where is he?"

Naomi hesitated, her expression softening with concern. "Well," she began, "before I tell you, you have to promise you won't freak out."

Reese's stomach tightened. "Why would I freak out?" Her voice was cautious, every word weighed with suspicion.

Naomi took a deep breath. "Because Collin isn't alone."

"Oh," Reese responded quietly, her voice barely a whisper. She took a moment to compose herself. "I didn't think he would be."

"Are you okay?" Naomi asked gently, placing a comforting hand on Reese's arm.

Reese squared her shoulders, steeling herself against the oncoming wave of emotions. "I mean, yeah," she replied, forcing a small smile. "It's been two years; he's allowed to move on."

Naomi nodded, still looking unconvinced. "Okay, well, he's over by the bar." She paused, watching Reese carefully. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Reese shook her head quickly. "No, I'll be fine," she insisted, her voice firmer than she felt.

With a deep breath, Reese walked through the party, each step deliberate and controlled. She could feel the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her as she approached the bar area. The laughter and conversation of the guests seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the deafening sound of her own heartbeat. As she neared the bar, she spotted Collin. He stood taller than the others, his frame solid and commanding. His white cotton shirt and black silk vest clung to his muscular torso, and the moonlight streaming through the oversized accordion doors highlighted his raven black hair, making it glisten. The soft light caressed his chiseled features, revealing a strong jawline and those familiar, mesmerizing hazel eyes that had once held her captive.

As she drew closer, Collin's gaze locked onto hers, a playful smile tugging at his lips behind the rim of his champagne glass. He excused himself from the group he was entertaining and began making his way toward her. For a moment, they stood there, just a few feet apart, silently assessing the changes time had etched into each other's faces.

"You look good," Collin said finally, breaking the silence. His voice was warm, a nostalgic lilt playing in his tone.

Reese felt a pang in her chest but quickly masked it with a sardonic smile. "Nice of you to notice," she replied, a hint of challenge in her voice. "What are you doing here?" she asked, tilting her head slightly to the side, trying to sound more nonchalant than she felt.

Collin smirked, his eyes twinkling with that same mischievousness she remembered. "You know, I've always liked a good party," he teased.

"Right," Reese muttered, her voice barely audible over the buzz of the crowd. She suddenly felt very tired, the emotional weight of the evening pressing down on her.

"So, how have you been?" he asked, his confident demeanor wavering slightly, revealing a softer, more uncertain side she hadn't seen in years.

Reese hesitated, searching for the right words. "Look," she started, "Collin, I really can't do this right now."

"Do what?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of genuine curiosity. "Talk to me? You know," he continued, his voice softer now, "I was kind of disappointed that you had Naomi reach out to me about the house. Which looks great, by the way," he added, glancing around appreciatively. "You've really outdone yourself. But I thought we agreed that no matter what, we'd always be able to talk."

Reese's eyes narrowed slightly. "I think that agreement has been null and void for quite some time, wouldn't you agree?"

Collin's gaze softened, his expression earnest. "It doesn't have to be," he said quietly, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Meaning?" Reese's voice lingered in the air, unsure whether she wanted an answer.

Collin took a step closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "I miss you, Reese," he confessed, his words lingering in the space between them. "I keep thinking about what might have been. What if we'd gotten married? How different our lives could've been. We were good once," he added, a wistful smile playing at his lips.

Reese felt her heart constrict at his words. "I used to think so too," she said, her voice steady but her eyes betraying a hint of sadness.

"And now?" he asked, his gaze searching hers, hoping for a glimmer of the past to shine through.

"Collin," she sighed, "I don't think taking a trip down 'what could have been' is a good idea."

He chuckled softly, a hint of the old Collin she knew peeking through. "Since when are you full of good ideas?" he joked. "Remember the lake house?"

A soft smile broke through Reese's guarded expression. "Yes," she admitted, "that was a good day."

"See?" Collin grinned, the tension between them momentarily easing.

But Reese quickly sobered, shaking her head. "No, Collin," she said firmly. "That's all it was—just a string of good days. We weren't really happy."

Collin's face fell slightly, his brows furrowing. "What happened to you?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration. "You're different. You're not the same girl I fell in love with."

"You mean the one you cheated on?" Reese shot back, her voice laced with bitterness. "No, I haven't been that girl for a while."

Collin's expression softened again, regret shadowing his features. "Reese," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.

Reese looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "Aren't you here with someone?" she asked, changing the subject abruptly.

"You mean Cara?" he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Clearly, you remember my little sister. She's been dying to see this house ever since Naomi reached out. I guess I have been too," he added, his eyes finding hers once more.

"Oh," Reese said, blinking rapidly as if to clear her thoughts. "Well, I appreciate the support. I hope you and Cara enjoy the rest of the party," she said, turning to leave.

"Reese," he called after her, his voice stopping her in her tracks. "You've met someone, haven't you?"

Reese turned slowly, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Why do you think that?"

"Because, despite how much you think you've changed, I still know you," he said softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Are you happy?"

Reese stood still for a moment, her mind drifting to Christian and the heated exchange they had just shared. The intensity of his gaze, the way he made her feel seen, desired. "It's still early," she admitted quietly, "but yes, he wants to make me happy."

Collin nodded, a sad smile crossing his face. "Well, I guess it's my loss then right?," he asked, meeting her gaze one last time. "Take care, Reese," he added, turning back to the crowd.

Reese watched him go, a mixture of relief and sadness washing over her. "Yeah, you too," she mumbled, more to herself than to him. She turned once more, her heart heavy yet lighter than it had been in a long time.