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Jo put a hand on Evelyn’s knee, bringing her back to the moment. “Hey,” Jo said softly, her eyes filled with concern. “Don’t let Mica get to you. She’s just teasing.”

Managing a small smile, Evelyn tried to ignore the disappointment she felt at Jo’s words.Of course, she is just teasing, she thought.Why would someone like Jo actually want to take me home?“I’m fine,” she said, even as her mind raced with conflicting emotions. As she tried to decide what to do next, Evelyn caught sight of a familiar face pushing through the crowd. Her stomach dropped as she recognized her sister, Jasmine, making a beeline toward them with a determined look on her face.

“Evie,” Jasmine called, her voice carrying over a lull in the music. “We were beginning to wonder what happened to you.”

Evelyn felt Jo’s hand slip away from her knee as Jasmine approached, and she immediately missed its comfortingwarmth. “Really?” she asked. “I’m sorry. I was just having a drink with my new friends.”

Jasmine’s eyes darted between Evelyn and Jo. “Oh, right,” she said. “I remember. She asked you to dance.”

Before Jasmine could say anything else, Jo extended her hand with an easy smile. “I’m Jo,” she introduced herself. “Nice to meet you.”

“Jasmine,” she said, shaking Jo’s hand. “Evelyn’s sister.”

The tension in the air was palpable, and Evelyn found herself caught between the two women. She noted the concern in Jasmine’s eyes, the protective big sister instinct kicking into overdrive. “Jasmine,” Evelyn said, trying to keep her voice light. “You remember this was your idea, right? Coming toSapphirefor my birthday?”

Jasmine’s expression softened slightly, but the worry didn’t leave her eyes. “I know, I only wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Jo cleared her throat, drawing both sisters’ attention. “I promise you,” she said. “Evelyn’s in safe hands. We’re having a drink. Nothing to worry about.”

Evelyn felt a rush of warmth at Jo’s words, grateful for her intervention. But Jasmine didn’t look entirely convinced. “Okay,” she said, her tone skeptical, but she looked at Evelyn. “At least come and say goodbye to Sophie and Brooke. They are leaving soon.”

“Okay, I will,” Evelyn said. “I’ll only be another few minutes.”

“Okay,” Jasmine said with one last pointed look at Jo and then made her way back through the crowd.

Evelyn found herself standing at a crossroads. On one side was the familiar, safe path she had always walked. The path of caution and careful consideration. On the other was Jo, representing everything unknown and exhilarating, a chance to step outside her comfort zone and try something she onlyimagined. Jo’s hand found hers, their fingers intertwining. The move felt as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “You okay?” she asked.

Evelyn took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on her. She was acutely aware of Jo’s closeness, of the electricity that seemed to crackle between them.

Mica’s words echoed in her mind. “…taking the birthday girl home.” She felt a surge of desire so strong, it almost overwhelmed her. But there was fear too, a nagging voice in the back of her mind warning her to be careful, to protect her heart. Jo was clearly experienced, very confident, and everything Evelyn wasn’t.What if this is just another conquest for her?she wondered.What if I’m setting myself up for heartbreak?

As if sensing her internal struggle, Jo squeezed her hand gently. “Hey,” she said, her voice low so only Evelyn could hear. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. We can keep dancing, or you can go home with your friends. No pressure.”

Evelyn’s heart swelled at Jo’s words. She looked into her warm brown eyes, seeing nothing but sincerity and a hint of vulnerability that surprised her. In that moment, she realized that maybe she was wrong. Maybe Jo was as unsure as she was. The realization gave Evelyn a burst of courage and she squeezed Jo’s hand. “I don’t want to go home,” she said softly. “Not yet, anyway.”

Jo’s answering smile was radiant, lighting up her handsome face. “Yeah?” she said, a hint of excitement in her voice. “What do you want to do?”

Biting her lip, Evelyn’s heart raced as she contemplated her next words. She knew she stood on the edge of something important, something that could change everything. But for once in her life, she didn’t want to overthink it. She didn’t want to play it safe. “I want...” she started, her voice barely above awhisper. “I want to see where this goes. With you.” The words hung in the air between them.

Jo’s eyes darkened, her gaze dropping to Evelyn’s lips for a moment before meeting her eyes again. “Are you sure?” she asked, her voice husky.

Nodding, Evelyn surprised herself with her certainty. “I’m sure,” she said, her voice stronger now. “I want this.” She quickly stood. “Let me go tell my friends goodnight.” Her heart raced at what she was about to say next. “I’ll be right back.”

Still feeling a little thrown off balance, Jo watched Evelyn make her way through the crowded bar. The night had taken an unexpected turn, and for once in her life, Jo found herself at a loss. She was excited, but also nervous in a way she had never experienced before. For some reason, Evelyn didn’t feel like any other conquest.

“Incredible.” Mica’s voice cut through Jo’s thoughts. “Look who’s actually looking nervous. I never thought I’d see the day.”

Snorting a laugh, Jo tried to maintain her usual cool demeanor. “I’m not nervous,” she said, but the words sounded hollow even to her own ears.

Mica raised an eyebrow. “Nice try. Come on, Jo,” she said. “I’ve known you for years. You’re practically vibrating with tension.”

With a sigh, Jo ran a hand through her hair. “I don’t know. It’s different somehow,” she said. “She’s not like the others.”

“No kidding,” Mica said, her tone softening. “I’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you look at her. It’s kind of adorable, actually.”

Jo felt her cheeks heat up, an unfamiliar sensation. She was used to being the one in control, the one who made others blush and stammer. Yet, as Evelyn approached, looking slightlyflushed and more beautiful than ever, Jo took a deep breath, reminding herself of who she was.I am Jo Fuller, mechanic extraordinaire and legendary heartbreaker, she thought.I can handle this.

“Hi,” Evelyn said softly, her eyes meeting Jo’s with a mixture of shyness and desire that made Jo’s heart skip a beat.