The smell of grilled steak and fresh basil lingered in the summer air as laughter echoed through Isla Monroe’s backyard. The soft golden rays of the setting sun danced across her skin as she topped off a few drinks and handed them out to her friends. Hosting summer BBQs had become a tradition—a momentary escape from life’s stress, expectations, and her quietly crumbling post-divorce routine.
She smoothed her sundress and glanced toward the open gate, waiting for her guests' arrival.
“Isla!” Marcie called out, waving. “I invited Liam to come by. Hope that’s okay.”
“Liam?” Isla echoed, her smile flickering. “Of course. It’s been years since I’ve seen that boy.”
Boy.
The word died in her throat the moment he stepped into her yard.
Liam Carter was not a boy anymore.
He was tall-no, towe
