For a heartbeat, it felt like there was no one else in the room

Against my better judgment, I let Darlene pull me across the club.

The music grew louder with every step.

Lights flashed overhead while strangers laughed, danced, and shouted over the DJ.

I pasted on the friendliest smile I could manage.

At least, I hoped it looked friendly.

I've been told my face has a mind of its own.

When I'm uncomfortable, it shows.

Darlene, on the other hand, looked completely at home.

She waved at the group before we even reached them, like she'd known them for years instead of an hour.

I leaned closer to her.

"What exactly are we doing?"

She grinned.

"Making friends."

"I have enough friends."

"You can never have enough friends."

I gave her a look.

She laughed, then leaned in and whispered into my ear.

"You said you're not married, right?"

I nodded cautiously.

"And I'm assuming there's no boyfriend either, since you came to the wedding alone."

"No..."

A mischievous smile spread across her face.

"Good."

"Darlene..."

"Oh, relax." She nudged my shoulder. "Have a little fun. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

I groaned.

"Please don't try to set me up."

"I'm not setting you up." She paused just long enough for me to become suspicious. "I'm... introducing you to people."

"That's the same thing."

She ignored me.

"They're here for a bachelor party," she said. "They're actually really nice."

"I somehow doubt you've known them long enough to make that assessment."

"I know enough."

Before I could argue any further, we reached the group.

There were six or seven guys gathered around one of the high-top tables, drinks in hand, laughing about something that had clearly happened before we walked over.

One of them noticed us immediately.

"There they are!" he called.

He stumbled toward us with the confidence only alcohol could provide.

"You finally brought your friend."

I forced a polite smile.

"Hi."

He looked me up and down without even trying to hide it.

"Wow," he said with a crooked grin. "You've been holding out on us."

"Darlene," I muttered through my smile.

She pretended not to hear me.

"I'm Jason," the guy said, stepping a little too close.

"Mylene."

"Beautiful name."

"Thank you."

His hand found the small of my back.

I instinctively took half a step away.

He stepped closer again.

"So..." he slurred. "You wanna dance?"

Before I could answer, another voice cut through the music.

"Easy, man."

The hand on my back disappeared.

Jason laughed.

"Relax. I was just talking to her."

"I know."

The second man's voice was calm, but firm.

I looked up.

Time stopped.

The music disappeared.

The crowd vanished.

For a heartbeat, it felt like there was no one else in the room.

He looked older than the last time I'd seen him.

More mature.

Broader shoulders.

A sharper jawline.

But those eyes...

I'd know those eyes anywhere.

My breath caught.

No...

It couldn't be.

Seven years had passed.

Seven years of wondering.

Seven years of trying to convince myself I'd moved on.

And yet...

There he was.

He looked at me with the same stunned expression.

Like he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing either.

Neither of us spoke.

Neither of us moved.

Because after seven years...

The last person either of us expected to find in a crowded Las Vegas nightclub...

Was each other.