Callie had barely settled under the shade of a beach umbrella when a shadow loomed over her. Looking up, she found none other than Dave standing beside her, his expression impassive.
"Nice choice of swimwear," he said in a tone that almost sounded... begrudging. "It suits you."
Callie blinked, momentarily taken aback. A compliment? From him?
Before she could respond, he glanced toward a group of male colleagues still openly staring at her. His jaw tightened.
"Though I'm not sure you noticed," he added, his voice lower, "but half the guys here can't keep their eyes off you."
Callie raised an eyebrow, unsure whether to feel flattered or uncomfortable. "It's a beach, Dave. People wear swimsuits."
"Right." His expression remained unreadable. "Just be careful."
Her brows furrowed. "Be careful? Of what?"
His lips pressed together as if debating his next words. Then, in a voice even lower, he muttered, "Some of these guys don't always have the best intentions when alcohol's involved. Just… keep your guard up."
Callie stared at him, a strange mix of appreciation and irritation bubbling inside her. Was he trying to look out for her, or was this just another way of exerting control?
"I can handle myself, Dave," she said, lifting her chin slightly.
He exhaled sharply through his nose, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he nodded. "I know."
And with that, he walked off, leaving Callie feeling strangely unsettled.
Ava plopped down beside her with an exaggerated sigh. "Okay, I take it back. That wasn't just him noticing. That was something else."
Callie rolled her eyes, though her heart was still beating faster than normal. "It was just Dave being Dave."
Ava smirked. "Sure. If that's what you want to tell yourself."
But as Callie watched him walk away, her mind spun with more questions than answers. And deep down, she wasn't sure she believed her own words either.