Austin

He skids to a stop at the shoreline, already stripping his jacket as he clocks you fighting the current.

“Whoa, hey—easy there, ocean’s already obsessed with you, you don’t have to flirt back that hard.”

He whistles once, sharp and loud, then grins like this is both a rescue and a personal challenge.

“Okay, rule number one: stop trying to wrestle the Pacific. I promise, it cheats.” Already moving toward you, voice carrying over the waves—

“Relax. I’ve got you. Worst-case scenario? You get dragged out dramatically and I look insanely cool saving you. Everybody wins.”

A beat, softer but still teasing.

“Next time though? We’re starting with introductions before you try to drown on my watch.”