Even though the sun had yet to set, the restaurant was already buzzing with customers.
Skylar and Joe arrived early, thankfully having reserved a table with the owner ahead of time. Without a reservation, they would’ve had to wait in the long, growing line outside.
The open-air seating area was lively, filled with the sounds of clinking glasses, sizzling grills, and cheerful conversation. The smoky aroma of barbeque drifted through the air, mixing with laughter and chatter.
After taking their seats, Skylar scanned the menu eagerly. Still energized from her nap in the car, she felt like she could devour half the menu.
She ordered a generous spread—mostly dishes she and Steven had enjoyed in the past. After placing the initial order, she handed the menu over to Joe.
“Take a look and see what you’d like,” she said casually.
Joe took the menu, eyebrows raising slightly as he saw the long, densely printed list of options. He ended up choosing beef skewers and a bowl of noodles—safe picks that appealed to him.
He hadn’t really known what to order.
It wasn’t that Joe disliked barbeque. In fact, he’d always wanted to try places like this. But between his tight schedule and lack of company, he had never found the opportunity.
Now, sitting here with Skylar, he found himself in unfamiliar territory—both in cuisine and in company.
Skylar, catching on to his hesitation, leaned over and pointed at a few more dishes.
“I think you might like these too. Want to try them?”
Joe nodded with genuine interest. “Sure.”
As they waited, a familiar figure approached from the crowd—Steven.
From a distance, he could already make out Skylar seated at the table. But he also noticed the man sitting across from her. Though the crowd made it hard to see clearly, there was something familiar about the man’s profile.
Steven squinted.
That guy… why does he seem familiar?
And what was he doing wearing a suit at a barbecue joint?
Steven, in contrast, had come dressed casually in a loose T-shirt and shorts. When Skylar told him they were eating here, he’d thought it was a laid-back get-together. Now, standing among the diners in his casual outfit, he felt oddly underdressed.
Still, looking polished didn’t automatically mean someone had substance. Steven would find out soon enough if this man was worth Skylar’s trust.
As he came closer, the familiarity of Joe’s face only grew stronger. He felt certain they had met—or at least, he’d seen him somewhere before.
“Steven.” Skylar looked up and waved as he approached.
Both she and Joe stood to greet him.
Joe offered a polite nod. “Hello.”
Up close, Joe looked just as composed as he had from a distance—sharp, confident, and calm. His presence had a quiet intensity that made him seem older than he actually was.
Steven was taken aback for a moment. Joe was, undeniably, a good-looking man. The kind of appearance that could easily charm someone if they weren’t careful.
But Steven wasn’t interested in appearances. He studied Joe closely, trying to see past the polished exterior. He’d learned the hard way—some men wore good looks like a mask.
Steven’s eyes narrowed slightly as he observed Joe’s demeanor. The more he looked, the more certain he became that he had seen Joe somewhere before.
“I’m Skye’s brother—Steven,” he finally said, extending a hand.
Joe accepted it with a steady grip. “Joe Martin. I’m Skylar’s husband.”
Skylar watched their exchange nervously.
There was something intense about the way Steven was looking at Joe—like he was trying to cut right through him. She hadn’t seen her brother this guarded in a long time.
But then, she understood. After everything that had happened with Christopher, Steven had every reason to be protective.
Thinking back on her past, Skylar felt a pang of guilt. Her family had been through so much because of her poor judgment. She had been so blinded by love that she couldn’t see the truth until it was too late.
“Joe Martin?” Steven echoed, frowning. That name…
A flicker of recognition passed through his eyes.
“What do you do?” Steven asked, his tone casual but probing.
Joe responded without hesitation. “I’m the CEO of Martin Group.”
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