**Chapter 3: "Rekindling Old Flames"**

The warm glow of the resort's bar beckoned to Dorothy like a siren's call, drawing her in with its promise of relaxation and indulgence. She had spent the day lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun and trying to shake off the stress of her daily life in Miami. As she pushed open the door and slipped inside, the sounds of clinking glasses and muted conversation enveloped her, a soothing balm for her frazzled nerves. The bar was a cozy, intimate space, with plush couches and a fire pit that crackled and popped like a gentle flame. Dorothy made her way to the bar, ordering a glass of white wine as she scanned the room for a familiar face. That was when she saw him - Lucas Hollingsworth, her old flame and a charming entrepreneur, sitting at a table in the corner, sipping a glass of scotch. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time stood still. The noise of the bar, the laughter of the other patrons, it all faded into the background as they locked gazes. Dorothy felt a spark of attraction, a flutter in her chest that she thought had long been extinguished. She made her way over to him, her heels clicking on the floor, her heart pounding in her ears. "Lucas," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't know you were here." Lucas looked up, a smile spreading across his face. "Dorothy," he said, his voice low and husky. "You look more beautiful than ever." Dorothy felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she slid into the seat across from him. They chatted for a while, catching up on old times, reminiscing about their past adventures. The conversation flowed easily, like a gentle stream, and Dorothy found herself feeling more and more at ease. As they talked, Lucas reached out and took her hand, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "I'm so glad I ran into you," he said, his eyes locked on hers. "I've often wondered what could have been between us." Dorothy felt a flutter in her chest, a sense of excitement and possibility. She had thought she was over Lucas, that she had moved on with her life. But as she looked into his eyes, she realized that the spark between them was still alive, still burning bright. They made plans for dinner, and Lucas invited her to join him for a series of resort-sponsored events. Dorothy agreed, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation that she hadn't felt in years. As they parted ways, Lucas walked her back to her villa, the warm tropical air filled with the scent of exotic flowers. They stood outside her door, lingering, neither of them wanting the night to end. "I'm glad we're doing this," Lucas said, his voice low and husky. Dorothy smiled, feeling a sense of possibility. "Me too," she said. And with that, they shared a soft, gentle kiss, the spark between them igniting like a flame. It was a kiss that left Dorothy breathless, a kiss that made her realize that she still had feelings for Lucas, feelings that she thought had long been buried. As she slipped into bed that night, Dorothy couldn't help but wonder what the future held. She had a feeling that this chance encounter with Lucas was just the beginning of a new chapter in her life, a chapter filled with possibility and excitement. And as she drifted off to sleep, she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, a sense that her life was about to change in ways she never could have imagined.