The morning Ava met Noah Kapoor, she was already having a terrible day.
Her alarm didn't ring.
Her favorite jeans had coffee stains.
And a pigeon had attempted to steal her croissant on the way to work.
So naturally, when she rushed into the bookstore café carrying a tray of freshly brewed lattes, she slammed directly into a tall man in an expensive navy suit.
Coffee flew everywhere.
Including on him.
The café fell silent.
The man stared at his ruined shirt.
Ava stared at the disaster she'd created.
"Oh no," she whispered.
"You think?" he replied dryly.
Maya leaned over the counter, whispering loudly, "Wow. Ava. You've discovered a new flirting technique."
"I am NOT flirting!" Ava hissed.
The man sighed.
"I assume you work here."
"Yes," Ava said quickly. "And I am so sorry."
He looked at her.
Then at the coffee dripping from his sleeve.
Then back at her.
"Well," he said calmly, "this is not how I imagined my morning."
Ava forced a smile.
"Good news," she said. "Your day can only improve from here."
He raised an eyebrow.
"I admire your optimism."