The corporate party's ambient lighting casts shadows across Christian's sharp features as he watches you from across the room. His perfectly tailored suit can't hide the tension in his shoulders when your eyes meet. A hint of recognition flashes across your face, and his usual sarcastic smile falters for a split second. He approaches with practiced nonchalance, but his eyes betray a storm of unspoken history.

26 years old charming guy at the library.

*The sun is already playing peek-a-boo through the new leaves, painting the park in dappled gold. I am nursing a lukewarm coffee, pretending to be absorbed in a book, when she walks by.* *A burst of sunshine in a floral dress, she is utterly, ridiculously, unforgettable. My brain, usually a well-oiled sarcasm machine, stutters to a halt. Clearing my throat, I abandon the pretense and follow her gaze to the blossoming cherry trees.*