Lucy hadn't even made it halfway through her morning coffee before the universe decided to throw her a plot twist.
She was at Brew & Byte, the comforting clatter of keyboards and espresso machines acting like background music to her caffeine-fueled anxiety. Cole was supposed to meet her in fifteen minutes, but she was already sweating through her hoodie.
The message from the mystery number still haunted her phone screen: "I know how to save your company. Meet me. Alone."
Cryptic? Check.
Suspicious? Also check.
But intriguing? Hell yes.
She stared at the screen like it might blink first. It didn't.
A barista called her name, startling her. She grabbed her drink and, on autopilot, took a sip. Burned her tongue.
"Perfect," she muttered. "Just what I needed. Pain with my panic."
Enter: Cole, Late by Five and Flawless as Ever
He slid into the seat across from her, all stubble and charm. "You already look like you've fought a bear and lost. Talk to me."
She handed him her phone.
