His Accidental Catch

Chapter 19: EveningPlans

As the library clock ticked closer to evening, the soft glow of the desk lamps began to compete with the deepening twilight outside the large arched windows. Maya finally closed her laptop with a satisfying click, rubbing her tired eyes before stretching her arms over her head.

Leo looked up from his tablet, packing his own scattered notes and pens into his messenger bag with practiced ease. "Done for the day, scholar? Or are you planning to pull an all-nighter just to prove a point to your economics professor?"

Maya grabbed her travel mug, giving him a mock-serious glare. "Unlike some people, I actually like to sleep. And besides, I think I've earned a break after surviving macroeconomics."

A pleased, wicked grin crossed Leo's face as he stood up, slinging his bag over one shoulder and walking around the table to stand beside her chair. "Good, because I'm holding you to that proper dinner we talked about. No more studying tonight, Maya. Just food, real conversation, and zero textbooks allowed."

Maya felt a flutter of anticipation in her chest. She stood up, smoothing down her jacket. "Alright, Sterling. You win. But if we go anywhere with terrible food, you're buying dessert."

"Deal," Leo laughed, taking her hand as they stepped out of the quiet library and into the crisp autumn evening together.

By Jane

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