Aria had convinced herself that a week of distance would dull the ache, that avoiding Damian would erase the pull she felt toward him. Yet fate seemed to have a different plan.
She barely had time to collect herself before stepping into the bustling lobby of her favorite bookstore when she froze. There he was—Damian—leaning casually against the shelf in the corner, his eyes scanning a leather-bound notebook. He hadn’t noticed her yet, and for a heartbeat, she considered turning and fleeing.
But curiosity—and something deeper—won. She took a step forward.
“Aria.” His voice, low and warm, made her stomach twist. He finally looked up, and that signature half-smile tugged at her heart in ways she’d sworn she’d locked away.
“Damian.” She managed to keep her tone neutral, though her pulse be
