Chapter 1: Introduction
Orlando. It's one of those places where you never run out of things to do: theme parks, nature reserves, shopping, restaurants—you name it, they had it. The city just hums with energy, and oddly enough, it makes the hairs on your arms stand on end in a pleasant way.
The local coffee shop was nothing fancy, but it felt like home. Paintings of Orlando's bustling cityscape and a bit of Central Florida's wildlife stared back at me as I waited in line, the aroma creeping under my senses.
I was trying hard to forget about how my day had gone so far—too many presentations and far too much coffee, not enough time to recuperate.
A familiar laugh breaks through my train of thought. I glanced sideways to find Jimmy standing behind me. Short, stocky, and with that stupid boyish grin, laughing with a barista as if they were old friends. And, Lord, did he look even more handsome than the last time I laid my eyes on him. Did he always have to look so goddamn good?
When I finally mustered up the courage to wave at him, I saw his grin widen, then he made his way over to me. "Chrissy! Wow, what are the chances?"
Before I knew it, he pulled me in for the tightest fucking hug ever. I caught his scent of fresh pine and that warm, clean laundry Joshua Kane from accounting complained about during a meeting. I succumbed to the moment, indulging myself in his embrace.