Page 3

Gracie

A gust of warm Miami air greets me as I rush out of The Daily Grind, my favorite coffee shop, juggling a tray filled with steaming cups and a large bag slung over my shoulder. I swipe at my hair whipping around my face.

"Absolutely," I say into my Bluetooth headset, my voice hurried but confident. "I'll have those mock-ups ready for you by this afternoon."

My eyes scan the busy street, searching for an opening in the crowd. It's not until I take a quick step forward that I realize my mistake. My body collides with something solid, and I brace myself for the inevitable disaster of spilled coffee and crushed cups. But it never comes.

"Whoa, easy there!" a deep voice exclaims. A pair of strong hands effortlessly steadies the drinks tray, saving it from catastrophe. Relief floods through me, followed quickly by embarrassment as I look up to meet the gaze of the man who saved my morning—Bennett Halliday, one of my boss’s sons.

"Thank you so much," I stammer, heat creeping up my neck. His piercing green eyes seem to see right through me. Bennett stands tall with an athletic build that leaves no doubt about his prowess on the ice. His short-cropped blond hair is tousled, giving him an approachable, boy-next-door charm despite his rugged good looks.

"Happy to help," he replies with a smile, the corner of his mouth lifting ever so slightly. His calm demeanor seems at odds with the chaotic city around us. Intriguing.

"Sorry for running into you like that," I apologize, taking the tray from him and adjusting my bag on my shoulder. "I was just… I'm in a hurry."

"Looks like it," Bennett chuckles, his eyes lingering on the unstable tower of cups. "Well, I won't keep you any longer."

"Yes, Ms. Halliday. I’m okay. Just stumbled a little," I say into the headset, my voice steady once more. "I'll be back in the office shortly, and we can discuss the changes you'd like to see."

When I look back up from adjusting my bag over my shoulder, piercing greens are starting back at me, making my heart skip a beat.

“Oh, umm, thank you again for saving me,” I stammer, offering a small smile before turning on my heel and continuing down the sidewalk.

If we had met under different circumstances, possibly one of those stupid blind dates, could we have shared something more than a fleeting moment of connection? Yeah, no. I shoot that thought down, and my mind returns to the world of deadlines and professional obligations.

Although, it’s hard to shake the memory of Bennett's strong hands and warm smile.

I reach the office in record time and sit the tray of drinks down on the break room counter, still trying to shake off my lingering thoughts of Bennett. I know who he is, how his mother is directly involved with the Holidates app, and how any entanglement between us could lead to potential complications. It's a risk I can't afford to take or even sniff in my current position. Shit, who’s to say he felt what I felt when we bumped into each other.

"Is everything okay, Gracie?" my coworker Allison asks as she grabs her coffee from the tray. "You look a little flustered."

"Fine, fine," I reassure her and take another deep breath. "Just had a minor collision outside. Nothing serious."

"Ah, I see," Allison responds, raising an eyebrow at me before heading back to her desk.

I grab my own drink, take a sip, and let its warmth engulf me. It's futile trying to keep Bennett out of my mind, but I must focus on my work.

"Alright, Ms. Halliday, I'm back at my desk now," I say into my Bluetooth headset, ready to continue our discussion. "Let's go over those changes you mentioned earlier."

As I dive into the conversation, I force myself to concentrate on the task at hand.

"Thank you for your feedback, Ms. Halliday," I tell her once we wrap up our call. "I'll make sure to implement these changes and send you an updated draft by the end of the day."

"Sounds good, Gracie," she replies before hanging up.

Throughout the day, I keep my focus on work, determined not to let thoughts of Bennett distract me. However, as the hours pass and the sun starts to set outside my office window, I find it harder and harder to ignore the quiet ache in my chest.

Finally, I tackle the last of my tasks, right as my phone buzzes with a text message. Glancing down, I see it's from my sister, and I groan.

Hannah: Gracie, Mom and I are trying to finish the seating chart for the reception. Who's your date? We need a name!

I sigh, looking away from my computer screen for a moment. It's not like I haven't been reminded about this multiple times already. My mom and sister are relentless, determined to ensure I have a date for my sister's wedding.

Hannah: Mom wants to know too.

The pressure is mounting, and my frustration grows alongside it.

Shit. I can't avoid this forever. I make a decision then – one that might just solve my current predicament and silence my family's constant badgering.

Opening a new browser tab, I navigate to Holidates' website, the very app company I work for. If anyone can find me a noncommittal date for this wedding, it's them. With a hint of desperation, I begin creating my profile.

"Looking for a charming, easygoing date for a family wedding," I type into the description box. "Just good company and perhaps some witty banter while at a family wedding."

As I upload a carefully chosen photo, I feel a slight twinge of defeat.