I passed the NIGHT with a stranger I met during my seaside getaway. Upon heading back to the office, I STIFFENED in shock upon spotting at work….

And how to work now, live? — Olivia thought and forced a smile. — Well, you two chat, and I have some matters to settle. The now former boss left the office.

— I didn’t know, honestly, but I’m glad. You left and I… — Damn, I don’t know what to say. This is fate.

Such coincidences don’t happen, — David blurted out and looked at Olivia. — Resort romances rarely turn into strong relationships.

We’ll communicate at work.

Olivia didn’t look away. — And pretend we’re complete strangers. Whether asking or agreeing, David said.

— Exactly. Olivia looked out the window at the dreary, almost bare trees against the gray autumn sky. — I want you to know, I’m ready for more, — David said quietly.

— We’ll see. Olivia stood up from the desk. — If questions, call, David Thompson.

And left the office, biting her lip.

She didn’t tell her mom that her new boss was the romantic southern hero. She’d start dreaming about Olivia’s marriage, insist on meeting.

She tried to breathe evenly, not get excited in his presence. But both were bad at hiding their feelings.

On a weekend day, when Nick whined that he didn’t want oatmeal, and Olivia was tired of persuading him, the doorbell rang….