The Accidental kiss

a's

tched socks to a job interview, trying to dye my hair at home and

ed at me felt like stepping into another dimension. Not only did

not norm

out of my thoughts. She's standing behind the counter, g

quickly shoving a book in

tall fellow came in," she says, squinti

I say, avoid

ever he is, he's got you all flustered

ould sink into the floor. "I'

y so. Just don't let him distract you to

t out a breath I didn't

tly what I am. And it's

niel'

ld be

, and the quarterly reports are better than projected. My company is thri

t for

i

A puzzle piece that doesn't fit into th

n I should. The way her eyes widened when I smiled at

. irri

me for distract

ir

holding a tablet. "The board meeting is in twent

nd bring me the updat

plies, disappearing

screen blur together. My focus is shot, my usua

an't c

et her out

a's

e park near my apartment, hoping

ding paths and plenty of trees-per

out my sketchbook. Drawing has always been m

to focus. Every line feels w

some

up to see Mia grinning at me, her

e to find me?" I ask, scooti

"I just think, 'Where would Lila go to ove

myself. "Am I th

ng me playfully. "Now spill.

say, flipping my

a pointed look. "You know yo

questions. "It's just... this guy. Nathaniel. He keeps

e Nathaniel from

no

e you telling me Mr. Hot-an

just... confusing. One minute he's cold and distant,

brow. "Sounds lik

well, he's Nathaniel. He's way out of my leag

messy," Mia sa

es. "You're

"But seriously, Lila, don't overthink it. If he's intereste

ds do little to calm

It's about me, and the way he makes me feel-like I'm

sure I'm r

niel'

mpelled me to visit

ed to be in the area. But as I stand outside the shop,

ent over a book. Her hair falls in soft wave

of the chaos she'

her to her quiet little

keeps me roote

elf out of it, I push the