“ARE YOU SURE Chris isn’t mad that you’re coming to New York with me?” Jessica snuggled closer to James as they walked hand in hand toward Philz Coffee, warm afternoon sunshine illuminating the tree-lined street.

James kissed the top of her head. “I’m sure he’ll get over it. You’re much more important.”

Jessica clasped her hands together. “I’m really excited for you to meet my parents and Haley.”

“Are you sure they’re going to be okay with you moving out here? Or will they hate me for stealing you away?”

“That’s always a possibility. Maybe I should just stay in New York to keep them happy.”

“No way, gorgeous.” He tightened his grip around her waist. “Don’t worry. I can be pretty charming. I’ll get them to come around. Hey, did you hear back from the realtor yet?”

“Yep, I move in two weeks.” She stopped and pulled on his hand. “Hey, you know this is a pretty big leap I’m taking with you.”

“It’s only the beginning.” He drew her close and kissed her so deeply she thought she just might swoon right in front of the café.

When they reluctantly pulled apart, she shook her head, breathless. “See, that’s how I know I made the right choice.”

“There’s plenty more where that came from.”

She giggled and tugged him along. “Come on, I’m desperate for a latte. Oh, I need to pop into the office to pick up some paperwork before we head to the airport. Justin said he’s going to call so we can review the new clients I signed.”

The door to the café swung open and Jessica jumped back with an involuntary gasp. Oh my God. Seriously? This cannot be happening.

Paul sauntered out of the café, regarding them with his signature penetrating gaze. If he was surprised, his face didn’t give it away in the least. A smug smile tugged at his lips as he looked from Jessica to James for what seemed like the longest minute of her life. She squirmed under his cold stare, not knowing what to say. James gripped her hand and managed a tight smile.

Paul took a sip of his coffee. “Callahan, I’m glad to see you finally got your shit together, in all regards.” With a sidelong glance at Jessica, he gave a curt nod. “Nice to see you both.”

He continued past, not waiting for a response. Jessica let out her breath and turned to James with wide eyes. “Do I want to know what that was all about?”

James grinned and held the door open. “I may have stopped by his office a while back to discuss some things.”

“You stopped by.”

James placed their order with the barista and turned to Jessica with a mischievous smile. “Okay, I may have barged in. It doesn’t really matter. If you’d have picked up the phone one of the million times I called you, I wouldn’t have had to make the visit.” James wagged a finger at her.

She smacked it away with a playful grin. “Uh-huh. And did he give you all the juicy details?”

“Of course, why else would I have been so intent to fly to New York that very afternoon?”

She snickered. “I should be weirded out by your apparent stalker tendencies, but somehow I find them endearing.”

“Great. They’re effective tactics as long as they don’t scare you off.” With a flourish, he handed her the drink. “Latte for the love of my life.”

“Oh yum.” She took a sip and recoiled. “Yikes, that’s steamy!”

He slung an arm around her shoulders. “You really should have them throw in an ice cube or two.” James flashed the lopsided grin that made her knees buckle. “You don’t have the best track record for holding on to your cups. You know?”

She nudged him with her hip. With another cautious sip, she backed away from two teenagers who were rushing past. “Dammit!” Her leg got caught in the rope divider and she swung around it, crashing into James. Coffee sloshed out of the cup and she yelped, flinging out her arm.

“Ahh!” James yelled as the scalding hot liquid sprayed over his arm. “Hot!”

“Oh no!” She mopped the coffee from his bright red skin. “Are you okay?”

He groaned. “That’s the universe talking, right? Karma—coming back to bite me?”

She giggled and kissed his arm. “I don’t know, I think fate’s been pretty good to us.”