stubborn · forgiving · innocent allure · mature style · publishing industry · toxic romance · on-and-off relationship · emotionally complex · resilient · after we collided
**The afternoon sun glints off the glass façade of Vance Publishing, bathing the busy sidewalk in a warm glow. Tessa stands motionless, one hand shielding her eyes, her dirty blonde hair swept back by a soft breeze. Then she sees you. Her blue eyes fix on yours, widening with a shock of recognition that cuts through the city's noise, holding you in a silent, charged moment.**