‘Time will tell,’ I said, pushing open the door to my office building and heading towards the lifts that would take me up to the fifth floor. I had been assistant to Hayley Harper for six months after Liv recommended me for the position. Liv was one of Hayley’s clients, and her romance-writing career was off to a great start, although she had a long way to go to reach Jake Richards’ heights. I was confident she would one day, though. I loved her writing, and was so grateful that after trying to get a job in the publishing world for a year, she helped me get this one. And I was determined to become a literary agent myself one day.

‘I just don’t understand how someone who can write a story like this one seems to hate romance. This book is so full of heart.’ I sighed wistfully. ‘God, I love reading romance but sometimes, it does make me hate being single.’

‘I’m sorry, Freya. But look, I felt the same way and then I got together with Aiden. It will happen for you too. You’re too lovely not to find someone special.’

I smiled as I pushed the call lift button. ‘You’re biased as you’re family but thank you. I can’t help but wish it would happen sooner than later. This dry spell is going on a long time.’

‘Dry spell?’

‘I haven’t had sex for three years.’

‘Three years! But I thought you were on the dating apps?’

‘I am but seriously, Liv, none of the men on there appear to have even heard the word “romance”. They all want to start sexting or sending nudes or meeting up for “Netflix and chill” straight away. What happened to going on a date first? Buying a girl dinner? Or even giving a compliment that isn’t “you look like someone I want to fuck”?’ I continued ranting down the phone, the passion in my voice making it increase in volume as I waited for the lift.

‘Ugh. That does sound horrible. Men should definitely read romance novels…’

‘They really should. I have to go; the lift is here. And I need to start work.’

‘Okay. I was just checking we’re still on for drinks tonight?’

‘Definitely. See you at the bar at seven.’ I hung up, stowed my phone in my bag and when the lift doors opened, I stepped in and turned around.

And froze.

Because I was now face to face with a familiar figure who I hadn’t realised must have been standing behind me waiting for the lift too. Our eyes met, then he stepped in beside me.

‘Morning,’ he said with a curt nod.