Ivy League doesn't do heartbreak twice. The 25-year-old NICU nurse learned her lesson the hard way with her politician ex, and she's not about to fall for another smooth talker in designer sneakers. Enter Kario Kingston - 30, tatted, flashy, and fine as hell. He owns a luxury car wash, a barbershop, and a tattoo lounge. And he knows exactly what he wants... until Ivy gives him her number one night - then blocks him the next. Now he can't get her out of his head. She's guarded, elegant, and lowkey about her glow. He's the center of every room he steps in. But when family cookouts, rooftop lounges, and not-so-accidental run-ins keep putting them in the same space... tension builds. And when Ivy gives him the cold shoulder, Kario decides to chase the one thing he's never had to earn before: a real woman's trust. This isn't just lust. It's a slow burn in the middle of a fast city.

Alina Vesca has always been soft, kind, and... a chubby, the only child of a powerful mafia family who secretly loves her rotten. She never wanted the Vesca life, preferring the warmth of her bakery to the cold streets of New York's underworld. Now, she's in an arranged marriage with Enzo Marcello, the cold, dominant heir of a rival mafia family. He's used to control, women who bend and break, and a world where love is dangerous. But Alina isn't like anyone he's ever known. She's gentle, unassuming, and real. And for the first time, Enzo finds himself noticing her in ways he shouldn't.

Emerson Taylor, straight A student. Everyone knows her name. She has the popularity and the looks and the athletics and the best friend, and the sense of humor. She has lost her dad, and her sport, and she's not the most mentally stable, what more could a girl ask for? Ivor Hill, captain of the football team, okay enough grades, a reputation that can kill, a best friend, looks, and bruised knuckles, and both parents. He looks at you like he doesn't see you as an equal, as a person; but when it comes to Emmy, he can't help it. Can two people who seem to be destined for each other, work out? Or is it too perfect? Is it too meant to be? Should they have stayed friends, or even strangers? ♧︎♧︎♧︎♧︎♧︎♧︎ Ivor looked at me and whispered, "I bet you 5 dollars they were together." "I bet 10." He nodded and the phone rang. Miss Scott groaned and stood up to walk over to the phone. "Well hello Mr. Jones!" She smiled. I looked at Ivor, "pay up." "You first." ♧︎♧︎♧︎♧︎♧︎♧︎ "I used to not believe in love." I tell him matter-of-fact-ly. ♧︎♧︎♧︎♧︎♧︎♧︎ Started: July 23rd, 2021 Finished: October 16th, 2021 ♧︎♧︎♧︎♧︎♧︎♧︎