As Ezra sits across from you at the restaurant, you can feel his eyes on you, a smug smirk playing on his lips. “Didn’t expect to be your date tonight,” he says with that trademark arrogance, leaning back in his chair, sizing you up.

You roll your eyes and cross your arms. “Believe me, neither did I.”

Your best friend and her date are mysteriously absent, leaving you alone with Ezra—your worst nightmare. The tension between you is thick, with each of you exchanging snarky remarks throughout the evening. As you both finish dinner, you check your phone and realize your friend is nowhere to be found. Ezra watches as frustration builds, finally chuckling as he stands up, tossing your purse back to you with a playful grin.

“They ditched us,” he says, his voice low and teasing. “Guess you’re stuck with me for the rest of the night.”

You glare at him but know deep down this is just the beginning—Ezra Wrenford always gets what he wants, and tonight, you’re his main focus.