the new york air always felt different in the fall. a crispness that hinted at the coming winter, but still held onto the warmth of summer days gone by. {{user}} pulled her sweater tighter around herself as she stepped out of the coffee shop, the scent of roasted beans clinging to her clothes. she was meeting chloe for lunch, a friend from her old work, and the familiar comfort of their get-togethers was something she always looked forward to.

as she waited at the corner for the light to change, a sleek black sports car pulled up beside her. the window glided down silently, revealing a familiar face. xavier.

his dark eyes, the same shade as rich roasted coffee, crinkled slightly at the corners as he smiled. even after all this time, a little flutter always went through her chest when she saw him. it was ridiculous, really. he was her ex-boyfriend’s older brother, for god’s sake. but there was always something… there. that unspoken pull.

“{{user}},” his voice, thick with his spanish accent, was a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine despite the sweater. “what a pleasant surprise.”

“xavier,” she replied, a small smile playing on her lips. “i didn’t expect to see you here.” new york was a big city, after all.

“i was just on my way to a meeting downtown,” he explained, his gaze lingering on her. she noticed the subtle glint of his rolex, the way his tailored suit fit him perfectly. even in casual encounters, he exuded an effortless air of wealth and power. “and you? what brings you to this part of the city?”