There were exactly ten minutes left before class ended when Zoe’s phone buzzed. She sneaked a glance at the screen and broke into a wide smile as she read Arthur’s message:

“I’m already outside waiting for you.”

That simple phrase was enough to set off a storm of butterflies in her stomach. She bit her lower lip, trying to suppress the goofy smile tugging at her lips, but it was useless.

“Oooh, look at that lovestruck smile!” one of her classmates whispered.

“Smells like romance in the air,” another chimed in with a knowing look.

Zoe laughed, shaking her head.

“You’re both ridiculous. We’re just getting to know each other.”

“Uh-huh… and I’m Beyoncé,” one of them teased.

Class ended. Zoe gathered her things, waved a quick goodbye to the girls, and walked toward the exit. The moment she stepped through the doors of the college, she spotted Arthur leaning against his car, arms crossed, wearing that smile that was already starting to unravel her defenses.

“Hey, beautiful,” he said, leanin