Chapter 1 Lattes and Blueprints

Emily Carter's fingers traced the spine of a first-edition Austen as rain tapped against the bookstore's century-old windows. Afternoon light filtered through the stained glass, casting kaleidoscope patterns across wooden floors that had witnessed generations of readers.

"You're doing that thing again," Sofia called from behind the counter, where she was arranging a display of local authors.

"What thing?" Emily asked, not looking up.

"That thing where you stroke books like they're cats." Sofia mimicked her sister's reverent gestures. "It's why you're still single."

Emily rolled her eyes. "I'm single because I choose to be. After Daniel—"

"After Daniel, you decided all men are trash," Sofia finished. "Yes, I've heard this TED talk."

The bell above the door chimed, and both women turned to see a customer enter—tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair curling slightly from the rain. Emily noticed three things simultaneously: his impeccable leather boots (definitely expensive), a pearl earring in his left ear (unusual), and the way his white t-shirt clung to his chest (distracting).

"Welcome to Bookmark," Emily said, adopting her professional tone. "Anything specific you're looking for?"

The man shook raindrops from his jacket. "Just browsing. Nice place." His eyes scanned the room with an intensity that seemed excessive for casual book shopping.

"Coffee's free for customers," Sofia offered, gesturing to the small station in the corner. "Emily makes a mean latte."

Emily shot her sister a glare. "I'm not a barista."

"You're whatever keeps this place running," Sofia countered with a sweet smile.

The stranger's lips curved upward. "A latte would be perfect, actually. I'm Lucas."

"Emily," she replied, reluctantly moving toward the espresso machine. "Though this isn't a café."

"Could've fooled me," Lucas said, following her. "The coffee setup looks professional."

"It was my father's," Emily explained, tamping the grounds with perhaps more force than necessary. "He believed books and coffee were soulmates."

Lucas leaned against the counter, watching her work. "And what do you believe?"

The question caught her off guard. Customers usually asked about bestsellers or bathroom locations—not philosophical questions. "I believe in preserving things that matter," she said finally, handing him the finished latte.

"Like this building?" His gaze traveled upward to the ornate ceiling moldings.

Something in his tone made Emily pause. "Exactly like this building. It's been a bookstore for eighty years."

Lucas nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. "Impressive craftsmanship. They don't make them like this anymore."

"Which is why we're fighting to get it historically designated," Emily added, studying him. "Are you interested in architecture?"

A flicker of something—discomfort?—crossed his face. "You could say that."

Before she could press further, he retreated to a corner armchair with a copy of "Pride and Prejudice." Emily returned to inventory, but found herself glancing in his direction periodically. There was something deliberate about the way he examined the room between page turns.

An hour later, when Sofia nudged her and whispered, "Your mysterious hottie left," Emily realized she'd been more distracted than she'd admitted.

"He's not my anything," she muttered, approaching the abandoned armchair to retrieve the book. When she opened it, a folded blueprint slipped onto her lap.

Emily's breath caught as she unfolded the paper. It was a detailed rendering of her bookstore—with one significant difference. The entire structure had been gutted, transformed into an open-concept luxury retail space. In the corner, a company logo she recognized with dread: Meridian Development Group.

"Sofia," she called, voice tight. "Look at this."

Her sister examined the blueprint, eyes widening. "Isn't that Daniel's company?"

"Yes." Emily's hands trembled slightly. "And our mysterious customer just left architectural plans for destroying our bookstore."

"Maybe it's a misunderstanding?" Sofia suggested.

Emily was already grabbing her jacket. "There's only one way to find out."

---

The Knockout Gym smelled of sweat and determination, the rhythmic thud of gloves against bags creating a primal soundtrack. Emily pushed through the door, blueprint clutched in her hand like a weapon.

She spotted him immediately—shirtless in the ring, dancing around an opponent with surprising grace for his size. The pearl earring caught the fluorescent light as he ducked a punch. What captured her attention, however, was the compass tattoo spanning his right bicep and shoulder, intricate details visible even from a distance.

"Can I help you?" A trainer approached, eyeing her business casual attire with suspicion.

"I need to speak with him." Emily pointed toward the ring.

"Lucas is in the middle of sparring. You'll have to wait."

She didn't wait. Marching toward the ring, Emily held up the blueprint. "Excuse me! I believe you forgot something in my store!"

Lucas turned at her voice, momentarily distracted—just long enough for his opponent's glove to connect with his jaw. He staggered backward as Emily winced.

"Time!" the trainer called, rushing forward.

Lucas waved him off, gesturing for Emily to approach. He leaned against the ropes, breathing heavily. "You followed me here?"

"You left plans to demolish my bookstore," she countered, thrusting the blueprint toward him. "What did you expect?"

A small crowd had gathered, sensing drama. Lucas glanced around, then lifted the ropes. "Come up. Let's talk."

"I'm not getting in a boxing ring with you."

"It's that or shout our business across the gym," he replied, extending a hand.

Reluctantly, Emily allowed him to help her through the ropes, acutely aware of his bare chest and the heat radiating from his skin. Up close, she could see the compass tattoo covered what appeared to be old scarring.

"You're with Meridian," she stated flatly. "Daniel sent you."

Lucas shook his head. "I don't know any Daniel. I work directly for Meridian as a design architect."

"To destroy my bookstore."

"To redevelop an underutilized property," he corrected. "I didn't know it was yours when I took the assignment."

Emily crossed her arms. "And that blueprint accidentally fell into a classic novel?"

"I was studying the space," Lucas admitted. "The book was just convenient."

"Well, study this," Emily snapped. "That bookstore isn't just a building. It's a community landmark, a safe haven, and my home. Your company can find somewhere else to build another soulless retail box."

Something shifted in Lucas's expression—recognition, perhaps. He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Have we met before? You seem familiar."

Emily stepped back, suddenly uncomfortable with his proximity. "I doubt it. I'd remember someone planning to bulldoze my livelihood."

"That's not—" Lucas began, but was interrupted by a female voice.

"Emily? What are you doing here?"

They both turned to see Sofia in workout clothes, approaching the ring.

"You know her?" Lucas asked Sofia.

"She's my sister," Sofia replied, confusion evident. "Wait, you two know each other?"

"He's the blueprint guy," Emily explained tersely.

Understanding dawned on Sofia's face. "Oh! You're *that* Lucas. My new boxing instructor."

Emily stared at her sister in disbelief. "You're taking lessons from the enemy?"

"Enemy seems harsh," Lucas interjected.

"What would you call someone secretly plotting to destroy my business?" Emily challenged.

Before he could answer, she turned to climb out of the ring. Lucas caught her wrist, his touch surprisingly gentle.

"It's not personal," he said quietly. "And I think we should talk more about this. Properly."

Emily pulled free, suddenly overwhelmed by the absurdity of standing in a boxing ring arguing with a half-naked man wearing a pearl earring. "There's nothing to discuss. Stay away from my bookstore."

As she stormed out, she missed the way Lucas watched her leave, recognition and conflict evident in his expression. He touched the scar beneath his tattoo absently.

"She doesn't remember me," he murmured.

Sofia, overhearing, raised an eyebrow. "Remember you from where?"

Lucas shook his head. "From a lifetime ago. When she was the only person who tried to help."