Chapter 2: The Bookwork and The Billionaire

Ava hurried across campus, clutching a steaming latte in one hand and a stack of library books precariously balanced in the other. Rain threatened to spill from the overcast sky, and she quickened her pace, eager to reach the sanctuary of her dorm room. She needed to bury herself in her studies and try to forget the mortifying incident at The Loft.

As she rounded the corner, she collided with a solid wall of muscle, sending her books and latte flying. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" she gasped, scrambling to gather her scattered belongings.

"No worries, it happens," a deep voice replied.

Ava froze, her cheeks burning as she recognized the voice. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, and her heart plummeted to her stomach. It was him. Liam. Standing right there, looking impossibly handsome even with a splash of latte staining his crisp white shirt.

"You!" she exclaimed, mortified. "I... I can't believe it's you again."

Liam's eyebrows rose in surprise, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "We seem to have a knack for bumping into each other," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Ava wanted to melt into the pavement. Of all the coffee shops in the city, why did she have to run into him here? And why did she always seem to be at her most awkward around him?

"I'm so sorry about the other night," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze. "I wasn't... I mean, I didn't..."

"It's okay," Liam interrupted gently. "I understand."

Ava wasn't sure he did understand. How could he possibly comprehend the depths of her humiliation? She just wanted to disappear.

"I really should go," she stammered, gathering the last of her books. "I have a lot of studying to do."

She turned to flee, but Liam's voice stopped her. "Wait," he said, his tone laced with curiosity. "That book... isn't that from the library downtown?"

Ava paused, her cheeks flaming even brighter. It was indeed a rather embarrassing romance novel she'd borrowed on a whim. "Yes, it is," she admitted, mortified.

Liam's smile widened. "Interesting choice," he commented, a playful glint in his eyes.

Ava couldn't take it anymore. She mumbled another apology and bolted, leaving Liam standing there with a bemused expression.

Liam watched her go, a strange mix of amusement and intrigue swirling within him. He picked up the book she'd dropped, its cover depicting a swooning woman in the arms of a muscular hero. He chuckled to himself. This quiet, bookish girl with the flustered cheeks and a penchant for romance novels was becoming more and more intriguing.

He pulled out his phone and dialed his assistant. "Sarah, I need you to do something for me. I need you to find out who that girl is. The one with the library book."

He paused, a thought striking him. "And Sarah," he added, "find out what other books she's checked out."

A surge of curiosity, unlike anything he'd felt in a long time, washed over him. He had a feeling this shy college girl was about to shake up his world in ways he couldn't even imagine.