Emily's eyes wandered around the crowded coffee shop, searching for a familiar face. She had agreed to meet her friend, Sarah, here an hour ago, but she was nowhere to be found. As she checked her phone for what felt like the hundredth time, a gentle nudge on her shoulder broke her concentration.

"Sorry, is this seat taken?" a deep, smooth voice asked.

Emily turned to see a pair of piercing blue eyes and a charming smile. She felt a sudden flutter in her chest as she shook her head, trying to play it cool. "No, not at all."

The stranger sat down, and they struck up a conversation. Emily learned his name was Jack, and they quickly discovered a shared love for literature and adventure. As they talked, Emily found herself feeling more and more at ease.

But just as things were starting to click, Sarah burst into the coffee shop, apologetic and flustered. "Emily, I'm so sorry I'm late! Traffic was a nightmare."

Emily hesitated, not wanting the conversation with Jack to end. "It's okay, Sarah. I was just... um... getting to know this guy."

Sarah's eyes widened as she took in Jack's chiseled features. "Well, in that case, I'll leave you two to get acquainted."

And with that, Sarah disappeared into the crowd, leaving Emily and Jack alone once again. They exchanged numbers, and Jack asked Emily out on a proper date. As they parted ways, Emily couldn't shake the feeling that their chance encounter was only the beginning of something special.