The rain poured down in sheets, drenching the streets of New York City. Emma Carter cursed under her breath as she struggled with her umbrella, which had decided to flip inside out at the most inconvenient moment.
She was already late for her meeting with her editor, and the last thing she needed was to show up looking like a drowned rat.
As she turned the corner, she collided with a solid wall of muscle. The impact sent her sprawling to the ground, her bag spilling its contents onto the wet pavement.
"Damn it!" she exclaimed, scrambling to gather her things.
"I'm so sorry," a deep, velvety voice said above her. She looked up to see a pair of piercing blue eyes staring down at her. The man was tall, with dark, tousled hair that was now dripping with rain.
He wore a tailored suit that clung to his broad shoulders, and despite the situation, Emma couldn't help but notice how handsome he was.
"Here, let me help you," he said, crouching down to pick up her scattered belongings. His fingers brushed against hers as he handed her a notebook, and she felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her.
"Thanks," she muttered, quickly standing up and brushing herself off. She could feel her cheeks burning, and she hoped the rain would hide her blush.
"I'm Jack," he said, extending his hand.
"Emma," she replied, shaking his hand. His grip was firm, and she could feel the calluses on his palm.
"Emma," he repeated as if testing the name on his tongue. "I like it."
She rolled her eyes, trying to hide the fact that her heart was racing. "Well, Jack, thanks for the help, but I need to go."
"Wait," he said, grabbing her arm gently. "Let me make it up to you. How about I buy you a coffee? There's a great place just around the corner."
Emma hesitated. She was already late, and she knew her editor would be furious. But there was something about Jack that made her want to say yes. Maybe it was the way his eyes sparkled when he smiled or the way his voice sent shivers down her spine.
"Okay," she said finally. "But just one coffee."
Jack grinned, and Emma couldn't help but smile back. As they walked to the coffee shop, she couldn't shake the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't even imagine.