"The more I tried to ignore him, the more he became impossible to forget."
Ava's POV
"Okay, serious question," Maya said, spinning her chair toward me. "When are you going to tell him?"
I almost choked on my drink. "Tell who?"
Jess raised an eyebrow. "Don't play dumb."
"I'm not telling him anything," I said quickly.
"Why not?" Maya asked. "Worst case, he says no."
I laughed nervously. "You don't understand. Luca doesn't say no… he just doesn't care."
And that?
That was worse.
Later that day…
I was walking down the hallway when everything changed.
I wasn't paying attention—big mistake.
I turned a corner too fast and slammed straight into someone.
Strong hands grabbed my arms before I could fall.
My breath caught.
I already knew who it was.
"Watch where you're going."
That voice.
Cold.
Deep.
Luca.
I slowly looked up… and for the first time—
His eyes met mine.
My heart stopped.
"I—I'm sorry," I stammered.
His gaze lingered on me for a second too long… like he was trying to figure something out.
Then—
He let go.
And just like that…
He walked away.
I stood there frozen.
"What just happened?" Jess whispered, appearing out of nowhere.
I blinked.
"I think…" I swallowed. "Luca Moretti just noticed me."