"That actually works out perfectly."

    "I heard you''ve started your ownw firm, Ms. Allison. We should connect- maybe be friends," Eason said, a friendly note in his voice. "Last time we met was so rushed that I didn''t even get to add you on social media."

    It was a reasonable enough request. Allison had no reason to say no. In their world, adding each other as friends was just part of the routine.

    "Sure," she agreed.

    Once they''d exchanged contacts and Allison put her phone away, Eason suddenly asked, "Ms. Allison, I hope you don''t mind me asking, but is your friend Olivia Zhou single?"

    Allison blinked, caught off guard by the abrupt change in topic.

    Where did thate from? Why the sudden interest in Olivia?

    "She''s single," Allison replied after a beat.

    Eason let out a quiet breath, a small smile forming at the corners of his mouth.

    Allison gave him a suspicious look. "What''s going on with you and Olivia?"

    "I actually first met her when I was in college," Eason admitted. As he spoke about Olivia, his expression softened and his voice lowered.

    "There was this one time I went to Brian''s ce Olivia had just gotten home from school. Honestly, I liked her right away. But she was still in high school, so I just kept my feelings to myself."

    Allison raised her eyebrows, surprised. "Love at first sight?"

    "You could call it that," Eason said with a small shrug. "But I never said anything- she was way too young, so I just let it go. Now that I''m back in the country and she''s single, I want to give it a shot."

    Allison looked at him, unconvinced. "I didn''t see any hint of that when we all had dinner together."

    Easonughed quietly. "It''s been years since Ist saw her. I might''ve looked calm, but honestly? I was nervous as hell."

    "Does Olivia know you like her?" Allison pressed.

    "She has no idea," Eason admitted. "I

    didn''t even know if she was single, and honestly,st time we met, I realized she didn''t remember me at all. Justing out and confessing would feel a little too much. wanted to get to know her again, take things slow, and see what happens."

    Allison looked down, thoughtful.

    Eason hesitated, then asked, "Is there something wrong?"

    She met his eyes. "This might sound

    a bit blunt, but as Olivia''s close friend, I have to look out for her. Ellory, can I ask-how many serious rtionships have you had? And... how many have been, you know, physical?"  s?novel

    Eason was taken aback, clearly not expecting such a direct question.

    It was definitely a little forward.

    Allison exined, "Olivia''s never dated anyone before. She''s totally new to this. If you''ve got a lot of experience, I''m just not sure you''re the right fit for her.”

    Eason''s brows pulled together. "You don''t need to worry. I''m not a yer. Honestly, I''ve only had one girlfriend all these years."

    Allison''s eyes narrowed slightly. "So you''re saying you had feelings for Olivia but still dated someone else?"

    "You''ve got it wrong, Ms. Allison." Eason''s tone was calm but serious. "I did like Olivia at first, but she was just a kid back then, so I put those feelings away. Then we lost touch for years, and things faded. Later, I met my ex, and when we were together, I was fullymitted. I took that rtionship seriously."

    He looked her in the eye. "Ms. Allison, I''m not the type to jump from one person to another. I don''t take rtionships lightly."

    Allison''s voice was steady. "I was just asking. At the end of the day, Olivia''s got to make her own choices. Whether she wants to be with you or not-that''s up to her."