They met at the University Fountain. Liam was early, sitting on the stone edge, sketching the way the water arched through the air.
Chloe approached tentatively, holding two cups of coffee—this time with lids securely fastened. She held one out like a peace offering.
"I checked," she said by way of greeting. "It's a black coffee. No milk to ruin the paper, and I taped the lid shut."
Liam took the cup, his fingers brushing hers. A small, almost invisible spark jumped between them. He cleared his throat. "I suppose we have to work together. The project is 30% of our grade."
"I promise not to destroy anything today," Chloe said, sitting down beside him. "Where do we start?"
Liam opened his sketchbook. "The Old Bell Tower. It's been condemned since the 90s, but the structural bones are incredible. No one goes there."
"A condemned building? Deserted? High stakes?" Chloe's eyes lit up. "Now that is a story. Let's go."
As they walked toward the edge of campus, the silence between them wasn't awkward—it was expectant. Liam noticed the way Chloe's hair caught the afternoon light, and Chloe noticed that for a guy who obsessed over straight lines, Liam Vance had a very crooked, very charming smile.