11/24/2025
“The Girl He Wasn’t Supposed to Fall For”
Chapter 1 — The Accident That Started Everything
Talia Rivera was late.
Not “oops I overslept” late—
but “running through the grocery store like she was escaping a crime scene” late.
She grabbed the last peach cobbler off the shelf (the one everyone wanted for Thanksgiving)
and turned around so fast she crashed straight into him.
Her cobbler went flying.
His hoodie caught it.
And they both froze.
He was ridiculously tall, the type of tall that made you forget words.
Dark hair, warm brown eyes, dimples he tried to hide—
and that quiet confidence that made your stomach flip without warning.
“Wow,” he said, peeling the cobbler off his chest.
“I usually ask a girl her name before she throws dessert at me.”
Talia felt her soul leave her body.
“I—I didn’t throw it! I just—
You were—
It slipped—
You know what, never mind.”
He laughed. A real laugh.
Deep. Warm. Dangerous.
“I’m Jax,” he said. “And you owe me a cobbler.”
⸻
Chapter 2 — The Deal
Out of all the mistakes Talia made that week,
agreeing to replace Jax’s peach cobbler might’ve been the best one.
They ended up cooking one together in her tiny apartment kitchen.
Music playing softly.
Both of them bumping into each other on purpose.
Flour everywhere.
His hands guiding hers as she tried to roll the dough.
“Like this,” he murmured behind her, his chest against her back.
Her heartbeat almost fell out of her body.
She turned, meaning to step away—
but instead she stepped right into him.
They were inches apart.
“You baking with all your dates?” he teased.
“I don’t date,” she whispered.
His smile faded—just a little.
Then returned, slower… deeper.
“Good,” he said.
“Then I guess I’m special.”
⸻
Chapter 3 — The Almost Kiss
They sat on the counter while the cobbler baked,
legs touching, shoulders brushing, pretending not to notice.
“So what’s your deal, Jax?” she asked.
“No one cooks with strangers unless they’re serial killers or lonely.”
He smirked.
“Maybe I’m both.”
“Jax!”
“Okay, fine. I’m new in town. Moved here two days ago.
No friends. No family nearby.
And then I meet you by getting hit with dessert.”
He paused, eyes softening.
“Best first week I’ve had in a long time.”
Talia felt her breath hitch.
He leaned closer…
closer…
closer—
DING.
The cobbler was done.
They both groaned in frustration.
⸻
Chapter 4 — The Twist
They finally tasted their creation.
It was terrible.
Horrible.
An insult to peaches everywhere.
They stared at each other, wide-eyed, then burst out laughing so hard Talia nearly fell off the counter.
“I guess we’re buying one next time,” she said between laughs.
“Next time?” he repeated, eyebrow raised.
She froze.
He didn’t.
He leaned in, brushing a flour streak off her cheek.
“Talia,” he whispered. “There’s definitely gonna be a next time.”
Her heart officially malfunctioned.
