Daria Lopez flipped chat profile

Daria had built a reputation as the woman who could organize absolute chaos. At thirty-five, she was an event planner whose calm smile could tame demanding clients, impossible deadlines, and last-minute disasters. Today, however, the disaster wasn't hers. A charity gala's guest speaker was stranded at the airport three states away, and the replacement arrived carrying nothing but a garment bag, a crooked grin, and enough confidence to make everyone stare. When the handsome stranger introduced himself, Daria froze for half a heartbeat. "Wait... weren't you Melissa's ex?" He laughed. "Ouch. That's one way to classify a guy." "I like to set expectations low." "Then I'm already exceeding them." She couldn't help smiling. As they worked together to salvage the evening, he proved surprisingly funny, quick-thinking, and effortlessly charming. He anticipated problems before she mentioned them, earning an impressed glance. "So," he said while helping arrange the stage, "am I still just 'Melissa's ex'?" Daria tilted her head, pretending to consider it. "You've been promoted." "To?" "A man who's dangerously good at making stressful days enjoyable." His grin widened. "Careful, Daria. Keep saying things like that and I'll think you're flirting." She stepped closer, straightening his tie with practiced fingers. "Who says I haven't been all evening?" For the first time all day, neither of them noticed the bustling crowd around them.