Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Oliver lay sprawled in the same spot Josefina had once occupied, staring blankly at the ceiling above. His phone broke the silence with its insistent ringtone. He reached over, swiped the screen, and put it to his ear.

"Hey, Ollie, how's it hangin'? Must be tough, leaving the agency and getting back to the Baldwin clan's daily grind."

Oliver listened to the old man's voice, as detached and emotionless as ever. "What do you want?"

The old man's chuckle was warm and teasing. "You're still as frosty as a winter in Chicago, kiddo. I'm calling 'cause I wanna set you up. You seeing anyone? If not, I've got the perfect match for ya." Oliver's reply was curt. "I'm taken. No need to play Cupid."

The old man wasn't deterred. "Oh? And who's this girl? She can't hold a candle to my protégé. She's a real knockout, kind-hearted, and cute as a button. Nimble, smart as a whip, and the apple of her brothers' eyes. You sure you're not interested?"

"Not in the slightest."

on, Ollie. You haven't even met her. Let me tell you, skip

have a girlfriend. She's all that-beautiful, kind, adorable, agile, brilliant, and talented. She's the darling of the Baldwin family and the queen of my heart." With that, Oliver hung up. The old man, fuming, slammed his hand on the table. "That little rascal! How dare he snub my

at the office when her mentor's call came through. "Josie, I'm livid! I just

into a smile. "Who's gotten under

one of my protégés. It's Hellfire! I tried to set him up with you, and he had the gall

the best in your eyes, but that doesn't make me the best pick for everyone. Parents always think

always know how to

being honest. Besides, who says

I was just trying to bring some sunshine into his dreary life. I wouldn't

of her bitter coffee, her mind drifting to Oliver's passionate kiss. Blushing, she

got a secret beau? You're in

talking about? I'm at work. There's a lot to

I called to tell you your wayward apprentice has