Timing is everything.

You know the guy everyone loves in a strictly platonic manner? The one that people think is nice and funny and smart, but not in a romantic way?

That’s me.

What’s worse, not even my formerly straight best friend and current roommate, who I’ve had a crush on for years, saw me as anything other than his buddy.

I blame myself, sort of. If I’d just been brave enough to tell him how I felt, maybe I’d have been the one to help him realize he liked men. That’s why I decided to be bold. To put myself out there if I was interested in someone. So when I found myself sitting next to a man whose life and career I greatly admire, I figured why not.

Kier Caldwell is a leader in the computer science field, and his work is the inspiration for my own professional aspirations. Plus, he’s gorgeous. Even more so in person than on his book cover. And despite being a decade older than me, we’re on the same wavelength. So much so that he invites me back to his room for the most incredible night of my life.

That’s all it was supposed to be. After all, he’s a famous author, and I’m a college student, not Cinderella.

But several months later, when I report to work as a research assistant for a new professor, I find myself face-to-face with the man whose bed I snuck out of so I wouldn’t have to say goodbye. And I learn he’s been searching for me the whole time.

Too bad we’re not in a Disney movie, because if my Prince Charming is also my boss, that means he’s strictly off limits.