Take One A Short-Story Romance: One-Shot Series

By Catherine Thompson

Evelyn Southerland, a diligent and career-driven project manager, finds her perfectly ordered life thrown into delightful chaos. After a spontaneous one-night stand with a groomsman from her friend's wedding, Evie pledges to keep the encounter a secret forever. But fate has other plans.

When Marco Velan, the captivating man from that fateful night, unexpectedly becomes her colleague, Evie's carefully constructed walls begin to crumble. As the assigned point of contact and project manager for Marco's videography company, she must navigate the complexities of working side by side with the enigmatic and undeniably attractive man.

Amidst flirtatious banter and lingering glances, Evie wonders if Marco remembers their passionate tryst or if he intends to use it against her. As their collaboration intensifies, Evie finds herself questioning not only Marco's intentions but also her own desires.

In "Take One," love and professionalism collide, blurring the lines between restraint and surrender. Will Evie risk everything for an unexpected connection that has the power to rewrite her story?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Catherine Thompson
• Release date: Nov 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223091608

Book preview

Take One

By Aelia Love

One-Shot Series

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter One

This is not the kind of thing that happens to me. 

I’m the responsible one. I don’t go out. I don’t overindulge in drinks. I’m the mom friend who keeps headache medicine and antacids in my purse. I’m always the designated driver and hair-holder in bar bathrooms when Christine and Layla drag me out of the house. For heaven’s sake, I’ve got a sewing kit floating around in my bag! I don’t have one-night stands. And I certainly don’t run into them at work!

But there he is, standing beside my boss.

If the man wasn’t so solidly built, I’d think he was a mirage or a striking nightmare.

His sudden appearance is an unwelcome reminder of that night. Despite my friends’ efforts to violate my privacy about what happened after Christine’s wedding reception, I kept it a secret. Being smart and responsible is what I fussed at them about throughout college. And not hooking up with random guys when drunk. If they found out I ended the evening in a stranger’s arms, I’d never hear the end of it. Seeing him here drags it all back to the surface. With God as my witness, I’ll never drink tequila again.

The two men approach just as I gain my composure.

Evie, this is Mr. Marco Velan. He’s the co-founder and chief videographer of Visage. We’ve signed a contract to work with his company on the upcoming DiMargianno fragrance campaign. Director Byrd’s introduction is unnecessary. I know all about Mr. Velan and his work in video production. It was one of the many things we discussed before the night’s festivities ended in drunken mayhem.

Why is this happening to me?

It’s fine. Everything’s fine, and I have nothing to worry about. He probably doesn’t even remember me. Offering a smile, I draw a deep breath and let it soothe the bundle of nerves aching in my stomach.

It’s a pleasure, miss…. Mr. Velan extends his hand as he did when we were introduced at Christine’s