Princes of the Universe by Serene Franklin

Eli
I’m bad at love. I’m bad at many things, but love is so far down the list that it would be funny if it weren’t so tragic. At twenty-eight years old, I’ve had my fair share of partners, and each hasn’t hesitated to tell me that I’m incapable of loving. I love my dog, though I guess that’s not the same thing. Every woman I’ve dated can’t be wrong, right? So I’ve given up on love and resigned myself to a solitary life.
Everything is going all right until he walks through the door at my office. He’s the one person who knows my deepest secret—I just knew everything would change.

Bryan
I didn’t think I’d ever see him again. It’s been ten years—and I’ve long ago given up all hope—though I never forgot about him. The last place I expected to find him was in the ad agency I’m considering for the launch of my bakery, yet here we are. I can’t lie and say I’m not excited at the prospect of working closely with him.
This feels like a second chance, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to earn his trust and find out what happened to him all those years ago.
Hopefully my heart survives in the process.