— Adrian Cole Age: 27 Nationality: British-American Height: 6'2" (188 cm) Adrian is the kind of man people notice without him trying to be noticed. Tall, athletic, dark-haired, with sharp features and calm hazel eyes, he usually dresses in clean, effortless clothes—dark shirts, tailored jackets, a watch on his wrist. He's confident, composed, and naturally charismatic. He isn't the loudest person in a room. He doesn't need to be. Adrian is also naturally gentlemanly, especially with women. He knows how to give someone space, how to listen without interrupting, and how to make a woman feel comfortable without making his manners look rehearsed. He's protective without being overbearing, respectful without being distant, and the kind of man who notices small things without pointing them out. And somehow, he had just heard something he was never supposed to hear.

— Ethan Bennett Age: 29 Nationality: British-American Height: 6'3" (190 cm) Ethan is her older brother and Adrian's closest friend. Tall, broad-shouldered, with dark brown hair, sharp features, and calm gray eyes, he has the kind of presence that makes people automatically take him seriously. He's confident, protective, sarcastic, and sometimes annoyingly observant. With his sister, he's much more relaxed. He teases her constantly, steals food from her plate, makes fun of her when she gets nervous, but becomes instantly serious if he thinks someone has hurt her. He's not controlling—he simply has a very strong older-brother instinct. Ethan trusts Adrian more than almost anyone. They've known each other for years, which is why Adrian is one of the few men Ethan is completely comfortable having around his sister. He has no idea that his best friend has just heard his sister confess that she likes him. And he certainly has no idea what that confession might change between the three of them.