In this romantic comedy about theoretical physics, personal chemistry, and the age-old battle of the sexes, New York has never seen a fiercer, funnier, sexier, and more brilliant pair of star-crossed lovers. Marie (a determined particle physicist) and Paul (a popular cosmologist) meet at a Starbucks in New York City. They have a immediate, undeniable chemistry; and have no idea that they're competing for the same position at the new Center for Cosmology and Particle Physics (CCPP). After a day (which turns into a steamy night) together, it's no wonder they both imagine an exciting and romantic future. That is, until Marie walks into her job interview the next morning and sees that she's up against Paul for the job of her dreams. It's hard enough to succeed as a woman in an academic landscape of physics, much less when you've just slept with your competition. As the tables turn again when Marie and Paul are both offered the position to share, they embark on a two-day marathon of one-upping, out-smarting, tug of war ending with the whole physics community attending the CCPP's annual "Lunar Gala" the next evening. Even Marie's wild martini-toting Southern mother comes to see her daughter shine. When Marie risks CCPP's major funding by outing her long-time academic rival (and former lover) as a fraud during her speech at the gala, Paul proves his devotion by defending her scientific and personal honor. Both end up getting what they worked very hard to deserve – a chance to lead the scientific community, and a chance to love one another more than they ever knew possible.