Inside of a messy kitchen in the cafe was Selena with an apron over her dress. She has been baking for hours, and most of the cupcakes she baked had disappeared, and she's certain that even Sherlock will have a hard time finding the culprit.
When the oven rang once, Selena turned around to face the oven behind her. She bent down and, opened it without thinking that it was hot.
She shrieked in pain after her knuckles brushed on the hot oven.
"Are you alright?" a concern familiar voice spoke from somewhere. Selena quickly turned her head around and, found the person she was not expecting to see standing by the kitchen door.
He was wearing a grey polo and jeans; his hair was neatly combed on the side just like the first time they met.
For a moment, Selena seems to have forgotten to breathe. She gasped to get her senses back and smiled at Alejandro.
Feeling tense, Selena closed the oven without removing the cupcakes and, absently patted her apron.
Even without looking at the mirror, Selena knows that her look was not considered to be normal for a lady.
"Hi," she nervously laughed and, walked towards him.
Then she continued with the same tense voice, "What are you doing here?"
"I was buying a coffee when I heard your scream. Are your fingers ok?" he replied.
"Yes, it's nothing," she shook her fingers and, dipped it in the crystal bowl full of cold water.
"Sh*t," she cursed out. She thought it will ease the pain but, it didn't help at all.
Alejandro rushed to her and took her hands. Seeing how red her knuckles were, his expression went dark.
"What were you thinking that you forgot to wear gloves? Sit down and let it cool off," his voice was like scolding a five-year-old kid though it was melancholic and full of concern.
He pulled her to stand next to the high chair, with his hand gently holding her injured hand, Selena felt her heart beating abnormally.
His scent lingered around her nose, his warm and soft hand against her skin, Selena knows that it was wrong yet, she could not help but, be mesmerized to him.
Thinking that he has a fiancée, Selena pulled her hand from his grip and walked past him. It was wrong of her to have feelings for him, and she shouldn't give any meaning to his action but, her heart and mind were fighting with each other.
And seems like Alejandro could read her mind. He gave her enough space and, sat on the empty chair opposite to her.
"Is there something wrong?" he asked, puzzled by her sudden cold expression.
Selena took in a deep breath and decided to be frank. Even though he didn't say that he likes her, his action itself says everything.
"I don't understand you. When we first met, you were so cold to me and even when we were at the hospital and suddenly, you're here. Worrying about me, please don't confuse me. You have a fiancée and I don't think it's appropriate for you to be touchy toward another woman."
She hates it. She hated the fact that she stuttered as she said those words, showing how weak she was. She has been good at communicating, whether flirting or arguments but, those words barely came out of her mouth.
Her eyes were looking down at her fingers on her lap, avoiding his eyes. But he didn't reply nor leave, she could still feel his presence, opposite to her.
"We broke up."
Selena's head raised to look at him, the room has become silent, she felt as if she's in a room with low decibels, she could almost hear her heartbeat.
"I am sorry to hear that," she apologetically said. She might not know how his relationship was with his ex-fiancée but, she knows that breakups were painful.
"Oh, don't worry. I have never loved her or even like. It's pure business."
She was stunned for a moment, the relief in his voice didn't escape her ears. Even the way he said it in a cheered tone was something she did not expect.
"oh!" she was lost of words for a moment.
"Well then congratulation," she let out an embarrassing laugh, unsure pf what to do or say next.
"Thank you so now, can I check your hand?"
"It's fine really,"
"It doesn't look fine. Let me check it," he insisted.
Selena sighed and extended her hand, seems like he won't stop asking unless she gives him her hand.
She watched him as he attentively scanned her fingers, his face was too close to her hand that her skin could almost feel his breathing.
She gulped hard and felt unease when he suddenly stared deeply at her.
"I think it will be much better if you will take a rest. Are you done baking?"
As soon as Alejandro said that, she suddenly remembered the cupcakes she left in the over. She hastily got up and raced towards the oven but, when she reached it, it was turned off and opened.
Her eyebrows creased when she didn't find any of the cupcakes she had just baked.
(this is too much!)
She strengthened and turned to walk out of the kitchen when Alejandro grabbed her hand.
"Where are you going?" his voice was full of concern enough to make her forget why she was frustrated.
"I need to check who has been stealing my cupcakes. My left hand is injured and I can't bake with one hand so," she pulled her wrist from his grip and left the kitchen, meanwhile, Alejandro was tailing her.
Her eyes caught the cupcakes lying on the counter, she saw people lining up in front of Louisa watching the girl as she shoved a whole cupcake in her mouth.
Louisa's mouth stretched as she enjoyed chewing the whole cupcake while people in front of her were looking at her with amusement.
After Louisa swallowed the cupcake, one of the customers placed cash on the counter and took one of the cupcakes, he handed it to Louisa and the girl happily ate it like she was a bear eating an apple.
Selena's lips parted in shock, uncertain whether to laugh or scold the people for treating her cousin like she's a clown in a circus.
"Are we going to stop them?" she heard Alejandro's uncertain voice from behind.
"I am not sure. Louisa is just smart; she's selling and eating the cupcakes at the same time."
"How did she do that?"
"No idea but, it shouldn't be a surprise. She's Daniella's kid after all." She shrugged a shoulder and turned around only to bump into Alejandro's chest. She breathed in his manly scent and immediately took a step back to give herself space.
"I need to go back and make the last batch for later, aren't you going back to your work?"
"No, I took a day off," he replied short.
Selena went back into the kitchen and was about to pick up the flour when Alejandro snatched it from her.
"I will do it just rest. Leo said you have been baking since the cafe opened so let me do this,"
His kind gestured has touched her, she didn't refuse his offer, instead, she sat on the empty space in the table and watched him.