A trail of flowers float across the ceiling to the classic counter. White fairy lights are entwined in the branches.
For the sake of my dignity, I don't give in to the urge to press my face against the perfectly polished glass display case.
Rows of artisan desserts flaunt their intricacies.
The pastel yellow, blue and pinks hint at the arrival of Easter preparations.
I could stare in awe for years and not get bored.
Taking in everything it had to offer, I find the reflection of Adrian's eyes patiently watching me.
"Sorry." I tuck my hands into the cuffed sleeves of my jumper, running my thumb over the seam.
"Don't be, it's cute." His small dimples reassure me that he's not just being polite. "What would you like?"
After ordering we sit at a table neighbouring a grand window, augmented by teal curtains. The plaited ties create a diamond cutout.
"What made you choose this hidden treasure?" I gesture towards our majestic surroundings, complete with gold chandeliers.
It was not the place I pictured him to choose. A more contemporary vibe had come to mind.
"My sister brought me here a few months ago." He rested his toned forearm on the table, his hand falling next to my elbow. "They serve excellent coffee and food, so I find it difficult to resist the short journey."
"How long have you been in the area for?" London is a fluid city of people coming and going, only few remain here their whole life.
"My family owns a few companies with London offices, so I've always been in a fairly close proximity." He pauses, gauging my reaction.
Working on an ambulance puts me in the unique position of getting invited into a person's home without any prior interaction.
I've seen everything from extreme subletting to unimaginable fortune. But, everyone receives the same level of patient care.
"Any that I would have heard of?" I respond, matching his casual tone.
Adrian lists a number of famous tech companies as well as some I don't recognise. I learn he is steadily taking on more responsibility as his father takes a back seat.
A waitress brings over our order. Silently arranging the items on the table.
We say our thanks as she removes the tray.
After much deliberation, I went for a red velvet cakesickle dipped in yellow tinted chocolate. It has been garnished with gold detailing, flowers and a mini egg!
"Do you enjoy it?" I pop the mini egg into my mouth.
"Most of the time, I've been gearing towards taking over for as long as I can remember." He rhythmically taps his long fingers against the wood, occasionally brushing against my skin. "Like anything, it has its moments."
I bite into my cakesickle, unable to suppress the moan that escapes.
Adrain's cup halts halfway to his mouth. His eyes trained on my lips.
"What! It's tastes really good." I laugh after swallowing my mouthful.
"Oh no, nothing." He finally sips his coffee. "I just might have to order a few more of those."
I shake my head, likely betrayed by my grin.
We slip easily into conversation, discussing our favourite foods and places in the city.
It sounds like Adrian enjoys Japanese food almost as much as me. Ramen is my personal favourite.
But, he'll try almost anything, and it seems like he has. I live vicariously through his luxurious tales.
"Would you like to try some?" He motions to a rosey macaroon.
"Sure."
Before I can take it from him, he holds it up to my lips.
Cupping a hand below my mouth, I take a small bite. The raspberry flavour immediately bursts to life on my tongue accompanied by the strawberry cream filling.
He eats the rest with an appreciative smile.
"Delicious, right?" I hum, savouring the flavours.
The waitress brings over the bill and Adrian immediately reaches for his wallet.
"I'm happy to pay, you found this dessert heaven." I've been paying my way since high school, it feels slightly uncomfortable to have someone else pay for me now.
"I insist, this is my treat." He flashes his deadly smile that I can't say no to.
"Thank you, but next time is on me." I slap a hand over my mouth, but it's too late. The words came out before I registered what I was saying.
"I'd like that." Adrian eases my hand away from my face and interlocks it with his.
I can do nothing but smile back at him in return.
My fair skin accentuates his slight tan.
The caress of his soft skin feels so natural, like my hand has always belonged there.
"So, what now? I can take the afternoon off, there's a cool ice rink nearby." His enthusiasm sends my heart rate hurtling towards the sun.
"Maybe another time, but I can't steal you away from work." It feels way too soon for him to be prioritising me over work.
"How about a compromise? My next meeting isn't for at least an hour." He jokingly pouts at me. "We could go for a walk in Hyde Park?"
"Sounds lovely."
After paying, he leads me outside without letting go of my hand.
"Did you go to university?" I turn to look up at him.
"I went to Oxford. Where are you studying?"
"Oooo, smarty pants! I'm studying at St. George's."
"The hospital?" He raises an eyebrow at me.
"Yup, my department is in the basement next to the dissection room!" My university is specialised in healthcare and is contained within St George's Hospital.
It's not your typical uni experience. Even the student union bar is in the hospital. But I can't fault it.
It allowed me to get my degree and hold a separate job. No need for all of the extra clubs and societies.
"That's…different?" He uses my hand to pull me closer.
"That's actually exactly what it is." I lean into him with a giggle.
We arrive at the perimeter gate.
What were once Boris Bikes sit to the left of the generous path, whilst prosperous trees line both sides deep into the park.
The soothing quiet enveloped us as we walked, admiring the neatly kept greenery.
Adrian watches me, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
He raises my hand and I comply with the random twirl he spins me into.
A small tug has me landing with my spare hand against his hard chest.
The smell of lavender and oak entices me to lean in closer.
I gaze up at his childish grin as he wraps his strong arms around my waist, keeping me tucked flush against him.
In that moment, the world seemed to start and end with us.