Kiara's pov
The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I wiped the counter for the hundredth time that morning. The café was quiet, save for the soft hum of jazz playing in the background. It wasn't the life I'd dreamed of, but it was mine, and I'd made peace with it.
"Kiara, table three needs a refill," my manager called out, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"On it," I replied, grabbing the coffee pot.
I was halfway to the table when the door swung open, and the little bell above it chimed. I didn't think much of it just another customer. But when I looked up, my breath caught.
He was tall, with dark hair that looked like it had been tousled by the wind but still somehow perfect. His suit was sharp, tailored, and screamed money. And his eyes? Piercing and so blue they could've been stolen from the sky.
For a moment, I froze, coffee pot in hand, staring like an idiot. He caught my gaze, and the corner of his lips tugged into a faint smile.
"Excuse me, miss?" the customer at table three said, bringing me back to reality.
"Right, sorry," I mumbled, quickly pouring their refill. But my eyes kept darting to the stranger as he approached the counter.
"Can I get an espresso?" he asked, his voice deep and smooth, like honey laced with a hint of danger.
I nodded, fumbling with the machine. "Coming right up."
"Do you always stare at your customers like that?" he asked, amusement lacing his tone.
My cheeks burned. "I wasn't staring."
"Of course not," he said, leaning slightly closer. "You were admiring."
Who was this guy? I bit my lip, trying to focus on making his coffee, but his presence was magnetic, pulling me in even as I tried to resist.
Ethan's pov
I wasn't supposed to be here. A quiet café in the middle of nowhere wasn't my usual scene, but something about it caught my eye as I drove past. Maybe it was the simplicity of it, or maybe it was fate.
The girl behind the counter wasn't what I expected. She wasn't trying too hard, like most women I met. Her hair was pulled into a messy bun, and her apron was smudged with coffee stains. But there was something captivating about her something real.
When our eyes met, I knew I had her attention. It was the kind of look I was used to, but this time, it felt… different.
"Here's your espresso," she said, sliding the cup across the counter.
"Thanks…" I paused, waiting for her to fill in the blank.
"Kiara," she said softly.
"Kiara," I repeated, testing the name on my tongue. "I'm Ethan."
She nodded, clearly trying to play it cool, but the faint blush on her cheeks gave her away.
I took a sip of the espresso and raised an eyebrow. "Not bad. Did you make this?"
"Yeah," she said, her voice steady despite the flicker of nervousness in her eyes.
"Impressive," I said, setting the cup down. "Do you own this place?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "Hardly. I just work here."
"Hmm," I said, studying her. There was more to this girl than met the eye. And for the first time in a long time, I felt… curious.
Kiara's pov
I watched as he walked out the door, his espresso cup empty and a faint smirk on his lips.
"Who was that?" my coworker whispered, nudging me.
"I have no idea," I admitted, still staring at the door.
my phone buzzed on the counter where I'd left it. The screen lit up with a name that made me smile automatically.
Dave.
I wiped my hands on my apron and picked up the phone.
"Hey, you," I said, trying to sound more upbeat than I felt.
"Hey, babe," his voice came through, warm and familiar. "How's work?"
"Same old, same old," I replied, leaning against the counter. "You?"
"Just finished at the gym. Thought I'd call to see if you're free tonight. Dinner at my place?"
Dave was the perfect boyfriend on paper,sweet, caring, and always making an effort. We'd been together for over a year, and while I appreciated him, there was a nagging feeling I couldn't quite shake.
"Sure," I said after a pause. "What time?"
"Seven? I'll make your favorite," he said, his voice filled with a boyish enthusiasm that made me feel a little guilty for hesitating.
"Sounds perfect," I said, forcing a smile even though he couldn't see me.
"Great. Can't wait to see you," he said before hanging up.
I set my phone down, sighing softly. Dave was wonderful, but lately, it felt like something was missing like we were stuck in a comfortable routine with no spark.
And then there was Ethan. I shook my head, scolding myself. I didn't even know the guy. One conversation didn't mean anything.
"Earth to Kiara," my coworker teased, waving a hand in front of my face. "What's up with you today? First, you're staring at Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome, and now you're all mopey after talking to Dave."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm fine, Tara. Just tired."
"Uh-huh," she said, not buying it. "Well, if you need me, I'll be in the back. Try not to let any more billionaires steal your heart while I'm gone."
I laughed, shaking my head as she walked away.
The day crawled by at a snail's pace, and by the time my shift ended, my feet were aching, and my head was spinning with thoughts I couldn't quite untangle. Ethan's piercing gaze lingered in my mind like a song stuck on repeat. I shook it off, reminding myself I had a boyfriend,one who cared about me deeply.
I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed to the bus stop, pulling my coat tighter against the evening chill. The bus arrived a few minutes later, its doors hissing open. I climbed aboard, settling into an empty seat by the window.