The sky outside was beginning to shift from deep violet to a shy orange hue, sunlight slowly leaking through her curtains as the city woke up.
Teresa stood still for a moment after Andrea left, her fingers brushing her lips.
She didn't know what that kiss meant.
It wasn't a promise.
But it wasn't nothing either.
A mix of dread and anticipation curled in her stomach as she reached for her towel. She moved quietly through the house, careful not to wake anyone especially her father, who she was sure would snap if he saw the faint smile still playing on her lips.
Once in the bathroom, she locked the door behind her and had her bath. The water beat against her skin, but her mind wandered elsewhere.
To his arms around her.
To his breath on her forehead.
To the soft way he'd looked at her, as if she was the only thing in the world that could pull him out of his spiral.
Teresa leaned her head back, letting the water wash over her. She told herself not to get carried away. Not to read too much into it. She wasn't taking him backnot now. Maybe not ever.
Still, she couldn't shake the memory of his voice when he said, "I've got so many surprises for you, my friend."
What did that even mean?
She sighed and reached for her sponge.
She wiped the mirror with her palm and caught her reflection.
Her eyes looked different today.
Not sad. Not angry. Just… unsettled.
Maybe even curious.
Back in her room, she pulled out her uniform that hugged her figure. She added her favorite earrings and a soft lip gloss just enough to feel like herself, even if she didn't quite know who that was anymore.
She packed her bag, tucked her new phone safely into the side pocket, and tiptoed out of her room.
Her mother was in the kitchen, humming as she stirred a pot of stew. Her father was nowhere in sight.
"Good morning, sweetheart," her mom said with a smile.
"Morning, Mama."
"Eat something before you leave."
Teresa nodded and sat at the edge of the dining chair, barely tasting the bread and egg she forced down. Her mind was already outside, already walking the route to work, already wondering what Andrea was up to now.
Was he waiting at the corner?
Would he actually come pick her up even though she'd said not to?
She hoped he wouldn't.
But a tiny part of her hoped he would.
When she stepped outside, the morning air was cool against her skin. She adjusted her bag on her shoulder and walked quickly down the street, keeping her head low.
Teresa walked with steady steps, her ears filled with the sounds of the city stretching awake. The breeze teased her curls as she tucked a strand behind her ear, eyes darting from face to face, half-watching, half-waiting.
And then she saw him.
Leaning against his car just around the corner, arms crossed, eyes already locked on her before she even fully turned. His black hoodie hung off one shoulder, and his hair looked like he'd run his fingers through it a thousand times already that morning. But it was the expression on his face that slowed her steps, a lazy, almost bashful smile that curled one side of his mouth.
"You said I shouldn't come," Andrea said as she walked closer. "But you also said 'fine, no problem.' Which, in girl language, I believe means… 'I want you to come but I'll act like I don't.'"
She rolled her eyes, biting back a smile. "You're annoying."
"And yet you're smiling." He opened the passenger door for her. "Come on, let me be your friendly Uber."
She hesitated for just a second.
Then slipped inside.
The car smelled like peppermint gum and something uniquely him. Andrea jogged to the driver's side, slid in, and started the engine. The music was soft, an old R&B track humming beneath their silence.
"You look… really pretty," he said after a beat, glancing at her sideways. "Like, unfairly pretty. This is harassment, Tessa."
She looked out the window, smiling. "You're not funny."
"I am when you're smiling like that."
They drove in silence for a moment. Not awkward silence. Her fingers traced circles on her thigh while his hand flexed on the steering wheel like he was thinking about whether or not to reach for hers.
"I meant it, by the way," Andrea said finally. "About taking you out after work."
"You said friendly outing," she reminded him.
He nodded. "I'm sticking to the brief. Just food, a small surprise, maybe one or two compliments about your beautiful face. Harmless stuff."
She laughed, a real, airy laugh that made something tighten in his chest.
"I also meant what I said about your birthday," he added, glancing at her quickly. "I know it's next week. I'm planning something… but don't worry, nothing wild."
"Planning something for me?" she said softly, curious.
"For my friend," he teased, eyes twinkling.
She stared at him for a second, something unspoken in the way her gaze lingered.
Then she looked out the window again. "You're insane."
He smirked. "Possibly."
Teresa sat quietly beside Andrea, the hum of the engine and the slow music from the radio wrapping around them like a secret. The fabric of her skirt had ridden up slightly on her thighs, and though she hadn't noticed, Andrea had.
He gripped the wheel tighter, stealing glances every few seconds.
"Tessa," he said, voice lower than before. "Can you, uh… adjust your skirt a little?"
She turned to him, amused. "Why?"
"Because your thighs are distracting," he muttered, trying not to smirk.
Her lips curved knowingly. "No."
His head turned sharply toward her, eyebrows raised. "No?"
She shrugged, that teasing glint in her eyes. "You're the one looking. Look away."
He shook his head, biting his bottom lip. "Well, if you don't… I might do something crazy."
"Do it then," she challenged, her voice soft but laced with fire.
Andrea's foot eased off the accelerator as he pulled over to the side of the road, heart thudding loud in his chest. He unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to face her. For a second, she thought he might just kiss her. But instead, his warm hand gently trailed down, and he leaned in, pressing a soft, reverent kiss to the top of her thigh.
She gasped quietly, still.
His lips lingered for a second longer, warm against her skin. It wasn't just lust, it was something deeper. The kind of touch that said I miss you, I want you.
He looked up at her, eyes searching hers.
Teresa said nothing, she just leaned in and kissed him, slow and intentional. No rush. No chaos. Just warmth and memory and yearning all tangled into one. When they pulled away, she touched his cheek lightly.
"I'm going to be late for work," she said with a small smile.
He chuckled, breathless. "Right."
He restarted the car, placed his hand gently on her thigh , this time with permission and drove off. Neither of them said anything for the rest of the ride. They didn't need to. The tension between them said enough.
They arrived at the restaurant just before the first rush of customers. Andrea pulled into the back parking lot, turning off the engine slowly. Neither of them said a word.
The tension from the car ride hadn't faded in fact, it hung heavier now. The ghost of his lips still lingered on her skin, and the memory of her quiet gasp played on a loop in his mind.
He glanced at her as she reached for the door handle.
"Wait," he said, voice low.
She turned to him, lips slightly parted.
Andrea reached out and fixed the collar of her shirt, his fingers brushing her neck. "There," he murmured.
"You missed a spot," she teased.
He raised an eyebrow. "I missed a lot of things."
She laughed softly, cheeks flushing.
He didn't kiss her again. Not now. Not here. But the way he looked at her made it clear he wanted to.
"See you inside, Tessa."
She smiled. "Don't be late."
As Teresa walked through the staff entrance, she tried to compose herself. The kitchen was already humming with early prep. The scent of garlic, yeast, and coffee hit her like a welcome wave. Familiar. Grounding.
She clocked in, smoothed her apron, and tucked the memory of Andrea's hands somewhere deep.
But the moment she stepped into the main dining area, her girls spotted her.
Tracy dropped a tray.
Jane gasped.
Priya froze mid-sip of orange juice.
"Girl," Tracy said, squinting, "don't lie… you got some this morning, didn't you?"
"Absolutely not," Teresa said too quickly, grabbing a cloth from the counter.
Jane leaned in. "You've got that post-sin glow."
Priya sniffed the air dramatically. "She smells like car sex and cinnamon."
"Okay, enough," Teresa laughed, swatting them away. "Nothing happened."
Tracy smirked. "Uh-huh. And the lipstick on your neck got there by itself?"
Teresa's hand flew to her throat. "What?"
"Relax," Priya said. "Just kidding."
Teresa groaned. "You're all insane."
"Yeah," Jane said, looping her arm around her. "Insanely happy for you. It's nice to see you smile again."
Andrea strolled in through the front entrance five minutes later, head high, cologne subtle but sinful. He spotted Teresa instantly, but instead of walking up to her, he went to his mother, who was already reviewing the delivery invoices at the bar.
"Morning, mom," he said.
Mrs. Gabriella glanced up. "You're early."
"I figured I'd stop by before the day gets busy."
Her eyes narrowed. "You're sure you came to see me?."
He smirked. "Can't a son visit his mother?"
She gave him that look.
Back in the kitchen, Liam was chopping onions. His face was still, but his jaw clenched tighter each time he heard Teresa laugh out front.
But something in him burned, that tight, helpless fire that came when someone you cared about slowly slipped out of reach.
He tossed the knife down harder than necessary.
"Easy," one of the cooks muttered.
Liam muttered an apology and went back to work.
———
After the lunch rush, Teresa went into the pantry to restock sauces. She didn't expect anyone to follow her in.
But she should have known.
Andrea slid in behind her, shutting the door softly.
She turned, heart skipping.
"I wanted to see you."
"We've been seeing each other all morning."
He stepped closer. "Not the way I want."
She raised a brow. "Andrea—"
He took her hand. "I meant what I said. About wanting to do things differently."
Her voice softened. "I believe you're trying. But I don't want to rush back into something only to get hurt again."
"I know," he whispered. "That's why I'm not asking for everything. Just moments."
Teresa's breath hitched as he leaned in, not for a kiss, but to rest his forehead against hers.
Quiet. Still.
"I'll take whatever you give me," he said.
She nodded faintly. "Then be patient with me."
He pulled back slightly and smiled. "You're worth the wait."
As Teresa stepped out of the store room, still shaken but trying to hold herself together, she was called to attend to a new table one that sent a strange chill down her spine.
Three men were seated at the far end of the restaurant. Sharp suits. Cold eyes. The kind of guests who only showed up in upscale restaurants and made everyone nervous without saying a word. The one in the middle looked older, more commanding, clearly the boss. A subtle silence wrapped around them, broken only by the occasional clink of a spoon or the quiet whisper of their low conversation.
Teresa approached with her notepad, masking her discomfort with the usual warmth in her voice.
"Good evening, gentlemen. May I take your order?"
Their eyes scanned her body slowly, disrespectfully, like they were mentally undressing her right there. The old man smirked as his gaze lingered a little too long on the curve of her waist beneath the uniform.
"You're a rare beauty," he said, voice low and rough.
She ignored the comment and jotted down their orders: lobster thermidor, dry-aged ribeye steak, and truffle risotto. Premium choices.
As she turned to leave, she felt it, the unmistakable feel of a hand slapping her backside. Loud enough to sting. And just like that, his boys burst into quiet laughter behind her.
Teresa froze, eyes wide with disbelief and rage. She turned on her heels and faced the man.
"Don't you dare touch me again," she snapped, voice shaking with fury.
The man chuckled darkly, standing to tower over her. "You talk back too much for someone who serves food," he said, raising a hand to slap her.
But before his hand could reach her, Andrea was there, swift like lightning. He caught the man's wrist in mid-air and flung it downward like it was weightless.
The restaurant went still.
Andrea's jaw was clenched, eyes burning with fury. His voice came low and dangerous.
"Touch her again, and I'll make sure you lose that hand."
The old man narrowed his eyes. "Who do you think you are?"
Andrea stepped closer. "Leave. Now."
At his command, two of the restaurant's security men closed in. The mafia boss smirked coldly as he adjusted his suit.
"We'll meet again. In the outside world," he said, and walked out with his men behind him.
Andrea took a step forward, but Teresa gripped his wrist, stopping him.
"Please… don't. It's not worth it," she whispered.
"What's going on here?" Mrs. Gabriella's voice cut through the tension as she approached. After hearing what happened, she shook her head in disappointment and worry.
"Clear this table. Teresa, go catch your breath in my office. Andrea, take her there."
⸻
Inside the Office
Andrea led her inside and gently shut the door. Teresa sat on the edge of the couch, clearly uncomfortable. Her hands trembled slightly.
"I should've stepped in sooner," Andrea said, pacing, fists still clenched. "I'm sorry."
"It's fine," she replied softly. "I'm just glad you didn't let your anger take over completely."
She looked down, voice quieter now. "I still feel weird. Like his touch is still there."
Andrea moved closer, crouching before her. "Then let me clean it off," he said with a soft, teasing smile.
Her eyes met his. "That would actually help," she whispered, half-joking, half-serious.
The mood shifted. Electricity hummed in the silence between them.
She stood and smoothed her apron. "I think I can go back now."
But before she could reach the door, Andrea stepped forward and gently pushed her back against the wall, eyes never leaving hers. He locked the door behind him, slipping the key into his pocket.
"So quick to run away, my friend?" he teased.
Their eyes locked again. Andrea leaned in slightly, as if asking permission with his gaze. Then he brushed his lips against her cheek, slowly trailing to her neck.
She inhaled sharply as his hands found her waist, holding her gently.
Then came the kiss, slow, hungry, real. Teresa melted into it, arms wrapping around his neck as if the world didn't exist.
When they pulled apart, both breathless, she whispered, "Andrea… what's happening to me? I feel… strange in between my legs. But in a good way."
He smirked. "You're just too… innocent."
She blushed and looked down.
Andrea reached into his pocket and unlocked the door. "You should go back before they start looking for you."
As she stepped out, she paused for a second and looked back at him. Her cheeks flushed, lips still tingling from the kiss.
Alone in the office now, Andrea leaned back in the chair and laughed softly to himself. There was something about Teresa, her innocence, her fire, her unpredictability—that drove him wild.
He couldn't stop falling for her.
Despite claiming that she doesn't want t him.
She still kissed him.
She let him touch her.
That had to mean something… right?
He picked up his car keys and walked out of the office, ignoring the stares from the kitchen staff who had obviously heard what happened earlier. He didn't care. Let them talk. Let the walls whisper.
As he walked past the service area, his eyes searched for her instinctively and there she was. At table seven, laughing gently at something Priya had said. But there was something in her smile that only he could read. A touch of nervousness, a bit of confusion, maybe even a blush when she looked up and caught him staring.
He smirked.
She was trying to act like nothing had happened.
But he could feel it in her. In the way her hand brushed her apron, the way she avoided eye contact too quickly, and the way her gaze flickered back to him when she thought he wasn't looking.
Andrea leaned against the counter and crossed his arms while he was deep in thought
'You kissed me first, Tessa…'
'You didn't stop me when I touched your thigh in the car.'
'And you didn't stop me just now in that office.'
That meant something.
He knew she wanted him.
He saw Liam walking out of the back kitchen, apron stained, towel over his shoulder. And worse, he saw Liam glance at Teresa as he passed by.
Andrea's entire body tensed.
No. Not him. He wouldn't allow it.
If Liam so much as touched her—
"Jealous already?" came Tracy's voice from behind him, teasing.
Andrea turned slightly, unbothered.
"I don't get jealous. She's mine"
Tracy chuckled, not buying it. "Well, be careful. That girl's heart has already been stepped on once. Don't be the reason she never trusts again."
Andrea didn't respond. He just looked over at Teresa again, and this time, she looked right back at him. Neither of them blinked. The restaurant buzzed around them, full of noise and movement but all he could see was her.
She looked away first, cheeks flushed, before hurrying into the kitchen.
Andrea smiled to himself, dark and satisfied.