The next morning, Aria tried to focus on her work.
It wasn't easy. Every time she looked up from the counter, she expected to see him standing there again. But the café remained calm, just the usual morning crowd sipping coffee and reading newspapers.
Her friend Nina noticed her distraction.
"You've been spacing out since yesterday," she said, sliding a cup of latte across the counter. "What happened? Someone steal your heart?"
Aria rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "Something like that."
Nina laughed. "You can tell me. I won't tell anyone."
Aria shook her head. "No. It's complicated."
She didn't add that a part of her couldn't stop thinking about the calm, strong man who had walked into her life the night before.
Across town, Adrian Cross was in his office. The city sprawled beneath him, but his mind wasn't on numbers, meetings, or deals.
It was on her.
He had asked his assistant for her address. Not because he wanted to invade her life, but because he needed to see her again. To make sure she was safe.
The truth was, he didn't just want to see her. He wanted to know her.
By mid-afternoon, Adrian appeared at the café again.
This time, Aria was behind the counter serving a customer when she heard the bell above the door.
She froze.
And then she saw him.
He didn't rush in, didn't act like a rich CEO trying to impress anyone. He just walked slowly, scanning the café until his eyes landed on her.
Her chest tightened.
"Hi," he said, quiet and calm.
"Hi," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I wanted to make sure you're alright," he continued. "After last night."
Aria blinked. "I… I'm fine. Really."
He studied her for a moment. Then he nodded. "Good."
There was silence for a few seconds, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It felt… intentional.
Nina peeked at them from the side, whispering, "Do you know him?"
Aria shook her head, trying to act casual. "Not really… yet."
Adrian pulled up a chair near her counter and sat down.
"I don't usually do this," he admitted. "Sit in cafés. Talk to strangers. But I wanted to talk to you."
Aria's hands tightened around the coffee cup. "I… I'm not used to this either."
He gave a small, understanding smile. "I know."
For the next few minutes, they spoke quietly. Not about work. Not about danger. Not about business.
Just small things.
The café's best pastry.
The smell of coffee in the morning.
How the rain sometimes feels comforting.
And somehow, in those small moments, the tension of the night before eased a little.
When Adrian finally stood to leave, he paused by the counter.
"Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked, calm but direct.
Aria hesitated. Her mind screamed caution, but her heart… her heart said yes.
"Maybe," she replied, giving the smallest nod.
He smiled. Just a hint of one. "Good. I'll look forward to it."
As he walked out, the bell above the door jingled. Aria sank against the counter, breathing deeply.
Nina nudged her. "Well?"
Aria shook her head slowly, a soft smile forming. "Well… maybe this i
s the start of something."
And for the first time, she let herself feel it—the possibility of more.