Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop

JoshxF!Reader

Early this morning was the first snowfall of the season. You open your eyes to a bright overcast sky shining through your sheer curtains. You sit up and stretch your arms out wide and rub the sleep from your eyes. Pulling back your duvet, you push your feet into some comfy slippers and slide your way to the closet with eyes half open. It's warm in your small apartment but you know as soon as you step out, the cold air will send a shock through your body. Even if your book store was only downstairs, the walk through the old concrete stairway and around the corner to the front door was enough to have you wishing you could just stay in bed all day. You throw on a turtle neck knit sweater, your favorite pair of skinny jeans, tucking them into a pair of warm snow boots. Before you head out the door, you grab your wool overcoat and beanie.

Along with the sounds of early morning city, your keys jingled in your freezing hands as you fumbled for the one to the storefront. The soft crunch of the snow and the scent of the cold fresh air sent a shiver down your spine. Entering through the door, you lock it behind you as you run through the imaginary list of things to do before you open. You flick on the lights as you make your way behind the counter to start up the coffee machine and get the register ready for the day. You take off your hat and jacket, resting them on the chair behind the desk. The bitter smell of fresh coffee filled the room while you set up your playlist through the speakers hidden throughout the store. You pour yourself a cup and make your way to the inventory room in the back. There was a new shipment you had to log in and price. Before you knew it, opening time had arrived. You unlock the front door and wait for the first customers.

The day started off slow. Eventually, there were a couple older ladies that came in for their romance fix. A young woman came in for a book on astrology and picked up a journal with some stationary. A couple browsed through your small record section. Then he came in. You'd never seen him in here before, but you had witnessed him a couple times buying a hot tea and writing on a laptop at the local café bakery a couple blocks down. He had short curly hair and perfect cheekbones. He stood about your height and carried himself confidently. He nodded acknowledgement at you as he walked in deeper into the store. Browsing lightly as he walked by. He didn't seem to be searching for something in particular, just scoping out the options.

You catch yourself staring and snap your gaze back to the door as the bell rang and another customer entered. They came to the counter and asked if you had a couple titles they were searching for. You guide them in the right direction passing behind him and they thank you. Making your way back to the counter, you glance at him and notice he's watching you also. His eyes are a deep brown and filled with warmth. He moves his gaze back to the book he was holding but a small smile appeared. A heat rose over your cheeks. The second customer returned to the register with a stack of books. He handed you his cash and politely thanked you. The bells on the door rang again as he exited. You make yourself busy running back through some paperwork when the warm man approached the counter. He smiles and gently lays a book on the counter. You return the smile and once again feel yourself blushing.

"Hi! Did you find everything you needed?" you ask.

He nods lightly and replies,"Yeah, thanks." You cash his payment and hand him back his item. He reaches for it, then as he stuffs his change into his pocket, he points his index finger up gesturing to the sky. "Hey, did you make this playlist?"

"Um, yeah. I actually added a couple new songs on it last night. You recognize anything?" You shyly reply.

He smiles again and states, "Believe it or not... all of it. You have great taste."

Your face lit up with his response. "Oh, ha! Well let me know if you have any recommendations."

He nods and turns to the exit. Resting his hand on the knob, he turns back to you. "I'll see you around."