You Belong With Me

Chapter 13

Location: Costa Cafe
Time: 9:10
Brewing Attraction

Jesse stood confidently behind the counter at the Costa near Cleo's ballet studio, donning the barista apron with ease. As Cleo entered the coffee shop, her eyes were immediately drawn to Jesse's strong and capable presence. It was a refreshing sight, especially in contrast to her own graceful ballet attire.

The bustling atmosphere of the coffee shop seemed to fade into the background as Jesse approached the counter to take Cleo's order. The other customers and Cleo's coworkers instinctively recognized Jesse's dominance and respectfully maintained their distance, allowing the two women to engage in conversation undisturbed.

With a warm smile, Jesse greeted Cleo, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness. "Good to see you again, Cleo. What can I brew for you today?"

Cleo couldn't help but feel a flutter in her heart at the sound of Jesse's voice. She leaned in slightly closer, feeling a mix of intrigue and attraction. "Surprise me, Jesse. I trust your coffee-making skills."

A glimmer of mischief danced in Jesse's eyes as she accepted the challenge. With deft movements, she began crafting Cleo's drink, her strong hands maneuvering with precision and grace. Cleo watched in awe as Jesse's muscles flexed, subtly revealing her strength and agility.

Caught between admiration and the growing warmth in her cheeks, Cleo found herself unable to tear her gaze away. Jesse noticed Cleo's lingering stare and couldn't resist teasing her, a playful smirk forming on her lips.

"Enjoying the view, Cleo?" Jesse quipped, her voice laced with a mix of confidence and allure.

Startled, Cleo blushed and averted her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... um, it's just... your strong arms, Jesse. They're impressive."

Jesse chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, Cleo, I must say you have quite the eye for detail. Maybe I should show you some of my other talents."

Their playful banter continued as Jesse handed Cleo the expertly crafted drink, their eyes meeting in a shared moment of connection. From a different point of view, they appeared like a pair of lovers, their chemistry palpable and their hearts beginning to intertwine.

Jesse, with her barista skills and charismatic presence, had ignited something within Cleo. It was a newfound sense of intrigue and attraction, drawing her closer to Jesse's vibrant energy. And as they continued to flirt and exchange witty remarks across the counter, the lines between customer and barista blurred, replaced by a growing sense of possibility and desire.
Jesse, with her confident and assertive demeanor, found Cleo's shyness endearing. She sensed Cleo's hesitation and made an effort to create a comfortable space for her. Instead of asserting dominance as before, Jesse softened her approach, ensuring Cleo felt at ease in her presence.

One afternoon, while the coffee shop buzzed with activity, Jesse and Cleo found a moment of respite near the back of the shop. Cleo's coworkers respectfully kept their distance, recognizing the blossoming connection between the two.

With a gentle smile, Jesse leaned closer to Cleo, her voice barely above a whisper. "You know, Cleo, your shyness only makes you more intriguing to me. There's a delicate beauty in your reserved nature."

Cleo's cheeks flushed with a mixture of bashfulness and appreciation. "Thank you, Jesse. I'm just not used to someone like you showing interest in someone like me."

Jesse reached out, her fingers grazing against Cleo's hand. "Trust me, Cleo, you are captivating in your own unique way. Your passion for ballet, the grace with which you move—it all draws me closer to you."