Luca Chessman has been longing for love his entire life. The only problem is-he can't seem to find a guy that likes him the same way.
With his family cafe, Chessman's, struggling to keep afloat and no help from the bank, he's slowly accepting the d...
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As busy as I have been this week, I know when someone is avoiding me. That person being Luca. When I attempt to swing by after closing, the shop is shut and he's already at home saying that he's tired.
I've been helping my brother with the launch of his new business app over the last few days because he's struggling big time. I've told him he needs to get his shit together but I know it's not easy with a young one. I don't want to see him crash and burn either, he's worked so hard on this project.
The only downside is I haven't had a lot of time in the day to see Luca at the cafe.
We've texted here and there but nothing substantial. I've been trying to make a date to see him but he's being difficult and I can only presume that something has happened. He's avoiding me on purpose. For what reason? I don't know.
I finish up my paperwork at my home office around midday, I head over to Chessman's when I know I'll catch Luca working, Aris will most likely be there too. This time he can't make any lame excuses.
If it's about the cafe, payments, whatever–I'll have to talk some sense into him.
We've spent too many months working on this relationship to let it crumble out of bad communication. I want to be able to talk about our issues and I certainly told Luca not to lie to me again, keep things from me. He learnt the hard way and I won't be as kind the second time.
I press my hand to the door of the cafe and listen to the bell ring above my head. It's not busy but I can spot Luca as he makes a coffee for a customer standing at the end of the counter.
The door swings shut behind me as I walk over to them. Luca places the drink down and smiles as the person takes it, thanking them and wishing them a good day. He glances in my direction and his curved lips dip a little.
"Hey," I say as I stroll in.
"Hi," he squeaks before turning his back on me and pretending to do something on the other side of the counter. "Can I get you anything?"
I quirk a brow and fold my arms over my chest. "Yeah you can answer this," I say as I study the back of his head. "Why are you avoiding me?"
His shoulders stiffen as he shakes his head. "I haven't. I-I'm not."
My lips press into a thin line. He shakes his head as he continues doing whatever he's pretending to do. I haven't fully seen him since the other night, since I came home and he cooked me dinner, since I said–
Shit. I blink once and then twice. My hands lean onto the counter. I take down a deep breath as he turns an inch towards me but keeps his eyes away. "Is it because I said I love you?"
If I thought his shoulders were tense before, they're like stone now. He says nothing, as if he's frozen in place and has no idea what to say–stunned.
