The Runaway Girl and The Billionaire

Chapter 2: The Barista

"Come on!" Xyrus clapped the leather steering wheel as he stared up at the red light. He was late for a meeting where he would unveil the new products for the season. A man exiting a glass door caught his attention and he turned to see the small bakery he had never noticed before.

Located between his house and his office, he was shocked that he had never noticed the posh café, and with another glance at the stubborn light, decided it could be just the sweet exchange he needed to make up for his tardiness. Tugging the wheel to the right, he pulled into a parking space and hopped out of his black Range Rover SUV.

"Hi! Welcome to A Slice of Suzeth!! How can I help you?" A sweet girl with red hair called from behind the counter. She was cheery and sweet, flashing a smile that made you feel at ease.

Xy had barely noticed her though, because the brunette in the back had stolen his attention. He could tell she was naturally a blonde from her lightened roots, and he wondered what made her dye the hair so many wished they had.

Usually, a few undisturbed seconds of staring was enough for a woman to know he was interested, and subsequently make their move to try their chances. Something was different about this girl, and it intrigued him.

"What could I get you today?" The cheery redhead asked, drawing him back to reality.

"I'm sorry. I'd like a box of everything," Xyrus flashed a smile as he pointed to the glass pastry display.

"No problem. We have a half or a full dozen variety boxes," she explained.

"Let's go for the whole dozen," Xy nodded, mentally calculating how many people would be in the meeting.

He was going to reveal the newest line of accessories for large breed dogs. There was something about the lightheartedness of his clients that made him refuse to completely buy into corporate America. Most men in his position would wear a suit to the office every day, but Xyrus preferred jeans and a white button-down shirt.

Even his facial hair was less than formal, the thin layer of stubble covering his structured jawline. Xyrus Ashington wasn't the type of man to take himself too seriously, and his idea to bring a box of treats to a business meeting was a clear indication of that. While the cheery woman packed a powder pink box filled with donuts, danishes and muffins, Xyrus made his way around the counter, his eyes still focused on the brunette working in the back. She was at the steamer, making a cappuccino when he approached.

"If I would have known how well you made them, I would have gotten one of those," he joked, hoping to catch her attention.

She barely flinched, keeping her eyes to the ground as she poured the warm milk over the espresso. Xyrus watched carefully, wondering if she had heard his attempt at sparking a conversation.

"Tina can add one to your order," the woman said, raising her eyes to meet Xyrus.

In an instant he was captivated by her icy blue eyes. She had a pureness about her that he just had to learn more about. Racking his brain for the right words to say, he watched as the window closed. She returned to making her list of drinks, and the other woman called for his attention.

"That'll be one thousand four hundred ninety-one and twenty five cents," she announced, setting the box of goodies on the counter beside the register.

Xyrus slides his credit card to the reader, still watching the brunette. She appeared less than impressed by him, focusing on her job without so much as glancing in his direction.