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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"Oh my God," Aris wipes his forehead. "How many more people are going to come in today?"
I stand by the coffee machine to froth up some milk for a cappuccino. "I have no idea," I exhale. "I've never seen the cafe like this."
Chessman's has never been so busy in my entire life yet I love it. To see so many people sitting around with their drinks, eating food, talking, laughing, enjoying life. It gives me so much warmth and fulfilment.
We've been worked off our feet for hours upon hours. I glance over at Aris who is timing the paninis and blending a smoothie at the same time. I have no idea how he picked up multi-tasking so quickly, he rarely slips up. It's me who makes more mistakes.
"Do you need a break?" I ask him.
"No."
"Sure?"
He glances at me and I can tell that he's tired but he refuses to give up. "I swear. I'm fine. Just a bit overwhelmed but I know you are too."
We both know that's not what I'm referring to. He hasn't opened up to me about his illness anymore and I get that it's his personal life and I don't want to press where my business doesn't belong. We've become good friends and I enjoy his company so much.
I have no idea how I used to do this myself.
"Alright," I say as I pull the jug of hot milk away and make two coffees with leaf art on the top. "It should get quieter soon so we can have a short break. I know I need it."
He flashes me a smile and I shoot him one right back.
After another forty minutes the cafe influx does die down a little but I'm still buzzing from welcoming new customers and doing the best to make their experience memorable.
When the bell rings and I glance up, Declan steps into the cafe with a broad smile on his face. I melt when I see him, like every time he comes in here. Or even the first time I ever saw him. It never gets easier with time, those butterflies erupt in my stomach like they're having a party.
"Busy day?" He quirks a brow.
I release a breath and prop a hand on the counter, letting it take all of my weight. "You have no idea."
Declan's dark eyes turn to Aris as he lifts his head. "Hey," he says politely.
"Hey," Aris says as he begins to empty the dishwasher.
When he glances back at me he leans into the counter. His eyes flick down to my lips then back up to my eyes. "Come here," he urges.
I blink once and have a quick once over of the cafe. My feet shuffle forward as he moves across the counter and lands a kiss on my lips. I hum in surprise at the softness of his mouth and the way I practically glow when he touches me.
