Uncrowned Princess

31

Fews days after,

The aroma of freshly baked croissants filled the air as Isabella carefully arranged them on the buffet table. Her delicate fingers deftly placed each golden pastry, ensuring they looked as inviting as they smelled. Lost in concentration, she didn't hear the soft footsteps approaching behind her.

Suddenly, she felt a pair of warm hands gently encircle her waist. A familiar scent - a mix of cologne and something uniquely Ethan - enveloped her. Isabella's heart skipped a beat as she turned, finding herself face to face with Ethan's mischievous grin.

"What about being professional, you boss?" she teased, her voice low and playful. Her eyes darted to his lips for a fraction of a second before meeting his gaze again.

Ethan's smile widened as he leaned in closer, his breath tickling her ear. "I can't when you're around," he murmured, his voice husky and filled with desire. His thumbs traced small circles on her waist, sending shivers up her spine.

Isabella glanced over Ethan's shoulder, taking in the empty dining area. The early morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Seizing the moment of privacy, she stood on her tiptoes and stole a quick kiss, her lips brushing against his softly.

As she began to pull away, Ethan's hand moved to the small of her back, drawing her closer. His other hand cupped her face gently as he captured her lips in a deeper, more passionate kiss. Isabella melted into his embrace, her hands finding their way to his chest, feeling his heartbeat quicken beneath her palm.

The kiss was soft yet intense, filled with unspoken promises and longing. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in each other,

When they finally parted, both slightly breathless, Ethan didn't let her go. Instead, he leaned in once more, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear. "You make every day brighter, Bella," he whispered, his voice full of emotion. "I can't wait to spend the rest of my life waking up to your smile."

Isabella's heart soared at his words, a blush creeping up her cheeks. She pulled back slightly to look into his eyes, finding them filled with love and adoration. A soft smile played on her lips as she basked in the warmth of his gaze.

The moment was interrupted by the distant sound of voices approaching. Reluctantly, they stepped apart, but their eyes remained locked, conveying everything words couldn't express. With one last lingering look, Ethan squeezed her hand gently before turning to greet the incoming staff, leaving Isabella to catch her breath and compose herself, the ghost of his kiss still tingling on her lips.

The kitchen was alive with the aroma of fresh pastries and the melodious sound of Marco's voice. The seasoned chef swayed gently as he worked, his rich baritone filling the air with a lively Italian folk song. His skilled hands deftly placed plump cherries atop swirls of cream, each movement in perfect rhythm with his singing.

Isabella breezed into the kitchen, her curls bouncing as she moved. The familiar tune caught her ear, and without missing a beat, she joined in, her clear soprano blending harmoniously with Marco's voice. Marco's eyes crinkled with delight as he turned to her, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"Ah, bella!" he exclaimed, setting down his piping bag. "Come, come! Let's dance!"

Before Isabella could protest, Marco had whisked her into the center of the kitchen. Their impromptu dance floor was a patchwork of stainless steel and well-worn tiles, but neither seemed to mind.

Marco led with the confident steps of a man who had danced this way a thousand times before. Isabella followed, her initial hesitation melting away as she gave in to the joyous rhythm. They twirled and stepped, narrowly avoiding collisions with prep tables and cooling racks.