sugar & shelves.

Chapter 4: A Little More Than Friendship

The soft chime of the bell above the door sounded again, and Sophie looked up from where she was sorting through her ingredients, the early morning rush finally winding down. But this time, it wasn't Ethan's familiar figure stepping into the bakery—it was his voice, clear and easy, calling her name across the room.

"Sophie!" Ethan's voice was playful but carried the warmth of someone who felt like they'd already known you forever.

Sophie's heart gave a little flutter as she turned to see him standing by the door, arms crossed, with that same easy grin on his face. The sun had started to peek through the clouds outside, casting a soft, golden light that lit up his tousled hair and gave him a warm glow—like something out of a perfect morning. His eyes met hers across the room, and the moment felt still, like everything outside the bakery could fade away.

"What are you doing here?" Sophie raised an eyebrow, but the smile tugging at the corner of her lips gave her away. The playful banter had become something almost... comforting.

"I was starting to think you forgot about me," Ethan teased, walking in slowly, his boots clicking softly against the tile floor. "You've been holding out on me. No surprise scones, no cupcakes with magic..."

Sophie laughed, crossing her arms, watching him approach. She couldn't help but notice the way his shirt, a little too worn at the edges, still somehow fit him perfectly, the way his hands, casual but confident, brushed through his hair, making it more messy than it already was.

"You know, you're really starting to become a regular around here," Sophie said, trying to keep her tone light, though there was something soft in her chest she hadn't expected. "Are you sure you're not just in it for the free food?"

Ethan shrugged, his grin widening as he leaned against the counter casually, crossing his arms. "It's a nice perk," he said, his voice quieting for a moment. His eyes softened as he looked at her. "But that's not the only reason."

The comment took Sophie by surprise. She blinked, then looked away quickly, the warmth in her chest now spreading to her cheeks. She couldn't tell if he was being sincere or if he was just playing it off with another one of his jokes. But it made her pause.

"Well, I'm glad you've become a fan of the cupcakes." Sophie smiled, trying to steer the conversation in a less serious direction, but it was hard to ignore the undertone in his voice. "But you're getting close to being too regular. Pretty soon, you'll know my entire menu by heart."

Ethan's eyes twinkled as he raised an eyebrow. "Maybe I want to know it by heart. The food's that good, you know." He stepped closer, his voice lowering a bit, more sincere now. "I think you're really good at this, Sophie."

Sophie's breath hitched a little, and she forced a smile, though she couldn't hide the faint blush creeping up her neck. "Thanks. But I get by. Just trying to make things work around here." She busied herself with a tray of freshly baked croissants, the motion giving her a reason to focus on something else. Ethan's gaze didn't leave her, though. She could feel it, even as she tried not to look directly at him.

"So, no new surprise cupcake or jalapeno magic today?" he asked, leaning over the counter just enough to get closer, his eyes still locked on hers with an intensity that was rare for him.

Sophie glanced at him, the playfulness returning to her voice. "Maybe. You'll just have to wait and see."

"Guess I'll have to keep coming back then," Ethan said, grinning like he was enjoying every second of their back-and-forth. He didn't seem to mind getting closer to her—close enough that Sophie could smell the faint trace of his cologne, something earthy and just a little sweet. It made her breath catch in her throat for a split second, like a spark of something electric that she couldn't quite ignore.

"Don't push your luck," she said softly, giving him a knowing glance. "You might wear out your welcome before you know it."

Ethan chuckled, and this time it was softer—more genuine. "I don't think that's possible." His voice was a little quieter now, almost like he was letting something slip through that wasn't part of his usual teasing. He paused, letting the moment hang between them. Sophie could see the way his smile lingered, how his eyes softened when they met hers. It was... different than how he usually acted, more real, and it made her heart beat a little faster.

Before she could say anything, Ethan straightened up again, sliding his hands into his pockets. "I was thinking," he started, his tone shifting again, this time more casual. "You mentioned a coffee shop down the street the other day, right? The one with the really good croissants?"

Sophie blinked, surprised by the sudden change in subject. "Uh, yeah. The Corner Café. Why?"

Ethan grinned. "How about we go there sometime this week? You know, a little 'exchange of ideas.'"

Sophie tilted her head, intrigued. "Exchange of ideas? What, like a business meeting?"

"Exactly," Ethan said, his voice light. "You bring the bakery brilliance, and I'll bring the coffee and bad jokes."

Sophie found herself smiling before she could stop it. There was something about his easygoing charm, the way he could make even a simple coffee run sound like an adventure. "Alright, I'm in. But only if you promise to bring your best joke. I can't have you slacking off."

Ethan grinned, that familiar playful spark back in his eyes. "Oh, I'll have my A-game ready. And trust me, you won't be disappointed."

The way his eyes held hers, even through the teasing, made Sophie feel something that was a little more than just nice. It was a connection—a quiet promise that maybe this wasn't just about cupcakes or coffee or bad jokes anymore.

Sophie watched as Ethan turned to leave, still smiling to himself as if he was already looking forward to their little "business meeting." She could hear his voice fade as he stepped outside, the door chime ringing softly behind him.

But as she turned back to the counter, a small part of her kept replaying the way his eyes had softened when he'd said he didn't think he could wear out his welcome. It left her with the feeling that maybe, just maybe, Ethan wasn't here just for the food.

And suddenly, Sophie wasn't sure if she was ready for whatever this was—whatever was quietly starting to unfold between them.