The sky outside Heaven’s Brew was a swirling palette of gray, rain falling in heavy sheets that rattled against the café’s windows. Hanna Holmes stood behind the counter, her chin resting on her palm as she stared out at the dreary weather. It was one of those slow, miserable days where the streets were deserted, and the warmth of the café felt almost pointless without a crowd to enjoy it.
“Why did Jacques have to pick today for his date?” Hanna muttered, frowning. “And Annie’s off at the arcade with Antonio... lucky her.”
She sighed dramatically, glancing around the empty café. It wasn’t like she couldn’t handle things alone—Hanna was perfectly capable—but the monotony was getting to her. With no customers to distract her, her thoughts drifted back to the events of the past few days.
Daniel.
The man seemed to haunt her every waking thought. His warm smile, his silver hair, the way his voice carried that subtle undertone of teasing. Why does he remind me so much of Mr. Crow? she wondered for the millionth time.
The doorbell chimed, pulling her from her thoughts. She straightened immediately, plastering on a professional smile.
Her heart skipped a beat.
There he was, standing in the doorway like a scene from a romance novel. Daniel, dressed in a simple gray sweater and dark jeans, his raven dark hair slightly damp from the rain. He shook off his umbrella, droplets scattering like a halo around him, and offered her that infuriatingly perfect smile.
“Quiet day?” he asked, his voice warm and teasing as he stepped inside.
Hanna swallowed hard. “Y-Yeah, just the rain,” she managed, cursing herself for the stammer.
Daniel chuckled, glancing around the empty café. “Looks like I’m your only customer.”
Hanna nodded, desperately trying to focus on something—anything—other than how good he looked. “What can I get for you?”
He tilted his head, considering her for a moment before leaning casually against the counter. “Surprise me.”
She blinked. “Surprise you?”
“Yeah,” he said, his smile turning playful. “I trust your taste.”
Hanna’s face heated. “O-Okay, give me a minute.”
She turned quickly, fumbling with the coffee machine as she prepared something simple but delicious—a caramel latte with a hint of cinnamon. Her hands shook slightly as she worked, aware of Daniel’s gaze following her every movement.
“Here you go,” she said, sliding the mug across the counter.
Daniel took a sip, his eyes lighting up. “This is amazing.”
Hanna tried to suppress her smile. “Thanks. It’s just something I threw together.”
“Don’t sell yourself short,” he said, his tone soft but teasing. “You’ve got a talent for this.”
She glanced away, hoping he wouldn’t notice the flush creeping up her neck. “It’s just coffee,” she mumbled.
“Is it?” he said, leaning a little closer. “Or are you just naturally good at making people feel special?”
Hanna’s heart nearly stopped. “W-What are you talking about?”
Daniel chuckled, leaning back but not before giving her a knowing look. “Nothing, just an observation.”
They fell into a companionable silence, the sound of rain against the windows filling the space. Hanna busied herself cleaning the counter, sneaking occasional glances at him as he sipped his coffee.
YOU ARE READING
Coffee and Candy
AçãoThe Angel of Chaos is the hero of Trametro City. She is known for being friendly and cheerful, but in reality, she is a 25-year-old woman who owns a coffee shop. Contrary to her public persona, she is quite grumpy and the complete opposite of her he...
