Every Girl Wants A Moon

Chapter 4: Unwritten Words

"Coffee may keep me awake, but your love keeps me alive."

The café was warm and inviting, with the soft hum of quiet conversations and the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. Despite the comforting atmosphere, I couldn't shake the nervous flutter in my stomach. It was funny how something as simple as sitting across from someone could feel so intimidating.

But this wasn't just anyone. It was Chase Harris, my CEO. The man I'd seen only in meetings, confident and in control, but now sitting across from me in a casual setting, smiling in a way that made my heart race.

I pushed my hair behind my ear and tried to focus on the menu in front of me, but the words blurred together. I could already feel my palms beginning to sweat. How was I supposed to choose something? What if I said something wrong? What if I looked foolish?

I couldn't help but glance up at Chase, who was watching me with an amused, yet gentle, smile. There was something different about him now. His usual commanding presence had softened, and he seemed... almost protective. Maybe it was the way his eyes lingered on me, like he was waiting for me to speak, but wasn't rushing me. I felt like I could take my time — like he wouldn't judge me for being shy.

"You okay, sweet girl?" Chase's voice was warm, like velvet, and the soft pet name made my heart skip. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes softening with concern. "You don't have to choose anything just yet."

I blinked, the sound of his voice making me feel a little more grounded. "I-I'm fine," I stammered, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Just... I don't know what to get."

He chuckled softly, a sound that made me feel a little more at ease, but also made my heart flutter in a way I wasn't used to. "It's alright, sweet girl," he said, his voice lowering just a touch. "How about I help you out?"

I nodded quickly, grateful for his kindness. I was too shy to ask for help, but his offer was a lifeline. He motioned for me to wait as he stood and approached the counter, and I watched him with a mixture of admiration and anxiety. The way he moved — confident, purposeful — made him seem like someone who was always in control. The contrast between his confidence and my awkwardness was striking, but it was also... comforting. He made me feel like I didn't have to have it all figured out.

When he returned, he gently pulled out the chair beside him, a gesture so simple but so thoughtful that it made my chest tighten. He was so attentive, so considerate.

"Alright, sweet girl," he said, his voice soft as he sat back down. "How about a cappuccino? It's a nice balance, not too strong, but still rich."

I nodded, too shy to speak up and suggest something on my own. "That sounds nice," I whispered, feeling the warmth of his words settle into my chest.

He smiled at me, his eyes twinkling with something affectionate. "Good choice," he said, leaning back in his chair, his gaze never leaving me. "You don't have to be nervous, you know. It's just coffee."

I bit my lip, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks again. I wanted to tell him how nervous I was, how much I hated feeling like I was out of place, but the words didn't come. Instead, I just nodded again, grateful for his understanding.

Chase reached over and placed a gentle hand on my arm, his touch warm and reassuring. "You're doing fine, sweet girl," he said, his voice low but steady. "You don't have to rush."

I couldn't help but look up at him then, his gaze so full of kindness, of patience. It was the first time I felt like someone truly saw me — not just the quiet girl who tried her best to stay unnoticed, but someone worth paying attention to.

For a few moments, we simply sat in comfortable silence, the world around us fading away. It was easy to forget, in those moments, that we worked together, that he was my CEO. He wasn't that person here. He was just Chase.

I couldn't help but feel a little lighter, like his presence was a gentle weight that kept me grounded. I wasn't sure how long we sat there before he spoke again, but when he did, it was like the words had been waiting in the air all along.

"So, tell me something, sweet girl," he said, his voice still soft but now carrying a hint of curiosity. "What's one thing people don't know about you?"

I blinked, caught off guard by the question. I hadn't expected him to ask something so personal, and for a moment, I felt exposed. It wasn't that I had secrets — it was just that I had spent so long keeping my thoughts to myself, afraid of sharing too much.

"I don't know," I mumbled, my fingers nervously tracing the rim of my cup. "I guess... I'm usually... afraid of what people think."

Chase's gaze softened, his hand brushing lightly against mine in a gesture that felt so casual, yet so intimate. "I think a lot of people feel that way, sweet girl," he said gently. "Even those who seem the most confident."

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. Part of me wanted to tell him that I didn't know how to be more confident, how to push past the fear that seemed to follow me everywhere. But another part of me, the part that felt safe with him, wanted to let him in.

"I guess... I just want to be more like you," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I don't know how you do it — how you're so sure of everything."

Chase's smile softened, and for a moment, I saw something in his eyes that made my heart flutter. "Sweet girl, I'm not as sure as you think," he said softly. "I've had to work for this confidence. It's not always easy."

His words felt like a balm to the anxiety that had been building inside me. He wasn't perfect. He didn't have all the answers. He was just... human. And somehow, that made me feel like maybe, just maybe, I could be enough as I was.

As the afternoon wore on, we spoke more freely. There was no rush, no pressure. We simply enjoyed each other's company. I felt like I could breathe again, and for once, I didn't feel the need to hide behind my shyness. He made it feel safe to be myself.

When it was time to leave, Chase stood and offered his hand to me, helping me up from my seat. His touch was gentle, but steady, as though he was guiding me, protecting me from my own insecurities.

"Let me get the door for you, sweet girl," he said, his voice low and affectionate.

I nodded, a shy smile tugging at my lips. I had no idea what the future held — if anything would come of this — but in that moment, I knew one thing for sure: with Chase by my side, I didn't feel so afraid to be myself.

And maybe, just maybe, that was enough for now.