“Oh no!” she exclaimed, mortified.
Ethan looked down, then up at her, and instead of anger, a mischievous grin spread across his face.“Well, that’s one way to make an entrance,” he joked, lifting his foot and shaking off the foam.
“I’m so sorry!” Emma said, grabbing a cloth and dabbing at the mess. Her hands shook slightly, and Ethan reached out to help.
“Here, let me,” he said, and their hands brushed as he took the cloth from her. A spark shot through her at the simple touch.
Emma tried to focus on the counter instead of the warmth of his hand, but she felt her heart racing.“You’re… not mad?” she asked.
“Mad? No,” he said, stepping closer so they were almost shoulder to shoulder.“I think it’s kind of fun. Adds a little chaos to my day.”
Emma couldn’t help but laugh nervously.“Chaos, huh? That seems to follow you everywhere.”
“Maybe,” he said, tilting his head with a teasing smile.“But I like it when chaos comes with a smile like yours.”
Her cheeks warmed, and she busied herself with cleaning while he continued to strum softly on his guitar, filling the café with music that somehow made the foam incident feel like a tiny, magical moment.
By the time the café slowed down, Emma realized she hadn’t stopped smiling. Ethan had a way of making even spilled coffee feel like the start of something exciting.
And as he packed up his guitar that evening, he winked at her.“Tomorrow, I’ll try to keep my shoes away from your cappuccino.”
Emma laughed, feeling a flutter in her chest she couldn’t ignore.“I’ll hold you to that.”
Chapter 5:
After Hours
The last customers had left, and the soft hum of the espresso machine had died down. The café smelled of vanilla, warm bread, and a faint trace of coffee lingering in the air. Emma leaned against the counter, sighing with relief after a busy evening.
Ethan lingered near the doorway, guitar case in hand, watching her with a gentle smile.“Looks like we survived another busy day,” he said.
Emma laughed softly.“Barely. But I think we did alright.”
He set his guitar down and walked closer.“You know… I like these quiet moments. When it’s just us and the café.”
Emma’s cheeks warmed, and she looked down at her hands.“Me too. It feels… safe. Comfortable.”
Ethan tilted his head, his eyes searching hers.“I like being around you, Emma. More than I expected. You make the café… brighter. Even when it’s just the two of us here.”
Emma felt her heart thump faster.“You make it… brighter too,” she admitted softly, barely daring to speak the words.
He smiled, taking a step closer, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from him.“I’ve been wanting to say that for a while,” he whispered.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world outside the café ceased to exist. Slowly, almost hesitantly, Ethan reached out andbrushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Emma’s breath caught in her throat, the contact sending a shiver down her spine.
“Emma,” he murmured,“I know we’ve just met… but I feel like I’ve known you longer. Like this—right here—feels like where I’m supposed to be.”
Emma’s lips curved into a small, shy smile.“I feel the same,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ethan’s hand found hers, fingers intertwining naturally. They stood like that for a few quiet moments, the soft glow of the café lights casting a warm hue over them, hearts beating in unison.
As Ethan finally picked up his guitar to leave, he leaned down slightly.“Tomorrow, we finish the day like this again. Just you, me, and maybe a little music?”
Emma nodded, her heart full.“I’d like that.”
And as he walked out into the cool night, Emma realized that Café Starlight had become more than a sanctuary—it was where something new, tender, and exhilarating was beginning to bloom.
Chapter 6:
