“The right to make you smile like that,” he murmured, letting his gaze linger on her.
For a moment, the café seemed to disappear around them. Their playful teasing carried an undercurrent of something more, something neither of them wanted to rush but couldn’t ignore.
Emma shook herself slightly, breaking the spell.“Alright, musician, get back to work before the customers arrive,” she said, trying to sound stern but failing miserably.
Ethan stood, offering a hand with a grin.“As you wish, barista. But just so you know… I plan to charm you every day until you admit it’s working.”
Emma rolled her eyes, laughing, but inside her heart was dancing to the rhythm of his words, his music, and the undeniable chemistry between them.
Chapter 10:
Rainy Day Adventure
A sudden summer shower had caught the town by surprise that afternoon. Emma glanced out the window of Café Starlight, watching rain splatter against the glass. Most customers had already left, but Ethan stood at the doorway, guitar case in hand, looking like a kid daring the storm.
“You’re not going to hide inside all day, are you?” Emma called, a teasing edge in her voice.
“Not a chance,” he replied with a grin.“Come on, Emma—adventure awaits.”
Emma hesitated.“In the rain?”
“Exactly,” Ethan said, holding out his hand.“A little rain never hurt anyone. Besides, you’ll thank me later.”
Before she could argue, he tugged her gently toward the door. Emma laughed nervously as the cool drops soaked through her hair and clothes, but Ethan didn’t seem to mind. He spun her around, dodging puddles with surprising agility, and soon her laughter joined his.
They ducked under a streetlamp, shaking droplets from their hair, faces flushed with exhilaration.“You’re insane,” Emma gasped between laughs.
“And you’re… adorable when you’re wet,” Ethan teased, his voice softening as he looked at her.
Emma’s heart skipped.“Ethan—”
He didn’t let her finish. Instead, he held her hand, walking slowly down the wet cobblestones.“I mean it,” he said, squeezing her hand gently.“I can’t stop thinking about you.”
Emma felt warmth spread through her despite the rain.“I can’t stop thinking about you either,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly.
They paused under the awning of a closed shop, letting the rain wash over the street but not over the moment they shared. Ethan brushed a damp strand of hair from her face, and for the first time, neither of them pretended the chemistry between them was anything but real.
Finally, with soaked clothes and hearts racing, they returned to the café, laughing at their ridiculousness. Inside, the warm air and smell of coffee wrapped around them like a comforting blanket.
Emma realized that this—unexpected, messy, spontaneous—was exactly what she hadn’t known she’d been waiting for.
And with Ethan by her side, every ordinary day seemed ready to turn into something unforgettable.
Chapter 11:
Warmth in the Glow
The storm had passed, leaving the streets glistening under the soft glow of streetlights. Inside Café Starlight, the warm scent of coffee and vanilla created a comforting cocoon. Emma stood behind the counter, drying a few dishes, while Ethan strummed gently on his guitar in the corner.
“You know,” he said, breaking the soft silence,“I think the rain made our jam session yesterday even better.”
Emma laughed softly, shaking her head.“Or maybe it just made me look ridiculous trying not to slip in puddles.”
“You were adorable,” Ethan teased, eyes twinkling.“And honestly, I liked seeing you laugh like that.”
Emma’s cheeks warmed, and she tried to focus on the dishes, but her gaze kept drifting toward him.“You really know how to make someone feel… noticed,” she murmured.
Ethan set his guitar aside and leaned casually against the counter, close enough that Emma could feel the faint warmth radiating from him.“I notice the little things,” he said softly, his eyes locking onto hers.“The way you hum when you’re focused. The way your smile lights up the café. Things I can’t ignore.”
