The woman beside her nudged her shoulder as they talked, and she responded with a roll of her eyes that made something in my chest twist painfully. She hadn’t noticed me, not that I expected her to. Even so, I could see everything.
I wanted to know what made her laugh like that.
I wanted to know what her voice sounded like when she was serious. What she ordered when no one was watching. What books she loved, what songs she sang along to in the car, and whether she drank her coffee black or drowned it in sugar.
The urge to get out of the car hit me suddenly, sharply—an almost physical pull. My hand tightened on the door handle.
I could do it.
I could walk up to her, introduce myself like a normal man. Tell her I’d seen her inside and ask if she’d like to get a drink sometime. Simple. Direct. Honest.
But another voice cut in just as quickly.
Don’t.
The last thing I wanted was to be that guy. The stranger who’d been watching from his car. The creep lurking behind tinted windows. The idea made my stomach knot. So I stayed where I was.
I watched instead as she and her friend crossed the lot, the sound of their laughter muffled but visible in the easy way they moved together. Her friend said something that made her groan dramatically, tipping her head back as she laughed again.
I smiled without meaning to.
They reached their car, a modest sedan parked two rows over. Her friend unlocked it, but before getting in, she paused, glanced back toward the building, then leaned in to whisper something in her ear.
Her expression changed.
Her brows drew together slightly, lips parting as she looked back at the building, then around the lot. For one insane heartbeat, I thought she might look directly at me.
She didn’t.
She shook her head, smiling faintly, and slid into the passenger seat. A moment later, the engine started, and the car pulled out of the lot, disappearing down the street.
I stayed still long after she was gone, mulling over my options.
Thirty days.
That was all the time I had to make a decision that would define the rest of my life. I’d told myself I’d approach it logically. That I’d choose someone compatible. Sensible.
But logic went out the window when I saw her face. I didn’t know her yet, but I was going to.
Because I’d already made my decision. She would be my wife.
5- Evania
Monday dragged on like it had something to prove.
The shop was quiet—too quiet—and boredom pressed in so heavily my eyes stung. Mondays were always slow, but today felt especially cruel. I leaned against the counter, staring at empty tables, wishing time would move faster.
My book lay nearby, finished and abandoned. The cliffhanger had drained me more than I wanted to admit. I hated endings like that - leaving everything hanging in the air. It had followed me into work, leaving me irritable, restless, and completely out of patience.
I glanced at the clock, seriously considering closing early.
That was when the bell above the door rang.
I looked up and froze.
The handsome stranger from a few days ago stood in the doorway, his presence as refreshing as it was surprising. My heart skipped, then surged, curiosity bubbling up before I could stop it. I hadn't expected to see him again, but there he was, real and smiling at me like he was just as relieved as I was.
His shy, easy smile had me toning down my wide smile. I didn't want to scare him off, not when he just showed up after days of absence. When he walked toward me, my pulse picked up, every step drawing him closer until he was standing in front of the counter.
