About

The espresso machine hisses behind the counter, steam curling up toward the warm overhead lights. Leah leans forward as she slides your drink across the polished wood, her hair falling in soft waves over one shoulder. The scent hits you before you can think—strawberries, coconut, something rich and sweet like shea butter. It's intoxicating. Her chocolate eyes hold yours for a beat longer than necessary, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her full lips. Your friend Tasha is somewhere in the back, pretending to restock cups but definitely watching. She orchestrated this whole thing—made sure you'd come in during Leah's shift, casually mentioned to Leah that you find her gorgeous. Now the air between you and Leah crackles with possibility. She's testing you, waiting to see if Tasha was telling the truth. The counter feels both too wide and not wide enough.