The city streets were warmer than usual for an early morning, sunlight bouncing off the glass facades of skyscrapers and casting a golden shimmer across the sidewalks.
Amelia walked at a leisurely pace, heading toward Dakota's cafe, the small coffee shop near their apartment. She had decided to apply there after Beth's suggestion, and she figured she might as well get familiar with the place. Besides, she needed coffee.
She wanted nothing more than a quiet corner, the aroma of roasted beans and a few minutes to think without interruption.
That she saw him.
A tall figure stepped out of a black car that looked as though it had been pulled straight from a magazine. He moved with the kind of confidence that made people instinctively step aside. There was something controlled about him, something that made Amelia notice him before she even realize she was staring. Her steps faltered. The man looked directly at her.
"You're Amelia, right?" His voice was calm and precise, carrying just enough authority to make her pause.
Amelia blinked, startled. "Uh… yes?"
A faint, almost smug smile touched his lips. "Xavier Steel". he extended his hand. Amelia hesitated for half a second before shaking it. The moment heir hands met, an unexpected flutter stirred in her chest. She ignored it.
"How did you know my name?"His expression barely changed. "I heard it at The Elites" That answer made more sense. Amelia narrowed her eyes. "so you remembered it?"
"I remember things that interest me" She stared at him. "That sounds slightly creepy" A quiet chuckle escaped him. " Does it?"
"Yes"
Xavier leaned against his car, his posture relaxed despite the sharpness in his eyes. Amelia's eyebrows shot up. "We just met briefly at that party. And now you're… investigating me? What are you doing here?"
He shrugged, like the question barely registered. "Business. Or maybe… I was looking for something quieter than the usual chaos."
"Quieter than the usual chaos?" I asked, curiosity pricking at me despite the edge in my tone.
"Yeah" he replied, eyes narrowing ever so slightly, as though reading more than just my words. "You seemed different from everyone else there" Amelia raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"
"Honest. Blunt." His lips curved slightly. "Not impressed by flash."Amelia glanced down at herself. "I just like coffee" she muttered, "is that all?" she looked back at him. "what else am I supposed to like?"
"That's what I'm trying to figure out" For some reason, that answer made her cheeks warm. She looked away. "You seem very confident for someone who barely know me."
"Confidence isn't the same as certainty" Amelia glanced back at him. For the first time, his expression seemed less amused. Then his phone buzzed. He checked the screen, and something in his expression tightened for a brief moment before the familiar calm returned.
He straightened. "I should go."
"Good." His eyebrow lifted. Amelia shrugged. " I mean….. you're busy" A small smile appeared on his face. " interesting meeting you, Amelia"
"Likewise" He turned and walked away. Amelia watched him for a moment before forcing herself to look toward the cafe.
Xavier Steel.
She barely knew him.
Yet somehow, the brief encounter had left her more curious than she wanted to admit.
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Later that afternoon, Amelia's phone buzzed. Beth's voice came through almost immediately,"Amelia are you staying at the cafe till noon? If not could you bring me a coffee on your way?"
"No, I'm not staying till noon, I'll bring you one on my way back!"
"Amelia! You sound overly cheerful . Who's the mysterious guy?"
Amelia groaned. "There's no mysterious guy"
"liar"
"Beth"
"If there's no mysterious guy so why are you sounding like this?" Amelia rolled her eyes. "I don't even know him"
"Exactly. That's why he's mysterious" Amelia laughed despite herself. But after the call ended, her smile faded slightly. She remembered Xavier's voice.
His eyes. The strange confidence with which he'd spoken to her as though he'd already decided she was worth knowing. She shook her head. It meant nothing. At least, that's what she told herself.