The Next Morning…
Camila POV
Sunlight pierced through the café window, leaving golden streaks across the wooden floors. The scent of fresh coffee filled the air as I rushed inside, my heart still racing from my frantic morning.
My alarm had betrayed me. Again.
Thankfully, my boss wasn't around. I exhaled in relief, only to spot Liam and Ariana on the couch, laughing.
"Hi, Liam," I greeted, tying my apron.
He looked me over, he licked his lips in amazement "Whoa. What's with the red lipstick? It's screaming danger, My Camila didn't come to play today."
I rolled my eyes. "What are you even doing here Mr man." I turned to Ariana in disappointment . "Seriously?"
She grinned and blew a kiss . " muah, He wanted to surprise you, chummy." She nudged me playfully. "And he's taking us out today!"
I was stiff for a while
"I—I won't be around," I said as I grabbed a napkin to clean the table.
Liam's smile faded slowly "Oh. I'm sorry, I should've told you before coming. Is that why you're saying no?"
His eyes searched mine, filled with sincerity. He touched me by the arm , If only he knew the real reason.
"No, Liam. It's not that." I forced a smile. "My mom needs me today."
Ariana shot me a questioning look, but I slightly shook my head.
"Alright." Liam nodded. "What time? I do d mind giving you a lift, or Instead —"
I panicked . "No!"
He looked stunned.
I looked around and a few people stared as they were alarmed by the volume of voice, I quickly covered it up with a laugh "I mean, no thanks. I'll go alone."
Without waiting for another question, I rushed to the restroom, my heart beating fast
Liam turned to Ariana, confused. "Did I just fuck everything up?"
She smiled . "Nope. You know how cam can be right, She's just mentally unstable today."
Liam sighed. "I'll come around later, then. Take care."
As he left, Ariana shook her head, whispering to herself.
"Girl, you are so in trouble."
Ariana burst into the bathroom, she gave me an angry look as I was perched on the counter staring at the mirror literally doing nothing.
She blinked. "Seriously? Ok what was that move you just pulled? And girl Liam was angry."
I smirked and sat up straighter, I blinked multiple times in silence . "Okay, okay, I'm not seeing Mom today. But a man…" I dragged out the word teasingly, "like a M-A-N." I turned it into a freestyle instantly " A to the M to the A to the N"
Ariana rolled her eyes. "Obviously, that's how it's spelled."
We both locked eyes in silence for about three seconds—then burst out laughing.
"Haha! Oh my God," she howled, gripping her stomach. "Who's the unlucky man this time? Shit, Liam's not gonna take this lightly."
I bit my lip, acting like I was actually concerned . "C'mon, don't make me feel bad. Anyway… his name's Alessandro. I don't know much about him, but—he's my hero. He saved me, once." I looked up counting my fingers "No no Twice"
Ariana's brows furrowed. "Okayyy, I'm listening."
"Remember the last time I went out with Liam, I told you it was a bittersweet day right?"
"Yeah?"
"He saved me that day." I giggled, grinning like an idiot, I covered my face with my hands.
Ariana tapped my forehead with her finger. "Come to your senses, Juliet . Oh dear Universe not now, because whenever my friend is like this. It's over, Let's see how lucky tonight turns out."
I hugged her from behind, squealing. "I just can't wait."
Before we could get lost in the moment, a loud thud echoed from the hallway. Our smiles vanished. We knew that sound. The Boss was home.
We bolted out of the bathroom like guilty kids.
It was 6:00 PM.
I was already at the restaurant seated, my nerves were buzzing, I could feel my heart racing. I sent Alessandro a dozen of messages but no reply from him.
Trying not to look like I was held up I stood up and signaled the waitress, ordered a a glass of wine. The place was getting too cold because of the Air conditioning, I checked the time again it was 6:30pm.
I muttered under my breath, "Great. Are you happy Camila, you have been disappointed. I should've been the one making him wait."
Grabbing the menu, I distracted myself by scanning the dishes. I could see from the corner of my eyes, the waitress staring at me. I finally picked something, placed my order, and waited.
By 7:00, I took a few bite from the meal, the food was not enticing, I lost my appetite, I'm disappointment I picked up my bag ready to leave.
Then I paused. No, I told myself. I'm not wasting this meal.
As I settled back into my seat, a shadow fell over the table.
I looked up—and there he was.
Tall. Calm. He was Wearing a black shorts and a buttoned shirt that exposed his toned, golden chest. His hair was well brushed, he probably wasn't in a hurry he looked well dressed.
"I'm sorry I'm late," Alessandro said, his voice weirdly calm "Got caught up with work."
I frowned, keeping my tone neutral. "Okay."
What a silly excuse, for someone who purposely kept me waiting I said in my mind.
Without asking, he reached for my plate.
I slid it away. Pulling it all to myself.
"Nope. Order yours."
A slow smile tugged at his lips. "stingy."
"What would you like to eat?" I asked, softening just a little.
"Nothing." His eyes locked with mine. "I don't eat with people. Bad habit I know, weird?, I know, especially in public. I like to eat alone."
My heart sank a little. "Then why did you come?, I promised to buy you a meal, and you agreed to it?"
His gaze deepened. "Because you wanted it. I didn't want to reject you twice."
There was something about the way he looked at me,he stared at me so deeply I could see myself sinking into his green eyes, he looked at me like I was the only one in the lounge. I broke from the eye contact.
"Okay," I murmured, "it's fine."
I turned back to my plate, forcing myself to take another bite, but my appetite was gone.
Then I heard my own voice say something I hadn't planned.
"Can I kiss you?"
Alessandro's eyes was stiff, his jaw dropped for a heartbeat …then he gave a dark smile very seductive and deceiving.
"I don't want a kiss."
He leaned in just a little, his eyes drifting from my lips, down to the soft curve of my breast, and back to my lips again.
The triangle look.
I tried to breath
"I want to eat you," he said, voice low and rough.
And just like that, my entire body lit up like fire.