Stuck with the Bad boy

Alexa’s Pov "Everything is all set." I say while admiring my Leah Gotti-given beauty in the mirror, running my fingers through my brunette hair. My mum opened the door to my room and gave me a bittersweet smile. I can tell she’s not thrilled about me returning to work before I’m fully recovered, but I’m eager to get to the Consent Cafe. "Are you sure you’re ready to go back to work? Don’t you think you need more rest?" she asks, and I nod as I grab my leather bag. "Yep, I’ll be fine, don’t worry." I try to contain my excitement until I’m in the car with Essel. "Great, do you have your medications?" she inquires. Just like any typical mother. I smile and nod in reply. "Yes, I have everything. Just take a look at this list," I respond, handing her a piece of paper. I watch as her eyes scan my checklist, and a small smile begins to form on her face. "Good girl." She steps closer, cradling my face in her hands and making me look at her as she speaks. "You promise to take care of yourself?" she asks, and I nod. "Yes. I will have the ambulance parked in front of the cafe in case anything goes wrong," I recite, and she smiles, placing a kiss on my bandaged forehead. "Good," she beams again, ruffling my freshly curled hair. I swat her hand away. "Mum!" I groan, trying to fix my hair in the mirror while she watches me, chuckling softly. "I'm just worried," she says quietly, looking at me with another sorrowful smile. I couldn't stand any more of her sad expressions, so I think it would be best to step outside and into Essel's car before my mum starts to cry. "I'll be fine." I walk over to her and hug her, wrapping my arms around her gentle frame. She has always been the rock of our family; I didn't think she would fall apart just because I had an accident a month ago and was now returning to work without fully recovering. "I should get going, Essel is waiting outside," I murmur. "Alright, darling. Don't forget we are expecting a visitor tonight," she chatters. I smile. "Relax, I will," I reply, hearing the sound of my stilettos striking the floor. I wasn't lying about Essel waiting outside. When I glance out the window, I see her red car parked across the street with Essel inside, engrossed in texting. I drag myself down the stairs and out the front door. My mum pulls me in for one last hug and a kiss. After assuring her that I'll be safe, I cross the street and get into Essel's car. "Finally! I thought she would keep you forever!" Essel exclaims as I collapse into the car. "I know, I think she was considering it at one point." I roll my eyes, buckle my seatbelt, and look at my best friend. "Did you tell her that you’re now working with a male partner?" she asks as she starts the car. I scoff and shake my head. "No way! She would totally freak out!" Essel laughed as she drove onto the open road, a smile lighting up her face. She cranked up the radio and started belting out the lyrics at the top of her lungs. I chuckled and leaned back in my seat, shutting my eyes. My mom is pretty... overprotective, and when I mentioned I was going to the consent cafe, I told her I’d be working with a female partner this time. That wasn’t completely accurate. All I know about my partner is that his name is Jake. The cafe is only about an hour from home, which means my mom could easily check on me. I really hoped she wouldn’t and would just take my word for it; I hadn’t done anything to make her suspicious, at least not that she knew of, so I should be okay. The cafe appears as pleasant as ever, particularly considering the surroundings. I exit the car and feel the brisk air caress my cheeks and flow through my hair while I make my way to the entrance, with Essel trailing behind me from the rear of the vehicle. "I just need to dash to the mall for some groceries," she remarked, giving my back a gentle tap. "Don't forget to text me about your partner!" she called out as she climbed into her car. "Absolutely!" I reply, pushing the door open. I paused for a moment to take a breath. Strands of hair fall into my face, and I sweep them aside. It's now official; Miss Vicky has already shared the news of my accident. As I enter, I am greeted by curious stares and sympathetic expressions from the customers. It's been a month since I last came here following a severe injury I sustained in the kitchen. I was attempting to lift a box from the top of the kitchen cabinet when I stumbled and fell. I suppose that's the risk you take when you try to work solo in an understaffed café. I woke up weeks later in a hospital bed. Today is Monday, and it's not going to be enjoyable, especially with the crowded environment and people apologizing as they pass by. I wave or smile in response to their greetings, but I don't linger to chat like I usually do. "Welcome back, Alex." I glance to my right as Miss Vicky steps out of the kitchen, beaming at me. My lips curl into a smile at her warm welcome. Leave it to her; she always knows how to motivate me to keep working for her. "Thanks, Miss Vicky," I reply. She flashes me a playful grin and tosses a piece of paper my way. "I posted these, looking for someone to assist you, and we found a strong guy who volunteered to help." Miss Vicky continued to rave about Jake for fifteen minutes until I started to feel bored, when suddenly the café door swung open. I turned my head quickly, and a guy stepped into the doorway. "That's him," Miss Vicky exclaimed. What? No way! I would recognize that athletic figure, concealed in a black jacket, anywhere. He walked over to where Miss Vicky and I were standing and leaned over me. I simply crossed my arms over my chest and met his intense, well-defined gaze.