MORE THAN HER STALKER
1276 Words
The scent of fresh-baked croissants and espresso thick in the air. The comforting hum of conversation mixed with the clatter of plates and silverware as the restaurant buzzed with life.
Mia moved through the space with practiced ease, pouring coffee and greeting her regulars, but her mind was elsewhere.
Or rather—on someone else.
She was still thinking about the creature last night, was it a human or a warewolf?
No matter how much she tried to push it away, she could still feel the warmth of the creature as he carried her in his arms. it felt so..... comforting.
“Mia, you’re zoning out.”
A sharp voice cut through her thoughts, and Mia turned to see Luna, staring at her with arms crossed.
“I’m fine,” Mia lied, grabbing another plate from the counter.
Luna smirked. “Right. And I’m the Queen of England. Spill it.”
Mia sighed. “It’s nothing. Seriously."
Luna rolled her eyes. “Is this about Adrian Lancaster? Mr. Too-Rich-To-Be-Real?”
Mia groaned. "I haven't seen him in week, and things seem to be going perfectly fine without him.”
Luna chuckled. “Uh-huh. You're obviously missing him.’”
Mia groaned again, shoving a tray of fresh danishes toward her. “Just take these to table six.”
Luna laughed but took the tray. “Oh, this is gonna be fun.”
Before Mia could argue, the door swung open, and a tall man stepped inside. He had messy blond hair, wire-rimmed glasses, and an easygoing charm that instantly lit up the room.
Ethan Martins.
Mia blinked in surprise. “Ethan?”
The man grinned, adjusting the strap of his leather messenger bag. “Hey, stranger.”
Ethan was an old friend—in fact, her childhood friend back in France. They had trained together, played together, and both shared the same dream of working as a chef. She had left to work at La-lumiré restaurant in New York, and they hadn't kept in touch for a while. But seeing him here, in her restaurant, was a shock.
“What in the world are you doing in New York?” she asked, walking around the counter to hug him.
Ethan laughed, squeezing her tight. “Long story, but I’m back for good. And I heard someone finally made her dream a reality.” He gestured around the bistro. “This place is amazing, Mia.”
She smiled. “Well, it's not really all that great but im ok. I still can’t believe you’re here. Are you visiting or—?”
“Actually…” Ethan rubbed the back of his neck. “I was hoping to find a job.”
Mia blinked. “You need a job? Ethan, you could walk into any five-star restaurant and get hired on the spot. you're a great chef.”
He shrugged. “I don’t want that anymore. I want something… different.” His eyes softened. “And I want to work with someone I trust.”
Mia hesitated. Ethan was an incredible chef, and having him here would be a huge asset. But it would also complicate things.
Because if there was one thing she knew about Ethan Martins—it was that he had always been in love with her.
And if Adrian Lancaster was already stirring up emotions she wasn’t ready to deal with, adding Ethan into the mix was like throwing gasoline on an open flame.
“If you don't feel comfortable with it, i totally understand," Ethan said, sensing her hesitation.
" I could give you some space."
Mia's eyes widened. “No it's not that. It's just —”
Just then, the door swung open again.
And in walked Adrian.
Mia’s stomach flipped.
He was dressed in his usual suit, dark and perfectly tailored, his presence commanding the room even before he spoke.
But the moment he saw Ethan standing next to her, something in his expression shifted, just slightly, but enough for Mia to notice.
His sharp blue gaze flickered from Ethan to her. “Morning.”
Mia cleared her throat. “Uh, Ethan. this is my stalker Mr. Adrian Lancaster.”
Adrian’s lips curved into a smile. “He's an old friend?”
Ethan extended a hand. “Yeah. We worked together years ago.”
Adrian shook his hand, his grip firm, his expression unreadable. “Nice to meet you."
The tension in the air was immediate.
Mia could practically feel the shift. Adrian sizing up Ethan, Ethan doing the same. It was ridiculous. It wasn’t like she was—
Oh, darn it.
This was bad.
“So, Mia,” Ethan said, smiling at her. “Think you can find room for me in your kitchen?”
Before she could answer, Adrian spoke. “I didn’t realize you were hiring.”
His voice casual.
Mia sighed. “I wasn’t. But Ethan’s—”
“An old friend,” Adrian finished, his eyes never leaving hers.
Luna, who had been eavesdropping shamelessly, let out a low whistle. “Oof. This is good.”
Mia shot her a glare.
“Ethan, let me think it over, okay?” she said, needing space to breathe.
“Of course.” Ethan gave her an easy grin before glancing at Adrian. “Nice meeting you, man.”
Adrian gave a tight nod, watching as Ethan walked out the door.
Just then —
"Hey Mr. Ethan, why don't you order something. I'd like to get to know you better, since we're both friends to miss Carter." Adrian said out of nowhere.
Ethan stopped and turned, he was a bit surprised.
Mia froze.
"Sure, that would be great." He replied with a smile and came and sat down on a chair.
Adrian smiled and walked up and sat down opposite him.
Mia was muted. What was he plotting this time? She stood there staring at both of them from the kitchen door since there wasn't much work left to do.
"A cup of coffee please." Ethan signalled the waiter.
"I'll have beer." Adrian said.
The waiter went and brought their orders as they sat down there discussing.
"So.. How long have you and miss carter been friends." Adrian started the conversation.
Ethan smiled, while adding sugar to his coffee.
"Let's just say, Since childhood. Probably 4 or 5."
Adrian raised a brow.
"Hmm, that's interesting."
He took a sip from his beer.
"So how about you? How long have you been Mia's Stalker'?" Ethan said teasingly.
Adrian let out a light laugh.
" I've known miss Carter for probably a month now." Adrian said with a smile.
"And i must say, she is quite the fierce type." He continued.
Ethan smiled. "Yeah. Mia can get scary sometimes."
Mia stood there watching them. She hated the fact that she couldn't hear what they were saying and it angered her even more that they were laughing.
What were they talking about that was so funny?
"But you see, her fierce behavior is actually what I like so much about her." Adrian said with a smile.
Ethan eyes widened. He almost spilled out his tea. He managed to cover it up with a smile, but Adrian noticed.
"I'm more than just her stalker though. There's a stronger bond between us two." Adrian continued.
"You don't say." Ethan replied. He forced a smile, but deep down, he wasn't happy, what sort of stronger bond was he talking about? Was it stronger than their friendship?
Adrian suddenly turned and noticed Mia staring at them. He realized her attention had been on them the whole time.
Then he did something crazy that shocked Mia.
"Hey Mia!"
- Writer
