Kiss Me, Maybe?

Chapter 3: Coffee, Confessions, and Complications

The next morning, Emma arrived at the cozy neighborhood café ten minutes early, clutching her favorite mug like a lifeline. The smell of freshly ground coffee beans and warm cinnamon rolls filled the air, wrapping her in comfort.

Jake was already there, sitting at a small table by the window, scrolling through his phone. When he looked up and saw her, his face lit up with that easy smile she was quickly growing fond of.

“Hey, Emma,” he said, standing to pull out her chair. “Glad you could make it.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” she replied, settling in.

They ordered coffee and a shared pastry, then fell into easy conversation. Jake asked about Max, genuinely interested, and Emma found herself opening up more than she expected.

“He’s a handful,” she laughed. “But he’s family. Always there when I need him.”

Jake nodded, his eyes softening. “Sounds like you’ve got a good thing going.”

Emma hesitated, then decided to take a chance. “What about you? What’s your story?”

Jake sighed, stirring his coffee absentmindedly. “Moved around a lot growing up. Always chasing the next opportunity. It’s exciting, but it gets lonely.”

Emma nodded in understanding. “I get that. I’ve been through my share of ups and downs too.”

They shared a quiet moment, the noise of the café fading around them.

Back at the office, the energy between Emma and Jake was different—warmer, more charged. Their collaboration on the campaign was progressing faster than Emma expected, fueled by their shared creativity and growing trust.

But with that closeness came complications.

Emma’s phone buzzed during a meeting. A text from Ethan: “Please, Emma. Can we talk?”

Her heart pounded. She slipped out of the room, needing space to breathe.

Lisa’s voice came through on speakerphone. “Ignore him. You’re better off.”

Emma wanted to believe that, but the past had a way of clawing back.

That evening, Emma sat on her couch, Max curled beside her, scrolling through old photos on her phone. Pictures of happier times with Ethan, laughter frozen in pixels.

Her phone buzzed again—this time a message from Jake.

“Thinking about you. Coffee tomorrow?”

Emma smiled, but the knot in her stomach tightened.

Could she really move on? Could she trust again?