"You sound ridiculous. How can you not like fluff?!"
"There's charm too where there's no fluff, you just have to open your heart."
"You sound like a weirdo."
"Better a weirdo than a stubborn grandpa. God, you sound so archaic!"
"I do not! Take that back!"
"Not until you admit that the non-fluffy ones are adorable too!"
"I shall do no such thing!"
"Then no apology for you, mister!"
The two turned away from each other, taking a bite from their cakes whilst pouting. Their argument was so stupid and the barista who was listening when it started, giggled quietly, turning to make another order.
Melvin was once again shocked at where he was taken, a cat cafe truly not too far from where she worked. All her defenses were torn down in an instant when they entered the cafe. She was instantly swarmed by cats begging for her attention. She cooed and kissed the cats, ignoring the fact that she was standing there.
"Oh Bella, you didn't tell me you were coming today. I would've prepared some special treats for you."
"I had to come in for emergency therapy. The babies look so lovely today as well."
"Of course," the barista smiled. He received a glare from Melvin but smiled at him instead.
"Welcome to Cat Lover's cafe. I'm Simon, a good friend of Bella's and I work part-time here. You must be her new boyfriend. Nice to meet you."
"Simon!" Bella yelled, turning red instantly. Simon giggled mischievously, a teasing look in his eyes. For some reason, Melvin knew he didn't have to be so wary of Simon.
"I'm Melvin. I'm not her boyfriend yet but I hope to be. It's a lovely cafe you have here."
"Yes, a favorite of Bella's. All the cats love her and the owner is a big fan of hers. It's almost as if she owns the place. Not to forget about her generous donations every year……"
"SIMON!"
"Okay, I'll stop. What would you like today? I can make the perfect meal if you'd like" Simon winked at Melvin. Bella hit Simon with her bag before Melvin could even react.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! The special would do yeah?"
"Better not play any more tricks or else……"
"Yes ma'am!"
Bella huffed, gently pulling Melvin away from the counter. When he made the mistake of turning his head around, the barista blew him a kiss. He shuddered, looking away.
"Don't be mad. Simon was just trying to be friendly. He's harmless, I promise. He takes good care of the cats here and he does make a perfect meal. Honestly, I'm jealous."
"I don't think you have to be. This place is really relaxing. Thank you for bringing me here, Bella" he smiled. It was a handsome smile that caught her off guard, making her heart skip a beat.
"Of course. You're welcome."
Fast forward to the future and the two were still pouting at each other. The cause of the argument was seated on Bella's lap, yawning away like he was innocent. He truthfully was but Melvin would like to blame him. Why did he not have any hair?!
Sphinxes were not uncommon in the circle of the nouveau riche. Even his mother was fond of the thing but Melvin had never been able to see their appeal. Maybe it was a special taste sort of thing. Melvin had a feeling Bella would get on well with his mother. The meeting with Rhea was a failure so…….Wait, why am I thinking of introducing her to my mother? What the f**k is wrong with you, Melvin?
"This is stupid. Sorry. I shouldn't hate on things just cos they're different."
"I…..accept your apology," she says, surprised he apologized first.
"Don't sound too surprised. I told you, I'm not a bad person. I mean, have I been uncourteous to you in any way? Except for the kiss…..shit, I f****d up"
She chuckled, holding his hand.
"You have been a gentleman. It's good to express your frustrations but next time, be a bit gentler, okay?"
"So, that means I can kiss you again?"
She nodded shyly. He smirked, finishing the rest of his cake. Their lunch break was close to its end so the two decided to leave. Melvin settled the bill despite Bella's argument and the two bid farewell to Simon, who still winked at Melvin behind Bella's back. He looked like he was enjoying it so Melvin decided to pay it no heed.
"Seriously, thank you for today," Melvin said once they got into the car.
"I already said there was no need to thank me. You can come back here anytime to relax. It's not a closely guarded secret of mine."
"Okay. So, can I kiss you?"
Bella gave a tiny nod of affirmation. He grabbed her face gently and kissed her like he was tasting an exquisite, expensive meal. His tongue caressed her mouth slowly, sneaking into spots she didn't even know it was possible to get pleasure from. She whimpered, melting into his kiss.
His hand slid down her back, caressing her waist. His other hand found its way into her short blue blouse, skimming the line underneath her breasts. She let out a small moan, leaning into his kiss.
RING! RING! RING! RING!
The noise came from Melvin's pocket. It was the alarm he set to remind him of the end of his lunch break. Giving her a small peck on the lips, he finally pulled away. She leaned on the chair, her mind reeling from the kiss they just had. She didn't even hear his next words.
"......lla? Are you listening to me?"
"What? Oh yeah, I'm sorry. What did you say?"
"I said let's have dinner together at that restaurant we went to last time. I'm sure the chef would be happy to see you."
"Yeah, okay" she replied absentmindedly. Melvin knew if Bella was really in her right mind, she would protest. He smirked and ignited the engine, driving her back to her office.