Unlikely Match

The downpour descended in sheets, covering the outside of the diner's windows with city lights. For Sophia Clarke, though, it was simply another evening; the customary buzz of conversations and dishes clattered throughout the room. not other turn of Events With a practiced hand, she stood behind the counter and wiped the glass display case, already thinking of the art gallery she intended to establish. Every little dollar she earned at Charmed Cafe got her nearer that goal. A fresh arrival caused the bell above the door to jingle, the sound slicing across her head. She wasn't immediately seen glancing at. The last thing she unwanted was to be sidetracked by a haughty, wealthy man who believed he could beguile himself into a complimentary dinner. It would happen frequently in this section of town. But she shivered for a moment when she did look up. Lucas West. The name shot across her consciousness much like a neon light. West Industries' chief executive officer. She had seen his face all over—on television interviews, business magazines, and newspapers. He was one of these guys that news reports: brutal, driven, and famous for their cold attitude. And he was looking completely out of place, entering a modest restaurant in the middle of a storm. His suit was expertly cut; the fabric was so costly that it might have been more than she made in a whole month. His posture shouted dominance—straight back, powerful shoulders, a commanding presence that made everybody else in the room feel almost out of place. Sophia couldn't give two hoots. He walked up to the counter and for a second stood still as though he was first expected to recognize her. However, she was not going to participate in the game. Not this time. At last she turned away from the counter, came his frigid blue eyes, and experienced a flicker of humor. His eyes swept over her fast; she seemed just one more face among a throng of little people. He smirked, his lips puckered. He said in a dismissive voice, as if it were an absolute certainty that she would serve him, no inquiries asked, "I shall have a coffee." Sophia arched one brow unimpressed. She asked, her voice calm yet slightly challenging, Is that everything? She noticed the narrowing of his eyes toward her. “Yes," he said, his eyes never departing hers." "Black. Not sugar." Nodding, she turned and started the coffee very deliberately and relaxedly. Something about his haughtiness caused her to want to keep him waiting; something about him irritated her. She looked at him one more time as she brewed the coffee. Standing with his back to the counter, staring out the window at the rain, his posture was one of power. Standard she used to think. Another wealthy person who believes everything is about him. With a tiny, disciplined smile, she slid the glass in front of him. "Here you go," she said without any pleasantries. His gaze turned to the cup before going back to hers. His voice had a tiny edge; he almost seemed to be challenging her to admit his value. You're not going to ask who I am? Sophia grinned. "I couldn't care less who you are.". "For everyone, coffee is the same.". Lucas turned his head for a moment, his eyes glinting with something she could not quite follow. Fun? Irritation? She could see he wasn't accustomed to people speaking to him thus. He was accustomed to being glorified, even worshipped. How individuals bowed to his riches and status was second nature to him. "Ah," he added after a pause, his voice milder now but still filled with haughtiness. At the very least, you should check me up next time. You could come across something valuable.” Folding her arms, Sophia leaned against the counter. "Mr. Don't-need-to-search-you-up, West," she grinned. "I have seen you quite enough on TV already." Your interviews serve as quite a good Peter Rabbit contained in how to be a pompous i***t. ”He twitched his lips. "Ouch. Not what the busboy led me to anticipate." Sophia watched him with mischief in her eyes that sparkled. Expectations can be deceiving. They paused uneasily for a moment. Lucas then laughed—that voice that didn't quite reach his eyes. He said, "You have guts. "I will grant those." There wasn't any answer. Rather, she turned towards the wall clock, which suggested she had nearly finished her work. She didn't have time for play with haughty billionaires. Lucas glanced at her one last time before taking his coffee and leaving the door. Quiet, he said, I will remember you, café waiter. Most would never approach me like that. You should be thorough." As he exited, Sophia did not raise her gaze. Indifference is not something she has. She had more important matters on which to concentrate than an overinflated CEO. She exhaled a breath she had not known she was holding as the door bell above rang softly to indicate his leaving. But for a jerk. Still, she couldn't help but think he had caught her interest. Deep down, she felt they were incomplete still.