Chapter 5: Unwanted Attention
363 Words
Alina’s heart raced, her hands trembling slightly as she fumbled with the coffee machine. She could feel every glance from Zachary like a weight pressing down on her chest.
He walked toward the counter slowly, every movement deliberate, yet somehow effortless. The sound of his footsteps on the wooden floor made her stomach tighten.
“Good morning, Alina,” he said, his voice calm but carrying a strange warmth.
She cleared her throat, trying to sound casual. “Good morning… Mr. Cortez.”
He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “You remembered my name.”
“Of course,” she muttered, hoping her cheeks didn’t betray how flustered she actually felt.
He smiled faintly, and Alina knew immediately that her day had just taken a turn she couldn’t predict.
“Can I… get a latte?” he asked, as if testing her.
“Uh… yes. Sure,” she replied, her hands moving faster than usual, spilling a little milk in her haste.
Mia nudged her from behind. “Hey… you okay? You’re acting weird.”
Alina shook her head. “I’m fine.”
She forced herself to focus on her work, but the tension in the café was palpable. Zachary leaned slightly on the counter, his eyes scanning her every move. She felt like she was under a microscope—every mistake, every hesitation, every nervous twitch.
Finally, she handed him the latte. “Here… your caramel latte.”
He took it, their fingers brushing lightly, and Alina felt a jolt run through her body. He looked at her with quiet intensity, and for a moment, the world outside the café seemed to disappear.
“Thank you, Alina,” he said softly.
She nodded, unable to speak.
Then, just as quickly as he appeared, he turned and left the café, leaving behind the faint scent of expensive cologne and a trail of unanswered questions.
Alina exhaled slowly, her heart still pounding.
“Who… was that?” Mia asked.
“I… don’t know,” Alina said, shaking her head. “But I think I’m in trouble.”
Because she knew one thing for certain—she wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about him.
- Writer
