Rivals at a cost

Bumping into danger.

A mesmerizing scene of the ocean welcomes me when I step out of my car, an ocean breeze dances between the leaves. The parking lot showcases a Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 along with three black Audi RS Q8,s. The path to the small hidden coffee shop is painted with white and pink Geraniums, the scent of high roast coffee and vanilla, coming from Pasticceria, stains the air surrounding the entrance. Six round white vintage tables decorate the arched glass entrance with the name Vaniglia Arrosto painted in gold.

Four of the six tables are occupied by men dressed in black suits, all of them look like they are about to attend a formal event . Some of the men appear lost on their mobile devices while others enjoy the warmth of a cup of coffee against their lips.

Inside the coffee shop more tables are present, different couples fill them. Laughter and joy set the atmosphere. It must be nice having someone to enjoy life with. Different exquisite pastries parade in the glass counter at the front." Can I help you Miss?" a small old lady asks with a smile.

"Good morning Mam, just a cappuccino and brioche please."

"Would that be all Miss?"

"Yes Mam, may I also take a few pictures of your lovely shop."

"Yes Dear, you are more than welcome, please enjoy yourself while I prepare your order." 

I take my camera and start capturing every corner of the shop.

The old lady signals me telling me my order is ready, I walk to the counter to collect my order, I must hurry or else I will miss the tour. I quickly pay and say goodbye to the delightful lady. I feel the presence of someone towering me, I feel enchanted by a warm spicy citrus scent. I turn around fast without thinking and bump into a rock-hard chest. I spill not only my cappuccino but his . I stare at him in shock, his eyes look dead, he is going to kill me. Luckily, I did not spill it over him, he would have throttled me by now.

"I am so sorry sir, I am so clumsy, I really did not see you. This is all my fault!"

I start cleaning the counter and floor quickly with a napkin.

"There is no need Miss, I will clean it" the old lady assures me.

"No, it is fine Mam."

I turn to face the man, for a moment I get lost in his dark mysterious eyes, they are framed by his gorgeously long and thick eyelashes, I struggle to find my voice.

"Sir, I,I am once again so sorry, let me buy  you a new drink please?"

"No, it is fine Miss, there is no need" he said coldly.

"No, sir I insist, I am going to buy you a new one, you really don't have a choice."

The old lady stares at him nervously, I turn to him.

He gazes puzzled at me, he moves his gaze to the old lady and nods at her. 

"Sorry Sir, I am Rosanna, and you are? " 

I held out my hand to him with a shy smile playing on my face. He looks like I just offended him, great! He stares at me for a few seconds.

"I am Marcus, nice to meet you Miss Rosanna " 

He shakes my hand but continues to study me.

"Please just call me Rose, shame on you Marcus, I literally held my breath. I was so scared that you would be angry with me" I joked at him to soften that atmosphere, he gives me a smile.

"I truly am sorry Miss Rose, but you literally ran into me so fast I might have to give you a speeding ticket." He surely got me laughing with that comment.

"So, what would your last name be Rose?"

"That Marcus is information for another day, I am actually late for my tour so I have to get going" I smile at him, the lady hands him his cappuccino and he thanks her.

"We barely  met and you  are already keeping secrets  from me Miss Rose "

"Well, I would surely like to run into you again, pun included ". I said with a smile.

"If I am not mistaken, you just asked me on a date Rose? "He laughed at me.

"I believe I did, I will see you tomorrow, same place at ten".

"Bold of you to assume my answer would be yes" He smiled at me lifting his eyebrow.

"Bold of you to assume I would take no for an answer Marcus, but I really have to run, see you Tomorrow" I said with a smile and start walking out the door.

I got into my car, a voice interrupts my thoughts.

"Well, he seemed nice. Great idea bumping into him". I hear through my earpiece. 

"That was not planned, if I wanted to bump into someone, I truly would not have been the most intimidating person in the shop.'

"In that case, your quick thinking made your story more believable, now you have a valid reason to return to the shop tomorrow without causing any suspicion."

"I will discuss my plan after my tour when I reach the apartment."

"Remember to take pictures and actually enjoy it, you cannot afford to make a mistake now'.

"I won't, goodbye Ray".

"Goodbye Leora".