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“It’s a surprise,” I say with a wink, starting the engine and pulling out of the driveway.
The winding road to the café by the bay is a familiar route, yet today, it seems to hold the promise of something new and exciting. The sun dances on the surface of the water, casting a warm, inviting golden glow over everything in its reach. As we near the café, I can’t resist stealing glances at Aria, her face finally relaxing after the earlier tension with Zane. Her features are illuminated by the sunlight, bringing out the softness of her skin and the sparkle in her eyes. It is as if we are driving toward a peaceful paradise, leaving all our worries behind in the wake of the glistening waves.
Fucking purr-fect.
Once we arrive, I hop out and rush around to her side, opening the door with a flourish. “Milady,” I say, offering her my hand.
She giggles, taking it and stepping out. I never want her to stop laughing with me. “You’re such a dork.”
“Only for you,” I reply, leading her inside.
The café is a cozy haven, all weathered wooden beams and soft, amber lighting that makes everything glow like a sepia photograph. The rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans mingles with the sweet scent of cinnamon and vanilla, wrapping around us like a warm hug. It’s the kind of place that feels like it has a thousand stories to tell, and I can’t wait to start writing ours.
We sink into a plush corner booth, our seats offering a perfect view of the tranquil bay in front of us. The water glistens in the sunlight, beckoning us to relax and take in the peacefulness of the scene.
“What do you want?” I get up to order.
“Chocolate chip muffin and a hazelnut latte.”
“Want to think about it?”
“Nope.”
“I’ll be right back.” I head to the counter, order our coffee, and grab the number before rushing back to the table. Any amount of time away from my girl is too long.
“You know,” I begin, leaning back in my chair, needing her attention on me, “I’ve always been a bit of a troublemaker.”
Aria raises an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “Oh really? Do tell.”
I grin, knowing this story will get a reaction. “Well, once, I decided to ‘borrow’ a neighbor’s go-kart and race it through the town square.”
Aria chuckles, her eyes sparkling with interest. “You didn’t!”
I laugh, the memory as vivid as if it happened yesterday. “I thought I was invincible. That is, until I crashed into the mayor’s flower bed. I had to spend the entire summer weeding his garden as punishment, but it was worth it. Those were the days when nothing seemed impossible, and every day was an adventure.”
She laughs, and it’s a genuine, delighted sound that makes my heart skip a beat. “I can imagine! What did your parents say?”
My smile falters slightly, but I push forward, determined to keep the mood light. “That’s the thing. Our parents weren’t really…around. It got to the point where they couldn’t take care of us, and we were put into the system. Quinn and I ended up in different foster homes, but we always found a way to stay in touch.”
Aria’s expression softens, and she reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. “I’m sorry, Dash. That must have been hard.”
I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. “It was, but it also made us who we are. Quinn and I got into a lot of trouble, but we always had each other’s backs.”
A small beta comes over with our treats and sets them down. “Thanks.” I give her a big smile, appreciating her blush before I turn back to Aria.
Tilting my head, I watch as she grips her coffee cup, irritation spilling off her in waves. “You’re jealous.”
“Never.” She sips her coffee, looking away from the barista. “Tell me more.”
With pleasure.
“I got into plenty of trouble as a kid,” I admit between bites, “but it was all part of growing up and learning the hard way, you know?”
Aria nods, her eyes full of understanding. “I get it, Dash. It sounds like you and Quinn made the best of a tough situation. It must feel good to always have someone like a sibling.”
“It was amazing,” I agree, my tone more serious now. “And it’s made me appreciate the family I have now even more. Malachi, Zane, you…you all mean the world to me.”
Aria smiles, her hand finding mine again. “Aww, you’re growing on me like a wart.”
