he watched them with a small smile, remembering her own first date. Daryl, her high school crush, had taken her to see a splatter movie at the cinema. It was the kind of film where the blood practica

the theater lobby, much to Daryl

to the brewing machine, she watched the pot of hot chocolate bubble softly as it cooked. The air around her was filled with the rich scent of cocoa and steam

"It looks like it's about to snow. Winter is coming," she added dra

es again?" Summer teased, wi

grin before continuing. "At least that show makes me feel better about my situat

ide her smile. "Yeah, nothing says

ering to each other for the last five minutes, looking like they're in a world of their own. Or at least, it sure looks like a date to

f it." She didn't mind. It was always sweet to see people finding joy in

to the door. "Holy Moses, look. Christmas came early thi

ge exclamation. She turned toward the door, and as soon

was tall, with broad shoulders, and dressed in a pair of black pants. A dark blue long-sleeved shirt clung to his well-defined, chiseled body. He wore a thin jacket on top

fident stride, his posture flawless, yet the cane was something of a paradox. The knob at the top of it was an unusual shade of crystal-

em had changed, becoming heavier, colder. Summer's skin prickled, and she couldn't shake the feeling tha

her, as if he could see straight into her soul. It was almost like a magnetic pull. Summer's breath caught in her throat as she found herself unable to look

murmured beside her, speaking in a low voice so only Summer co

. "I'll take it. You just bring those cocoas over to those two over there." She gestured toward the young coup

making his way toward the counter. Summer took a deep breath, steeling herself as she turned to face him. She wiped her

the piercing intensity of his gaze. She forced herself

n, Sir. What c

that left her feeling exposed. The air between them felt heavy, almost too thick. He didn't

he spoke in a voice that was smooth, almo

aramel macchiato wit

She was sure she had misheard him. Still, she

d her body despite the cold chill still lingering in the air. She turned

before. He's not from around here. Not many people come into this coffee shop dressed like that

weight pressing on her shoulders. There was something odd about him, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Something ancient, maybe. Something da

d it on the counter in front of him. As she did, his

t smile. He didn't seem to offer any sign of warmth. But there was something

ng herself to sound casual. "Is the

wondered if he would say something else. But instead, he simply shook h

y began to feel normal again, but her skin was still tingling, as if something had

as... interesting. You're lucky you didn't pass

processing the encounter. "Yeah, inter

k on your face, you know. Like you just met

she said nothing. She onl