I don't know who this kid was. But he was my secret weapon. He was the missing link to put all my hardwork into motion. And honestly I had to see it to believe it. I must have done something good in another life, because even I was shocked by how well everything was turning out. I had mentally -prepared myself for obstacles, for oppositions, for delays and unexpected circumstances.

But the baked foods from Nana's Cupcake Shop was spectacular. Not only was Phoenix able to set up daily deliveries for the next month, on our trail period, but she had greatly reduced the price to get a discount on our teas for her shop. Of course I would have been insane to say no. It was helping me out as much as it was helping her out.

And the Yang brothers. Gifts from the gods, I swear. I mean where do I even start. I know you're getting sick and tired of me praising Landon, but...I can't praise him enough. It was insane to me that as a contract lawyer, which I was looking for by the way, he reduced his fee to practically nothing to help go over my documents and agreements. I didn't want to lean on him so heavy but he was making it so easy to lean. With his soft confidence, his beautiful eyes and smile. His soft flirtatious ways, had me looking forward to his appearance at the shop almost every three days as he travelled quite a bit. But he hadn't asked me out yet. Not even for coffee. I thought I had the confidence to ask him regardless but I just....I just needed him to give me one more final opening. I could not, could not get rejected by him. It would break my heart.

Lao was hardworking as hell. I didn't know what I expected, maybe a little lazy, maybe a bit of a slacker. I mean he'd dropped out of college. Who drops out of college? Except those without any hopes or aspirations. It couldn't be money. You could tell they weren't the richest but they were pretty well off from Landon's income I'm assuming. Or even their grandma, who I was pretty sure had retired ages ago looked like she had enough money set aside for whatever life had to offer. But maybe I had to correct myself. He didn't drop out, but rather expelled from college. Hence his jail time that was significantly reduced because his brother knew somebody who knew somebody.

He actually had a parole officer who came to verify his job contract with me. A big bald guy, with a thick beard and thick mustache. He looked intimidating in his aviator glasses, complete uniform, and guns, but he was an angel to talk to. He had a big belly laugh that seemed to annoy Lao, which somehow cause me to like it more.

"The kid's alright." Officer Agufu nodded at Lao who had gone directly to the back without even a nod of acknowledgement after his parole offficer showed up unannounced. "Too smart for his own good." The officer chastised before turning back to me. "This robinhood nonsense doesn't work in this day and age. Stealing is stealing." Officer Agufu sighed heavily. "Wish he would follow in his older brother's footsteps."

I nodded in agreeance.

Apparently Lao was a hacker. From what I've picked up indirectly over the few weeks, seems like he hacked his university's financial aid office and either paid off loans or erased them. I didn't want to get too nosey. Plus he wasn't offering up any stories.

He barely talked when it was just us two. In fact he seemed like a grumpy old man to me. For a minute there, I had thought we were getting...closer. You know a healthy working relationship. But after the comment on my perfume, he'd seemed to withdraw even more.

I had even taken his advice, and was wondering if he was going to pick up on it. Me. Me! Wondering if some 21 year old boy would pick up on the new scent I wore.

Well he didn't.

Or he didn't care.

And it had taken almost everything in me, not to say something. I trashed him and he scoffed. I bumped him and he scowled. I gave him instructions and he seemed to scorn me, little did he know that made me want to be around him more and more. I can't remember the last time, I've truly been myself around another human being. And that's including my family. Not putting on a show, not trying to impress anybody, not in competition with my sister for favoritism, not playing any particular role society placed on me. Simply just being.

I could just be around Lao. Even I had to admit, it wasn't the case with Landon. I had way too big of a crush on him. I straightened up more, I smiled more, my voice softened, I melted at his feet. I just turned girly and shy and bashful. I'm sorry to say, even Lao noticed, with the amount of side eyes and eye roll he gave me every time he saw me interact with his brother, right after I might have purposefully picked on him.

But he deserved it.

Besides he needed to get used to it. He might have to start calling me older sister soon if I managed to get my way.

"Why are you a grumpy old man?" I asked playfully I wiped the fine china and placed it on display for tomorrow's grand opening.

"You're a grumpy old man." He replied, brushing against my side and sliding over a small tea cup. "Drink."

I turned my head. His chest was against my side, so he'd broken the personal bubble, which meant, had I leaned in a little further, my lips would have grazed his chin. I lifted my head slightly to look up at, tilting my head up put our lips closer within reach.

"What is it?"

I was comfortable standing in the position, I'd been in, so I didn't move. Lao didn't back away either.

"Just drink."

I sighed at this stubborn kid and picked up the teacup. The wonderfully light fragrance hit my nostrils with the slight warm air. I brought it to my lips and took a sip of the reddish liquid. At the same time as the tea touched my lips, Lao's finger grazed the side of my neck, as he pushed my locs back.

Still drinking I turned my head to look at him, above the rim of the teacup. His gaze still on my neck he trailed his index finger down the vein, just as the liquid slid down my throat.

My immediately warmed body jerked at his touch. Not so much out of disgust, but at the unexpected nerve of pleasure he'd stroked. I took a cautious step back as I slowly brought the cup down.

"There's a bug." He stated.

I brought my hand up and touched my warm neck.

He watched me.

"Is it gone?" I asked softly.

He pulled my hand away, replacing it with his own, his thumb caressing that pulsating nerve again. I held myself still as I watched him stare at my neck.

His caress was building up trickles of pleasure throughout my body. He shifted his gaze to meet my eyes.

There was no bug. I knew it. He knew it.

"Thanks." I moved away from him and quickly finished the tea. I took another step back, resisting the urge to touch my neck where he'd touched me, and extended the cup to him.

I felt warm. I felt like floating.

He took the empty cup and turned. I watched as he went to pour himself some tea, and went ahead and drank from the same cup.

My fingers itched. I slowly touched my neck. He turned. I turned back to my display.

"Try to see if you can get here 10 minutes earlier tomorrow." I called out without turning to look at him. "Go get some rest, tomorrow is the big day."

I felt his presence once more before he pressed against my side and slid the tea again to me.

"Drink."

I didn't turn to look at him as I picked up the tea, and downed it. The warmth flowing sensually through my insides.

"How do you feel?" He asked in that low calm voice of his that bothered between a whisper grunt.

Sensitive, playful, needy...aroused. Of course I didn't say those things. "It tastes good. That could also be seasonal." I mumbled.

He lingered. I could sense he wanted to tell me that's not what he asked.

Was he going to push it?

Don't push it please.

I don't want to feel this way right now.

"Maybe it's too strong." Lao stated after a couple seconds. "I'll fix it."

With that, I felt the retreat of his body, and the sense of emptiness. I finally turned to him, to see him pour himself another cup and drink.

I turned away and took a deep breath.

He didn't come back for more samples, nor did we talk again. We moved around the store silently, getting it ready for tomorrow. I had told him, he could leave, but he'd stayed. I'd been grateful because we kept finding little odd things to put in place. But I was also becoming more aware of him with each passing minute.

I had to get some sleep.

This was nervousness, masking as...attractiveness escape. An area I didn't want to even ponder on. He was my young employee and I was in charge of him. Besides, his older brother was who I truly wanted.

Be levelheaded Aquina. Don't muddle one feeling for another.

"Okay, let's go." I exhaled loudly as I put the lock code on the shop. The protective glass doors, rolled and shut around it, with a firm click. I preferred these because it enabled people to see the beauty of the shop without being vulnerable to vandalism. It took a lot to break through the protective glass. And then there was the code.

But honestly this type of protection was above and beyond. This beach town was super relaxed and the people here chilled. I only got it installed, which delayed the opening a bit, through none other than Lao's recommendation. I mean I truly wouldn't doubt him when it came to technology.

"What are you doing now?"

I turned semi-surprised at his question. He was leaning against the door, hands in his pockets, in no hurry to leave.

Did he...did he want to hang out? Wait...no...I mean I was his boss....and a lot older than him. He probably didn't want to hang out with me. Maybe just being...nosey.

I shrugged. "I hadn't really made any plans yet. I didn't eat....wait..you either actually ."

He shook his head slowly.

"Wanna grab something to eat?"

His body seemed to relax as he got off the door. He rubbed the back of his neck. "What do you want to eat?"

"Hummm..." I thought happily of the endless possibilities. "How about...." The words barely left my mouth when a familiar black Audi pulled up to the front of the store. We both turned our head.

Before he even got out the car, I could already feel the smile slowly spreading on my face. The warmth I had felt earlier returning with a subtle buzz.

I was so busy watching Landon get out his car, I hadn't noticed Lao had turned to watch me, watch his brother.

"Hey."

"Hey." I grinned as Landon came out the car with a vase of flowers. My heart raced as I shifted from foot to foot.

"I was hoping, I would catch you before you left. The last client was really taking his time." He came up to me, almost nervously and extended the vase to me. "Tomorrow's the big day, flowers of courage."

I blushed as I accepted them. "Thank you." I whispered almost breathlessly. I sniffed the subtle fragrance of the plants before me, and held the vase even closer.

'"Have you eaten?"

I shook my head. "No." Was he going to take me to dinner? Was he asking me out? Was today the day? And then I remembered Lao. I turned to Lao and extended my hand to him. "Actually Lao and I were just thinking of getting something. Wanna join us?" I asked hopefully.

Landon turned to look at his younger brother who shook his head.

"I'm good." Lao nodded at us. "You two go ahead."

"Are you sure? You didn't eat—-"

"I'm not that hungry." He walked past us and gave a short wave. "Later."

I turned to Landon with a small smile. "Do you....." I trailed off.

"Can I treat you to dinner then?" Landon extended his hand.

I grinned and nodded. "I would love that."

I felt like I was floating as he ushered me in the car and gently closed the door. I noticed he lingered a little outside, staring in the direction Lao had walked away in, before coming to the door. Landon slid into the car and smiled.

"I'm happy you're here."

His simple comment put an even bigger smile on my face as I held the vase of flowers securely.

"I'm very happy to be here." I told the handsome lawyer. Landon turned and smiled at me warmly as he started his car and drove off.

"What should I treat you to?"

"You pick." I answered. "I'm good with anything delicious."

**

Is it true that life is but a dream? It felt like it with Landon. From the moment I got into his car, the ride to the restaurant, the flow of conversation. The laughter, the food, the wine. Him cutting me off, because he wanted me to get a full night of rest without a hangover for opening day. To this moment. He'd parked by my apartment, we'd walked the beach for 10 minutes and were now heading back. This moment here. The soft after date feeling when you know something is right. That giddiness in the pit of your stomach, that makes you realize these are the moments in life to cherish.

Every moment that makes you feel happy to be alive, are the moments you should treasure the most.

Landon held my shoes and extended them to me as we reached the stairs and my apartment complex.

"Thank you."

He bowed subtly and smiled at me warmly.

I laughed, still slightly tipsy from the wine. He put his arm out, and I used it for support as I put my shoes back on. I exhaled loudly and turned to him, with a big grin on my face. "Thanks again. For everything. Dinner, the walk...all of that was what I needed, to ease the nervousness of tomorrow."

Landon beamed, and then quickly turned around. "Wait, the flowers...."

"Oh, my flowers!"

I watched as he rushed to the car, and jogged back with the immaculately put together vase.

"Thank you." I accepted the flowers again.

"Aquina..."

I looked up at him, sensing the first hint of nervousness from his mouth that I'd witnessed all night. Landon took a step towards me.

Omg, I know what this is. Yes, yes, please...get ready. "Yes...." I whispered breathlessly.

He took a deep breath and took another step to me. "Just...just so there's no confusion, I would...really love to...love to date you."

I inhaled sharply. Feeling the butterflies fluttering. Wow it is so much more rewarding when the guy initiates.

"I know, I'm still in the middle of a divorce, so I've been hesitant to involve you, and it's not fair for me to ask you to wait...." He trailed off as he slowly took my hand. His two toned eyes held my gaze as his warm fingers held on to me. "But if you can wait for me....just a little longer..." he squeezed my hand softly. "I want to do this right...no strings attached. I swear, I'll try to finalize this within a month."

I smiled and swallowed hard. He seemed to be holding his breath. I nodded softly and saw his shoulders visibly relax.

"Yes?" He whispered hopefully.

I nodded. "Yes...besides, I do need to focus on my store, so....i'll wait, until everything's easier...for us both..."

Landon chuckled in relief and held my hand tighter. To my surprise, he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. "Thank you." He whispered.

I shrugged. We stared at each other warmly. I knew what he was thinking, just like he must have known what I was thinking. But we'd decided to wait. I took a step forward and leaned up to press my lips gently against his cheek. He smelled heavenly.

"Thank you for tonight." I whispered.

I saw the smile on his lips and the way he turned his head to me. His gaze resting on my eyes before drifting to my lips.

I don't' know if I moved first or he did, but our lips connected softly and lingered as our eyes closed. No rush, no urgency. Our lips parted, and our eyes opened. Landon kissed me again, pressing his lips firmly against mine as he sucked on my bottom lip.

I brought my hand up, to wrap around his shoulder as I fell into the kiss. The perfect kiss.

We broke apart, his breathing slightly labored, his eyes seemed to darken as he licked his bottom lip and pulled back relunctantly.

I smiled and moved back also. "Goodnight Landon."

"Goodnight Aquina." He whispered as if in a daze as he watched me, enter the lobby of my apartment. As the door closed, I looked back and he was still there. I got on the elevator and waved goodbye through the doors until it closed, ending the night on a perfect vibration.

**

I smiled and waved at the last customer, before closing the door. We opened at 8:00 and closed at 12:00. We reopened at 2:00 and closed at 6:00. We had customers the entire time. There was even a line outside. But we didn't rush Lao and I. That's not what this café was about. No, this was to slow down. To unwind, to enjoy every sip as you spent time in the moment. On our first break I'd gone in the back room to cry of joy.

The smiles, the this is so nice , the I love this place, the oh he's so handsome, the this place will be a favorite, all those comments, all the compliments, from young and old alike had been overwhelming.

And Lao was the star.

Not only in his brewing techniques, or his patience as he explained to the customers what tea it was and demonstrated how to make it, but in the way the customers stared at him. The way the tweens and teenage girls blushed. The way the older ladies shamefully flirted and found an excuse to touch him.

He might have been grumpy old man with me, but he knew how to work a crowd. His smile reserved but warm. Staring at him in all his glory. He truly was going to be somebody big. I could sense it. You could just tell he was someone important, or significant...in my life. He was...very important to me...and I didn't know why. It was more than him making this café a success. I just felt....

I sighed and turned to Lao, who was leaning against the counter as I released the door.

My face broke out into a big smile as he watched me. I put my arms out and slowly made my way to him happily. "Can I give you a hug?" I asked emotionally.

He cleared his throat and shrugged. But I took note of the fact that he straightened up, preparing himself.

I squealed and rushed the rest of the way to him. Wrapping my arms around his shoulders tightly. Resting my head by his chest as I moved excitedly side to side.

"I don't know how to thank you." I whispered, my voice shaking with emotions. "Today was perfect, you made this day perfect. Thank you. Thank you for everything."

He hadn't hugged me back right away, but now I slowly felt his hand on my back, cautiously touching me.

I pulled my head back slightly beaming as I looked up into his dark hooded eyes. "You must be my angel." I told him seriously.

Lao didn't say anything but he blinked a couple of times as he just stared back at me.

I chuckled. "Accept it ." I hugged him again. This time, I felt both his hands wrap around me as he returned the hug a little tighter.

I could feel his heartbeat. Noticing it now. I focused on it. His heart was beating so fast. A huge contrast to his outwardly calm demeanor. It caught me off guard. I slowly lifted my head to look at him, as he stared back down at me. His lips parted as our eyes held.

My own heart did something strange...it ached...as if...I removed one of my hands from around his shoulder and gently touched the side of his face. I saw his Adam's apple move as he swallowed. Why did I...I quickly dropped my hand and moved out of the embrace I'd initiated.

Lao cleared his throat and also shifted on his foot, as he looked around the store.

What the hell was that Aquina? What are you trying to...that was so weird. It had felt... I quickly shook my head and smiled. Reaching out I patted his shoulder.

"Let's celebrate our first day." I exclaimed happily.

"Wouldn't you rather celebrate with Landon?"

I paused that I hadn't event thought of Landon. I cocked my head to the side. "Landon wasn't the star of the show today. You were." I beamed. "Come on, I brought wine this morning, to celebrate with you whether good or bad."

I was rewarded with a rare Lao smile that immediately made me smile even bigger. "Awww you smiled..." I reached for his cheek to pinch it, and he swatted my hand away, but his smile grew.

"Stop, go get the wine."

"Aww you look so handsome when you smile." I teased him, trying to grab his cheek again.

Lao actually chuckled, but shoved me away playfully. "Go away."

"Let's clean up, get everything ready, get some food and go to the beach." I instructed happily.

**

We closed shop, and we're now sitting on the beach, staring at the beauty of the sea at night. Listening to the sounds of the wave as we shared the bottle of wine between us and the order of spicy lo mein we'd picked up from the Chinese store across the street.

"I love the ocean." I whispered, staring off at the the way the moon reflected on the water.

"You do?"

I turned to Lao with the glass of wine in his hand as he stared at the ocean also. "Yeah...don't you."

He sighed and shook his head. "I hate it."

I gasped.

"I almost drowned when I was 4." He explained and shook his head. He chuckled and took another sip of the wine. "Never trusted it again."

I gasped again. "No! Can you swim?"

"I just told you, I hate the ocean."

"You have to learn how to swim." I insisted. "Especially if you almost drowned before, that's how you conquer your fear."

He looked at me and smiled and shook his head. "I'm good."

"You're not good." I replied. "Besides...I think you're the only young man that I know who can't swim." I turned and filled up my glass.

Lao extended his glass to me and I filled it up.

"What...you wanna teach me?" He asked slyly.

My eyes widened as I grinned. "I can teach you. Wanna learn?"

I saw a small smile play at the corner of his lips as he looked at me through the top of his wine glass.

"What?" I asked.

He shook his head and drank more wine.

I grabbed his hand and lowered the glass from his lips. "Slow down, I won't be able to carry you out of here if you get too drunk."

"I'm not drunk."

I chuckled. "You're talking more and smiling more. I think it's safe to say that this is drunk Lao."

He licked his bottom lip and looked at me.

"And then I'm gonna have to call Landon and explain how I got his little brother drunk." I laughed and trailed off as I looked at him. Lao's smile had disappeared, and the serious expression was back on his face. I waved it off. "I'm joking...I won't call him. I'm cutting you off. You're my responsibility now....HEY!"

Lao had actually downed his entire glass and reached for the bottle. Our second bottle to be exact. I grabbed it from him.

"I thought you said we were celebrating." He extended his glass out. "The opening today was a success...we did good."

I looked at his glass hesitantly.

"I'm 21 not 15." Lao nodded at me. "Stop treating me like a kid."

I poured him more wine and filled my own glass. I put the bottle down and turned to cheers him. He accepted and we went back to drinking silently. My eyes drifting back to the water and relaxing under the sounds of the waves.

"You really like him don't you?"

I turned, surprised at Lao's question that seemed more like a comment.

Even though he was talking to me, he wasn't looking at me. Just staring off at the water also. He turned to give me a quick look and chuckled. I guess my face must have said it all.

"Of course you do. Who doesn't?" Lao responded to his own question.

"Should I not?" I asked softly.

He took a sip of his wine before answering. "He's great." He replied much to my surprise. "Landon's great." I noticed him inhale and exhale deeply. "Perfect Landon." He whispered.

He must have sensed my watching him, because he turned his eyes to me. We stared at each other silently for a couple seconds.

"Are you jealous?" I whispered.

"Of my brother?" He asked.

I nodded.

Lao lowered his gaze slightly and turned his head back to stare at the ocean. He didn't answer for a while, but I couldn't look away from him. It wasn't jealousy that I saw on his face or his demeanor. No matter how rude he was to him, or dismissive of him. It always looked to me like Lao did respect Landon, even looked up to him.

"I guess everybody...expects me to be." He answered. His bottom lip shook slightly. "It's hard to live under his shadow." He whispered. "He set the bar really high." Lao chuckled, but there was sadness in his voice that broke my heart. His eyes watered. "When they see me, all they see is him. Who I should be...not who I want to be."

I blinked back tears, unwillingly to let them show. I knew he wasn't saying this to get my sympathy. I also knew it was the wine that had loosened his lips. If I was to cry, I would ruin the moment for the both of us.

Lao chuckled and looked completely the other way, but I knew he was fighting back tears also. He took a deep breath. "Anyways..." He blinked a couple times rapidly and shrugged. "It doesn't matter."

I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything at all. Besides he wasn't asking me for advice. He just seemed to want a listening ear. He threw his head back and sighed heavily. Closing his eyes. "I think I'm drunk." He whispered.

It was my turn to chuckle as I reached over and took the glass from his hand.

"Luckily, I brought water also." I said reaching into the tote bag I brought and pulling out a water bottle. "Here. Safe drinking."

Lao reached out and took the water. He almost drank the whole bottle and I laughed.

He shook his head. "The wine really creeps up on you."

I giggled as I watched him.

He turned to me. "Do I make you laugh that much?"

I laughed again. He smiled. We kept staring at each other, first in amusement. And then in comfort, but as our eyes kept on one another, a new feeling threatened to emerge. I looked away first. I sensed him still watching me for a couple more seconds before looking away also.

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, before exhaling slowly. Letting sound of the water wash over me This was perfect. But tomorrow was another day. And if we were to be in tiptop shape, he needed to sleep off this wine. I smiled, my eyes still closed, feeling the warm cool night breeze. "I think we should—-"

I never got to finish my sentence because I felt soft lips pressed against me. I would like to say, I was too shocked to move, or too drunk to react. But I knew it was Lao's lips. And I couldn't deny that a part of me had wondered what those full dark pink lips of his would feel like. I wasn't thinking. But I hadn't completely lost my mind. I didn't kiss him back. Nor did I push him away. But he leaned more into the kiss and my eyes fluttered open.

We stared at each other as he slowly pulled back. His expression also seemed like he was surprised in his action. He moved back quickly and took a couple heavy breaths. He didn't bother to look at me as he shot up off the beach mat and rushed away. I watched as he turned and came back to pick up his shoes. He made brief eye contact with me, before whispering bye and rushing off the sand.

I hadn't said a single word as I watched him jog away. But he looked back, and I could have sworn, I saw a smile on his face. I mean even when he'd looked at me, there hadn't been an ounce of regret in his eyes.

Him running away after doing that. Childish. Completely childish...but also...so adorable. I finally resumed breathing as I stared out at the ocean. My fingers instinctively touching my lips.

It was nothing. That was nothing. He was drunk and young. Young and drunk. I chuckled and shook my head. Ignore it. I wasn't going to make a big deal about it, or even address it. Beside's he'll wake up tomorrow and completely regret it.

I laughed at his realization tomorrow that he got drunk and kissed his boss. I picked up my forgotten wine glass and drank the content heartily.

**

What did I tell you?

A drunken mistake.

We didn't talk about it. It wasn't brought up. There wasn't even any awkward moment between us. The next day, he came back just as Lao as ever. Maybe the first 5 minutes he seemed slightly shyer as if cautiously watching me, but that could have just been me projecting. And then another day passed, and another.

The days were busy and the buzz was going on about the café. People really liked it. But as always there were some people complaining that the wait was long, or there wasn't enough seating, but the majority loved that nobody was rushed or that it wasn't crowded inside. I would take it. There didn't seem to be true success without haters.

"Day 4!" I exclaimed triumphantly as I turned over the open sign. I turned to Lao pouring us tea. I scurried over excitedly and leaned on the counter. "Ohhhhh." I inhaled the smell, waving the air towards my face. I moaned slightly. "What blend is this?"

Lao only smiled. "See if you like it this time." He slid the tea cup over to me, and watched me carefully.

I grinned and was about to pick it up, when there was a knock at the door. I looked back, my heart jumped as I ran to the door. "Landon!" I exclaimed.

He laughed as I opened the door. We hadn't even planned it, nor had we even hugged before, but we immediately fell into a warm embrace.

"I heard from grandma and Lao that your first few days have been a hit." He whispered excitedly, sharing my joy.

I nodded as I inhaled his wonderful scent, stepped out of his embrace and pulled him into the shop as I closed the door again. "It's been super busy, really fun, hectic, but I think Lao and I have this under control. Right?" I turned to Lao, who was now by the sink, his back to us instead of at the counter.

I pulled Landon to the counter. "Come, Lao just brew some tea..." I trailed off as I looked at the empty counter. My teacup and his gone. The teapot also gone. "Where's the tea?"

"It wasn't good." He replied, not turning to look at us. That's when I say that he was washing our teacups.

"It smelled good." I pouted in confusion. I turned to Landon watching his brother.

"Grandma says you've really been drying and brewing leaves and fruits nonstop." Landon smiled. "Forcing her to try all your new blends. I haven't had any of your teas lately."

Lao didn't respond.

I smiled and nodded. "Lao make us something else." I begged him. I turned to Landon. "He's the star of this place. I can't deny that they come for him."

Landon chuckled and smiled warmly at his brother's back. "I believe you. He's really good at whatever he puts his mind to."

I smiled and turned to Lao, who had finished with the dishes, but was wiping the counters and instead of putting on the kettle. I moved behind the counter and happily went to his side. "What do you want me to do?"

"I'm busy." He replied. "You make it." He turned and rearranged the teacups.

I stared at him in surprise. "But—the point was for you to make it."

"Are you paying me overtime?" He asked.

My mouth dropped open as we stared at each other.

"He's right." Landon said chuckling softly. But I frowned at Lao as he simply stared back at me almost in annoyance. "He's worked hard. Let me make you both some tea."

I noticed Lao stiffen, but I was too shocked by Landon's proposal. "Wait...really? No, I can't let you..."

Landon brushed it off as he folded up his sleeve. "I learned a thing or two from grandma." He shrugged. "Although, I will admit, I don't have Lao's talent, but it's not bad." He came behind the counter.

I smiled warmly at him. I turned to Lao watching me. Before our eyes could meet, he grabbed the rag and vinegar and went over to clean the tables.

The soft music continued to play in the background as I put things away and Landon brewed us some tea. Lao was finishing wiping the tables and chair, when Landon called us over.

"I'm super excited to taste your tea." I grinned as Landon poured the mixture.

He chuckled. "Don't be. Congratulations on a successful opening, both of you guys. May you have more success to come."

My heart felt light and free as I picked up the cup and drank the tea with the two Yang brothers. My eyes widened as I turned to Lao. "This is wonderful." I remarked almost in surprise. "It goes down so nice and that light cinnamon aftertaste..." I grinned and drank some more as Landon smiled and gave me a head nod.

I turned to Lao who was watching me drink and hadn't commented when he'd taken his sip.

"What do you think grand tea master?" I teased him.

Lao put his cup down and looked briefly at his older brother. "It's good." He replied, emotionless. Landon smiled gently but, Lao turned and went to the supply room.

I turned to Landon who blinked and put his cup down. He sighed and gave me a soft chuckle. "I might have overstepped." He whispered, looking back to the supply room that his little brother had gone to.

I shook my head and drank his tea. "It's okay. The tea is really good."

"Thank you." He drank the rest of his tea before gathering the cups. "I'll clean this up...anything else I can help you guys with?"

I shook my head. "We're almost done actually thanks."

"Do you want to get dinner?"

"Yes." I replied quickly. A little too quickly because he paused and chuckled.

"Great."

I laughed too. "Then let's make this quick." I smiled as I saw him head to the sink, and made my way to the supply room. "Lao?" He didn't answer as I walked, lining up the different cans in his arms on the shelf. "We're going to get dinner, I can finish closing up here." I walked up to him waiting for a response. He put the last can up, but didn't turn around as he stared at the shelf.

"Lao." I poked his back.

He turned around, pressed me against the shelf and kissed me. Why was his lips so full, soft and tempting?

But unlike the beach, I quickly shoved him back. "No." I whispered, blinking rapidly. My heart immediately racing. He took a step towards me and I moved my head to the side, looking away from him. Not because I was afraid of him, but I was afraid if he kissed me again, I wouldn't have the will to push him away a second time.

"Fine." He said. "I'll go."

I didn't move even when he left the supply room. I was still breathing hard. My lips still remembering the lingering taste of his.

What was I doing?

"Aquina?"

I looked up to Landon by the door, looking at me softly. "Are you okay?"

I quickly put a smile on my face and nodded, but Landon looked at me for a couple seconds, before looking behind him. He turned back to me. He wasn't dumb. He knew something had happened, it was obvious.

Landon stepped away from the door and walked back out. "Lao." I heard him call his younger brother.

My whole body alerted. Wait...wait...was he going to confront him? I rushed out the supply room. "Landon wait..." I stopped, seeing Landon facing Lao by the door, my heart raced.

"What happened?"

Lao looked past Landon to me, and then back to his brother. "I overstepped...I'm sorry." He replied.

I couldn't see Landon, but I saw him take another step towards Lao. "What?"

"It's okay." I said quickly rushing to them. "It's all...it's all a big misunderstanding."

Landon turned to me. My usually bright shining man. I'd never seen him so rigid. His jaws clenched and the tension and anger was more than obvious. They truly were brothers, because he was giving Lao energy big time. I almost took a step back. "It's not okay Aquina." He said. He turned back to Lao. "If my brother disrespected you in any way—-"

"No..no..no.." I said quickly getting in the distance between them. "Just a...." I turned to Lao. "A misunderstanding right?"

When he didn't answer. I turned to Landon. "Your brother and I get along really well and I think there might have been some confusion." I turned to Lao. "Lao knows that I really like you...and I like him as my employee and friend...and your...your little brother." I turned back to Landon.

I might as well have not been talking, because neither of the brothers talked or even looked at me. They were staring at each other seriously. I was going to try again, until Lao took a step back. I turned to him.

"I'm sorry Aquina." He lowered his gaze, but his jaws were clenched. His mouth barely opening. "It won't happen again."

"It's okay." I whispered, feeling a strange stirring inside me.

Lao turned and walked out. I watched him leave before turning to Landon. He'd relaxed, but there was still a slight tension in the air.

"I'm sorry." He sighed.

I shook my head softly. "I—-I think you should go, check on your brother."

He stared at me for a couple seconds in silence. His shoulders relaxed a little more, he sighed again, nodded and smiled sadly. "I think you're right."

He turned to walk away, and I grabbed his arm last minute, making him turn to me before exiting. "He really looks up to you." I whispered. "I think his actions....are just trying to figure out where he fits in."

Landon smiled. "I'm glad you think that...but my brother is not innocent. He's stubborn, impulsive and acts before he thinks."

I nodded.

"Raincheck on that dinner?"

I nodded again. Landon smiled and the warm familiarity came back. He stepped closer, and I was ready and willing to accept his kiss. I knew I was smiling when he pulled back. My eyes fluttering open. I watched him leave, feeling like I was in limbo.

**

I got out the elevator only to see a familiar figure posted by my door.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, walking up to the door. "You haven't caused enough trouble yet?"

"No, not yet." Lao grinned.

"You talked to your brother?"

"Yeah."

"And?"

"He told me to stop bothering you." Lao replied.

"Yet, you're here." I rolled my eyes at him as I opened the door. "What do you want?"

"So when you said no." He started as he followed me in. "Did you mean no, no...or no not now?"

I turned to the young man in surprise. My heart beating as my front door closed behind us. "What?"

Lao cupped the back of my neck. "He wanted you first...I want you now." He whispered, closing the gap between us and kissing me.

"St—stop." I panted as I pulled back, my hand on his chest. We stared at each other silently for a couple seconds. Stop Aquina. Stop it. What in the world is this? What is happening? Hello? Anybody? This is not happening right now.

I moaned as my hands switched positions to grab his shirt and yank him down to me. My lips hungrily latching on to his. He kissed me back with just as much passion. His arms wrapping around me. Pressing me flush against him.

I felt his stiffness against my belly.

I pulled back surprised at how hard he was already. He cupped my face again, angling it as he worked his mouth against mine, walking me backwards, until my back hit the wall in my hallway. I moaned as he rubbed against me.

My head lifted, as my eyes refused to open. His kisses moved to my neck as he sucked on the flesh. I jolted as he pressed his erection further into me.

"I want you so much." He whispered breathlessly against my ear.

Oh. Fuck.