✧

I'm still buzzing off the feeling of taking control and finding an ounce of confidence to give Declan something I've been dreaming of for months. I've had a smile on my face for two days and of course I had to let Demi know that it worked.

Safe to say that she was ecstatic. Wanted me to give her all the juicy details but it didn't feel right to, especially when I don't really know where this is meant to lead us. A nice kiss turned into a sloppy blowjob and I'm not even sorry about it.

He kissed me back. He didn't push me away. He came down my throat.

I can still taste the saltiness on my tongue. Well... I can't but the memory is there and I never want it to fizzle out because he tasted so damn good that I already want more.

Maybe I haven't lost myself after all. That Luca is still somewhere deep inside me.

And my forwardness didn't send Declan running, so I guess it's a win-win.

The cafe this week has been busy and even though I've been worked off my feet, I can't slap this smile from my face because I feel incredible. Demi has been joining me for the odd shift but we still need someone to join indefinitely.

As I place two coffees on a tray and smile at the elderly women whilst I take it to their table for them. They both thank me but I don't want the pair of them covered in boiling liquid, I'd rather have a calm afternoon.

When the bell above the door rings, I glance in the direction as I slip behind the counter once more. "Hey, what can I–" I cut myself off as the young guy walks towards me. "Aris?"

The man with dark brown messy hair and piercing blue eyes that resemble the colour of the sky. I haven't seen him in years but I could recognise that face from anywhere, even if he was a year above me in school. I wouldn't say we were friends back then but more than just acquaintances. Our school was small so everyone knew everyone.

"Hey, Luca," he offers me a smile and shoves his pale hands into his jacket pockets. "Long time no see, huh?"

I nod, my eyes still roaming him. "Yeah..." I trail off. "I haven't seen you since the Greenwood reunion. How have you been?"

The question seems to make Aris' eyes flash with something. "So-so," he exhales. "What about you?"

My lips press to the side. "A lot better than I was a few months ago," I admit.

Aris nods at my words and then rolls his lips together. "So I saw the flyer in the window, about part time staff?" He says, running his hand down the back of his dark hair.

"Oh yeah?" I say in surprise. "Are you interested?"

I focus on his eyes and notice the dark rings that circle them. He looks exhausted and I frown but it's not my place to say anything, I barely know him. "Yeah," he rasps. "I don't necessarily have experience in being a barista but I'm a fast learner and I'm happy to work whatever hours are needed."

"Okay," I say as I grab a piece of paper and a pen. "Write down your details and I'll let you know when to come for a trial shift, it's been really busy lately."

Aris takes the pen and writes his name and number before sliding it over to me. "Thank you," he says gratefully.

"What have you been doing since now?" I ask as I tuck the paper into my apron pocket before I lose it. "You know since school?"

He exhales a sigh, like he doesn't want to get into the specifics. "I didn't go to University, I started working straight away. Since then I've been floating between jobs," he takes his hand out of his jacket and places it on the counter. "Honestly? I need the money. I really need the money right now."

When I say nothing he meets my eyes and I offer him a smile. "Don't we all," I say sincerely. "Are you free next week?"

He nods eagerly. "I can be," he says as if he's desperate.

I always remembered Aris as a good kid in school. You had the popular kids, the bullies, the nerds. Aris wasn't necessarily in any of those groups, he stuck to a small friendship group. I remember him because we both attended a cinema club after school for his last year. He did have a great taste in movies.

"Do you have any experience in customer service?" I ask, although it's not hard to be polite. I still struggle with counting money so that's why I'm glad society is turning cashless.

Aris hums. "I used to work in a restaurant when I was younger, I also did some sales work when I left school but not for long. Do you need me to bring in my CV?"

"Sure," I nod. "If I'm being honest, you're the first person who has come in for that position."

His eyes light up and I can't help but think, he must really, really need the money. "Oh, that's surprising. Finding a job in this town is hard. I want to leave but..."

"It sucks you in?" I finish his sentence for him.

Aris nods and then laughs. "I guess you could say that. Once you're here, it's hard to leave."

"Don't I know it," I laugh gently. "Think I'll be beside this cafe until I'm eighty."

"I was nervous about coming in," he shifts from foot to foot.

I tilt my head slowly. "Why?"

"Because I know your family owns this cafe and I felt a little embarrassed coming in here and asking," he says but doesn't take his blue eyes off me. "I didn't know if you'd remember me or if you'd remember me and wonder why I'm asking for a job here."

My shoulders raise gently. "Times are tough," I say softly. "We've all got to help each other out somehow, and you shouldn't be embarrassed. A job is a job."

"Exactly," he nods. "I'm glad I came in now."

As my lips form into a smile, the bell rings behind Aris and a new customer walks up to the counter. "I'll text you the details." I say.

Aris' lips press into a line of a smile. "Thank you."

"See you later," I say as he steps away.

His hands return to his pockets and he nods. "Bye."

The rest of the afternoon goes by in a flash. I have the cafe cleaned and ready for tomorrow which puts my mind at ease. My phone vibrates in my pocket and I pull it out to see Declan's name flash across the screen.

I smile at his name and instantly open up the message.

Declan: Dinner at my place?

My face heats. Is he inviting me over as a date or as a business partner?

I chew on my lip, thumbs hovering above the screen as I think of a response. I don't want to go over expecting something cute if we're just going to talk about the business. It's almost a tease. But over dinner?

Fuck it.

Luca: For business or for pleasure?

Oh goodness. What have I said?

When he doesn't respond immediately I start feeling nauseous. Was that too far? Oh God, maybe it was for business and he wants to discuss something about the payments to the mortgage lender.

My phone buzzes in my hand again and my eyes scan the screen.

Declan: Pleasure, always pleasure

Fuck. My throat clenches, as does my cock. I've been thinking about the way he groaned when he came, the taste of his cum, that impressive length every night before bed. This time I'm not so ashamed when I get myself off to the thought of it.

I find myself smiling at the screen without shame. At least we're on the same page.

Oh, are things going to go down between us tonight? Shit. My hands tremble around my phone. I have no idea if I'm ready for that. I take my lip between my teeth and decide to change the subject.

The thought of stripping down my clothes and letting him see me–I shudder. I'd much rather do things to him than show myself for who I am. That's such a vulnerable side that I care about his opinion.

A one-night stand? I couldn't give a shit.

But Declan, he changes everything.

Luca: What are you cooking?

Declan: I'm yet to decide. Anything in particular you'd like?

Luca: I'm really not fussy, I'll be happy to be in your company

Quite honestly, I wouldn't mind the taste of him again. If he can be considered dinner.

Declan: Me too

Declan: Are you done closing up the shop?

Luca: Yep, everything's sorted. I'll head over to yours now.

Declan: There is a cab waiting outside for you.

My eyebrows crease at the screen. He ordered a cab for me? I dip my head towards the window to see a Toyota Purius sitting on the curb. The man works damn fast. But my heart flutters anyway at the sweet gesture. I would have been happy to make my way there, on foot.

Luca: You didn't need to order me a cab, I would have walked

Luca: But thank you, that's very kind of you

Declan: Walk? Are you crazy? It's like an hour

Luca: That's nothing to see you

The three dots along the bottom keep popping up and disappearing. I grab my coat and my bag and lock the back door before heading towards the cab. After what feels like an eternity, he finally sends a message.

Declan: Just get your fucking ass here

Fire roars in my stomach and I can't help but beam at the message before I slide into the back of the cab. I clutch my phone to my chest and tell myself to settle the nerves that have started to invade my body.

Luca: I'm in the cab now, I'll be there soon

Declan: Not soon enough

How is he making me blush through text? I can't deal with this. He's completely altering the chemicals in my brain and I'm falling through a hole that I'll never get up from.

Because Declan is Declan and he is truly one of a kind.

Luca: Are you flirting with me?

Declan: Yes, I've been doing it the entire time I've known you

I can't help but stare at the message. So he was doing it on purpose?

This whole time I've been convinced he's just flirty because that's his personality but he's been doing it because he wanted to flirt with me? I can hardly digest this information because I'm squealing like a teenager in the back of the cab.

The driver keeps peeking at me in the rear mirror and I mumble an apology and keep quiet, even though my cheeks hurt from all the excessive smiling.

✧

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Author's Note

What do we think of Aris, eyyyy?🤭

Also I love Declan inviting Luca round for dinner. So damn cute.These two are my actual favourites🥹!

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