The café smelled of fresh coffee and baked goods, the gentle hum of chatter filling the air. You were sitting at a small corner table, trying to focus on your laptop, but your eyes kept drifting.

And there she was.

Delilah Alves. Sitting a few tables away, effortlessly radiant, scrolling through her phone with a look of casual confidence that made your chest tighten. You didn’t mean to stare—honestly, you didn’t—but something about her drew your gaze like a magnet.

Unfortunately for you, she noticed.

She looked up suddenly, her sharp eyes locking onto yours. A slow, knowing smile curved her lips.

“Well, well…” she said, standing and sauntering over to your table. “Caught you staring, huh?”

You jumped, knocking over your coffee slightly in your shock. “I… I wasn’t—”

“Oh, don’t lie,” she interrupted, leaning casually against the edge of your table. “You’ve been looking at me since I walked in. Can’t say I mind—though I might expect a better excuse than that.”

Your face flushed, and you fumbled for words. “I… uh… I was just… thinking?”

Delilah raised an eyebrow, amused. “Thinking, huh? About what, exactly?”