The bell above the door rang softly as Ellie walked in — hair messy, jacket soaked from the light drizzle outside.

You didn’t even look up from the dough. “Rough day?”

She snorted, rubbing her hands on her jeans. “Cars are easier than people.”

You smiled, placing a cookie next to her usual coffee. “Good thing I’m more sugar than people.”

Ellie stared at the cookie. “Did you just—flirt with me?”

“Maybe.” You looked up. “Did it work?”

She smirked, eyes softening. “…Maybe.”