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A cup of chaos

The following morning, Emily was arranging a fresh stack of books by the window display when Anna stormed into the shop like a tornado.

"You'll never guess what just happened!" Anna declared dramatically, waving her phone like it was a trophy.

Emily sighed. "Does it involve coffee, chaos, or a questionable life decision?"

"All three!" Anna plopped herself onto the counter, swinging her legs. "So, you remember Mr. Handsome Mystery Man from yesterday?"

Emily's face flushed involuntarily. "He wasn't that handsome."

Anna cackled. "Oh, sweetheart, denial isn't just a river in Egypt. Anyway, I did some sleuthing—"

"You mean stalking," Emily interjected.

"Same thing," Anna said with a wave of her hand. "And guess what? He's not just some random customer. He's Ethan Cross. As in CEO of Cross Enterprises. As in ridiculously rich and out of our league!"

Emily froze mid-shelving, a twinge of panic creeping in. "You're kidding."

Anna whipped out her phone and shoved it in Emily's face. Sure enough, there was Ethan in a sleek suit, shaking hands with world leaders and flashing that same infuriatingly confident smirk.

Emily groaned. "Great. Just what I need—a billionaire poking around my shop. He's probably here to buy the building or something."

Anna gasped. "What if he's here to sweep you off your feet?"

Emily shot her a look. "More likely to sweep me out the door. Guys like him don't mix with people like us."

Anna shrugged, grinning. "Well, he sure seemed interested in you yesterday."

"Interested in annoying me, maybe," Emily muttered, trying to focus on her work.

At that moment, Ethan was in his corner office, staring out the floor-to-ceiling window with a contemplative expression.

"You're distracted," John remarked, not even looking up from the tablet he was scrolling through.

Ethan turned, raising an eyebrow. "Am I?"

John smirked. "You've been pacing for twenty minutes. Something on your mind? Or should I say...someone?"

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "You're far too observant for your own good."

"It's my job," John replied, setting the tablet down. "So, are you going back to that bookstore?"

Ethan leaned against his desk, arms crossed. "Maybe. She's intriguing, John. There's something about her—a simplicity, a...genuineness I don't often see."

"Sounds like you're smitten," John teased.

Ethan shot him a look. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm curious, that's all. Besides, I have a reputation to maintain."

John raised an eyebrow. "Your reputation of being an arrogant, untouchable billionaire?"

Ethan smirked. "Exactly."

John rolled his eyes. "Well, if you're planning to visit her again, maybe try not to scare her off this time."

Ethan chuckled. "I'll take that under advisement."

Later that afternoon, Emily was wiping down the counter when the bell above the door chimed. She looked up, and her stomach did a weird flip.

It was him.

Ethan strolled in like he owned the place—which, knowing him, he probably would soon. He was dressed more casually this time, in a crisp button-down and dark jeans, but he still exuded an air of authority.

"Back again?" Emily asked, forcing her voice to stay steady.

Ethan smiled, the kind that could charm its way out of a parking ticket. "I couldn't resist. There's something about this place."

Anna, who had been eavesdropping from the back room, peeked her head out and gave Emily a not-so-subtle thumbs up before disappearing again.

"Well, feel free to browse," Emily said, trying to sound indifferent.

Ethan didn't move toward the shelves. Instead, he leaned on the counter, his eyes fixed on her. "Actually, I was hoping you'd recommend something."

Emily blinked. "Me?"

"You're the expert, aren't you?" he said smoothly.

She hesitated, then grabbed a book from a nearby stack. "Here. Pride and Prejudice. A classic."

Ethan took the book, examining the cover. "A story about pride, misunderstandings, and love overcoming obstacles. Sounds fitting."

Emily frowned. "Fitting for what?"

He smiled cryptically. "You tell me."

Before she could respond, Anna emerged from the back, holding two mugs. "Coffee?" she offered, handing one to Ethan with a wink.

Ethan accepted it with a nod. "Thank you. And you are?"

"Anna. Best friend, unofficial bodyguard, and part-time pain in the neck," Anna said cheerfully.

Emily groaned. "Ignore her. She has no filter."

Ethan chuckled. "I like her already."

Anna grinned. "See, Em? He has good taste."

Emily shot her a look. "Don't you have inventory to finish?"

Anna saluted mockingly and retreated to the back, leaving Emily alone with Ethan once more.

"So," Ethan said, sipping his coffee. "Do you always get this flustered around customers?"

Emily scowled. "I'm not flustered."

"You're blushing," he pointed out, clearly enjoying himself.

"That's just the heat," she lied.

Ethan smirked, setting his coffee down. "You're interesting, Emily. Most people either try to impress me or avoid me altogether. But you...you're refreshingly honest."

She folded her arms. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"It's an observation," he said, his gaze steady. "And yes, a compliment."

For a moment, their eyes locked, and Emily felt her heart do that weird flip again. She quickly looked away, focusing on the stack of books she'd been organizing earlier.

"Well, enjoy your book," she said briskly. "And try not to spill coffee on it."

Ethan chuckled, grabbing the book and his mug. "I'll do my best."

As he left, Emily let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.

From the back room, Anna called out, "So, when's the wedding?" "Anna!"

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