Page 66 of Falling for My Ex Next Door

“That sounds nice. I’d like to try it out.” I commented, relieving her of the bag of Cinnamon sticks.

Next, she got some cocoa powder for mochas.

When we had got all she wanted and we made our way down to my car, a familiar voice called out to us.

“Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite coffee connoisseur!” Old Napoleon exclaimed, warmly embracing Clara.

“Oh, Old Napoleon! I didn’t expect to see you here today!” she expressed, her voice warm and friendly.

“Well, I thought to quickly get some things before winter strikes in full force.” He laughed.

“Very well,”

Then he looked at me. “How are you doing, man?”

“Not bad.” I twitched a smile, and he tapped my shoulder.

After the exchange of pleasantries, he turned around and walked to his vehicle, while Clara and I got into my car and drove back to the coffee shop.

When we returned to the shop, I helped Clara pack the groceries. Soon, a steady stream of customers arrived, and I jumped in to help, thrilled to play barista’s assistant once again. But this time, it felt different. We worked seamlessly as a team, and every time our eyes met, Clara’s face lit up with a smile that warmed the room.

After closing up, I offered her a lift home.

As we drove, the hum of the engine and the lingering scent of coffee filled the comfortable silence.

“My offer to resign and come work for you still stands,” I said, breaking the silence.

Clara laughed, shaking her head. “I can’t afford your services.”

“I’m willing to work for a date,” I replied boldly.

She laughed again, a musical sound. “No, nice try.”

“Nice try! But I was serious,” I protested as I pulled into my driveway.

Clara turned to face me, her expression softening. “Thank you for everything. I appreciate your help today,” she said.

Then she leaned in and kissed me on the cheek, leaving a warm spot that seemed to linger.

“Goodnight, Jacob,” she added, slipping out of the car.

I sat there, speechless, watching her walk to her porch. She turned and waved before disappearing inside, leaving me with a racing heart and a mind full of possibilities.

As I walked into my home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight was just the beginning. Tomorrow, I’d find a way to convince her that some things are worth taking a chance on.

Chapter Nineteen

Clara

Perhaps it was the nerves of rekindled love or maybe just the winter chill, but in the days following that innocent kiss Jacob and I shared, my head felt lighter, my heart fuller.

A week had passed, filled with laughter and shared moments, each day a new adventure. We hadn’t defined our relationship, and that was fine by me. Titles seemed unnecessary when everything felt so perfect.

I had been receiving flowers every day. Jacob and I spent our days enjoying each other’s company, and I eagerly expected each new day, knowing Jacob always had something new up his sleeve.

Some mornings, I woke up to text messages from him, sweet reminders of how great my day was going to be.

Whenever he could, he would bring lunch and join me at the coffee shop. When he couldn’t, he made sure lunch was delivered.

---