Page 20 of One Weekend in Vienna

“What and deny you the best cake in Vienna?”

“I can have some anytime – I live here, remember? At least for now.”

The server approaches with two ceramic mugs and our desserts. “What is this again?” I ask, sniffing the warm, red-colored drink. It smells like oranges, wine and spice.

“It’s mulled wine, but every recipe is a little different because the flavor depends on the wine and spices used. Try it.” She holds her mug up to mine and we clink.

I take a sip, the spicy sweetness a delicious surprise. “This is fantastic.”

Anna tilts her head in acknowledgement. “I told you. It’s a real treat.” Her eyes fall to my slice of cake.

“Hey,” I say, sliding the plate toward her. “We’ll share.”

“You don’t?—"

“No arguments,” I interrupt, cutting off a small piece and holding it out to her on a fork. “Come on. I’m told it’s the best in Vienna. You’re the expert.”

Her eyes narrow, but then she sighs and leans forward, her lips closing around the fork. For a moment, I forget how to breathe.

I take a bite of cake to stop myself from blurting out something that will make her run away. The flavor explodes on my tongue and my eyes roll back in my head.

Anna laughs. “It’s really good,” she says, waving for me to hand over the fork.

“Good?” I scoff, taking another bite for myself before I pass her the fork. “This is a religious experience.”

She smiles, a real smile and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve seen all afternoon. I hand her the fork and take the other plate, the one with something called aKaiserschmarrn,which looks a shredded pancake with apricot jam, raisins and generous helping of powdered sugar.

“So,” I say, after a moment. “What did you mean earlier when you said you live in Vienna, for now?”

She hesitates, swirling her cup as if there were tea leaves in the bottom. “I’m up for a promotion with Luxx. If it goes through, I’ll be moving to the States.”

My chest tightens, hope flaring to life. “The States?” I echo. “Where?”

“New York, probably,” she says, her tone cautious. “It’s closest to Felix.”

“New York is nice,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “Luxx has offices in Vegas, you know.”

Her gaze snaps to mine, and I hold it, my heart hammering in my chest. “I know you said this is just a weekend thing,” I continue, keeping my tone light. “But I don’t think that’s true.”

She frowns, her defenses rising. “Max…”

“It’s not true for me, Anna. I don’t want a just a fling with you.” I lean closer. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since that first night, two years ago. And after last night…and then this morning.” I shake my head. “I don’t want to scare you off, but I need you to know that.”

Her lips part, and I see the conflict in her eyes. She doesn’t trust this, doesn’t trust me, but I can feel the thread of hope there too.

“I don’t know how it would work,” she says finally, her voice barely above a whisper. “You live in Vegas, and you got in a bar fight with my brother the last time you were in the same city.”

“I can’t promise that your brother will ever like me,” I say, reaching across the table to take her hand. “But you’re the one I want.”

She looks down at our joined hands, her fingers tightening around mine. “You make me feel…” She trails off, shaking her head. “I don’t know, Max.” She sighs, but she doesn’t let go and relief floods through me at that smallest of sign.

“Vegas isn’t that far from New York,” I say. “And I’d love to see you wearing my jersey.” God, it hits me hard, the thought of looking up and seeing Anna at a game, wearing my name on her back. I want it so bad, it steals my breath away.

Anna gives a short bark of laughter. “Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, here. I tell you what, I’ll wear your jersey, when you wear a Jäger jersey.” Her phone buzzes and she releases my hand to pull out her phone, her face going pale.

“Anna? What’s wrong?”

Her phone jangles, the sound of a video call coming through, and she pushes her chair back. “I have to take this,” she says rushing out of the café.

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