Page 10 of Wild Tangled Hearts

That was fun, and it scratched an itch. But one night with the bad boy is enough.

End things with Damien and make the call toAlex. Turn to this page. If you’ve already had a first date with him, you can have asecond dateby Turning to this page.

End things with Damien and callSebastian. Turn to this page. If you’ve already had a first date with him, you can have asecond dateby Turning to this page.

Chapter4

Alex

COFFEE AND CHEMISTRY

I’m a bundle of nerves as I stand in front of the mirror, trying to decide on the perfect outfit for my date with Alex. I’ve gone through my entire closet, and it feels like I’ve tried on every piece of clothing I own. It’s just coffee, I remind myself — no need to overthink it.

I settle on a simple yet cute floral sundress that makes me feel comfortable and confident. I add a delicate necklace and slip into a pair of sandals. I check my reflection one last time and take a deep breath.

You’ve got this, Bella.

I grab my purse, where my phone sits on top like a prized possession. I can’t help but look at the messages I exchanged with Alex earlier: flirty but fun. And I’m hopeful for where the date might lead.

Locking the door, I head to the Artful Bean. The sun is still shining, casting a warm glow over the streets, and as I approach the coffee shop, I spot Alex through the window, sitting at a corner table.

He’s wearing a red plaid shirt and jeans, looking as charming as he did when we first met. His tousled sun-kissed hair and easy smile make my heart skip a beat. But those dimples steal the show, the ones that appear when he flashes that heartwarming grin.

The safe choice, that pragmatic voice inside my head says.

But make no mistake; beneath that wholesome exterior, there’s an undeniable magnetism, a simmering attraction that’s impossible to ignore.

He’s not just safe; he’s sizzling hot, a blend of rugged adventure and irresistible charm.

The Artful Bean's familiar coffee aroma greets me as I enter. It’s a comforting scent, like a warm hug, putting me at ease.

Alex looks up from his seat as I enter, and his smile widens when he sees me. “Bella, you look amazing,” he says as he stands up to greet me. He hands me a caramel macchiato and gives me one of his dimpled smiles.

“How did you know what I like?”

There’s a hint of mischief in his eyes. “You said you come here most days, so I asked the barista if she knew what the pretty art teacher from Crestwood Elementary usually orders.”

I glance at Sarah, who gives me two thumbs up before returning to the expresso machine.

“Well played,” I reply, my cheeks warming at the compliment. “I guess you’ve done your homework.”

He chuckles and gestures for me to take a seat across from him. “I couldn’t resist the opportunity to impress you,” he says with a wink.

I take a sip of the caramel macchiato, savoring the sweet and creamy flavor and unable to hide my smile. “So, what’s your go-to coffee order?”

He leans back in his chair, his eyes locked onto mine. “You know, I’m a bit of a coffee enthusiast,” he confesses. “I love trying different types of beans, but if I had to pick one drink, I’d say a well-brewed espresso. It’s the purest form of coffee and packs a punch.”

I raise an eyebrow playfully. “Ah, a coffee connoisseur.”

Alex chuckles.

We both take a sip of our coffee and for a moment, there’s a comfortable silence as we soak in each other’s presence. The Artful Bean’s ambiance, with its cozy corners and the soft hum of conversation in the background, provides the perfect backdrop for our date.

“So,” Alex finally says, breaking the silence, “tell me something interesting about yourself.”

I lean forward, and my eyes locked onto his, a playful glint in mine. “Well, besides being an art teacher and an aspiring world-renowned artist,” I say with a wink, “I have a not-so-secret life as an undercover ninja.”

Alex raises an eyebrow. “A ninja? Wow, that’s quite the side hustle.” He leans forward, giving me a dimpled grin. “And what’s your special ninja skill?”

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