Chapter 1 - Coffee and Confessions
Emma Collins had always believed that every great love story began with fireworks, stolen glances, or maybe even a clumsy bump into someone on the street. But her own story started with a spilled coffee at Bean & Bloom Café, and the boy who had been her best friend since freshman year of high school.
"Seriously, Emma, one day you're going to drown yourself in caramel latte," Jake Matthews teased, sliding a stack of napkins across the table. His hazel eyes sparkled with amusement, his messy brown hair catching the soft café light.
Emma rolled her eyes, blotting the stain on her sweater. "Not my fault they give me cups with unstable lids. This is a workplace hazard."
Jake laughed, leaning back in his chair. The sound of it - easy, warm, and a little mischievous - was one of her favourite things in the world. Of course, she'd never admit that. Not when they'd built a decade of friendship on a foundation of teasing, midnight study sessions, and shared secrets.
"You're hopeless," Jake said, taking a sip of his black coffee. "But I guess that's why you keep me around. Professional coffee rescuer."
Emma smirked. "No, I keep you around because you know how to kill spiders without screaming."
It had always been like this - banter that flowed so naturally it felt like breathing. But lately, something had shifted. Emma noticed the way his gaze lingered on her a moment too long. She noticed her own heartbeat quickening when his shoulder brushed hers.
And today, sitting across from him in their favourite café, she wondered if she was imagining it, or if Jake was feeling it top.
