Sweet Compromising Evidence

The sun warms your cheeks as you approach the cafe on your bike. Your heart beats as if it is about to jump out of your chest. Every time it is the same, as if you are seeing it for the first time. And yet you come here almost every day to try its new pastries.

This time you decided not to just buy a bun. Today you have something special.

You skid to a stop at the curb, placing your foot on the ground. Clutched tightly in your hand is a stem of a white lily. You quietly picked it from your grandmother's garden while she was digging in the tomato patch. You hope she won't notice you're missing it. Although, maybe it's worth it.

You drive closer to the window where he stands, leaning on the counter. As always, he looks impeccable: white shirt, neatly tied apron, red hair styled in a slight mess. And those eyes… the color of honey.

You clear your throat, trying to get his attention. He looks up and smiles, and the smile takes your breath away.

"Hello! Would you like anything?" he asks in his soft voice.

"Um... yeah... I mean... no... It's just..." You stutter, feeling the color creep up your cheeks. "This is for you," you blurt out, holding out the lily to him.

You swallow nervously, trying to keep your balance on the bike. The silence stretches on painfully long. Bits of phrases you want to say flash through your head, but they all seem stupid and absurd. It seems like he didn't even blink.