Page 3 of Strings Attached

Mireille

The bell chimescheerfully as I push open the door to Lil's Sweet Treats. The warm aroma of freshly baked chocolate, rich coffee, and her signature hot chocolate hits me, instantly lifting my mood. Not that it needs much lifting—I'm still riding high on Evander's unexpected gesture of kindness.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite customer!" Lilian's voice rings out from behind the counter. The gorgeous, red haired woman with her ever-present cocoa-dusted apron beams at me. "Let me guess, the usual?" Lilian is the best, she's sweet and a good friend.

I grin back at her. "You know me too well, Lil. One Mocha, a black coffee, no sugar and can you add a selection of your chocolates today."

Lil's eyebrows shoot up. "A selection of chocolates? Don't tell me Mr. Grumpy Pants is finally developing a sweet tooth."

I laugh, shaking my head. "No, the black coffee is for him. The chocolate is for me because he's feeling unusually generous today and treating me to my mocha."

"Well, I'll be," Lil says, already getting to work on the drinks. "What's the occasion? Did he win the lottery or something?"

"If he did, he's keeping it very quiet," I joke. "No, I think he's just in a good mood. His friend is coming to visit."

Lil nods sagely as she pumps syrup into my mocha. "Ah, that explains it. It's good for him to have friends. That man works too hard."

I can't argue with that. In the two years I've worked for Evander, I've rarely seen him take time off or do anything purely for fun. It's all business, all the time. Which is why his friend's visit is such a welcome change.

"So," Lil says, a mischievous glint in her eye as she hands me the drinks and chocolates. "When are you going to make an honest man out of that boss of yours?"

I nearly choke on air. "Lil! It's not like that. We're just... we work together. That's all."

Lil gives me a knowing look. "Honey, I've seen the way you two look at each other. There's more spark there than in my oven on a busy day."

I feel my cheeks heating up. "You're imagining things. Evander sees me as nothing more than his clumsy assistant."

"Mhmm," Lil hums, clearly unconvinced. "And I'm the Queen of England. Mark my words, Miri. That man cares for you more than he lets on."

I roll my eyes, but I can't quite squash the little flutter of hope in my chest. "Whatever you say, Lil. Thanks for the coffee and chocolates."

I step carefully through the office, determined not to repeat this morning's disaster. The last thing I need is to spill Evander's coffee after he actually did something nice for me.

As I approach his office door, I take a deep breath, steeling myself. Despite Lil's words, I know better than to read too much into Evander's gesture. He's my boss, nothing more. No matter how much I might wish otherwise.

I knock softly before entering. Evander is hunched over his desk, his brow furrowed in concentration as he speaks into his headset. He glances up as I enter, his eyes softening slightly at the sight of the coffee in my hands.

I set his cup down carefully on his desk, along with a single chocolate. He raises an eyebrow at the chocolate, but I just shrug and mouth, "Thank you," before turning to leave.

As I reach the door, I hear him say, "One moment, please," to whoever he's talking to on the phone. "Mireille?"

I turn back, surprised. "Yes?"

He gestures to the chocolate that’s on his desk beside his coffee. “Just one?”

I can't help but smirk at his question. "Well, I didn't want to push my luck. Besides, I thought you might appreciate just a taste of sweetness in your otherwise bitter world."

Evander's lips twitch, almost forming a smile. "How considerate of you. Though I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I declined, and you had to eat it yourself."

"Oh, the sacrifices I make for you, Mr. Prescott," I say dramatically, placing a hand over my heart. "But if you insist, I suppose I could force myself to eat it."

He shakes his head, amusement clear in his eyes despite his attempt to look stern. "Get back to work, Mireille. And thank you for the coffee."

As I turn to leave, I can't help but add over my shoulder, "You're welcome. And don't forget to actually eat the chocolate. It might just sweeten your disposition."

I hear a soft chuckle as I close the door behind me, and I can't help the smile that spreads across my face. These little moments, these glimpses of the man behind the serious businessman facade, they're what keep me coming back day after day.

Back at my desk, I sip my mocha and savor one of Lil's delicious chocolates. As I work through Evander's schedule andarrange Greyson's visit, I can't help but think about what Lil said. Does Evander really look at me differently? And more importantly, do I want him to?

---