Page 5 of Designing Love
“Earth to Ethan,” Claire whispers loudly, nudging my shoulder with exaggerated amusement. “Do we need to reboot your system or something?”
“What?” I startle slightly, nearly spilling my coffee. Claire laughs, shaking her head knowingly.
“Looks like Bluewater Cove just got a little more interesting.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I mumble unconvincingly, stealing another glance at the woman by the window. Her brow is furrowed lightly as she scribbles into her notebook, completely absorbed. My unbidden curiosity grows, and my stubborn gaze stays fixed on her, completely intrigued.
“Sure you don’t,” Claire says slyly, clearly unconvinced. “Maybe you should introduce yourself.”
“And say what exactly?” I reply, my voice low and skeptical.
Claire shrugs nonchalantly. “How about ‘Hi, welcome to Bluewater Cove, please never leave.’ Too forward?”
“Just a bit,” I mutter, rolling my eyes, though part of me wonders if Claire is right. Maybe saying hello wouldn’t hurt.
Before I can gather my courage, Lucas approaches the woman’s table, delivering her coffee with his usual charm he reserves for strangers and special occasions. She thanks him softly, her smile lighting up her face in a way that makes my breath hitch. I realize with a sinking feeling that I’m completely out of my depth.
“Definitely more interesting,” Claire whispers smugly beside me.
I can’t argue with her. Somehow, Bluewater Cove feels a whole lot brighter this morning.
Meet Mia in Love Notes in the Margins
Meet Oliver in Love Notes in the Margins
3
STUMBLE WITH FLAIR
Sophia
Iwrap my hands around the warm coffee cup, taking a slow, deliberate sip. The rich, bittersweet taste dances across my tongue, waking me up in ways that Sage’s herbal tea definitely couldn’t. I inhale deeply, savoring the rich aroma, feeling the caffeine gently nudge away the lingering fatigue from my spontaneous escape.
My eyes drift lazily around the coffee shop, absorbing the quaint charm. It’s exactly what I need right now: caffeine to recharge before heading to Sage’s beach house. As I lift my cup again, I gaze at a tall figure leaning casually against the counter.
My breath hitches slightly.How did I miss him earlier?
He’s tall and lean but athletic, dressed in understated running clothes. Tousled brown hair catches the early sunlight streaming through the windows, highlighting streaks of honey gold. He must be in his late thirties, at most.
How unfortunate for me.
He’s holding a coffee mug but definitely not paying attention to his drink. Instead, his eyes — clear, focused, and unnervingly attractive — are fixed directly on me.
Heat rushes to my cheeks. I quickly glance away, my heart suddenly thumping loud enough I’m convinced the entire café can hear it.
“Subtle, Sophia,” I mumble quietly into my coffee.
I see him straighten from the corner of my eye. Suddenly, he moves toward me, confident at first but abruptly stumbling as his sneaker catches on a loose tile. His arms flail wildly as he tries to catch himself, eyes wide in shock and embarrassment.
“Oh my gosh!”
I instinctively jump up, arms outstretched, but he regains balance at the last second, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic collision. Instead, he lands awkwardly beside my table, cheeks flushed bright red. The entire coffee shop goes suspiciously quiet.
“Are you —?”
“I’m fine! Totally fine!” he blurts quickly, laughing awkwardly. “Nothing bruised but my ego. And possibly my knee.”
I laugh softly, instantly relaxing at his easy charm despite the chaos of his arrival. “Well, if you need ice, I imagine there should be some in the back.”
