Chapter 3

The next day after school, Ben stopped by the coffee shop, his heart quickening when he spotted the woman sitting in the same corner. She looked up as the bell on the door jangled, and their eyes met. A flicker of recognition passed over her face.

Ben walked up to her table, pulse racing. “Hi, I’m Ben. I saw you here yesterday and wanted to say hello.”

The woman regarded him with a curious gaze. “Well, aren’t you charming. I’m Laura.” She held out her hand, and as Ben shook it, he felt a spark of electricity.

“May I join you?” He motioned to the empty chair.

Laura hesitated, then nodded. “Please do.”

Ben sat down, unable to stop staring at her. Everything about her captivated him—the graceful arch of her neck, the soft cadence of her voice, the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled. “I hope I’m not bothering you.”

“Not at all.” Laura took a sip of coffee, her crimson lips curving into a teasing smile. “Should I be worried about a handsome young man approaching me out of the blue?”

Heat flooded Ben’s face at the compliment. “No, I just ... wanted to talk to you.” He fumbled for words, embarrassed by his boldness. “I hope that doesn’t sound strange.”

Laura studied him with a keen, perceptive gaze. “Not strange. Bold, perhaps. But I can appreciate a man who knows what he wants.” Her eyes gleamed with mirth and interest. “So tell me, Ben, what is it you want?”

Ben’s mouth went dry under the intensity of her stare. The truth rose unbidden to his lips. “I want to get to know you.”

Laura’s breath caught, and for a moment she looked as startled as Ben felt by his admission. But she recovered quickly, her lips curving into a slow, devastating smile. “Well, then it seems we have a lot to talk about.”

Ben’s heart swelled. He didn’t know how or why, but he had a feeling this was the start of something life-changing.