"Hold me close and hold me tight, La Vie en Rose."
As Aurora softly hummed the familiar tune, she was pleasantly surprised to hear another voice joining in.
"Oh, Daisy! You arrived just in time! You know this is my favorite song," she exclaimed with a smile.
"It's peaceful in here, by the way. Did you open the café early today? Any big orders?" Daisy inquired.
"Well, not really. The other day, Mr. Frank came by and mentioned that his boss's mom loves blueberry cupcakes. He requested some for breakfast today, so I thought it would be nice to make them fresh this morning," Aurora explained.
Daisy chuckled, "Ah, you and your never-say-no attitude!"
"It's not too big of a deal. He should be here soon to pick them up. I should start packing them," Aurora replied.
"Alright, I'll head to the kitchen and whip up some cookies for today," Daisy said.
"That sounds perfect! How about some honey cinnamon ones?" suggested Aurora.
"Aye aye, Captain!" Daisy saluted playfully as she made her way to the kitchen.
As Aurora continued humming the tune, she suddenly noticed the café door swing open. A tall man with fair skin and black hair entered, dressed in a white shirt and black pants, the sleeves rolled up to reveal tattoos on both arms. He was followed by another man with a similar build, wearing brown pants. Before Aurora could greet them, they made their way to a table and sat down. Just then, Mr. Frank arrived, as usual, dressed in his formal attire.
Aurora wiped her hands on her apron and stepped forward, carrying the neatly packed box of blueberry cupcakes.
"Good morning, Mr. Frank," she greeted warmly. Then, her eyes shifted toward the man sitting by the window the one who had walked in moments earlier with the quiet confidence of someone used to being noticed.
Mr. Frank gave her a polite nod. "Aurora, this is Mr. Jaxon Jefferson, my employer. And that's his brother, Vernon."
Aurora's gaze flickered to Jaxon, and she nearly forgot her words. He was impossibly composed, leaning back in his chair, sleeves rolled up to reveal ink winding down both arms danger and elegance in one form. Vernon, sitting beside him in his brown slacks, was more observant, his sharp eyes sweeping the café like he was memorizing every detail.
Jaxon's voice broke the silence, low and commanding.
"So you're the one behind the cupcakes Frank won't shut up about." His eyes didn't waver, pinning her in place as though he were assessing more than just her baking.
Aurora steadied herself with a polite smile. "I just do my best. I hope your mother enjoys them."
"Fresh at dawn," Jaxon murmured, his lips curving slightly. "That kind of devotion… rare." His words carried weight, like he wasn't only talking about pastries.
Aurora's heart skipped, though she quickly looked away. Behind the counter, she busied herself with stacking mugs, pretending she didn't feel his gaze lingering.
From the kitchen, Daisy popped out, flour smudged across her cheek. "Cookies are almost done! Want me to bring some over when they're ready?"
Vernon glanced at her then really glanced. His expression barely shifted, but his eyes lingered for a second longer than necessary before he returned to scanning the room. Daisy blinked, flustered, and quickly ducked back inside.
Aurora turned back, clutching the cupcake box. "Would you like to stay for breakfast, Mr. Jefferson? We've just brewed fresh coffee."
Jaxon leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. His presence filled the space effortlessly. "Coffee. And whatever else you recommend." His eyes held hers as he added, "Surprise me."
The way he said it wasn't a request it was an order, smooth and deliberate. Aurora swallowed, unsure why her palms suddenly felt warm.
Mr. Frank cleared his throat, trying to ease the tension. "See? I told you, Mr. Jefferson, Aurora's café is one of a kind."
Jaxon's gaze never left Aurora as he spoke.
"I'm beginning to see that."
And for the first time, Aurora wondered if letting the Jefferson brothers into her café had changed everything more than she realized.
Aurora set the cupcake box gently on the counter, trying to ignore how aware she suddenly was of the man at the table. Jaxon Jefferson hadn't said much, but the silence around him felt purposeful, controlled like he owned the air in the café just by sitting there.
Vernon stirred idly at the glass of water Frank had brought him, his sharp gaze roaming the room once more before landing briefly on Daisy, who had returned with a tray of cookies. His eyes softened a fraction at the sight of her messy apron and flour-dusted hands, but he didn't say a word.
Daisy, unbothered by the heavy atmosphere, smiled brightly as she placed the tray on the counter. "Honey cinnamon cookies, Aurora. Should I bring a few over to the gentlemen?"
Aurora hesitated for a moment, but before she could answer, Jaxon spoke.
"Yes," he said simply, his voice low but final. "And two coffees."
The way he spoke quiet, decisive made it clear he wasn't used to being refused. Aurora's pulse quickened, though she forced herself to keep her tone steady.
"Of course. Coming right up."
She turned to the espresso machine, but even with her back to him, she felt it that weighty stare that pressed against her skin like a physical touch. It was unnerving, yet… oddly magnetic. She tightened her grip on the portafilter, willing her hands not to tremble.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed Daisy delivering the cookies to their table. Vernon gave her a polite nod, his deep voice rumbling just enough for Aurora to catch: "Thank you." Daisy blushed, though she quickly brushed it off with a laugh and hurried back behind the counter.
Aurora carried the steaming cups of coffee to the Jefferson brothers' table, placing them carefully in front of each man. She expected Jaxon to glance at the drink, maybe mutter a thanks. Instead, he looked directly at her, his dark eyes locking onto hers.
"You made these yourself?" he asked, though the answer was obvious.
Aurora nodded. "Yes. Everything here is made fresh."
Jaxon leaned back slightly, lifting the cup but not breaking eye contact. "Then I'll know if it's worth coming back."