Ava Morales wiped the sweat from her forehead as she expertly piped a border of intricate flowers onto the wedding cake. Her bakery, Sweet Delights, was known for its stunning creations, and this cake was no exception. As she stepped back to admire her handiwork, the doorbell above the entrance to the bakery jingled, signaling the arrival of a customer.
Ava's eyes met those of the newcomer, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The man was tall, with chiseled features and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her. Ava felt a flutter in her chest, which she quickly dismissed as ridiculous. She was far too busy to get distracted by a handsome stranger.
"Welcome to Sweet Delights," Ava said, forcing a bright smile onto her face. "What can I get for you?"
The man's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, and Ava's heart skipped a beat. "I'm Ethan Thompson," he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. "I'm a food critic for the local newspaper. I've heard great things about your bakery, and I'm excited to try some of your creations."
Ava's eyes narrowed slightly as she processed this information. A food critic? That was just what she needed – someone to critique her life's work. But as she looked into Ethan's eyes, she saw something there that gave her pause. It was a spark of kindness, of genuine interest, that made her want to trust him.
"I'd be happy to give you a tour of the bakery," Ava said, wiping her flour-dusted hands on her apron. "We've got a wide variety of treats to choose from."
As Ava led Ethan through the bakery, pointing out different pastries and cakes, she couldn't help but notice the way he moved with a quiet confidence, the way his eyes lit up when he tasted something he liked. It was clear that he was a man who appreciated the finer things in life, and Ava found herself wondering what he would think of her own creations.
As they reached the display case, Ethan's eyes landed on the wedding cake Ava had just finished. "Wow," he breathed. "That's incredible. You're a true artist."
Ava felt a warmth spread through her chest at his praise. "Thank you," she said, smiling up at him. "I love what I do."
As they stood there, Ava felt a sense of connection with Ethan that she couldn't quite explain. It was as if they shared a secret, a secret that only they understood.
And then, just as quickly, the moment was gone. Ethan glanced at his watch, and his expression turned apologetic. "I'm so sorry, but I have to run. I have a deadline to meet."
Ava nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. "It was nice meeting you," she said, trying to sound casual.
Ethan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Likewise," he said. "I'll be back."
As Ava watched him walk out of the bakery, she couldn't help but wonder what he meant by those words. Would he really be back? And if so, what would happen next?
The doorbell above the entrance to the bakery jingled once more, signaling Ethan's departure. Ava smiled to herself, feeling a sense of anticipation that she hadn't felt in a long time.
Little did she know, her life was about to get a whole lot sweeter.