Chloe could not let go what she felt from within so when the opportunity showed itself she quickly took it. She and her mother had gone out that evening to buy some groceries from a store so, Chloe quickly hatched a plan and told her mother she was tired so would be at Dani's bar which was nearby to take a break, to calm down and would return home by herself from there. It did not seem so convincing to her mother but she had not heard, seen or felt any fishy movements. Also considering the pain the poor girl had been through the past few years she could not say no and that became her weakness.
Chloe felt happy but her face reactions spoke the opposite trying to hide it all from her mother.
Chloe walked into Dani's wine bar, familiar with the cozy atmosphere and the owner himself. She could not forget how she met Dani at a family gathering a few weeks ago, and he had become friendly, charming even and so much more. Her mom was a regular there, always buying wine for their Sunday dinners, visitors and special occasions. But she had never really been there until few weeks back when the family meeting and supposed get together was organized.
As she took a seat at the counter, Dani looked up, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Chloe! What brings you here tonight?" His ocean blue eyes sparkled, and Chloe felt a flutter in her chest.
"I was with my mom picking groceries at the store I became tired so I decided to come here or am I not welcome here" she said, feeling a bit more at ease.
Dani nodded, leaning against the counter. " And who am i to refuse such a visit from my special customer? Well, I'm glad you're here. Would you care for anything?" His voice was warm, and Chloe hesitated, unsure how to respond.
"No, thank you," she said finally, trying to sound casual. Things had not yet Ben official between the two although Chloe was head over heels she dared not make the first move.
As she thought what if she gets rejected and then looks stupid before everyone . Dani's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered it.
"You come to see me at my bar and don't care for anything? Or do I scare you?" he asked, his voice teasing. Chloe's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, trying to hide her reaction.
"And who said i came to see you or Should I no longer come to your bar because I don't care for anything?" she countered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Moreover, the way people keep looking at us, the more they think something's going on when it's not." She shyly said, her eyes darting around the room, meeting curious gazes most especially from the working staff there. Of course Dani was the boss so sat down doing some calculations, check balancing everything and was immediately distracted the moment Chloe walked in passing all set tables and directly going to where he was at the counter.
Dani chuckled, his eyes cr crling at the corners. "Maybe they're just jealous but with the way you walked right over to where am sitting would really make one wonder don't you think?" he said, his voice low and husky. Chloe's heart skipped a beat as he leaned in closer.
"Or maybe they're just trying to figure out why I'm so captivated by you."
Chloe's breath caught in her throat as Dani's staff member approached, breaking the spell. "Boss, we are out of Veleta wine. The one we couldn't sell—"
Dani's smile returned, and he nodded. "Seems like someone walked in with luck into the shop...and my life." Chloe's heart soared as she realized he was talking about her. She pretended not to notice, looking away to hide her grin.
As the staff member left, Dani leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Stay for a while, Chloe. Keep me company it can be really boring sometimes with all the paper work and all." Chloe's heart was racing, but she couldn't resist the invitation. She nodded
"Of course why not although I have just a little more time to spare here" she said that and could see Dani's smile lit up the room.
The night wore on, with Dani pouring her glasses of exquisite wine, sharing stories of his passion for the craft and of how big he wanted his business to become one day. Chloe laughed, feeling more at ease with each passing minute. The two seemed so relaxed that they forgot to check if the time was running out or not. Many customers had stormed in and out of the bar but the two did not notice but Chloe's mom was almost losing patience.
"It has been 2hours already since Chloe left me at the store for the bar and she is still not yet back sebastain your sistee is enjoyiny this privilledge too much i dont even know her constant grown interest in the bar"
"Mom allow her and give her some space now that she is really healng allow her so her life can go back to normal" sebastain replied his mother with his eyes fixed on his phone and fingers that did not stop scrolling.
As the clock struck 8, Dani walked her out, the cool night air a gentle caress on her skin.
"Thank you for tonight," he said, his voice low and sincere. "Would you like to do it again sometime?" Chloe's heart soared, and she smiled, her eyes meeting his.
"I'd like that," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
As they parted ways, Chloe couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something special. The way Dani looked at her, the way he made her feel – it was all too good to be true. But she was willing to take the risk, to see where this journey would lead.