Web Fic
Chapter 500
Chapter 500
Just finished buttoning up his shirt, Connor stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie. He had washed it twice last night. Lately, he seemed even more particular about cleanliness than Chloe.
Chloe had slept like a baby the night before. She awoke feeling refreshed and full of energy. As she tossed back the covers, her white silk nightgown shimmered softly, like moonlight draping over her. Her long hair flowed down her back, her eyes were deep and inviting, and her lips were a striking shade of red.
She looked like a Persian cat stretching awake, lying on her side, one hand supporting her head, the other beckoning Connor with a playful finger. "Honey, come here..."
From the mirror, Connor caught a glimpse of Chloe's slender yet shapely figure. The neckline of her gown teased with glimpses of skin as she moved. For a moment, Connor felt his tie tighten unbearably, making it hard to breathe. He yanked it off and headed over to the bed.
"Awake, did you sleep well last night?"
Chloe naturally wrapped her arms around him, resting her cheek on his shoulder, and murmured, "Where are you off to?"
"Off to work. Do you want to come with me?"
Chloe slipped her hand under Connor's shirt, feeling his firm abs. "Nah, I'll pass. It'd be a snooze fest for me. I'll pop by the cafe later."
Ann's little cafe had just been spruced up. It wasn't a brand-new place; Chloe had previously leased it to someone else, and it had recently changed hands. It used to be a private dining spot, so the decor and kitchen gear were already there. A bit of freshening up, and it was good to go. The grand opening was just days away.
With some free time on her hands, Chloe often went to the cafe to help out. Ann, in turn, always whipped up something tasty for her, making it the perfect place for a complimentary lunch.
Connor, already tempted by her teasing, felt his desire rekindle, despite the cold shower he'd taken to simmer down. He grabbed Chloe's arms and pinned her playfully, "What can I say, I don't feel like working today."
When they finally snapped out of it, the clock had crept up to ten in the morning. Connor had already headed to the office. Chloe stuck to her plan and made her way to Ann's cafe.
Ann was busy cleaning, wiping every table and chair until they gleamed like new. Seeing Chloe, Ann beamed. "All done with the cleaning. Just need to hang a new sign, and we're ready to roll."
Chloe grinned, "Picked out a name for the cafe yet?"NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.
Ann suggested, "How about 'Carefree Cafe?" A bit shyly, she added, "You really helped me get this off the ground. You should be the boss, and I'll work for you. I'll split the earnings with you, fifty-fifty." Content belongs to
UMS
Chloe laughed, "Carefree Cafe is perfect, but this is your gig. I don't want a cent. If you start paying me, I'm out."
"Chloe..."
"You know I'm not strapped for
cash. What I need is a place to eat. I
can't cook to save my life, and I'm
picky with food. I'll be here a lot, so long as you don't mind having me around." Content belongs to
Ann felt a warm wave of gratitude, "Not at all. I'd love to have you here every day."
At lunchtime, Ann whipped up six dishes and a soup for Chloe. All were simple, home-cooked meals Even though Chloe had asked for something basic, Ann wouldn't hear of it. But she was quick and skillful, and soon the table was set.
As they chatted and nibbled, the sound of the cafe's glass door opening interrupted them. "Excuse me, I'm really hungry. Could I get a bowl of pasta, please?"
Though they hadn't officially opened, a visitor had wandered in. Ann didn't think twice; a visitor was a guest. She got up quickly to greet them, “Come on in, I'll fix you some pasta."
Chloe swiftly stopped Ann. She turned to the person at the door, "Sorry, but our cafe doesn't welcome you. Please leave now."
Chloe was frustrated that Linda kept showing up. Linda, however, wasn't fazed. Waddling in with her pregnant belly, she said, "I'm pregnant. Surely you wouldn't be so heartless, would you?"