Chapter 8: A Change of Heart
Bella tried to focus at work, but Alex’s words kept playing in her mind.
"I like you."
"Then let me."
She had heard guys say things like that before, but with Alex, it felt different. There was something sincere in his voice, something that made it impossible to brush off. She sighed and wiped the counter more aggressively than necessary, trying to push the thought away.
Why was he getting under her skin? She had always been good at ignoring guys like him—flirty, confident, used to getting what they wanted. But Alex wasn’t just flirting; he was chasing her. And worse, she was starting to notice him.
She shook her head and forced herself to focus on the diner. The smell of sizzling burgers and freshly brewed coffee filled the air, the hum of conversation blending with the occasional clang of dishes. It was just another evening at work—until the bell above the door rang.
Bella turned automatically, ready to greet the customer, but the words died on her lips.
Alex.
He stood in the doorway, looking effortlessly handsome in a black t-shirt and jeans, his messy dark hair falling over his forehead. He had that same confident smirk, like he knew exactly what he was doing.
Bella’s grip tightened on the cloth in her hand.
"Not again," she muttered under her breath.
Alex strolled in like he had all the time in the world and leaned against the counter, his eyes locked on hers.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, walking up to him, arms crossed.
He shrugged, completely unfazed. “Having dinner.”
Bella narrowed her eyes. “You don’t even like diners.”
Alex placed a hand over his chest in mock offense. “That’s not true. I just don’t usually come to them. But since you work here, I figured the food must be good.”
Bella let out an exasperated sigh. “You’re unbelievable.”
He grinned. “I get that a lot.”
She could already tell he wasn’t going to leave, so there was no point in arguing. “Fine. Sit anywhere,” she muttered, turning on her heel before he could see the reluctant smile threatening to break through.
Alex chose a booth at the back, stretching out comfortably as if he belonged there. Bella made her way over a minute later, not even bothering to write down his order.
“Burger and fries, right?” she asked, raising a brow.
Alex smirked. “You remember.”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s not that hard.”
“Still,” he said, his voice softer this time. “I like that you do.”
Bella looked away quickly, pretending to focus on the notepad in her hands, even though she hadn’t written a single thing down.
“I’ll bring your food in a bit,” she said, turning away before he could say anything else.
As she walked toward the kitchen, her heart was beating a little faster than usual. She hated that he had that effect on her.
A few minutes later, she returned with his plate, setting it down in front of him. “Here. Eat fast.”
Alex smirked, picking up a fry. “Why? Afraid you’ll start liking me if I stay too long?”
Bella scoffed. “Not in a million years.”
He chuckled, dipping the fry in ketchup. “We’ll see about that.”
Despite herself, Bella smiled.
She hated to admit it, but maybe—just maybe—she was starting to like having him around.
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