The first time it happened, it seemed innocent. I breezed into the coffee shop, caught in my usual morning rush, my hair in a hasty bun as I scrolled my phone. Behind the counter stood the tall barista. 'Your usual?' he asked, his voice low, like we shared a secret. I barely looked up, but something about his tone made me pause. When my coffee came, it wasn't just my name on the cup. Beneath it, a cheeky sketch of a heart with steam rising from it, labelled "For you." I laughed softly, just enough for him to hear, and let my fingers linger on the cup a moment too long before walking out. But I made sure he caught the glance I threw over my shoulder.
The next day, it got bolder: For you, with a playful winking emoji. I lifted the cup slowly, taking a deliberate sip as I met his gaze. His smile deepened. And just like that, it became a game of unspoken, undeniable and flirtation.

One morning, I decided to up the stakes. I walked in with a Victoria's Secret bag dangling casually from my fingers, its pink stripes glowing under the lights. My smile was sweet, my eyes, pure mischief.
He clocked it instantly. His eyes flicked to the bag, then back to me, his smirk deepening. 'Good morning,' he said, his voice quieter, rougher.

'Morning,' I replied, feigning innocence, though I knew exactly what I was doing.

My nails grazed the counter as I reached for my coffee, a deliberate, teasing motion I knew he wouldn't miss. This time, there was no playful note just a phone number scrawled boldly across the cup.
I turned it slowly in my hands, my thumb tracing the ink. Finally, I met his gaze, a challenge in my smile. I walked out without looking back, the bag swinging at my side like a promise. But I didn't need to look back- I could feel his eyes on me, and the thrill of it was intoxicating. Should I text him? Maybe with a picture of what was inside the bag. Or maybe even wearing it just enough to leave him guessing. My thumb hovered over his number, heart racing. The temptation to take our game to the next level was all I could think about. Did I dare?
Only one barista knows if they got an early Christmas treat. The rest of you? Come find me this holiday season, and maybe you'll get one too.

Yours to unwrap,
Melanie x