Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

Jake

I run a duster over the bookshelf one last time, eyeing the clock. My apartment is spotless, probably cleaner than it's been since I moved in. I've rearranged the throw pillows on the couch at least three times. Ridiculous, but I can't help it. I want everything to be perfect.

A quick glance in the hallway mirror confirms that I look presentable—casual, but not too casual. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. It's just breakfast with Sophia, I tell myself. We've shared countless meals at Coffee Loft. This shouldn't be any different.

Except it is. Because of last night and the kiss we shared under the soft glow of a riverside street lamp.

I grab my keys and head out, locking the door behind me. The bakery is not far down the street, and the morning air is crisp and invigorating. It's doing wonders for my nerves.

The bell over the bakery door chimes as I enter, and the scent of fresh pastries greets me. I choose an assortment—chocolate croissants, fruit Danish, and cinnamon rolls.

I rush back to my building, worried Sophia will beat me there. The elevator doors open on my floor, and I nearly collide with my neighbor, Fiona.

"Whoa there, Jake!" she laughs, steadying me. She spots the bakery box. "Big plans this morning?"

"I have a friend coming over for breakfast." I glance down the hall, making sure there is no sign of her.

Fiona raises an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "A friend, huh? Would this happen to be the reporter you've been talking about non-stop?"

"Is it that obvious?" I ask.

She pats my arm sympathetically. "Only to anyone with eyes, honey. What's the occasion?"

I clear my throat. "Let's just say I'm about to pour out my heart. Hopefully the pastries will sweeten the deal."

"I seriously doubt you need them," she says. "Jake Harrison, if I've ever seen a great catch, it's you."

"Let's hope she feels the same way." Last night's kiss makes me think she does.

Fiona's expression softens. "I'm sure she does. And if you want my two cents, I'd say, be open and honest about your feelings. Let the chips fall where they may."

I can't help chuckling. "You know, you're not the first person to give me that advice recently."

"Well, that's because it's good advice," she says, heading to the elevator, leaving me standing in the hallway, pastry box in hand, heart pounding.

Back at my place, I arrange the pastries on a plate, brew a pot of coffee, and check the time. Any minute now.

The doorbell rings, and I nearly jump out of my skin. I walk to the door and open it.

Sophia looks beautiful in a casual sundress, her dark hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. She's clutching her purse tightly, and I notice her shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

"Hi," she says, her voice a little breathless.

"Hi," I echo, suddenly feeling tongue-tied. "Come in, please."

"Your place is lovely," Sophia says, her eyes roaming around the living room.

"Thanks." I close the door behind her. "Feel free to look around while I finish setting up breakfast."

I retreat to the kitchen, grateful for a moment to collect myself. As I pour the coffee into mugs, I hear Sophia moving around the living room. I peek out to see her examining the photos on my bookshelf.

"Is this your family?" she calls out, pointing to a picture.

I walk over, coffee mugs in hand. "Yeah, that's from last Christmas."

Sophia smiles, accepting the coffee. "You look happy. You're close with them?"

I nod. "I am now." This isn't the time or the place to talk about my childhood.

Her eyes move to the bookshelf, scanning the titles. "Hemingway, Steinbeck, Vonnegut... I'm impressed, Mr. Harrison."

I feel a warmth spread through my chest at her use of my last name. It's playful, familiar. "What can I say? I'm a man of hidden depths."

She laughs, the sound making my heart skip a beat. "Clearly." She pulls a book from the shelf, and flips through it, when a piece of paper falls out. Sophia bends to pick it up, and I recognize it immediately—the card from the Wishing Wall that inspired the Reading Oasis project.

"You kept it," she says softly, her eyes meeting mine.

I nod, suddenly feeling vulnerable. "I keep all the wishes we fulfill. To remind me of the impact we're making."

Sophia's expression softens, and for a moment, we just stand there, looking at each other.

"We should eat before the coffee gets cold," I say finally, breaking the spell.

We settle at the small dining table, the plate of pastries between us. Sophia takes a bite of a chocolate croissant and closes her eyes in bliss. "These are amazing. Where did you get them?"

"Little bakery down the street," I reply, watching her enjoy the pastry. "I thought you might like them. You have a bit of a sweet tooth."

She pauses mid-bite, looking at me with surprise. "You noticed that?"

My cheeks heat up. "I notice a lot of things about you, Sophia."

Her eyes widen slightly, and a faint blush colors her cheeks.

"Sophia." My heart pounds so hard I'm sure she can hear it. "I need to tell you something."

She sets down her coffee mug, giving me her full attention. "Okay," she says softly.

I take a deep breath, my mind flashing to our walk by the river. "Sophia, about last night..."

"Yes?" Her eyes met mine with a mix of curiosity and warmth.

"I'm interested," I say. "Interested in seeing where this could go. I enjoy every moment we spend together, and I find myself thinking about you even when we're apart."

A small smile plays at the corners of Sophia's lips.

"I know we started as partners in this project, and that's important. But I hope we can be more than that," I say. "A lot more."

I fall silent, watching Sophia's face for her reaction. Her eyes are bright, but I can't quite read the emotion behind them.

After a moment that feels like an eternity, she speaks, her voice soft. "Jake, I've been feeling the same way."

"But?" I hold my breath.

"What we've been doing is important. I don't want to jeopardize the work we're doing with the Wishing Wall. What if things don't work out with us?" she asks.

It's a valid question. As is mine. "What if it does?"

The sun-dappled streets of historic downtown Wilmington stretch before us as Sophia and I stroll hand in hand. The old buildings and cobblestone paths seem to whisper stories, much like the wishes on our wall.

"You know," Sophia says, "starting something more between us is a bit of a risk. We've been great as collaborators and friends."

I give her hand a gentle squeeze. "True, but let's be honest. We already crossed that line. Last night's kiss made that pretty clear."

Sophia chuckles. "You've got a point there."

I slow our pace. "Maybe we should take it slow, though. Get to know each other better outside of the Wishing Wall projects and the upcoming community event.

"Not the worst idea. After all," Sophia says with a mischievous glint in her eye, "I still haven't seen this famous Reading Oasis you've been working on."

"You'll be there for the official unveiling later this week," I remind her, bumping her shoulder playfully with mine.

"I know, I know. I'm just teasing." She grins up at me, and I'm struck again by how beautiful she is when she smiles.

"So, taking it slow." I say, a teasing lilt in my voice to match her mood. "Does that involve more dates like our dinner last night?"

Sophia pretends to consider this for a moment. "Hmm, I suppose so. But only if they end in more kisses."

"I think that can be arranged." I don't try to keep the smug expression off my face.

We walk a bit further, discussing potential date ideas and laughing at some of the more outlandish suggestions. Suddenly, Sophia's eyes widen as she glances at her phone.

"Oh no, I'm late for an appointment!" Sophia turns to me, rising on her tiptoes to plant a quick kiss on my cheek. "I've got to run. Call you later?"

Before I can respond, she's darting off down the street, leaving me with the lingering warmth of her kiss and a goofy smile on my face.

I make my way to Coffee Loft, my steps light and my mind full of possibilities. As I push open the door, the familiar scent of coffee and pastries greets me, along with Kathryn's knowing look.

"Well, well, well," she drawls, eyeing my expression. "Someone looks like they're walking on air. Good date last night?"

I try to school my features into a more neutral expression, but the grin refuses to budge. "It was nice," I admit, aiming for nonchalance and probably missing by a mile.

Kathryn snorts, clearly not buying it. "Uh-huh. 'Nice' doesn't usually come with a smile that big. But don't worry, I won't pry... for now." She jerks her thumb towards the Wishing Wall. "By the way, we've got a few new wishes up there."