1. Fresh Start

You slowly made your way through the bookstore, moving aisle by aisle, stopping every so often. With each aisle you picked up books, some going back on the shelf and others joining the ever growing collection in your arms.

As you moved towards the front of the store, struggling with the load in your arms, you hear a voice from behind.

"Do you need any help with those?"

As you turned towards the voice the pillar of classics in your arms wobbled before crashing at both of your feet making you groan before kneeling down to gather everything.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to drop these on your feet." You said as you realize half the books were on the strangers shoes.

"It's not a problem. Here, let me help."

As the voice knelt down with you you looked up only to have your breath catch and your heart race. Your eyes met the emerald, deep green eyes of the man. You smiled at him and mentally kicked yourself for losing your voice at the first person you met since arriving to the city.

"You have a lot of good ones here. Have you read these before?" He asked as the both of you stood.

"Uhh.." You started but still couldn't form words.

He smiled as he moved to get the rest of the books out of your arms, leaving you standing with him holding your entire collection and you with bare arms. As you looked at him you noticed he was smirking at you.

"Thank you for helping me. I can take those back.."

"No need. I'm glad to help. Headed to the counter?"

You nodded as you both moved towards the front of the store. The two of you sharing glances at each other. You noticed how he held the books with ease and as much as you hate to admit it you were glad he was carrying them. You blushed when he smiled at you before smiling back at him.

"I'm Rafael Barba."

"Y/N. Thank you for the help Rafael."

"It's not a problem.. You're new to the city aren't you?"

You looked at him questionably and he smirked in response. His smirk didn't make you uncomfortable. Instead it was like he already knew you, like he was able to read you just like the books in his arms.

"You move slower than the others who are usually here. The city breeds busy people, people always in a rush."

"You don't seem to be in a rush."

You blushed at the realization of your words and your attempt at flirting. When you looked at him he was wearing a smile on his face.

"Well Y/N, you would be glad to know I am recently trying out the slower parts of life. I am trying to slow down and just enjoy life."

You smiled at him at he loaded everything on the counter for you. You noticed how he stayed close by while you paid and was quick to help you with the bags afterwards.

"Can I buy you a coffee as a "thank you?"

"Sure. There is one across the street that is pretty good."

"Lead the way Rafael."

The two of you smiled and shared small talk as you made your way towards the coffee shop across the street. As you entered the shop he led you to a small table in the corner as he nodded towards the barista behind the counter who quickly brought you both a coffee.

"I thought I was buying?" You asked smiling as the two of you held your cups.

"Not this time, Y/N."

"Will there be a next time?"

You gave him a raised eye look as you sipped your coffee. He smirked over his cup as the both of you shared a light laugh.

"What brings you to the city?"

"It's a long story.. I just finished a year long fellowship teaching in Puerto Rico and let's just say when I got home … let's just say I needed a fresh start."

He didn't miss the sadness in your eyes as you spoke and reached out to hold your hand. It wasn't in a romantic way but it was comforting.

"Anyway.. I figured where best to have a fresh start than New York."

You shared a smile and saw a bit of sadness in his eyes and let your hand stay in his a moment longer before pulling it away.

"So Rafael, what brings you to the bookstore mid-day looking for life to slow down?"

"A fresh start."

He smiled at you with a twinkle in his eye and you knew then this wouldn't be the last cup of coffee you would have with him as you were drawn to him in a way you had never been with anyone before.

After a few moments of comfortable silence between the two of you he spoke.

"How about we see about this "fresh start" tonight?"

"I like that idea, Rafael. To a fresh start." You said as you raised your cup causing both of you to laugh before settling back into a comfortable, flirtatious conversation.