"The pompous ass at table two is looking for a refill again."

Izayoi tried not to react, knowing exactly who Kaede was talking about, but feeling her cheeks flush, nonetheless.

"He's not that bad," she mumbled.

The cafe owner snorted. "He seems t'forget that we do not offer table service every time he's here, yet always expects us t'come t'him." Kaede kept her back to the main area of the cafe, pretending to restock the condiments.

"I'll take a pot over to him," Izayoi offered.

"And it's your spoiling him that keeps him coming back," Kaede griped, waving her off. "I hope he leaves you a good tip."

Izayoi shrugged, not caring either way, wanting any excuse to speak to him. Or even to just listen to him speak.

He had the voice of a god—and the face to match. It was a wonder she didn't swoon every time he came in.

"Another cup?" she asked, holding up the carafe.

"Hnn." He didn't move his cup any closer, so she had to lean over the table, Izayoi giving him a sideways glance and noting the lines of frustration on his face.

"Bad day?" The question slipped out before she could stop it, blushing when he looked up. His eyes widened slightly as if suddenly realizing she was there, and she straightened, brushing her hair out of her face.

"Are you new?"

Izayoi blinked, looking around before pointing at herself, the man nodding. "No. I've worked here for almost a year."

"Really? Damn, I need to pay more attention." He flashed her a smile, and her grip around the handle of the carafe tightened. The man was deadly when he wasn't scowling.

"You always seem very busy," she said, offering him an excuse. He shrugged, muscles rolling under his dress shirt, his tie loose under his lapels.

"I'm willing to take a break when the company is as beautiful as you."

She wasn't sure if she could turn even redder, swallowing several times before finding her voice. "Does that happen very often?"

"Not lately." He rested his chin on his hand, his laptop completely forgotten. "Care to change the odds?"

Kaede coughed from the counter, motioning to the growing line of customers. Izayoi winced, then turned back to him. "I have to go back to work—"

"When do you get off?"

A soft smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "You won't be here that long."

Golden eyes gleamed at her. "Try me."

"Izayoi!"

She winced, already turning away, but he grabbed her hand, brushing a kiss across her knuckles. "I look forward to our next conversation, Izayoi."

She shivered, managing a stiff nod before darting back to the counter, quickly taking over the second cash register. She couldn't watch him the whole time, but every time she caught his gaze, he flashed her a grin, it only widening when she returned the greeting.

And true to his word, he was still there at the end of her shift, offering a smile and his hand as she closed the shop.