Falling for my Best Friend’s Bully

I took a deep breath as we stepped into a bakery a few blocks away from our major's building. The warm, doughy aroma hit me like a wave, making my stomach twist in hunger.

I hadn't eaten anything since my morning coffee, and I had to fight the urge to wipe the corner of my mouth, just in case.

"I didn't even know this place existed," I said, absently rubbing my chin with one hand. My other hand was still clasped around Aiden's, just as it had been for the entire walk here. At least our fingers weren't interlocked. Small mercies.

Aiden tugged me toward the counter, his eyes scanning the rows of baked goods. "Yeah, they're super low-key. They don't get many new customers—mostly just regulars."

"You're a regular, then?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Something like that. What looks good to you?"

I glanced at the display case overflowing with buttery croissants, frosted donuts, gooey cinnamon rolls, and golden danishes, silently praying my stomach wouldn't betray me with a loud growl.

"Um…" I hesitated, my eyes darting between the rows of pastries and Aiden. I finally decided to just rip off the band-aid. "I'll just have a coffee. I didn't bring any cash with me."

Aiden, who had been leaning down to inspect the display case, straightened up and fixed me with a look. "You're hilarious, Ellie. Now, pick something."

"I—Um—" My words stumbled out, and I felt my face heat up.

The old lady behind the counter gave me a warm, knowing smile. "Don't be shy, dearie. Your boyfriend wouldn't offer to pay if he didn't want to."

I nearly choked on air. "Oh, no! You've got it all wrong—we are not dating." I shook my head frantically, as if the motion alone could erase her assumption.

Her gaze dropped to where Aiden's hand was still clasped around mine.

Aiden's smirk widened. "Yeah, Ellie. Don't be shy."

"You are so freaking annoying!" I hissed, pulling my hand free, though my burning cheeks betrayed me.

"Their cinnamon rolls are amazing," Aiden said casually, completely ignoring my flustered state. "Want one?"

I nodded slowly, unable to find my voice.

Aiden grinned, the kind of smile that made my stomach do somersaults. "Four cinnamon rolls, please, a caramel macchiato, and two black coffees with extra shots of espresso."

"Coming right up," the old lady said with a kind smile. "Please take a seat while you wait."

"Thanks, Miss Miles," Aiden said smoothly before grabbing my hand again. "Let's go sit, Ellie."

I trailed after him, glancing around the quaint little shop. It was cozy and unassuming, with mismatched chairs and tables that looked like they'd seen decades of quiet conversations.

Aside from us, the only other customer was an old man, hunched over a newspaper with his dog snoozing under the table.

I blinked in surprise when Aiden let go of my hand and pulled out a chair for me.

"Have a seat, Ellie," he said, his tone casual, like this was something he did every day.

"Uh… thanks," I mumbled, lowering myself into the chair, feeling awkward under his gaze.

He moved to the chair opposite mine and sat down, leaning back like he owned the place. For a moment, neither of us spoke.

He studied me with a faint smirk, while I probably looked like I was trying to solve a very difficult math problem—or like I was constipated.

I cleared my throat, breaking the silence. "What?"

"Nothing," he said, his smirk softening. "You just look… cute when you're flustered."

"I am not flustered," I said indignantly, crossing my arms over my chest.

"And I am not chasing you," Aiden replied, his voice dead-on in his impression of me.

A beat of silence passed as we both stared at each other.

Aiden smiled slightly. "Ah, sorry, I thought we were telling obvious lies."

"Chasing?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. What guys in most cases do when they're crushing hard on someone."

"Why use that word though?"

Aiden leaned forward slightly, his gaze softening as he looked at me. "Because it feels like I'm doing whatever I can to keep you close. Even when I don't know exactly how to."

His words left me a little breathless, and I had to fight the urge to look away.

"But?" I pressed, my voice quieter now, leaning just a bit closer.

"Okay, lovebirds, here's your food!" Miss Miles called out loudly, breaking the moment.

I looked up at the smiling old lady, my eyebrows furrowed until the delicious smell of the food on the plates she held hit me directly.

I swallowed. "Food now, everything else later."

"You're a girl after my own heart, Ellie," Miss Miles said with a wink, placing the plates in front of us.