Chapter 2

Bryce POV I drum my fingers on the steering, this place makes me want to turn back to civilization with every passing mile. The further I go, the gloomier and scarier my surroundings become. The cafe's address had me expecting a spot in the heart of Brooklyn, but to my utmost dismay, it's a solid two-hour drive from home to the middle of nowhere. My GPS insists I still have an hour left before I reach the elusive Timbuktu, where my future wife calls home. Just one more hour until I meet the soon-to-be Mrs. Jefferson. When I got finally got to the cafe, I stepped out of my black Lamborghini Gallardo, buttoning up the jacket of my three-piece Italian suit, ignoring the curious stares of people. I bet they are mentally battling themselves thinking where they have seen me before. Well, guilty as charged I do look like a celebrity. Call me a narcissist, but this egoistic pig is now standing in front of the cafe of a bigger narcissist. Clara Kingston named her cafe 'Clara' after herself, maybe we'll get together well. As I was scanning my surroundings, a voice catches my attention. "That voice must belong to an angel" I thought to myself. Intrigued by the voice I turned my head towards to direction the voice was coming from. I found the owner of the voice standing behind the glass display counter, chatting up with an old peer. "Damn... she's beautiful" I muttered out loudly. "Well, Mr. Kent. I think it's time you step up your flirting game. Mr. Landon was here yesterday, and he told me he can also drive at night." She spoke to the man. "Bullshit, that scoundrel is lying to impress you so he could get into your pantry." The supposed Mr. Finely said, adjusting his suspenders. "Aren't you here for the same thing." The beautiful angel said. The smile on her face never going down. My eavesdropping disrupted when a girl with bangs barred my view. I was not the man to be rude to a waiting staff. So I quickly told her that I would like to have today's special. Or it was some girl asking me for my number and I totally quashed her confidence level mistaking her to be a waitress. But she left quickly and it's all that matters. "I was specifically instructed by both of your wives that I should, not in any occasion give you any kind of sweet dishes, Now be a good grandpa and accept these sugar-free treats I baked specifically for you." The angel said. "You're not playing fair Clara, you know-" Wait.... what? Did he just say, Clara.? I cannot believe my eyes, those pictures didn't do any justice to her beauty. She has beautiful eyes, I can't make the color from distance. Her cute button nose scrunched and those luscious lips pouted as she spoke something to him. I couldn't hear anything around me, it felt only she and belonged at this moment. When shook her head a little her face-framing tendrils bounced, accentuating her facial features. When the old man left and another customer came in front of her. I came back to my senses. I needed to get a grip. I'm here to make a deal. What deal exactly...? Shit. I hope I had it written somewhere. Maybe I should head back, clear my head and then come back. I'm a busy man after all. She'll totally buy it. Before I could move, she noticed me. Like the perfect owner sensing a customer leaving without buying anything. Those beautiful green eyes watching me now, are like a window to her soul. I can read her like an open book. There was a hint of confusion in them, then recognition, then admiration, and then, it went blank. It happened so quickly, I doubt if I had imagined it. Really now.? I underestimated her prowess. After all, she is a Kingston. There is nothing remotely innocent about either of us. She rounded the rows of glass counters not breaking eye contact. I sat straight meeting her eyes with a challenge. "You're Bryce Jefferson, right?" She questions in a clipped tone. I was a little taken aback. She didn't even try to pretend, she didn't know me. It hurt my ego a bit because she did not follow my script of first behaving to be oblivious. Before she could say anything else the lady with the bangs came out holding my order, with another behind her. I gaped as I realized it was all meant for me. Clara gave the bang girl a scathing look. The bang girl's flawless tanned skin shone brighter when she smiled at me as she spoke in a made-up soothing voice. "Everything we have on today's special, Sirrrr...." She sang the last word like she was a child. She did it on purpose. The poor girl behind her was still unsure, so I gave her a polite smile. She blushed crimson and ran inside. So these two are the only ones immune to my charm. When I glance up Clara was glaring at me with a murderous look, while the other one was smiling as if she has poisoned it. "I'll be back in a minute." The coldness in Clara's voice wouldn't have struck me I hadn't heard her conversation with the elderly man earlier. I found myself giving her a slight nod as she grabbed the bangs by her elbow and practically dragged her to the kitchen. I released a breath I didn't know I had been holding when the door closed behind her. Taking the much-needed air I hope she'll take longer. It will give me plenty of time to prepare myself. "Bryce Jefferson, time to show her the real unfiltered you" I resolved within myself CLARA POV It has been three days since my mother told me about my marriage to Bryce, my mother had told me that Bryce would show up at my cafe the next day, however, Bryce still hasn't shown up. "What does he think of himself " I said with an ounce of annoyance. That narcissist must be enjoying it. Maybe he is secretly watching me from somewhere. "What a creep" I muttered to myself I haven't even met him, but he's already under my skin. The first day he didn't show up, instead of relief, I felt rejected. The second day, my call to Mom went unanswered as usual. This morning, I vowed not to let negative thoughts affect me. Whether he shows up or not, I don't care. Allison's right; Bryce sees me as a naive girl thrilled to marry Manhattan's most eligible bachelor. If he bothers to come, he'll witness my fierce side. The universe made up for the past three days when my favorite regular, Mr. Kent, showed up. At 65 (though he insists he's 59 for two years), he looks 50 (not that I'd tell him). His wife, Victoria, a retired doctor battling cancer, strictly told me not to spoil him once she's gone. The Kent are the strongest people I know, and interacting with them brightens my day. While chatting, I sensed someone staring at me. A man caught my peripheral vision, his intense gaze stirring warmth in me. When I finally looked up, I realized it was Bryce Jefferson. What a stunning presence. I said while biting my lips Immediately i realized that i was impressed by him I scolded myself mentally. He bailed on me for three days. Time to get a grip and stop girl-crushing on this bad boy. "You're Bryce Jefferson, Right.?" It was the most obvious thing to say but I got the feeling that this loser wasn't expecting it. But seriously, does he not know he is quite famous or maybe he thinks I live in a cave. Before I could embarrass myself any further, Allison came with today's special which apparently he had ordered, after she laid it down on his table, i quickly gripped her by the arm and I drag her to the kitchen, assuring Bryce that I'll be back. I struggle with interacting with men, especially intimidating ones, thanks to my all-girls boarding school education. Allison, who went to a public school with variety of men can help me out in this situation. Once I get some advice, I'll show him the real me.