It was the grand opening. Going through his last rounds of inspecting, Innes had his check list in hand. In the front there was his grand display. Right where the register and front counter was located, there were displays of chocolate delights. Various flavored bon-bons, chocolate covered pretzels, large peanut butter cups, special dipped rice krispies treats along with some containing chocolate chips in them, various other treats where one would have a variety to choose from. Behind the counter, there were box of chocolates, Sweet Dreams N Creams brand. Novelty items if one wanted to support the business by wearing his brand.
On the walls, there were various flavored candy coated bagged popcorn, lollipops and candy bags. The next area, dispensaries to make your own candy bags whether it's gummies, sours, hard fruit candy, licorice, or candy with juicy gooey sugary syrup in the middle. Let's not forget on the other side of the story, the ice cream/ shakes area. A menu for those that needed to know all the flavors, size cups and cones they could order to satisfy their sweet tooth. Unique shakes that could be placed in the special jars, if ordered, with all the fixins and toppings to make the experience just that much sweeter.
There was no telling how this would turn out. As exciting as this was to bring such a a business here, the nervousness deep in his pit was ever present. Innes made sure his storage area had everything it needed for re-ups. His employees were to show up at least 30 minutes to an hour before show time. Never being a store owner before, this was different from when he did this as a side gig, creating chocolate treats from home and handling everything alone.
With the set up of everything, including the small seating area inside and outside the store, there was pretty much nothing else left to do at the moment before opening up besides looking presentable. Still...the nervousness was making him a mess on the inside but on the outside, he was calm. This was a close second of jitters to when his abilities first manifested along when his aunt found out about him being a metahuman/human mutate.
With the last bit of preparing, Innes would soon open up the store, showing the hours of operations on the door as the waiting game was at play.
On the walls, there were various flavored candy coated bagged popcorn, lollipops and candy bags. The next area, dispensaries to make your own candy bags whether it's gummies, sours, hard fruit candy, licorice, or candy with juicy gooey sugary syrup in the middle. Let's not forget on the other side of the story, the ice cream/ shakes area. A menu for those that needed to know all the flavors, size cups and cones they could order to satisfy their sweet tooth. Unique shakes that could be placed in the special jars, if ordered, with all the fixins and toppings to make the experience just that much sweeter.
There was no telling how this would turn out. As exciting as this was to bring such a a business here, the nervousness deep in his pit was ever present. Innes made sure his storage area had everything it needed for re-ups. His employees were to show up at least 30 minutes to an hour before show time. Never being a store owner before, this was different from when he did this as a side gig, creating chocolate treats from home and handling everything alone.
With the set up of everything, including the small seating area inside and outside the store, there was pretty much nothing else left to do at the moment before opening up besides looking presentable. Still...the nervousness was making him a mess on the inside but on the outside, he was calm. This was a close second of jitters to when his abilities first manifested along when his aunt found out about him being a metahuman/human mutate.
With the last bit of preparing, Innes would soon open up the store, showing the hours of operations on the door as the waiting game was at play.
The door to the store opened with a soft chime as Anika stepped inside. Her eyes immediately flicked to the display counter, noting the array of chocolates and sweet temptations that seemed to promise a world of indulgence. A subtle smile played on her lips, though she gave no indication of how long she might stay. Her steps were light, measured, as if she were merely an observer, not someone who had come to purchase, but someone who was drawn to a deeper energy in the air.
She moved past the grand display, her gaze sweeping over the candy-coated bags, the jars brimming with potential treats. The way the popcorn and gummies were arranged, the meticulousness of it all—she could tell that attention to detail mattered here. A glance toward the ice cream and shakes station drew her in; it was the kind of place where indulgence could be savored in private moments or shared with someone who understood the value of a sweet escape.
But it wasn’t the store's layout or offerings that held her attention. No, it was the man behind the counter—the subtle way his fingers tapped on the edge of his checklist, the look of nervous anticipation barely contained behind the calm exterior he wore like a shield.
There was a certain energy about him, a quietness that hinted at complexity beneath the surface. She could almost taste the unease he kept at bay. It intrigued her, made her wonder what had brought him here, what he had fought through to stand at the threshold of something so new.
With a soft, almost imperceptible shift in her stance, she moved closer, her eyes never fully leaving him, but never locking into his gaze either. There was something about the way she carried herself—unhurried, yet deliberate—that might make him question whether she was just another customer, or someone who belonged here for another, unspoken reason.
And yet, she didn’t speak. Not yet. She simply waited, poised, as the seconds ticked on.
She moved past the grand display, her gaze sweeping over the candy-coated bags, the jars brimming with potential treats. The way the popcorn and gummies were arranged, the meticulousness of it all—she could tell that attention to detail mattered here. A glance toward the ice cream and shakes station drew her in; it was the kind of place where indulgence could be savored in private moments or shared with someone who understood the value of a sweet escape.
But it wasn’t the store's layout or offerings that held her attention. No, it was the man behind the counter—the subtle way his fingers tapped on the edge of his checklist, the look of nervous anticipation barely contained behind the calm exterior he wore like a shield.
There was a certain energy about him, a quietness that hinted at complexity beneath the surface. She could almost taste the unease he kept at bay. It intrigued her, made her wonder what had brought him here, what he had fought through to stand at the threshold of something so new.
With a soft, almost imperceptible shift in her stance, she moved closer, her eyes never fully leaving him, but never locking into his gaze either. There was something about the way she carried herself—unhurried, yet deliberate—that might make him question whether she was just another customer, or someone who belonged here for another, unspoken reason.
And yet, she didn’t speak. Not yet. She simply waited, poised, as the seconds ticked on.
Still checking the list, focused, wondering if he's forgotten anything at all, the young male did not even recognize the chime of someone entering his shop. So worried about how things would turn out, if he was looking at one of his employees, he'd have a fit about them not welcoming the customer as he should have been doing right now. Quite a way to treat the first guest.
"Hmm...okay. Oh! Need to add a few more jars of different flavored candy canes. And the free samples." He said to himself turning around, only to give a half flinch, sudden stop in his movements and a realization that he never noticed this woman coming into his establishment. Embarrassed by this, he smirked and swiftly hid the clipboard behind him. "Hello! I apologize for not realizing you came in. Welcome to Sweet Dreams N Creams, how can I sweeten your day?" Even though he was smiling on the outside, Innes thought to himself just how goofy and lame that line sounded hearing himself saying it out loud. Maybe it would sound better from one of the young ladies that works for him. It just didn't sound right coming from him. If anything, sounded like a cheesy pickup line.
Now, while waiting for this woman's response, Innes had to take a moment to check out what he was dealing with. And goodness, did this woman look like a goddess in modern clothing. Who was she? What kind of sweet treat was she into? She was so quiet, he wondered why she did not speak out before? Unless...she was just looking around....no. No...she was not looking around, she was facing him when he noticed her. As much as he wanted to think more on this, he did not want to get ahead of himself.
For all he knew, he was likely going to serve her what she wanted and she would walk out of his life. What tickled at his mind though, was the look on her face, like she was curious about him. A look of interest as if she was here for something more than what could give her cavities.
"Hmm...okay. Oh! Need to add a few more jars of different flavored candy canes. And the free samples." He said to himself turning around, only to give a half flinch, sudden stop in his movements and a realization that he never noticed this woman coming into his establishment. Embarrassed by this, he smirked and swiftly hid the clipboard behind him. "Hello! I apologize for not realizing you came in. Welcome to Sweet Dreams N Creams, how can I sweeten your day?" Even though he was smiling on the outside, Innes thought to himself just how goofy and lame that line sounded hearing himself saying it out loud. Maybe it would sound better from one of the young ladies that works for him. It just didn't sound right coming from him. If anything, sounded like a cheesy pickup line.
Now, while waiting for this woman's response, Innes had to take a moment to check out what he was dealing with. And goodness, did this woman look like a goddess in modern clothing. Who was she? What kind of sweet treat was she into? She was so quiet, he wondered why she did not speak out before? Unless...she was just looking around....no. No...she was not looking around, she was facing him when he noticed her. As much as he wanted to think more on this, he did not want to get ahead of himself.
For all he knew, he was likely going to serve her what she wanted and she would walk out of his life. What tickled at his mind though, was the look on her face, like she was curious about him. A look of interest as if she was here for something more than what could give her cavities.
Anika tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into the faintest smirk as if she could hear the whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind. She folded her arms loosely, the movement unhurried, and let her gaze linger on him for a moment longer than necessary before speaking.
"I think you’re the one who might need a little sweetening," she said softly, her tone warm but edged with playful intrigue. Her words hung in the air like a challenge—not sharp, but enough to suggest she wasn’t just here for candy.
She glanced at the clipboard he had tried to hide behind his back, amusement flickering in her dark eyes. “You’ve been at this for a while, haven’t you?” Her voice was steady, smooth, but there was a hint of something deeper—a perceptiveness that seemed to cut through the practiced lines and polished storefront.
Anika stepped closer to the counter, closing the distance between them with deliberate ease, her presence both subtle and commanding. Her eyes swept over the grand display for a fleeting moment before landing back on him. “Free samples, candy canes, and... I’m guessing a lot of sleepless nights went into this.” Her smirk softened into a more genuine smile, one that seemed to carry a rare warmth despite the teasing edge in her earlier tone.
She didn’t place an order or immediately answer his question. Instead, she seemed content to let the silence stretch, as though daring him to step out of his polite, rehearsed persona. "Do you always greet your customers like that?" she asked finally, her eyebrow arching slightly. "Or was that line just for me?"
"I think you’re the one who might need a little sweetening," she said softly, her tone warm but edged with playful intrigue. Her words hung in the air like a challenge—not sharp, but enough to suggest she wasn’t just here for candy.
She glanced at the clipboard he had tried to hide behind his back, amusement flickering in her dark eyes. “You’ve been at this for a while, haven’t you?” Her voice was steady, smooth, but there was a hint of something deeper—a perceptiveness that seemed to cut through the practiced lines and polished storefront.
Anika stepped closer to the counter, closing the distance between them with deliberate ease, her presence both subtle and commanding. Her eyes swept over the grand display for a fleeting moment before landing back on him. “Free samples, candy canes, and... I’m guessing a lot of sleepless nights went into this.” Her smirk softened into a more genuine smile, one that seemed to carry a rare warmth despite the teasing edge in her earlier tone.
She didn’t place an order or immediately answer his question. Instead, she seemed content to let the silence stretch, as though daring him to step out of his polite, rehearsed persona. "Do you always greet your customers like that?" she asked finally, her eyebrow arching slightly. "Or was that line just for me?"
With a raise of his brow, he couldn't help but to wonder, where she was going with this? Fine, he'll play along. Most times he was all about business but he might as well entertain this. It was just this woman so far. "And how do you figure that?" He smirked. He was just curious on how she'd answer that.
It did feel slightly like a challenge just to loosen him up, which he needed right about now and was a pleasant welcome. He noticed the glance she gave, obviously seeing the clipboard before bringing it back out in front of him. "No, I have not been through this for several days now up to this point." Easily displaying an indifferent expression with a hint of sarcasm but clearly trying to show a little humor. Why would he be a bit honest to someone he did not know, maybe there was something about her that allowed him to sense that she was someone that could read through any lie. Or was just pretty good at pretending to read someone enough that she could make them spill the truth.
Placing the clipboard down, her next statements and questions only intrigued him. "Maybe...but sounds to me that I have someone quite concerned for me?" He looked a little serious but she could tell in his eyes that he was not only amused but also genuinely thankful to her observation. He did put a lot into his store and how he wanted everything placed.
Now, he needed to keep this professional but the way this woman continued to push the inquisitive chat, he passed and stared for a moment, like he did not want to break character. He gave a slight shrug. "Being you're my first and only customer, you have the privilege of having that line said just for you. How did I do?"
It did feel slightly like a challenge just to loosen him up, which he needed right about now and was a pleasant welcome. He noticed the glance she gave, obviously seeing the clipboard before bringing it back out in front of him. "No, I have not been through this for several days now up to this point." Easily displaying an indifferent expression with a hint of sarcasm but clearly trying to show a little humor. Why would he be a bit honest to someone he did not know, maybe there was something about her that allowed him to sense that she was someone that could read through any lie. Or was just pretty good at pretending to read someone enough that she could make them spill the truth.
Placing the clipboard down, her next statements and questions only intrigued him. "Maybe...but sounds to me that I have someone quite concerned for me?" He looked a little serious but she could tell in his eyes that he was not only amused but also genuinely thankful to her observation. He did put a lot into his store and how he wanted everything placed.
Now, he needed to keep this professional but the way this woman continued to push the inquisitive chat, he passed and stared for a moment, like he did not want to break character. He gave a slight shrug. "Being you're my first and only customer, you have the privilege of having that line said just for you. How did I do?"
Anika leaned forward slightly, resting her elbow on the counter with an air of casual confidence, her chin propped on her hand as if she had all the time in the world to entertain this little game. Her smirk grew as she watched him try to match her pace, the spark in her eyes suggesting she was enjoying the banter far more than she let on.
"How do I figure it?" she echoed, tilting her head just enough to let a curtain of dark hair shift over her shoulder. "Because no one spends this much time fiddling with a clipboard unless they’re trying to distract themselves. Call it... intuition." Her voice was soft but had a teasing lilt that made her words linger like a puzzle waiting to be solved.
She caught the flicker of sarcasm in his tone, and her smirk widened into something more amused. “Several days, huh? So, I’m guessing you’ve been living on caffeine and candy samples. And now that I’ve cracked the case, you can tell me—what’s the secret to surviving the jitters of opening day?”
Her fingers idly tapped the counter, her body language easy but her gaze sharp, catching the subtle shift in his expression when she pushed her earlier question further. The corner of her mouth twitched upward at his response.
“Concerned?” she asked, feigning surprise with a light laugh. “Not concerned. Just... curious. I mean, you could’ve been hiding a love letter behind that clipboard, for all I know. Maybe a sappy poem or a secret candy recipe.” She shrugged, letting the mystery of her own thoughts hang in the air like a wisp of smoke.
When he mentioned the privilege of being his first and only customer, she straightened up, her smirk softening into a genuine smile. “Well,” she said, pausing for dramatic effect, “as far as cheesy pickup lines go, I’ll give it an 8 out of 10. You get points for delivery. A little more confidence, though, and you might hit a solid 9.”
Her eyes lingered on him for a heartbeat longer, playful and unrelenting, as though daring him to take the next step in their dance. "So, what’s the prize for being your first customer? Or does that privilege come with strings attached?”
"How do I figure it?" she echoed, tilting her head just enough to let a curtain of dark hair shift over her shoulder. "Because no one spends this much time fiddling with a clipboard unless they’re trying to distract themselves. Call it... intuition." Her voice was soft but had a teasing lilt that made her words linger like a puzzle waiting to be solved.
She caught the flicker of sarcasm in his tone, and her smirk widened into something more amused. “Several days, huh? So, I’m guessing you’ve been living on caffeine and candy samples. And now that I’ve cracked the case, you can tell me—what’s the secret to surviving the jitters of opening day?”
Her fingers idly tapped the counter, her body language easy but her gaze sharp, catching the subtle shift in his expression when she pushed her earlier question further. The corner of her mouth twitched upward at his response.
“Concerned?” she asked, feigning surprise with a light laugh. “Not concerned. Just... curious. I mean, you could’ve been hiding a love letter behind that clipboard, for all I know. Maybe a sappy poem or a secret candy recipe.” She shrugged, letting the mystery of her own thoughts hang in the air like a wisp of smoke.
When he mentioned the privilege of being his first and only customer, she straightened up, her smirk softening into a genuine smile. “Well,” she said, pausing for dramatic effect, “as far as cheesy pickup lines go, I’ll give it an 8 out of 10. You get points for delivery. A little more confidence, though, and you might hit a solid 9.”
Her eyes lingered on him for a heartbeat longer, playful and unrelenting, as though daring him to take the next step in their dance. "So, what’s the prize for being your first customer? Or does that privilege come with strings attached?”
With his hands gently placed palms down on the counter, trying to stay as professional as possible, at least keep up appearances if any of his employees were to come over or other customers were to come in noticing his current interaction with this woman. With her answer, a slight smirk and a 'heh' came about. "Fair enough." He responds.
She was confident, witty, charming, and carried herself almost as if she was like a cat trapping a mouse. One wrong move and she'd catch you swiftly. "My secret? Hmm...no true secret...I just...learn to adapt." Keeping a straight face as if that was a valid answer. "And having my first customer gracing me with her presence has a bit to do with that too." Calming himself. She did indeed take his mind off how his opening day would turn out.
"Heh....what if I said I was hiding a crossword puzzle?" He asked her. "Besides...I don't need to write down any candy recipe." He winked hinting everything he made came straight from memory.
"8 out of 10? Guess I'm losing my touch...but I guess it's better than 5 out of 10. But more confidence huh? I'll keep that in mind and put that down for one of the reviews." He jokes.
Now what she asked next was a little... challenging. "Prize huh? Well...we do have our sweet dreams rewards card, could give you a free cone, complimentary bag of chocolates but something tells me you want the mocha that's talking with you as we speak..." He raised a brow. "You take your pick. And depending on what you choose, one of them can't be taken immediately."
She was confident, witty, charming, and carried herself almost as if she was like a cat trapping a mouse. One wrong move and she'd catch you swiftly. "My secret? Hmm...no true secret...I just...learn to adapt." Keeping a straight face as if that was a valid answer. "And having my first customer gracing me with her presence has a bit to do with that too." Calming himself. She did indeed take his mind off how his opening day would turn out.
"Heh....what if I said I was hiding a crossword puzzle?" He asked her. "Besides...I don't need to write down any candy recipe." He winked hinting everything he made came straight from memory.
"8 out of 10? Guess I'm losing my touch...but I guess it's better than 5 out of 10. But more confidence huh? I'll keep that in mind and put that down for one of the reviews." He jokes.
Now what she asked next was a little... challenging. "Prize huh? Well...we do have our sweet dreams rewards card, could give you a free cone, complimentary bag of chocolates but something tells me you want the mocha that's talking with you as we speak..." He raised a brow. "You take your pick. And depending on what you choose, one of them can't be taken immediately."
Anika’s laugh was soft, barely more than a hum, but it carried the warmth of someone genuinely entertained. She shifted her weight onto one foot, leaning slightly against the counter, her fingers drumming idly on its surface. Her head tilted just enough to catch the light in her eyes, an unspoken challenge dancing in their depths.
"Adapt, huh?" she repeated, as though tasting the word for herself. "That’s the kind of answer someone gives when they don’t want to give too much away. But," she added, her lips curling into a slow smile, "I’ll let it slide. For now."
Her gaze flicked to the clipboard he’d set down, a flash of mischief crossing her face. "A crossword puzzle?" she mused, her tone feigning disbelief. "You don’t strike me as the ‘down five, across seven’ type. But I’ll admit, keeping candy recipes up here—" she tapped her temple lightly, "—is impressive. Either you’ve got a photographic memory, or you’re just too stubborn to forget."
She crossed her arms, leaning in slightly, as though to study him more closely. "An 8 out of 10 isn’t bad. It’s respectable. And for opening day, you could’ve done a lot worse." Her smile turned teasing. "But hey, if you need a practice audience for boosting your confidence, I charge a pretty reasonable rate."
When he mentioned the prizes, her brows lifted, her interest clearly piqued. But his final line pulled a soft laugh from her, one that lingered in the air like the faint scent of chocolate and sugar around them. "The mocha talking with me, huh?" she repeated, her tone dipping into something almost thoughtful, but still edged with humor.
She let a beat pass, as though genuinely weighing her options, before meeting his gaze again. "Alright, I’ll take the challenge. The mocha it is," she said with a playful shrug. "But don’t worry, I’m a patient woman. I can wait for the prize that’s worth it."
"Adapt, huh?" she repeated, as though tasting the word for herself. "That’s the kind of answer someone gives when they don’t want to give too much away. But," she added, her lips curling into a slow smile, "I’ll let it slide. For now."
Her gaze flicked to the clipboard he’d set down, a flash of mischief crossing her face. "A crossword puzzle?" she mused, her tone feigning disbelief. "You don’t strike me as the ‘down five, across seven’ type. But I’ll admit, keeping candy recipes up here—" she tapped her temple lightly, "—is impressive. Either you’ve got a photographic memory, or you’re just too stubborn to forget."
She crossed her arms, leaning in slightly, as though to study him more closely. "An 8 out of 10 isn’t bad. It’s respectable. And for opening day, you could’ve done a lot worse." Her smile turned teasing. "But hey, if you need a practice audience for boosting your confidence, I charge a pretty reasonable rate."
When he mentioned the prizes, her brows lifted, her interest clearly piqued. But his final line pulled a soft laugh from her, one that lingered in the air like the faint scent of chocolate and sugar around them. "The mocha talking with me, huh?" she repeated, her tone dipping into something almost thoughtful, but still edged with humor.
She let a beat pass, as though genuinely weighing her options, before meeting his gaze again. "Alright, I’ll take the challenge. The mocha it is," she said with a playful shrug. "But don’t worry, I’m a patient woman. I can wait for the prize that’s worth it."
With his palms still placed on the surface of the counter, Innes leaned in to apply some of his weight to his arms, getting a little more engaged in this conversation than he was suppose to but this woman has his curiosity and definitely his attention. Not sure if this was how every beautiful woman was going to be when they came to his shop, but at this very moment, he was indulging in the attention for the moment.
"What's the fun in revealing all at once? I'm sure you enjoy mysteries as much as I do." he would answer even though she claims to let his answer slide for now. He couldn't help but chuckled from her response to the possibility of him using a crossword puzzle. "Well to be fair, I'm a work search kind of man but I do dabble with crossword puzzles too."
"A little bit of both. When you have a passion for something, you tend to remember everything to the finest detail." His eyes playfully roves about, taking in her appearance. "And I'll take it. And how much is that rate you speak of? I believe you've already given me what I needed as far as greetings go and the boost I needed. I'll have to change up on what I said to you earlier." He smirked.
With all he offered, she could have all of the above if she wanted. She was indeed the first customer even though she was not actively buying anything which, Innes did not mind. A pretty laugh he was hearing from her when he gave his offers, especially the last one. "Oh can you? Well then until you can have this mocha...have this...call it an appetizer....snack...a taste..." handing her a membership card while leaning in a bit more. "Just to ensure you'll be coming back. If you want anything for free." He stared for a moment in silence.
"Innes..." He introduced himself.
"What's the fun in revealing all at once? I'm sure you enjoy mysteries as much as I do." he would answer even though she claims to let his answer slide for now. He couldn't help but chuckled from her response to the possibility of him using a crossword puzzle. "Well to be fair, I'm a work search kind of man but I do dabble with crossword puzzles too."
"A little bit of both. When you have a passion for something, you tend to remember everything to the finest detail." His eyes playfully roves about, taking in her appearance. "And I'll take it. And how much is that rate you speak of? I believe you've already given me what I needed as far as greetings go and the boost I needed. I'll have to change up on what I said to you earlier." He smirked.
With all he offered, she could have all of the above if she wanted. She was indeed the first customer even though she was not actively buying anything which, Innes did not mind. A pretty laugh he was hearing from her when he gave his offers, especially the last one. "Oh can you? Well then until you can have this mocha...have this...call it an appetizer....snack...a taste..." handing her a membership card while leaning in a bit more. "Just to ensure you'll be coming back. If you want anything for free." He stared for a moment in silence.
"Innes..." He introduced himself.
Anika took the membership card from his outstretched hand, her fingers brushing his for the briefest moment. She studied it, turning it over between her fingers as though it were something far more intriguing than a simple rewards card. "An appetizer, huh?" she mused, the corners of her lips twitching upward. "A taste. Interesting choice of words."
Her gaze lifted back to him, her expression steady but with a flicker of mischief in her eyes. "Mysteries are fun," she conceded, her tone thoughtful, "but only when they’re worth unraveling. The trick is knowing which ones to bother with." She let the sentence hang in the air, her voice dropping ever so slightly as if daring him to respond.
His introduction, simple and direct, made her pause for just a beat. "Innes," she repeated, trying out the name as if it were a new flavor she hadn’t quite decided on yet. Her eyes softened, the sharpness in her tone easing as she leaned in slightly, mirroring his posture. "Nice to meet you. Anika."
She placed the card down on the counter between them, tapping it once with her index finger. "And you’re not wrong. Passion does have a way of etching the details into memory." She straightened, though her gaze didn’t waver. "I’ll keep this... little appetizer," she said, gesturing to the card, "but I think I’ll pass on free treats. For now. Earned rewards are sweeter, don’t you think?"
She tilted her head, studying him with open curiosity. "Besides, if I have to come back to claim my prize," her tone turned playful, "I might as well give you some time to perfect that confidence you mentioned earlier. Wouldn’t want you forgetting your lines, now would we?"
Her smile lingered as she began to step back toward the door, though she wasn’t in a rush to leave. Her movements were unhurried, almost deliberate, as though she expected him to say something more before she crossed the threshold.
Her gaze lifted back to him, her expression steady but with a flicker of mischief in her eyes. "Mysteries are fun," she conceded, her tone thoughtful, "but only when they’re worth unraveling. The trick is knowing which ones to bother with." She let the sentence hang in the air, her voice dropping ever so slightly as if daring him to respond.
His introduction, simple and direct, made her pause for just a beat. "Innes," she repeated, trying out the name as if it were a new flavor she hadn’t quite decided on yet. Her eyes softened, the sharpness in her tone easing as she leaned in slightly, mirroring his posture. "Nice to meet you. Anika."
She placed the card down on the counter between them, tapping it once with her index finger. "And you’re not wrong. Passion does have a way of etching the details into memory." She straightened, though her gaze didn’t waver. "I’ll keep this... little appetizer," she said, gesturing to the card, "but I think I’ll pass on free treats. For now. Earned rewards are sweeter, don’t you think?"
She tilted her head, studying him with open curiosity. "Besides, if I have to come back to claim my prize," her tone turned playful, "I might as well give you some time to perfect that confidence you mentioned earlier. Wouldn’t want you forgetting your lines, now would we?"
Her smile lingered as she began to step back toward the door, though she wasn’t in a rush to leave. Her movements were unhurried, almost deliberate, as though she expected him to say something more before she crossed the threshold.
"Hm? What would you rather me to have said?" He asked with amusement. He felt he was not reading into anything wrong. Yes, he was already in the middle of his flirting fun, so...why not continue? "Something tells me you still liked it." Raising a brow as if he was challenging her to prove him wrong.
Watching her check the card out, it just had the name of the company, designs of chocolates that adorned the corners of the card, about 8 small spaces on the card to get a candy stamp for each purchase so that one could get an item for free once completed. As beautiful the card was, it paled in comparison to the woman he was witnessing. Making her points about mysteries, he couldn't help to agree. "Touche....touche...guess we shall figure that out which ones...but I don't think that will be too difficult...wouldn't you agree?"
He didn't need to make a grand introduction even though he could have, but he felt it would have been an epic fail. Hearing her name, he smirked, nodding. "Anika...that's a pretty name." He admitted. At least she'd keep the card. So with that, he lifts off of his arms and placed his hands in his pockets. "There is more satisfaction with earned rewards. He knew first hand how sweet that could be when you earn something.
He chuckled. "I think by the time you come back, I'll have my lines polished for you. Depends on if they will be enough to swoon..." Figuring she gave him the motivation to work on his greetings just felt the hell of it. He noticed she was backing up as she seemed to be leaving. Now, he felt he should let her go, knowing he needed to get back to focusing on this opening day but deep down, he didn't want her to leave...at least not yet.
"Would you like a tour sometime? I believe I have time to give one now if you're interested?" leaving it up to her. If not, he would let her be. Possibly hope to see her again later. Maybe run into her outside the shop. Not that he wanted to look desperate but he had a good feeling about Anika.
Watching her check the card out, it just had the name of the company, designs of chocolates that adorned the corners of the card, about 8 small spaces on the card to get a candy stamp for each purchase so that one could get an item for free once completed. As beautiful the card was, it paled in comparison to the woman he was witnessing. Making her points about mysteries, he couldn't help to agree. "Touche....touche...guess we shall figure that out which ones...but I don't think that will be too difficult...wouldn't you agree?"
He didn't need to make a grand introduction even though he could have, but he felt it would have been an epic fail. Hearing her name, he smirked, nodding. "Anika...that's a pretty name." He admitted. At least she'd keep the card. So with that, he lifts off of his arms and placed his hands in his pockets. "There is more satisfaction with earned rewards. He knew first hand how sweet that could be when you earn something.
He chuckled. "I think by the time you come back, I'll have my lines polished for you. Depends on if they will be enough to swoon..." Figuring she gave him the motivation to work on his greetings just felt the hell of it. He noticed she was backing up as she seemed to be leaving. Now, he felt he should let her go, knowing he needed to get back to focusing on this opening day but deep down, he didn't want her to leave...at least not yet.
"Would you like a tour sometime? I believe I have time to give one now if you're interested?" leaving it up to her. If not, he would let her be. Possibly hope to see her again later. Maybe run into her outside the shop. Not that he wanted to look desperate but he had a good feeling about Anika.
Anika paused mid-step, her hand just grazing the doorframe as she turned to look back at him. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and intrigue, her lips curving into a playful smirk. "A tour?" she repeated, tilting her head slightly as if weighing the offer. "You mean to tell me there’s more to discover than what I’ve already seen? And here I thought you’d put everything you had right out on display."
Her tone carried just enough teasing to keep the mood light, but the curiosity in her gaze was genuine. She folded her arms loosely across her chest, leaning slightly against the doorframe as if she had all the time in the world. "Alright, Innes," she said, drawing out his name as if testing how it felt on her tongue. "Show me what makes Sweet Dreams N Creams more than just another candy shop. Surprise me."
There was a flicker of challenge in her words, her stance relaxed yet expectant. She wasn’t going to make this easy for him—Anika never did. But there was also something softer beneath the playful exterior, a quiet acknowledgment that she was intrigued enough to stay, at least for now.
She stepped away from the door and back toward the counter, gesturing for him to lead the way. "But fair warning," she added, her voice dropping just slightly, "if your idea of a tour is pointing at jars of candy and reciting flavors, I might just have to deduct a few more points from your score. Think you can handle the pressure?"
Her gaze locked with his, a subtle dare lingering in her expression. She wasn’t just testing his ability to run a candy shop—she was testing him.
Her tone carried just enough teasing to keep the mood light, but the curiosity in her gaze was genuine. She folded her arms loosely across her chest, leaning slightly against the doorframe as if she had all the time in the world. "Alright, Innes," she said, drawing out his name as if testing how it felt on her tongue. "Show me what makes Sweet Dreams N Creams more than just another candy shop. Surprise me."
There was a flicker of challenge in her words, her stance relaxed yet expectant. She wasn’t going to make this easy for him—Anika never did. But there was also something softer beneath the playful exterior, a quiet acknowledgment that she was intrigued enough to stay, at least for now.
She stepped away from the door and back toward the counter, gesturing for him to lead the way. "But fair warning," she added, her voice dropping just slightly, "if your idea of a tour is pointing at jars of candy and reciting flavors, I might just have to deduct a few more points from your score. Think you can handle the pressure?"
Her gaze locked with his, a subtle dare lingering in her expression. She wasn’t just testing his ability to run a candy shop—she was testing him.
"Hm?" A tilt came about his head when Anika thought that everything he had was already on display and chuckled a little amused that she did not notice the other part of his shop. "Yes...this is the main room...mostly the displays and bagged candy and such are out here...far on the other end is the ice cream and shake part...but you have to go to the area that dedicated to more..."
He soon goes to walk around the counter to join Anika. "Alright...now don't expect me to have oompa loompas in the back." He walked over and stood next to her, towering over her some. Not that it was a problem. With her challenge though, he gave a bewildered expression. "If I did that, I guarantee you'll learn flavors you've never heard of. Don't underestimate the jars...I bet you never had a snozzberry..." he declared. Almost issuing a challenge himself, staring back into her eyes ready to go toe to toe with her.
"Come...let me show you around..." he winked. "There's two main rooms of my shop...the main store...the display area the chocolates and bagged treats all around...as you see it...you can even come over to see how we handle the milkshakes...the jars involved and all the fixens...I bet you wouldn't be able to name all the combinations and toppings we possibly have here..." He smirked. There were a few menus with all the flavors of the ice cream and flavors and combinations with shakes.
"You know what makes Sweet Dreams N Creams special, seasonally I like to introduce new flavors not only with the shakes and ice cream but candy as well. I love bringing something new for people to try. And let me show you the second half...which I like to call the workshop..." He walked her to the back through a large frame that was once a doorway, which the room was maybe half the size of the main space as it was one huge dispensary area. Basically build a bag area. "And this is not all. I'm a chocolatier...so...if you want a special order of chocolates or candy with your name engraved in it...I do have a customs order book. I'm all about aiming to please."
Looking back to her face, she could see the pride he took in his shop. "If you have questions...feel free..."
He soon goes to walk around the counter to join Anika. "Alright...now don't expect me to have oompa loompas in the back." He walked over and stood next to her, towering over her some. Not that it was a problem. With her challenge though, he gave a bewildered expression. "If I did that, I guarantee you'll learn flavors you've never heard of. Don't underestimate the jars...I bet you never had a snozzberry..." he declared. Almost issuing a challenge himself, staring back into her eyes ready to go toe to toe with her.
"Come...let me show you around..." he winked. "There's two main rooms of my shop...the main store...the display area the chocolates and bagged treats all around...as you see it...you can even come over to see how we handle the milkshakes...the jars involved and all the fixens...I bet you wouldn't be able to name all the combinations and toppings we possibly have here..." He smirked. There were a few menus with all the flavors of the ice cream and flavors and combinations with shakes.
"You know what makes Sweet Dreams N Creams special, seasonally I like to introduce new flavors not only with the shakes and ice cream but candy as well. I love bringing something new for people to try. And let me show you the second half...which I like to call the workshop..." He walked her to the back through a large frame that was once a doorway, which the room was maybe half the size of the main space as it was one huge dispensary area. Basically build a bag area. "And this is not all. I'm a chocolatier...so...if you want a special order of chocolates or candy with your name engraved in it...I do have a customs order book. I'm all about aiming to please."
Looking back to her face, she could see the pride he took in his shop. "If you have questions...feel free..."
Anika trailed just a step behind him, her arms loosely crossed as she absorbed his words, glancing at the displays with a newfound sense of curiosity. “Snozzberry, huh?” she echoed, her lips quirking into a wry smile. “You know, for a man who claims not to have any oompa loompas, you’re doing a pretty good job of channeling Willy Wonka. What’s next? Chocolate rivers?” Her tone was teasing, but the slight tilt of her head and the glimmer in her eyes made it clear she was actually enjoying herself.
When he walked beside her, towering just slightly, she couldn’t help but glance up at him, an eyebrow quirking in mock challenge. “So you’re saying I shouldn’t underestimate jars? Bold claim. But if you’ve got a flavor I’ve never heard of, I’ll give you bonus points. Snozzberry included.”
As he guided her toward the ice cream and milkshake area, her gaze wandered to the neatly labeled jars and endless toppings. “Alright,” she said with an amused huff. “I’ll admit, the combinations here look like they could overwhelm a lesser mortal. How does anyone even choose?” She gestured vaguely to the sheer variety. “Do you have people come in, completely lost, just begging you to decide for them?”
Her interest piqued even more when he brought her into the dispensary area. She turned slowly, taking it in, her fingers lightly brushing against one of the counters as if testing its texture. “So this is where people unleash their inner candy architect,” she mused. “It’s almost dangerous, giving people this much power over sugar. What if someone goes rogue?” Her grin was playful, but there was genuine admiration in her tone.
When he mentioned custom orders, her brows lifted slightly. “Chocolates with my name engraved?” she said, pretending to consider it. “You’re really pulling out all the stops here, aren’t you, Innes? Either you’re this dedicated with every customer, or I should feel flattered.”
Her gaze flicked back to his face, and for the first time, she seemed to soften just a little. “You’re proud of this place,” she observed, her voice quieter now. “You’ve thought of everything, down to the tiniest detail. It’s… kind of impressive.”
She took a small step closer, letting her guard down just enough to let the sincerity seep through. “Alright, chocolatier. What’s the most bizarre candy creation someone’s ever asked you for? And don’t hold back—I want to hear the weirdest of the weird.”
When he walked beside her, towering just slightly, she couldn’t help but glance up at him, an eyebrow quirking in mock challenge. “So you’re saying I shouldn’t underestimate jars? Bold claim. But if you’ve got a flavor I’ve never heard of, I’ll give you bonus points. Snozzberry included.”
As he guided her toward the ice cream and milkshake area, her gaze wandered to the neatly labeled jars and endless toppings. “Alright,” she said with an amused huff. “I’ll admit, the combinations here look like they could overwhelm a lesser mortal. How does anyone even choose?” She gestured vaguely to the sheer variety. “Do you have people come in, completely lost, just begging you to decide for them?”
Her interest piqued even more when he brought her into the dispensary area. She turned slowly, taking it in, her fingers lightly brushing against one of the counters as if testing its texture. “So this is where people unleash their inner candy architect,” she mused. “It’s almost dangerous, giving people this much power over sugar. What if someone goes rogue?” Her grin was playful, but there was genuine admiration in her tone.
When he mentioned custom orders, her brows lifted slightly. “Chocolates with my name engraved?” she said, pretending to consider it. “You’re really pulling out all the stops here, aren’t you, Innes? Either you’re this dedicated with every customer, or I should feel flattered.”
Her gaze flicked back to his face, and for the first time, she seemed to soften just a little. “You’re proud of this place,” she observed, her voice quieter now. “You’ve thought of everything, down to the tiniest detail. It’s… kind of impressive.”
She took a small step closer, letting her guard down just enough to let the sincerity seep through. “Alright, chocolatier. What’s the most bizarre candy creation someone’s ever asked you for? And don’t hold back—I want to hear the weirdest of the weird.”
Looking over to her after his reference to snozzberries, a slight curve formed on his lips when she mentioned him channeling his inner Willy Wonka. "Heh, kind of...and no...don't be silly...no way I'd have a chocolate river.....I'm trying to build a chocolate fountain." He corrected and looking serious when he said it as if it was fact.
"Fair...let's see if there's anything I have that you've never heard of...before you leave." He smirked. When she asked about the ice cream, he turned to lean against the counter and crossed his arms to give it a little thought. "I don't know...you're my first customer. But...I guess we will find out when people find curiosity in trying my ice cream and milkshakes. But the combinations....it's usually good for ones who are indecisive...or just have a taste for several different flavors." He looked over his shoulder. "If there's a combination you wanted to choose, what would it be?" He asked.
He couldn't help himself, he had to look at her reaction when she went into the dispensary area. "It's a risk I'm willing to take. This is why I want my place to be the spot where diabetes can go wild. Don't worry, we will be watching. Last thing we need is someone walking out of here with a purse full of Lemonheads and hot tamales" He chuckled.
"I'll say I'm dedicated...I was a simple chocolatier before deciding to make a shop like this. I started making custom candy so...it's second nature. And...I...hope I am flattering you some." He smirks placing his hands in his pocket when she asking about the craziest candy creations. "Hmm...well there was someone that wanted a special taffy chocolate bar with flavors chili cherry, bacon maple, butter cheese, butter scotch flavored marshmallow cream puff with mint gummies and sour pop rocks covering the top while adding caramel on top of those as well. Then on the side BBQ watermelon candy coated honey roasted nuts. I'm sure there's worse that will be requested later though."
While thinking, he wondered...what kind of flavor did Anika taste like? Of course, he wouldn't ask that out loud...at least...not yet. A few thoughts of various flavors he could top off on her. But that would be something he'd discuss if things go a little further.
"Fair...let's see if there's anything I have that you've never heard of...before you leave." He smirked. When she asked about the ice cream, he turned to lean against the counter and crossed his arms to give it a little thought. "I don't know...you're my first customer. But...I guess we will find out when people find curiosity in trying my ice cream and milkshakes. But the combinations....it's usually good for ones who are indecisive...or just have a taste for several different flavors." He looked over his shoulder. "If there's a combination you wanted to choose, what would it be?" He asked.
He couldn't help himself, he had to look at her reaction when she went into the dispensary area. "It's a risk I'm willing to take. This is why I want my place to be the spot where diabetes can go wild. Don't worry, we will be watching. Last thing we need is someone walking out of here with a purse full of Lemonheads and hot tamales" He chuckled.
"I'll say I'm dedicated...I was a simple chocolatier before deciding to make a shop like this. I started making custom candy so...it's second nature. And...I...hope I am flattering you some." He smirks placing his hands in his pocket when she asking about the craziest candy creations. "Hmm...well there was someone that wanted a special taffy chocolate bar with flavors chili cherry, bacon maple, butter cheese, butter scotch flavored marshmallow cream puff with mint gummies and sour pop rocks covering the top while adding caramel on top of those as well. Then on the side BBQ watermelon candy coated honey roasted nuts. I'm sure there's worse that will be requested later though."
While thinking, he wondered...what kind of flavor did Anika taste like? Of course, he wouldn't ask that out loud...at least...not yet. A few thoughts of various flavors he could top off on her. But that would be something he'd discuss if things go a little further.
Anika let out a short laugh, shaking her head in amusement. "A chocolate fountain? Oh, well, excuse me. That’s much more realistic." Her voice was laced with teasing, but there was definite intrigue in her gaze. "And here I was, thinking you were just a humble shop owner when in reality, you’re plotting world domination—one melted chocolate cascade at a time."
She leaned against the counter across from him, mirroring his stance as she considered his question. "Hmm, if I had to choose a combination? Let’s see… dark chocolate base, espresso swirls, caramel chunks, and—" she paused for effect, tilting her head before smirking, "—a touch of sea salt. A little bitter, a little sweet, and just enough bite to keep things interesting." She met his gaze with a knowing glint, waiting to see how he’d take the answer.
His comment about people stuffing their purses full of Lemonheads and Hot Tamales made her laugh outright, a genuine, rich sound. "You say that like it hasn’t happened before. Something tells me you’ve already caught someone sneaking out with a questionable amount of candy." She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Let me guess. You let them go with a warning, but only after making them admit their crime aloud?"
When he admitted to hoping he was flattering her, she quirked a brow. "Oh, you’re definitely trying," she said lightly, tapping a finger against the countertop. "I’ll let you know if you succeed."
Then came the candy monstrosity he described, and Anika’s expression shifted from intrigue to mild horror. "No. No, you’re lying. That’s a crime against sugar and good taste." She held up a hand as if needing a moment to process it. "Butter cheese? BBQ watermelon? Bacon maple with chili cherry? You let that abomination exist?" She shook her head, exhaling dramatically. "If I ever disappear, it’s because my soul left my body just thinking about that."
Still, despite the lighthearted horror, she was enjoying herself. There was something about Innes—whether it was the quiet confidence in his passion, the way he engaged her without missing a beat, or maybe just the fact that he was genuinely interesting—that made this moment feel… easy.
She drummed her fingers against the counter, gaze flicking up to meet his again. "Alright, chocolatier. Last question—for now. If you had to make a candy inspired by me, what would it be?" There was challenge in her voice, but also something softer. A test, maybe. To see if he’d really been paying attention.
She leaned against the counter across from him, mirroring his stance as she considered his question. "Hmm, if I had to choose a combination? Let’s see… dark chocolate base, espresso swirls, caramel chunks, and—" she paused for effect, tilting her head before smirking, "—a touch of sea salt. A little bitter, a little sweet, and just enough bite to keep things interesting." She met his gaze with a knowing glint, waiting to see how he’d take the answer.
His comment about people stuffing their purses full of Lemonheads and Hot Tamales made her laugh outright, a genuine, rich sound. "You say that like it hasn’t happened before. Something tells me you’ve already caught someone sneaking out with a questionable amount of candy." She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Let me guess. You let them go with a warning, but only after making them admit their crime aloud?"
When he admitted to hoping he was flattering her, she quirked a brow. "Oh, you’re definitely trying," she said lightly, tapping a finger against the countertop. "I’ll let you know if you succeed."
Then came the candy monstrosity he described, and Anika’s expression shifted from intrigue to mild horror. "No. No, you’re lying. That’s a crime against sugar and good taste." She held up a hand as if needing a moment to process it. "Butter cheese? BBQ watermelon? Bacon maple with chili cherry? You let that abomination exist?" She shook her head, exhaling dramatically. "If I ever disappear, it’s because my soul left my body just thinking about that."
Still, despite the lighthearted horror, she was enjoying herself. There was something about Innes—whether it was the quiet confidence in his passion, the way he engaged her without missing a beat, or maybe just the fact that he was genuinely interesting—that made this moment feel… easy.
She drummed her fingers against the counter, gaze flicking up to meet his again. "Alright, chocolatier. Last question—for now. If you had to make a candy inspired by me, what would it be?" There was challenge in her voice, but also something softer. A test, maybe. To see if he’d really been paying attention.
"Eh...you caught me...look as long as you don't give away my secret, you can dominate the world right beside me. One cavity, one diabetes, one big back at a time." He said with a a calm response as if this was just another Tuesday.
Hearing her choices, he slightly sat against the counter, staring at her facial expressions as if he was studying her while she mentioned the combination. "So it's like you want an espresso frappé milkshake huh? Not bad...but we could actually do that." Showing no doubt that he could make something like that for her. "And just know...if we don't have a certain flavor...I'll see to it that I'll have it available soon." Wanting to give the best customer service as long as they are not specifically asking for wild yak milk from the Himalayas that taste like real yak that he'd have to milk himself.
"Well it depends on how the person answer. If they are still denying they did anything and I'm still catching them in the lie then they need to stuff their mouths with it and if they can eat it all in the time limit I give them, then they may be able to walk out with it for free but that's not always going to be the case. I don't need everyone thinking they just need to take a challenge to get free stuff heh."
With a raised brow, he was almost in disbelief. "What? You're still not flattered? Guess I'l need to try harder..."
With a chuckle, he could nod. "Yes...that's what they wanted. I don't know if they were high, pregnant, or just weird or all of the above but they they wanted it all. Could have easily been a dare. I'm not sure but they paid a nice amount for me to make it. I had to charge extra." A smirk formed. "Well hopefully you'll never hear anything like that again. Just know...people out there have weird tastes...I'm just a man making their cravings come true."
So far, this tour, meeting Anika, it's been quite a joy. Not that he was thinking something may actually come of it, even though he hoped it would, he was attentive and willing to continue sharing more about the shop and what he does but deep down, he wanted to know more about her. What did she do for a living? What's her likes outside of candy and flavors. What's her favorite type of music and movies? Things he'd consider if they were on a date.
With a challenge question, he wondered if this was one of those make it or break it questions but he welcomed it. "Hmm...candy inspired by you huh?" He stared at her, focusing some and giving it some thought. "I think I'd make a special taffy type dark chocolate caramel swirl with light sea salt. It will slightly taste like a candy type coffee product...and I'll have to think of the name for it though..." He figured and looked at her expression to see what she thought about that.
Hearing her choices, he slightly sat against the counter, staring at her facial expressions as if he was studying her while she mentioned the combination. "So it's like you want an espresso frappé milkshake huh? Not bad...but we could actually do that." Showing no doubt that he could make something like that for her. "And just know...if we don't have a certain flavor...I'll see to it that I'll have it available soon." Wanting to give the best customer service as long as they are not specifically asking for wild yak milk from the Himalayas that taste like real yak that he'd have to milk himself.
"Well it depends on how the person answer. If they are still denying they did anything and I'm still catching them in the lie then they need to stuff their mouths with it and if they can eat it all in the time limit I give them, then they may be able to walk out with it for free but that's not always going to be the case. I don't need everyone thinking they just need to take a challenge to get free stuff heh."
With a raised brow, he was almost in disbelief. "What? You're still not flattered? Guess I'l need to try harder..."
With a chuckle, he could nod. "Yes...that's what they wanted. I don't know if they were high, pregnant, or just weird or all of the above but they they wanted it all. Could have easily been a dare. I'm not sure but they paid a nice amount for me to make it. I had to charge extra." A smirk formed. "Well hopefully you'll never hear anything like that again. Just know...people out there have weird tastes...I'm just a man making their cravings come true."
So far, this tour, meeting Anika, it's been quite a joy. Not that he was thinking something may actually come of it, even though he hoped it would, he was attentive and willing to continue sharing more about the shop and what he does but deep down, he wanted to know more about her. What did she do for a living? What's her likes outside of candy and flavors. What's her favorite type of music and movies? Things he'd consider if they were on a date.
With a challenge question, he wondered if this was one of those make it or break it questions but he welcomed it. "Hmm...candy inspired by you huh?" He stared at her, focusing some and giving it some thought. "I think I'd make a special taffy type dark chocolate caramel swirl with light sea salt. It will slightly taste like a candy type coffee product...and I'll have to think of the name for it though..." He figured and looked at her expression to see what she thought about that.
Anika let the idea of her signature candy settle between them, her smirk lingering. There was something oddly satisfying about the way he had studied her before answering, like he was actually peeling back layers rather than just throwing out something sweet and generic. She liked that.
But just as she opened her mouth to challenge him further, something slipped from her coat pocket—a sleek black card edged in crimson. It fluttered to the floor between them, landing face-up. The embossed text, elegant and sharp, read:
Mistress A. Sessions by Appointment Only. Discretion Guaranteed.
For a beat, the playful tension between them shifted. A calculated stillness settled in Anika’s stance, her sharp eyes flicking from the card to Innes before she crouched—slowly, deliberately—to pick it up.
She was used to controlling reactions, molding them, anticipating them before they even surfaced. But Innes? She didn’t know him well enough yet to predict how he’d respond.
Would he smirk and make some sly comment? Would he be intrigued? Would he retreat, suddenly seeing her through a different lens?
“Oops,” she murmured, voice smooth, as she slid the card back into her pocket with a deliberate motion. She straightened, meeting his gaze with a look that dared him to pry—but also warned that he should choose his next words carefully.
And then, just to shift the moment back into her hands, her phone vibrated in her bag. Not her real phone—the one she used for work.
Anika didn’t break eye contact as she slipped it out, her thumb tapping the screen. A single message flashed across it:
New Client. 11PM. Confirm?
She tapped the side of the phone absently, feigning consideration when, in reality, she already knew she’d take the session. But Innes didn’t need to know that. Not yet.
Instead, she slid the phone away and tilted her head at him, a smirk tugging at her lips once more. “Well?” she prompted, crossing her arms. “You looked like you had something to say.”
But just as she opened her mouth to challenge him further, something slipped from her coat pocket—a sleek black card edged in crimson. It fluttered to the floor between them, landing face-up. The embossed text, elegant and sharp, read:
Mistress A. Sessions by Appointment Only. Discretion Guaranteed.
For a beat, the playful tension between them shifted. A calculated stillness settled in Anika’s stance, her sharp eyes flicking from the card to Innes before she crouched—slowly, deliberately—to pick it up.
She was used to controlling reactions, molding them, anticipating them before they even surfaced. But Innes? She didn’t know him well enough yet to predict how he’d respond.
Would he smirk and make some sly comment? Would he be intrigued? Would he retreat, suddenly seeing her through a different lens?
“Oops,” she murmured, voice smooth, as she slid the card back into her pocket with a deliberate motion. She straightened, meeting his gaze with a look that dared him to pry—but also warned that he should choose his next words carefully.
And then, just to shift the moment back into her hands, her phone vibrated in her bag. Not her real phone—the one she used for work.
Anika didn’t break eye contact as she slipped it out, her thumb tapping the screen. A single message flashed across it:
New Client. 11PM. Confirm?
She tapped the side of the phone absently, feigning consideration when, in reality, she already knew she’d take the session. But Innes didn’t need to know that. Not yet.
Instead, she slid the phone away and tilted her head at him, a smirk tugging at her lips once more. “Well?” she prompted, crossing her arms. “You looked like you had something to say.”
As much as the candy and sweetness talk was exciting to share, getting down a signature candy for Anika, Innes noticed something coming out of her pocket, landing on the floor. Did Innes look at it? Of course the man did but his eyes went to meet with Anika's for a moment as if she was wondering if he'd say anything. He noticed the words before Anika went leaning down to pick the black and crimson card up.
Mistress A? First thing that came to mind was a sex therapist but in all honesty...that would be naive to think anything other than the possibility that she must be into some kinky shit. 'Mistress' being the big tip off in of itself and the way she spoke...it did sound...manipulating...meticulous. Not that he'd judge her but the curiosity was now eating away at his mind.
She would not find a smirk on his face at this moment. No expression of reproach. But there was a sense of curiosity swimming through his mind. "Hm." Was all he said when she gave her 'oops'. Yeah...she had to have done that on purpose. Was she pulling the strings through the majority of their interaction, testing him, challenging him to see if this was someone she could have a 'session' with? Maybe he was overthinking it.
Then with her phone vibrating, his hands went into his pocket and watched her stared back at him while she took little actions to her phone. His head slightly shifts back with his brow raised. "Me? Seems you have more to mention than me." He smirked. "I mean...you know more about my profession...candy...milkshakes...even chocolatier arts...but what about Mistress A....Anita? You never mentioned anything about what you do."
Mistress A? First thing that came to mind was a sex therapist but in all honesty...that would be naive to think anything other than the possibility that she must be into some kinky shit. 'Mistress' being the big tip off in of itself and the way she spoke...it did sound...manipulating...meticulous. Not that he'd judge her but the curiosity was now eating away at his mind.
She would not find a smirk on his face at this moment. No expression of reproach. But there was a sense of curiosity swimming through his mind. "Hm." Was all he said when she gave her 'oops'. Yeah...she had to have done that on purpose. Was she pulling the strings through the majority of their interaction, testing him, challenging him to see if this was someone she could have a 'session' with? Maybe he was overthinking it.
Then with her phone vibrating, his hands went into his pocket and watched her stared back at him while she took little actions to her phone. His head slightly shifts back with his brow raised. "Me? Seems you have more to mention than me." He smirked. "I mean...you know more about my profession...candy...milkshakes...even chocolatier arts...but what about Mistress A....Anita? You never mentioned anything about what you do."
((Meant to mention a few weeks ago that this story between Innes and Anika is done. Will start something else up later.))
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