Chapter 16

Maya’s POV

I nearly jumped out of my skin the moment I caught the word “deliver.” The café’s morning bustle faded into the background as my heart pounded in my ears. I leaned forward over the polished wood bar, plastered a confident smile on my face, and answered before I even thought: “Yes! Yes, we do.”

Elias Hart, our single biggest regular customer, raised an eyebrow and took a slow sip of his latte. Steam curled off the cup, perfuming the air with rich espresso. He set the mug down, eyes fixed on mine. “Twenty-four seven?” he repeated, voice low and measured, as though testing me.

“Absolutely!” I blurted, too eager—far too eager. My cheeks warmed. A trio of coworkers behind the bar exchanged startled looks. I felt every set of eyes on me.

Moka, perched on a stool at the end of the bar, dropped his jaw. He shook