Date The CEO.com

Chapter 201: Mister Warm and Chill

"I have to say… nothing beats a date in a coffee shop."

Eve wore a fitted black sweater and a checkered wool skirt that flared down to her knees. For shoes, she went for comfort in the style of flats. They had short heels that stood less than an inch but the material was soft. Her foot socks made them even better. 

"Did you sleep well?" Ambryan asked. Today, he opted for something other than a dress shirt and a suit. He picked a thick pullover in navy blue, tucking it under the waistband of his trousers. A red scarf encircled his neck. 

The couple across each other in a booth. It kept them away from the public eye—especially the front windows of the shop. Eve specifically chose the spot next to the wall. It hid her from the cameras that lingered outside.

"I did." She nodded, lifting the hot cup of cappuccino to her lips. "Thanks for asking. Is it just me or does it feel like winter already?"

Ambryan checked on his tea and kept the tea bag in. "Do you not want to walk anymore?"

"I do!" Eve corrected. She admitted being sensitive to the cold. Others would say it was warm while she shivered from the chill air. Hence, why she chose to drop by a coffee shop. "I saw something on the way and want to check it out."

"What is it?"

"I'm not telling you." josei

"And why not?" Ambryan placed the tea down. He had one arm folded over the table.

"Because that removes the thrill," she pointed out. The smell of brewed coffee floated to her nose. Her head turned towards the counter to watch a barista prepare the drink. Meanwhile, a server headed their way with the cake slice she ordered. 

"Fine."

His tone of voice caught Eve's attention. She raised her eyebrows at him, thanking the waiter for his service. "Is work stressing you out? You seem in a bad mood."

"I handled a few negotiations…" Ambryan began to say. He swirled the tea in his cup as if it was red wine. "But not all of them went smoothly."

"Why?"

"I'd rather not talk about it," he dismissed.

Eve bit her inner cheek and reached for the fork. It seemed to be serious if he was acting this way. She had a mental debate whether to push further or not. Ambryan had been open about most things. She should let this one go and respect his wishes.

Besides, if it was important, she'd find out tomorrow anyway. 

"Fine," she caved, pointing the fork at the saucer. "Cake?"

Ambryan shook his head. "No, thank you."

"Suit yourself."

On the other hand, Eve couldn't wait to dig in. The cake had caught her eye because of its pink color. The slice had a swirl of whipped cream and half a strawberry. Most cheesecakes she'd seen only had glazes for enhancing the flavor.

This one actually mixed it in the filling. It even had strawberry bits inside.

The cake base even looked creamy with its white biscuits.

"Oh, this is so good," she moaned after taking a bite. "I bet it would taste better if they added a bit of chocolate ganache. Maybe I should have ordered hot chocolate instead. It could make up for it." 

Ambryan had a small smile on his face. The cheesecake didn't stand a chance. His date had already eaten half of it. He pointed to the corner of his lips."You have a litte—"

Eve looked up to see his hand near her face.

She recoiled.

He paused. "What? You don't want me to touch you? That didn't seem to be the case last night."

"Hey!" Eve felt her ears grow hot. It was only out of surprise. She had been distracted by the cake to notice his movements. Ambryan merely chuckled and brushed off the crumbs. A bit of cream filling stained her bottom lip.

He wiped it off and licked it.

Avoiding his eyes, Eve bowed her head. She used her cappuccino to hide her face. Just when she thought she became used to his antics, he pulled out something from his sleeve. This was becoming a little too unfair.

"Warmed up yet?" She heard him tease.

"Almost."

Eve reluctantly put the cappuccino back. She wished she had a scarf. That way she could hide her blushing cheeks. Curse this man and whatever book he read on flirting. Why couldn't it be cheesy lines that she could laugh at?

Ambryan stood up from his seat and sat beside her. He placed his arm on the backrest, providing warmth with his body heat. A wide grin spread across his face. "How about now?"

"I—You—Cake?"

Eve sliced the strawberry cheesecake with her fork. Then, she brought the small piece to his lips. "I know tomatoes are red but this is definitely not tomato."

"Very funny." Ambryan rolled his eyes and accepted the offer. "Hmmm."

"Good, right?" She squeaked, clearing her throat. While he chewed, she also took a bite. Then, she added a sip of cappuccino. The flavors danced over her tongue. More importantly, they kept her mouth preoccupied.

She had an excuse not to say something stupid.

Her eyes flickered at the other tables. No one inside the cafe seemed to notice them. She didn't know whether to find it refreshing or confusing. Maybe they weren't as famous as she thought. Or maybe actual decent human beings did exist.

Ambryan frowned at the cake. "I think it could use a bit of more sweetness?."

"Really? I think it's just fine—" Whatever words Eve had to say stopped at the tip of her tongue. A pair of lips halted them by pressing themselves against hers. 

Ambryan broke away, the grin back on his face. "Much better."

"We're in public!" Eve hissed under her breath. She buried herself further into the seat until her bottom touched the edge. Camera flashes went to a frenzy outside. If the other didn't look their way before, they did now. 

This type of PDA was entirely new to her. And she was a naturally private person. She thought Ambryan was the same until recent events proved otherwise. He had taken the upperhand too!

"And so?" Ambryan shrugged. He angled his body towards her to block the cameras away. He propped his elbow on the table and rested his temple against his knuckles. "Are we hiding our relationship?"

"That's not it."

"Then, what?"

"I just feel a bit embarrassed, okay?" She exasperated, pouting at the table. A high profile relationship wasn't in her lifetime of possibilities. Oh, sure. They had agreed to pretend they were in a relationship.

But was this still pretend?

This was her actual life they were invading.

"I know. It's cute." Ambryan replied, breaking her out of her thoughts.

"Why you—" She accused and nudged his shoulder.

Ambryan faked a cry of pain. It resulted in an eye roll from his date.

"Finish the cake so we can go." He chuckled as he cut off a piece and fed it to her. Another chuckle rumbled in his chest when her brows remained scrunched while she chewed. "I guess we have to make this date last until you become used to this."

"And whose fault is that?" Eve glared from the corner of her eye.

"Yours."

"Excuse me. What?"

Ambryan shoved another cake piece in her direction. "Yours. How else do you have me wrapped around your finger?"

… Eve picked up the strawberry and ate in one bite. She grabbed the fork from him, stabbing the last piece. She washed them down with the rest of her cappuccino. Grabbing her coat and purse, she pushed him off the bench. 

"Well, what are you waiting for? Cake is done. Let's go!"

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Eve breathed a bit easier once out in the open air. 

The paparazzis went scarce as soon as they stepped out. The former stayed a good distance away that didn't disrupt their time together. Eve went ahead and skipped down the pavement. The place was only a few blocks away. She couldn't wait to see what's inside.

She also couldn't wait to have something to do that prevented Ambryan from making her flustered while in public. Andie would agree that it was cute. But to Eve, it didn't portray her in a good light. 

No one needed to know her embarrassing moments.

No one.

Ambryan stayed a few steps behind, letting her roam free.

It was much more amusing to watch from afar anyway. Dried leaves littered on the ground. The street had trees in between lamp posts, providing some shade for passersby and parked vehicles. That was usually the case unless it was fall or winter season, at least.

In front of him, Eve kicked the leaves that were in her path. Her tan coat blended well with the outdoor colors. He took out his phone and aimed its camera in her direction. A certain someone wasn't the only person who could take decent photos.

Eve almost reached the end of the street. She pointed to a store excitedly and glanced over her shoulder. The expression left her face as soon as it came. Her legs dashed for the mobile device.

Ambryan kept it out of reach.

"You can't just take photos of someone like that!"

"And why not?"

"Because it's rude!" She reasoned, jumping up to snatch the phone.

"But I needed a new wallpaper," Ambryan defended. He showed her his lock screen once she stopped attacking him. "See? It's a picture exclusively for me."