2. Am I in heaven?

Ava.

Mrs Min left hours ago and it had been busy since then. I welcomed the rush of the never ending customers, at least that stopped me from thinking too hard about what happened earlier.

I made a fool of myself and then made it a point to avoid Keith because I was embarrassed. I wanted to bury myself alive.

When he pressed up against me earlier- unknowingly, if I may add- I panicked and the moment he pulled away, I grabbed the doughnuts from him then proceeded to rush out of the kitchen. I was doing a pretty good job at that, well. Till I slipped.

Yes, I slipped. Not only that but in the process of me reaching out to grab onto something to break my fall, I pulled on the open bag of flour on the table and dumped it all over myself. I was mortified.

You know what made it worse?

The fact that Keith, being his usual nice self, tried to help me. He helped me up and kept asking if I was okay and I just had to embarrass myself more, because for some reason, I decided to burst into tears right at that moment. And then I slid his hands off me and ran out of the kitchen- thankfully, without falling this time.

I hurriedly handed Mrs Min the doughnuts, ignored her concerned questions, and ran upstairs to my little apartment. I was glad I lived upstairs because I'd have actually died if I would have had to run out of here and to my car, covered in flour.

And now, back to this moment. I had been avoiding him since then- I mean can you blame me?

I literally hate myself right now. It's been five years since I've known this man, five years. Why am I still tongue tied and shy and stupid around him. He has been nothing but nice to me!

I pouted in annoyance as I flipped the next page of the book I was reading. Well, the book I've been trying to read, I couldn't seem to get the embarrassing incident out of my head. Thankfully, that was the first time something like that had happened around him, if not I'd probably not be here right now. I probably would have actually sold this bakery just to get away from him because I didn't know how I was supposed to face him now.

I let out another huge sigh as I straightened on the stool, hearing my bones pop. I was still seated behind the counter, no customer in sight. It had been that way for thirty minutes now and my employees were currently on their lunch break, Adeola included.

Even though I liked the full house, sometimes I still liked my peace and quiet. I was glad this place was empty at the moment. With a small smile to myself, I picked up my book once more and decided to pay attention this time.

I was lost in the book for what felt like hours- probably just ten minutes- then I glanced up absently, took in the still silent environment, glanced back down as I turned the next page, then glanced back up only to stare directly into a pair of grey eyes.

I couldn't help it. With a shriek, I fell off the stool. Hard.

What the-

I held a hand to my back with a groan when a sharp pain shot up my spine. Strong arms gently helped me into a sitting position on the floor and I blinked up at him. It felt like I was in a daze.

How did he even-

I didn't even hear him walk behind the counter- or through the front door- or at all! How can he move so silently?

''Are you okay?'' He asked and I finally took in his appearance.

Perfectly styled black hair. Intense grey eyes that felt like he was staring into my soul. A crooked nose that looked like it had been broken once or twice. Defined cheekbones and a chiseled jawline. His lips-

Holy mary- this man was breathtaking. Was he even real? Is this what an angel looks like?

Did I die?

''Am- am I in heaven?'' I blinked up at him and his lips curled down into a small frown as he lightly felt around the back of my head.

''She didn't hit her head.'' He murmured to himself then glanced up at the ceiling. ''And no..you're not in heaven, we're still here. In your bake shop.''

Oh my goodness.

It felt like I was doused with a bucket of cold water. I slapped a hand over my mouth in shock. My cheeks were flaming hot.

I scrambled back, pressing myself against one of the cupboards. He cocked his head curiously at me as I shot to my feet. He slowly rose to his feet and- oh

He was tall.

What am I saying- everyone's taller than I am, I'm just 5'4!

He was in a suit and the two top buttons of his white shirt were unbuttoned, showing a glimpse of his olive-skinned chest. He had a lean but muscular frame and he was probably coming from a meeting or had a fancy job or something, because who dresses like that on a hot Thursday afternoon?

''Are you okay?'' He asked again and my blush deepened.

My God.

I actually embarrassed myself in the presence of two hot guys, in just two hours. I was openly ogling this man just a minute ago and I did not want to know what he thought about me right now.

I nodded then waved a hand in the air lamely. 'Y-you're uhm, not supposed to be behind the counter, sir.''

He glanced down at his feet then back up at me with a blink. ''Oh. I'm sorry, I just had to know if you were okay. That fall looked painful.''

''Yeah, you kinda s-scared me.'' I coughed out and he looked apologetic.

''I apologize.'' He said. ''I didn't realise you weren't aware of my presence.''

I wonder if he'd have given me mouth to mouth if I had passed out though.

He nodded with a serious look on his face. ''Of course. If it had come to that.''

I wished I had passed out then. I snorted then froze when it kicked in.

Wait what? Did I - did I say that out loud?

''Yes..you definitely did.'' He held a hand out with a concerned look on his face. ''Are you okay? You don't have a concussion or something, do you?"

Oh lord, kill me now. Please. Could this day get any worse?

''I'm sorry," I stuttered out. "I don't know why I said that, I just-'' I licked my lips momentarily. ''You're just r-really hot."

I slapped a hand over my mouth instantly, my eyes wide.

He brushed a hand over his mouth awkwardly, like he wasn't used to receiving compliments. ''Oh. Thank you.''

My cheeks were a flaming red now and I quickly ducked behind the safety of my long hair. ''Can you..'' I trailed off, gesturing for him to go back to the front of the counter.

He immediately did just that and stared at me patiently. I took one look at his intense grey eyes and immediately averted my gaze.

''How can I help you, sir?" I asked, looking at everywhere but him.

He casually slipped his hands into his pockets as he replied. "I was wondering if there were any jam doughnuts left?"

I shook my head. "I just sold the last batch..minutes ago." And I gave out what I'd have sold to him hours ago to Mrs Min.

He looked disappointed. "Oh."

"I'm sorry." I said, running a hand across my chest nervously, my cheeks still red.

His eyes darted down to my chest briefly before meeting my gaze again and he shook his head. "No, it's my fault. I'm a regular here but I missed my usual time because I was...busy with something."

He's a regular here?

How come I've never met him before now?

"You are?" I blinked. "This is my first time meeting you though."

He cocked his head thoughtfully at me. "Same here. Are you...new?"

"No." I let out a little smile. "I own this place."

"Ah." He nodded in understanding. "So you're not here most days."

Why does everyone always assume that? I love being here and baking brings me intense joy. Even though I own this shop, I never miss a day- Heck, i even converted the space upstairs into my cozy little apartment, just so i'd never be away.

But he doesn't know that. So there's no point getting offended. Plus, he's still really hot so...there's that.

"I'm always here." I correct him. "But I'm mostly in the kitchen, that explains why I don't know you."

He ran his gaze down my body and I started to feel self conscious. Surprisingly, I didn't feel creeped out because it didn't seem like he was checking me out. It felt like he was trying to...figure me out?

I have no idea. I probably hit my head harder than I thought.

He lips curled up slightly- I probably wouldn't have noticed if I wasn't staring at him- and without a word, he turned on his heel and walked out.

The door shut softly behind him and I blinked in confusion. Well..that wasn't weird at all. I shook my head and winced when I straightened.

I should probably ice my back.