Page 4 of Conquered

Noelle knew she had to take full control of her senses. She looked down on her baking pan and realized her dough was starting to form air pockets.

"Uhm, I think you better pop that into the oven before it is completely ruined," the man said in a honeyed voice, although Noelle recognized a hint of mockery in the words.

“Of-of course. Err, please take a seat. You can sit anywhere. It doesn’t matter. We’re not really opened yet. But since you’re here…”

Noelle hurried to the oven, grateful for the chance to regain her composure. She realized she was babbling. She felt like someone with an IQ of about 25 or lower. She was flustered and excited and shy altogether.

Noelle Mancini, get a grip. What did he say his name was? Hunter? Even his name was perfect. He could haunt me in my dreams.

Noelle stood in front of the oven brushing an imaginary stray hair away from her face. She was glad she hadn't bothered to put on the hairnet snood, the one that made her look like a granny sitting on the porch watching the day go by.

Then a thought struck her.

“OH GOD! What if he was from the Safety and Food Sanitation Bureau? He could report her for not following regulation on food preparation.” Noelle thought in horror.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Those are thin balding old men wearing spectacles over hook-like noses. This one is a dreamboat.”

Noelle took a deep breath and gathered her resolve. She stole a glance in his direction. He had taken a seat by the window and seemed intent on his cell phone. She sighed with relief. It was enough time. She strolled casually back to the counter and donned an apron, one that had a long strap that went all the way to the back and front again, then tied into a ribbon. She used to think it cute. Now it just looked rather silly.

Grabbing her restaurant order form, she casually strolled back to where he sat, snatching a menu along the way.

“Would you like some time to study the menu?”

He took it from her hand, flashing another deadly smile. He glanced at it, placed it down on the table, and then said, “Why don’t you decide for me? I’ll have coffee. Anything that’s brewing will be fine.”

“I-I serve Italian Sausage Heroes with peppers and onions, Fig and Prosciutto, Honey bourbon chicken, turkey apple-butter and Arugula grilled cheese, but if you want something lighter, there’s tuna and….”

“Do you serve them on bread that you personally baked?”

“Y-yes.”

“Then any of those mentioned sounds great.”

He did something that surprised her. He reached out and touched her face. Noelle skin tingled as his knuckle caressed her chin.

“Flour.” He announced simply.

Noelle was disappointed and embarrassed. Darn dough. She turned her back when he suddenly called out, “You know what would be even better?”

“A glass of juice?” She asked.

He smiled and replied, “No…if you tell me your name and join me while I eat.”

Then it struck her.

Hunter was flirting with her. The idea wasn't so bad. To tell the truth, it elated her, made her feel good inside. She hadn't been out on a date in God-knows-how-long. The café and Nikko consumed all her hours.

The fact that he seemed interested enough to ask that she choose his food and talk while he ate bolstered her confidence. Her poise went up a notch as she went about preparing his order, making sure the salad greens were fresh. A slice of tomato and some cucumbers made the final touches. She poured some freshly brewed coffee into a tall mug and joined him again.

“You still haven’t told me your name.” He asked putting his phone in his back pocket.

“It’s Noelle. Noelle Mancini.”

“Mancini? Portuguese? Italian?”

"My dad is Italian. I was born in Italy. My mom was Afro-American. "

“Have you visited Italy since?”