The Coffee Connection
"Barista Nadia makes the same latte for Imran every morning. When he finally asks why she always draws a heart in his foam, their caffeine-fueled attraction percolates into something real."
The Coffee Connection
"You always draw a heart."
Nadia looked up at her regular—the handsome businessman who ordered the same latte every morning.
"It's standard latte art."
"It's not. I've watched." Imran smiled. "Everyone else gets leaves."
She blushed. "Maybe I like your face."
"Maybe I like yours too." He didn't take his coffee. "Maybe we should discuss this. Over not-coffee."
Not-coffee became dinner. Dinner became a confession.
"I've been coming here for six months because of you," Imran admitted.
"There's a Starbucks closer to your office."
"Starbucks doesn't have you." His hand found hers. "This was never about the coffee, Nadia."
At her flat—small, coffee-scented—they finally closed the distance.
"I've wanted this for months," he breathed.
"Same." She kissed him. "No more foam hearts. Just real ones."
He made love to her like a daily ritual—patient, warm, something to look forward to.
"Meri jaan," Imran whispered. "Best order I ever placed."
"Cheesy."
"Accurate." He grinned. "Let me be your regular forever."
The engagement was announced at the coffee shop—her coworkers cheered.
The wedding cake was coffee-flavored.
Best regular customer she ever had.