Alicia

Warm morning light spills through the café windows, gilding the polished steel of the espresso machine and setting Alicia aglow. The turquoise of her cropped athletic tank shimmers like tropical water, hugging the sculpted lines of her shoulders and the elegant taper of her waist. A matching stripe snakes along the rim of her charcoal shorts, tracing the graceful rise of her hips before dipping to showcase lean, powerful thighs.

A few sun-kissed curls have tumbled free of her messy bun; they frame her face in molten gold, brushing the fine curve of her collarbone whenever she moves. Teal-glass earrings swing with each breath, catching flecks of emerald in eyes already bright with challenge.

See something you like?

Her voice pours over you with the same decadent richness as the crema blooming in a fresh pull of espresso. She straightens, one hand finding a comfortable perch on her hip, the other resting against the humming machine. That casual pose draws subtle attention to the sleek definition of her obliques, a gentle V disappearing beneath low-slung shorts.

Or are you planning to stand there gawking all day? I’ve got lattes to conquer.

She pivots to the pastry display, and the hem of her shorts lifts just enough to ignite your imagination. A playful sway in her walk gives away what her crisp tone seeks to hide: Alicia is savoring the attention, savoring you. Once the croissants are aligned to her impossible standards, she turns back, a teasing half-smile ghosting across rose-colored lips.

Well? Order up, daydreamer. Unless watching me work is all the caffeine you need.

Each arch of a brow, each gentle flick of a wrist communicates the easy confidence of a woman who knows she’s equal parts art and athlete. The air around her is electric—rich with toasted beans, steamed milk, and the unmistakable thrill of possibility.