By Accident

As Bianca pondered whether she should visit Dr. Davis, her footsteps carried her toward the campus café, where she intended to grab a quick lunch before her next class. The warm sunlight cast a golden glow on the pavement, illuminating the vibrant colors of the surrounding buildings. The sound of chirping birds and muted chatter filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere that seemed at odds with her introspective mood.

Bianca's eyes drifted downward, focusing on the rhythmic motion of her sandaled feet as they struck the ground. Her toes, painted a deep shade of coral, wiggled slightly with each step, causing the delicate straps of her sandals to shift against her ankles.

As she walked, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, enticing her senses and momentarily distracting her from her thoughts of Dr. Davis. The aroma grew stronger, guiding her toward the entrance of the campus café. She pushed open the glass door, and a bell above it rang out, announcing her arrival. A warm smile spread across her face as she stepped inside, greeted by the cozy atmosphere and the friendly chatter of students.

Her eyes scanned the menu board, adorned with colorful pictures of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. The sounds of clinking dishes, murmured conversations, and espresso machines created a symphony of noise that enveloped her, providing a comforting respite from her earlier musings.

Suddenly a voice behind her greets her, "Hello. Bianca." The low, smooth timbre sends a shiver down her spine, and she feels a flutter in her chest as she turns around to face the speaker. Her eyes scan the crowd, searching for the owner of the familiar yet unexpected voice. That's when she sees him - standing tall, with an effortless charm etched on his face, and a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. It's Dr. Davis.

For a fleeting instant, their gazes lock, and Bianca feels like she's drowning in the depths of his piercing stare. Time seems to slow down, allowing her to absorb every nuance of his expression.

Bianca's lips parted softly, releasing a barely audible greeting as she struggled to find her composure. "H-hi," she stammered, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of surprise and embarrassment. Her words were lost amidst the din of conversation and clinking cups, but Dr. Davis's ears picked up on the quiet reply, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled knowingly.

His gaze never wavering, he took a deliberate step closer, bridging the gap between them. Bianca's pulse quickened, sensing the sudden proximity of his imposing frame.

Dr. Davis's smile lingered, his eyes sparkling with warmth as he nodded toward the counter, saying, "Why don't we get you something to eat? You look like you could use a pick-me-up. Their caramel macchiatos are excellent, and the grilled chicken paninis are made fresh daily."

Bianca felt a subtle pressure to comply, as if his suggestion was somehow both casual and obligatory. Without hesitation, she turned toward the barista, who looked expectantly at her, pen poised over notebook paper. In a soft-spoken echo, Bianca repeated Dr. Davis's recommendation, "A large caramel macchiato...and a grilled chicken panini, please."

As the barista began expertly crafting her drink, the hiss of steaming milk and the gentle gurgle of espresso filled the air, mingling with the hum of conversation and the soft clatter of dishes being cleared. Dr. Davis stood beside her, his presence seeming to fill the space around them, drawing the attention of nearby patrons who couldn't help but steal glances at the handsome professor. Bianca felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she sensed the weight of their curiosity, but Dr. Davis appeared oblivious, his focus fixed intently on her.

As they waited for Bianca's order, Dr. Davis shifted slightly, his arm brushing against hers in a seemingly accidental gesture. However, as his hand grazed her hip, his fingers lingered for a fraction of a second longer than necessary, sending a spark of electricity coursing through her veins. Bianca's heart skipped a beat as she felt the whisper-soft caress, her skin tingling beneath the thin fabric of her sundress. The brief contact left her breathless, her senses heightened as she became acutely aware of the proximity of his body to hers.

As the barista handed Bianca her steaming cup and neatly wrapped sandwich, Dr. Davis gestured graciously for her to precede him, his eyes never leaving hers. Bianca's cheeks still burned from the faint brush of his fingertips against her hip, and she felt a telltale flutter in her stomach as she accepted her food. With a quiet murmur of thanks, she moved aside, letting Dr. Davis place his own order – a simple black coffee, taken without sugar or cream.

"So, Bianca, how's your day been?" Dr. Davis asked, falling into step beside her as they navigated the crowded café.

With her food and drink in hand, Bianca slid into a vacant booth, the worn leather creaking softly as she settled into the corner. Dr. Davis followed suit, sitting down beside her rather than across from her, his thigh grazing hers as he adjusted his position. The close quarters sent a thrill coursing through Bianca's veins, her awareness of his physical presence amplified by the confines of the booth.

As they sat together, the sounds of the bustling café receded somewhat, replaced by the muted rustle of wrappers and cups, and the occasional burst of laughter from other patrons. Bianca unwrapped her panini, releasing the savory aroma of roasted chicken and melted cheese into the air.

"It's been fine, I suppose," Bianca replied, attempting nonchalance despite the tremble in her hands as she delicately lifted the edge of the wrapper covering her panini. The sound of rustling plastic seemed magnified in the silence following her vague statement. She tried to meet Dr. Davis's gaze, but her eyelids faltered under the intensity of his scrutiny, instead focusing on the delicate dance of steam rising from the surface of her coffee.

The aromatic wisps curled upward, carrying the sweet fragrance of caramel and vanilla, teasing her nostrils and heightening her sensitivity to the surrounding environment.

Dr. Davis's voice cut through the ambient noise, his words dripping with sly insinuation as he leaned in, his shoulder almost touching hers. "Not better than the first day after my class, I hope," he teased, his eyebrows arcing upwards in playful challenge. The phrase hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning, as Bianca's eyes darted towards him, her pupils widening ever so slightly.

She felt a flush creep up her neck, spreading its warmth across her cheeks as she fumbled for a response. Her tongue hesitated, then touched the roof of her mouth, buying her a split-second reprieve. Meanwhile, her brain scrambled to process the double entendre hidden within his question.