Page 2 of Unbroken

Wanted to know if this feeling was real or just a strange, fleeting moment that would disappear as quickly as it had arrived.

He became acutely aware of the customers waiting behind him as she printed his receipt and handed it over.

“Maybe I’ll stop by tomorrow.”

He almost cringed at the hopeful note in his voice.

Smooth, Aiden. Really smooth.

He cleared his throat. “You know, if I’m still in the area.”

Her blue eyes crinkled at the corners as she looked up at him.

“Then maybe I’ll see you tomorrow, stranger.”

“Aiden.” He held her gaze, unable to make himself leave just yet. “Aiden Taylor.”

“I’m Maya.”

A bashful smile touched her lips, and a hint of pink colored her cheeks.

There was no maybe about it.

Aiden knew he’d be back tomorrow.

CHAPTER

TWO

The pungent scent of used coffee grounds rose into the air as Maya cleaned the machine and got ready to close up for the night. Behind her, Maya’s coworker, Danielle, helped the final customer cash out, then locked up behind him.

Dani joined her and let out a little groan as she slumped against the bar. “Ugh. I feel like this was the longest day ever.”

Maya offered a little smile. “I know. My feet are killing me.” She shifted on the anti-fatigue mats that lined the floor behind the bar. “I'm just ready to go home and crawl into bed.”

“Me too. Are you ready for finals?”

Maya rolled her eyes as she wiped down the machine. “Hardly. Whitaker is brutal.”

“I know, right?” Dani commiserated. “I’m so over it already. I can’t wait to be done.”

Thankfully, she only had a couple more weeks before she was free. She and Dani were in the same microbiology class, and the stodgy old professor was a giant pain in the butt. “I'll be so glad when this semester is over.”

“Have you found an internship yet?”

Maya shook her head. “I've put in some applications, but I haven't heard anything back yet.”

“Me either.”

The directors at the school were supposed to help with job placement, but with the job market the way it was, finding something was proving extremely competitive.

“I'll probably have to move out of state,” Dani lamented.

Honestly, the idea of moving out of state didn’t sound half bad. “Do what you have to do, right?” She shrugged.

“I know, but then I've got Ryan to think about…”

She trailed off, and Maya threw a look her way. “How are you guys doing?”