Unbroken (Vantage Security #1)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

The scent of freshly ground coffee filled the air, and just the thought of caffeine had Aiden’s body tingling with anticipation. Unfortunately, he wasn’t the only person in need of a morning pick-me-up, and a line of customers stretched through the small shop ahead of him.

He glanced at his phone and let out a quiet sigh.

It was only a little after eleven, but he felt like he’d already lived an entire day.

Between several active cases and late nights, sleep had been in short supply lately.

He needed all the help he could get staying awake, which was why he’d made a detour to the coffee shop.

He’d already had a cup first thing that morning after his workout, but apparently, one wasn’t going to cut it.

Aiden didn’t make it to this side of town often, but the FBI was wrapping up a case a couple of blocks away, and the Starbucks across the street was closed for repairs after a broken pipe. A quick Google search had led him here, and at this point, caffeine was caffeine.

He mentally ran through the endless list of things waiting for him today, responding to emails as the line slowly dwindled. Finally, he stepped up to the counter, ready to order.

Then he looked up.

And forgot what he was about to say.

A pair of eyes the color of a cloudless sky met his. Framed by impossibly long lashes, they held him captive for a moment, and he felt his thoughts scatter. They were the brightest blue he’d ever seen, filled with warmth and intelligence, and he found himself drawn in before he could stop it.

“What can I get for you?”

Embarrassment washed over him when he realized she’d caught him staring. His shoulders tightened.

Seriously? What was wrong with him?

He cleared his throat. “Just a large coffee, please. Black. No sugar.”

“Sure thing.”

She tapped the screen a few times, then looked back up at him with a smile that revealed a row of bright white teeth. The expression transformed her face, making those blue eyes seem even brighter.

“That’ll be $4.27, please.”

He handed over his credit card, watching as she swiped it through the machine and handed it back. While she waited for the receipt to print, she poured his coffee into a travel cup.

“Haven’t seen you here before.”

“Uh… no.” Her comment caught him off guard. “This is my first time.”

She smiled as she handed him the cup. “I thought so. We’re kind of off the beaten path, so we mostly get regulars.”

A faint dusting of freckles he hadn’t noticed before crossed the bridge of her nose and the tops of her cheeks. Her blonde hair was pulled back, highlighting her heart-shaped face and full lips. They looked soft and sweet, and they seemed to naturally curve into a smile.

He liked that.

Would it be too forward to ask her out?

Probably.

She was younger than the women he usually dated, maybe in her early twenties, and he wasn't sure if the difference mattered. But the bigger question was why he was even considering asking out someone he'd known for less than five minutes.

He mentally shook his head.

What was going on with him today?

Though Aiden couldn’t explain why, he felt drawn to her. She was beautiful, but it was more than that. Something about her caught his attention in a way no woman ever had before.

He wanted to see her again.

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.