It was a peaceful place, the distinct sound of mugs being placed down occasionally broke the relentless sound of pages turning. The smell was a mix of ground coffee beans and the fresh smell of a new book. No one seemed to have spoken, and those who attempted to communicate were barely whispering.

The shop was that of an unusual sort, there was oak tables lying around with well cushioned arm chairs surrounding each and everyone. In the far corner was a small area which appeared to be a coffee shop. You’d have thought nothing different if it wasn’t for the relentless bookcases covering every inch of the walls from floor to ceiling, left to right. There was even the odd bookcases periodically spaced between the tables. This place had to be the dream for a bookworm. What would be a better place to indulge in a nice hot drink and read until your hearts content?

A young woman was eyeing up a selection of romance novels in a secluded area away from everyone else. Her petite hands swiftly guided along the spines of the books - somehow none of them had been broken or even hinted the sign of a crack.

Her attire appeared to be rather formal, for someone who was in a coffee shop, especially that of one full of novels, it seemed rather peculiar. Surely you’d go to that sort of place in loungewear and relish the peace in comfort. However, she had a green blazer was buttoned up around her front, covering the majority of the white turtleneck beneath it. Her bottom half sported, a black lacy pencil skirt which had barely covered her thighs and black heels which hugged her small feet. Her blonde hair was neatly tied back into a bun though, even with her face visible, her expression was unreadable.

Her hand wondered further up the shelves to a place her small height would barely allow her to reach. She paused in thought before pulling over a red chair and kicked off her heels. She took a deep breath in as her chest rised, stopping to undo her blazer. Swiftly, she slid her arms out and allowed it to fall on the back of the chair. It had seemed like this was something of a regular occurrence for her. Holding the back of the chair to steady herself, she pulled herself up. Her green eyes skimmed over the books just as quickly as her hand before they came to a halt and pulled down a copy of Romeo and Juliet.

Unfortunately the action wasn’t as smooth as she’d have liked. The chair beneath her rattled and the woman lost balance falling over the arm rest of the chair. Her eyes closed, bracing herself for the inevitable. Though it didn’t come…

Warm arms seemed to have caught her in an embrace, her eyes fluttered open to see a man, who was probably in his early thirties. The woman was taken a back by this. Her eyes looked deeply into his. A mug was put down on a table near them, pulling her back into reality.

“Sorry,”

That’s all she said, it was barely even a mumble as she quickly pulled herself back to her feet.

The man smiled, his brown eyes were warm and welcoming. The warm feeling that radiated of this man, had already been a noticeable quality. He too was in a smart attire, his white shirt sleeves were folded up just above his elbows, and black suit trousers were fitted tightly around his muscular legs.

“Sam, Samuel Cunningham.”

The man held out his hand for the lady.

“Grace,”

She replied taking his hand in hers.

“Just Grace?”

He asked, the corners of his mouth turned upwards.

The woman nodded in awe repeating what he’d said, “Just Grace.”

“Well, just Grace, how about I get you that book and a coffee?”

The woman blushed, her cheeks turned a pinkish tone.

“No, it’s fine but thank you Mister Cunningham.”

“I really don’t mind, if you have the time, I’d love to buy you a drink, Just Grace.”

Grace blushed, realising what he’d just said.

“It’s Grace, Grace Henderson.”

Samuel chuckled at her, nodding.

“I did assume you did have a surname Miss Henderson, though if Grace is what you wish to be called then Just Grace it is.”

It wasn’t long before they were both sitting down, sipping coffee.

“So is romance your favourite genre?”

Samuel asked, breaking the silence.

Grace nodded, swallowing the coffee in her mouth.

“Why romance?”

He asked, his eyes met hers once again as she looked up from the drink in her hands.

Grace shrugged, her lips parted as if she was going to say something but she paused, closing them before reopening them to speak,

“I just always imagined one of them meet cute moments, though that sort of thing only happens in novels or movies.”

Samuel smiled at her,

“Maybe it did just happen.”