Espresso in The Rain

Noah Kim, a second-year engineering student, has little time for distractions. His world is filled with late-night study sessions, caffeine-fueled deadlines, and the constant pressure of excelling in his rigorous program. But everything changes when he stumbles—literally—into The Roasted Haven, a cozy coffee shop near his university, and meets its enigmatic owner, Elias Carter. Elias, a 30-year-old former corporate worker turned café owner, is everything Noah isn’t—calm, composed, and hiding a mysterious past behind his charming smirk. Drawn into Elias's world of rich espresso, rainy evenings, and stolen glances, Noah finds himself coming back to the café for reasons beyond coffee. As their flirtation deepens into a passionate affair, Noah struggles with his growing emotions and the looming question of what Elias is hiding. When secrets from Elias’s past threaten to tear them apart, Noah must decide—will he walk away, or will he risk everything for the man who has become his greatest temptation? -------------- Excerpt: Noah didn’t know how he ended up in Elias’s apartment above the café, but the heat between them was undeniable. The scent of roasted coffee lingered in the air, mixing with the musk of Elias’s cologne as he pressed Noah against the wooden counter. "You keep coming back," Elias murmured, his fingers tracing Noah’s jaw. Noah swallowed, his heart hammering. "Maybe I like the coffee." Elias chuckled, his breath warm against Noah’s lips. "Liar." And then their mouths crashed together—hot, needy, desperate. Noah gasped as Elias’s hands slid under his hoodie, fingertips skimming the bare skin beneath. Every nerve in his body ignited as Elias lifted him onto the counter, positioning himself between Noah’s legs. "Tell me what you want," Elias whispered, voice low and teasing. Noah shivered. "You." Elias smirked. "Then hold on tight, baby." ------