*Ellie's POV*

The coffee shop is small and cozy, with warm lighting and the rich scent of freshly ground beans filling the air.

We settle into a corner booth. Xavier leans back in his seat, studying me with those intense golden eyes.

There's something different about his expressionnot the cool professionalism from the office or the focused intensity from training. This is something warmer, more personal.

"So," I begin, trying to ...