Affogato Cookie X Caramel Arrow Cookie Novels & Stories

Maybe caramel. I crossed the street and stepped into a small café on the corner. It wasn’t one of those fancy places with neon lights and overpriced croissants, but it smelled like heaven. Coffee beans, cinnamon, and fresh pastries. Exactly what I needed. The barista at the counter gave me a kind smile. “Morning! What can I get you?” I leaned on the counter. “Do you believe in fate?” She blinked. “Uh… sure?” “Well, fate keeps stealing my coffee, so today I need one that’s strong enough to fight back. Triple shot latte. Caramel. Two sugars. Please.”

He called after her. She walked into the kitchen to get it. When she came back Marco had finished the treat. “Just like my mother used to make.” He grinned sipping coffee. “I’m glad you like it. What other recipes can I try.” Marco cleared his throat. “So many. There’s Torta Caprese,Cannoli-“ He coughed again. “Do you want some water?” Eleni asked. "No I'm fine. Another favorite of mine is Cassata Siciliana…”

I returned the gesture and replied; “An iced latte, please.” “Alright. Your order will be ready in a few minutes. Would you like any snack to go with that?” “Oh, you have snacks? What’s on the menu?” I gasped, squealing excitedly. Ariel tapped the electronic screen with a bright red nail, her expression softening even further at my joyful one. “We have an array of croissants with different flavors and fillings. There’s also the pies, apple, pumpkin, coconut….um…there’s also the cakes; ice cream cakes are also included. Also, since you’re a first-time customer, company policy demands that your first two pastries be on the house, especially if you pick th triple chocolate brownie.”

Anything and everything caramel. “I made it just for Luna,” Helga, one of our lead cooks, said with a wink. “She’ll love it. Thanks,” I told her. I set the food down in front of us and took a seat next to my mate. Her eyes went wide when she saw the white chocolate mocha that was made just for her. It even had caramel drizzle on top. “Helga made it just for you,” I told her. “I love Helga so fucking much,” she declared.

“Just a faint hint of sweetness. We kept it low on sugar.” Sia’s attention was then captured by another loaf that seemed to call her name. She pointed at it as excitement twinkled in her eyes. “And this one? It looks like it is going to steal my heart.” Anne chuckled. “Oh, that is our chocolate, coffee, hazelnut, and walnut creation. A little indulgent but still wholesome.” Sia’s enthusiasm bubbled over. “Can I take a small bite?” Anne laughed, already reaching for a knife. “Of course! Abella mentioned you might like this one.” She sliced off a piece and handed it to Sia, who took it eagerly.

I have had these cookies before, but this time is like a whole new experience. “Yum. It picks up the caramel in my coffee,” I admit. Damien then shares his drink with me, and I dunk the cookie again. Taking a bite, I notice Lola watching my every move. “Not as good, Damien. You never use sugar, yet you like sweets,” I say, pointing out the irony. “The cookie is what makes the coffee sweet.” He replies like it’s common knowledge, and Lola nods in agreement. “Want to try my hot chocolate? I think it makes the cookie taste like pudding,” she asks shyly.

Same with his dark, good looks. I swallow down a final bite of tartufo. It's absolutely divine—an ice cream bombe with multiple layers including a molten chocolate sauce core wrapped in hazelnut gelato and liberally dusted in bitter cocoa powder. Setting my fork down, I moan in appreciation. "That is hands-down the best dessert I've ever had in my life," I declare. Something darkens in Luca's gaze and then he reaches over and swipes a finger across the corner of my mouth.

“Just so you know, this is the first time for me too.” I grin. “Yet I’m still surprised. You seem like an expert.” “Asking for advice doesn’t hurt.” He shrugs. “Let me guess. Ollie?” “He’s the real expert,” he admits, laughing. “Are you hungry?” “Starving.” Another attendant approaches our table and carefully opens the lid of the silver food tray, and a smoky scent fills the air. I recognized the dish immediately. A platter of Ragù with Creamy Polenta, and on the other side is an affogato—a coffee-based ice cream dessert. My tongue salivates at the scent and the presentation alone.

Ethan said, his tone suggesting this development was more surprising than pleasing. Then came the Caramel Mocha Swirl. Rich, sweet, with just enough bitterness from the espresso. Aria closed her eyes briefly as the flavors developed on her tongue, appreciating the way the bitter edge of coffee balanced the sweetness of the caramel. "Now this," she murmured, "is what celebration should taste like." "This isn't dessert—it's a meal disguised as cake. By the time people have gotten through dinner and speeches, they won't want something this intense." Ethan said.

m. "Good morning! What can I get started for you?" I arch a brow. "A venti iced caramel macchiato, double shot, oat milk. Extra caramel drizzle. Like, drown me in it. I'm barely holding it together." His fingers pause over the screen, lips twitching like he's fighting to keep a straight face. Poor thing. Work policy, I get it... but if he wants to laugh, he should just let it out. I'm not liable for snorts.