I studied them then pointed to one made of daisies.
"Good choice. Next up, cake."
As she explained the different flavors to us, I whispered to Tolliver, "I didn't mean it. Your head is proportional to your body."
"Too late for apologies, Kent," he said.
"You can't really be upset."
He shrugged, avoiding my eyes.
"Tolliver."
"Eh, you know how fragile the male ego can be."
I studied his face. "I'll give you extra cake if you forgive me."
"Deal," he said.
Well, that was easy.
"But I also want something else."
"What?" I asked.
"I'll let you know when I decide."
I blinked as Stacia handed me a small plate. There was a square of cake on top, three layers with white frosting. She and Tolliver had theirs as well. It looked and tasted delicious, almond cake with cream cheese filling. But my mind was still stuck on his words.
"Maybe you could let me know now," I said.
Tolliver stopped with his fork halfway to his lips and arched a brow. "I haven't had time to think yet."
"How much time do you need?"
"Not sure."
"I hate not knowing, Stone."
"Well, I hate to be rushed."
His lips twitched as I frowned.
Oblivious of our standoff, Stacia smiled and said, "So, what do we think of the almond?"
"It's very tasty" I mumbled.
"The nutty flavor really comes through," Tolliver said.
"I like it too," Stacia said, nodding to another box on the table. "This would be a good option, but people might be allergic. Just in case, let's keep tasting."
Trying not to overthink my owing Tolliver something and what he might ask of me, I ate a forkful of the fluffiest, most velvety chocolate cake I'd ever eaten.
"Oh my," I breathed, trying not to moan as my eyes slid shut.
"Right?" Stacia said.
"So good."
