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After hitting up the candy store, leaving with more than just caramel popcorn and M&M’s, we headed over to Grind and Perk, the coffee shop that Carson insisted on calling Grind and Twerk.
“I’ll have a salted caramel latte, please.”
Carson was treating me since I paid for the candy and nuts. I loved the freedom of being able to pop a kiss on his lips to thank him, something that I wanted to do the last time we were here asjust friends.
“Come on. Let’s head over to The Book Nook.”
I loved bookstores. All that shelved potential. An endless supply of creative possibilities. And the smell, of course—book paper and coffee—a heavenly combination.
We split up, going in separate directions. Carson drifted toward the paperbacks while I headed toward the cookbooks. Mary Berry’s new book just dropped, and I was dying to get my sticky little hands on it. Eventually, I found Carson, and we joined the back of the long line at the registers. He flipped through his book, completely engrossed. Out of curiosity, I peered over his shoulder, startling him when I spoke.
“You read?” I hadn’t meant to sound so skeptical or condescending.
“Yeah, Boytoy. I’m more than just a pretty face.” He smirked, showing off the good looks he referred to.
“I meant—never mind. What do you like to read?”
“Nothing. You know. Stuff.” He shrugged, piquing my curiosity further. I tugged on his hand to reveal the book cover.
“Rings Of Lust? You read romance?” I couldn’t have sounded more surprised if an elephant had appeared in line next to me.
“Sportsromance,” he clarified. “Gaysports romance.” He tried to look superior, but failed when he took it too far, glaring dramatically while lifting his chin. “It’s about Olympic gymnasts.”
“Let me guess, the entire team turns out to be gay?”
“I sure hope so!” His eyes twinkled with amusement.
“Huh. I didn’t take you for a romantic sap.”
“I can be romantic!” he huffed. “I mostly read it for jack-off material.”
I smiled knowingly. “Uh huh. Sure.” I studied the cover again. “Finn Dixon, huh? Maybe I’ll borrow it when you’re finished.” I wagged my eyebrows playfully.
“No problem, if you don’t mind the sticky splotches on the pages.” His grin was teasing. “What’d you get?”
I proudly showed off the thick hardcover cookbook with decadent cakes on the front.
“Figures. How many recipes for carrot cake do you need?”
I scoffed. “I’m not collecting recipes. It’s more about which frosting to use for best results with different techniques, tricks for using different decorator tips, substitutions for healthier recipes, things like that.” I laughed at his confused expression.
“If you say so, baker boy. As long as I get to taste your experiments, I think it’s great.” He winked, looking so flirty and sexy. I melted a little, suddenly eager to get back home. “Just so you know, this was a starter date. Our next one won’t be so tame.”
My eyes rounded in wonder as I recalled the last time he brought me to the mall. When he encouraged me to buy the sexy lip gloss and scandalous sequined crop-top. He’d promised to take me somewhere I could appropriately wear such an outfit. My lips parted, my breath shortening to soft puffs. Carson gripped my chin, his coarse thumb rubbing over my bottom lip, tugging it down.
“How about a night out at The Playground?”
“I can’t wait.” I’d never been to a gay nightclub before, but the idea of going with Carson, knowing I’d be safe, filled me with excitement.
As we headed out of the mall, we passed a kiosk set up in the middle of the hallway. The bakery cart had an adorable sign above it that read Sweeter By The Dozen. Of course, I had to stop. I never passed up an opportunity to snoop on others’ baked goods.
The cart was stocked full with cookies, brownies, brittles and barks, and cake pops, but it was the muffins that caught my eye. The tops were extra large with a swirly design baked into the bread. They were beautiful. Each was boxed individually in clear plastic, which showed off the filled center.
I had to ask, “How did you make these? They look absolutely scrumptious.”
“Thanks!” The guy, twenty-something and just as adorable as his pastries, smiled brightly. “I used a mold. The tops and bottoms were baked separately, and Igluedthem together with flavored homemade fillings to complement each variety. The blueberry muffin has a blueberry compote filling. The chocolate chip muffin has a homemade hazelnut chocolate cream filling. And the lemon zucchini muffin, my favorite, has a lemon cream ricotta filling. I’m thinking of adding a cranberry and peach muffin next week with a cranberry chutney filling.”
“That would taste amazing! I’ll take one of each, please.”
