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Oh, dear. He wanted to turn the conversation in that direction. No, thanks. Not today. She wanted to enjoy today.
“None.” Then she popped the piece of waffle into her mouth and chewed as she tried to display a smile.
Yeah, it looked completely cheesy and fake, but she couldn’t stop even as her brain said to knock it off.
“Well, since it’s been decided I’m the official cake maker, I have an idea for the cake.”
“Eek! Tell me. I’m so excited. This is going to be the best birthday party ever.”
“They’ll be surprised, that’s for sure.”
She laid a hand on his shoulder. “It’s going to be great. They’ll get over it pretty quickly, I promise. So, tell me? I need to know.”
“Okay, I know you said let’s do a cake, but I think we should do cupcakes. I can shape them together to look like a cake, but it’d be easier and better for a party. This way no one has to worry about cutting and who gets what size and all that crap. I say we do a baseball theme. Both Gabby and Dane love baseball. Huge fanatics.”
“Understatement.”
Jaxson laughed along with her.
Gabby could be loud—and ridiculous—when her team was winning, but Dane wasn’t too far behind her. Since she got him to relax and not work as much, his attention toward the things he loved had strengthened. It could get very loud at The Corner Bar on the weekends when the game was on.
“What do you think about the cupcake cake idea? I’ll make it look a baseball field with the diamond and outfield, and some decorated like baseballs itself.”
“A cupcake cake. You are full of surprises. You have cake decorating bags and all those materials?”
He inhaled a deep breath and let it out with a chuckle. “I do.”
She bit her bottom lip as a huge grin emerged. “An apron?”
“I don’t, actually. And don’t go into the kitchen yet either. I’m not the cleanest cook. But I’ll pick up my mess.”
She glanced at his shirt, noticing for the first time the lingering remnants scattered around with what could only be flour. Well, he might not own an apron, but that was about to change because she needed to fulfill her fantasy she created in her mind.
“Okay, so let’s do a mixture of white and chocolate.”
He nodded. “And some red velvet. Gabby’s favorite.”
“How could I forget that?” She rolled her eyes at her idiocy. Then she snapped her fingers, an idea springing to her mind. “I have the perfect surprise for them. They’ll love it.”
“I’m all ears.”
She grabbed him by the front of the shirt, the excitement filling her veins. “I happen to know an actress on the current production I’m working on that is dating the star center fielder for New York. I bet if I ask her nicely, she’d come to the party and bring her boyfriend.”
“Wow.” Envy filled his eyes. “I’m going to need my own autograph. This is gonna be an epic party.”
Then he leaned in and kissed her, his tongue darting across her lips to wipe a bit of syrup off. “I love you, Mia.”
Since she was afraid to voice those three little words, although she had already said it once, she deepened the kiss, telling him with her lips how much she loved him in return.
12
He set the box of cookies he and Mia made last night on the side of Gabby’s desk, then took his seat. They had an amazing day yesterday shopping for party decoration ideas. Mia wasn’t ready to commit on the actual items yet, but they made lists of everything they’d need. After all that took place, they ended up at his apartment where she insisted he bake her something. He couldn’t resist her sweet smile and the excitement in her tone. So, he made some chocolate chip cookies. Something simple and easy.
He’d didn’t want to pull out the big guns yet and show her his spectacular skills all at once. He’d sprinkle it here and there and wow her until she couldn’t say no or back out of their relationship for any reason. Because although the day went well, with lots of laughter and fun, he still sensed her hesitation. Even saw her nervousness a few times, as if she were on the verge of calling it quits in the middle of the store.
Turning his computer on, he waited impatiently for Gabby to say something. A quick ‘thank you for the treat.’ ‘Hi, how are you?’ ‘I’m still pissed.’ Anything would do at this point. Because he didn’t think he’d be able to go through the silent treatment all day today. He had to suffer through it two days ago. Yesterday, too, if he wanted to count it, which he would. He texted her—after calling the captain—that he wouldn’t be in for the day. He had asked the captain for a personal day. The captain didn’t ask why, and he didn’t offer a reason. Not even Gabby asked why. She didn’t say a word. Just complete silence.
Despite having a wonderful day with Mia, they never talked about their relationship and whether they’d tell their friends yet. He should’ve. He really should’ve, if Gabby’s continued silent treatment was any indication. Except he’d been afraid it would push Mia away, the exact opposite of what he wanted.
