Chapter 2

18.9K 1.1K 112
                                    

The bakery's stainless steel kitchen has an island-style layout where all the food preparation for the shop is completed in the center while the perimeter is used for baking, storage, and cleaning.

They say a kitchen can make or break a bakery, so that was where I invested most of my energy and time. I spent months looking for the best brand new and secondhand equipment deals, sat down with a couple of interior designs to plan the perfect space, and was committed to creating a functional place where I could get lost inside for hours.

So, when I hear Thomas whistle as we enter my sanctuary, a sense of pride washes over me. "Wow! You got a really nice place here," he says.

"Thanks. Here." I pull a chair for him to sit before I gather all the ingredients I'll need. Since I'm baking just a few cupcakes, there is no need to break out the mixer, so I'll make them the way I love the most, by hand.

One of the secrets for a perfect cupcake is to get one bowl for dry ingredients and another one for wet ingredients, and then gently mix the two together. I've lost count of how many times I've done this in my life, so when I see my hands are shaking a little as I measure the flour, I realize how nervous I am around this guy. Thomas seems like a genuine guy trying to do something nice for his sister, who I've chatted with countless times before, so logically I know it's all good.The issue is my brain has a hard time thinking logically sometimes.

What the hell happened to me? I used to flirt and enjoy a cute guy's company as much as the next girl. Now look at me shaking and worried this guy is a creep or a threat.

"Are you sure you're okay? I kind of feel bad now that you're actually here doing it for me..." Thomas says, and I close my eyes for a second.

"Yeah... Uh... sure..." I head to the coffee machine to brew us some coffee. Maybe a good dose of caffeine will sober me up. He's just a customer, and I've learned my way around them a long time ago: be friendly, smile when appropriate, and engage in ordinary conversations.

"Is there something I can do to help?" he asks, and it puts me at ease a little. As I said, he's just a guy trying to do something nice for his sister - I remind my subconscious.

"You said you wanted to watch..." I say as I start measuring the ingredients.

"Hmmm... actually, I think you offered," he says, making me turn my attention to him just in time to see a full smile on his lips.

And damn... Not fair. Not fair at all... How is this guy so handsome without even trying?

And why can't I stop noticing how good-looking he is?

"You'll know when I'm offering, dude!" I make sure my tone is light, but that my eyes are telling him I'm not joking.

"Good to know."

"Do you always have a comeback?" I hear myself chuckling at the humor in his voice.

"I could ask you the same." He grins like I'm amusing him, but I just shake my head.

The beep of the coffee machine tells me the coffee is ready, so I fill us two cups. "Here." I offer him one.

"Oh, thanks... Uh... Isn't it a bit late to be drinking coffee?" He looks at his watch as I place some cream and sugar in front of him.

"Never too late for a good cup of coffee." I take a sip of mine, the liquid bitterness bringing me some much-needed dopamine before I keep going, "Also, I need to sober up if I want to bake her cupcakes right."

His eyes widen, and I hide my smile behind my cup. "You're drunk?" He chuckles, his eyes a mixture of curiosity and amusement.

"Maybe."

Sweet Spot (New Beginnings - Book 2)Where stories live. Discover now