No Strings Attached

Chapter Five

“It’s ok, I’m only kidding. You’re not the first person who tells me that. Technically I’m not a full-time baker. Go on, try the cheese chiffon cake. I’m sure you’ll love it.”

Jennie cut a small corner of the cake and placed it in her mouth. The fragrant cake tasted like heaven. It was light and not overly cheesy. The taste was just nice, not too sweet either.

“It’s delicious! I’ve never tasted such a light cheesecake before. I don’t feel like I’ve put on a kilo after eating it,” Jennie exclaimed, her eyebrows rising in delight.

Lisa laughed. “That’s why this cake is so popular, especially among the ladies. You wouldn’t feel sick of eating it since the cheese taste is not overpowering.”

Jennie took a sip of the iced coffee. She hadn’t felt so relaxed in a long while. It was a welcome relief to her stressful week at work.

“Try this mango tart, it will give you the sugar rush you need and boost your mood.” Lisa picked up the tart and held it in front of Jennie.

Jennie took it from Lisa’s hand, lightly brushing against the back of her hand. The touch of Jennie’s smooth palm sent an electric jolt down Lisa’s body. Jennie smirked when she caught Lisa trying to gawk at her discreetly. The latter had obviously failed. Lisa had her mouth open and her ears were turning redder by the minute. Seizing the opportunity to tease, she deliberately took a small bite of tart very slowly, licking her lips as she swallowed it.

Lisa gulped as she watched Jennie eating the tart slowly and using her tongue to clean off the excess cream off her lips in a slow and deliberate manner. The air felt thin and Lisa had problems breathing normally. She grabbed the glass of iced coffee from the table and drank a mouthful of it to calm her nerves.

“So, you’re a project manager?” Lisa asked, hoping the new conversation topic would divert her attention away from the way Jennie was enjoying the tart.

“Yes, kind of. My speciality is in digital marketing so all things related to website and social media fall under my care. By the way, this tart is lovely. Thank you for your recommendation,” Jennie smiled as she used a napkin to wipe her mouth nonchalantly. She knew she had Lisa’s attention.

“Good things are worth sharing. Would you like another one?” Lisa asked. However, in the next instant, she mentally slapped herself for asking such a question as it could mean a repeat of the earlier scene.

Thankfully, Jenni declined. “You mentioned that being a baker is not your full time job, so what is?”

“I teach at the Seoul Culinary Academy, specialising in desserts and pastries. On and off, I write food reviews for the local newspapers and magazines.”

“You’re such a busy person. Tell me, how do you maintain such a slim figure if you get to savour all the mouthwatering cuisines?” Jennie asked as she reached out to touch Lisa’s hand.

Lisa didn’t move her hand away despite feeling the cold hand on hers.

“Ermm, blessed with good genes? Actually I don’t normally finish a full meal. Just sample the highlights of the dish.”

“Ah, lucky you,” Jennie said, leaning back onto the couch and crossing her legs. The soft material of her dress rode up her leg, revealing her toned thighs. She casually adjusted her dress before looking straight back at Lisa, who by now was staring at her with her eyes as round as dinner plates.

Lisa had to think of another topic soon in order to distract herself from thinking about Jennie’s legs.

“You’re good at web design?” Lisa randomly asked.

“I can do simple web designs,” Jennie replied.

Ah, this is a good opportunity for me to get close to her. Lisa thought to herself.

“Actually, I do have a request. I’m a part owner of a small café and my partners have been telling me that we ought to do a website so that more people can get to know about our café. We’re currently renovating the café and are targeting to open within a month’s time.”

“Oh, your partners are absolutely right! A website is important to help generate publicity about your products and gives people a chance to know more about what you’re selling too. Through social media, you can also drive traffic to your website and some of these are free. Hmm…I’ll design your website and help you set up a Facebook page. It’s also important to ensure that your website is optimised for search so that potential customers can look for your website easily,” Jennie was gesturing animatedly as she listed the ideas for Lisa’s website.

“Okay, I’m lost. Name me your price,” Lisa said firmly.

“Just for you, I’ll do it for free, but on one condition. My charges would be in exchange for the delicious cakes and tarts you bake. Do we have a deal?” Jennie said with a wink.

“Oh, erh, ya, sure!” Lisa stuttered, surprised at Jennie’s only condition.

“I’m free tomorrow afternoon, your place or mine?”

“What?” Lisa asked, surprised at Jennie’s straight forwardness.

“I meant, we can meet up to discuss the structure of the website. Would you like to do it at your hotel or mine? It would be easier if we have an internet connection,” Jennie explained, trying not to giggle at Lisa’s reaction.

Lisa’s cheeks darkened to a shade of red. For a moment, she thought she had misunderstood Jennie’s question. “Your hotel then. Mine doesn’t have wifi and yours is probably more comfy than mine.”

After they’ve finished up their cakes, they made their way back to their respective hotels.

Now I have a reason to meet her more often. Lisa thought to herself while in the taxi.

Meanwhile, Jennie was humming a tune during her taxi ride. She was pleased Lisa didn’t reject her advances so far. Now she had something to do to occupy her time since Yuki was busy with her drama.

“Had a good time tonight?” the taxi driver asked, looking at the bright smile on Jennie’s face through his rear view mirror.

Jennie let out a small laugh, “Yes, a very good time.”