Page 3 of Naughty & Nice

Opening the oven door, I lean in, taking a deep inhale as the rich aroma of chocolate pound cake wafts into the bakery. “Oh, these smell divine. I can’t wait to get my hands on them.” I slide the cakes onto the counter to rest briefly before placing them in the chiller to prepare for decorating. Now back to the task at hand. I need about twenty more little white fondant roses for this birthday cake.

“Between the luscious cake, the buttery icing, and your talented decorations, I expect those will sell out in no time.” Alden winks.

I’ve never been as thankful as the day I strolled past this bakery and caught the help-wanted sign in the window. Initially, I was simply looking for a part-time job to learn from the ground up. But instead, I received so much more. Alden owns Honey Bunz and has become like a second big brother to me. In his early forties, he’s a striking silver fox. But he only has eyes for Cece. Oh, how I yearn for a relationship like theirs one day.

“That cake’s going to knock Mrs. Robinson’s socks off, Addison.”

“Hopefully, it’ll make up for practically getting her rooster killed while she was gone.”

“Addy, I told you to let Cece take on that job. She’s used to Purdy. That crazy bird. He’s forever trying to get out. If he weren’t so important to Mildred, I’d let the thing go instead of chasing him down each time he escapes the coop.”

“You’d lose out on some great eggs if you upset Mildred.” I giggle. “He’s her pride and joy.”

“You’re right. Damn bird.”

When I accepted the job of caring for Mrs. Robinson’s farm while she was away, I honestly had no idea what I was in for. I thought I just needed to throw some feed to her prized birds and get water for the animals. I had no idea I was in for a daily episode of Prison Break.

Placing a carefully constructed floral confection on the top of the two-tier cake, I stand back to get a better look.

“Addison. Your cakes belong on the cover of a magazine.”

“Thank you.” I beam. “It turned out pretty well, didn’t it?”

“Addy. You don’t give yourself enough credit. You can’t teach the intricate skills you have. Are you sure you aren’t interested in starting your own business one day?”

“Nah. I don’t need that kind of stress in my life. I’m happy to focus on the sugar and let you manage the spreadsheets.” I force a laugh.

Truth be told, I’d love to have my own little cake and cupcake shop. Yet, I have to acknowledge my limitations. I’m not good with numbers. That, combined with my frequent out-of-town travels for modeling shoots, means my current situation would have to be enough.

“Speaking of magazine covers. I’ve got to head out of town for a few days next week. I have a modeling Go-See. It’s for a new clothing store in Washington D.C. that just opened. I’m usually not that excited about them, but this one is pretty high dollar.”

“Whatever you need, Addy. We’ll make it work.” Alden squeezes me against his side.

“Hey!” I yell, noticing the giant white handprint he’s left on my upper arm from the icing he’s covered in. Ducking quickly from beneath his firm grip, I avoid the other hand that’s headed for my boob.

“Just trying to keep you sweet, sassy thing.” He chuckles.

Our playful teasing is interrupted when the door chimes, signaling the entrance of a customer. I see Jason and Matthew entering the bakery, fully dressed in their turnout gear.

“Did you guys just come straight from a fire?” I laugh.

“Training day,” Jason corrects. “But we have a new guy joining the station. Dave’s making dinner, so we decided to pick up some dessert.”

“Oh, that’s great. What’s he look like?” I ask, leaning onto the counter with my chin in my hands. Now my face will probably match my arm.

“Like a firefighter.”

“You’re no fun.” I giggle.

“Well, you know what we look like. Isn’t that good enough for ya?” Matt teases, flexing his arm, demonstrating his physique.

“That’s different. You guys are all like brothers,” I add.

“How ’bout stepbrothers?” Jason prods, waggling his dark brows.

“Okay, guys. So, what were you thinking for the recruit?” Alden interrupts.

“What smells so chocolaty?” Matt asks, scanning the countertop.

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