Page 12 of Sweet Rucking Temptation
"...and that's how I ended up covered head to toe in cocoa powder on my first day of culinary school," Liv finishes, giggling.
I lean in, grinning. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, I once tackled the wrong player during my first professional match. Turns out, those jerseys all look mighty similar when you're running full tilt."
Liv throws her head back, laughing. "Oh no! What did your coach do?"
"Let's just say I ran a lot of extra laps that week," I reply, winking.
As our coffee arrives, I marvel at how easy this feels. The nerves from earlier have vanished, replaced by a warm, comfortable buzz. It's like we've known each other for years, not days.
"So, Elliott," Liv says, her tone turning playful, "I have to ask – what possessed you to buy out my entire pastry case earlier this week?"
The heat of a blush creeps up my neck. "Ah, well, you see..." Damn, I never feel this sheepish. I have to clear my throat to shake off the feeling. "I suppose I wanted an excuse to see you again. And to share a bit of your incredible baking with my teammates."
Liv's eyes soften. "That's actually quite sweet. Though next time, you don’t have to go through all that trouble."
As I meet her warm brown eyes over my coffee cup, I know this is just the beginning of something special.
"Come on," I say, standing up and offering my hand to Liv. "Let's explore a bit. I hear Ponsonby's got some hidden gems."
Liv's eyes light up as she takes my hand. "Oh, you have no idea. I know just the place!"
We weave through the bustling main street, Liv leading the way with a mischievous grin. She tugs me down a narrow alleyway I've passed a hundred times but never noticed. The brick walls are adorned with vibrant street art, splashes of color bringing life to the shadowy passage.
"I can't believe I've never seen this before." I trace my fingers along a painted peacock.
Liv laughs, the sound echoing off the walls. "That's the magic of Ponsonby. Always something new to discover."
We emerge into a sun-dappled courtyard, fairy lights strung between potted olive trees. A small fountain burbles in the center, its gentle music mingling with the distant hum of the main road.
"It's like a secret garden," I breathe.
Liv nods, her eyes sparkling. "I come here sometimes when I need a break from the bakery chaos. It's my little slice of peace."
We settle onto a wrought-iron bench, our shoulders brushing, and I feel a surge of warmth that has nothing to do with the afternoon sun.
"So, farm boy," Liv says, bumping my shoulder playfully. "Tell me about life in Canterbury. I bet it's a far cry from my cramped Italian kitchen growing up."
I chuckle, thinking back to my childhood. "Oh, you have no idea. Picture endless green hills, more sheep than people, andme, running barefoot through it all, pretending I was already a rugby star."
"Barefoot?" Liv's eyebrows shoot up.
"Builds character," I say with a wink. "And calluses. Lots of calluses."
As we trade stories – her tales of flour-covered kitchen adventures with her Nonna, my mishaps learning to shear sheep – I am captivated not just by her words, but by the way her hands dance as she speaks, the little crinkle at the corner of her eyes when she laughs.
"You know," I say, a thought occurring to me, "I reckon my mum would love your baking. She's always said city folk don't know how to make a proper cake."
Liv's eyes narrow playfully. "Is that a challenge, Mr. Snow?"
I hold up my hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I'm just the messenger. But if you're offering to prove her wrong, I certainly wouldn't say no to being the taste-tester."
Liv launches into a passionate defense of her cake-making abilities, complete with dramatic hand gestures, and it’s the most natural thing in the world to watch her, to be with her. We’re like two puzzle pieces finally clicking into place.
The sun dips lower on the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking array of oranges and pinks. I gently touch Liv's arm, interrupting her animated description of the perfect cake texture.
"Hey," I say softly, nodding towards the harbor. "I know a spot where we can catch the sunset. What do you say?"
Liv's eyes light up. "Lead the way, Iceman."
