Edible Espionage

by Shaunna Owens

  This isn’t such a bad gig, after all. His head zinged from the sugar rush. I need a gym or more of Sarah…

  Gavin slipped his fingers into the back pocket of his jeans to retrieve his smart phone. A quick swipe of the screen and the phone lit up. A tap of his thumb opened a new email document. He typed Crazy for Cake Treats in the subject line, filled the body with the rest of his notes, and hit send.

  ****

  “So…who’s the tall drink of water you were talking to earlier?” Fiona leaned on the kitchen counter after locking up for the night.

  “What?” Sarah shrugged off Fiona’s question as she slid a tray of chocolate chip cookies from the oven.

  “Ha. Don’t play coy with me. I saw you blush.” Fiona nibbled on the rest of the lemon bar in her hand.

  The rich aroma of melted chocolate and vanilla batter filled The Lab. The two had dubbed the Crazy for Cake kitchen “The Lab” when they’d first opened. The name fit. After all, Sarah enjoyed constantly experimenting with new recipes and techniques…some to triumphant success, others to epic failure.

  “I know we’re both tired, but we do need to discuss the competition at some point. I can’t compete solo.” Sarah was glad to change the subject.

  Fiona rubbed her temples. “Okay, let me talk with Jake and see what we can come up with. I know we need to compete to keep Crazy for Cake open.”

  “We really do.” Sarah nodded. As the returning champion of a national baking competition, Sarah needed to attend…and she wanted to be there. How would it look if she didn’t preserve her standing rank? Besides, the prize purse was the real motivation as Crazy for Cake, just over a year old, barely turned a profit. In order to survive, and grow, they needed the winnings.

  “You’re not off the hook…who’s the hottie?”

  “I don’t know who he is. I’ve seen him a couple of times around, but today’s the first time we spoke.” She shoveled the hot cookies onto a cooling rack and set the red oven mitts on the counter.

  “What’d you think?” Fiona stopped chewing her lemon bar and stared at her friend.

  “He seems nice enough. Said he is on a sabbatical. Not sure from what, though.” Sarah took one of the fresh cookies and blew on as she twisted off a piece. A string of chocolate bridged the gap between the two pieces until she set one in her mouth.

  “You don’t hear of many people on sabbatical these days…and, in Haven? Don’t people usually study something when they’re on one of those?”

  Sarah shrugged. “How would I know?” She looked at Fiona. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap.” Fiona’s normal wide eyes were dim with slight bags underneath them. Her blonde curls had been completely pulled up into a bun. The day had been long and Sarah knew her friend teetered on exhaustion—not only from the planning and execution of the party, but because of her recent transition to motherhood. “Why don’t you head home? I got this.”

  “No, no, I’ll stay. I just talked with Jake. Ella went down without a fuss.”

  Sarah arranged the oven mitts until they lay perfectly aligned. “So, why not go home and spend some time with your husband? Take a load off. Really, I got this.”

  “Are you sure, Sar? I don’t mind staying to help.”

  “And besides”—Sarah ignored the offer with a wave of her hand—“you aren’t even supposed to be back to work yet. Go take the rest of your maternity time.”

  Both women chuckled. While they’d discussed how they would manage after Ella’s arrival, they agreed maternity leave wasn’t exactly an option when you ran your own business. The two-person team would be one person too short when Fi left on break.

  “Hey…did you get the ad in the paper?” Sarah asked.

  “Yep. Not one call yet. But it’s early. This is the first run.” Fiona wrinkled her nose. “Maybe we shouldn’t waste the money on the ad. I can come up with a schedule with Jake, and we can both work part-time or something. That’s a perk of both of us owning our own businesses.”

  “Let’s run the ad for a couple of weeks. We’ve made our schedule work this far to cover the bakery and bills. If we don’t find someone soon, we’ll reevaluate our plan. I think you need this time at home, Fi.” As she walked past the counter, Sarah squeezed her friend’s shoulder.

  “Yeah, me too.” Fiona blew out a long sigh. “Well, I’m taking you up on your offer after all. I’m exhausted.”

  “Today was fantastic. Night, doll.” Sarah heard the deadbolt on the back door click.

  She gathered the pans and filled the left side of the stainless steel three-sink basin with hot water. She squirted dish soap and let the rising white bubbles mesmerize her for a second. While the sink filled, she wiped down the tables and counters in the front of the bakery. Next, she collected empty trays from the display case and headed back into The Lab.

  If we could sell out every day, then life would be grand. The only perishable item remaining? The fudge she’d hidden in the back of the fridge.

  Sarah opted to continue baking the easier items they carried, like cookies and quick bars, as she straightened. The mornings were manageable when she had her basic stock to start with. I have lots of baking to do. I’ll have to come in earlier to start the cinnamon rolls and breakfast sweets.

  Sarah grabbed a thick chunk of fudge, found a barstool, and took out her smart phone from her apron pocket, selecting her Classics playlist. She extended her feet on the newly cleaned counter, and tapped her foot to the stylings of Bon Jovi. Sarah sang along to the dreams of living on wishes and prayers.

  I love this place. Now, I can cross off “start a business” on my bucket list. The list held many items, but opening Crazy for Cake had definitely been at the top. How amazing would life be if my art and culinary creations were in shops all across the United States? Or better yet…the world? She couldn’t help hear a maniacal laugh as the playlist rolled forward and blasted from the speaker. With a raised eyebrow, she looked at the last tiny bite of fudge. Seriously, who doesn’t like chocolate?

  Chapter Two: Sweet and Deep

  Gavin pulled on his navy baseball cap and glanced in the foggy bathroom mirror. Dark denim, green T-shirt with designs running amuck in silver…a perfect combination for his targeted objective. Get the job. Lock it down. Move on.

  His first conversation with Sarah counted in the win column. The plan for today consisted of capitalizing on her flirtyness and progressing to step two. If he got shot down, which he doubted, he’d find another way in. He always did. He problem-solved. That’s who he was…the go-to guy. Challenging situations were a piece of cake.

  “Hi, Gavin.” A cheery Sarah called out as the chime sounded on the front door.

  The sweet smell of a morning done right filled the air—coffee mingled with the cinnamon aroma of breakfast rolls. He looked around at the empty tables and glanced at his watch. Where are all the customers? He hoped his presence wouldn’t be so obvious…his assumption of a bustling bakery in the morning had been wrong.

  He cleared his throat. “Morning.”

  “What sounds good to you this morning? Can I interest you in some coffee cake? Chocolate-free.” She beamed.

  “Coffee cake sounds great.” He returned her smile. “And a coffee. Large please.”

  “Here’s the cup. The station’s over there.” She pointed to his left.

  He followed her finger to the five large carafes lined up with jars of sugar, creamer, and other condiments on a wooden table parallel to the counter. “Thanks.” He took the cup. “Do you have a newspaper?”

  “We usually do. It comes out on Wednesdays, though. But I think I have one from last week…” She rummaged around behind the counter. “Around here somewhere.”

  “I’d like to see what goes on in Haven.” His gaze followed her every movement as she shuffled papers, down to her pony-tailed hair falling over her shoulder and caressing her cheek.

  She stood, put her hands on her hips, and did one more sweeping glance over the counter before disappearing thro
ugh a wooden swinging door.

  Gavin selected a Brazilian dark roast, skipping the add-ons, and waited.

  “Found one.” She reappeared, holding up the paper, her smile filling in her oval face.

  Sarah didn’t lack in the looks department. But, when he was the focus of her smiling attention, he couldn’t help himself from smiling back. Her eyes looked warm and inviting. Sexy full lips. His mind wandered a moment on her lips and how they would feel on his skin. Wait. This is work time, Arnold, not play time. He was there to do a job…only a job. His flirting and smiling all played into his end game. He’d be charming and lovable. His act was for them to believe, not him.

  Shaking his head, he glanced at the floor. “Glad I beat the morning rush,” he said, keeping a toothless smile on his face.

  As she organized the display cases with sugary goods, she let out a slight chuckle. “Yeah…whew…lucky you.”

  He picked up the paper from the counter and found a perch at a table with a colorful bouquet of flowers in a vase centerpiece. The mismatched chair he picked, adjacent to the counter, played to the homey feel of the place. Gavin possessed many skills, prime positioning had been an art form he’d perfected over the years. Never put your back to the door, make sure you can survey the area. He stole a glance in Sarah’s direction.

  In his seat, he unfolded the paper and pretended to be engrossed. The Haven Weekly contained all the news he’d expected from a small town…a goodwill piece on the local fishermen and their charity event…middle school and high school sports results…resident interviews on both sides of a heated bridge renovation project…and help wanted ads. Bingo. There it is…my way in. Man, I’m good. Gavin relaxed into his chair and smiled to himself. His plan was coming together perfectly. He held up the newspaper, peeking around the side to watch Sarah.

  She stood, arranging bright-frosted cookies for a counter top display.

  “What’ve you got there?”

  She looked up, eyes wide for a moment before her face warmed.

  “Something new I’m trying. Want one? I need a taste-tester.”

  “Your strawberry-lime cookie was good. I have to admit I was a little skeptical.” Gavin stood and met her at the counter, surveying the arrangement of bright green cookies.

  “Wimp,” she said followed by a wink.

  He raised an eyebrow. “Cautious.”

  “You don’t need to be cautious. My cookies are award winning.” She handed him the fresh cookie.

  “They are?” He played dumb, purposely brushing her palm a half second longer than needed.

  “Yup. There’s a national annual contest in Seattle, the Trio Trifecta. The competition is a pretty big deal. I entered last year for the first time.” She leaned back on the counter.

  “Trio Trifecta.” Gavin repeated as he ate the cookie which tasted of a rich apple cider. “Which cookie won?”

  “Three of them win, actually. You enter three cookies, hence the trio, and they taste them as a group. You’re looking at the first-place winner of the Trio Trifecta.” Her smile spread from ear to ear.

  “And they were…”

  “I entered the strawberry-lime, which you tasted, the raspberry-coconut, and apple-ginger.” As she spoke, she ticked her list off on her fingers.

  “Have any made?” He gave a quick nod to the kitchen.

  “No, we sold out yesterday, and I haven’t had time to make more. You got the last strawberry-lime. Next time I make a batch, I’ll save some for ya.”

  “Thanks.” He set one hand on the counter and the other on his hip.

  “No prob. I make them regularly and ship them all over the state. Even up to Canada once.” She puffed up her chest.

  “You’ve found one of your trio for next year. Not sure this one’s perfect for breakfast, but it’s really good. What’s the name of this cookie? Hmm…” Gavin popped the last bite in his mouth and tilted up his head. “Is that nutmeg?”

  “I call them apple cider cookies. And the spice is nutmeg. I’m going for sweet and deep.” She rested her elbows on the counter directly in from of him.

  Gavin choked on his cookie and coughed. “Excuse me?”

  She tossed her head back and laughed. “You heard me.” She gave him an innocent smile and batted her eye lashes. “What? It’s a thing. Sweet is the apple and the nutmeg is the deep. Ya know…levels of flavors.”

  “You don’t say.” He couldn’t help from chuckling.

  “I have my own shorthand.”

  “What other shorthand do you have?” The woman standing in front of him just became more interesting than the one he’d first laid eyes on. Suddenly, this assignment’s potential for fun grew tenfold.

  “Well…let’s see…there’s….simple, which is one flavor. Low is when the flavor is subtle…some people don’t like to be smacked in the face with flavor.”

  “Those people.” He shook his head in mock agreement.

  “Right?” She finished her cookie. “You have a talented palate. Most people confuse nutmeg for cinnamon when it’s paired with apple.”

  “I’m not most people.” He looked straight into her eyes, and a smile started to form. “I see from the classified ad you’re looking for temporary help. Any luck?” He kept his gaze firmly on hers. Part of him wanted to see her reaction to his intense stare, and the other part just couldn’t look away.

  “Nope.” She looked down and shook her head.

  “I haven’t been on sabbatical long, but I’m already a little bored. I could help out if you wanted.”

  Her head shot up and wide eyes stared. “Really?”

  “Sure.”

  “Oh, that would be great.” She squealed and clapped her hands.

  Before he knew it, he spotted her rounding the counter to stand in front of him then flung her arms around his neck.

  She squeezed hard and repeated the words thank you over and over. Without warning, she broke her hold, looked at him with her lagoon-colored eyes, and kissed him. She planted her lips right on his.

  Not a long and needy kiss, instead a heartfelt and appreciative one…lingering long enough for his entire body to sense her.

  “You’re a life saver.” She backed up, still grinning and studying his face, and roamed her hands over his shoulders. “Fiona just had a baby girl, and I could really use the help.”

  Again, he cleared his throat. “I wouldn’t go that far.” He took a step back. She just kissed me. Do people go around here kissing just to say thank you? Does she do this sort of thing all the time? He felt his pulse kick up a notch and controlled his breathing. I’ll have to be careful with this one. She’s wily.

  “I would. Since Fi had the baby, things have been hard.” She made her way back behind the counter.

  “I’m happy to help.” He put his hands on his hips because he wasn’t sure what else to do with them. “When would you like me to start?” He forced his seriousness into a smile.

  “How about today?”

  She didn’t seem put off by the intensity of any looks he’d given her up to now. She merely mirrored them. This is unsettling. “Um, sure. I can make that work.”

  “On second thought, let me talk to Fi and see what I need to have you do…paper work and all.” She hesitated and shrugged. “We can’t pay much.”

  “The pay isn’t what I’m after, just need something to occupy a little bit of my time while I’m here.” Besides, I’m already being paid very well.

  “Why are you here? What are you on sabbatical for...or from?” She pursed her mouth.

  The phone rang, as if on cue to let him off the hook, but he had answers ready anyway. Answer like you planned. He always thought a lie using the truth was best. He observed her frantic search and recovery of a notepad and pen, scribbling just as fast as the “huhs” rolled off her tongue.

  “Yes, Mrs. Makky, we can accommodate.” She glanced at her watch with wide eyes. “Yes, two o’clock. Right. Thank you for your business.” Sarah disconnected and turned her attention ba
ck to Gavin. “First things first, why are you here again? How long will you be here?” She fidgeted with her pen, clicking it closed and open.

  He appreciated her attention to detail and directness. “I’m a professor in Seattle and needed a break. I was in Haven a while ago and felt this was good place to clear my head.”

  “Oh.” She eyed the length of his body.

  “So far, it’s working.” She’s not even trying to hide that she’s checking me out. Who is this woman?

  “How long do you think you’ll stay?” She crossed her arms.

  He squinted briefly before she continued.

  “Because if you are only here for another week…”

  “More like a couple more months. I have the time.” He rested his hands in his front jean pockets.

  “Oh good, that’s perfect.” She took a moment and then blew out a sigh. “That was Mrs. Makky.” She nodded toward the bakery phone. “She called to place an order…for today. She needs three coffee cakes, an assortment of my tea cookies to feed twenty-five, and three dozen biscotti. All by two o’clock this afternoon.” She glanced at the vintage coral clock on the wall.

  “Tall order. Something you can turn around in a day?”

  “Normally, we don’t take such big orders on short notice, but Mrs. Makky’s a terrific customer and I’d hate to lose her.” Sarah stopped fidgeting and tapped her pen on the wood countertop.

  “I see. Will you be able to fill it on time?”

  “Not alone.” She smiled, seized an extra apron from the left-hand drawer, and threw the garment at Gavin. “We better get to it. Can you handle the front for a bit while I get things started in The Lab?”

  “The Lab?” He shook his head.

  She laughed. “Yes, also known as the kitchen.”

  “Sounds sinister.” He tied the apron straps around his back.

  “It’s innocent. I promise.” She winked.

  One part of his nagging mind applauded the progress on his assignment, the reason he arrived in Haven in the first place. But the other part of his mind, the one he found less than thrilling at the moment, liked he could help Sarah and come to her rescue.