Take the Cake

by Sandra Wright

  “No objections at all,” Michael said.

  Kate slipped it on over her head and, seeing it fall almost to her knees, began to roll and twist the excess fabric into a knot that sat in the small of her back. The sleeves were rolled up as well, and then she darted back into the bathroom to check her reflection. Satisfied that she looked presentable enough, she walked back into the bedroom to see Michael regarding her with the kind of bare-chested, lazy grin that could surely be the downfall of saints. Her mouth went dry.

  “See something else you like?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “You could say that.” Kate managed at last as she tried to pick up her bag and keys while at the same time finding it very hard to tear her gaze away from him. She caught her purse strap on the third try and started to back away into the living room.

  “No kiss?” Michael looked disappointed.

  “I think we both know what will happen if I go anywhere near that bed. I know that look in your eye, Forrester.”

  “And I know that look in your eye, Shannon,” he countered.

  “Maybe so,” she acknowledged, “but I really do have to go in today.”

  “Fine,” Michael sighed, and then threw back the sheet and got out of bed.

  Kate’s eyes were drawn to the tell-tale bulge in his pajama pants, and she swallowed before resolutely turning her back and heading for the hall closet where Michael had hung their coats. She was just about to pull on her new coat when Michael appeared to help her into it. As soon as the coat was settled on her shoulders, he pulled her back against his chest and held her there as he did up the buttons he could reach and knotted the belt. Positioned as she was, she could feel his arousal against the small of her back and the warm puffs of his breath against her neck. She closed her eyes and chanted, Duty … Responsibility.

  “Have you eaten?” he asked as he gently propelled her around to face him.

  “I’ll have something at the store,” she reassured him, watching as a small line appeared between his eyebrows. “Don’t fuss so. I’ll be fine.”

  “If you’re sure,” he said, trying to keep the doubt out of his voice.

  “If I feel unwell, I’ll leave,” Kate offered as she lifted the strap of her bag over her head so that it crossed her body and rested against one hip.

  “And you’ll call?” Michael pressed.

  “I’ll call,” she said soothingly as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. Now that she was bundled up for work, she felt safe enough to hug him, although the feel of his warm bare skin beneath her fingertips had her closing her eyes and reminding herself about duty once more.

  “Mmm.” Michael snuffed her neck. “You smell so good.”

  “So do you,” Kate countered as she rubbed her cheek against his chest. “But I’ve got to go.”

  “Heartbreaker,” Michael sighed as she turned toward the door.

  “Oh, hush.” She smiled and offered herself up for another kiss before she stepped through the door and closed it behind her.

  After she had gone, Michael leaned against the heavy wooden door for a moment before strolling back to bed, yawning and scratching his hair as he went. The bed seemed bigger than ever now that Kate wasn’t in it.

  Kate waited until the elevator doors had closed before slumping against the rear wall and puffing out a loud sigh. Michael had looked so good and had smelled even better. There was something about his natural musky smell that her body responded to every single time. Watching the floor numbers count down, she dug in her coat pockets and drew out her gloves, pulling them on and settling her scarf around her neck. The doors opened with a soft chime, and she strode across the foyer and out into the gray morning.

  There were already people on the street making their way to work or wherever, dressed up in grays and blacks for the most part. For a moment, she felt conspicuous in her warm red coat, but when a passing woman eyed it and gave Kate a quick nod of approval, she felt flattered and pleased all at once.

  ~~~

  Emily rounded the corner and squinted ahead, her eyes widening in disbelief. There was no one waiting. She’d done it: she’d managed to be the first one there. She picked up her pace, but then huffed with amused disappointment when she saw a small figure sprinting along the pavement from the other direction. By the time Emily had reached the store, Wren had gotten her breath back and was endeavoring to act casual.

  “Morning, boss,” Wren said from her casual stance against the wall.

  “Nice try, Wren, but I saw you running not a moment ago.” Emily laughed as she got out the keys and unlocked the security grill.

  “Running? Moi?” Wren gave her a wide-eyed look before giving up and helping Emily with the grill. “David and I got to talking this morning, and it made me a little late.”

  “Talking?” Emily raised an eyebrow at this as she unlocked the main door and pushed it open.

  “Yes.” Wren pursed her lips and gave a prim nod. “Talking.”

  “If you say so,” Emily said as she waved for Wren to enter the store, “you were talking.”

  “Shut up, boss, and make me coffee,” Wren retorted.

  The two women hung up their coats and bags and were waiting for the coffee machine to warm up when Kate arrived, flushed but pleased to be back.

  “Hey,” Wren said in mild surprise, “I wasn’t sure if we’d be seeing you today.”

  “Oh, I can feel the love.” Kate grinned as she good-naturedly nudged Wren with her hip as she walked past her into the kitchen.

  “You know what I mean,” Wren called after her. “How are you feeling, boss?”

  “I’ll live,” Kate called back. Her coat was carefully hung up, and she grabbed at her apron and tied it on as she walked out into the front of the store. “How was yesterday?”

  Wren and Emily glanced at each other and shrugged.

  “Fine,” Emily said. “No problems.”

  “Really?” Kate was surprised.

  “What, you didn’t think we could handle it?” Wren stepped aside from the coffee machine and gave Kate a meaningful look as she slid three empty cups across the counter.

  “Not that,” Kate corrected her as she stepped up to the machine and slipped into the routine of making the morning coffee. “But I feel bad about not coming in.”

  “Sometimes the best way to learn is under pressure.” Emily shrugged. “I won’t lie. I was terrified for a while there, but we managed okay.”

  Emily leaned back against the workbench and watched Kate make the coffee with practiced ease. She had been exhausted when she had arrived home the night before, but Brad had been pre-warned and had looked after her all evening—and the next morning, now that she thought about it with a slight flush. The day had certainly been tiring, but she had felt a rush of pride on her way home that she had risen to the challenge so well.

  “Well …” Kate emptied the coffee filter with a few sharp bangs and gave it a quick rinse before accepting the jug of milk that Wren passed her and began to steam it. “As long as you were okay. How was business?”

  “Good, no different really,” Wren replied. “Emily here made some Jack’s Favorite cupcakes, and the day went well.”

  “Good to hear.” Kate smiled with relief.

  “Everything’s cashed out and in the safe out back,” Emily added, “so you can check it later before you do the bank drop.”

  “Sure,” Kate answered. She slid two cups toward the waiting women. “But for now, what I’m really wanting to know is …” She arched an eyebrow at Wren who reached for her chalk.

  “Oh, I’m well ahead of you on that one,” Wren retorted. She sipped at her coffee and leaned against the counter, looking pleased with herself.

  “Okay.” Kate tasted her coffee. Michael was right; her coffee was much nicer than the stuff he had at home. She made a mental note to take a bag home for him soon. “Don’t let me rush you.”

  “By the way, boss,” Emily interrupted with a slight smile. “That’s a …
 uh … nice shirt you’ve got on there.”

  “What, this?” Kate glanced down at herself. “It’s one of—”

  “Michael’s, we know,” Wren chimed in.

  Kate looked from Wren to Emily and then back again. “How did you know that?”

  “Likes to mark his territory, does he?” Emily went on, her smile getting bigger.

  “Huh? I don’t know. It’s just a shirt I grabbed from his closet this morning. Why?” Kate twisted her neck to see if there was any printing on the back. Emily stepped toward her and ran a finger along the bold letters that were printed across the shoulder blades.

  “Forrester,” Emily read aloud. “Guess it’s a shirt from his college days.”

  “You’re kidding.” Kate turned and gaped at her. “So I’m walking around branded?”

  “Yup.” Emily nodded. “He didn’t say anything?”

  “Not as such,” Kate admitted as she remembered Michael’s knowing smile. “I guess he didn’t have to.”

  “He knew you’d find out soon enough.” Emily grinned. “I think it looks cute.”

  Wren snickered until Kate cleared her throat and nodded at the chalkboard.

  “Impatient, are we?” Wren said as she grabbed the chalk and walked over to pick up the chalkboard where she’d left it in its usual place beside the door. Laying it down on a nearby table, she wrote quickly and added a few flourishes when she was done. Giving a nod of satisfaction, she carried it over to the counter to show Kate and Emily who were finishing their coffee.

  If you reach for the stars,

  your lungs will collapse from lack of oxygen.

  Kate narrowed her eyes and looked thoughtful, and then her expression cleared. “Got it,” she said as she snapped her fingers. “Wren, are you going easy on me?”

  “No,” Wren protested. “I thought I was being clever. Damn. I’ll get you one day.”

  “Ha,” Kate retorted as she went into the kitchen to start baking.

  Emily smiled and shook her head at the friendly rivalry between the two women as she collected the empty cups and put them in the dishwasher. Wren returned from outside, looking happy, and stopped to straighten up the magazines and books before making her way back behind the counter.

  “What’s next?” she asked Emily as she began filling the water jugs.

  “I’ll do some bagels and wraps. Can you check the tables?”

  “Sure.” Wren nodded at Emily’s suggestion, and when the jugs were filled and set out, she grabbed the plastic tub that held the sugar and sweetener packets and began her rounds. The mixer started up in the kitchen as the store became a hive of activity. When the first batch of cupcakes was in the oven, Kate reappeared, wiping her hands on a dishcloth before stopping at the CD player and opening the folder that sat beside it. It was a pleasant morning, and she wanted to prolong the mood with some music. The CD player whirred to life, and then the store was filled with the sound of steady guitar strumming as the mellow voice of Feist filtered out of the speakers.

  ~~~

  Kate set down the baking tray and turned to close the oven door, blinking as the rush of warm air hit her face. Turning back to the counter, she surveyed the cupcakes that sat cooling, pressing a cautious finger against a couple of them and nodding in satisfaction as they sprang back. These cupcakes were going to be a little more work than she usually did, but Wren’s quote had been too good to resist. Kate went to the storage shelves and selected a large jar of her favorite raspberry jam that was then spooned into a bowl and stirred until smooth. Setting the bowl aside, Kate started to make the frosting to match, humming to herself as she walked, pausing occasionally to yawn against the back of her hand. It felt good to be back in the store, but she envied Michael his sleep in.

  By the time she carried the finished cupcakes out toward the display case, she had started to feel better and nodded gratefully when Emily held up an empty cup in silent query.

  “Wren,” she called as she set the tray into the counter, “c’mon, girl.”

  “Be right there,” Wren called back as she delivered a coffee to a waiting customer. She returned promptly, wiping her hands against her jeans, and grabbed her chalk. “Okay, shoot.”

  “Black Hole Cupcakes,” Kate announced as Wren scribbled. “Chocolate cupcakes with a rich, raspberry center and dark chocolate frosting.”

  “Oh, God,” Emily whimpered as she looked at them. “I don’t think I’m strong enough.”

  Kate laughed and reached back into the cabinet to pick up a cupcake and hand it to Emily. “Don’t torture yourself. Just bite into it carefully.”

  Emily peeled off the paper cup with all the reverence the cupcake deserved and took a cautious bite, rolling her eyes appreciatively as the raspberry jam and chocolate cake oozed into her mouth. Kate and Wren both watched her reaction.

  “Good?” Kate said at last.

  “Mmmmph.” Emily nodded.

  “She likes it,” Kate commented in satisfaction, turning around just in time to see Wren swipe one.

  “What?” Wren said in a defensive tone as she picked the raspberry garnish off the top and popped it into her mouth. “It’s only fair.”

  “I’m not judging,” Kate said, holding her hands up in surrender. “I had one in the kitchen.” She regarded the two women as they both ate, and then walked over to the coffee machine to get another coffee ready.

  “You’re having another one already?” Wren asked in between mouthfuls.

  “I’m still tired,” Kate commented as she got out the milk.

  “You know the caffeine doesn’t kick in for at least an hour. Anything you feel at the time is just a placebo effect,” Emily commented as she licked her fingers clean of jam and crumbs.

  “Don’t spoil the magic.” Kate swatted at her. “I need it.” Before she could stop it, she yawned again, ducking her head toward her shoulder to try to hide it.

  “So just out of curiosity, boss,” Wren asked in a mild voice, “what the hell are you doing here if you’re still tired?”

  “I’ll be okay.” Kate shook her head and blinked before returning her concentration to the coffee that was filtering into the cups.

  “Right.” Wren shook her head. “So if you’re feeling that great, how come you look like shit?”

  “Hey,” Kate objected, “that’s a bit harsh.”

  “Sorry.” Wren held up her hands in a placatory gesture. “I’m just saying that you look exhausted, and one day off isn’t going to cut it.” Wren walked toward her and gave Kate a hug. “Come on, boss, you haven’t had a break since I’ve been here. Don’t you think it’s about time you started to be a bit gentle with yourself?”

  “If you won’t, I’m sure Michael will,” Emily chimed in when Kate paused.

  “Are you guys trying to get rid of me?” Kate joked, feeling self-conscious.

  “Kinda.” Emily shrugged. “But it’s for your own good.”

  “Yeah,” Wren added, “I’d hate to have to call Paul.”

  Kate whipped her head around to glare at the smaller woman. “You wouldn’t,” she accused.

  “Wouldn’t I?” Wren matched Kate stare for stare. Kate broke her gaze first.

  Kate watched the coffee drizzle into the cups as she steamed the milk and sighed quietly to herself. Perhaps the two women had a point. Paul had certainly been pushing her to hire some additional help and take some time off. The arrival of Emily had been a welcome boon to the business, but Kate had still found it very difficult to step away from the store that she had steadily built up from scratch. Other employees had come and gone, but Wren had stayed with her for over two years now, and Emily provided just the kind of stability that Kate had been looking for. Of course, being single for the most part had made it easy to pour all of her energy into the store. With no partner making demands on her time, there was no need to compromise. The store was also a very convenient excuse when people wondered aloud why she wasn’t dating. And then Michael had come along.

  Ka
te poured the milk into the cups and topped them off with some froth. A customer approached the counter, and she picked up her cup and stepped away as Emily stepped forward with a bright smile. Sipping at her coffee, Kate retreated into the kitchen, still deep in thought. When the customers had been dealt with, Emily followed Kate into the kitchen.

  “So, boss, what’s it gonna be?” she asked as she folded her arms and leaned against the doorway.

  Kate had pulled herself up to sit on the counter and sat sipping at her coffee, legs crossed at the ankles as she swung them back and forth, lost in thought.

  “I dunno.” Kate shrugged.

  “Okay, I’ll make this simple for you,” Emily replied. “What do you want to do right now?”

  “Um …” Kate considered the question. “Well, I guess I ought to—” She broke off as Emily shook her head.

  “Not what you think you should do, what do you want?”

  Kate stared into her cup for a long time and then huffed out a long sigh. She thought some more, swinging her ankles and feeling like a lost child before she looked up at Emily.

  “I think I want to go home.”

  “Then go.” Emily nodded.

  “Just like that?” Kate blinked.

  “You’re the boss,” Emily said, “and you know Wren and I will be fine. If we need something, we’ll call you.”

  Kate stared into her cup again, and then swigged back her coffee.

  “It’s not like you’re going to be doing this every day,” Emily reasoned. “You’re not a hundred percent, so why don’t you just give yourself a bit of time so that you can get better?” When Kate said nothing, Emily grinned and continued, “Go on; get outta here before I change my mind.”

  Kate looked up at this and grinned. “Just listen to you, one day in charge and now you’re kicking me out.”

  “I can’t argue.” Emily nodded. “I feel drunk with power.”

  Wren peered around the doorway and looked at Emily. “Have you told her to go yet?”