Frosted Sweets (A Taste of Love Series Book 1)

by A. M. Willard

  “Here, open and eat,” I say as I rush to top one and add a snowflake on top. He takes a bite and out comes a moan of appreciation. I worry my bottom lip as I wait for his response.

  “These are perfect. I’ll buy a dozen.”

  “Sorry, can’t let you buy them, need them for the display case out front tomorrow.”

  “What? … I mean, I helped so I should be able to have some,” Jayden whines, and I turn to grab him a box to pack a few to go.

  I toss the pans in the sink and rinse them out, as I’ll clean them up in the morning. A quick glance at Jayden proves that he’s in heaven with his treats as he’s licking the frosting off another one.

  “Come on, I need to head home and you, mister, are going to be in a cupcake coma.”

  THE NEXT MORNING I WALK through the doors with one of the biggest smiles on my face that I’m pretty sure has never been there before. If I stop to think long enough, I might have skipped to work this morning. The only thing missing was a whistling tune. Zara’s behind the counter, customers are in line, and Hatcher is handing out boxes of treats. I head back to my office and drop off my jacket and bag, and head back out front. With a look around the place, I’m content; it’s feeling festive.

  “Morning,” I say to Zara and Hatcher as I grab a cup of coffee.

  “Morning. Are you okay? I see that someone played in the kitchen last night.”

  “I’m great, and yes I did. Did you see the new cupcakes?”

  “Yes. We might need more of them. We’ve almost sold them all this morning. I’m shocked you didn’t make more.”

  “Oh, I did but gave some to Jayden.”

  “Jayden? That guy that’s been coming in every day? When did you do this? You just got here,” she asks, giving me a questioning glare.

  “Last night, he stopped by and watched,” I say as if it’s not a big deal and grab the empty tray from the display.

  “Hold up … What are you talking about, Morgan?” she asks, and I notice Hatcher is eyeing us.

  “It’s not a big deal, he saw me come in and stopped by. Hung out and watched and then I let him take a few home.”

  “Oh, this is a big deal. You don’t like people watching while you do your midnight bake fest.”

  “I do, you just all sleep while I do this. Promise, it was no big deal,” I say as I head back to the kitchen. Immediately I notice that the kitchen is clean, and I’m relieved that I can just dig into the orders for today and replenish the front while I’m at it. This week we have been selling more of the pastries than normal, and that means today I bake the dull stuff. At first it was fun to start selling bagels, tarts, and muffins, but now, I’d rather play with frosting than dough.

  Zara stayed out front, as I’m sure she is processing what I said, and in return I can come up with something to explain. It really wasn’t a big deal about Jayden last night, but then I question if I’m lying to myself. The smile, the skip in the walk, and how rested I feel this morning tells me otherwise. Maybe it’s the pure fact that he is different, something new, and I find him cute. But only in the manner of his love for my sweets. He’s not the usual type of guy I would date, which only leads to a promising friendship that’s forming.

  I pull out a ball of dough that has already risen and lay it out on the flour-covered countertop. With the rolling pin in my hand, I start spreading out the beige contents and smile at this simple act. Just as the steady motions begin to flow across, Zara pops her head in. “Morgan, you have someone out here to see you.” And just as quick as she announces it, she’s gone. I wipe my hands and just as I’m fixing to head out front I stop and take a moment. I’m sure it’s Jayden coming back for more, as he has a severe sweet tooth and addiction. When I hit the doors with my elbow and exit, I stop dead in my tracks. The smile once displayed is now gone as I stare at my ex-fiancé Simon.

  “Hello, Simon. What brings you to this section of town?”

  “Good morning, Morgan. Care to grab a seat with me?”

  “Not really.”

  “Come on, please come out here and talk to me.”

  “Simon, I’m busy. What is it that you feel we have to talk about? I can’t think of anything.”

  “Come on, Morgan. Don’t cause a scene, and yes, we have a few matters to discuss. Grab yourself a treat and a coffee, I’ll just be over in the corner waiting,” he says and turns to go find himself a seat. There goes my mood. Silly me, thinking I could keep this smile all day. I don’t know what he thinks we need to speak about. I said everything I had to say the other night. Quickly I grab my cup and fill it up before I head over to the table.

  Once seated, I glance up and notice how tired Simon looks. My bottom lip scrapes between my teeth and I exhale before I speak. “What can I do for you today, Simon? Did you need to order a cake for you and your future wife already?” I’m startled that that came out of my mouth. Score: one for Morgan, zero for Simon.

  “That’s so not you, Morgan. Lose the attitude. And no, that’s not why I’m here. Just so you know, we don't see each other anymore. The fun for her is gone now, since you aren’t in the picture,” he says, and I laugh at how ironic that statement is. I mean really, was that all she was after? “I’m here so we can fix this. We have a wedding in a week and need to pull it all together. Tonight I’ll pick you up so we can finalize the last details that never got done.”

  “Are you fucking serious? Did you or did you not understand that I am not marrying you?” I say a little louder than I should and get a few stares from the customers. My eyes dart to the counter where Zara is giving me the slice-his-throat motion, and Hatcher is watching his every move. My head turns back in his direction and I just stare for a little longer than I should.

  “Morgan, now I’ve given you plenty of time to cool off. You know you want this fairy tale wedding and all the stuff that you will be entitled to once we are man and wife.”

  “Simon, you have lost your mind! Sure I wanted a damn fairy tale, but what I also wanted was a husband that wanted me, not some slut. Again, I’m not marrying you next week, so get that out of your head and cancel the shit.”

  “I see you are still angry and need more time to cool off. Just know that we are getting married next Saturday and you have things to finish before the ceremony. The rehearsal dinner is still set, I finalized it all yesterday.”

  In shock, all I can do is glare at him. His lips are moving, but I’ve lost my hearing. My eyes catch a glimpse of Jayden waltzing in and they instantly follow him to the counter. He hasn’t seen me here in the booth, and I pray he doesn’t. All it takes is a second before his head whips around in my direction, and his legs start him out on a path toward us.

  With my eyes wide as saucers, Jayden stands before us. “Sorry to interrupt, but Zara said I could come over and ask if you have any more of those cupcakes tucked away in the back from last night? Morning, by the way.” He turns toward Simon. “Hi, I’m Jayden, and you will love her cupcakes. They’re very addicting.”

  “I’m Simon, her fiancé, and I don’t eat sweets, but I’ve tasted hers before.”

  “Ex-fiancé you mean,” I say and stand up quickly, but before I leave, I turn my head and look right into Simon’s face. “Don’t come back here. I’ve told you that this wedding is canceled. Go find you someone else to walk down the aisle with you. Hell, if you’re lucky and find one my size, I have a dress available.” I stomp away. My face is on fire, and my heart is beating so fast that it feels like it could jump from my chest. Zara opens her mouth to say something, but my hand flies up to stop her. I can’t believe the nerve of Simon. Well, actually I can. I’m not sure why I’m so shocked. I knew he wouldn’t take this lying down. It would be different if he dumped me. Then and only then would he back off.

  I snatch up the rolling pin and slam it down onto the dough. I know it didn’t do anything to me, but it makes me feel better. My attention goes back to finishing the task before me, as Hatcher enters the room.

  “Morgan, you got
a minute?”

  “Sure, Hatcher. What’s up?” I say as I continue.

  “I know we haven’t actually talked about what happened with you and Simon and all, but just know that I’m here for you.”

  “Thanks, and I know that. Hell, why else do you put up with us when you have your own office and can work there?” I stop and glance up at my friend. “Why do you always come into the bakery? Not that I mind you being here and all, but you work and I don’t think I pay you. Or do I?”

  “You do, but only for accounting. It’s boring at my office. I’m the only one employed. Plus, I get to fulfill my sweet tooth and drive Zara nuts.”

  “When you going to ask her out?”

  “How do you know I haven’t already?”

  “Because she would’ve told us, and she hasn’t.”

  “Interesting little fact you just said, thanks for that. Just know that you don’t need Simon, and you can do better than him. I know it sucks, but I’m glad it happened.”

  “For some reason I think you two are withholding information from me, and thanks for supporting me. Is he gone yet?”

  “Consider it not fully disclosing everything, and yes they both are.”

  “Both?”

  “Simon and that guy Jayden. He didn’t even order, once you got up, he just left.”

  “Shit … Shit …. Shit …. I bet he thinks I’m still getting married.”

  “Probably, but I know he’ll be back. Then you can explain.”

  “Okay, let me know when you see him, please. I need to finish this stuff.”

  “Roger,” Hatcher says and leaves.

  Now that he has spilled the beans on him and Zara, this is something that needs to be dug into more. I knew something was going on with them, I just need to figure it all out. Hatcher wouldn’t be here every day if not. He owns his own CPA company, which he and Brody run together. I’ve been to his office a few times and can agree that it’s small, but fits the two of them perfectly. Brody is handsome and quiet. He’s the shy, reserved accountant type, whereas Hatcher is laid-back, and I think in love with my best friend. I vowed years ago to never play cupid, but I can’t help the fact that it’s the magical season of Christmas and I want magic to happen.

  Everyone deserves to have a little this time of the year, so why not my two friends. Just because I’m not getting mine, doesn’t mean Zara and Hatcher can’t have it.

  While I finish up my order for the day, I focus quietly on a scenario to bring them together. It’ll have to be executed correctly for it to work, or Zara will see right through it all.

  JAYDEN NEVER SHOWED back up yesterday at the shop, nor has he been in this morning. I’ve found myself moping around with a sullen face no one wants to take in. Zara has evacuated me from the shop and sent me to finish my Christmas shopping, which only led me to the park. I’m sitting on a cold metal bench, coffee in one hand as I people watch. The festive spirit that I woke up with yesterday is long gone all thanks to Simon. Ever since he showed up, all I’ve been doing is replaying the last few years in my head. Our past relationship, the engagement, wedding planning, and that only leads me to the day of doom that I escaped. Why is it that I know this is the right decision, but now a part of me feels like it’s missing? Just a week ago, I was happy staring in a mirror covered in satin. Now, all I can do is look at it in a plastic bag. I contacted the shop to see if I could return the dress and found out that I’m stuck with it for life. It’s going to be a constant reminder of Simon and what he did.

  With a cold butt from the metal bench, I stand and scope out the park. Off to the side, I see a woman sitting next to a man who looks just like Jayden. I start walking in his direction and stop when I realize it is him. He’s laughing at something she said, and his arm is wrapped around her shoulders. Quickly I back away and head back toward the shop. I knew it was just playful banter between us and it all boils down to his love for sweets. Why did I think something could come from this? I have no idea, other than I need to stick to the original picture of focusing on me and the shop. Jayden was someone I could see myself interested in, as he acted engrossed in what I do for a living. Most people don’t understand the drive and passion that I have. My response is always, “Don’t you want to do something you love?” It’s so much better when you can pour your heart and soul into your work. I can create something enchanting for someone else, and they share it with their friends and family. This is why I do what I do, it’s not about the money or growth of the business. It’s all about the love that I can share with others through food.

  Back in the warmth of the building I notice no one is out front; not the first customer, Zara, or Hatcher. The sudden sound of a pan dropping to the floor from the kitchen sends my feet speeding toward the noise.

  “Oh my God, I need bleach!” I scream and cover my eyes as I enter the kitchen. Zara is bent over the counter and Hatcher’s pants are down to his ankles. I escape the scene and head straight to my office and slam the door.

  That is something I never expected to see. Well, not the act, but the people doing what they are doing in my kitchen. Guess that means I can cross my plan off my list. The thought of those two sends me into a fit of laughter. I quickly pull out my phone to send out a group text to Natasha and Frankie.

  Me: Zara just got busted in my kitchen with Hatcher’s pants down around his ankles.

  She might kill me for this, but it serves her right for contaminating my surfaces. I hope she knows she’s on bleach duty tonight.

  “Why is my phone blowing up from the girls? Did you tell them?” Zara asks from the door. This only sends me on another laughing marathon. “Oh my God, you did. Why?”

  I stop to catch my breath so I can respond. “I couldn’t help it, plus you would have done the same if that were me getting busted. Oh, and for the record you need to bleach my kitchen.”

  “Hatcher is doing it right now. He says he can’t face you for like a day.”

  “At least one of you is embarrassed.”

  “Nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s something people do all the time.”

  “And how often is this act done between you two?” I question as I suppress my grin.

  “Often. We just didn’t know how to tell you.”

  “Really, you could have mentioned it. I’ve been trying to come up with a plan to get you to fall in love.”

  “Easy, tiger. Like, yes; love, no. Plus he’s good in the sack, and you know I can’t withhold from someone who can make me scream like he can.”

  “Okay, that’s enough, because I sure as hell don’t want to hear about his package, screaming, or anything sexual with you two. But for the record, I’m happy.”

  “I’ll do my best, and stop planning the wedding already because that shit is not happening. He’s a good guy, and I enjoy the sex with him, but that’s it, Morgan.”

  “Whatever you say, Zara,” I say and offer the best I-believe-you smile I can muster up.

  “I’m still mad that you sent out a group text, by the way. Now they’re going to hound me just like you,” Zara says as she disappears from the doorway.

  I scream out, “You would’ve done the same thing.”

  That’s the funny thing; she would have run an advertisement in the local newspaper about me being caught. Now the new mission is to keep them together and get to the bottom of this new relationship I’ve just witnessed. Zara is the wild one out of us four. She loves to be free, have sex, and act like a hippie. The reality is, she’s still lashing out at her parents and trying to become someone they don’t want her to be. Hatcher is what she needs, the one who can bring out the other side of Zara that has only shown up a few times.

  The day progresses without anyone being seen naked again, and still no sign of Jayden. I keep going over in my head everything that’s transpired since we met, and it doesn’t add up. Why would someone with a girlfriend flirt, hang out at midnight and watch someone bake, and most of all take off and not show back up? Is he just like Simon? Was
he only searching for someone to sow his oats with before he married?

  “Zara, I’m calling it a day. Can you close up the shop tonight?”

  “Sure, you okay?”

  ‘”I’m fine, just need to chill.”

  “Take tomorrow off, Hatcher and I can handle things here.”

  “Can you promise to keep your clothes on? I can’t have you scaring the customers away,” I say and laugh.

  “Funny … Plus who knows, we might attract some new business. Oh, I can see it now, we can turn the place into a nudist bakery. The naked people would flock here in packs.”

  “Not happening, clothes stay on, as I’m sure it goes against all codes from the Health Department.”

  “Fine, clothes on, since you don’t want to become a millionaire overnight. I’m telling you, it’s an amazing idea and you should consider it.”

  “I’m not baking in the nude, nor ringing someone up naked. End of that one.”

  “You’d be wearing an apron,” I hear her say behind me and shake my head.

  I grab my stuff from the back and head out after a quick wave to them. I just pray they can stay clothed long enough to get the closed sign up. Now, I’m going to have to clean every surface of the store before I start my day.

  WHEN I WOKE THIS MORNING, I weighed my options on going to the bakery to check on everything. I know Zara can handle it; it’s just that I’m worried she’ll do it naked. What I saw yesterday shocked me, but then again, nothing with her should. I think it did that because it was her and Hatcher. The fact that they have finally stopped fighting is hilarious. I knew all along they both had feelings for each other, just not to the point of being caught with their pants down in my kitchen. Just proves that you can’t pick the one your heart loves, chemistry is what it boils down to. Those two are the most opposite people I could have pictured, but it works I guess.