“Well, school me, baby. What’s the best combo?”
I ignore the slight flutter of delight in my belly from his endearment and reach for a big mug from my rack above the hot chocolate bar. There are over two dozen mugs, and they’re all my favorites. Tonight, he gets Snoopy. I’m glad he doesn’t comment on it.
“The trick is milk instead of water, steaming but not boiling the liquid,” I explain.
He nods, listening intently.
“I’ll show you.” I get to work, gathering pure vanilla extract, chocolate, brown sugar, salt, and cold milk from the fridge. “This is my personal recipe that I’ve perfected. It’s the creamiest, silkiest version.”
“Sounds delicious.”
“It is.”
He watches me mix the ingredients in a pan on the stove. “So, no instant cocoa?”
“Sometimes. Today, you get special treatment.” I wink at him, flirting without giving it much thought. “During the holidays, I make a big batch and add it to a crockpot. It’s a family favorite every Christmas.”
He leans against my counter, looking relaxed, and like he’s been here a hundred times before now. “Do you have a big family?”
“I do. My sister and Ainsley live about five minutes away. My parents are in Miamisburg. Most of my family is spread throughout Ohio.”
“Any other siblings?”
“Yeah, my brother, but he doesn’t come around much.” I shrug. It’s his loss. You can’t make people stay in contact or visit. That’s on them. I tried plenty of times, only to receive continual excuses. “It’s a shame. Jack doesn’t know Ainsley well.”
“He’s missing out. She’s adorable.”
“We both agree on that.” I finish the hot cocoa, pour him a nearly full mug leaving just enough room for goodies, and slide it toward him. “Now is the critical part.”
“Toppings?” he guesses.
“Yep. Are you a marshmallow guy? Peppermint? Or just the plain cocoa?”
He grins. “Before I answer that, do you have whipped cream?”
I like where this is headed. “I sure do.” What girl doesn’t have whipped cream around the holidays?
He watches me reach into the fridge and pull out a spray can of creamy goodness. “Whipped cream, a few sprinkles, peppermint, and marshmallows.”
I smack a hand over my heart. “That just might be the best combo in creation.”
“It is,” he insists.
I add his toppings and slide the mug across to him, watching with anticipation as he takes a sip.
“Wow.” He swallows and then drinks more as whipped cream paints his upper lip. “This just might be the most delicious cup of hot cocoa I’ve ever had in my life.”
“I know. It’s incredible, right?”
His dark eyes almost twinkle with amber glitter. “I’m officially spoiled.”
“Good.” I make my own cup and gesture to the kitchen table. “Have a seat. We can talk in here without waking up Ainsley.”
Torque sits across from me as we reach the table, drinking from his mug with enthusiasm. “I think this is where we get to know a little more about each other.”
I grab the container of freshly baked chocolate chip and snickerdoodle cookies and pop the lid off. When I scoot it his way, he snatches a few, clearly not shy about his sweet tooth. “Sure. What do you do besides ride motorcycles, help find lost children, and strut around in leather?”
I’m shamelessly into him, but also cautious. This is nice. He seems like a great guy.
