I tap the pad of my index finger against my chin knowingly. “Hmm. DoIhave to make them?” A laugh tumbles from my lips.
Alden chuckles. “If you want them at your party, probably so.”
Clapping my hands in excitement, I blurt, “Well, I could make more penis cupcakes. I have leftover candy. I could probably even use the melting chocolate to make nipples for the guys’ cupcakes.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Addy. What kind of reputation do you want to give my bakery?”
Cece beams at me. “Well, if she’s making her own celebration treats, why not let her have fun with it?”
The bell chimes, interrupting our conversation, and I notice three burly firefighters walking in. Jason and Matthew are in the front, but I realize it isn’t Dave but Trevor with them.” My heart instantly skips a beat.
“Hello, boys. Slow day at the firehouse?” Cece asks from her perch.
“Is it ever. I never thought I’d be wishing for a call for a cat stuck up a tree.” Matt grins.
“Is this a social call, or can I help you guys with something?” Alden chimes in.
“We’re trying to spice up the day a little. We’re planning to make Mexican tonight. Steak, chicken, and shrimp fajitas. They’re probably going to set off fire alarms.” Jason jokes. “We wondered if you had anything sweet to finish it off with.”
“I’m not sure if you’re looking for anything specific. We just have the usual,” Alden says turning to me as if I know something he doesn’t. We’ve never really had any international pastry items.
Out of the blue, it hits me. I made a Tres Leches cake once, and it was super easy. “I have an idea. It’s a sweet Mexican dessert. It won’t take long to make. I can drop it by later if you like.”
“Wow, Addy. That’d be great,” Matthew answers, giving me a bright smile. He’s one of the sweeter guys in the group. Not so rowdy.
Jason walks over, giving me a side hug. “You really are the sweetest thing.” He squeezes me in a dramatic, teasing fashion before walking toward the door.
Suddenly my eyes connect with Trevor’s, and I almost have to take a step back. He’s practically glaring at me. What the hell? Why does he always look so uptight?
Jeez.I’m going to wear this boy down. Just watch me.
* * *
Arriving at the firehouse on my way home from work, I turn and use the back of my heel to knock on the door. The sheet cake I’m holding is too precarious to use my arms or hands.
The door flies open, and I’m standing face to face with Trevor, who’s wearing a blank expression.
“Um, thank you.” I roll my eyes when he can’t be bothered to greet me. “Can I come in?”
“Sure, sassy. Come on through.”
Really?
The decadent aroma of grilled meats and vegetables combined with the scent of cumin and red pepper envelop me. “Oh my gosh, it always smells so good in here. You guys honestly need to open a Firehouse Restaurant. Your food is better than anything in town.”
“Hey, gorgeous. You should join us. We have plenty,” Matt says, wearing an apron with the words, ‘This guy rubs his own meat.’
“Hey, Addy. What did you bring us?” Jason asks as he zooms in on the pastry box.
“It’s a Tres Leches cake. The sweet Mexican dessert I told you about. You poke holes into the cake once it’s baked and drizzle three kinds of milk, which get absorbed into the spongy nooks and crannies. The smooth whipped topping with berries will make it the perfect ending to your spicy meal.”
Dave leans over my shoulder, peering into the box. “Holy shit. That looks amazing. Did it take you long to make?”
“No, it was easy.” I beam proudly over my shoulder at him.
“You staying for dinner, Ad?” Matt asks.
As if on cue, I try to stifle a yawn. “No. It’s been a long day. I’m getting too old for long hours of partying.”
