“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” It’s a quiet murmur, but I hear it. My heart twinges at the thought I made him feel that way.
“So, what do you need me to do?” I ask, trying to deflect the emotions building in my chest.
“Can you line the cupcake sheet with the paper molds while I finish mixing the batter? Then we can make the frosting while it’s cooking.”
“You have just a little…” I say, swiping at some frosting on his cheek and bringing itto my lips.
His eyes go wide in embarrassed horror as I taste the sweet, sugary cream, pooled with heat and an underlying sense of need.
Olly clears his throat, fumbling with the whisk in his hand. “I’m making a few different kinds.”
I go about my task, placing the paper baking cups in the tin as he continues. “Marcus called me yesterday. You know, the investor in Alex’s company.”
My hand slips, knocking into the tin, which I quickly grab before it hits the floor.Shit!Way to play it cool, Jasper. “Oh, yeah?”
“They’re hosting a carnival. Marcus said they put it on for the kids at The Matthew House every year.”
The carnival was Matthew’s idea; his project that no one could ever say no to, even though I told him many times he didn’t have to. Kids at The Matthew House don’t get to experience things like carnivals. They didn’t know what it means to run around stuffing your face full of cotton candy and Matthew’s favorite—cupcakes.
“Anyway, Marcus called and said the person they hired to make cupcakes broke her arm.” Olly pours the batter into the baking tins. “I assume Alex recommended me.”
I hum, not making eye contact.
“This is the perfect opportunity for me to test out some recipes. Jacob is going to call me to discuss the specifics. But I was in the baking mood, so I thought I would get a head start.”
“What are you making?” I ask, looking at the mess covering every surface of his kitchen.
“I don’t want to go too crazy, because, well, kids.” He laughs with a lightness I don’t see too often. He looks really happy.
Be happy, Olly, even if I don’t know how to let myself be.
“I’m going to make chocolate peanut butter with caramel drizzle, and strawberry shortcake with strawberry filling and a whipped vanilla frosting. I haven’t decided on a third yet.” Olly is practically buzzing as he lists off the different creations.
He has a glow about him when he talks about baking. I see it now. I see why he needs to do this.
“You know,” I say. “I think a classic vanilla would be an excellent choice for the third cupcake.”
Olly’s eyes light up at the suggestion. “Oh, I could make a classic vanilla with a vanilla bean frosting. Yes, that will be perfect!”
“Sounds delicious.” I lean in real close. “Sign me up for one of each.” My voice has gone low and husky, sounding nothing like me.
“Maybe as a reward for helping, I’ll let you taste test the final product,” Olly says, the corner of his mouth ticking up.
“Do I get tolickthe spoon?”
Olly chokes out a cough. “Licking the spoon is a rite of passage. If it was Juan, I would even let you lick the beaters.”
I smirk. Cheeky. “I hope we’re licking spoons later.”
Olly blushes before clearing his throat and placing the next batch in the oven.
He leans against the counter and lets out a sigh. “I think it’s time to say goodbye to Juan.”
“He looks pretty old, but everyone loves a good age gap.”
A smile cracks the corner of his mouth. “I knew it was coming. I was just hoping I had more time.”
Together, we clear off on the counter, so we have more room to work while Olly tells me stories about his grandparents. He calls them the greatest chefandthe greatest baker of their generation.
