I opened the box and handed him a pastry instead. “Try this first.” I motioned at an open table, then gave him a napkin. “Go sit down with it.”
Like a kid, Kaspian took his treat to the table, set it before him, and licked his lips.
The lady—Sylvie—laughed. “He's adorable.”
“He is, isn't he?” I grinned at her.
“Is he Scandinavian?”
“Uh, Swiss.”
“Oh! Wow. I've heard they have excellent pastries there.”
“Yeah, but nothing like your stuff.”
“Aw, you're getting extra chocolate in your mocha for that. It'll just be a few minutes to make those.”
“Thanks.” I grabbed some utensils and took the box to the table. “How do you like that one?”
Kaspian looked up. “It's wonderful! What is this inside it?”
I peered over to check which one I'd given him. “Oh, that's the earl gray cream morning bun. They fill it with a pastry cream infused with tea.”
“Tea? Tea does not taste like this.”
“It does after you add a lot of sugar and cream to it. Try the pistachio next.” I put that one on a napkin in front of him, cut it in half, then started laying out the rest.
A few minutes later, we were both groaning through bites of amazing pastries.
“Your mochas are ready,” Sylvie called and set them on the coffee station.
“Thanks!” I got up and motioned Kas over. “Come on. You gotta fix your coffee.”
“Fix it? Is there something wrong with the beverage?” He stared at the cup with its froth.
“No, that only means that you need to add sugar to it. If you want it sweeter. It's already a little sweet because they put chocolate in it.”
“What's chocolate?”
“That one over there.” I pointed at the chocolate chip cookie. “Those brown bits are chocolate.”
“Oh, I like chocolate!”
“Everyone does, babe,” I said without thinking.
“Did you just call me an infant?” Kaspian scowled.
A guy working at the sink snorted a laugh.
“It's a term of affection here.” I cleared my throat. “Sorry, it just came out.”
“You're feeling affectionate toward me?” He smirked.
“The pastries are making me affectionate. Now, shut up and take a sip.” I motioned at the cup. “Even chocolate needs sugar but, I dunno. Maybe you're a black coffee drinker.”
Kas sipped. Then he drew back and set the cup down. “Oh, no. No. I don't likethatchocolate. It's bitter!”
The bakery guy laughed full-out.
