“You wanted me to teach you to make red velvet cupcakes, right? Well since you wouldn’t be able to eat them if I did, I figured we’d make something you can eat. I’ve pulled out all the ingredients and pulled the recipe up right there.” I pointed to the massive screen.
He grinned. “So you invited me down here to teach me how to make my own red velvet?”
“I mean… you did say you wanted to learn.” I shrugged.
“I did, but I damn sure didn’t intend for you to make it happen.”
“Well, I did. Now first, let’s get your hands cleaned and an apron on.”
I felt the look he was giving me, but I refused to look at him, not when I knew he looked so good I’d definitely say forget the impromptu baking class and be on something totally different.
“You’re ’bout to do this with me, right?” he asked.
His tone was unsure, which made me smile. When I finally looked at him, I had to catch myself because the man was beautiful. He was the type of fine that had me staring at him for a minute, trying desperately to find something that wasn’t perfect.
“Why are you acting nervous, Selah?”
“I’m not acting nervous. I’m trying to get this show on the road.” I walked over to the apron rack and grabbed the black one with red hearts printed all over it.
Once his hands were clean I helped him put the apron on, lifting the neck part above his ducked head before we locked eyes.
This was definitely the position I had been avoiding. Because without a second thought, he leaned down and pecked my lips.
“Hello to yo’ fine nervous ass too.”
I grinned, because of course I couldn’t help it.
About thirty seconds later we were standing next to one another and I began to read the first steps aloud.
“So, everything is already room temperature?” he asked while pouring the already cracked eggs into the mixing bowl.
I nodded. “Yup I had this planned since you first asked me what I was doing today.”
“And what if I had made reservations?”
“It would have worked out. Put the cream cheese and the coconut oil into the bowl too,” I instructed, watching his massive hands carefully grab each ingredient. It was so strange watching this man, who was otherwise rough, be soft.
“What else?” he asked, once everything was in the mixing bowl.
“Slowly add the red velvet mixture.”
“So basically, what I’m doing is adding everything you have out to this mixing bowl?” he concluded.
“Yep.”
“And what are you doing?”
“Boutta preheat the oven and oil the pan. You wanna do that?”
He laughed. “Nah, you got it, boss.”
“I know I do.” I moved around him and turned the oven on. Then I washed and dried my hands at the sink. I grabbed the flat silver pan and sprayed the oil onto it.
“Why are you oiling the pan?” he asked.
“So they don’t stick when they’re done.” I looked up from the pan at him. His expression was unreadable, like his thoughts were intense. “Why are you looking like that?”
“Because I’ve never done anything like this and actually wanted to see how it came out. This is different for me.”
