Chapter 2 #4
‘Seriously,’ he promised. ‘Accounts receivable. Baking, and blending herbs, it’s new to me.
But also old, in some ways. I baked a lot, with my gran, when I was young…
but not in years. It’s been like remembering something I hadn’t even realised I’d forgotten.
’ He rolled his eyes at his own silliness.
‘No, I sort of get it.’ Mia shifted, mirroring his position and making him smile.
‘So, what do you think these biscuits need, to go from almost orgasmic to actually sinful?’
‘Hmm.’ She took another bite and chewed thoughtfully for a few seconds before her eyes locked back on his. ‘Chocolate.’
‘You don’t think that might be too sweet?’ He had to force himself to focus on the conversation. He should have known better than to try this recipe with an attractive woman who was off limits… and any friend of Ophelia’s was a definite no-go.
‘Dark chocolate then. Rich, deep, dark, smooth chocolate that melts in your mouth, dissolving into pure delicious decadence.’
Aiden had to take a breath and remind himself that they were only talking about food. ‘You’re right, chocolate has to be one of the sexiest foods on the planet.’
‘Exactly. And if you’re making a sex cookie…’
‘Shortbread.’
‘Whatever.’ Mia laughed. ‘Like I said. If you really want to make them sexy, then I think you need chocolate. These are already delicious. Add chocolate and you’ll probably get them so right that they’re wrong.’
Aiden nodded. ‘I’ll have to experiment a little more. And speaking of experimenting… It’s probably going to take me a few days to work out something that might help your patient – if I can do it at all.’
‘Do you still want to try? I feel a bit bad, dumping it on you like this, but Aiden? I really have a good feeling about this.’
‘Can I tell you something?’
‘Yeah.’ She leaned forward.
‘Please don’t think I’m crazy… but I think I do too. Have a good feeling about this, I mean. I have no reason to think it will work…’
‘Actually, you do.’ Mia held up the cookie. ‘Because these are very good.’
‘I appreciate the vote of confidence, but learning to blend herbs and spices for something other than flavour has been a steep learning curve!’
‘I think it’s one you’re doing well at. These taste delicious, but there’s… more… than just the flavour that’s good.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes.’ She fidgeted slightly and flushed a delicate shade of pink – like the colour he got when adding hibiscus to icing or cream, but interestingly, she didn’t look away.
‘Good to know.’
‘You did ask for feedback.’ She shrugged.
‘I appreciate it. I have to admit I’m really enjoying this, even if I do get nervous with new bakes! Let me have a think and chat with Ophelia about it. It might take me a couple of days, but I’ll ask her to call you when I’ve figured out a suitable blend. I assume she’s got your number?’
‘Yeah. But I don’t mind giving it to you too. If you’d like.’
He liked the thought of that a bit too much, but dropped his phone into her outstretched hand.
‘Do you want me to wrap up some of this batch for you to take home so you can share it with your boyfriend?’
‘Yes please to the biscuits, but no to the boyfriend.’
Well that was interesting. ‘Girlfriend?’
‘Nope. No girlfriend either.’ She grinned at him. ‘Not my thing, anyway.’
Well that was even more interesting. Shame his boss would string him upside down next to her drying herbs if he tried anything.
By the time Mia reached Hudsbury’s little centre the next morning, she was starting to feel like she was being conspired against: proper, restful sleep had evaded her – being replaced by very specific, very distracting thoughts and demi-dreams that reminded her exactly how long she’d been single, and leaving her feeling quite grateful Aiden’s biscuits hadn’t had dark chocolate added.
When she’d finally slept, cats had woken her at an indecent hour, squabbling in her garden, and when they’d finally stopped, pigeons took over as her unwanted alarm, sitting on the chimney and coo-coo-cooing so loudly that it echoed through her little house.
When she gave up and stumbled down to the kitchen, it was to discover her water had turned an unpleasant shade of brown in the taps, leaving her sleepy, caffeine-deprived and baffled by the morning’s strange events.
She was glad to see the Sugar Rush café lit up despite it being too early.
She yawned as she opened the door, hoping their water was clean and drinkable and the coffee machine was already on.
She leaned over the counter to call into the kitchen.
‘Morning, Cheryl. It’s Mia. I’m hoping to cheek you for an early coffee. ’
‘Technically I’m not open.’ Cheryl appeared. ‘But for you, I can make an exception.’
‘That would be wonderful. Thank you.’
‘I’ll throw you in a free breakfast too, if you don’t mind being a guinea pig.’ Cheryl winked. ‘I’ve got a new baker on trial and want to see how he does.’
‘Sounds and smells great. But you’re too good to me.’
‘Nonsense. You looked after my sister and nephew so well. You nurses don’t even have a tip jar like we do, and your jobs are far more important.’
‘Not sure I agree. Without your caffeine, I wouldn’t make it to lunchtime some days!’
‘Give me a couple of minutes, I’m still setting up.’ She headed back into the kitchen.
‘Of course, take your time.’ Mia started checking her emails while she waited.
‘Twice in two days. This is a treat.’
Mia looked up, surprised. ‘Hello. Are you following me?’
‘Well, I was here first, so technically I think you’re following me.’ Aiden grinned, looking far better than anyone should in his ridiculous poufy white kitchen hat. ‘Good morning, Mia.’
‘Good morning right back atcha. I like your hat,’ she couldn’t resist teasing.
‘Far more masculine than a hairnet, don’t you think?’ He struck a ridiculously camp pose, surprising a burst of laughter from her.
‘What are you doing here?’
‘Baking trial.’ He held up a tray of delicious-smelling pastries. ‘I need more space and better equipment than Ophelia’s got, so I’m hoping to strike a deal with Cheryl: I help with the morning bakes a couple of days a week in exchange for kitchen space. If she likes my food.’
‘If yesterday’s sample was anything to go by, you’ll nail it.’
‘Nice of you to have so much confidence in me.’
‘I’m confident in what I’ve eaten so far.’
‘Really?’ He looked at her as if he could see right through to her thoughts and she felt heat rise in her cheeks. Could he see that she’d slept badly – and, worse, did he know why?
‘Your shortbread and tea were delicious. You obviously know your flavours.’
‘You mean my sex cookies?’
‘I’m going to regret that comment, aren’t I?’
‘Probably.’ He chuckled.
‘You’ll have to come up with a better name for them.’
‘Hmm. How about Beltane Banger Cookies?’
‘It should be Beltane Banger Biscuits. Then you could shorten it to Triple Bs!’ Mia laughed. ‘What’s today’s test?’
‘Lemon, matcha and poppy-seed muffins for an energising start, or honey almond pastry twists for a more relaxing, sweeter morning.’
‘Which would you like to try?’ Cheryl came back out holding the takeout cup Mia was so desperate for.
‘Lemon please.’ A bit of invigoration sounded ideal. So long as it wasn’t the type she’d experienced last night!