Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 50
Estimated words: 46837 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46837 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
“On it. I’ll work fast,” she promised.
By the time the afternoon rush was over, the shop looked like a horde of army ants had swarmed through Little Cakes eating everything in its wake. Ellie looked over the display counter holding the last of the cupcakes and shook her head.
“Tori, I hate to ask but could you stay late today? I have some cupcakes in the cooler. If you two can man the front, I’ll speed decorate a few of each variety to refill the displays while Tarson bakes,” the sweet store owner asked.
“No problem,” Tori agreed.
Ellie rushed forward to hug her. “I owe you one. Thanks, Tori.”
“I’m sorry I was late,” Riley blurted.
“You weren’t late,” Ellie said, blinking at her in confusion.
“I was. Two minutes. I’m usually early. I could have helped,” Riley admitted.
“Two minutes,” Ellie said with mock severity. “I think I’ll tell your Daddy.”
Riley’s hands automatically covered her bottom defensively, making Ellie laugh.
“I wouldn’t do that. I know you’re always early and I appreciate it. We’ve been busy all day. It’s great for business but how many cupcakes can one city eat?” Ellie laughed.
“These cupcakes aren’t going to decorate themselves,” Bear’s deep voice called from the back, making them all giggle—and then jump into action.
Between customers, Tori and Riley cleaned up the store and restocked as fast as Ellie could sprinkle embellishments on the treats.
Riley was relieved as the rush of customers finally died down. When she was finally able to take a break, she dropped onto one of the small tables with a cup of coffee. A flash of insight had her grabbing a napkin to sketch out the knight. Getting his helmeted head the right shape was driving her mad.
“No, that doesn’t work either,” she muttered.
Tori was sweeping up crumbs under the tables and she paused to look over Riley’s shoulder. “What are you working on?”
“Just this project,” Riley deflected, balling up the napkin.
“I didn’t know you liked to draw. Maybe I can help?” Tori offered.
Riley looked at her for a second and caved. She would take any assistance at this point. “I’m trying to sketch out a knight in shining armor from the back but every time I draw him, I can’t get the top part right. It always looks like a cartoon character with a bullet for a head. The helmet is killing me.”
“Why not have him carry his helmet under his arm?” Tori suggested as she leaned the broom against the table and grabbed another napkin. She sketched it out roughly and pushed it over to Riley. “Would something like this help?”
“That’s amazing. You’re so talented.” Riley stared at the quick drawing Tori had created.
“I like drawing knights. I hope someday mine will find me,” Tori admitted.
Riley wrapped an arm around her waist and squeezed her friend a bit. “He’s coming. I can feel a knight ready to walk through that door.”
Both women looked at the door expectantly. When it opened, they both smiled as Ellie’s knight in shining armor walked in.
“Hi, Garrett,” Riley greeted the handsome man. “Ellie’s in back. Careful! Sprinkles are flying in there.”
“Thanks for the warning,” he said with a smile before heading through the swinging door.
“Next one is yours,” Riley promised.
Tori lifted one hand and crossed her fingers.
They both giggled when the door chimed to indicate someone else entering.
Riley’s breath hitched when she saw it was Milo. Every time she saw him her heart skipped a beat. She was really falling hard for him. It was exciting but also a bit scary. Could things really work out between them?
The man had a nursery in his house for her. He’d already painted it red. She’d slept with him. He’d been inside her. He’d made her breakfast.
She had it bad.
Realizing she was still staring at his broad shoulders as he approached, she finally found her wits, glanced down at the table, and snatched up the napkins.
She balled them up in her hands as she stood. “Hey,” she said as casually as possible.
Milo’s brow was furrowed as he reached her. He set a palm on the table and leaned over it to kiss her. “Hey yourself,” he said before turning toward Tori. “Hi, Tori.”
“Hi,” Tori murmured as she grabbed her broom and scurried from the room.
“Did I interrupt something?” Milo asked.
Riley shook her head a bit too vigorously.
He glanced down. “What are you hiding behind your back, panda?”
She flinched and then brought the napkins to her front. “Just some used napkins.” She scurried past him and rushed behind the counter to drop them in the trashcan.
He was smirking when she met his gaze over the counter again. “I get it.”
“You do?”
He nodded. “Yep. You were eating your favorite cupcake, weren’t you? And you didn’t want me to see the crumbs because they would give it away.” He was very proud of himself.