Page 10 of Sweet Rucking Temptation
I nod, mulling over his words. As we near the end of the street, I turn to my brother. "Thanks for dragging me out tonight, Os. I owe you one."
Oscar grins, squeezing my shoulder. "Anytime, bro. Just remember to name your firstborn after me, yeah?"
I laugh, shoving him playfully. "Don't push your luck."
As we continue our walk, bantering back and forth, I feel a lightness I haven't experienced in years. The night air carries the promise of new beginnings, and for once, I'm excited to see where this journey might lead. My leg was healing. We’d won tonight. And it seemed like my comeback wasn’t just happening on the field. I’d just scored big time with a Ponsonby baker, and that win felt just as good as the others.
4
ELLIOTT
The aroma of freshly baked bread envelops me as I stroll down Ponsonby Road, my mind still replaying fragments of last night's encounter with Liv. Her laughter, the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled, the gentle touch of her hand on my arm—it's all I can think about.
I pause mid-step, my gaze catching on a quaint storefront. "Dolce Vita," the sign reads in elegant script. Something about the name tugs at my memory. Wasn't this the bakery Liv mentioned?
Before I can second-guess myself, I'm pushing open the door. A little bell chimes overhead, and I'm hit with a wave of warmth and the intoxicating scent of butter and sugar.
"Welcome—" The cheerful greeting cuts off abruptly.
I blink, my eyes adjusting to the golden light inside. And there she is—Liv, standing behind the counter, her dark hair pulled back in a messy bun, a smudge of flour on her cheek. Her warm brown eyes widen in surprise, and that radiant smile I can't stop thinking about spreads across her face.
"Elliott! What a surprise!" she says, her voice carrying a melody of excitement and nervousness.
My heart does a little stutter-step. I hadn't planned this, hadn't prepared what to say. But seeing her here, in her element, surrounded by the fruits of her passion—it's like a sign from the universe.
"Liv," I manage, my voice coming out a bit rougher than intended. "I, uh, I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd check out this bakery I'd heard so much about."
She raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh? And who might have told you about my little slice of paradise?"
I feel a grin tugging at my lips. "Some charming Italian baker I met. Can't quite remember her name, though. Lisa? Lucia?"
Liv laughs, the sound warming me from the inside out. "Very funny, Mr. Snow. I didn't take the famous 'Iceman' for such a jokester."
I shrug, feigning nonchalance even as my mind races. Should I play it cool? Make a grand gesture? Buy out the whole shop just to see her smile again?
"Well," I say, leaning against the counter, "I'm full of surprises. Speaking of which, what would you recommend for a hungry rugby player with a newly discovered sweet tooth?"
I scan the display cases, each shelf a work of art. Golden croissants, jewel-toned fruit tarts, and decadent chocolate creations vie for attention. My eyes dart from pastry to pastry, then back to Liv's expectant face. Mad idea, but I can’t help myself. The idea that had been a joke only moments before tackles me like a hit from a prop forward.
"You know what?" I say, my voice pitched higher with nervous energy. "I'll take... everything."
Liv's eyebrows shoot up, her warm brown eyes widening. "Everything?" she repeats, a mix of shock and amusement coloring her voice.
I nod, committed now. "Every last crumb. The whole lot."
She lets out a burst of laughter, shaking her head. "Oh my! You rugby boys certainly don't do things by halves, do you?"
My heart races as I watch her move around the shop, boxing up pastries with deft hands. "Go big or go home, right?" I quip, trying to mask my nerves with bravado.
As she works, Liv shoots me curious glances. "So, what's the occasion? Team party? Charity event?"
I run a hand through my hair, suddenly feeling sheepish. "Would you believe me if I said I just really like pastries?"
Liv pauses, a palmier halfway to a box. Her brown eyes meet mine, and I see a flicker of understanding pass through them. "Elliott Snow," she says softly, "are you trying to impress me?"
I feel heat creep up my neck. "Is it working?"
She laughs again, the sound like music. "It's certainly... unexpected. And a little crazy." Her smile softens. "I like it."
