I return every sentiment just as eagerly.
 
 Right before I start begging him to fuck me right here, right now, we both slow down until each pass of our lips, each stroke of our tongues become little declarations of our feelings and promises of what’s to come.
 
 Resting his forehead against mine, Ren’s breath heaves in and out of his chest. “I don’t think I can go this long without seeing you again.”
 
 My laugh is shaky. “Are you stealing all the words straight out of my head today?”
 
 Smile equal parts nervous and confident, Ren asks, “Can we continue this after the party tonight?”
 
 My head’s already nodding before he’s finished the question. “Yes, please.”
 
 Ren blows out a heavy breath and shakes the tension out of his shoulders. “Good. Now I just need to find a way to manage waiting until tonight.”
 
 I roll my lips between my teeth and toy with the string on his hoodie. “Not to sound too presumptuous, but now that Aunt Annamae is fully recovered, I’ve got some free time. So I can stay with you a little longer than just tonight. If you’d like,” I add quickly, meeting his eyes briefly before staring at his chest again.
 
 Ren runs a finger along my jaw and tilts my chin up. He brushes his lips against mine once, twice, then whispers, “If I had it my way, you’d stay forever.”
 
 Every response I can think of catches in my throat.
 
 Ask me. I’ll say yes.
 
 Be mine, because I’m already yours.
 
 I love you.
 
 Seemingly not offended by my lack of verbal reply, Ren simply takes my hand and leads me into the café. “Come show me where Doc Calla’s cake is. I can’t wait to see the final design.”
 
 I direct him to the kitchen and the awe on his face when I open the fridge has me giddy. Ren’s jaw drops and his eyes widen, gaze jumping from one element to the next as he studies the cake with keen appreciation.
 
 Cuddling into his side, I try to see it through his eyes.
 
 Three tall tiers are stacked on top of each other and frosted in Swiss meringue buttercream. Each layer has an intricate pattern of lace piped onto its sides and three full crowns of brightly colored flowers encircle them.
 
 Right on top of the most important tier is a white chocolate centerpiece of calla lilies that I hand-painted to look like real flowers.
 
 Ren pulls me into him, one hand cupping my shoulder, and his eyes not leaving the cake. “This is a fucking masterpiece, Maisie. I’ve never seen anything like this. Not only is it beautiful, but it looks like it took some clever engineering too. How’s the cake not falling in on itself? I should’ve asked you more the other night I was here, but I guess I got a little distracted.”
 
 My spine lengthens at his praise and I ignore thoughts about his visit to this very kitchen in case my inner hussy makes another appearance and drops to her knees again. “This cake has nine short dowels, a super long dowel, and three cake boards to support the structure.”
 
 Staring down at me, Ren whispers reverently, “I’m not sure what a dowel is, but I’m very impressed. And knowing you, it’s going to taste even better than it looks. I can certainly vouch for the raspberry buttercream. It’s really good.”
 
 I poke him in the side. “I guess raspberry buttercream will always be memorable to you now. Maybe I should’ve gone with red velvet for the cakes.”
 
 Ren chokes on air and chuckles. “And I’m guessing red velvet holds a whole new meaning for you.”
 
 “Oh, it does,” I purr, climbing my fingers down his chest. “Maybe I can have a special dessert tonight.”
 
 Ren stills my fingers and wraps his tail around my upper thigh, pulling me flush against him. “I’m getting mine first.”
 
 Winding my arms around his neck, I quirk an eyebrow up at him. “Is this a competition?”
 
 Goose bumps tingle up my arms and ripple down my back as Ren skims his lips along my neck and pulls my earlobe between his teeth.
 
 His breath is warm against my ear as he whispers, “Nope. Just holding you to your promise.” He gives my ass a quick stinging spank with his tail then points to the fridge again. “Remind me of the actual flavors again.”
 
 Trying not to obsess over how dexterous his tail is, I aim a finger toward the cake again, pointing at the different layers. “We’ve got lemon and elderflower at the top, coconut and lime in the middle, and the base layer you’re already familiar with. Here’s hoping each party guest can find something they’ll like.” I hold my crossed fingers up for him to see.
 
 Ren gently takes my hand and lowers it to his chest. Shaking his head, he tuts. “Not hope. This took planning. It’s smart. Thoughtful. And creative. I’m really proud of you.”