Page 52 of Stick Side
“On the count of three then. One, two, three,” Ben counted, “go!”
Just as it was meant to, once they cut through the exterior layer of the cake, an irresistible flow of warm dark chocolate poured out of the middle.
“Succès!” she cheered.
Ben’s quiet laugh was warm and appreciative.
Pleasure rushed through her as she put a small bite of perfectly baked cake and warm chocolate into her mouth. Once again, her eyes fluttered closed to better taste the nuances of flavor.
“What do you think?” Ben asked in a voice that seemed all the more potent with her eyes closed. His rich baritone washed through her as dark chocolate goodness exploded on her tongue.
“It’s exquisite,” she praised. The cake, definitely, but also the whole experience Ben had curated for them.
Melody opened her eyes to look at him. “The only problem with dishes like this,” she bemoaned, “is I’m now going to be tempted to go home and try making a healthier version with different types of chocolate to see which variation I like best. It usually takes me a few attempts to land on something I love, so I’m going to be drowning in molten lava cake.”
“It’s a tough life you lead,” Ben teased with a chuckle.
“It really is.” She smiled begrudgingly. “The only actual challenge is that I’m a little caffeine sensitive. I can’t have too much dark chocolate late in the day or I won’t be able to sleep.”
“So, you’ll be left with loads of molten lava cake that you’ll only be able to eat during the morning hours?” Ben questioned.
“More or less,” she smiled.
“I’m sure I could help you with the breakfast cake,” Ben offered. “It sounds like a great way to start the day.”
The husky tenor of his voice moved through her, causing an involuntary shiver. Was she imagining it, or did Ben offering to enjoy chocolate breakfast cake together mean he was anticipating waking up at her house, making it a simple matter to indulge in said cake? She didn’t know this side of him well enough to know for sure.
“It definitely sounds like I’ll have enough to share in the not-too-distant future,” she flirted evasively.
“It’s a date,” Ben pronounced with a smile that melted her insides in a manner reminiscent of the warm, gooey center of the cake.
Chapter 23
Melody
Affectionanddesirepulsedthrough Melody’s body as Ben walked her up to her apartment following their date.
By all accounts, first dates could be akin to walking a tightrope, wanting to impress without coming on too strong. Conversation could lag. Personal space could feel disrespected. Deal-breakers could be unearthed. Any number of pitfalls could arise to derail the evolution of a relationship. Nothing even remotely close to that had happened this evening. Instead, Melody found herself craving increasing levels of closeness and connection.
Ben had been incredible from the moment he’d knocked on her door—so much so that she found herself wondering how such a diamond could still be single. Not only had she enjoyed a phenomenal few hours in his company, it hadn’t escaped her notice that he’d taken hours of his time to research and arrange tonight’s events.
She could barely believe the lengths he’d gone to. As a star forward in the NHL, money wasn’t something Ben had to worry about. He certainly hadn’t had to go to either the effort or theexpense of renting out an entire restaurant so they could enjoy personalized, hands-on instruction from a man she could well believe was one of the best French chefs in the city, though.
Ben was displaying all the signs of a man who was genuinely interested in her. And thank goodness for that. Any last vestiges of willpower she’d been able to put forth to resist falling hard and fast were crumbling before her eyes.
Despite her reticence to falling for any false image of Ben she might have unwittingly constructed in her mind, she was coming to believe he really was as good as her fantasy image of him. She knew Ben wasn’t perfect. Maybe he had messy kitchen cupboards or left clean laundry in baskets without ever putting it away. She still had a lot to learn about him, but what she did know was like a daydream brought to life.
Her heart raced as they drew closer to her apartment door. Her mind flashed with all the possibilities that lay ahead in the minutes to come. Thus far, his touch had been little more than friendly and chivalrous. While she appreciated his gentleman-like reserve and knew she had drawn some measure of comfort from his not being too physical with her too soon, she now found herself wanting more.
She felt so out of her depth, but also somehow comfortable, which was enough to make her want to push her boundaries and take things to the next level. But maybe that would happen organically, without much effort on her part. Surely, he would make more of a physical overture and at least try to kiss her goodnight? That was standard for a first date that had gone well, wasn’t it? Once again, she wished she had more experience to draw from.
Her heart was beating a mile a minute by the time they reached her front door. “I had a wonderful time tonight,” she offered with sincerity. “Thank you for an incredible evening.”
“Thankyou,” Ben returned in a way that made her feel like she was the one who had made their evening so remarkable.
Something about the way he was looking at her made her feel bold. “Maybe we can do it again sometime.”
Her breath caught as he took a step forward, closing the distance between them. “Depend on it,” he promised, his whisper-soft voice sending chills down her spine.
