“No, but they’re something I’ve recently perfected. I’m adding to my repertoire every week. My favorite thing to make right now is cannoli. I finally got some cannoli forms, and I’ve been experimenting with getting the filling just right. My latest trick is adding a touch of cherry juice. It gives them a sweet/tart punch and… Sorry, I tend to get carried away when I start talking about food.”

Thorne shook his head. “Don’t apologize. I appreciate food despite being a terrible cook.” And he loved seeing Dash all bright-eyed and passionate even when it wasn’t about sex.

“I could teach you.”

“To cook? I doubt it. I’m a disaster in the kitchen.”

“Anyone can learn,” Dash insisted.

“The few times I’ve tried… Well, the building manager was kind about having to turn off the fire alarm.”

Dash snickered, and Thorne couldn’t help laughing too. He shifted position to face Dash and froze. He’d forgotten about the plug.

Dash grinned. He had to have seen Thorne’s reaction, but he didn’t mention it. “What did you burn?”

Thorne groaned. “You’re going to laugh at me.”

“Tell me anyway.”

“Grilled cheese.”

Dash did laugh, so hard tears came to his eyes.

“You still think I could make a cake?”

Dash nodded. “I do, but we’d need to work up to it.”

“I’ll leave it to you. How did you get started cooking?”

“My mom’s cooking was not quite as challenged as yours, but it wasn’t fantastic. I wanted better food, so I started watching shows on Food Network, and I checked out cookbooks from the library. I went from scrambled eggs to omelets to creating my own quiches, and once I discovered baking, I fell in love.”

“So why…never mind.”

“Why aren’t I a baker instead of a rent boy?”

Thorne nodded. “You don’t have to tell me. Like I said, I didn’t hire you for—”

“For a man with his ass stuffed full, you look terribly relaxed. That tells me that talking is a good thing for you after all.”

Thorne scowled, not wanting to think about how easily Dash turned his world upside down.

“The answer to your question is money. To do what I want I either need start-up money for a business, or money to get a baking and pastry arts certificate, or ideally both. As you know, I make good money working for Sheila, and I have most of my days free to keep baking. I’m working with a friend who’s building a catering business.”

Thorne ate another mini cupcake, his third. “I’m glad you have plans because these should be shared with the world. They’re even better than the cake we had last week.”

Color rose in Dash’s cheeks. “I don’t know about that. But I’m glad you like them.”