Could she take a few classes, learn from a professional? She could even go to culinary school. She had the time, and the money. And once she was done with that? She could even open her own bakery like she’d dreamed about as a girl. It was a silly idea. Then again, Ruby would be a millionaire soon. What else was she going to do with all her money?

Her future held so many possibilities. For the first time, Ruby had total control over it. Why was the idea so overwhelming?

Ruby closed her eyes and sank deeper into the spa. She could worry about the future later. For now, she wanted to enjoy the present.

* * *

When Yvonne returned home that night, she was hit by the most delicious scent. Vanilla, mingled with coffee. Ruby had to be baking again. She’d been spending lots of time in the kitchen lately.

As Yvonne passed through the apartment, she found Ruby curled up in an armchair in the living room, her nose buried in her phone. After a few seconds, Ruby noticed Yvonne and smiled.

“You’re home,” she said. “I have a surprise for you. It’s in the kitchen. Come on.”

Before Yvonne could react, Ruby got up and headed for the kitchen. Yvonne followed her, the delicious scent stronger. They reached the kitchen. Sitting on the island in the middle was an elaborately decorated cake.

“I wasn’t sure what you like, so I had to make a guess,” Ruby said. “I know you like coffee, and everyone likes cheesecake, so I made a coffee-flavored one. I used real coffee beans and everything.”

Yvonne stared at her. “You baked me a cake?” She’d never had a lover do anything like this before. Yvonne’s habit of ditching her lovers before they could get too comfortable probably had something to do with it.

“I wanted to do something nice for you. To show my appreciation. And, well-” Ruby hesitated. “I thought you could use some cheering up. You didn’t seem like yourself this morning, but I didn’t want to pry.”

Had Yvonne been that much of a wreck in the morning, or was Ruby simply getting better at reading her? They’d been living together for almost two months now. It was no surprise that she’d picked up on some of Yvonne’s quirks.

“So, is everything okay?” Ruby asked.

“Yes,” Yvonne said. “Everything is fine.”

“All right. How about you go sit down in the living room? I’ll bring you a slice. Just put your feet up and relax, Mistress.”

Yvonne went into the living room and took a seat. She could get used to having Ruby wait on her. She could already feel the cloud that had been hanging over her all day receding. Perhaps Madison had been onto something.

And Yvonne hadn’t even had to ask Ruby for anything. Ruby had simply taken it upon herself to look after her Mistress’s needs.

Ruby entered the room and handed Yvonne a slice of cake, before sitting down next to her, watching intently as Yvonne took a bite.