“You could do a smooth pearlescent fondant wrap. Save the real blue for the sugar glass. That wouldn’t be too hard, would it?” He knew it wouldn’t be. If it was one thing this woman knew, it was baking, but he wanted to collaborate with her, not just make suggestions.

“Easy, and you’re right. I think this is going to work.”

The energy in the room shifted. She was getting excited about the project too. “It’s going to be amazing,” he said.

“I love it. Maybe a few edible reeds.” She waved her hands in gentle strokes above an imaginary cake. “A couple of cattails? Just for balance?”

“Yeah, and I’m thinking a wide-mouthed bass.” He held his hands up to show the approximate size that seemed right for the cake.

“That’s exactly what I was thinking. I’ve done dozens of them. I made a cake mold for fish a few years ago.” She grabbed a notebook from the shelf. “Here are some pictures. I use it all the time, then I use sculpting chocolate to give it a little texture before airbrushing it.”

He stepped in tight, peering over her shoulder as she flipped the plastic-coated pages of the binder. “Oh yeah, that looks real. He’s going to love it.”

“I hope so. Let’s do this.” She turned and raised her hand to high-five him like they’d always done when a plan had come together.

And just like before, his hand met hers. He gently laced his fingers between hers. For that second, him leaving to go to Paris never happened and that perfect feeling was back. Things had once been so good.

She tugged her hand back. “We’d better get started.”

“Right. Yes.” He’d almost blown it. He was glad he hadn’t totally spooked her off. If he’d tugged her in after lacing his fingers through hers, then spun her…she’d have surely freaked. “I haven’t been this stoked about a project in a while.” He was excited to be actually creating something from no plan. It was exhausting following the rules of a world-renowned menu of someone else’s design. Besides, it would be good practice for him. “Thanks for letting me help.”

“This doesn’t necessarily mean I’m going to have time to play or go off with you tomorrow. You know that, right?”

“I don’t even care. We’re here now.”

“Then let’s get to work.” She grabbed an apron from a drawer and tossed it to him. “Here.” She put hers on.

He glanced at the feminine design, then shrugged and put it on without a complaint.

“With all the sugar glass, are you sure we can we pull this off before you leave town?”

“We’ll finish it tonight if you’re up to it,” he said. “Piece of cake.”