The Baker

Chapter 44

"And...there! All done!" Cassie said to...no one in particular. She's been alone in the bakery all night, trying to get everything stocked up for tomorrow. It will be the bakery's 2 year anniversary tomorrow and they were having a big sale, along with free samplers that they don't sell in the shop. Though, it is a great way for Cassie to see what new things people like so she can start selling them. 

Their first anniversary was a huge hit last year, especially with Adam promoting it on twitter. She can only imagine what tomorrow will be like now that she's labeled all over the world as Benedict Cumberbatch's girlfriend. 

Speaking of that man, he's been away for almost five months now. It's been completely agonizing without him here, especially since his last visit home was nearly three months ago. Of course, they call or Skype every night and they handle their sexual frustration with either phone sex or Skype sex, but that's nothing compared to the real deal. He will be coming home in three weeks time, which Cassie cannot wait for. He'll even be back in time for their one year anniversary! 

The sound of the oven going off brought Cassie back from her thoughts. She opened the oven took out a tray of mini pies, and then another tray of mini plain and chocolate croissants. She put another two trays in the oven to replace those. One tray was mini cupcakes and the other had mini assorted danishes. 

She set the mini pies and croissants down on the counter next to the mini assorted cheesecakes and fruit tarts. They almost didn't fit on the counter, but every other surface in the entire kitchen was filled. She would have to take some of the stuff she needs to refrigerate back to her place. Actually, she may have to put some in Ben's fridge as well because there was so much! The rest of the stuff could stay in the pre-heated oven before she comes back in a few hours. 

She plopped down in a chair with a huff and looked around the kitchen. There were so many pastries, she couldn't believe she did all of this by herself. She's been trapped in this kitchen since three this morning...and twenty-four hours later, she's still here. 

She jumped a bit when her phone began to ring. She picked it up without looking at the ID. "Hello?" She answered. "Oh. I didn't expect you to pick up. Did I wake you?" She smiled and said, "No, Ben. I've been awake for the past twenty four hours." She realized then that she probably shouldn't have told him that. 

"Why in the hell have you been awake for that long? You need to go to sleep. Are you at my place or yours?" She sighed and told him, "Neither. I'm still at the bakery. I don't even think I'll make it home. This shindig starts at eight and I still have to put the stuff that needs to be cool in the fridge and I need to fit the rest of the trays in these oven somehow so they can stay warm. And then, I still have to make some meat platters and bake some bread. So it doesn't look like I will be sleeping, nor will I be enjoying the party."

She huffed and waited for him to respond, but he was silent. "How did you manage this last year?" The oven beeped, so she answered while taking out the trays, "I had Jess here. She was the only one that knew my recipes by heart, so I didn't have to babysit her. And I can't train Alice or anyone else because would take way too long. Basically, what's covering this entire kitchen, is every recipe I have."

"Send me a picture?" He sweetly asked. "I want to see what I'll be missing." Cassie took a quick picture of the entire kitchen, then sent it. A few seconds later, Ben said, "Holy shit. Are those mini chocolate croissants?!" Cassie laughed, then sadly said, "I wish you would be here tomorrow." 

Ben sighed and told her, "I know, sweetheart. But I'll be home in a few weeks, alright? Then I'm all yours for about a month. But remember, I do have to go to New Zealand for a few days to shoot some additional scenes for the second and third Hobbit movie. I would love for you to come with me."

While trying to fit a seventh tray in one oven, she said, "I would love to! I've always wanted to visit there." She somehow got in the tray and closed the oven. "I'm in love with New Zealand. I was there for nearly a year to film the second movie, but it was all worth it. Maybe we can stay there for a little longer, make it a holiday." 

Cassie smiled at the thought, then scowled at a tray for not fitting in another oven. "Sounds great," she said through gritted teeth. "You alright? You sound...pissed." She shoved in the tray and sighed triumphantly. "I'm, babe, just getting my shit together here. You going out to night or doing anything?" She asked, attempting to change the subject. 

"Thinking about going out with Chris and the guys a little later. But, if you're in that big kitchen, all alone, I think I may have something else in mind," he purred down into the phone. Cassie shivered from his voice and said, "As much as I would love to...I'm quite busy at the moment."

Ben chuckled and teased, "What, is your other boyfriend there, getting himself off from watching your sexy arse bake? I know I would."  Cassie scoffed and scolded, "Behave, Benedict! And for your information, I'm getting him off." 

She wanted to laugh, but she restrained herself and listened to him growl, "Oh, you are in such big trouble when I get home, missy. I say you're in for a nice, hard spanking." Again, Cassie shivered. What this man does to her. "Too late," she told him, "I already got several." She smiled and bit her thumb to stop her giggles. 

"Keep it up and you'll get the hard fucking you seem to be asking for," he sexily warned. Cassie was going to say something back, but she lost her words. Her mind went completely blank at the images he was putting into her head. 

Ben deviously laughed and said, "Well, I'll let you go now, darling. I know you have a lot to get done. Try not to jump anyone before I get home because I want you as tight as possible for me." Finally gaining back her senses, she laughed, "Oh, and that's the only reason?" 

He chuckled, "Bye, Cass. I love you." She playfully rolled her eyes and said, "I love you, too."