Sugar, Spice & Secrets

37

As Gabriele and I stepped out into the crisp morning air, a sense of anticipation tingled in the air between us. I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as I glanced up at him, my heart skipping a beat at the sight of his warm smile.

"Where are we going, Gabriele?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity as I fell into step beside him, my hand brushing against his arm.

He grinned mischievously, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mystery. "A baking class."

"Baking class? For you?" I teased

Gabriele chuckled, his grin widening at my playful jab. "You know I'm quite the culinary expert," he replied, feigning offense as he nudged me gently with his elbow. "But yes, a baking class. Thought it might be fun to try something together."

I couldn't help but laugh at his response, the image of Gabriele struggling to knead dough or decorate cupcakes dancing through my mind. "Well, I suppose it's a good thing I'm here to supervise," I teased, earning a mock glare from him in return.

True to form, Gabriele opened the door for me with a gallant flourish, a small gesture that never failed to make my heart flutter with affection. As I settled into the plush leather seat, he closed the door behind me before making his way around to the driver's side, his easy grace a testament to his natural charm.

Once inside the car, Gabriele flashed me a playful grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he started the engine and pulled away from the curb.

As we continued on our journey, the playful banter between us flowed effortlessly, each teasing remark and shared laugh deepening the bond between us. And yet, beneath the lighthearted facade, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and affection blossoming in my heart.

"So, why did you only get flowers for my mom?" I teased, a playful glint dancing in my eyes as I turned to face him. "Are you trying to win her over before you win me over?"

Gabriele laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners with amusement. "Ah, you caught me," he admitted with a playful grin. "But don't worry, I'll make it up to you."

I chuckled, shaking my head in mock exasperation. "You better," I teased. "But you really don't have to stress in impressing my parents. They love all my friends–"

"One," he cut in, briefly glancing at me. "I want to. And two, I'm trying to work my way into being more than a friend."

My breathing stopped for a while. This wasn't the first or second time he was declaring his intentions but each time, it still managed to catch me off guard.

As I glanced out the window, my cheeks still flushed with the warmth of Gabriele's confession, I couldn't help but notice the familiar route he was taking. It wasn't towards some baking class venue; instead, he was driving straight to my bakery. A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I realized his intentions.

"I see what you're doing," I remarked, turning to face Gabriele with a playful glint in my eyes. "I'm the teacher, huh?"

Gabriele flashed me a sheepish grin, his eyes dancing with amusement. "I thought maybe you could teach me a few things in your domain."

A surge of warmth flooded through me at his words, the realization sinking in that this impromptu visit to my bakery felt strangely like a little date. I couldn't help but find it endearing how he was making an effort to engage with me on something that was so important to me.

"Consider it a baking lesson, courtesy of yours truly," I replied with a smile, my heart skipping a beat at the thought of spending some alone time with him.

As we pulled into the parking lot, the early morning sun cast long shadows across the empty street, adding to the sense of tranquility that enveloped us. It was still too early for the bakery to open, and the usually bustling street was unusually quiet, with only a few early risers strolling by.