The kitchen is filled with the cozy aroma of vanilla and sugar. I’ve decided to teach Bansot how to bake cookies—something she’s never done before. I can’t help but smile as I watch her fumble with the ingredients on the counter, her brows furrowed in concentration.
“Okay, love,” I say, trying to keep my tone encouraging. “The first thing we need to do is preheat the oven to 350 degrees.”
She nods, looking at the oven like it’s a complex puzzle. “Got it. And then… what?”
“Then we mix the dry ingredients,” I say, showing her the bowl with flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. “You need to whisk these together.”
She takes the whisk from my hand, but it looks like she’s trying to use it like a magic wand. “Is this how you whisk? It feels like I’m casting a spell.”
I laugh softly. “Not quite, but I love the enthusiasm. Here, let me show you.” I gently guide her hands through the whisking motion, my fingers brushing against hers.
“Okay, but how come your cookies always turn out perfect and mine would probably taste like cardboard?” she teases, a playful glint in her eye.
“Practice makes perfect, and besides, I’ve had plenty of practice,” I tease back, grinning. “Besides, you’ve got me here to help.”
As we move on to the next step—creaming the butter and sugar—I let her take the lead, but not without a bit of teasing. “Careful with the butter. If you go too fast, it might end up all over the place.”
“Are you trying to sabotage my cookies?” she counters with a mock frown, focusing intently on the mixing.
“Would I ever?” I ask, my tone light and affectionate. “I’m just making sure you get a true baking experience.”
She grins, and I can see the mischief in her eyes. “Well, if this is a true baking experience, then I guess I’m ready for a little mess.”
Sure enough, a little bit of flour escapes from the bowl, dusting the counter and our clothes. I pretend to be shocked, but I can’t help the chuckle that escapes me. “Looks like you’re already a baking pro.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re the one cleaning up,” she retorts, laughing as she tries to brush some flour off her face.
As we mix in the chocolate chips and form the dough into little balls, I notice she’s still a bit hesitant, her confidence wavering. I come up behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her close.
“Don’t worry, love,” I murmur into her ear. “These cookies are going to be amazing. You’re doing great.”
She relaxes against me, a smile spreading across her face. “I’m just glad you’re here with me. This would be a lot harder without you.”
“Nothing’s too hard when we’re together,” I say softly, my hands resting gently on her stomach. “Besides, baking is more fun when it’s with you.”
We place the cookie dough onto the baking sheet, and I slide it into the preheated oven. As the timer starts ticking down, we clean up the kitchen together, our playful bickering and laughter filling the space.
When the cookies finally come out of the oven, they’re golden brown and smell incredible. We let them cool for a bit before trying them, and the first bite is sweet and delicious. I look at Bansot, her eyes sparkling with pride.
“See? I told you they’d turn out great,” I say, leaning in for a quick kiss on her cheek.
“Thanks to you, they did,” she replies, grinning. “And maybe I did learn a thing or two today.”
I pull her into another hug, I gently cup her face in my hands, my thumbs brushing her cheeks. “You know,” I say softly, my voice low, “we make a pretty good team.”
She smiles, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “I’d say we make a great team.”
I lean in, closing the space between us. Our lips meet in a soft, tentative kiss, but it quickly deepens as our mouths move together more passionately. Her hands find their way to my shoulders, pulling me closer as our kisses become more urgent and heated.
I’m aware of every touch and every sigh, the way her body presses against mine, the warmth of her breath mingling with mine. I gently guide her back against the counter, the cool surface contrasting with the heat between us. My hands roam to her waist, pulling her even closer, and her fingers thread through my hair, tugging me nearer.
Her lips part slightly, and I take the opportunity to explore her mouth more thoroughly, savoring the taste of the cookies still lingering on our tongues. Our kisses are deep and intense, filled with the longing and affection that words often fail to express. I can feel her heartbeat racing in sync with mine, and the connection between us feels electric.
We finally break apart, both breathless and flushed, our foreheads resting against each other. I look into her eyes, seeing the same intense emotion reflected back at me. “I’ve missed you, lovey.” I whisper, my voice husky.
“I missed you more Pandak,” she replies softly, her fingers gently caressing my cheek.
I lean in for one more tender kiss, this time softer, more lingering, as if to savor the moment even more. Our bodies remain close, the warmth and closeness creating a cocoon of intimacy that feels almost like a promise.
“Let’s never let this distance come between us,” I say softly, resting my forehead against hers.
“Never,” she agrees, her voice a soft murmur.
“Well, aren’t you lucky to have such a talented baker in your life?” I tease, acting like arrogant. “Who else could turn a baking lesson into a passionate make-out session?”
She laughs, playfully shoving me. “Only you would brag about your cookie-baking skills. But I guess you’re not too bad yourself.”
I chuckle, pulling her closer. “I’ll take that as a compliment. And if you’re lucky, maybe I’ll give you a private baking lesson again sometime.”
