The Baker

Chapter 7

        Ben was all smiles for the next few days. Even though he hasn’t seen Cassie since their second date, because she and Jess had to drive to Cardiff to meet with potential advertisers, they still called and texted each other every day. Ben would send her sweet nothings, and he could practically see her blushing when she responded. When they called, they would talk for hours. Jess would always get annoyed because she felt like a thrid wheel. She was even more annoyed that she felt like a thrid wheel when he wasn't even with them. Her and Cassie were back today, but before Ben could see Cassie, he had another lunch to go to with Adam; this time at a place called, “The Claw”. Ben would have thought it fine, had it not been for the sign with a huge, cartoon-like bear. He groaned when he walked in, spotting Adam almost immediately. They sat at a table in the far corner and ordered coffee. Ben noticed Adam was acting a bit strange. He’s hardly spoke or even looked Ben in the eye. “What’s wrong, Adam?” He asked. Adam muttered something about how Ben always has to be like Sherlock and deduce that something was wrong. Adam sighed, “I’m sorry, but…Kate wants to set Cassie up with some hunk at her work.” Ben tensed up. He hasn’t told Adam about his and Cassie’s first and steamy second date. He was planning to go on about it all throughout lunch. Instead, curiosity got the best of him and he asked, “Oh? And why is that?” “Well, I mentioned that you were going to try and have go, but since I haven’t heard from you about any progress, she said she was going to call Cassie and set up something within this week. She said Cass needs a man and soon.” Ben snickered and looked over the menu. “Are you mad?” Adam timidly asked. Ben looked at him and smiled, while saying, “Oh, not in the slightest.” Adam let out a huge breath and said, “Good! I was afraid you’d be pissed! Now, what looks good?” “I don’t know. I think I’m fancying something with chocolate.”

“So…is your boyfriend coming in today?” Jess asked with a wink. Cassie scoffed, “He’s not my boyfriend!” “Oh please! You told me you two made-out in the kitchen! And then again on one of the sofas! He gave you this whole beauty speech, and you’re telling me you’re not official?” Cassie’s thought that over plenty of times. She likes to say that they’re unofficially official. Of course, she’s only said that to herself. “Shouldn’t you be counting numbers, math guru?” Cassie asked. Jess waved her off, but went back to counting their numbers over the past week, anyways. Cassie’s phone went off a few minutes later, indicating she got a text. Jess looked up from her calculator and smirked at Cassie’s smile. “It’s Ben, isn’t it?” She asked. Cassie sighed and left the office. Jess wasn’t easy to fool. She quickly threw down the calculator and bolted out after Cassie. Cassie was standing behind the counter of the shop and looking down at her phone that read, ‘On my way with Adam. I have a hankering for a chocolate croissant…and your lips.’ She giggled like a little girl and looked at the door just in time to see Ben and Adam walk in. Before they walked up to the counter, she grabbed some tongs and a paper bag. She pulled a chocolate croissant out of the oven and placed it in the bag. Right as Ben and Adam got to the counter, Cassie stepped up and said, “Hello gentleman.” Ben smiled and said, “Hey, you.” He leaned over the counter and gave her a smooch on the lips. They pulled back and Cassie held up the bag to him. “Awe, thank you, darling.” He gave her one more tender kiss, before pulling out his wallet and asking, “How much?” She thought and said, “One kiss.” He happily complied and kissed her again. “But seriously,” he said against her lips. “How much?” “On the house.” “You’re too nice.” Before she could respond, he pecked her lips, then pulled back and looked at a gaping Adam. Cassie smiled at him and asked, “Anything for you, Adam?” He went to say something, but then closed his mouth. He then pointed at the two of them and stuttered, “S-so…you…you two…a-a…couple?” Cassie didn’t know how to answer, so she looked at Ben, who was looking at her. He smiled and said, “Well…we haven’t really discussed in terms of being a couple, but…if she’ll have me as a boyfriend, then I’d be the happiest man on earth.” Speaking more to her now, he said, “I know we haven't known each other for more than a week, but, Cass, I…I have very strong feelings for you. Will you be my girlfriend?” He and Cassie were so lost in his words that they didn’t notice Jess turned down the music and how every eye in the place was on them. Cassie smiled widely and said, “Of course!” Ben chuckled and cupped her face, kissing her into another world, while everyone in the shop started clapping. Ben slowly broke the kiss and whispered to her, “If you think we’re going too fast, please let me know. We can take a step back if you ever feel uncomfortable. I really want to try and make this work.” She shook her head and told him, “It’s perfect. I already feel like I’ve known you for years.” “Same here, darling.” After one more peck, they both stood back and looked at Adam. He was still gaping at what had just occurred. He took a deep breath and said, “So, I’ll tell Kate that that’s a no on the date with the hunky guy, shall I?” Cassie furrowed her eyebrows and asked, “Hunky, wh—.” “Honey! Come sit with me and share this delicious work of art you worked so hard on,” Ben said quickly. Cassie giggled and shook her head, while saying, “Wow. Two minutes of being together and you’re already possessive. I knew about the date, Ben, but I haven’t had time to tell her that I was already seeing someone.” Ben cleared his throat and Cassie noted that his cheeks were turning red. “I actually found that pretty damn cute,” she added, making him let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Wow, Benedict, he thought to himself, literally two minutes in and almost cocked this whole thing up! Changing the subject, Ben asked, “So, does this mean you’ll go on that third date with me?” Cassie pretended to think, then said, “Hmm, I don’t know. Where would this third date take place?” Ben smiled, “My place. Tonight. Six. I’ll cook you dinner.” “It’s a date,” she smiled.