Bake Me A Cake: A Single Dad Love and Baking Romance

by Katie Simms

  “Oh, come on!” Kyle exclaimed, along with a few other people.

  “Oh, yes. It was,” Devon exclaimed and clapped his hands. “It was a pass interference.”

  “In what universe?”

  “In every universe there is. Go read your rules, man!”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Kyle asked and turned to Devon.

  “Here we go again,” one of the girls sitting close to Henley muttered.

  Henley turned to her and asked, “Are they always like this?”

  “You have no idea. It’s almost as if they like arguing.”

  “Perhaps someone should change the subject.”

  “Good luck with that,” she answered. “I’m Brooke.”

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “You look really familiar though.”

  “Do I?”

  “Yeah, I’ve seen you somewhere.”

  “I work at Latte’s Away, maybe it was there.”

  “Right, I remember. That place has the best brownies in the world, and I would know. I’m a baker.”

  “Really? So am I.”

  “Really?”

  “Well, I was. Now I am a barista, and I bake only when I get the chance.”

  “You bake those brownies?”

  “I do.”

  “What is your secret?”

  She chuckled and shook her head. “I am not at liberty to discuss my secrets with you.”

  Brooke laughed and nodded. “It was worth a try.”

  “That can’t possibly be a pass interference,” Devon carried on.

  “You’re definitely right, it can’t,” Henley pointed out and Kyle and Devon, as well as Dean from the snack table, looked at her. “No way that pass was catchable,” Henley finished with a loud crunch on some nachos.

  Dean’s jaw dropped slightly and he looked at Kyle.

  There were a few moments of silence in the room as everyone stared at her.

  “What?” she asked.

  “I can’t believe this.”

  “What?” she asked again with a shrug.

  “I would have never taken you for a football fan.”

  Henley chuckled and looked at Dean.

  “You’re full of surprises,” Dean said and raised his eyebrows.

  “I like this one.”

  “Yeah, you should definitely invite her here more often,”

  Dean laughed and glanced at Henley, who just smiled at him. His phone, that was on the kitchen counter, suddenly rang and he stood up to answer it. Claire’s name flashed on the screen and he made his way upstairs, away from all the noise.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey, Dean.”

  “Is something wrong?”

  “No, everything is fine. It sounds like you’re having a party.”

  “Potluck and football.”

  “Right, it’s Monday.”

  “Why are you calling? To check up on me?” he asked.

  “I need to ask you a favor.”

  “A favor?”

  “Yes. I’m a bit desperate.”

  “You need a favor from me?”

  “Don’t make a big deal out of this, okay?”

  “What do you need?” he asked.

  “Can you take Cora tomorrow?”

  “Sure. Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, I just have to run a few errands for the party and pick up her gift, and I don't want her to see it. Is that okay?”

  “Of course.”

  “If you could pick her up at school at one, that would be great.”

  “Okay, sure.”

  “Thank you,” she said reluctantly and Dean pursed his lips.

  “No problem. What time should I bring her back?”

  “Whenever you want.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. Spend some time with her.”

  “Okay, I’ll do that.”

  “Bye, Dean.”

  “Bye,” he frowned and heard the call disconnect.

  He walked back into the living area and Henley and the others looked at him with frowns on their faces.

  “Is everything okay?” Henley asked as he sat down on the couch beside her.

  “Yeah, everything is fine.”

  “Who was that, and why do you look so shocked?” Kyle asked.

  “It was Claire.”

  “What did she want?”

  “I have to pick Cora up from school tomorrow. She has to pick up her birthday present, so I get to spend the afternoon with her.”

  “That’s nice of her,” Henley said.

  “Which is highly unusual,” Devon pointed out.

  “Okay,” she frowned. “But you should be happy though that you get to spend the afternoon with Cora.”

  Dean bit his bottom lip briefly and nodded. He was happy, he was just a bit shocked that Claire had given him permission to spend the rest of the day with Cora. Normally she would tell him to have her home by a certain time, and if he wasn't there on time she would completely freak out on him.

  “Dean?”

  Dean glanced at Henley and raised his eyebrows.

  “Are you okay?” she asked.

  “Yes, of course. I’m fine.”

  They spent the rest of the evening talking about random things, laughing at Kyle and Devon’s lame jokes. Henley was happy that she met Brooke, a fellow baker, and as they spoke about their trade, Henley started missing being a full-time baker.

  ***

  It was after ten when Henley announced that it was time for her to go, as she had to open at the coffee shop the next morning. Some of the group had already left, so there were only a hand-full of people left. She said goodbye to Kyle and Devon and Dean walked her out.

  As they walked down the driveway to where her Beetle was parked, she turned to him.

  “Your friends are really entertaining.”

  “Not always. They get a bit much sometimes.”

  “I can imagine, but they’re nice.”

  “If you say so.”

  “How long have you known them?”

  “Since high school.”

  “All of them?”

  “Yes.”

  “Even Brooke?”

  “Yeah. Why?”

  “No reason. She seems nice.”

  “She is.”

  “It’s nice to still be friends with people from high school.”

  “Have you known Jess since high school as well?”

  “Yes, we were best friends from freshman year. She sort of took pity on me when I came back to Oceanside.”

  “You never did tell me what you did in Sacramento.”

  “That’s a story for a whole different day,” she sighed and looked at him. “But I promise I’ll tell you.”

  “Fair enough.”

  “Thank you, for a great evening.”

  “Thank you for coming over.”

  “You should thank Betty.”

  “Right, Betty the legend,” he said with a chuckle. “What time do you get off work tomorrow?”

  “Probably at five. Why?”

  “I'd like you to have dinner with me and Cora.”

  “Is that allowed?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Won’t your ex-wife have a problem with that?”

  “Why would she?”

  “Because it sounds like she has a problem with most things.”

  “Just the things that I do.”

  “I don't want you to get into trouble though.”

  “I won’t, I promise.”

  “Okay,” she answered with a smile. “That would be nice, especially to meet Cora.”

  “You’re going to love her. She’s just amazing.”

  “She has to be. She’s your daughter after all.”

  Dean gazed into Henley’s bright green eyes and smiled slightly. She was honestly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Not only beautiful, but she was funny and smart, and she was sarcastic enough to even put Kyle and Devon in their places. It was d
ifficult for him to grasp the idea of only being friends with her, but he respected her decision.

  The way she looked at him right at that moment made it even more difficult not to pull her close and kiss her.

  “I should get going,” she said softly and turned away.

  “Sure. Thanks again for coming.”

  “We should really do this every Monday.”

  “I’m sure the guys won’t have a problem with that.”

  “And what about you?” she asked in a rather flirty manner and placed her hands on her hips.

  “I definitely don’t have a problem with that either.”

  “That’s good to know,” she said with a grin. “I’ll see you tomorrow then?”

  “Yes. I will definitely text you.”

  “Bye,” she said and turned away from him.

  He watched as she climbed into her car and drove away. He went back inside the house and closed the front door behind him.

  “I like her,” Kyle said, still seated on the couch.

  “Yeah, she nice,” Devon agreed. “Pretty as well.”

  “I know,” Dean answered.

  “So, what’s her deal?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Why doesn't she want to be more than friends with you?”

  “I saw the way she looked at you, and there wasn't just friendship on her mind.”

  “Oh, come on. Stop being an ass.”

  “He’s right. I saw it too.”

  “She told me that friendship was all she could offer at the moment, and I respect that.”

  “So you’re just going to wait for her until she’s ready?”

  “Yes.”

  “Wow.”

  “I mean it, Kyle. She’s special, I know it, and if that means I have to wait until she knows it too, then so be it.”

  “You’ve got it bad, Dean.”

  “I know, and it’s awesome.”

  Chapter Five

  Henley closed the container of sprinkles and glanced at the white and purple cupcake on the counter. She had made a batch of cupcakes for the lunchtime rush but kept one out especially for Cora. She wasn't sure what Cora liked, so she simply brushed it with edible glitter and topped it off with multi-colored sprinkles. She placed it carefully inside a purple cupcake holder made of decorative cardboard and she smiled at her little masterpiece.

  “That looks cute.”

  Henley spun around and looked at Jess with a chuckle.

  “Thank you. I hope she likes it.”

  “Well,” Jess said and crossed her arms. “If she likes it even a fraction of how much Dean likes you, then you have nothing to worry about.”

  “Whatever.”

  “Are you still in denial?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “So you can honestly tell me that you only think of him as a friend?”

  “Yes,” she answered.

  “Liar.”

  “I’m not lying,” Henley sighed. “Sure, he is hot and sweet-”

  “Like your brownies,” Jess said and raised her eyebrows suggestively.

  “But,” Henley said, pointing her finger in the air, “we’re just friends.”

  “Really?” Jess said, obviously not convinced.

  “Yes.”

  “I still don’t believe you.”

  “Why?”

  “You are just so...”

  “What?”

  “You’re different. Happier even.”

  “It’s nice to have someone to talk to.”

  “You have me.”

  “I know, but you know what I mean.”

  “I do, and I promise that I am not offended.”

  “You shouldn't be,” Henley chuckled and glanced at her watch. “Nelly should be on her way, right?”

  Nelly was the other barista who worked alternating shifts with Henley.

  “She’s already out front, so you can go as soon as your date arrives,” Jess said with a wink.

  “Whatever,” Henley said and rolled her eyes. “I’m just meeting Cora and then we’re all having dinner at his house.

  “Sounds like a date to me.”

  “You don’t take your daughter along on a date, Jess.”

  Henley grabbed the cupcake and headed upstairs to the coffee shop, ignoring Jess’s giggles behind her. She stood behind the counter and carefully folded another box, specifically sized for cupcakes, and placed the cupcake inside, closing it securely.

  “Hey Henley,” Nelly said as she approached the counter and smiled at her.

  “Hey,” Henley greeted with a smile as well.

  “What are you doing tonight?”

  “Just having dinner with a friend,” she shrugged.

  “Well, have fun.”

  “I’m sure she will,” Jess said and Henley tilted her head as she looked at her.

  Henley rolled her eyes and watched as the door opened.

  The moment she saw the little blonde girl walk through the door, she knew it was Cora. Even if Dean wasn't right behind her, she would have known it. She had long blonde hair that was tied up in a high ponytail and her facial features resembled Dean almost exactly.

  Henley glanced up at Dean and smiled when he saw her. He walked to the counter, with Cora following him, and he said, “Hey.”

  “Hey,” Henley greeted.

  “Sorry that we’re a bit late,” he apologized. “We went to the store and got a bit carried away.”

  “That’s okay,” Henley said and walked out from behind the counter.

  “Cora, I’d like you to meet Henley. She’s the one I was telling you about.”

  “Hello,” Cora said and glanced up at her with a smile. “My dad told me about you.”

  “So I hear,” Henley smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Cora. Your daddy told me about you too.”

  “He did?”

  “Of course. I can’t get him to stop actually,” she answered.

  Cora glanced at Dean with eyes that sparkled with wonder, and Dean looked at her in exactly the same way. It was incredibly endearing, and Henley could practically feel the whole shop fill up with love.

  Dean touched Cora’s chin and she giggled. He turned to Henley with a grin and asked, “Are you ready to go?”

  “Of course.” She grabbed her bag from behind the counter, as well as the box containing the cupcake and they left the coffee shop.

  Dean helped Cora into the back seat and buckled her in while Henley climbed into the front passenger seat. As she buckled her seatbelt, Dean climbed into the drivers’ seat and glanced at her.

  “I’m glad you’re having dinner with us.”

  “Thank you for inviting me,” she answered with a smile.

  After dinner, Dean glanced at his empty plate and pouted slightly. “I don’t say this very often, but that was delicious.”

  “And it was all you,” Henley said.

  “It was nice, Daddy,” Cora agreed.

  “Thanks, kiddo,” Dean winked at her.

  He had to admit, he had truly outdone himself with dinner. It wasn’t a fancy meal, but it was delicious, and he was happy that he could spend it with Cora and Henley.

  Henley stood up and started to clear the table.

  “You don’t have to do that,” Dean said with a frown.

  “You did all the cooking, it’s the least I could do.”

  “You helped a little,” Cora pointed out.

  “Without you, the potatoes would have ended up in the garbage.”

  Henley shrugged modestly and placed the dirty dishes and cutlery on the counter.

  “How exactly does your dishwasher work?”

  “Just leave everything there for now.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  “Okay,” she answered and walked to the couch where her bag was. She took the box out of her bag and walked over to the dining room table. “Cora, I made you something.”

  “What is it?”

 
Henley handed her the box and she smiled. “I hope you like it.”

  “What do you say,” Cora?”

  “I’ll say thank you when I know what’s inside,” Cora said.

  Henley suppressed a laugh and crossed her arms.

  “Cora,” Dean warned.

  “Thank you, Henley.”

  “So, what’s inside?” Dean asked as Cora opened the box and let out an excited shriek.

  She took out the purple and white cupcake and looked at Henley. “It’s a big cupcake! It’s so pretty!”

  “Wow, it is pretty,” Dean said and frowned at Henley. “You made that?”

  Henley nodded and Cora jumped up from the chair. She threw her arms around Henley’s waist and hugged her. “thank you!”

  “Do you like it?” Henley asked.

  “I love it! Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Cora let go of her waist and ran back to Dean. “Look, Daddy. It’s purple. I love purple. How did she know?”

  “Henley knows everything.”

  “She does?”

  “Yes,” Henley answered and winked at Dean.

  “That’s so cool,” Cora said and looked at Henley. “Can I eat it?”

  “Of course.”

  Cora shrieked in excitement and ran to the living room. Dean stood up and walked over to her. “You made that?”

  “Yes.”

  “I didn't know you baked.”

  She shrugged modestly and looked at him with a pout.

  “You really are full of surprises.”

  “A little.”

  Dean glanced over at Cora, who had purple icing on her chin, and suddenly he froze.

  “Oh, crap,” he gasped and Henley glanced at him.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I forgot,” he mumbled.

  “What did you forget?”

  “I can’t believe I forgot,” he muttered and ran his fingers through his dark hair.

  “What’s going on?” she asked.

  “I’ll tell you later. I can’t talk about it when she’s here,” he said and motioned to Cora.

  “Okay,” she said with a nod.

  Dean walked into the living room and sat down beside Cora.

  Henley couldn't help but smile at the way Dean was with Cora. Even though she never expected him to be a father, she couldn’t believe how good he was at it. To him, it looked so incredibly natural. She spent most of the night looking at them but joined in their conversation when she needed to. She didn't want to distract them from one another, as she could see how close they were, yet she never felt in the way.