Free Sugar Rush by Elaine Overton

with trays of cookies, minicakes and little chocolate mousse cups. And then there were the smaller cakes, which came in all varieties—tortes covered in rich, dark chocolate with sweet strawberry topping dripping over the sides, gateau with hazelnuts and a cinnamon chocolate mixture, pavlova with sweet marshmallow centers topped with assorted berries, and little banana and chocolate soufflés. Sophie had never seen such a varied collection of delectable foods in her kitchen. She was surprised by El’s eye for design. It was understated and elegant. Then again there were a lot of things about him that Sophie found surprising.
    The twin towered wedding cakes were already packed in portions to be put together on arrival at the receptions. They were given a preparation table in the far corner, out of the way of traffic.
    She watched as sweat rolled over his sinewy biceps as he worked tirelessly, moving from one task to the next. His white T-shirt clung to his copper skin. Everything about him was divinely masculine, and yet his glove-covered fingers moved over the delicate desserts like a surgeon at work. Sophie realized she could have contently spent the evening watching him work.
    A little after six, the van pulled away from the bakery loaded down with boxes of desserts. Wayne, Lonnie and Dante squeezed into the front seat. While Eliot and Mae stood on the sidewalk, watching them pull away, Sophie sat in her chair just inside the door, wishing she were able to go with them to double-check the setups.
    Once the van was out of sight, El held the door open as Mae reentered the store. She smiled up at him and laughed. “It’s been a long time since we’ve hustled like that.”
    Sophie noticed how bright and cheery her grandmother’s face was, considering the day they’d had. She looked as bright and eager as a schoolgirl. Maybe the activity is good for her,Sophie thought.
    Feeling El’s eyes on her, Sophie looked up at him. “I really appreciated what you did today,” she said. “I don’t know how we could’ve done it without you.”
    “Just doing my job,” he said, but it sounded more regretful than anything. And he just continued to watch her in that unsettling way of his. “I’m going to go out back and get some air.” He wiped his hand over his face before passing between the two women heading toward the kitchen.
    “That’s a good man, and a fine baker,” Mae said with a satisfied nod. “When you first told us you’d hired a new baker, I didn’t know what to think. I was a little hurt at first. But the truth is, I could never have gotten out those orders today. Not like he did.”
    Sophie just listened. The reasons Mae had just named were indeed a part of her decision to hire the extra help, but she wouldn’t insult her grandmother by acknowledging it.
    “I’m going to head on home,” Mae said. “I’m starting to get a little tired, and tonight my show comes on.”
    Sophie smiled. “Ah, yes, supersleuth and mystery writer Jessica Fletcher. Doesn’t it kinda bother you how she alwayshappens to be nearby with someone is murdered?”
    “Oh, hush.” Mae laughed, moving behind the counter to get her purse. “I don’t try to ruin your shows, so why are you trying to ruin mine?”
    “Sorry,” Sophie said with a laugh. “Didn’t mean to spoil your fun.” She glanced out the window, glad to see there was plenty of sunlight left, enough for her grandmother to get home safely.
    Mae kissed her granddaughter on the forehead. “Love you, pumpkin. Don’t forget to lock up the shop after El leaves.”
    “I won’t. See you in the morning. Drive safely.”
    “Sophie…” Mae reached out and touched Sophie’s cheek in that way she did when she had something important to say. “That’s a good man.” She nodded toward the back. “He’s got some demons he’s fighting, not sure what they are, but…you could do worse.”
    Sophie frowned, wondering where this had come from.
    Mae only smiled. “I