Naughty

For the next hour, she forgot about everything. Every little worry or fear evaporated as he hurtled her into being just a normal kid.

She hadn’t been a big kid in a long time, and it was nice to just let loose.

Leaving the park, she was still laughing even as they entered his home.

“I’m hungry,” she said.

“Well, I have a full fridge and a full freezer. Would you like to cook for me?”

“I’d love it.”

Entering the kitchen, she found some chicken breast in the fridge, along with peppers, onions, and garlic. Looking at his small pantry, she found a couple of spices to make a seasoning to flavor the dish. Some stock, double cream, and pasta, she was set.

Carter opened up a bottle of wine as she started cooking. She tucked some of her hair behind her ear, and was surprised by how natural it was to work with him around her.

She’d always had a crush on Carter, and it had even embarrassed her a few times. Thinking back to that moment, she remembered how nervous she’d been.

****

Autumn at seventeen

She had failed another test, an English one, and she hated that her parents were having to deal with trying to get her help at school. Every time she failed, it reminded her that she wasn’t perfect. She was nothing like her sister, and no matter what Summer said, her sister was perfect.

Whipping up the butter and sugar, Autumn worked her aggression on the batter, hoping to build up as much air and creaminess that it would be a tender crumb. She already had some cupcakes baking.

Stupid.

Thick.

Idiot.

“Something smells nice.”

She looked up in time to see Carter enter. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, and it was hard for her to walk away. Holy crap, he was so sexy, but she couldn’t think that.

“Erm, thank you.” Look away. Look away.

“What’s cooking?”

“Some lemon cupcakes.”

“What are you doing now?”

“I’m working on a pound cake.”

The alarm went off, and she bent down, grabbing out the first tray of cupcakes. Leaving them for five minutes, she went back to beating the living day lights out of her butter and sugar. She could use her machine, but then she wouldn’t get to de-stress.

“Can I take one?”

“Oh, yeah, sure.” She nodded and pointed at the cupcakes. “Be careful. They’re hot.”

She tried not to watch, but it was impossible to look away as he took a large bite. He moaned. “That is fantastic.”

She nodded.

He moved up behind her, and she became aware of how much larger he was than she was. “You really like to beat the shit out of that thi

ng.” His hand touched her arm, and she tensed up.