We wind north along the coast of Lake Michigan and then venture into the neighborhoods.
“Let’s stop up here,” Rex yells, angling his head so I can hear him.
We start to slow, and when Rex puts his feet down, I follow his lead, and we come to a smooth stop. Unbuckling my helmet, I tug it off, climb off the bike, and throw myself at Rex, nearly toppling us both over.
Laughing, I fling my arms around his neck as he gathers me close. “That was amazing! I can’t believe I missed out on that for so many years. No wonder kids like riding bikes.”
Rex kisses my cheek. “I’m glad you had fun.” Sliding off the bike, he stretches. “Unfortunately, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Eventually your thighs will start to burn and your ass will feel like it’s on fire.”
I can’t stop grinning. “My ass already feels like it’s on fire, and my crotch has been numb for the last twenty minutes.” Like, seriously numb. I’m a little concerned with the tingling going on down below.
“Welcome to the club. You’ve officially been inducted into bike-riding hell.”
I look around at all the shops, trying to figure out what we’re going to do, when something catches my eye. A tiny bakery sits on the corner across the street. The front window is packed full of desserts, and a purple sign hangs above the door: Sugar.
“Do you mind if we stop in there?”
Rex follows my gaze when I point to the bakery. “It’s your day.” Sweeping his arm out in front of him, he motions for us to continue. But instead of riding over there, we walk the bike across the street, securing it to a small bike rack out front.
A bell chimes when we open the door. The smell of frosting and chocolate floods my nose, and I let out a soft moan.
“It smells delicious in here. I think I could eat one of everything,” I whisper, looking through one of the display cases.
A young woman with short blond hair walks around the corner, smiling. “Hi, I’m Tara. Welcome to Sugar. What can I get for you?” She has on a black apron, although it’s nearly white with flour, and a chunk of brown is smeared across her forehead.
“I was hoping to inquire about your catering services,” I say, grabbing a pamphlet from the front counter. “I assume you do events and parties?”
The woman’s face lights up. She practically bounces around the corner. Rex’s eyes widen at her enthusiasm, and he reaches for my hand when she approaches us. “I do all events. Nothing is too small or too big.” She glances at our joined hands. “I’m guessing you’re here for an engagement? Or dare I say wedding?”
Sputtering, I look at Rex—who seems way too happy—and back to her, but she’s already bustling past us.
“Follow me. I have an entire room dedicated to wedding cakes.”
“We’re not getting married,” I clarify.
She stops, turns on her heels, and frowns. “Bummer. You’re so cute together.”
My cheeks flush, and Rex beams back at her, his fingers tightening around mine. “Thank you,” he says.
“We’re here because we’re planning an anniversary party for his parents.”
“Well, you’re in luck.” This time she bustles past us in the opposite direction, and we turn to follow. “What are you hoping to do? Cake? Cupcakes? Pie?” She leads us to a small, round table in the back corner that’s stacked high with binders.
“We haven’t really decided.” I look at Rex, and he just shrugs. Typical man. I pick one of the binders and thumb through the pages. “Your work is fantastic.”
“Thank you. My grandmother taught me everything I know. Here, look through this.” She hands me a different binder. I flip through pages and pages of different anniversary pieces she’s put together, as well as various flavor and icing combinations.
“There are so many choices. Would it be possible for us to come in for a taste test?”
The be
ll above her door rings, and a woman and little girl walk in.
“Absolutely. Get a few ideas of what you’d like to sample, and I’ll be right back. We can schedule something.”
She scurries off, and I turn to Rex. “Do you see anything you like?”
His eyes rake over me. He gives me a cocky look, and I roll my eyes.