slightly. “I’ve got this one covered. The twenty pound cake for the Stanten anniversary is going to be a little trickier. The wedding is going to be a breeze. A simple two tier with sheet cake for serving.”
“If you need me, call me,” he said.
I nodded again, turned back to the recipe for the peanut butter layer cake. I got it all set up and in the mixer just as the first layer was ready to come out of the oven. I pulled the half-sheet cake from the oven and moved it to a different worktop so it could cool.
I worked this way for a couple hours. Making sure each layer was sufficiently cooled so I could start with the icing. The fondant layer would be the last and would be a single big drape that I would be able to form into the book covers.
Once the layers were all finished and cooling, I got to work building the base for the cake. A piece of plywood that would be covered in frosting with a two-inch PVC pipe attached to the middle. The pipe would go through each layer of cake, giving it extra stability.
I pulled out my pneumatic nailer, hit the button on the compressor. While I was waiting for it to get to pressure, I dressed the plywood.
“I never knew so much went into making cakes,” Ryker called loudly.
Smiling, I nodded. Most people didn’t. At least not the parts that went into elaborate cakes that required framework and bases. Anyone could pick up a mix from the supermarket and call herself a baker.
“Do you need any help?” he asked.
I looked over at him. His eyes were sparkling as he looked at the power tools I’d laid out. Men. I chuckled to myself.
Waving him over, I had him steady the base as I attached the pipe and fitting. We got it turned right side up. I showed him how to spread the buttercream frosting over the coated base to help the cake stick to it.
As he was getting that done, I prepped the first layer. Cutting out the hole in the middle, I slid two trays under either side to keep it from breaking apart as I lifted it over the pipe. Once I got that one situated to my liking, he did the rest while I added the different frostings to each layer.
What would have taken me close to two hours of just straight assembly time, took less than thirty minutes with his help. He got to eat all of the discarded cake holes as payment. I even let him scoop up the remaining frosting.
His groans of satisfaction brought a smile to my face as I worked on adding the fondant layer and decorating it to look like the book spines on one side. The book pages would just be painted lines, so that saved me some time as well.
**
My back was aching and my legs were starting to go numb by the time I was satisfied with the cake. I never let anything less than my best go out to a client. My body was paying for that dedication to perfection right now.
Ryker helped me load the cake onto a cart and get it stored in the walk-in fridge for the night. I was limping by the time we walked back out. I bit my lip to keep the sounds of pain from escaping. I needed to call Tali. Ask her to come get me.
“Anything else you have to do tonight?” he asked as he walked back out to the main worktop.
“No.” Thank the goddess. I cleaned as I went so I didn’t have to worry about the huge task at the end of a long day. I needed to put some tools away, but that could wait for tomorrow when I came to get Natalie’s cake and start on the Stanten’s.
“Good.” He spun on his heel and darted for me. Shoving his shoulder into my abdomen, I was ass-up over his shoulder before I could figure out what was happening.
“Put me down, Ryker.” I slapped his butt.
He slapped mine back. “No. You can barely walk. Your house or mine?”
“You don’t get to decide that. I’m in charge of my body, Ryker. Just me.” I slapped him again.
My brain shifted to the side as he flipped me upright. My butt landed on the steel worktop. I tried not to whimper in relief as my legs got a chance to relax.
“I’m taking you home. It’s your choice which