The Sweet Shoppe

[Alerdene]

Her breath finally evened out as she began to move around the bakery, her instincts taking over as she calmed. Her skin missed his touch and it made her think about how long it had actually been. Too long obviously as the first attractive man she was about for any length of time and she was ready to jump all over him. Chuckling to herself, she realized he said he was an egg man and she stuck her tongue out at him.

Fine fine, we'll change that thinking for you.

Grinning she began arranging things, thinking she could make lists of basic amounts and tape them to each island so he'd know each day what to start with, and she could tweak each amount depending on what she decided.

We'll go easy for tomorrow and just do basics.

She started at one end and pointed for him to be at the other.

All we're doing is readying the doughs for tomorrow morning, it really won't take long at all and then you can get out of here. It'll be like earlier, just put in what I tell you and switch when I say switch.

He nodded and picked up a measure cup as she began calling out amounts of things again, moving from bowl to bowl as she instructed. She started with her end and did the same, varying the amounts as she decided what each bowl would end with. Her memory was what had been termed in school as photographic and she had no fear of forgetting what bowl would be what and messing something up. It had never happened yet and wouldn't as long as she was there to supervise things.

They met in the middle and she smiled brightly as she proclaimed them done with that part. Pointing to the trays he'd rinsed earlier and a huge container of wax paper that was attached to one side of a counter she asked him to go line all the trays with paper for her.

Her eyes strayed to his ass when he did so and she tried not to picture them in jeans. What was she thinking telling him to wear jeans. She had no doubt they'd be tight and gorgeous and extremely distracting. Forcing herself to move, she added wet ingredients to a couple of bowls and began to mix them, eventually putting her hands in and kneading the dough firmly until it was the texture she liked. Separating them into assorted shaped bread pans, she covered them and left them to rise.

Taking the containers to the sink she washed them and by the time she was done, he was as well and stood awaiting her next command. Going to a huge pantry, she opened it and took out an extremely large chunk of deep, dark shiny chocolate and sat it in front of him, handing him a huge butcher style knife.

Just use the back of it and pound at that until it's in smallish size chunks, they don't have to be precise obviously.

She continued readying things as she heard the soothing sound of the chocolate being pounded and before long she thought she was organized enough that things could go quickly in the morning. Perhaps she might slide by with coming in at 4am instead of three like usually.

Smiling as she took a bowl over to him, she swept all the chocolate he'd broken off into the bowl and wrapped up the rest of the large hunk, putting it back in the pantry.

That's it I think... thank you so much for your help. It's even a little earlier then I usually am done...

She glanced at her watch and nodded, confirming her guess.

Yep, it's only 10pm. See how good you are.

She offered him a dazzling smile as she truly was pleased, she'd get an extra hour or two sleep, though she wasn't sure how much would be sleep and how much tossing and turning as she thought of other things.

 

[jushorny]

As we worked very little conversation took place. Occaisionally I would glance over at you, when I could, admiring how you look when you're doing what you like to do best. It was easy to see this shop was your heart and soul. It meant everything to you and it was what made you happy.

We both worked from opposite ends of the island, working towards the center. We met, you making it over half way before me, of course, we stood close together again. It was almost like a movie or tv show, expecting the pair to stop and kiss.

I was beginning to feel like I was actually helping, although, I admitted to myself, you are the one with all the secret recipes in your head.

I wondered as we worked what you were like outside of the shop. I found myself excited thinking about what you would wear tomorrow.

Several times while chopping the chocolate I thought I felt your eyes on me. Every time I looked back towards you, you appeared busy in your own world.

When you announced we were finished for the night, I was actually relieved. I was beginning to feel tired, it had been a long day. I wondered how you did it day after day.

I took the apron off, setting it on the island. "Mia, this has been a wonderful day for me, I hoped I helped, and I promise you will be happy that you hired me. It is an honor to be able to be apart of your Sweet Shoppe."

I walked over to the dining table to pick up my shirt wondering how I leave. It didn't feel right just to say "see ya tomorrow". It felt more like I should give you a kiss, but of course that would not be appropriate either.

Placing my hand on your shoulder, "Thanks again Mia, its been fun. See ya around 4:30 then?" Heading towards then door, turning, smiling, "You might want to lock this after me."

I walked back to my place, well, skipping when no one was looking. I hadn't been this happy in quite sometime. Once inside my apartment, I grabbed a beer from the fridge, heading to the bedroom to strip and shower.

Seeing the answering machine light flashing, I listened to the message. It was Cathy, calling to talk, wondering where I was. I laid back on the bed in my underwear, setting my beer on the table, lighting a cig. I rarely smoked, but allowed myself to have a few a day and usually the end of the night was when they tasted the best. Dialing Cathy's number, we talked for about 20 minutes. She could tell I was excited about my new job at The Sweet Shoppe, but at the same time questioned was I was so happy. I believe her words were "Its just a bakery." It was sson after that comment when I told her I was beat, had to be at work very early and still needed to shower. I really was not in the mood to argue and I could see that was where we were heading.

Happy that call was over, I finished my beer and hit the shower. The hot steamy water running down my body was just what I needed. As I soaped my chest my thoughts returned to Mia, trying to get the flour off my shirt. I smiled remembering her trying to pat it off my pants. I began to feel a bit horny, remembering when I knelt down to brush the flour off her hips.

Finishing my shower, I dried off, and hit the bed. Setting the alarm clock, I laid down, the sheets feeling sensuous against my naked body.

 

[Alerdene]

She watched as he went and picked up his shirt, heading towards the door. She nearly called after him as he walked out, asking him to stay for another glass of wine, but stilled her tongue just before she did. Standing near the door, watching him until he was out of sight, she sighed finally, locking it and heading back to the kitchen where she glanced around trying to see if she'd forgotten anything.

Satisfied that everything was ready, she went upstairs and jumped into the shower, her fingers straying along her entire body until she forced herself to get out. Grabbing a bottle of water and wrapping a silk robe around herself, she sat down at the computer and opened up her word processor and began to type.

An hour later she picked up the stack of papers she'd printed and took them downstairs, clad only in her robe. A few pages she sat by the cash register up front for him to use, it was a comprehensive list of everything she could ever remember making and their prices. The rest of the papers, she slipped into plastic page covers and taped them to the islands, they had standard recipes on them for him to follow, so that she didn't have to be calling out amounts for him every time.

Looking around and smiling, she went upstairs and collapsed into bed, her body sinking into the soft bed as she snuggled against a pillow, trying to remember what it felt like to snuggle against a firm body instead. Forcing her mind from that and from her new employee which she had no business thinking about while in bed anyway, she finally drifted off into a restful sleep, the alarm set for 3:30am instead of 2:30.

The buzzing woke her in the middle of a dream she'd rather not have had interrupted, as usual. But this time, the nameless body had a face attached to it and she scolded herself as she dressed slowly. Today was pink dress very similar to the one she'd worn yesterday, and her hair went up on top of her head as usual.

Walking downstairs, she began flipping switches, lights, ovens, her fountain sprang to life as she yawned, padding around, waking the place up. Her first job was a cup of hot chocolate, the warm liquid warming her belly soon and she was awake, taking the dough that had been rising and sliding it into a warm oven.

That done, she added the chocolate Jason had chopped to the fountain, making a darker, not quite as sweet concoction that began working it's way through the warming portion before flowing down to mix with the already melted chocolate. Dipping a spoon in and tasting it, she smiled with delight at the result. Tossing the spoon in a sink, she moved to begin mixing the dry things they had readied the night before, keeping an ear turned toward the door so she would know when he arrived.

 

[jushorny]

My alarm going off at 3:30, I stretched in bed, trying to wake. Damn this is early to get up I thought to myself, it's still dark out. Realizing I had better get my butt moving, I head to the bathroom for a quick morning shower, it always seemed the best way for me to get going in the morning.

The hot steamy water slowly bringing my senses back. As I soap up my mind begins thinking of Mia. A smile appears on my face knowing I will be spending the day with the beautiful baker. As I wash and dream about her, I feel myself becoming aroused. I really wanted to pleasure myself, but knew there was very little time and felt like I would rather put it off until tonight, to totally enjoy it.

Forcing myself to have other thoughts, I finished showering, drying off and shaving. Realizig it was now 4:00 I kicked into high gear. Tossing on the first pair of jeans I found along with a light blue polo shirt. Heading off towards The Sweet Shoope.

Knocking on the door, I see lights on and know you are already busy working away at the specialities for the day.

 

[Alerdene]

She heard the knock and went immediately to the front, not wanting him to wait out in the cool air. Letting him in, she tossed him a smile as she tried not to stare at him too long. Jeans. Great. Now she had to look at that beautiful sight all day long. Turning and locking the door again as he moved in, she watched him walk to the middle of the shop, his ass looking absolutely edible.

Morning Jason. I see, I didn't scare you off. That's always a good start.

She grinned at him as she went past him into the back, which was a little warmer then up front with all the ovens going. Handing him a mug, she pointed to a pot of coffee and a smaller pot of hot chocolate.

Help yourself. I don't have any eggs made, but maybe before we open.

Sticking her tongue out at him she refilled her own hot chocolate before going back to the muffin tins she'd been filling.

 

[jushorny]

"Morning Mia, you look lovely again." Noticing her pink dress that seems to highlight her body even more than yesterday's dress, if that is possible.

"Nah, you didn't scare me off." Watching your ass move as you head for the back room.

Grabbing myself a cup of coffee, "Hope I'm here early enough for you, looks like you been working for quite some time." Noticing all the recipes taped alng the island, the fountain already working.

Leaning against the counter, "Ok, boss, where do I begin this morning?"

 

[Alerdene]

Not that long really. We got a lot done last night.

Smiling, she pointed at an empty table that had been filled earlier with the rising dough.

Bowls and ingredients are underneath, bowls to the right, other stuff to the left. Just grab a bowl for each paper taped there and dump in whatever it says.

She grinned as she watched him and went back to finishing the muffins, sliding the huge tray into one of the larger ovens. Moving to the next island, she started on cookies, creaming butter and sugar before adding in the things they'd readied the night before.

When he was done with the bowls she had asked him to do, she pointed at the ovens which were now dinging with fresh baked bread. He grabbed an oven mitt from the side of an oven and proceeded to take them all out, letting them cool side by side on the back counter while she moved from station to station.

The morning went quickly and it seemed no time at all before it was 6:30am and she held up her hands for a break.

Good enough, let's grab something to eat and then we'll take it up front.

 

[jushorny]

Today's work seemed slightly easier than yesterday, probably since Mia had made the recipes out for me. I didn't feel like I was so ignorant. Having the information in front of me helped enough to allow a few glances over at Mia, watching her work, admiring her form.

Reaching into the ovens, pullingout the baked goods and setting them aside to cool.

"Time sure does fly here Mia." Heading for another cup of coffee, listening to your directions.

"Did you get some sleep last night Mia, it must have taken awhile to type everything out, but I do appreciate it." Taking a sip of coffee as I lean against the counter, my eyes roaming over your body. I so wanted to walk over, grab you and give you a kiss. I wanted to wrap my arms aorund you, comfort you, keep you warm.

 

[Alerdene]

Smiling, she walked over to the small kitchen with a small fresh loaf of bread and set it on the table.

Nodding at him,

I slept well actually and figured the lists would let me sleep even longer from now on.

Her eyes caught his with a hungry look in them, and she couldn't force herself to tear her gaze away, wondering what he was thinking about with such a look. His girlfriend most likely. Finally looking away, she took some butter out of the fridge and cut some of the still warm bread, buttering a slice before taking a bite out of it.

Waving him over, she asked what he wanted for breakfast as she watched him walk, the jeans moving over his muscles like they were meant to be there. Waving off his objections,

Before you say it, yes, I made breakfast for Jean and myself every morning.

 

[jushorny]

"Good, I'm glad you got some sleep. You can't keep this place running if you don't take care of yourself."

Our eyes gazing at each other. I wonder if you feel the attraction too. I can't help but glance down over your body again, those feelings coming back to me. Telling myself I need time to figure out how to charm you, how to win you over without losing my job.

Walking over towards you, your eyes seem to be watching my body move, hoping I picked a good pair of jeans to show off.

"Well, then, I guess breakfast is one of the fringe benefits you offer as employer? In that case, eggs, hash browns, bacon, OJ, thanks"

"No, Mia, just kidding, the bread smells great, that will do for me." Taking a slice and buttering it.

"Are there any other fringe benefits you didn't fill me in on yesterday?"

 

[Alerdene]

She chuckled at his question about fringe benefits and shook her head positively,

Many, most of which you'll just have to find out along the way.

She tossed him a mysterious grin which dissolved as her face gave way to laughter and she retrieved two juice glasses from the cabinet and some orange juice from the fridge. Pouring them both a glass, she slid one her way and swiped another slice of bread as she watched him.

Leaning against the cabinet, she watched as he took a bite of the warm, melt in your mouth bread and she smiled and glanced away as he looked up, catching her staring. Not looking back, she found herself looking forward to when they closed for lunch, though she refused to admit it.

Today should be easy, if you want to work up front, I'll stay in back for a bit and get things ready for this afternoon. Should give us a much shorter night tonight and you can be on your way in time to actually do something if you'd like.

 

[jushorny]

"Now, Mia, is that following government standards, to make an employee find out his/her fringe benefits that way?" Smiling into your eyes.

"This bread is absolutley the best bread I have tasted" Looking over at you and realizing you had been staring at me. "Is there something wrong Mia, something with the way I look or something else?"

You promised me there was nothing wrong and went on to tell me you would stay working in the back for a bit and I would take the front. Noting that it should help shorten our day. I was certain why you were staring, but hoped it was not do to soething you saw and didn't like.

"I really don't mind working late, I don't seem to have much going on at night anymore." Looking down at the floor as I spoke.

I headed out front, unlocking the door, turning the sign aorund. Walking behind the counter, checking tomake sure everything was set out right, everything in its place. I took note of the price list you had prepared for me.

Annabelle was the first to walk through the doors. "Good morning," I said as she looked up at me. Asking if something was wrong with Mia. I let her know Mia had hired me to help out and that Mia was just fine, back in the kitchen working. I packaged her normal Chocolate Muffins, handing them to her, "Enjoy your day, Annabelle. I can get Mia, if you would like to say hi."

 

[Alerdene]

Her hands deep in flour when she heard Annabelle's voice, she smiled to herself as she grabbed a towel and stepped out front to wish the woman a good morning.

Good morning Annabelle, this is Jason, my new employee. He'll probably be here a lot in the mornings so I can stay in back and get things done.

She smiled as she chatted with the woman a bit, finally waving goodbye and walking back around the counter and Jason, brushing against him lightly in the narrow passage by the door.

Chuckling she moved past him and glanced up into his eyes, realizing once again how close they were and how she felt like she could stay that way all day.

Sorry, I forget how narrow that little space is by the register.

 

[jushorny]

"No reason to apologize Mia, I'm probably a little bigger than Jean was" Moving to against the back counter so you could rub my other side on your return to the kitchen.

Wishing we could close the shop now so I could take you in my arms and kiss your soft lips. Damn, why is my mind always thinking of you. I am suppose to be working here, not dreaming of what you body is like under the beautiful dress. Not to mention what Cathy would have to say if she knew how I was flirting, how I was feeling right now and what I was thinking I would like to do.

As the morning continued the steady flow of fascinating customers came through your door. One by one, I introduced myself, helping with selections. I was trying to be as friendly as you were with everyone of them. Some seeme dot welcome me with open arms, some, mostly women, seemed suspicious of my motives for working with you. Your specialities seemed ot be disappearing and I was beginning to wonder if there would be enough to last the day.

 

[Alerdene]

She kept one ear towards the front, content to let him work on his own, but not wanting him to feel flustered if he got busy, but the customers cooperated, coming in one at a time usually and for the most part, sounding helpful and pleased to meet him.

Time flew by as she worked, humming at times, her body in tune with everything in the shop as she mixed, poured, cooked and decorated. It was around eleven when she had several newly filled trays of goodies to take out front, glancing through the small window in the door to be sure she wasn't about to bump into him, she swung the door open with her hip and slide the tray of warm, assorted cookies onto the counter.

Smiling at him, she looked rather surprised to see most things gone from the morning already.

You've been busy I see, busier then I realized.

Putting the tray of cookies into the front cabinet, she went and retrieved several more trays of pastries, cakes, and even a pie or two, sliding them in. Straightening up, she hadn't realized he'd moved behind her and she backed right into him, his arm going around her waist as she pressed against him.

Swallowing hard and taking a step forward, spinning around to see him, his hand trailing along her waist as she turned, she tried to focus on what she was going to say.

We could probably make it staying open the entire day, but why push it. Why don't you lock up and come in the back, we'll find something for lunch. If you're hungry that is.

 

[jushorny]

I was truly enjoying helping out with the customers, they all seemed friendly and had nothing but great things to say about Mia's specialties, going on and on about the special power the goodies held. The only thing missing from making this a perfect day was not having Mia next to me. Between customers I considered faking something wrong in hopes it would bring you out front.

Before I knew it, you came walking through the door with more trays of goodies. I felt a big smile appear on my face as I saw you.

"Yea, guess it has been busy. Everyone is so nice, it truly does not seem like work."

I watched as you went for more, moving to the back counter out of your way. I couldn't help but glance down at your ass as you bent to slide another tray in the display case. Before I realized it, you straightened up, moving backwards right into me. My arm instinctively wrapping around you, subconsciously pulling you a bit closer.

I felt my hand travel around your waist as you turned and faced me. It seemed like we stood there for a long time, my mind reeling. Should I? Should I give in and kiss those lips? The lips I would give anything to taste. If I did give in, what would your reaction be, would you enjoy it, want it, want more, fire me? I was so confused.

Before I could come to my senses and make a decision, you made it for me. Taking a step away, you told me to lock up and come in the back, time for a lunch break. I stood there watching you disappear back into the kitchen, not able to move until you were completely out of sight.

I rushed to the door, turning the sign and locking up. I stood by the kitchen door, looking through the glass, seeing you stand in the kitchen, one hand on the island, the other rubbing your neck.

I pushed the door open, walking over towards you. "Sore neck Mia?" I moved in and rubbed your neck with one hand, not meaning it in a sensual or sexual way, just wanting to help.

 

[Alerdene]

She could have sworn for just a moment that he was going to kiss her and she nearly held her breath, hoping it would happen. Finally realizing how foolish she must look, she'd taken a step back and come back into the kitchen.

She sighed heavily and her hand came to her neck, rubbing the tension away softly as she tried to figure out what had gotten into her the last two days. It was if she'd been locked away from the male species for years or something. She swore to herself that it was the last time, from now on, professional thoughts only. Period.

That was when she felt his hands go to her neck and begin that amazing massage as he asked her,

Sore neck Mia?

She merely nodded yes, mumbling something about must have slept wrong, as she stood there, his fingers working the tension away.

Mmmm, I swear your hands are like magic Jason.

 

[jushorny]

Smiling as I stand behind you, both hands massaging your neck, when I hear you tell me how wonderful my hands feel. My hands working away the tension, my eyes traveling over your shoulders, down your back.

"Massages on one of the fringe benefits I offer as an employee" I say softly very close to your ear. I slide my hands just slightly lower working the tension form the center of your upper back.

"You have wonderful shoulders Mia, and a beautiful back too."

Hoping this was not going to get me into trouble.

 

[Alerdene]

Her head came up slightly, her lips parting as he mentioned fringe benefits and she knew her cheeks were pink as her thoughts slid once again to what she couldn't have.

His head remained over her shoulder, near her ear where he'd whispered his comment, even as his hands began working their way down onto her shoulders and back. When he mentioned them being beautiful, she couldn't help but turn her head slightly to look at him.

His eyes met hers for the briefest of moments as his hands pressed against her spine and she gave in to her impulse, knowing it would likely cost her her new employee. But unable to stop herself, her lips came to press softly against his, reveling in the way they felt against hers.

Her tongue traced his lower lip before his lips parted, letting her slip inside to press briefly against his own. His fingers stopped their moving however and this jolted her back from her dreamstate.

Pulling back, her eyes widening, she shook her head.

Oh my God, Jason, I'm so sorry, I don't know what got into me, I just... I'm so sorry, I swear it won't happen again...

Her voice trailed off as she realized she was on the verge of hysterical rambling.

 

[jushorny]

Wrapping my arm around you, pulling you into me. I raised a finger against your lips "Shhhhhhh"

Leaning down, kissing your neck, "No need to be sorry"

Kissing up along your neck and jawline back to your lips. Holding one arm around your waist my other hand holding your face with the other.

Our lips meet again, yours feeling so soft and moist. I pull you tighter against me as my tongue slides into your mouth.

 

[Alerdene]

His arms felt so good going around her as he shushed her and when his lips touched her neck, saying something about not being sorry, she trembled as she gave herself over to his touch. The consequences of what she was doing flew through her head and right out again as she nearly melted against him as he pulled her tighter, his lips coming to hers for another kiss.

Her own arms went around him, one down his back, the other to his hair as she tilted her head up, kissing him fully, her pouty lips parting as his tongue pushed against them.

The kiss lingered on and on, neither wanting to break the magical moment, on her side, for fear of what she'd see in his face when he realized what they were doing.

Their tongues played against each other as if they'd known each other for ages, her knee slipping between his legs as their bodies made contact everywhere it was possible, her breasts going firmly against his chest as his arms tightened around her.

Finally pulling back, her lips parted and eyes bright, she looked up at him, not daring to speak just yet.

 

[jushorny]

Your body felt so warm and soft against mine. You hand around my back pulling me closer as I was pulling you closer. Your fingers running through my hair sending a shiver down my spine.

Our tongues slowly gently rubbing, our lips kissing. It all was feeling so sexual, so sensual.

My body yielding to your touch longing to be with you. Your knee pushing in between my legs arousing me even more. Your breasts pushed tight against my chest.

I didn't want the kiss to end. Afraid that it would never happen again. If we continued everything would be alright, if we stopped now, we may never give ourselves another chance to know what it would feel like to be together.

I smiled down into your eyes as you pulled back. I wasn't sure what to say or do. I did not want to release my hold on you. Taking my hand and caressing your face, speaking softly, "Thank you Mia, I wanted this. You're so beautiful, so warm and soft."

Waiting, looking in your eyes for some reassurance that this was what you wanted also.

 

[Alerdene]

When his voice came floating to her that he'd wanted it, she breathed a sigh of relief that she hadn't been imagining things, hadn't been the only one feeling as if the tension at times was thick enough to cut.

A smile played on her lips as his hands did not release her, merely came up to stroke her cheek as he spoke. She leaned up, her lips coming against his again as he met her for another long, lingering kiss which neither wanted to break until they finally mutually pulled apart looking at each other.

Jason, I don't know... I'm not usually...

Her cheeks turned pink as she stopped, realizing she sounded like a teenager making excuses rather then what she was, a healthy adult with needs and feelings. Needs and feelings that he was doing rather well at igniting with merely a kiss.

Her own hands had dropped from his hair and were wrapped around his waist as she remained pressed tightly to him, her mind racing as she suddenly realized the important fact here. It didn't matter what she wanted, or the impulse that he'd had to return her kiss. He had a girlfriend. That he'd sounded rather down about not being with.

A sad smile came across her lips as she looked up at him, still not pulling away however, wanting to feel his arms around her as long as she could.

Jason, your girlfriend.. I'm truely sorry. If you feel you can't work here now, I understand...

 

[jushorny]

"Mia, let me worry about Cathy," I said still holding you tightly. Still totally immersed in the sensations of our second kiss.

"I...uh........hate to sound like an old responsible person here...........but.......uh......well......

I was stammering as to how to say what I was feeling. I so wanted to hold you, to undress you, to kiss every inch of your body. But, I wanted it to be right when it happened. In my heart, the kitchen of your shop was not the right place, not the right atmosphere.

"Mia, if we......uh......behave ourselves........for now..........if we.....uh..........work really hard..........do you..........well.......would if be posssible.......that we.........uh.....might have time for a nice dinner out tonight.........my treat of course........

Looking in your eyes, knwoing how aroused I feel. Hping I have not offended you. Hoping we can actually get everthing done and not make your shop suffer.

 

[Alerdene]

Her lips broke into a full smile as she listened to him, leaning up to kiss him softly as he finished his question. Nodding to him, she had absolutely no desire to say no, in fact, she was rather wishing the day was over already.

Yes... we'll have plenty of time. And... I think I'd like that.

Blushing slightly, she finally stepped back, letting her arms come from around his waist.

I... ummm, well, I suppose we should get to work though so we'll have time for that.

Moving far enough away from him before she could give in and just press herself against him again, she walked towards the small kitchen, smiling over her shoulder.

I think we were getting lunch weren't we?

She laughed as she reached the kitchen and opened the fridge, the cool air doing nothing to cool her off, though she stood there for a moment, very aware of his every move behind her. Grabbing sandwich stuff, she took a Coke and the pitcher of iced tea out, setting it on the counter, turning to find him watching her.

Blushing again, she tossed the loaf of bread to him, laughing when he caught it but nearly dropped it, some of the tension draining from around them and finally allowing them to make and eat a sandwich while she tried to think about what she needed to do this afternoon to make tonight easier.