Love on Beach Avenue(33)

“Sounds great. There are a few things Ally doesn’t like, so that may help us limit the options,” he said.

Maria nodded. “Yes, Avery already gave me a list, which is why we’re staying away from red velvet, cherries, and any type of banana flavors.”

Carter grunted, as if bestowing a point. He really didn’t think highly of her if he believed she wouldn’t know her best friend’s likes and dislikes after years of hanging out together.

“Let’s start with a twist on the basic. We have a vanilla butter cake, paired with caramel buttercream. Instead of the usual frosting, this one has a torched meringue to really intensify the flavors.”

Avery and Carter reached for the same fork at the same time. Their fingers brushed, and Avery jerked back, not wanting to experience any skin-on-skin contact. Hell no. She refused to feel any type of attraction to her friend’s overbearing older brother. It was too damn weird.

She grasped the other fork and popped the bite into her mouth. The gorgeous moist cake and subtle sweetness of caramel was soothing and pleasant on her tongue. She half closed her eyes, concentrating on the entire experience while she funneled Ally’s particular tastes mentally.

Carter turned toward Maria. “I apologize.”

The older woman frowned. “For what?”

“I questioned Avery’s decision to deal with only one bakery. I thought we needed a broader amount of choices, but obviously I was wrong. This is truly amazing.”

Maria smiled, pleasure sparkling in her brown eyes. “Thank you. That was the nicest apology I ever received.”

Avery held back a groan. Another female bites the dust.

Maria narrowed her focus to Carter, enthusiastically explaining each sample and engaging in a lively discussion of baking compared to creative art.

“How did you come up with the idea of including lavender in the buttercream? It’s subtle, but the lingering floral wakes up my mouth.”

“Yes! That’s exactly what I wanted. What do you think of it with the carrot cake?” Maria asked excitedly.

“Love it. But you know what’s true brilliance? Pairing both with a Grand Marnier cream-cheese filling. If someone told me those flavors would work, I would’ve never believed them.”

Maria leaned over the table, putting their heads close together. “We must break the barriers of the mind and concentrate on taste as essence. Even though the brain tries to anticipate what you will be eating, twisting the classics with surprising elements allows the taste buds to explode.”

“Genius.”

Barf.

Avery cleared her throat. “Um, Maria, I really think the coconut with the orange buttercream should be in the top three. It’s a beautiful combination.”

Maria nodded. “Excellent choice. Do you agree, Carter? After all, she’s your sister. You know her best.”

Avery firmed her jaw to keep it from falling open. Son of a bitch. He was doing it again. Pouring on hidden charm she’d never seen before—maybe because he’d never bothered to show her. The master baker was practically blooming under his attention and had cut Avery off from the consultation.

“Yes, we definitely should send her a sample, but personally, I think she’s going to go with the carrot and lavender. It’s unique.”

“I agree, it’s wonderful, but carrot isn’t her favorite cake. She never orders it in a restaurant. I think she’ll prefer a classic with a subtle twist,” Avery said.

Carter arched a brow. “I disagree. I think she’s going to want a cake that’s a bit daring for her big day.”

Irritation coursed through her at his dismissive tone. “But she hates carrots. Why would you think she’d want a carrot cake for her wedding?”

His voice chilled. “Because, as Maria explained, it’s bigger than the actual carrot cake. It’s the Grand Marnier and lavender that will make her forget it’s carrot.”

She snorted. “Sorry, dude, but carrots are carrots, no matter how you mask them. She won’t pick that cake.”

“Did you just call me dude?”

Maria glanced back and forth between them, her face fascinated. “Well, I love a lively debate, but why don’t we just send her samples of both and let her choose? I’ll include our third choice—the chocolate with chili-infused fudge buttercream—and we’ll see what she picks.”

“Fine with me,” Avery said, trying not to sound defensive.

“Thank you, Maria, for your clear thinking. I’m glad my sister will have the very best cake for her wedding.”

The baker beamed with pride. “It’s a pleasure to meet someone who’s not only charming and polite but understands exactly what I do here. Honestly, Avery, why can’t you bring me more clients like Carter? It would make my job so much easier.”

Avery forced a smile. “Oh, he’s a joy, all right.”

Her sarcasm was lost as Maria gathered up the tray and cleaned the table. Carter shot her a glare, and just like that, they were back to their feud.

Carrot, for God’s sake. Like Ally would ever choose it, no matter how good it tasted. She reminded herself it would be a sweet victory when she picked the coconut and orange.

Maria sat down again. “Now, why don’t you show me some of the designs you’d like. What are her colors?”