Love for Dessert (Contemporary Romance) by Kate Goldman Read Free Book Online

amazing.” Ariana’s eyes gleamed as she stared at the cake. The layers were deliberately stacked in a pattern of dark and light. “What’s this cake called?” she said as she cut herself a thick slice. “And what the heck is it made of?”
     
    “You took such a big slice without knowing what it is?” Peter laughed.
     
    Anastasia explained. “It’s made of a devil’s food cake stacked onto an angel food cake, and then stacked again. And it’s all stuck together with chocolate and vanilla icing. I haven’t really thought of a name yet though. Just try it, let me know what you think.”
     
    Ariana grinned. “Don’t mind if I do!” She stuck a fork into it and took a bite. Anastasia watched as her eyes lit up. “Delicious!” She fed a bite to Peter, who had an equally good response.
     
    “If you make this for those judges, they’re really going to be impressed!” He grinned. “Also, since it’s made of angel food cake and devil’s food cake, perhaps you should call it Heaven and Hell?”
     
    “That’s a fantastic idea, Peter, thanks so much.” Anastasia felt proud to have created her own cake, and that now it had a name. It certainly was unique, and looked good, too.
     
    “So what’re you doing tonight? Peter and I were going to see a movie, you could come along if you’d like,” Ariana offered.
     
    “As much as I’d love to come be a third wheel, I actually have a date tonight. He’s coming to pick me up at seven.”
     
    “He!? Who is he? That boy I saw you talking to at the club? He’s adorable! And he didn’t look too wild. What’s his name? I want details!” Ariana reminded Anastasia of Erica, in a good way.
     
    “He’s called Daniel, and he’s pretty cute if I do say so myself.” Anastasia smiled.
     
    Ariana checked her watch. “It’s almost six, have you picked out what to wear yet?” she asked.
     
    “Ari, honey, maybe we should leave, and give Anastasia time to prepare for her date,” Peter said wisely as he watched his fiancée polish off her slice of cake.
     
    “Fine, fine,” Ariana grumbled. “Can I take some of the cake to go? Please?”
     
    Anastasia nodded as she took out a Tupperware container. “Here you go. Have a good time at the movies!” She gave Ariana and Peter one last hug before closing the door and turned her attention onto finding something to wear.
     
    An hour later, five minutes before the clock struck seven, Anastasia stood in front of her full-length mirror, checking herself one last time before Daniel came. She had chosen a flirty black dress and with it she matched red suede high heels. An expensive designer bag hung at her side and silver bangles jangled on her wrist.
     
    There was another knock at the door, just as Anastasia reapplied her dark crimson lipstick. “Coming!” she called out as she walked over to the door. She pulled it open, and saw a smartly dressed Daniel, waiting for her.
     
    “Good evening, beautiful.” His lips curved into a smile as he leaned in and gently kissed her on the cheek. “Ready to go?”
     
    “Oh, yes, definitely.” Anastasia felt like she couldn’t stop smiling as she walked out of her apartment and locked the door behind her. Daniel wrapped a protective arm around her thin waist as they headed down the hallway. He made her laugh uncontrollably as they made their way down to his car.
     
    Daniel’s apartment was fantastically furnished, and it was obvious that he had a knack for decorating. All the lights were dimmed romantically, and Daniel led her to the dining room, where she was pleasantly surprised by a candlelit dinner. Daniel pressed a button, and the soothing voice of Michael Bublé started.
     
    “This is amazing, Daniel,” she murmured as he pulled out the chair for her and she sat down. “Did you do all of this by yourself? For little old me?” She grinned.
     
    “Of course. You’re worth it.” He sat down across from her, and put his hand on hers.
     
    She looked down