In the blink of an eye, Saturday came.

After breakfast, Lariette lazed on the couch. She was stuffed from having a spicy tuna brioche sandwich made by Ruediger. She also ate an apple as dessert.

Lariette pushed herself through and successfully completed two-thirds of grading. She brought the rest of the exam papers back, intending to finish them this weekend.

Then, she could shift her focus to completing the yearly evaluation for her students. Hopefully, everything would be settled by next week.

'Smells so good.'

Relishing the nice scent coming from the kitchen, Lariette's eyes drifted to its entrance. She couldn't see Ruediger from this angle, but she could hear his footsteps.

Today was Mr. Eastwood's housewarming party, scheduled at noon. It was now a quarter past nine. The pair would head to the eleventh floor half an hour before twelve.

Ruediger planned to bring two desserts to the party, one sweet and one savory. He had notified Mr. Eastwood. The elderly man was delighted to have additional desserts.

Walnut date bites and classic carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Those were Ruediger's choices. He said he would make plenty to accommodate everyone.

The sweet and nutty scent piqued Lariette's appetite. Sitting up, she stretched her arms and legs. Then, she walked to the kitchen, eager to see the desserts her capable beloved was making.

As she peeked into the kitchen, her lips bloomed into a smile. He found her man standing before the kitchen island.

Ruediger, in his dark navy loungewear, sleeves rolled up and an apron, was piping smooth cream cheese frosting onto a big square-shaped carrot cake. His brows tensed slightly as his focus was solely on the cake.

Lariette stepped inside, stopping only two feet away from Ruediger. She swept her gaze on the white square box on the island, neatly lined with a checkered wax paper.

Small, glossy walnut date bites filled the box. They were healthy, sweet and indulgent enough as desserts.

"Eddy, you really don't know how to relax," she mused, her eyes returning to his side profile.

He paused and turned to her, a grin curling on his lips, "Why? Lonely without me?"

"Who's lonely?" she huffed.

Ruediger chuckled softly. Then, he resumed piping, forming little swirls on the cake. He would sprinkle roasted walnuts on the top once he was done.

Lariette slipped onto the barstool, watching him carefully as she admired his handiwork. The cake was simple but elegant.

After garnishing the top with roasted walnuts, Ruediger assessed the cake. Satisfied, he carefully placed it inside a white cake box. He put it next to the other box.

"Pastry Chef Eddy is in action," she said, her voice tingeing with laughter, "Fortunately, he belongs to me exclusively."

Wiping his hands with a towel, Ruediger turned. He leaned his palms on the counter with a playful glint in his eyes.

"Should I start charging you for my services?"

Lariette shrugged, "Up to you. I'll use a certain someone's black card to pay you."

The black card with unlimited balance was safely tucked in her purse. She rarely used it even though he had been urging her.

Ruediger pushed off the counter and then stood in front of Lariette. He grabbed the barstool seat before rotating it so her back would face the kitchen island.

Putting his hands on the countertop, Ruediger trapped Lariette in between. He raised his brows, "Dear customer, I'm your loyal pastry chef. Shouldn't I be able to ask anything of you in return?"

Tilting her head, Lariette asked, "Anything?"

"Anything," Ruediger said, leaning over until their faces were mere inches apart.

Her heart skipped a beat. She expected a kiss, but instead, he reached for the leftover frosting in a bowl and swiped a bit on his finger.

Before she could react, he smeared the sticky, sweet cream across her lips with a devilish smirk.

"Eddy!" Lariette huffed, her cheeks warming instantly.

"Why? You're perfect like this," Ruediger grinned. Stepping back slightly, he surveyed his work like an artist admiring a final touch.

She tried to glare at him, but her lips twitched into a helpless smile, "You're so sneaky."

He chuckled, "Can't deny that. Also, you're very kissable right now."

And with that, Ruediger leaned forward and kissed Lariette. His lips were warm against the frosting smeared on hers. It was a soft, lingering kiss with a faint taste of sweet cream cheese.

Lariette melted a little. Her back arched, touching the kitchen island when Ruediger deepened the kiss. Her hands grasped the sides of his waist without a thought.

When he finally pulled away, she accused breathlessly, "So sneaky. You just wanted an excuse."

"Of course I did."

Ruediger's grin was boyish, charming in a way that made Lariette's heart flutter. She reached for his head, messing with his crimson locks, and also untying his hair. He just let her be.

Lariette stared at Ruediger, whose strands fell loosely below his shoulders. His hair had grown a little longer. Still, he looked handsome in this style.

"Why?" he chuckled, "Want me to cut my hair short?"

"No! It's such a waste if you cut it," she quickly shook her head, before adding sheepishly, "Well... only if you want to."

Ruediger had shown his high school photos to Lariette. She couldn't deny he was charming since he was younger, but his current style added a devilish allure to his rugged features.

"I won't. I'll just trim a little usually," he laughed in helplessness.

Then, Ruediger reached for a jar on the kitchen island. Lariette didn't notice it before. He put it in her hand.

"Your share of the bites. Yours only."

Indeed. The walnut date bites filled the entire jar. If she didn't control herself, she might finish everything in one sitting.

Grinning, Lariette uttered, "So generous of you."

"Well," Ruediger arched his brows, a hint of smug glinting in his eyes, "I'm your exclusive pastry chef, right?"

"Hahaha!"

Lariette slid down from the barstool, standing on tiptoes and kissed Ruediger's cheek. Time and again, he had never failed to make her heart flutter.