Chapter 2: A Sudden Spark

“So… he likes vanilla?” Riley wrinkled her nose in mock disgust. Dana stood in the bakery kitchen, boxing up orders for pickup. Brownies, cupcakes, bread, and smoothies of every flavor lined the counters.

“I never said that,” Dana replied, rolling her eyes. “What are you talking about?”

Riley gestured lazily toward the cake box Dana had set aside. “Didn’t you bake that for him—the handsome guy who saved the day yesterday?”

Dana blinked. “How did you know?”

“It’s obvious. Plus, it’s not like you to not repay someone, even if you weren’t the one he helped.” Riley smirked, leaning against the counter. Sunlight streamed through the bakery windows, casting a warm glow on her tanned skin and dark curls.

“Don’t roll your eyes so much. They might get stuck,” Dana teased, grinning. “He saved a life, Riley. Staying calm in a situation like that? The least I could do is bake him a cake. Not many are as brave as he is.”

Riley sighed dramatically. “You’re too sweet for your own good.”

Dana giggled, pulling her into a hug. “But you love me anyway, right?”

“You’re lucky I do,” Riley deadpanned, though her smile betrayed her affection.

They both laughed, the sound blending with the hum of activity in the bakery. Just then, Riley’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen and groaned. “Ugh. My mom.”

“What now?” Dana asked, raising an eyebrow.

“She set me up on another blind date. One of her friend’s sons.” Riley pouted. “Why can’t she leave me alone?”

“I’m sure she just wants the best for you,” Dana said, trying to suppress a grin. “Though her methods might be… questionable. Who knows? Maybe this one’s your soulmate.”

Riley gave her a flat stare. “I’m leaving. If I’m going on this date, I might as well look good.” She hugged Dana tightly. “Walk me out.”

As they headed toward the front of the bakery, the noise of customers grew louder. Suddenly, a voice called out.

“Dana!”

She turned, frowning slightly until her eyes landed on Corey. Her breath caught. He wore a plain blue T-shirt and dark jeans, somehow making simple look effortlessly attractive. His messy dark hair framed bright, thoughtful eyes, and there was an easy charm about him that drew her in.

Riley smirked. “Dana, who’s this fine gentleman?”

Dana inwardly groaned. “Riley, this is Corey. Corey, meet my best friend, Riley.”

Riley leaned in, whispering excitedly, “Corey? The handsome hero Corey?” She was practically vibrating with excitement. “I wouldn’t mind you dating him, even if he likes vanilla.”

Dana blushed furiously as Corey chuckled, clearly amused. Riley cleared her throat, turning to him with exaggerated professionalism. “Hi. Nice to meet you, Corey.” She extended her hand.

“Nice to meet you too,” Corey said, shaking it with a grin.

Riley’s phone rang again, cutting short their interaction. “That’s my cue.” She hugged Dana. “See you later, babe,” she said before hurrying out.

Dana shook her head, watching her go. “Your friend’s… interesting,” Corey said, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“That’s one way to put it,” Dana muttered, still flustered. She quickly changed the subject. “So, did you come for some pastries?”

“I did,” Corey admitted, pausing. “But I was also waiting for you.” He froze, realizing how that sounded. “I mean, I wanted to tell you I checked on the man at the hospital, but he was discharged. I was going to call you… but I realized I didn’t have your number.” He took a deep breath, then smiled sheepishly. “So… can I get your number?”

Dana blinked, her mind racing. Was he really asking for her number? What did that mean? She stood frozen, thoughts spinning wildly.

“Dana?” Corey called, his voice cutting through her haze. No response.

He stepped closer, gently shaking her arm. “Dana?”

She snapped back to reality, eyes wide. “Oh my God! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to space out.”

Corey chuckled, looking a little nervous. “So… your number?”

“Y-yeah, of course!” She fumbled for his phone, typing in her digits and handing it back. As she watched his face light up with a broad smile, her breath caught. His dimples made him even more handsome.

She blinked. “Did I say that out loud?”

Corey laughed. “Kind of, yeah.”

Dana groaned internally. Today was not her day. But since she was already embarrassed, she decided to own it. “You just have a really nice smile,” she said.

Corey’s smile widened, his green eyes sparkling. “Thanks.”

“You must be busy,” he said.

“Not really. Oh!” Dana suddenly remembered. “Stay right there!” She darted into the kitchen and returned with the small cake box. “Here.” She handed it to him with a hopeful smile.

“It’s a vanilla cake. I hope you like it.”

He stared at the box, then back at her. “Why?” He looked genuinely surprised.

Dana blushed. “I wanted to thank you. You were amazing yesterday. Staying so calm? You deserved a little something.”

Corey looked touched. “You didn’t have to. You didn’t even let me pay for the cupcakes yesterday.”

“It’s nothing,” she said shyly. “You were really cool.”

Corey smiled warmly. “Thanks, Dana. I appreciate it.”

“And I went to the hospital too, but thanks for checking in.” She waved awkwardly. “See you around, Corey.”

“I’ll text you later. And thanks again for the cake.

Later that evening, Dana lay on her bed at the apartment she shared with Riley, half-asleep. Her phone dinged on the nightstand. She sat up groggily, rubbing her eyes. The screen glowed in the dim room, revealing an unknown number.

From: Unknown Number

“Hey, it’s Corey.”

Dana blinked and quickly saved the number, typing out a response.

“Hi.”

Almost immediately, the typing bubbles appeared.

“Am I interrupting your sleep?”

“No, too early for that. Just tired from working a lot at the bakery. I’m letting the pastry chefs handle things tomorrow. I need to sleep!”

“Okay. But you’re still coming in, right?”

She frowned at the screen.

“Of course.”

“The cake was delicious, by the way.”

“How did you know I liked vanilla?”

Dana giggled, typing quickly.

“It wasn’t hard to guess. You order vanilla pastries… a lot.”

“I might have a vanilla obsession,” he replied. “Anyway, I gotta go. Good night. Have a good rest.”

“Thanks. Good night.”

Dana closed her eyes, finally relaxing. But before she could drift off, her phone dinged again. She groaned, reaching for it. “What does this cutie want now?” she muttered.

But as the screen lit up, her smile froze. A string of angry emojis filled the screen—red-faced screamers, clenched fists, roaring flames. Beneath them, a single word appeared: Liar.

Her pulse quickened. Before she could process it, another ding shattered the silence. This time, rows of laughing emojis mocked her. Her hands trembled as she checked the number. It was unfamiliar. Definitely not Corey’s.

A knot formed in her throat. Could it be the man in the leather coat? Or someone else entirely? She had to find out.