B.A.K.E.: Belladonna's Arousing Kissable Extravaganza Read online

  B.A.K.E.

  Belladonna's Arousing Kissable Extravaganza

  Teresa Crumpton

  Contents

  Foreword

  Invitation

  B.A.K.E. Menu

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Playlist

  Ring in the New Year with a kiss!

  About the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Also by Teresa Crumpton

  Copyright © 2018 Teresa Carol Galinari Crumpton

  Published by Teresa Carol Galinari Crumpton

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, or other status is entirely coincidental.

  Ebooks are not transferable. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever known, not known or hereafter invented, or stored in any storage or retrieval system, is forbidden and punishable by the fullest extent of the law without written permission of the author.

  For more information, contact the author at http://www.teresacrumpton.com

  Published: Teresa Crumpton 2019

  Cover Design: Kristen Hope Mazzola

  Formatting: Kristen Hope Mazzola

  Edited by:

  Stephanie Taylor

  Created with Vellum

  Dedication

  To the Sinister Six…. Love you guys!

  Foreword

  Dear Reader,

  With a New Year comes new possibilities and a blank slate! What a better way to ring it in than with stories to help create good cheer. So, whether it’s a happy ending or a happy beginning, we’ve got you covered!

  These stories will have you falling in love, and grinning ear to ear as characters count down to a new year! Join us on this adventure, and remember, this is the first page of your new year. Make it shine bright!

  May your glass of champagne never be empty, and may the clock strike midnight while you’re kissing the one you love!

  Always, Your Authors!

  You are cordially invited to

  Belladonna’s Arousing Kissable Extravaganza

  A New Year’s Eve celebration!

  The party begins at 8:00 PM

  On Monday, December 31st, 2018

  Hors d’oeuvres and champagne will be served

  Please R.S.V.P. to Calla Bond by December 1st

  B.A.K.E. Menu

  Appetizers

  Caprese Toasted Kiss

  Sealed with a Kiss Mexican Shrimp & Avo bites

  Caramelized Onion, Mushroom & Gruyere Kisslets

  Asparagus-Prosciutto Rolls

  Deviled Eggs (Because it’s not a party without them!)

  Mini Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups

  Entrees

  Bourbon Steak with Caramelized Onions, Kissed with Horseradish & Roasted Garlic Crostini

  New Year’s Eve Ham and Black Eyed Pea Soup

  Mini Spaghetti Cups

  Kissable Bacon Cheeseburger Bites

  Herbed Risotto

  Mini Chicken & Waffles with Pepper Jelly Syrup

  Drinks

  Midnight Kiss Chocolate Champagne

  Pomegranate & Ginger Spritzer/ Pomegranate Rosemary Spritzer

  Blackberry Thyme Sparkler

  Cranberry Gin Fizz

  French Kiss

  Whiskey Kiss

  Desserts

  Strawberry Empanadas

  Mini Strawberry Champagne Cheesecakes

  Sparkling Mini Parfaits

  Chocolate Tuxedo Cups with Strawberries & Grand Marnier Whipped Cream

  Chocolate Mousse Shot

  Midnight Kiss Champagne Cake Shots

  Chapter 1

  Ella

  Pushing through the front door of Belladonna, I head straight for the kitchen. It’s been a long five days, and I can’t wait to see my dad and the rest of my Belladonna family. I mean, seeing my friends in Houston was great, so was visiting Mom’s family, but everyone’s still so sad, and spending all that time with Aunt Piper was a bit much.

  Speak of the devil. “Ella! Wait up! You can’t just go running off,” Aunt Piper whines at me.

  Rolling my eyes, I don’t even glance back at her. The text messages I got earlier told me to head to the kitchen when I arrived, and that’s what I’m doing...Aunt Piper be damned!

  It’s a good thing Dad and everyone here hasn’t decided to add thinking cuss words to the swear jar. This week alone, I would’ve lost all the money they’ve put in.

  “Well, hello, Speedy,” Uncle Adam comments as I dash pass the hostess stand. “They haven’t started yet. They’re waiting for you,” he adds.

  “Hey, Uncle Adam! Thanks. FYI, Aunt Piper’s in a mood,” I tell him, sliding to a halt to wrap an arm around his waist, giving him a half hug before I continue on my way to the kitchen. His tosses the towel in his hand over his shoulder as his other hand pulls me into his side.

  “When isn’t she in one?” he whispers, hugging me back. “Before you start helping, Aunt Nessa sent a present for you. It’s hanging in the office.”

  “She’s not here?” I ask, searching the dining room.

  “No, she’s at home since her part of set up is done. Plus, she wanted to rest because she’ll be doing more work tonight making sure the party goes off without a hitch.”

  Uncle Adam releases me, and I stare up at him, but he doesn’t give anything away. I know he and Aunt Nessa have been trying to have a baby, and it's been hard for them. I’ve overheard Dad talking about it, along with Nonna and Gramps. It worries me some days, especially the ones when Aunt Nessa doesn’t want to do anything because she’s feeling sick. It reminds me of all the times Mom was really sick from the cancer, and that scares me. I’ve only had Aunt Nessa in my life for a few months. I don’t want to lose her.

  Uncle Adam must read my mind from the pinched expression on my face. “She’s really okay,” he promises, lifting my chin so we make eye contact. “A little tired, but okay. Don’t worry.”

  Wide-eyed, I nod.

  “Now, get in the kitchen before everyone yells at me for keeping you all to myself.” He pushes me away from him before snapping the towel in my direction as I scurry off.

  “Ella, I told you to wait!” Aunt Piper complains, her voice rising as she storms into the building. The door slams behind her while I’m making my mad dash to the server station leading into the kitchen.

  “Piper, chill the fuck out,” I hear Uncle Adam say as I push through the kitchen door. “You know this is her home. She has free reign, and you trying to control her while she’s here is fucking ridiculous. You're not her mother. Yeah, it sucks that Hallie is gone, but you need to move past the changes and let Ella have the life she's going to have with Forest. It's been almost five months, and Ella is trying to move forward. You have to let her be––for everyone’s sake––especially if you don’t want to drive her away.”

  “Adam, that’s not…” I hear Aunt Piper start before I push open the door, ignoring everything and everyone as I escape my drama-loving aunt.

  Dashing through the kitchen, I enter the office and find a long, plastic bag hanging from the coat rack in the corner. The logo on t
he front lets me know it’s from Aunt Nessa’s favorite store, and my figures are crossed this really is what Uncle Adam said was mine. Still, I look around to see if there’s anything else he may have been referring to.

  “Hey kiddo!” I hear Aunt Calla say from behind me, and I spin to face her.

  “Aunt Calla,” I squeal, running to hug her.

  She squeezes me tight before walking toward the bag. As we move closer, a flutter starts in my belly, as if butterflies are beginning to take flight. “Come on, let’s check it out! I’ve been dying to see what it will look like on you, and you know I’m not one for all this girly stuff.” She winks, and I have to giggle because she’s not joking.

  The running joke is that Aunt Nessa takes her shopping kicking and screaming. Aunt Calla is a complete tomboy, but she can clean up super nice when she wants to. There are so many days I want to be her when I grow up. Or rather, be like her. She’s the one adult that makes sure I’m grounded, no matter what everyone else does with me. Well, her and Jax, that is.

  “Okay,” I respond, as the anticipation of seeing the dress has me bouncing up and down. My whole body vibrates as she removes the bag from over the dress. Holy wow! The dress…. Aunt Nessa outdid herself with this one. It’s a short-sleeved cocktail dress that is two shades of pink with embroidered flowers, and tulle added for length in the skirt.

  “Let's try it on right now to make sure it fits. I have a backup if it doesn't work for some reason,” Aunt Calla adds as she re-covers the dress and grabs the hanger.

  Following her out of the office, I dash over to Dad, giving him a quick hug and kiss.

  “Oh, now I'm important? I see where I rank.” He squeezes me tight. “I missed you, Baby Girl.”

  “Missed you too, Daddy. And you’re very important, you know that. But just in case Aunt Piper followed me back here, hiding in the office seemed like a great idea. Not to mention, Uncle Adam said I had a present,” I reply, smiling at the thought of my dress.

  “So, you’re still having issues with Aunt Piper?” Dad asks.

  I nod, frowning.

  Dad kneels down so we can make eye contact. “I’m so sorry, Baby Girl. I promise things will get better. Since Belladonna is closed tomorrow, we’ll veg in the living room, watch some movies, and talk about what happened while you were gone...and maybe come up with a plan to fix your relationship with Aunt Piper. Sound good?” Dad asks, but before I can respond, Uncle Wes and Uncle Trey are by our sides.

  “If y’all are vegging then Aunt Calla and I are coming down to hang out.” Uncle Wes picks me up in a bear hug before passing me over to Uncle Trey.

  “Hi, kiddo. We missed you!” Uncle Trey kisses my cheek before setting me back down. “Now, go try on the dress, so we all can see it on you and get back to work. We have a lot of work left to do, and you’re going to help.”

  Glancing over my shoulder, I find a huge smile on my Dad’s face as he chuckles and nods at me.

  “Let’s leave these goofballs to their work and go have a little fun before we join them,” Aunt Calla says, holding her hand out to me, and I move to take it.

  “If y’all don’t mind company, I’d like to join the veg-out party tomorrow, as well. This time of year is still hard with Joe not being here,” I hear Uncle Trey say as Aunt Calla and I walk out of the kitchen.

  “Aunt Calla, who was Joe?” I ask as we head toward the ladies’ restroom on the other side of the bar.

  “Joe was Trey’s...” she starts to reply before pausing, “...husband.”

  “Was he married to a man?” I ask, unsure what I expect her answer to be.

  This isn’t a topic that we’ve discussed before. Not that it’s a big deal, or anything. I mean, Uncle Trey is awesome, and he’s family. He’s loved me since the day I came into the family, and that’s all that really matters. That said, it does make me sad that Uncle Trey lost the person he loved so much.

  “Yes, Trey was married to a man.” Aunt Calla pushes the bathroom door open, and we enter. “Joe was really special––a kind and gentle soul––and something like a kindred spirit. They had a spark that drew them together, as well as those around them.” She lifts the bag off the dress, and when she faces me again with the dress in her hands, there are tears in her eyes.

  “Are you okay, Aunt Calla?” I question her, kicking off my shoes.

  “I miss Joe. He was family, and Trey hasn’t been the same since he passed.” Aunt Calla closes her eyes tight, as if fighting back the tears that haven’t fallen yet.

  “Sorry, Aunt Calla. I didn’t mean to bring up sad memories.” Moving closer, I wrap an arm around her, holding her tight before moving away so I can finish getting undressed.

  Quickly getting out of my jeans and sweater, Aunt Calla helps me step into the dress. She tries to zip it once it’s straight, but the zipper sticks and doesn’t budge no matter what she tries.

  “Well, Nessa isn’t going to be happy about this, but I think you’re going to feel more comfortable in the outfit I have for you. It’s back at my place, so after we’ve prepped all the food for tonight and make our way back to the lofts, y’all can come up and grab it so you can make sure it fits...and that you'll love it. Then later, you can come up and get ready with me." She winks, and I nod in agreement. That sounds like so much fun!

  We step into the kitchen a few minutes later. “So, did it fit?” Dad asks.

  Chapter 2

  Forest

  As soon as Calla, followed closely by Ella, returns to the kitchen––without the dress on that Nessa bought her––I know something is wrong. I want this New Year’s Eve to be something Ella will always remember, considering the shit year she's had. Letting her get all dolled up is just one of the things I was hoping for. Reaching for my phone at the edge of my prep table, I decide to send an emergency text to Jax in hopes she'll be able to find something Ella will love.

  “Dude, don't sweat it,” Wes whispers, sidling up to my table. “Calla and I got Ella something just in case Nessa's dress was too much. We didn't want Ella to feel uncomfortable, especially since the rest of us won't be in tuxes. We had a feeling Nessa bought her a formal dress. So, no matter what's wrong, Ella's covered.”

  “The zipper’s broken,” Ella answers my question. “But Aunt Calla says she has a backup outfit for me.”

  “That she does. And you’ll love it, Cutie,” Wes pipes up from my station. “Now, both of you get to work.”

  Thank fuck!

  “Wes, I don't know what to say. Y'all are amazing, and I couldn't do this without you.” I gesture to Ella and back at myself.

  “Sure you could. It's what any good dad would do. Besides, Calla and I aren't having kids anytime soon, therefore we get to spoil that sassy little princess,” Wes adds.

  “If you say so. I never would've guessed she'd have all of us wrapped around her little finger. Especially you, Rex, and Trey. Though, Trey is a little more believable.”

  “Hey! She's my little princess.” Trey glares over at us, and the kitchen erupts in laughter.

  Calla smirks and shakes her head at us. “Boys!” she murmurs as she heads to her prep station.

  “Daddy,” Ella calls as she skips over to me. "Since Aunt Nessa's dress wouldn't zip, and Aunt Calla has an outfit for me back at her apartment, can I go up and get it from her when we get home?" Ella barrels up to me, and I kneel down to her level, pulling her on to my bent knee.

  “That’s wonderful, Baby Girl. Yes, when we get home we can go up and grab it, okay? Now let’s get baking so we can get home and get you all dolled up,” I answer before kissing her cheek.

  Ella kisses me back and hops off my knee. “What are we fixin’ for the party?” she asks as I get to my feet. I’m most likely grinning like a loon as I watch her.

  Even after nearly five months, it's hard to remember what my life was like before she came into it. I missed so much not knowing I had a daughter, but I have her now, and that's the most important thing.

  “Well, for tonigh
t's menu, we went with three courses, and each course has six tastings that we have to create.” Ella blinks at me.

  “That's how you're going to explain the menu?” Wes grumbles. “Good Lord, you’re even confusing the fuck out of me!”

  Ella giggles. “I actually understand him, Uncle Wes, and now, you owe me!” She raises her little hand and rubs her thumb and first two fingers together in the universal sign for money.

  Shaking my head, I watch as Wes pulls out his phone. About a month ago, Calla and Nessa set up a swear jar account in PayPal so we didn't have actual jars sitting around everywhere. Because at first, we did have about ten jars placed everywhere, and not just here in the kitchen.

  “If you’re not careful, she’s going to take all your money,” Calla quips as she shakes her head. “And at this rate, it might be best if we never mingle our money, hun.” She laughs as she pulls different ingredients out to start on her food dishes.

  “All right, Baby Girl, are you helping your old man with the desserts, or do you want to help with the appetizers and entrees?”

  “I want to help you today, but can I please taste everything?” Ella begs, pulling out her step stool and placing it next to my prep station. “What all do we need?” Her tiny hands rest on the metal table as she scans the list of desserts we’ll be making.