Novel & Cerita Cookie Run Kingdom Espresso Cookie

Max said solemnly, “I have four flavors.” He knelt in front of the cooler and dramatically produced one juice box at a time like a magician. “Tropical Punch. Grape Explosion. Strawberry Storm. And…this one sounds dangerous. Mystic Mango.” Ella pointed at the last one, grinning. “That one.” Max handed it over with a mock bow. “Your wish is my command, mighty ruler of Shell Castle.” Daphne passed her a cookie and sat back, her hand brushing Landon’s again. This time, she didn’t pull away.

“Are you heading out?” “No? I came looking for you.” “I need to do another tray of these cookies,” she says. “I’m almost out up front, and they’re a popular seller.” “Cookies,” I say, pinning her with a look. “Cookies,” she replies. “Cranberry macadamia nut with white chocolate. You can try one when they come out of the oven if you want.” Autumn makes a show of evenly spacing each scoop of cookie dough, giving it all her focus like it’s the most important thing she’s ever done. She’s obviously trying to pretend everything is fine, acting cheerful and light, but she still won’t look at me.

"Holy crap." "Just wait." I rub my hands together and sit up in my chair. The Cookie is a giant chocolate chip warm cookie with chunks of Reese's peanut butter cups baked in. It's served in a small cast iron skillet topped with a scoop each of vanilla and peanut butter ice cream. And if that wasn't enough, chopped peanuts, more Reese's, and drizzles of hot fudge cover the deliciousness. The rest of the desserts don't even matter as we pick up our spoons and dive in.

I swat his ass with my tea-towel, as he squeezes himself between me and the counter. "Sure boss." He chuckles and darts to the back to get himself ready. With the coffees in one hand and a small plate of new pastries we are trying in the other, I walk over to Eamon and Cloé. "Here you go. We are also trying out some new things for our winter menu, let me know what you think of it." I smile politely and hand out the double espresso to Eamon and the Chai latte to Cloé. "Thanks Nikki!" Eamon beams and stuffs his face with one of the frosted muffins inspired by the Frozen movie.

I gulped slightly as I shot my dad a look for encouragement, but the old fart instantly warmed at the idea of time for high tea and sat at the chair closest to whom I could only assume was Lucy’s father. I went to the chair next to Axel and hesitantly reached for a chocolate haystack. The Queen snorted and laughed a little, the dark and boding presence of the King shooting her a look of mild annoyance with a hint of curiosity. “You know..” she said after I took my first bite. “That those are the very first cookies I sold to Teddy here.” She smiled. “Honey.” He glared down at his plate, obviously his bad cop routine falling apart in the midst of his wife.

“Thanks.” We headed over to the ceramic container that was clearly labeled cookies. Upon closer inspection, the smaller writing beneath read “AKA Weston’s drops of sugary goodness. Eat at your own risk.” I laughed, knowing it was probably Sophie herself who had purchased it. Reaching in, I brought out two cookies, one for me and Sophie to split, and one for Ari.

“She likes fluffy.” I swatted him with a napkin and he grinned like the devil. The rest of the tasting went the same way, bites of cake, tiny sips of sparkling juice, and kisses that made me forget why we were even there. I felt like the whole world had melted into buttercream and laughter and the warmth of Adriano’s touch. We were down to the last two slices. The bakery assistant placed them on the table, “This one is dark chocolate espresso with a caramel core,” she said, “And the other is vanilla bean with honeycomb crunch.”

The same woman returned, this time carrying a tray with coffee for me and Steffano, and juice for Stephie. “Can I eat one?” Stephie asked, pointing at the cookies on the tray. “Is this sugar-free?” Steffano asked. The woman froze for a moment. “Oh… I’m not sure, Sir,” she said, scratching her head awkwardly. Steffano shook his head. “Next time, make sure you know what you’re serving your customers—” “It’s okay, I’ll taste it first,” I said with a smile, cutting him off before he could continue. I took a bite of the cookie.

Just…different. “You taste that?” I asked. Ivan frowned, expression changing. “Actually…” “What?” His eyes widened. “I do not think these are the complimentary cookies.” “What?” I spluttered. “They’re the special menu.” “The what now?” “The—” His chair scraped backward, and he scrubbed a hand over his face. “Oh…” I blinked. “What?” “They’re cannabis cookies.” I stared at him. “…You have got to be kidding me.” He winced.

Carmen takes one more sniff before finishing, “some kind of peanut butter and chocolate cookie.” Karamea lifts the cloche and everything is exactly as Carmen said, down to the garlic butter coating the steak. “Holy, shit!” I stare at Carmen in amazement. She smirks at me and comes over to grab her tray. “Every damn time,” Karamea says, shaking her head. “What are these cookies?” “Buckeyes. Big thing around here,” I reply, grabbing my tray as well. We sit at the coffee table in front of the TV in the guest room. Conversation starts a little slow as we are consumed by the amazing food in front of us. But eventually we break the silence, getting to know each other.