Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Riley (smiling):
“Hey, cake crew, puck heads and rink divas! Welcome back to Icing the Cake, where we mix up sweetness, sass, and a whole lot of hockey wisdom. Today, we’re talking about something every great player and baker needs: the guts to strike out on your own.”
[She sets the whisk down and picks up a puck, tossing it lightly in her hand.]
Riley:
“In hockey, there’s always that one player who decides to go rogue, to call their own play. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but you know what? It’s brave. Because if you’re always waiting for someone else to give you permission to make a move, you’ll miss your moment.”
[She tosses the puck into a mixing bowl and grabs a bowl of ingredients.]
Riley:
“Let me tell you a story. A few seasons ago, there was this rookie, fresh out of juniors, playing for a team everyone expected to crush the playoffs. But the team wasn’t gelling. They were all sticking to the system, no one taking risks, no one stepping up. In the final minutes of a tied game, this rookie saw his opening. Instead of passing it back like his coach wanted, he deked past two defenders and went straight for the net. Goal. Game-winner. Hero.
Now, sure, he got chewed out for ignoring the plan. But that rookie? He became a legend that night, because he trusted his instincts and bet on himself.”
[She starts cracking eggs into a bowl, confidently flipping the shells into the trash with precision.]
Riley:
“Striking out on your own doesn’t just apply to hockey. Sometimes, life hands you a system you’re ‘supposed’ to follow. Go to this school, take that job, live in this place. But the magic happens when you decide to break the mold. Whether it’s starting your own business, moving to a new city, or, I don’t know, starting a secret baking channel while juggling full-time education and an almost-nonexistent social life!”
[She winks at the camera and starts mixing the batter.]
Riley:
“That’s why today’s recipe is something a little unconventional: a Freestyle Cake. It’s the dessert equivalent of calling your own play. No rigid rules, no standard flavors. We’re using dark chocolate, orange zest, and a hint of cayenne—because why not? And instead of a traditional shape, we’re going with freeform layers. Messy, bold, and unapologetically different.”
[She starts pouring the batter into two mismatched pans.]
Riley:
“Look, I’m not saying every risk you take will lead to a game-winning goal—or a perfect cake. Sometimes you’ll end up with burnt edges or a puck to the face. But even failures teach you something. You learn to trust yourself, to take the shot even when the odds aren’t in your favor because every mistake is a step closer to success.”
[Cut to Riley frosting one of the layers. It’s a little uneven, but she shrugs and keeps going.]
Riley:
“And hey, you don’t have to do it alone. Sure, striking out on your own is about independence, but every great play still relies on teammates. Whether it’s your friends, your family, your three amazing boyfriends (she winks at the camera) or your crew of online cake lovers, surround yourself with people who cheer for your wins and help you laugh off the losses.”
[She stacks the second layer on top, frosting it with a slightly wild swirl pattern.]
Riley:
“So, here’s my challenge to you: call your own play. In hockey, in baking, in life. Do something today that’s a little scary, a little bold, a little outside your comfort zone. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself, and everyone else.”
[Cut to the finished Freestyle Cake, decorated with orange slices, chocolate shavings, and a sprinkle of cayenne. It’s imperfect but fresh and beautiful.]
Riley (holding a slice of the cake):
“Remember: the best players, and bakers, are the ones who aren’t afraid to make their own way. Take the shot, bake the cake, and always bet on yourself. Until next time, keep it fearless, keep it flavorful, and keep your stick on the ice!”
[The video fades out with the Icing the Cake logo as Riley takes a bite of the cake and gives the camera a cake-infused smile.]
BONUS EPILOGUE
PUCKING VALENTINES
RILEY
The prospect of celebrating Valentine’s Day without Shawn is too sad to contemplate. Hayes and Jacob have been amazing at liberally dolling out foot massages, takeout nights, and the kind of mind-blowing sex I used to think only existed in romance novels. But no matter how much they spoil me, there’s still this little Shawn-shaped void in my chest, like I’ve baked a cake without the sugar.
So here I am, cross-legged on the couch with a blank notebook in my lap, determined to plan the perfect surprise. “Okay, Riley. Think,” I mutter under my breath. “What’s Shawn’s favorite thing in the world?”
“Your pussy,” Jacob says, earning him a glare from me and a snort laugh from Hayes. He’s probably not wrong, but it’s not something I’m prepared to write on a romantic list. He disappears into the kitchen, and I stare at the blank page, feeling like Cupid’s boring, heartless older sister.