Page 26 of The Cupcake Standard

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When I woke Saturday morning, I eased back into bed after a quick trip to the bathroom. I wasn’t quite ready to get up, but I didn’t drift off again like I thought I would.

Derek faced me, his hands tucked under his chin, one sculpted shoulder bare. His smooth chest moved up and down in the steady rhythm of slumber. I studied him, somehow so intense, even in sleep. The fierce line of his mouth. His angular jaw and high cheekbones. I’d kill to have eyelashes that long and full. I shifted closer to get a better look, only to be met by those intense, deep eyes.

“How am I supposed to sleep with you staring at me?” He raised an eyebrow.

I pursed my lips, sheepish at being caught. “At least I was being quiet.”

He sighed.

Since he’s awake… “Did you know you have two freckles on your right eyelid?”

His drawn-out silence spoke volumes. “I don’t exactly study my eyelids in the mirror, Avery.”

I giggled, picturing him closing one eye, trying to see the lid of the other. “Well, that’s what fake girlfriends are for. To tell you important information like that.” I stared at him another long moment until he flopped onto his back and closed his eyes once more. Fine. I can take a hint.

But my eyes wouldn’t stay shut. The ceiling was a textured plaster, and not just a uniformed swirl either. It was full of lumps and bumps. Pretty soon I was picking out shapes, like finding pictures in the clouds. That one looks like a bunny. And that one looks like…ew.

“Avery…”

My name was a groan. “What? I was just finding shapes in the ceiling.”

Another sigh, this one laced with exasperation. “You must have found something disturbing because you yelped.”

Oh. “Yeah. That one looks like a—”

Derek rolled over and covered my lips with his, kissing me deeply. He stole my breath. I softened beneath him, kissing him right back. My fingers threaded through his hair, and he groaned into my mouth. As he rolled off me, he brought me with him, tucking me against his side.

Stunned, I curled into him. That certainly hadn’t felt fake. And no one was here to witness it. Confusion threatened to overwhelm me, but I’d kissed guys before. Plenty of them, and without getting my heart involved. I could do it again. I shoved aside the whisper of doubt, along with everything else except replaying that kiss over and over. Somewhere between the fifth and eighth repeat, I drifted off to sleep once more.

When I woke again, Derek’s side of the bed was empty. I stuffed my hair in a wad on top of my head, then searched for something to secure it with. I came up empty. Awkwardly dashing to my room, I was thankful to see the door open and no Liam in sight. I snatched a hair tie from my end table, made the messiest bun ever and called it good. While I was in there, I pulled on yoga pants and a different top, then headed into the hall.

Liam was speaking. “Have you told her about Princess yet?”

Almost around the corner, I nearly skidded to a stop.

Silence met his question. If Derek comes stalking past, he’ll run into me, and the jig will be up.

“Derek, seriously, she has a right to know.”

“Liam.” The name had an edge to it, all threat and growl. Derek was done with that conversation.

I hoped he never used that tone with me. My nose twitched, my only warning before I sneezed. There was no use pretending not to be there after that, so I stepped around the corner.

“Morning, Avery.” Liam spoke first. “And bless you.”

“Morning, Avery.” Derek’s gritted tone sounded a little forced, as was his smile.

I smiled at both of them, my gaze lingering on Derek. His jaw loosened the longer our eyes met, and finally, he relaxed. Good.

Derek lifted an empty coffee cup, asking if I wanted some. When I nodded, he poured. “Sleep well?”

I went right to the fridge for my creamer. “Yep.” I added the perfect amount to my mug then took a sip. Hot, but delicious.

“Me too.” His eyes took on a teasing glint. “After someone finally stopped talking.”

My eyes narrowed as several pieces fell into place, the caffeine jolting my brain into action. “Wait, you kissed me to shut me up?”

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