Page 34 of The Cupcake Standard

Hmm, something more drastic. I sat to Derek’s right and I was suddenly grateful for that. I shifted in my seat, just so, making my dress ride up my thigh so the slit exposed the top of my lacy, thigh-high stockings. Then I dropped my napkin, on my right, of course. I scooted my chair out a bit more. After making sure Derek had a view unhindered by the tablecloth, I leaned over to pick up my napkin. I’m not sure how high that slit rose up, but I did hear the gratifying sound of Derek quietly sucking in his breath. When I righted myself, I smirked at him.

The twinkle was back in those blue eyes, but I wasn’t done yet.

I leaned over to whisper, “So what was up with your mom’s comment earlier?” I slid around some more slimy spinach and snails.

His eyes narrowed. “You’ll have to be more specific.”

I tried not to snort. “The one about me being delicious. I mean, does she think I look like a dessert or something?”

His mouth tightened ever so slightly, and his eyes crinkled.

So I kept going. “I could see it if I were wearing pink and had ruffles. Then maybe I could be compared to a cupcake. Or if I wore a red bow in my hair, like a cherry on top. But solid black? Which desserts are solid black?”

Derek’s lips twitched with barely suppressed laughter, freezing when Mrs. Elgin cleared her throat.

“What is going on down there, Derek? You’re being extremely rude to Rhonda.”

Under my breath to Derek, I said, “We’re being rude?” To his mom, I was the picture of innocence. “Oh, Mrs. Elgin, I’m so sorry. I’m afraid that was my fault. I need to use the restroom, and I wasn’t sure where the closest is. Could you point me in the right direction?”

Nothing like announcing I need to pee at a fancy dinner party to create an awkward silence.

“Oh, well, Frieda can show you.” Mrs. Elgin called for the maid to escort me out of the room.

Once we were out of their line of sight, I said, “I hate to be a bother, but could I trouble you for my purse as well? I’m expecting an important call.”

Frieda was quite happy to direct me to my belongings and show me the bathroom. I made quick work of a sketchy plan that paid off when Greg met me at the front door with two signed copies of my mother’s book. He gave me a curious glance.

“I’ll explain later. I’m just glad you’re back, and we still had a few on hand!” I turned to leave, but Greg stopped me.

“While Derek’s not around, I wanted to mention that you should talk to Gina soon. I didn’t hear all of it, but it sounded like she and Liam really got into it on the way home.”

Concerned, I nodded. “Thanks. I’ll do that.” I waved goodbye, then I sauntered back into the dining room as another maid cleared the plates. Oh darn, I don’t have to finish my snails.

The conversation paused as I stood behind my chair instead of sitting down. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to interrupt. It’s just, I’m so excited about the gifts I brought you ladies, and I couldn’t wait another minute to give them to you.” I handed one book to his mom, one to Rhonda. “My mother is the author. And, Mrs. Elgin, I know you’ve been married for quite some time, but you’re not getting any younger, you know. She has a whole chapter in there about how to keep your man interested after things get, well, you know”—I lowered my voice—“stale.”

His mom gasped, but I noticed his dad actually seemed intrigued.

“And it’s signed by my mother, too! So it’ll age well. If nothing else, it’ll look great in your collection. A perfect trophy to show off on your shelf.” A display of rare books in the sitting room had caught my eye as we came in, so me suggesting my mother’s book belonged there was an insult on several levels. But I wasn’t finished.

I turned my sickeningly sweet smile on Rhonda then let out a fake-happy sigh. “And I just know you’ll be able to get so much use out of it, Rhonda. Between those friends of yours, Kevin’s track record and being newly engaged, you have so much to learn. This book can help you grow as a couple, become closer to each other, and spice things up a little.” I leaned on Derek’s shoulder, trailing my fingers over the back of his neck and grinning at him. “Right, honey?”

Without missing a beat, he grinned back at me. “That’s right, Cupcake.” He covered my hand with his own, stroking my knuckles and making me shiver. We shared a look, then I sat down.

Glancing around at his family, I said brightly, “So, what’s for dessert?”

Mrs. Elgin’s lips had almost completely disappeared, she pressed them so hard together. “I’m sorry. We only planned one course tonight.”

An obvious dismissal if there ever was one.

Rhonda smirked—eyes cold. “Some of us are watching our weight. The wedding is right around the corner, you know.”

I had my hand on Derek’s thigh, my nails digging in before he could say the words I knew he wanted to. “What a shame.” I stood up gracefully, smiled, meeting each person’s eyes in turn. “Well, thank you for a wonderful evening.”

Derek didn’t leave me hanging. “Mom, Dad. Rhonda, Kevin. Good night.” His hand slid to the small of my back, guiding me to the entrance where the butler met us with our things.

As soon as we stepped out of the door, Derek turned to me, a megawatt smile on his face. “You are amazing!”

“What?” I looked at him, playing dumb.

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