Page 41 of The Cupcake Standard

Something like longing flashed across his face, gone before I could process it. Then his usual disarming grin slid into place. “But that’s what this whole relationship is about, right?”

I stilled. That’s what it’s supposed to be. That’s what I agreed to, and that’s all it can ever be. I stifled my sigh, telling him my situation. “Unfortunately, I need to see my mother tomorrow. I think the best way to get what I want from her is to let her ‘kidnap’ me for dinner. But I’d like you to be there when I get picked up.” I glanced at him. “You’re the carrot in this analogy.”

One of his dark eyebrows lifted a fraction of an inch. “Technically, it’s not an analogy. At least not yet.”

Whatever. I rolled my eyes at the grammar police. “Anyways, you, Mr. Carrot, should be waiting with me when whatever goons come to pick me up. Then I arrive alone and wait for the goons to impart the gossip that I was with, gasp, Derek Elgin and didn’t bring him along. I tell my mother, the rabbit, what I want. Negotiate how many dinners I have to attend, then bring you in. My trump card.”

He frowned. “I thought I was the carrot.”

I started to explain again, but I caught the teasing gleam in his eye. I clamped my mouth shut, smacking his hard shoulder instead. “Jerk.” His laugh lit up his whole face, and I couldn’t look away.

“When did you say this was?”

“Um.” I needed a minute to gather my thoughts, which had all disappeared. “Tomorrow, if that works for you.”

A thoughtful pause was followed by a nod. “Yeah, shouldn’t be a problem. What time will the hijacking take place?”

“Kidnapping.” I gave him a stern look. “Get it right. Meet me at the west end of campus near Roosevelt Hall, by the fountain? About five-thirty p.m.?”

“It’s a date.”

Well, that wasn’t as difficult as I anticipated. Somewhat relieved, I smiled to myself as I started putting together the pizza crust. I was just thinking about bringing up rent when Derek spoke again.

“My turn.”

Not only were his words short, but his tone was completely different. In the few seconds since I’d last looked at him, his whole body had tensed. This is serious.

“I know we didn’t set a time limit for this thing. It’s only the end of October, and this is really asking a lot, so if it’s too far out there or it’s too much, I understand. Feel free to say no. It’s just, I don’t want to go alone, and my parents are pressuring me to tell them if I’m bringing anyone…”

He was rambling. The nerves were one thing, but to see Derek not know exactly what to say was surprising. My heart went out to him. Before I could think better of it, I moved around the counter. I placed my hands on his stubbly cheeks, pressing my lips to his to stop the flow of words. “Hey, it’s just me. Tell me what this big event is, and I’ll look at my calendar. If I’m free, I’ll be there, okay?” I rubbed a thumb over his chiseled cheek, and he leaned into my hand.

He nodded, collecting himself as I returned to the other side of the island. “There’s a big event the weekend after Thanksgiving I have to attend. It’s an annual party my parents throw, mostly for their business contacts, and I’d really like you to come with me. It’s fancy, a black tie, gala, sort of thing.”

I felt my face light up. “A gala? That sounds amazing! What’s it for?”

He shrugged. “Networking, mostly. They raise money for one of my mom’s charities, recognize some top employees. It’s one of those familial obligations we all have to go to.”

“What’s the date?” I dug my phone out of my pocket as he told me the specifics. Everything looked clear.

“I'd be happy to pay for your dress and all the stuff that goes with it, make sure you can play the part.”

I pretended to think about it, tapping my chin for good measure. “So you get to be my fairy godmother and prince charming, all wrapped up in one? Plus I get to go to the ball?” A pretend fairy tale, emphasis on the pretend. I glanced at him. “Is there food?”

He looked sidelong at me, trying to decide whether I was teasing or not. “Yes, and it’ll be delicious, but probably in bite-sized portions.”

“I can live with that.” Finally, I grinned. “Yes, I’ll go.” An image popped into my head of him going to the ball with that infernal Princess, and I shoved it aside. “Even if we’re not still together, and you want me to attend, I’ll come. Deal?” I stuck out my hand.

A frown passed over his face, but he blinked it away then shook my hand. “Deal.”

Instead of releasing my grip, I held on, not letting him pull away. My next words were quiet, but I knew he needed to hear them. “I know you can hold down the fort by yourself, but that doesn’t mean you have to.” I reached over to cover my hand with his, digging my hole deeper and deeper.

His blue eyes met mine, latching on to me in a way that felt like he was taking a piece of my soul with him. When he broke into his megawatt smile, I felt light once more. And with the hard stuff out of the way, both of us were free to be ourselves again.

Chapter Eight

Nervous butterflies flitted in my stomach when the first guest arrived. I’d only met Derek’s friends once, and here I was cooking for them. I hoped they liked it, hoped they liked me. Liam came in with beer, and the rest of their friends trickled in after him. Kevin was absent, which I didn’t mind in the least.

The food was ready, which had all the guys exclaiming, but Derek surprised me once again. As they all rushed in, he stuck two fingers in his mouth to let out an ear-splitting whistle. Wincing, everyone turned to look at him.

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