Page 42 of The Cupcake Standard

He slid an arm around my waist. “Avery worked really hard on this all day. I think it’s only fair she goes first.”

My cheeks were hot as I took the paper plate he offered me.

“And, as her boyfriend, I supervised, so of course I should go second.” He winked at me, the guys turning the razzing on him.

I went through the line, piling up my plate, then automatically made my way to the chair.

Derek followed, nudging me over so he could sit next to me. After trying a bite of everything, he glanced at me. “This is all amazing. You should open a catering business, maybe that’s your calling. I’d hire you.”

His words were nonchalant, and he went right back to watching the game, but they struck a chord with me. I’ll have to think about that.

Halftime neared, and I had a brilliant idea. After excusing myself to the bathroom, I texted Liam. When I came back, I nestled in next to Derek until there was a break in the game. “Would you mind running to the store? I completely forgot dessert and I need chocolate.” I gave him my sweetest smile. “While you’re out, maybe you could get a bottle of good whiskey?”

Liam piped in. “And cheese puffs!”

Derek grumbled, but after everything we’d done for him the night before he couldn’t very well say no. His friends were here, so of course he stopped to kiss me goodbye. My toes curled in anticipation as he leaned down to brush his lips lightly over mine.

“Thanks for doing this.” I stared up at him, trying to remember why I was sending him away. This is my best opportunity for cuddles and kisses. What am I doing? I repeated the plan to myself.

He grinned as if sensing my train of thought. “No problem, Cupcake. Be back soon.”

As soon as he was gone, I muted the TV. “Okay, guys, here’s the deal.” I filled them in on the party for Derek. “You all have to come, but it’s a secret. And I need ideas on food. The theme is twenty-one, so we want that many of his favorite things to eat. I was thinking of goody bags, too, with silly stuff he likes. Gum, toys, maybe even inside joke type things?”

There was a full minute of blank stares after I finished, then they all started talking at once. I took out my phone, making an email to myself with their suggestions. Liam and I heard the door at the same time.

I hurried to switch gears, speaking loudly while making a quiet-down gesture to everyone. “It’s just a cream cheese base, but the real secret is the garlic. Oh hi, Derek.”

Liam jumped up to help, taking a bag from him. “Thank goodness you’re back. One of our dipshit friends asked a simple question about her veggie pizza, and she wouldn’t shut up about it. Make it stop.”

Oh, he’s good. I stuck my tongue out at him. “Just ’cause you’re not interested in delicious food.”

He spotted the cheese puffs, snagging the bag and waving it in my face. “I’ve got all I need right here.”

It was all I could do not to crack up as he stalked back to the couch, very deliberately unmuting the TV before he sat down.

“Um, sorry about that?” Derek looked at me with raised eyebrows.

I waved him off before following him to the island where he set down the bags. “Nah, it’s fine. I did get a little carried away. Now, tell me you have good news.”

He grinned, pulling out a beautiful amber bottle of whiskey and a small round container. “This is a flourless torte from a bakery around the corner. It’s amazing, I swear, but you only need a little piece. It’s really rich.” He kept his voice low so only I could hear it, his body blocking the dessert from the other guys’ view. “And don’t let them know. I got this for you.”

It didn’t take long to find a fork. I took a bite, almost having an orgasm right there by the island. “Holy shit,” I whispered. “Yep, I’ll hide this, just as soon as I have another taste.”

“Did you get some chocolate?” one of the guys called from the living room.

Derek’s wink made my stomach flip as he produced a bag of mini chocolate bars, ripped it open and dumped them in a bowl. “Here ya go.”

Another forkful or two of heaven disappeared before Derek came back. Since he’d done the running, I felt generous and offered him a bite, which he took with a grin, licking his lips afterward. My eyes lingered on his mouth, wanting to taste the remnants of chocolate on his lips. He took a step toward me. My breath caught in my throat, the fork clattering to the counter as he leaned down to grant my unspoken wish.

Several of the guys whistled behind us, and calls of “Go Derek!” made me push away, ducking my head.

“Ignore them.” Derek grinned, blue eyes lingering on my lips. “I can’t say which I like better, the torte or the taste of it on your tongue.” He reached past me, this time clicking the lid in place over the dessert and heading for the fridge, leaving me to sag against the counter.

I’m in so much trouble.

The chair seemed too small after that. And I couldn’t take the snuggling, not with my heart nearly beating out of my chest every time he casually brushed his leg against mine or slung his arm behind my head. I grabbed a blanket from my room, wrapping it around myself like a shield. When I returned, I sat on the floor, leaning against one edge of the chair, near his legs.

My plan was foolproof. No snuggles, no pressing into his side, no temptation to rest my head on his shoulder. I sipped on my whiskey and got caught up in the game. Until he started playing with my hair. With one ankle tucked under his opposite knee, he shifted so he was right behind me, then slid my hair tie down, undoing my ponytail.

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