Page 45 of The Cupcake Standard

I managed to grab her apron strings and reel her back in. “He’s not here yet. I promise I’ll bring him in when he is, okay?”

“Darn right you will.”

“I missed his birthday because I had food poisoning.” I winced, anticipating her reaction.

Patty crossed her arms. “You've been letting Gina pick the restaurants again, haven’t you?”

Chastised, I nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

“What have I told you about that?”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “I know. I swear I’ve learned my lesson. Anyways, Derek’s favorite food is ravioli. And since you make the world’s best ravioli, I thought maybe you could cook that for the party. Pretty please?”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Child, you know how much work that is?”

Chagrin washed over me, and I hung my head to look at the floor. “Yes, ma’am.”

There was a brief silence. “If it were anyone else…”

I beamed and threw my arms around her. “Thank you, Patty!”

She patted my back. “Just ravioli?”

“It’s supposed to be a twenty-one-themed party, and I have a list of his top favorite foods. Some of them are junk and store bought, but a few others…” I gave her my most innocent smile.

Those dark eyes narrowed as she tried to glare at me and failed. She swatted at me with her wooden spoon. “Go on with ya. And don’t come back in here without that man, you hear?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I grinned, happy to have that out of the way. My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I raced to the door before I even looked at the text I knew was from Derek. I met him coming up the sidewalk.

He didn’t disappoint. He’d changed clothes since I’d seen him less than an hour ago. His black hair was perfectly waved, the bright blue tie showing off his eyes with the darker blue shirt as the perfect background. The black blazer’s one button emphasized his lean midriff as he strode up the steps.

“Hey.” I grinned at him.

He lifted his arms and cocked his head, waiting for my approval. “Am I an appealing enough carrot?”

I pursed my lips. “I guess you’ll do.” I peered behind him. “I don’t see any other carrots lining up for the part.”

His strong hands grabbed my waist, tickling my ribs.

A squeal escaped my lips. “All right, you look great!”

“That’s better.” He let me go, flashing me the megawatt smile that made my knees weak.

I was still breathless as I watched him straighten his jacket, his expression growing more distant and poised with each second. He glanced at me, almost a completely different person.

“Hang on.” I reached for him. His collar was somehow askew, completely ruining the effect. “There. Much better.”

He held out his arm. “May I escort you to the party?”

It wasn’t his arm that made me grimace. “Ready or not, here we come.” Finding my mother wasn’t difficult. I just followed the throng of people and, voilà, there she was. “Mother, this is Derek Elgin. Derek, this is my mother, Mabel Milbourne.”

Derek smiled at her. A dazzling smile.

I was secretly pleased to see it wasn’t his usual megawatt smile, but how disconcerting to see my mother dazed over my fake boyfriend. Is that a hint of jealousy I’m feeling? Ew.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Milbourne.”

She tittered as he grabbed her hand. “Oh, the pleasure is all mine. And please, call me Mabel. Mrs. Milbourne makes me feel old.”

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