Page 49 of The Cupcake Standard

And I groaned.

“I might stop. If you implore.”

“Yes, please, please stop.” But I was smiling. “At least you’re not a bore.”

He looked shocked. “Hey, good one.”

“It got you out of your rhyming fit.”

The elevator came to a halt, and we stepped off. Derek grabbed my hand, placing a small, metal object in it. His key. “Just like the elevator. Don’t worry about the numbers. Picture it, how far we walk. What side of the hallway.” Maybe I looked tense because he said, “Want some theme music? I bet I could do Mission: Impossible.” And he tried.

I couldn’t even be nervous with him humming the theme song so badly. It was easy to start walking. I led the way, not letting myself think too hard about it. Maybe a little farther. Definitely on the right. I stopped and looked back at him.

“Almost.” His mouth twitched. “Look at the door, the mat, the surroundings. Is that ours?”

Oh. There was a flowery welcome mat that for sure wasn’t his. I walked one more door down, and it felt right. Glancing at him for confirmation, I grinned at his nod. Four-two-five. Home. A sense of accomplishment flowed through me as I opened the door all by myself.

Derek followed me inside. “Great job. That was impressive!”

I smiled so wide my cheeks felt like they’d split in half. “Thanks. And thanks for your help.” It was only natural to fling my arms around him in a grateful hug. Maybe I held on longer than I should have or breathed a little deeper when my nose was buried in his shoulder, filling my lungs with his citrus and clove scent. He’d just showered, but it still clung to his clothes. Maybe he’s worn the hoodie before?

I stepped back, holding up his key. “Now I want to go do it again. By myself.”

His frown was adorable. You’d think I’d suggested running over broken glass barefoot while being shot at by angry terrorists.

“Enough of the white knight routine. If I’m living here, I have to do this. By myself, for myself. And I will be paying some rent. You can’t keep doing everything for me. It doesn’t matter whether you can afford it or not, I need to contribute. Understand?” I put my hands on my hips.

He nodded. “Maybe when you get back, I can take—?” He stopped at my fierce glare, clearing his throat and starting over. This time his words were more of an order, a tone that brooked no room for argument. “Avery, get a move on. Go let yourself in. And when you get back, we’re going to figure out a way for you to pull your weight around here. Starting with you taking me out for breakfast.” He folded his arms over his chest. “Got it?”

I’d like to hear that voice in the bedroom.

“Avery?” His voice wavered, as if nervous he’d overstepped.

Holy shit. Where did that come from? Did I really just—? I managed to shut my brain up, smile at Derek and say, “That’s exactly what I needed to hear.” I ran to get my phone, wishing I had time to go put on some dry underwear. Then I walked out of the apartment door and snapped a pic of the apartment number, just in case. “Okay, do not come looking for me. Do not call the doorman. I will be back.” I hope.

Derek stepped forward, pulling me into a quick one-armed embrace, and pressed a firm kiss to my forehead. “You got this.”

Too shocked to do anything else, I headed for the elevator. What did the kiss mean? What about the banter earlier, about his nakedness? And how upset he was when he thought I didn’t feel at home?

I pushed the button for the basement, letting my whirlwind train of thought sweep me away until I heard the ding announcing I’d arrived. I stepped off, let the doors close and walked around for five whole minutes. Then I summoned the elevator again.

What floor? Four. ’Cause it rhymes. Dammit, now I’m using his stupid mnemonics. I made it to our floor and strode down the hallway to the apartment after the one with the ridiculous mat. Four-two-five. I turned the knob and opened the door, only to be met by Derek’s megawatt smile.

“You did it, Cupcake!” He picked me up, spinning me around until the room became a blur, and we both wobbled when he set me down. “Now I know I said you could buy breakfast…”

“Derek,” I said, my voice full of warning.

“But I think I owe you an apology for making you feel so crummy about all of this. Can you let me make it up to you? And we’ll go get you your very own key afterward.” He paused. “Or that can be your key, and we can go get me one.”

A giggle escaped me before I could stop it. “Fine, you can buy me breakfast. But we’re still talking about how much rent I owe. Deal?”

“Deal.”

The tenderness in his eyes took my breath away, but when I blinked, it was just him and his usual smirk. My stomach growled. “Well, what are we waiting for?” I headed for the door, only to be jerked back by the hood of my sweatshirt.

“Hold it there.” He looked down at my clothes, then his own. “I’m not sure what type of breakfast you’re thinking about, but I’m not planning on going anywhere until I get some decent clothes on. Why don’t you get dolled up? Let me take you somewhere nice. We can celebrate you moving in for real.” His eyes ran over me, and he frowned a little. “Now that I think about it, is this the first time I’ve seen you without makeup?”

My cheeks went hot, and I ducked my head, wishing my hair wasn’t pulled back. I’d hoped with everything going on, he wouldn’t notice.

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