Page 56 of The Cupcake Standard

Derek smirked at me, bumping me with his shoulder. “Top-shelf whiskey, whenever possible.” He tapped his chin, trying to remember the other questions. “Coffee has to have French vanilla creamer, and a bear claw is a must. She likes crossword puzzles, funny movies and is a kick-ass poker player. She doesn’t mind getting dolled up but prefers yoga pants.” He stared down at me, touching a finger to my cheek. “Her waffles have to have either vanilla ice cream or real maple syrup.”

Gina held up a hand. “Okay, now you’re just showing off.” But she eyed us thoughtfully before turning back to Liam.

I leaned into Derek, reveling in how well he knew me. He pulled me close to kiss my temple.

“So stop strong-arming the girl into whatever you think she wants to do and ask some questions.” Gina gave Liam a no-nonsense stare until he nodded, then she finally took her shot.

Not long later, the guys won. Gina gave Liam a run for his money, but Derek started in on me again, distracting himself in the process. In need of a break, I sat the next game out, watching Gina and Josh take on Rhonda and Liam.

Greg stopped by my spot on the couch. “Want to shoot darts with me and Derek?”

I shook my head. “I’d probably stab someone.” And I couldn’t even blame it on alcohol, since I wasn’t drinking tonight. “Thanks anyways.” I looked up to find his gaze on Rhonda again. “Why’d you really stop working for her? What didn’t you tell Derek?”

He froze, gray eyes locking with mine. “What?”

“Greg, you freaked out when you heard she was coming. Well,” I amended, “freaked out for you. And you can’t take your eyes off her. What’s the story there?” I perched on the edge of the couch, waiting for him to fill me in.

To my surprise, he shuttered down, his walls going up like the barrier in the limo. “Nothing to tell. I just thought Derek and I would be a better fit. Excuse me.” And he strode off toward the dartboard.

I frowned. That was odd. My eyes sought out Rhonda, but she had no idea what just happened. She looked so at home, leaning on her pool stick, chatting with Liam. Gina laughed at something she said, even smiling at Liam, until she clearly realized what she was doing.

It hit me then. All these people, all these amazing connections were because of one little kiss and me hiding from my mother. Gina was my best friend, but Derek? He was fast becoming my anchor. And Liam…was definitely growing on me. Greg and even Rhonda were an integral part of this. All because of something fake.

Those thoughts hung with me until the car ride home. We said cheerful goodbyes all around, leaving like we were a real couple. Derek was in such a good mood, I decided to take a risk.

“That was fun.” I smiled at Derek as I buckled my seatbelt.

“Yeah. It was. I’m so glad you get along with everyone.” His blue eyes lingered on me, telling me how important it was to him.

I waited in silence as we drove a few miles. Then I made a blind leap. “I’ve never had anything like this, Derek. Never done the serious thing, with anyone. Fake or real. This is all new to me.” I took a breath, trying to calm my nerves, even as I dug my nails into my palm. “Not that I haven’t been with guys. I’ve had flings, been on dates. But nothing long term. Not since high school.” Not since we returned home from the book tour, and Mother burst that particular bubble.

Now, the moment of truth. “What about you?”

Silence met my question. Derek tightened his grip on the steering wheel, and I saw how his jaw clenched in the brief flashes of the streetlights.

“There was one girl. She was my world for a long time. But she left.”

I reached out to him, but he pulled away, instead giving me a tight smile. After the closeness we’d shared all evening, it hurt that he shut down, the pain jabbing right in my wide-open heart. We rode the rest of the way in silence, and I spent the time rebuilding my walls, berating myself for letting down my guard so completely. Princess had come between us again, just like I’d known she would.

Chapter Eleven

Sunday morning, Derek and I sprawled across the kitchen table, trying to figure out the paper’s crossword puzzle when there was a knock at the door. We both sprang up, saying, “I’ll get it.”

“Uh-oh,” I said, realizing it meant we were both expecting company.

“Is Gina coming over?” He frowned as the thought occurred to him, too.

I nodded. “I told you last night when she texted me. Sweetwaters’ donuts, coffee then we’re going shopping before my shift. Remember?”

He grimaced. “Liam should be here any minute.”

After we’d left the party at Liam’s last week, an alcohol-infused Gina had challenged Liam to a round of darts, wanting to beat him at something. Things were fine until they’d come up with different scores at the end, and she’d accused him of cheating. They’d had a huge fight about it, which we’d both heard about the next day. And every day since. Now, it was Sunday morning, and I just wanted a quiet visit with my friend, but instead I had to defuse World War Three.

“What’s wrong with you?” Annoyed, I bumped his shoulder, stomping over to the door to yank it open. It was Gina. Good, I’ll get my bear claw first. “Morning.”

She handed over the box of donuts with a smile, then did a double take. “Morning. You okay?”

I found my donut, pulled it out with a napkin, then grabbed Derek’s favorite, a chocolate éclair, and brought it to him. “Don’t ask me. Ask dumbass, here.” I nudged him with my hip for good measure, even as I set his donut in front of him.

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