Page 65 of The Cupcake Standard

I sighed as I let my head fall back on his shoulder. “I have to go take a test now.”

“Want me to carry you?” His soft words resonated with me.

Yes. “No. I’ve got this.” Reluctantly, I shifted off him, away from his comforting warmth.

He opened the door for me. “I know what’ll cheer you up.”

“What?” I made my way down the steps.

His voice lowered so his words were just for me. “Picturing me naked.”

Chapter Thirteen

I came home that night to an empty apartment, feeling drained. Derek was hanging out with Liam tonight, but he’d told me to text him if I needed anything. I grinned remembering his sweetness. Then I called Gina. We chatted for a while, and I told her about my dad, about those few precious moments of him seeing me. She was so happy for me.

Sprawled on the couch, I flipped on the TV, trying to find something to watch. Nothing sounded good so I switched to my book. Next thing I knew, I was being tucked into bed.

“It’s been a while since you did this,” I mumbled sleepily. The rumbly chuckle I loved sent a spiral of warmth curling through me.

“Good night, Cupcake.”

It seemed like he hovered a moment, but when he didn’t say more, I rolled over. He pressed a kiss to my temple, and I hummed happily before drifting off to sleep. My dreams were filled with Derek, even more prominent than before, and I woke up to an empty bed, an empty apartment and an ache in more than one place.

Tonight. We’ll talk tonight.

But fate had other ideas. I got through my normal day on campus, having lunch with Gina after insisting I pick the restaurant. No more food poisoning for me. Then I went to the coffee shop, where I ended up pulling a double shift. We stayed open until two in the morning Thursday through Saturday, and someone called in sick. Since I didn’t have class the next day, I was the logical choice to stay.

By the time I crawled into bed, all thoughts of anything but sleep evaded me. Friday, I woke up to find a note on the island with details about our double date that night. Derek had a meeting with his father for most of the day. He’d be back at four to get cleaned up for the date. Liam and Carla would be over at five for cocktails, so I had the apartment to myself—an unusual occurrence.

It was already noon. I puttered around, grabbing food and coffee, wasting an hour scrolling on my phone. Figuring out my outfit for the night was a battle, and I eyed my shower, wishing I had a tub. An idea hit me. Derek won’t care if I use his. A soak sounded heavenly, especially since my period was over. And if I set an alarm on my phone, I’ll be out of the way before he’s even home. I gathered up my stuff, including my book. I even found some bubble bath.

First, I showered, shaved and got all the chores out of the way. Then I ran the water, so it was steaming when I sank down into the bubbly goodness. I set the alarm for twenty minutes before Derek was due home, plenty of time to get out of his way. My current romance novel was about a stowaway girl on a pirate ship. Of course, she got caught nearly right away, by the swoon-worthy captain nonetheless. The steam rating on this book was high. Phew. I read for quite a while, enjoying the story.

When I put the book down, I laid my head back against the edge of the tub and closed my eyes. Images flashed through my mind, an unbidden fantasy taking over, Derek playing the part of the pirate. Soon I felt overwhelmed and needy. I reached for the handheld shower wand before I knew what I was doing.

Scooting up against the back of the tub so my breasts were out of the water, I guided the warm, pulsing spray between my legs, searching for just the right spot. I imagined Derek kneeling in front of me, Derek pushing my legs open. I rolled a taut nipple between my fingers, pretending my hand was Derek’s. A moan escaped my lips.

It didn’t take long for an orgasm to build. I could almost hear Derek whisper my name, a low growling sound. “Derek.” I tilted my head back, moaning a little louder.

“Avery.”

My name sounded so real, and it was just what I needed to push me over the edge. When the spasms faded, I sat up, my eyelids fluttering open. And there stood Derek, shirtless, with one hand on the door handle, not moving. He stared at me, a tempest of emotions swirling in his intense gaze.

He said my name. I came to the sound of his voice. Embarrassment washed over me in a tidal wave. My eyes locked on him as I sank down in the water, hiding under the cover of the bubbles.

His mouth closed with a snap, and he spun on his heel, closing the door firmly behind him.

Why me? That was my first question. My second was, now what? After letting out the water, I stood up to rinse off the bubbles, then stepped out onto the thick bath mat, just as my alarm went off. Perfect timing, thanks a lot.

The door opened once more as I reached for my towel. I gripped it to my dripping body, a flimsy shield from Derek’s intense blue eyes. Every muscle in his body was taut, rigid. I swallowed, wishing I could escape his scrutiny and the feelings welling up in me.

His voice was hoarse as he said, “Avery, I didn’t mean to barge in. I heard a noise and I didn’t even know you were home. I don’t know what just happened. You don’t have to explain if you don’t want to. But we have a double date with Liam in an hour and a half, and I don’t think there’s any way I can go like this.” He waved a hand in the general area of his hips, so of course my eyes drifted there.

His jeans were definitely straining.

Derek’s words sounded rougher under the weight of my gaze. “I’d like to think that what I saw means you want me, even half as much as I want you.”

I blinked at him. He wants me?

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