Page 67 of The Cupcake Standard

“Hmm, that could be interesting.” I shimmied away from him, stepping back into the tub to clean up.

He walked in next to me. “But only if you call me Captain.”

Oh, that’s perfect. He just gave me his nickname, and he has no idea. I finished wiping down, then dried myself off with a towel as he started up a shower. It felt so…normal. So right. “I’m going to my room to get ready.”

“Okay.” The shower curtain opened a crack as he peered out. “Need a kiss for the road?”

“Don’t you mean the plank?” I leaned in for a kiss, and he turned the spray full blast on my just-dried body. “Jerk! What was that for?”

He kissed my cheek, shutting the shower curtain. “You didn’t call me Captain.”

I muttered under my breath as I dried off yet again. This time I gathered up my things, then walked by the sink when an idea struck me. I quietly filled a cup with cold water, tiptoeing back to the shower. I threw it at him, the yelp he let out making me laugh as I ran away. “That’s what you get, Captain!”

Back in my room, the Princess tried to weasel into my thoughts, but I pushed her aside. I needed to enjoy this time with Derek. It wasn’t like I was professing my undying love for him. It was just sex. Damn, good sex… I smiled, losing my train of thought to the memory of Derek shoving me up against the wall, the memory of that orgasm bursting through me.

The outfit I’d chosen didn’t seem quite right anymore. I wanted to go bolder, sexier. So I raided my closet again, finding a cute forest green dress with a deep V-neckline. It showed off my cleavage with the right bra but had a flared waist that flattered my hips as well. Paired with a cropped three-quarter sleeve black sweater, it would be perfect. After Derek zips me up, that is. I did my makeup and left my hair down, putting in a few loose curls around my face. Adding a long necklace to emphasize my cleavage, I stepped back to make sure I wasn’t missing anything.

Derek leaned in the doorway just as I was perfecting my lipstick. “I think there’s something wrong with that dress.” He looked amazing in a dark-gray blazer, with a fitted white shirt and light pants.

I rolled my eyes at him. “Just wanted to see if you’re as good at putting dresses on as you are at taking them off.”

“Oooh, challenge accepted.” He crossed the room to stand behind me.

The zipper was low, starting below my panty line.

“A little sneak peek, I see.” His warm fingers held the dress out a bit. He peered down at my backside as I giggled, reaching back to smack him.

“Stop it. You already had some.” A thrill went through me at his touch, my heart fluttering with his ridiculous flirtations.

“Ah, that was the main course. Now I want dessert.” His blue eyes held mine in the mirror, then his gaze skimmed over my breasts, down my front. “But there’s so many delicious parts, I just can’t decide what to feast on first.”

It was like we’d never even had sex—I was that turned on, again.

He ran a finger up my spine, making me shiver. He bent down to kiss his way along my shoulder, up to my neck.

“Derek.” His name was a groan and a plea all wrapped into one. I needed more. I needed him.

A knock at the apartment door jerked me out of my aroused haze.

His lips stayed at the crevice where my neck and shoulder met, his tongue swirling the spot gently as his fingers deftly zipped me up. “Damn Liam and his punctuality.”

I turned my head so my lips grazed his. “Shut the door on your way out. I need to change my panties.” At least I had the satisfaction of watching his eyes darken and hearing him growl as he stomped out of the door to greet his friend. I wouldn’t be the only uncomfortable one tonight.

Dry for the moment, I stepped into the hallway to meet our guests.

“Hey, Cupcake, there you are. What took you so long?” Derek’s question was edged with a hint of teasing, obviously enjoying putting me on the spot.

“Just a tiny wardrobe malfunction, Captain.” If he wants to tease, I’ll give it right back.

He blanched at the nickname being used in front of his friend, and Liam shot him a curious look.

“Nothing for you to worry your pretty little head over.” I grinned up at Derek while he tried to hide his glower.

“Captain?” Liam asked. “That’s new. How’d that come about?”

“Well, Derek here walked in while I was—”

“Oh they don’t want to hear the story, Cupcake. What did you want to drink?” He pinched my butt as he walked behind me, and I bit the inside of my cheek so I didn’t yelp.

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