Page 69 of The Cupcake Standard

He shifted over to whisper in my ear, his lips brushing against my skin. “How arrrre you enjoying dinner?”

I bumped his chest with my shoulder, and he squeezed my leg. I grinned. “It’s delicious.” As I shrugged out of his blazer, I gave him a sidelong look. “But I think I’m warm enough now, Captain.”

His smirk was a little on the self-satisfied side.

When we got back to the apartment, I called out good night to Greg who waved. Derek’s hand seared my lower back, and I leaned into him. I can’t wait to get him naked, in an actual bed this time.

Liam shoved his hands in his pockets as he glanced at Carla. He cleared his throat, addressing Derek. “You guys want to hang out some more? We could play games or watch a movie…”

I gripped Derek’s upper arm, and he smirked at me. Then he raised his eyebrows, waiting for my permission. I deflated. As much as I wanted Derek to myself, I couldn’t tell Liam no. Not when we’d agreed to do this to help them out. I nodded, and my disappointment disappeared in the wake of Derek’s megawatt smile.

He brushed his lips against my forehead, murmuring a quiet, “Thank you.” To Liam, he said, “Sure, come on up.”

Liam’s shoulders dropped as he let out a breath. “Great. We’ll stop by my place and be over in a few.”

I waved goodbye to Carla, and the moment the doors were closed, Derek’s lips found mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck, drinking him in. I’d take every second I could get.

Derek’s phone hooted as we got to his apartment. He laughed. “Evidently, Carla’s pestering Liam about inviting Gina over tonight. She wants to meet her now, have a real party.”

My laughter bounced off the hallway walls. “She must have been relentless for him to text you!” I couldn’t picture it, Liam actually typing out the words. “Oh, that must have hurt.” We shared another laugh. “I’ll text her.”

In the apartment, I glanced over my shoulder at Derek and crooked my finger. “I need your assistance, Captain.”

He stalked after me, sweeping me into his arms, and I squealed. “Not with walking! I can handle that on my own.” Not that I mind this mode of transportation. I looped my hands around his neck and snuggled into him. “You have a thing for carrying me, don’t you?”

His fingers ran along my bare thigh. “Maybe.”

I grinned. In my bedroom, he set me down, running his hands up my full length as he straightened. His blue eyes were twin flames as they drilled into me.

“Why did I invite Liam over again?”

One finger traced my neckline, and I reached up to cup his cheek. “Because you’re a good friend. One of your many endearing qualities.” I pushed onto my tiptoes to press my lips to his.

He gripped my hips to haul me flush against him with a moan. Our mouths melded together, tongues entwining. My hips pressed into him, wanting more. He ripped his mouth away with a groan.

“Okay, if you want help with this dress, we’ve gotta do it now. Or our company is gonna be getting a show.” He adjusted the evidence of his erection. “Not to mention how uncomfortable I’ll be.”

I trailed my fingers down his chest, following the buttons of his dress shirt toward that delicious bulge. He growled my name, and I pouted a little, but I turned to give him access to my zipper. The cool air hit my heated skin, and we both sucked in a breath.

“All right.” Derek’s voice was strangled. “Need anything else from me?”

I spun around, letting my gaze rove over him. “Yes. But not anything we have time for right now.”

His blue eyes darkened. “Later.” It was more than a word. It was a promise.

Gina and Josh arrived not long after Liam and Carla. Derek played host, grabbing everyone drinks and setting out snacks while Gina dragged me to my room.

“Gina, what?”

She shut the door, staring at me. “What happened? Did you and Derek…?” She waggled her eyebrows at me.

“How?” I threw my hands in the air. “Yes. Once before dinner. But it was really quick.”

She squealed. “Tell me everything!”

I told her the short version, leaving a few of the more intimate things for myself.

“I knew it, I knew it! He’s head over heels for you.”

---