Page 83 of The Cupcake Standard

“Sounds like a pirate-y thing to do. Miss a flight to have sex.” We both laughed.

“How are things in Canada?”

“Making some headway. Lots of wining and dining. We have a big meeting tomorrow, but today’s pretty free.” He told me a bit about the restaurants they’d been to, the hotel he was at. “So that’s all my news, other than missing you. Oh, and Rhonda texted me again. Some goofy math joke that made her think of me.”

I smiled to myself. “That’s sweet of her!”

“Seems weird talking to her more.”

He’ll just have to get used to it.

“What’s up with you?”

I twirled a lock of hair around my finger. “I want to wear your Lions hoodie today, if you don’t mind.”

There was another pause. “What about the jersey your dad gave you?”

“It’s too cold, and you’re not here to keep me warm. So unless you want me snuggling with Liam…”

Derek’s laugh echoed through the phone. “I don’t think there’s any chance of that happening after this morning. Not sure what you said or did, but he’s downright terrified of you.” His voice dropped, taking on a husky quality that had my breath catching. “Of course you can wear my hoodie. Although I don’t think I washed it since I wore it last.”

“Even better.” Whose sultry voice is that?

“It’s in my closet, top shelf on the right.” A tapping noise sounded on his end. “Someone’s at my door. Gotta run, Cupcake. Send me a pic?”

“Will do.” And he was gone.

I went right to his closet. His stack of sweatshirts wasn’t hard to find, though they all came tumbling down when I pulled on the one I wanted. “Shit.” It was like a mini avalanche, and I couldn’t help giggling at the mess.

Finally, Derek’s closet was back to its original state of order, and I had my prize. Feeling a bit adventurous, with time to kill before everyone else got here, I decided to have a bit of fun with his “take a pic” comment. I took several, all of them in his sweatshirt in various poses. On his bed. In nothing else.

It was difficult finding the right mix of good angle and not showing too much. I wanted the pics to be tasteful, although he probably wouldn’t mind full nudes either. But that wasn’t the point. Satisfied, I flipped through them, sorted out my favorites and sent him a few with an innocent, Thanks for letting me borrow your shirt.

I actually got dressed after that, and when I checked my phone again, I still had no response. Really? I clicked to make sure the pics had gone through.

There were three dots at the bottom of the screen. I smiled. Then, to my dismay, they disappeared. When they reappeared, so did my smile, and I even laughed out loud. I’d rendered Derek speechless. I decided to tease him even more.

Sorry I didn’t pull out the lacy top stockings. I know those are your fav. *winking face*

Just to feel close to him while I waited, I sprawled on his bed, scrolling through my feeds. Finally a text came through.

Damn, Avery. If you had added the stockings, I’d be dialing 911 instead of texting you. You are *flames emoji*.

I grinned, kicking my legs in the air behind me. Another text swooped onto my screen.

Wait, are you wearing underwear?

I laughed out loud.

I’m not telling. Some secrets are meant to be kept. *zipped lips emoji*

Damn, Cupcake.

Two more texts came through, one after the other.

Here’s one for you. Thought it could help with your favorite pastime…

I scrolled down, stilling as more and more of my fake boyfriend’s phenomenal body came into view. He lay on his back, completely shirtless with one hand tucked behind his head. I sucked in a breath, letting my eyes travel over his muscular abdomen and farther. The view kept going to his delicious V, almost to his ‘down there’ hair.

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