Page 13 of Lemon Cake

“I’ve got it handled. I’m just grabbing the salads. I didn’t want them going bad in the heat.”

They grabbed plates and filled them before finding their seats at the large table. Gemma sat next to him while Clara sat to her other side. As the meal went on, Gemma only seemed to get more comfortable.

During dessert, everyone established that her cake was amazing and that Rider had to bring her more often so she could bring it again.

After they’d eaten, they sat inside and got comfortable on the sofas withZootopiaplaying on the TV for the kids.Gemma leaned against him and he couldn’t help but rest his arm around her shoulders, inviting her to move even closer and lean on his shoulder.

“We can leave whenever you like,” he whispered.

She tilted her head to look up at him. “Whenever you’re ready.”

“Gemma, do you still toss the ball here and there?” Tylor asked.

She tensed in Rider’s arms. “No, not since high school.”

“Shame. I would’ve loved to see you kick Rider’s ass.”

Rider could sense that it was something Gemma didn’t feel like talking about and it had him tugging her closer.

They stayed until the end of the movie, and waited for everyone else to say their goodbyes. When it was their turn, Sarah pulled Gemma into a hug. “It was lovely meeting you.”

“Likewise.”

Rider leaned in for his hug and Sarah squeezed him from the side. “Be safe and bring her back very soon.”

As they stepped out, Rider didn’t hesitate to take her hand in his and intertwined their fingers. “So, it wasn’t that bad, was it? You didn’t use our safe word.”

Her thumb brushed the back of his hand, gently smoothing his skin. “Neither did you.”

Rider couldn’t help but smile as he opened the truck door for her. “I enjoyed having you around.”

“So, did I pass the test?”

“Of meeting my friends?”

“Yep.”

“With flying colours.”

After he took his own seat and started the engine, Gemma took his hand again. “Thank you for bringing me.”

“I was afraid we would scare you away.”

“No, I enjoyed it.” There was a little pause in which he sensed her wanting to say more, so he focused on the road and gave her the space she needed. “I haven’t gone out with anyone in a while, cause well…” Her head was tilted down, hiding her face from him. “The accident.”

“I know I may have been a little fast asking you to come with me and meet my friends but we can go as slow as you need.”

Gemma’s lips twitched, but she still hid her face in her lap.

“Whatever you need, we’ll do,” he reassured.

“You’re so sweet.”

“Look, I’ll be honest: when the season starts, you mightnot even hear from me that often—maybe even days at a time.”

“I won’t take it personally.”

“As soon as it’s over, I’m all yours.”

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