Page 15 of Lemon Cake

“I’d love to.”

“Should I pick you up at four again?”

“That would be wonderful.”

“Do you cook as good as you bake?”

“I haven’t killed anyone yet.”

“Why don’t we figure it out together?” he suggested.

“I love it.”

Rider parked the truck, pausing as he saw her empty lap. “We forgot your cake holder.”

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll see Sarah again.”

“I’ll ask Braiden to bring it to me tomorrow.”

She nodded and climbed out.

Rider helped Gemma from the truck and she held onto his arm as he walked her to the door. It was a sweet gesture, just like when he’d gotten her a drink or put his arm around her shoulder and hugged her tighter whenhe’d sensed that she was uncomfortable.

“Thank you for today,” she told him.

He chuckled. “I should be the one thanking you.”

“I enjoyed myself.”

“Me too.”

Gemma looked down long enough to dig her keys from her purse, then back to the man in front of her. Rider looked down with a shy smile on his face, and she couldn’t help but think of him as gorgeous. He was tall enough to make her tilt her head to look at him. He shaved often, with no beard or stubble in sight. His eyes, deep and chocolate brown, held a hint of something—insecurity.

“Can I kiss you goodnight?” he asked bashfully.

In place of an answer, Gemma stepped closer. She reached up, hooking her arms behind his neck. Slowly, their lips met. At first, the kiss was hesitant on both sides. Then they both relaxed into each other and Rider tilted his head more, deepening the kiss. He tasted good, a hint of Coke still on his lips. Her heart raced and her fingers tingled as he gently laid one hand on her waist and cupped her cheek with the other. Far too soon, Rider broke the kiss.

His dark eyes swirled in a pool of melted chocolate, his thumb grazing her cheek. “I’ll call you about Thursday.”

“Sounds good.”

Rider leaned down to give her a soft kiss on her forehead, then turned and walked towards his truck.

Gemma beelined for the couch and threw herself into the plush cushions, digging out her phone to keep her promise to Gina.

Her sister picked up right away. “Tell me all about it.”

“It was good,” Gemma swooned and couldn’t help but grin. “His friends were really nice, and he was super sweet.”

“So, was there more than just hanging out?”

“He kissed me goodnight.”

Gina screeched through the speaker loud enough to shatter eardrums. “Did you two talk about how you feel about your prosthesis?”

“We did.”

“And is he a creep?”

---