Page 50 of Lemon Cake

“Yep.”

“If this goes well, I might drop my football career and go into modelling, you know that, right? You might be responsible for the downfall of your nephew’s favourite football player.”

Gemma laughed, and a young woman approached, greeting them with a bright smile. “You must be Gemma and Rider. I’m Ellie.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Rider greeted and stretched out his hand.

“It’s very nice meeting you two.”

“Same.” Gemma’s voice wavered, and Rider was glad he wasn’t the only nervous one.

Ellie was wonderful and so patient. She had selected a few locations that made lovely backdrops. She had them start out sitting next to each other on a bench, giving them ideas on how to pose. Gemma was nervous, and he tried to reassure her with compliments and praises while lightening the mood with jokes peppered throughout. They took a few pictures with the skyline in the back and then moved on to some closeups with blossoming trees in the background. He stole a few kisses here and there, which seemed to help Gemma relax and gave Ellie a new idea.

“How about we do a few that are more intimate? Maybe a little spicy?”

Gemma blushed and seemed unsure, but Rider was all for it. “As long as you can direct us.”

“Pretend to back her up against that tree.” They did as told. “Perfect, now lift your arm above her head. Yes! Now, grab his shirt and pull him to you.”

Gemma did, a grin forming on her face as Rider leaned in.

“You two look fantastic.”

A few more instructions later, instinct took over. He lifted Gemma into his arms, pushing her against the tree and stealing a passionate kiss.

“Perfect! What about sliding your hand under her dress?”

Ellie didn’t have to tell him twice. Another kiss, and he rested his forehead against Gemma’s. “You’re doing so well.”

“You make it easy.”

“I’m going to cover my house with these pictures.” His thumb gently caressed her thigh, and his next words were spoken against her forehead. “Thank you for trusting me.”

“You make me feel good. I’ve been avoiding full body pictures for a while.”

“Sweet Gemma, you’ve got to stop making me blush like this.”

She giggled, running her fingers through his hair. “I want to tell you that I love you.”

“Then why don’t you?”

“Because we hardly know each other, and I don’t want to be the creep to say it after such a short time.”

“Well, I would love to hear it anyway.”

Their lips met once more, brushing against each other as she whispered softly. “I love you, Rider.”

“I love you too, my beautiful Gemma.”

The kiss that followed their confession was one he’d never forget. Gemma’s fingers twisted into his hair, body arching into his grip. In that moment, they were the only two people in the world, Gemma demanding every piece of him in that kiss.

After the photoshoot, Rider had taken Gemma out for lunch before helping her run some errands. It had been a simple afternoon, but even the most mundane tasks felt special in her presence.

Now, after feeding her dinner and driving her home, he sat on his couch and dialled his mother’s number.

“Hello, sweetheart.”

“Hi, Mom.”

---