Page 57 of Lemon Cake

“Of course, but only two. It’s just me and Dan.”

“Gina working?”

“Always. How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing,” Rider said without hesitation. “It’s my treat for you two.”

“It’s the third game already.”

“I love spoiling you.”

She sighed, unable to find the energy—or the desire—to argue. “You do.”

Rider chuckled to himself, and she could hear his bedding shuffle. “You might not like what I called to talk about then.”

“And what would that be?”

“Your birth control. I want to pay for it too.”

That caught her off guard. “And why is that?”

“Well, if you weren’t taking it, I would be paying for condoms. So, I want to pay for the pill instead.”

She wanted to argue, but she could tell his mind was made up. “What if we split it? If I wasn’t taking it, I’d be buying them as well.”

“Sounds like a plan. That brings me to something else, but it’s rather personal.”

“More personal than birth control?” she laughed.

“In a different way. I thought most insurance covered birth control. Why do you pay for yours? Do you not have any?”

“I do, but it’s Christian-based so they don’t cover it.”

“Oh, okay.” And then Rider fell silent.

“You’re very sweet.”

“And here I thought I was a big tough bear of a man.”

“You are, but I like how you take care of me.”

“I don’t feel like I am at the moment.” The defeated tone in his voice made Gemma’s heart sink. “My focus is somewhere it shouldn’t be.”

“No, it’s exactly where it should be and if you ever change that during the season I will march onto that field and kick your ass myself.”

“I’m sure my teammates would love to see that,” he laughed, though it sounded forced.

“I mean it, Rider. I understand. I don’t want you to change your focus. I’m not here to guilt trip you or mess with your mojo. I want to see you succeed.”

Rider took a deep breath, exhaling audibly. “Thank you.”

“Now, go get your beauty sleep.”

“I love you, beautiful Gemma.”

“I love you too, Rider with the cute ass.”

He laughed, blew her a kiss, and then ended the call.

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