Page 9 of Lemon Cake

Rider stepped out of the locker room shower and made a beeline for his phone, wanting to message Gemma immediately. Practice had been good—even if he’d had a hard time concentrating with Gemma’s eyes on him. He couldn’t help but grin as he read her text and fired off a response.

Glad you two had fun. Maybe I can make up for your loss with another trip to the bookstore?

He couldn’t help but feel disappointed when she didn’t reply immediately. He wasn’t a man who wanted a woman’s attention at all times, but he enjoyed talking to Gemma and wished he could do so all day long.

“I’m thinking about having a barbecue tomorrow afternoon.” Rider looked up and saw Braiden approaching. “Want to come?”

“Need me to bring something?”

“How about that pretty lady that distracted you all morning?”

“That obvious, huh?”

Braiden chuckled. “Just a little.”

“Fuck,” Rider groaned, scrubbing his hands over his face.

“Just don’t let her mess with your head during games, then you’ll be fine.”

“She might not stick around that long.”

“Bring her tomorrow and if she stays afterthat, you know she’s a keeper.”

Rider already had a feeling she was a keeper, but Braiden had a point. The guys could get crazy when they all got together.

“I’m sure Sarah will welcome her with open arms. She’s been waiting for you to get serious with someone.”

Sarah was Braiden’s wife and mother to his two daughters. They were high-school sweethearts, and organised the best barbecues.

“I’ll ask if she’s free tomorrow.”

“Even if it’s just for an hour, bring her by. I would love to meet her. Things kick off around two-ish.”

Braiden left, leaving Rider to get dressed in peace. On his way to his truck, he texted Gemma again.

Friends of mine are having a BBQ tomorrow. Would you like to go with me?

Rider didn’t notice a text back until he arrived home.

Would never say no to another bookstore date.

What time is the BBQ?

2ish.

There was a long pause where those typing bubbles appeared, vanished, then appeared again. He felt like he’d gone too far. They’d barely met once and he hadn’t even asked her out on a proper date.

We don’t have to go. Braiden just asked me and I thought I should put it out there. We can do something just us if you feel more comfortable with it.

I like the BBQ. Should I bring something?

Just yourself and your beautiful smile.

Want me to pick you up?

How about 1:30?

Sounds perfect. Can’t wait to see you again.

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