Page 19 of Lemon Cake
“You’ll be fine. I think she gets it; just talk to her.”
“Yeah…”
“I won’t keep you any longer. You call if you need anything?”
“Thanks.”
“I want to hear all about it tomorrow!”
“You will.”
Rider spent the next forty minutes working out before it was finally time for him to shower. His mind ran wild. After getting dressed, he paced the length of the kitchen, double checking that he hadn’t forgotten anything.
Two minutes before four, the doorbell finally rang. His heart threatened to beat right out of his body and his knees didn’t want to hold him up, but he managed to open thedoor. It took every bit of willpower he had to keep his jaw from hitting the damn floor. Gemma had on a knee-length sundress, her hair loosely tied up, and a bright smile on her face. His eyes travelled over her gorgeous shape. The dress exposed her chest and shoulders, giving him a peek into what he hoped would be his view one day. The dress had a fluffy skirt that flared at the waist—and exposed her prosthesis. Not wanting to stare like a starstruck idiot, he quickly pulled his gaze back to hers.
“You look amazing.”
Her smile widened, an adorable dimple puckering her cheek. “Thank you. You look handsome yourself.”
“I kind of feel underdressed.”
“Gina said I should go all out.”
“Well, that you definitely did.” He stepped aside and held the door open for her. “Come in.”
She stepped in and took a curious glance around. Although Rider loved his house, he suddenly felt insecure about it. He’d always wanted a ranch style home with a big backyard and a pool, so that’s what he’d bought. The living area was open with a spacious kitchen and large living and dining room.
“I brought ice cream,” she announced excitedly, holding the carton out to him.
Rider led her to the kitchen and opened the freezer. “I hope I got everything for the lasagna.”
“I don’t think we’ll starve,” she said lightly, placing the gallon of Blue Bell into the freezer.
Rider then grabbed everything from the fridge and set it out on the counter, searching for something to break theice. “Braiden gave me your cake dish.”
“Hopefully I don’t forget it here.”
“Just means you’ll have a reason to come back.” Deep down he hoped she would come back anyway. He stepped up next to her as she sorted through all their ingredients. “How was your day?”
“Good, just trying to get everything ready. I’ll have to go this weekend and rearrange the classroom. A few others will be there on Sunday too so I’m hoping I’ll be able to get most of it done.”
“I can help you.”
Gemma looked up at him, brows nearly hitting her hairline. “You would do that?”
“Of course. It’s my day off.”
“It might be boring and you might have to do some arts and crafts too.”
“It’s time with you.”
“I would love for you to come. I can use the muscles, you know?” Gemma teased, squeezing his bicep.
Rider feigned offence. “Oh, and I thought you wanted me for my artistic talent.”
They laughed, and Rider basked in the feeling that sound gave him. It felt good with her and he loved the fact that she was wearing a dress. Not only was she pure eye candy, but because it felt as if she finally trusted him. He’d suspected her to be a below knee amputee, but he hadn’t known for sure.
“We have our first preseason game next Saturday. I was hoping you’d like to come. Maybe you could bring Dan and Gina along.”