Page 42 of Lemon Cake
“If you’re willing to stop I’ll get you some coffee on the way to the bookstore.”
“Does that mean you’ll let me spoil you today?” he asked, masking the excitement in his voice as he carried their plates to the table.
“Only if we do something you’ll enjoy too.”
“I don’t think you’ll want me to drag you to the gym, or do you?”
“I wouldn’t mind watching on a snack break.”
He couldn’t help but laugh, needing a few moments to collect himself so he could eat. “We’ll better get you some snacks then.”
“Where do you usually work out?”
“Just at home.”
“You might not see me then. I still have to try out thatfancy tub of yours.”
“Snacks and bath bombs it is.”
An hour and a half later, they walked into Gemma’s favourite bookstore. Naturally, she drifted off into the kids section before he gently nudged her towards the adult fantasy books. Every time she picked up a book and read the synopsis on the back, he asked her to read it out loud. When she liked it, she read the first page before deciding whether or not she wanted it.
Gemma seemed to love hardbacks, but after seeing the price, she replaced them with paperbacks. A few times, she eyed a collection of hardbacks with gorgeous sprayed edges, but kept putting them down. He made a mental note and snuck a picture when she wasn’t looking. Rider continued to shadow her, always near, but never in a way that she would feel besieged.
Once all the books were scanned, Gemma gawked at the price. Rider, however, didn’t bat an eye. He happily swiped his credit card. She was the first woman he’d dated in a long while, and he didn’t mind making her happy. He was confident that she wasn’t using him for his wealth.
“Thank you,” she whispered, hooking her arm into his while they walked to his truck.
“You are very welcome.” He added a kiss to her hair before helping her hop into her seat. “I thought we could stop byLushso you can get some new bath bombs.”
Gemma cocked her head, confused. “I thought the trip to the bookstore was my treat.”
He took her hand, loving the way it fit perfectly in his, and brushed his lips across her knuckles. “It was. I justthought while we’re out we can make sure we have some in store in case you take me up on my offer.”
Gemma leaned in, softly kissing his forehead. “I do love you spoiling me.”
As they entered the store, he was nearly crushed by all the different smells. It was overwhelming. They found a few that she wanted to try lemon, lavender, and peach, and his heart soared when she took his hand as they waited at the register.
“Can we grab some lunch on the way back?” she asked. “I love the salad bar down the street.”
“Anything for you.”
“Don’t say that,” she laughed, “I might demand an endless supply of snacks and books.”
“I’m sure there are worse things.”
“You think? Books are quite expensive in this economy.”
“I’m one hundred percent sure.”
After Gemma insisted on paying for his lunch, Rider drove them back to his place. Apparently, she hadn’t been joking when she said she wanted to see him work out. It was his usual cardio day, but he thought about adding some weight training just to show off.
Gemma had her hand in his and her head turned to the side, watching the traffic. “I could get used to this.”
“Me too,” he agreed, lifting her hand to his lips. “How about you try that lavender bubble bath and relax a little?”
She looked at him, and the grin on her lips and the sparkles in her eyes was all the answer he needed.
About an hour later, he led her into his home andthrough to the master bath, thanking his lucky stars that he’d cleaned it recently. Otherwise, she would’ve been faced with his dirty underwear all over the floor. He grabbed some towels from the linen closet and laid them on the counter.