Page 46 of Lemon Cake

“It does have a nice ring to it.”

At her door Rider pulled her to his chest and guided her to fold into his body, nuzzling into her neck. She loved how tall he was, how she felt safe and sound in his arms.

His lips brushed over her lips before his forehead leaned on hers. “Today was special.”

“It was,” she agreed, her heart racing and making her blood rush through her ears.

“I want more days like this.”

“You can have them all.”

Rider swooped down, capturing her mouth once more. He grabbed her ass, scooping her up into his arms. She tightened her legs around his waist, spearing her fingers through his hair. Her shoulders pressed into the cool wood of her door, his tongue licking into her mouth when she parted her lips for him.

Then he pulled back, cheeks slightly flushed and his chest heaving. “Goodnight, Gemma.”

“You don’t want to come inside?” she asked, far too hopeful as he gently set her back down.

“If I don’t leave now, you and I will end up spending the night wide awake and naked all over your apartment.”

“I’m not seeing the problem here.”

“Because I promised to take it slow.” Then he leaned in, kissed her forehead again and walked off. “Goodnight, Gemma.”

Shaky hands fumbled for her keys and unlocked herdoor. With wobbly legs, she walked to her couch and let herself fall into the cushions with a smile so wide her cheeks ached.

Rider

By the time game day rolled around, Gemma and Rider had spoken every day. They never missed a good morning text, nor a chance to wish each other a good night. That particular morning had been different though. Rider had made sure to keep his phone out of his reach to minimise distractions. He’d cycled through his usual game-day routine, blasting his usual techno music through his headphones and cycling through the plays until he had them memorised.

He’d been in his zone, and it had paid off. Leaving the stadium with a 24-20 win, he was buzzing from the high. The moment he could, he pulled out his phone and texted Gemma.

Hi,

On my way back home.

Have a safe flight! You looked great, but I must say I enjoyed the live version so much more

I’ll make sure to get you tickets for Friday.

“Is that your woman conjuring a smile on your face?” Braiden asked, standing in the aisle.

Rider wasn’t even ashamed of the goofy grin on his face. “Yeah.”

“When are you gonna see her again?”

“Tomorrow.”

“So serious,” Braiden chuckled, throwing himself into the seat next to him. It was a tight squeeze, but Braiden was far too curious to let things slide. “What are you going to do?”

“Not sure. It’s a surprise.”

“Fucking adorable, you two. When will you propose?”

Shit. Rider bit his tongue to avoid saying something stupid. Though he knew she was the one, it was way too soon.

“Wow, I’ve known you for years and that’s a new expression. It was just a joke, you know?”

“A bad one,” he grumbled, turning his gaze out the window.