Page 5 of Lemon Cake
“I do.”
With a faraway look in her eyes, Gemma asked, “Do you mind if we go to that bookstore across the street?”
“For the classroom or yourself?”
She laughed. “I usually go for the kids, but somehow always end up with a book for myself,” she laughed.
Grateful for the opportunity to walk around, Rider agreed. He hoped that Gemma wouldn’t notice how nervous he was if they kept moving. “What do you read?”
Gemma flushed pink again, as if he’d asked her an intimate question. “Fantasy mostly.”
“Like werewolves and vampires?
“And the occasional dragon.”
“Did you read that dragon book that they made into a movie? They only ended up making one and it was awful.”
“Oh, I think I know which one you mean. The movie wasn’t anything like the books but that’s usually how it is.”
“I’ll have to trust you on that.”
Gemma’s smile only widened when he opened the door to the book shop for her. He followed her to the kids’ section and watched as she browsed.
“So, what got you into football?” he asked curiously.
“My sister went into cheerleading and since people had trouble keeping us apart—and I liked beating up the boys—I joined the football team.”
“I’ll have to make sure I behave around you than.”
“I’m not that wild child anymore.” Gemma’s tone shifted, masked by her smile. “Have you always wanted to be a Bullrider?” she whispered as if she was afraid to be overheard.
Rider leaned closer and whispered in return. “I’m not that big of a celebrity.” Then he turned and picked up the closest book—one of his favourites from his childhood. “I never cared much what team I ended up with. I just hopedI was good enough to get drafted.”
Gemma leaned in to read the title of the book in his hand. “Ellison the Elephant,” she read the title. “Is it good?”
“My favourite.”
“It even comes with a CD! Perfect!” She took it and flipped through the pages, seemingly intrigued. “Are you from here?”
“No. Tennessee originally, then to Baylor.”
Rider enjoyed the way they easily fell into conversation. Nothing felt awkward or forced.
“May I ask you something?”
Gemma looked up from the book in her hands and smiled. “I thought that’s what this was all about.”
“It’s quite personal.” It did feel as if he was overstepping a boundary. “D-Dan said you were in an accident.” He stuttered a little, unsure how to phrase his question.
“Oh…” Gemma’s eyes darkened slightly and she ducked her gaze back into the book.
“I’m sorry. I was…” Fuck, he should’ve just let it be.
“Curious,” she finished for him.
“I’m sorry.”
There was a beat of silence that probably felt much longer than it was. “He likes to tell people about it,” Gemma finally said. “He thinks I’m a robot or something.”