Page 6 of Lemon Cake
“He thought it was super cool.”
“Is that why you came over and gave me your number?”
“It was mostly the ‘my aunt played football’ part. But I’m curious to hear your whole story.” Honesty was probably best. “I would’ve given you my number with or without the robot revelation.”
That lightened her face. “So, you’re not some freak with an amputee fetish?”
“Far from it,” Rider sighed.
“Oh, good, ‘cause I was starting to like you.”
Now it was Rider’s turn to blush, heat creeping under his collar and crawling across his neck. “You do?”
“Yes.”
“Well, uh… same.” He sounded like an idiot.
Gemma grinned and took off towards the cashier.
“No books for you this time?” he asked, grateful for the change in topic.
“Don’t tempt me.”
While Gemma rummaged in her purse for her wallet, Rider handed his card over to pay for the books.
Gemma looked up, not unlike a kid in a candy store. “Thank you.”
“Maybe it’ll help you forget that I’m an insensitive idiot.”
As he took the bag and walked out, Gemma did something that fucking melted his whole being: she hooked her hand into his arm and walked by his side.
“You’re not the only curious person in the world.”
“I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“I forgive you,“ she said lightly.
“Where did you park? I have your tickets in my truck.”
Gemma pointed to a car a few spots away from where he’d parked, holding onto his arm the entire way to his truck—which he hoped he could get used to.
“What time will you be coming?” he asked.
“Probably in the morning. I’m watching him that dayanyway. Hopefully it will tucker him out before Gina comes home.”
“I’m sorry I never asked if his mom wanted a ticket too.”
“Don’t worry! I like to take him off her hands now and then. So, anything that lets us leave the house without her is a blessing.”
Rider wanted to ask more about her life and family and all the other things that made her…her,but they’d arrived at his truck.
“I hope he doesn’t start embarrassing me though. You might take my spot as his favourite player and I’m not sure how crazy he’ll get when he sees you.”
“I don’t mind. I just hope I’ll be able to concentrate with you around.”
Her eyes shot up at him as her cheeks bloomed that beautiful rosy colour again. “Oh…”
He winked, then opened his door to grab the tickets. “I won’t be able to come talk to you, but I’ll message you afterwards.”