Page 72 of Lemon Cake

“It’s not a problem. Dan was all over it.” She sat down on the bed and held her hands out, pulling Rider to his knees once he was close enough. “She told me how happy she is that we met. That she already sees me as her daughter and that she hopes that the two of us never forget how much we love each other.”

Rider’s thumbs brushed over her skin, eyes shining with unshed tears as Gemma continued.

“I really hope she’s right. I know we only just met a fewmonths ago, but things feel… good.”

“I will do everything in my power to keep us moving forward, to never stop figuring things out together. I thought I’d pushed you away forever with how grim I’ve been lately. I thought that you would see how it fucks with my mind, but you stayed. You gave me my space and you stayed. You’ve never judged me or demanded something I couldn’t give.”

“I feel the same about you. You kept an open mind from the start, moving at a pace that worked for both of us. You were all over me, heads over heels forme.”

“Because I love you.”

In place of a verbal response, Gemma lunged forward and claimed his mouth. She wanted him to feel how much this meant to her—how muchhemeant to her. She loved him with all her heart and wanted to be by his side for as long as he let her. She would die fighting for the right—the privilege—to behiswoman.

Rider pulled her into his lap, pushing his hands under her shirt. The kiss wasn’t more than that: dancing lips and roaming hands. They simply enjoyed being in each other’s company. She melted into his strong arms, safe and sound—forever protected from any storms that would weather them.

The next morning, Gemma awoke tangled up in Rider.She let her thoughts trail back to her dreams, dozing slightly as he snored away beneath her. The only plans they had were later that evening, so she wasn’t in any rush to get up. Gina and Dan were also invited and for all she knew Jake would be there too. Gina had mentioned that he’d been clear with his interest.

Gina had always been guarded. Not just for herself, but for Dan. She didn’t want him to get attached to someone who would eventually vanish. Dan came first—always.

“So tense,” Rider murmured. “What are you thinking about?”

“Jake and Gina.”

“Do you know something I don’t?”

“She said he’s showing interest in her, but she’s scared.”

“Because she wants to protect Dan?”

Gemma sighed. “Yeah.”

Rider shifted, pulling her on top of him. Gemma rested her chin on his chest and peered up at him through her lashes. “He said that she seemed reluctant,” Rider told her. “But after I explained why he understood.” He dropped his head back and closed his eyes, teasing his fingers up her sides. “He knew that she and Dan were a package deal, but I don’t think he understood how deeply that affects her.”

“But does hewantthe package deal?”

Rider chuckled, his chest vibrating. “Yes, but he’s unsure of how to prove that if she won’t let him.”

“Maybe we can take Dan for a day so they can have some time alone. Maybe they just need to get to know each other first outside of Gina being a mom. She’s just soscared.”

“I think that’s why he’s taking it slow.”

Gemma rested her cheek on his chest, listening to the thump of his heart beneath her ear. When she could no longer ignore her growling stomach, she sat up and stretched. She didn’t bother getting dressed, but put her prosthesis on and followed Rider to the kitchen. The coffee machine was already gurgling to life, with her favourite mug sitting next to it. Rider never seemed to forget tiny details like that, and it warmed her heart. She hadn’t made a big deal when unpacking it, but he’d noticed anyway.

Once they were fed, Gemma started on the famous cake that Sarah had fallen in love with. Rider retreated into the gym for his morning cardio and by the time she had the cake in the oven, he was finished. Still pouring sweat he grabbed her hips from behind and ran his nose over her shoulder, leaving the dish in her hands to clatter into the soapy water.

“I’ve always wanted to fuck you against this counter.”

She sighed, her head rolling back to his chest.

“What better housewarming gift than to christen every part of your new house?”

“Rider,” she panted, reaching back to hold him close.

“Keep moaning my name, baby. You know how much I love that.”

With one swift move of his fingers, her shorts hit the floor. Rider spat, and wet fingers pressed against her pussy, rubbing her entrance. His thumb found her clit, rubbing slow circles while he gently pushed one finger inside her. Her knees buckled, and she had to drop one ofher hands to grip onto the countertop.

Rider carefully stretched her, his other arm wrapped securely around her chest. His hard cock grind against her back, seeking release.