Lemon Cake (Naughty Desserts)

Rider

After a week, assumed that he wouldn’t hear from Gemma. He replayed their conversation over and over, wondering how he could’ve done it differently—maybe even less creepy.

He was just getting into his truck when his phone chimed with a message from an unknown number. He opened the text, and his heart dropped to his guts.

Hi,

It’s Gemma. Sorry I didn’t message sooner!

He froze in his position, one foot poised on the truck step as he stared down at his phone. What did normal people say when they texted one another? He was about to google how to talk to a girl when his brain kicked back into gear. It had been far too long since he’d had a proper conversation with anyone—especially a woman.

Hi,

No problem.

How are you ?

Good and you?

You really made Dan’s day by signing that picture.

Then a picture came through: The photo he’d signed in a hand-painted, patriotic frame.

He made me frame it.

Love it.

plopped himself into the driver’s seat and started the engine, contemplating if it was too early to ask her out. She was cute, and her backstory intrigued him even more, but he’d been out of the dating game for a few years now. His career always came first.

He said you’re his second favourite player now.

I’m honoured!

How about I try to get you two some passes for training camp?

Admission is free but sometimes the passes go pretty fast.

He would love that.

…

As long as it’s no burden.

Not at all!

Thank you!

finally drove off, not bothering to hide the grin on his face. Preparation for their season was in full motion and camp would start in a few days. They had a lot of new recruits, so while everyone was nervous, they were still excited. Some of the camp days were open to the public, so he would try to get tickets for them. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to start seeing someone right before the season, but the tingling feeling in his stomach silenced the logic his brain threw at him.

At the next practice, his day was made when Laila—the team assistant—gave him the two passes he’d asked for. “So, who are they for?” she asked curiously.

“Someone.”

She cocked her brow and pressed, “Someone special?”

“Not sure yet.”

Jake nudged his shoulder. “Probably for that girl he met last week.”

Laila’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “I see. And where did you meet that very special lady?”

“At the school we went to last week,” Jake answered for him. “Was that her kid?”

“Her nephew.”

Jake reached out to squeeze ’s cheek. “Apparently she played ball so our little linebacker took an interest in her.”

“Maybe you can mind your own damn business,” growled, knocking Jake’s hand away.

His teammate flashed him a smile that made want to punch him as he sauntered away.

“Well, let me know if you need anything else. I hope this is more than just a meet and greet for you.” Laila grinned and went back to her office.

As soon as had his phone in hand, he took a picture of the tickets and sent it to Gemma.

Got two passes for Saturday. I hope that works for you.

Oh he’ll be super excited!

Where should I drop them off?

Maybe we can meet up?

Coffee tomorrow?

Sounds good. I get off at 4.

After a bit of back and forth, they settled on a time and place.

drove home that day nearly bouncing in his seat, even picking out his outfit for the next day. He hadn’t felt this way about a woman since he’d been a teenager.

The feeling only intensified overnight and through all of the next day. Most of his days consisted of practice, workouts, food prep, and more workouts. But now his mind cycled back to Gemma, and those sweet red cheeks and deep blue eyes.

After practice he took a shower and couldn’t help but double check his appearance as he walked past the mirrors. His brown hair was still damp, but he knew with the Houston heat it would dry instantly. He’d chosen a tight-fitting shirt, his broad shoulders testing the strength of the fabric.

Fuck, maybe he should have chosen something less cocky? It was too late now anyway. So, he combed his fingers through his hair and pushed it to the side. Walking out, he tried not to look nervous in front of his teammates.

He was thirty minutes early to the coffee shop in the Hyde Park area. Butterflies tickled in his stomach as he approached the shop and chose a seat out front. Houston heat was awful this time of year, but the ceiling fans at least made it bearable.

He pulled out his phone, not wanting to look as nervous as he felt. If Gemma found him staring into the parking lot like a creep, she was sure to turn around and leave.

Moments later, a sweet voice interrupted his doom scrolling. “May I join?” Gemma’s eyes shimmered in the sun as she smiled down at him. She wore dark jeans and a billowy blue blouse, her hair up in a messy bun just like the first time he’d seen her.

“Always.” cleared his throat to hide the quiver in his voice. “I see I’m not the only one who’s early.”

“I thought traffic would be much worse.” Her eyes moved to the coffee shop behind him. “I’ve never been here.”

“I googled the place too,” he admitted and stood, loving how he towered over her. He’d always been one to protect the ones closest to him, and loved that he could use his body as a human shield if needed. “If we don’t find anything we like, there’s always a Starbucks on the corner.”

That made her grin, and she followed him inside. “So you’re not usually a coffee guy?”

“Oh, definitely! I just never go out for coffee.”

“I’m more of the hot chocolate girl. ”

“Even in the mornings?”

She nodded as she studied her options on the board above the counter.

“I wouldn’t be able to wake up without caffeine.”

“I love the smell of freshly brewed coffee, but never liked the taste.”

“Interesting.”

“I know—I’m weird.”

“I think it makes you special.”

Gemma blushed and gave her order to the barista, asking for extra cream on top. made sure to store that information away for later.

He ordered his coffee and rushed to pay before she could even reach for her wallet.

Gemma looked up, giving him a genuine smile. “Thank you.”

“So, Gemma—what is it you do for a living?”

“Oh, just wrangling little monsters and wiping up their slime.” She grinned at his confused expression and quickly added, “I work at a daycare.”

“Oh…” He felt stupid for not having picked up on that.

“They aren’t really monsters, but I do wipe up slime a lot,” she laughed, accepting her hot chocolate.

“Sounds like you have your work cut out for you.”

“Some days are fun, others I dread, but isn’t that every job? I’m sure you have days like that too.”

“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, 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.

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 hoped I 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.”

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.”

“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,” sighed.

“Oh, good, ‘cause I was starting to like you.”

Now it was ’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, 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 day anyway. 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.”

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.”

“I figured as much.”

“I had fun today.”

“Well, maybe we can do it more often. Thank you for the passes.” Gemma took her shopping from him and shyly waved, heading to her car. “See ya.”

He wanted to go after her, to escort her to her car like his mother had taught him, but that just seemed creepy now that she’d already walked off.

So with a dreamy sigh, he watched, wishing and hoping he’d see her again.