Lemon Cake (Naughty Desserts)

Rider

The next morning, Gemma was already waiting when pulled up to her complex. The only instruction’s she’d given him were on what to wear—and now he understood why. Her dress matched his shirt. Her hair was neatly styled and her earrings matched her bracelet and necklace.

“Such a gorgeous woman,” he complimented as she hopped onto the passenger’s seat.

“Well, I had to match the handsome man I’ll be out with.”

“You sure know how to make a guy blush.”

Gemma laughed and he followed her instructions to the Buffalo Bayou Park. He became more curious with each passing minute, trying to remember if there were any events happening that day. After parking, he walked around and helped her to her feet.

“Do I get to know where you’re taking me now?”

“You will, once I figure it out for myself,” she laughed, looking down at her phone. She guided him through the park, periodically checking her screen. “I was scrolling through my phone and saw an ad for something that I thought seemed fun: a blind date photoshoot. I thought it sounded cute so I booked us one, though it’s more of a get out of your comfort zone than a meet and greet.”

“So that’s why you made us dress cute as hell.”

“Yep.”

“If this goes well, I might drop my football career and go into modelling, you know that, right? You might be responsible for the downfall of your nephew’s favourite football player.”

Gemma laughed, and a young woman approached, greeting them with a bright smile. “You must be Gemma and . I’m Ellie.”

“Yes, ma’am,” greeted and stretched out his hand.

“It’s very nice meeting you two.”

“Same.” Gemma’s voice wavered, and was glad he wasn’t the only nervous one.

Ellie was wonderful and so patient. She had selected a few locations that made lovely backdrops. She had them start out sitting next to each other on a bench, giving them ideas on how to pose. Gemma was nervous, and he tried to reassure her with compliments and praises while lightening the mood with jokes peppered throughout. They took a few pictures with the skyline in the back and then moved on to some closeups with blossoming trees in the background. He stole a few kisses here and there, which seemed to help Gemma relax and gave Ellie a new idea.

“How about we do a few that are more intimate? Maybe a little spicy? ”

Gemma blushed and seemed unsure, but was all for it. “As long as you can direct us.”

“Pretend to back her up against that tree.” They did as told. “Perfect, now lift your arm above her head. Yes! Now, grab his shirt and pull him to you.”

Gemma did, a grin forming on her face as leaned in.

“You two look fantastic.”

A few more instructions later, instinct took over. He lifted Gemma into his arms, pushing her against the tree and stealing a passionate kiss.

“Perfect! What about sliding your hand under her dress?”

Ellie didn’t have to tell him twice. Another kiss, and he rested his forehead against Gemma’s. “You’re doing so well.”

“You make it easy.”

“I’m going to cover my house with these pictures.” His thumb gently caressed her thigh, and his next words were spoken against her forehead. “Thank you for trusting me.”

“You make me feel good. I’ve been avoiding full body pictures for a while.”

“Sweet Gemma, you’ve got to stop making me blush like this.”

She giggled, running her fingers through his hair. “I want to tell you that I love you.”

“Then why don’t you?”

“Because we hardly know each other, and I don’t want to be the creep to say it after such a short time.”

“Well, I would love to hear it anyway. ”

Their lips met once more, brushing against each other as she whispered softly. “I love you, .”

“I love you too, my beautiful Gemma.”

The kiss that followed their confession was one he’d never forget. Gemma’s fingers twisted into his hair, body arching into his grip. In that moment, they were the only two people in the world, Gemma demanding every piece of him in that kiss.

After the photoshoot, had taken Gemma out for lunch before helping her run some errands. It had been a simple afternoon, but even the most mundane tasks felt special in her presence.

Now, after feeding her dinner and driving her home, he sat on his couch and dialled his mother’s number.

“Hello, sweetheart.”

“Hi, Mom.”

“How are you? I hope you’re not too stressed with the games having started.”

“I’ve been good. I actually called to tell you that I’ve met someone.”

“And now you’re ready to tell me about her.”

“Yes.”

“So, she must be very special.”

“She is. Her name is Gemma. We met a few weeks ago during a charity event at her nephew’s school. ”

“I want to know all about her.”

And told her everything . About their first date and how she’d come to visit him at camp. How easy it was to be with her and how well she got along with his friends. He left out the part about her accident, unsure of how she would feel. His mom laughed when he told her how he’d helped her decorate her classroom and was thrilled that he’d met someone who understood his obsession over football.

His mother genuinely seemed excited and by the end of the call, they had a date to meet over Thanksgiving dinner.