Lemon Cake (Naughty Desserts)

Rider

and Gemma were the last to arrive at the party, with everyone already at least a beer in. Sarah had insisted that they take an Uber, so everyone could drink without worrying about driving home. Gina and Dan had been invited to stay the night in case the kids didn’t make it to midnight.

Gemma was greeted with hugs from his teammates and a glass of wine from Sarah. Jake was inside playing Mario Kart with the girls as Dan and Gina watched.

Devon followed ’s gaze and chuckled. “He’s been quite respectful.”

“That obvious, huh?”

“She’s basically your sister. Being a big brother suits you, but he’s been nothing but nice.”

nodded and dropped into the seat next to him, accepting the beer that Tylor passed over his shoulder.

“He seems serious about her,” Braiden chimed in. “But maybe he’s waiting for after the season is over.”

had zero interest in talking about anything work-related. The last thing he wanted was to be reminded of the shit storm that was their season. He relaxed when the conversation carried on in a different direction.

Gemma found herself in his lap for most of the evening, the others peppering her with questions about the move and how it felt to be “official.”

As predicted, the kids fell asleep during a movie, giving Gina and Jake the opportunity to get closer. Jake had his arm over the back of the couch, leaning in for a few stolen moments and whispered words in Gina’s ear.

When midnight was only a few minutes away, Braiden took to setting up the fireworks while Sarah and Gina woke up the kids. Flashing lights and loud pops lit up the entire neighbourhood, the kids staring up at the sky in awe.

He stood behind Gemma, his arms tightly wrapped around her shoulders as he spoiled her with kisses on any part of her he could reach.

With a timer on Sarah’s phone, they all counted down to the New Year.

“5…4…3…2…1!!!”

Midnight struck, and swept Gemma into his arms. “Happy New Year.”

Their lips met in a toe-curling kiss, the world forgotten as they rang in their lives together.

The End