“Sugar push?” Kendall asked as he assumed the lead.
“Let’s do this.” We started slow, but as the trumpet player got to wailing, we unleashed some of the fancier moves we’d practiced. And right there, as Kendall spun me, I knew that I’d never been happier. I’d say that Kendall gave me dance back, but really Kendall gave me myself back—the self who had been waiting right here for this moment with this person.
* * * *
Six months later
“They’re ready,” Vic pronounced, scrutinizing my cupcakes from every angle. I’d been practicing decorating our famous cupcakes for weeks, but this was the first order I’d taken charge of start-to-finish.
“They better be.” I still hadn’t mastered spun-sugar butterflies and flowers like Vic’s, but my piping skills improved by the day. Turned out he was right, and I did have a steady hand for this sort of work.
“What time is the party?” Vic asked.
“Seven,” I said as we carefully packaged the finished cupcakes. “Kendall’s mom eats late.”
It went without saying that I was still a bit nervous, heading to her Pearl District condo that was larger than most people’s houses. Doubly so since it was Kendall’s birthday. His friend Freya would be there, along with other assorted friends and family. Food was being catered because his mother joked that her big kitchen skill was knowing how to order in, but we’d have my cupcakes for dessert.
“You know, Robin’s been after me to sell my car, get a truck to make all the Home Depot trips easier. Think you might be interested with fall coming? I could make you a good deal.”
I laughed. “You’re just jealous that you don’t look as good on a bike as me.” I’d figured out a good bike route from Kendall’s condo to the bakery. Getting me to part with the scratch for a commuter bike had been hard enough. Vic was going to have an uphill battle to convince me to take his junker off his hands.
“He’s picking you up today though, right?” Vic studied the cupcake box like I was seriously considering strapping it to my rear rack.
“Yeah.” I checked my phone and carefully lifted the pink bakery boxes. “Should be out there now, actually.”
Sure enough, Kendall lounged near his car as I came out, moving to open the trunk for me.
“I feel like we need a seat belt for these,” he joked as we loaded up the cupcake boxes.
“Not a bad idea,” I said, wedging things around the boxes so they wouldn’t slide so much.
Kendall wrapped his arms around me as I straightened. He looked fabulous in a metallic tunic and slim pants and chunky boots. Me, I was going to need every second of the fast shower I was planning back at our place. Our. Still got a little thrill thinking that. Last few months when I’d handed Kendall a check for my share of expenses had me so proud. Maybe it wasn’t earth-shattering, but I’d found my purpose in contributing to a shared life with Kendall. It was more than enough, so much that sometimes I thought my heart couldn’t hold it all.
“I’m sure they’re great.” He looked down at the boxes before shutting the trunk.
“They are.” I was working on having more confidence in my work. “Three flavors too, because one’s never enough for you.”
“Oh yum.” He stole a kiss. “There’s something for you on your seat.”
“What’s that?” I faked anger. “It’s your birthday. You can’t go getting me stuff.”
“It’s my present to me.” His grin was unapologetic. I went to the passenger seat and discovered a paper with a bow on it.
“Receipt for more dance classes?” I read aloud as I sat down. “Advanced swing?”
“We’re getting rusty, just us in our living room. Thought it would be fun.” He slid into the driver’s side.
“It will be.” Now I was a bit put out that I hadn’t thought of that as a present for him. My pout must have shown because he pulled me in for another, longer kiss.
“The only present I really need is right here,” he said when he came up for air.
“You’re getting sappy in your old age.” I looked away, as if that could help disguise my blush. I did, however, have one additional surprise for him waiting back home in an envelope of my own. He hadn’t won the coast getaway at the silent auction, but I’d pulled a bunch of extra hours to get us a night away in Seaside. I’d wrapped it up all cutesy with a pair of swim goggles for the pool.
“I’m serious.” Kendall squeezed my hand. “You. More dancing. Cupcakes. I’m ridiculously happy.”
“I love you.” The words practically flew out of my mouth. I didn’t say it as much as he did, but sometimes the words just bubbled over like my chest got tired of holding them in.
“That. That is the best present ever.”
“You’re supposed to say it back.” I nudged him.
“Love you too.” He laughed and I hauled him in for one more kiss. I didn’t care if Vic or anyone else saw us making out in the parking lot. This was our moment, and I was going to savor it, add it to my little pile of memories we’d made these past few months, each moment another step in the beautiful dance we’re making up as we go along.
About the Author
Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
Annabeth can be found online at annabethalbert.com, @annabethalbert on Twitter, and Facebook.com/annabethalbert.
And don’t miss these other titles by Annabeth Albert!
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