***
About a week ago…
Olivia sighed as she sipped her water. She didn’t even know why she’d come to the bar. It certainly wasn’t to get drunk. Maybe she should ask for some vodka to go with her water. No. Drinking wouldn’t make her feel better. She and Tyler were over. For good this time. Three years together and yet she couldn’t bring herself to shed a single tear. Numbness filled her. Not a sad numb, just…she didn’t know how to describe it. What was she supposed to do now?
"What's a pretty lady like you doing over here by yourself?" a man asked as he slid onto the barstool next to her.
She groaned internally and started cursing. A wise girl would have left the bar before dark. Just because she was here though didn’t mean she was looking for someone. Couldn’t a girl sit at a bar by herself? Seriously? Did he think she was interested? "I'm waiting for someone," she replied, gulping down her water.
"Well, I'll keep you company until he gets here," he flirted as he leaned closer to her. The man flashed her a grin.
Maybe this worked on other girls, but she was not about to fall for it.
"Thanks, but my boyfriend is the jealous type," she explained ignoring the stare he was giving her. She shivered under his gaze as his eyes lingered on her chest.
"Is there something to be jealous of?" he asked his brown eyes flashing as he continued to stare at her cleavage. His hand landed on top of hers, giving it a gentle, but subtle squeeze.
"Hey, sweetheart. This guy bothering you?" another man said behind her.
A hand pressed against her shoulder, and she looked up at the unknown man ready to give him a piece of her mind. As her eyes met his cobalt ones, she paused. He was gorgeous with vibrant blue eyes, sexy stubble covering his jaw, and perfectly mussed hair.
"Um yeah," she stammered, her eyes flicking back to the douche that was bothering her.
"Let's get out of here, sweetheart," he offered his hand going to hers and pulling her off the stool.
A jolt shot through her as his fingers entwined with hers. She gasped, her breath catching in her throat. For goodness sakes, we are only holding hands. Get a grip. Get out of here. "Please," she smiled clasping his hand. He grinned, then turned on his heel and led her through the bar to the glass doors.
As they exited the bar, her rescuer turned to her. "I hope you don't mind. He looked like he was annoying you," he apologized, meeting her eyes.
"Yes, he was bothering me. Thank you," she said looking around nervously. While she appreciated that this mystery man wasn’t ogling her, his intense gaze was nerve wracking. No one had ever looked at her like that before. He appeared to be drinking her in. His eyes sparkled and his touch seared her. "I’ve had an off day. I should have just gone home instead of coming to a bar," she heard herself continue.
"You’re welcome, and I’m sorry to hear about your day."
"Well, I uh… should probably get going," she stuttered, taking a step back and removing her hand from his. "Thanks again."
"Do you want to get something to eat or maybe some dessert?" he asked quickly. “I’ve had a long day too and I’m famished.”
"Um." She frowned. She didn’t know him—not even his name. Yet, she wanted to say yes. That’s ridiculous.
"Relax, sweetheart, its just food. I promise I don't bite," he assured.
It was still early enough for dinner, and she was starving. It was just dinner. Nothing else. What could it hurt? "Okay," she finally agreed after a long moment.
"So what do you want?” he asked.
"There is a Mexican restaurant around the corner," she whispered.
"Sounds good. I'm Derrick by the way," he introduced, holding out his hand to her.
"Olivia." She slipped her hand back into his. Heat flooded her at the contact and she bit her lip. How would his hands feel on other parts of her body? Why was she thinking like that? She’d literally just broke up with her boyfriend. Maybe now was the time to be a little adventurous. Derrick certainly looked like he would be fun. And she could always change her mind over dinner.
Chapter Four
A wide grin spread over Derrick’s face as he approached his sister and Olivia. The brunette’s eyes widened as they met his. She gasped, inhaling her drink, causing her to cough. She must remember me. Good. He hadn't been able to get her out of his mind. Sure, he had plenty of one-night trysts, but no one had ever left him before. He wanted her again.
"Hello, Olivia," he said as he sat down. "It's nice to meet you." Again.
"Hi," she croaked, not quite meeting his gaze. “It’s nice to meet you too, Derrick.” She placed a hand on her chest as she coughed again.
“You okay?” Rachel asked, turning worriedly to her friend.
“Yeah,” Olivia whispered. “It just went down funny,” she said, picking up her straw and twirling it between her fingers.
Rachel looked between the two of them, her eyes narrowing. After a long moment, she blinked and sat back in the booth. "Derrick, did I mention that Olivia’s dad owns Levenson’s Design Group?"
Derrick closed his eyes and shook his head. He knew his sister had a motive for introducing him to her friend.
“My bad,” Rachel grinned. “Anyway, I’ve already shown some of your work to Olivia and she’s happy to pass it along.”
He let out a long breath. He appreciated that his sister was trying to help him, but he wanted to do things at his own speed. More importantly, he wanted to make a name for himself by himself.
“You’ll have to forgive him,” Rachel said, leaning into Olivia. “His people skills are lacking at times.”
Oh, his people skills were just fine, just not when it came to selling his designs. "Yes, I only socialize well with members of the opposite sex," he grinned. If Rachel was going to pull a fast one on him, he was most certainly going to flirt with Olivia.
Rachel swatted his arm. "He's also a bit of a flirt," she said rolling her eyes, before turning a serious gaze on him. "I've already told you she's in a relationship."
He remembered Rachel telling him that, but he remembered Olivia telling him that she had just broken up with her boyfriend. He couldn't help but wonder which it was. Hopefully, the latter. Regardless, it would give him a chance to get to know her a little better.
"So, how exactly is this supposed to work?" he asked, turning to Olivia. “I’m sure a lot of people want to meet your father.”
Olivia cleared her throat. "Well, it depends on how involved you want to be. I can take your work and show it to my dad, or if you want to set up a time to meet with him together, we could do that, too."
He wasn't really interested in setting up a time to meet her dad. Working for a large architecture firm wasn’t his thing, but if it got him alone time with Olivia he would be more than happy to see this out.
Rachel stood up, picking up her bag. "I have a class to get to." She turned to Olivia. "Are you okay here?"
Olivia opened her mouth, her brows quirking up in question as Rachel situated her coat. "Yeah, sure. Have fun," she mumbled after a long moment.
“Thanks, Olivia, you’re the best,” Rachel grinned, before sauntering off.
Derrick laughed at Olivia as Rachel left. He hadn’t expected his sister to leave, but he was glad that she did. Now, that it was just the two of them, they could really talk. Although, from the daggers Olivia was shooting at his sister’s back, Olivia didn’t seem too keen on the idea. Olivia sighed and leaned back in the booth as she dragged a hand through her long locks.
"So, I'm a bit confused, Olivia. You told me you were single and Rachel says you’re in a relationship," he started curiously.
"Well." She took a sip of water. "I was single that night. Now, I'm not."
"Lovers spat?" he asked amused.
"Something like that."
"How long have you been dating him?" he wondered.
"Three years."
"So what happened?" Three years is a long time to date someone and then just end it. Clearly somethin
g had happened, but what? And if she were back together with the guy, wooing her would be that much harder. Not that he minded a challenge.
"Not your business," she snapped. "Rachel is one of my best friends and I love Tyler. So, if you’re not interested in meeting my dad, I'm going to go ahead and leave."
"Ouch." He mocked hurt, although, he was slightly offended by her coldness. "I don't remember you being this frigid the other night."
"I'm not that type of girl, Derrick. I don't do that type of thing. So let's just forget that it happened," she pleaded, her brown eyes meeting his for the first time.
"Okay, sweetheart," he said quietly. If that's what she wanted, he would oblige her for now. He shouldn't care so much. He didn't do relationships, so why did he have to keep reminding himself of this? "Well if I don't meet your dad, I'll never hear the end of it from Rachel. So what do I have to do?"
"Like I said, it depends on how involved you want to be. I can take your stuff to my dad and show him, or you can give me a date, I'll plan everything, and you can come meet him with me,” she explained, staring into her water glass.
"Do you get this type of thing often? Friends begging you to show your father their work?” Derrick asked, changing the subject.
She lifted an eyebrow and shrugged. "Sometimes. Patterson has more of an art program than one for architects, but there are some schools close by.” Olivia sat back in the booth and fiddled with her glass a long moment before meeting his gaze again. “But, if it’s any consolation, I’ve never agreed to show any work to my dad before. Rachel is right, you do have talent.”
He shrugged. People told him that all the time, but he was more interested in starting his own small company than getting lost in a big firm and having to kiss ass for half his working life.
“I’m serious,” Olivia insisted, mistaking his silence for disbelief.
Derrick sucked in a deep breath as he got lost in her eyes. They were a beautiful amber color with little specks of gold in them. Olivia shifted, her brows lowering, obstructing his view. She cleared her throat and took another drink of water. Say something. “Fine. Set up a meeting with your dad. I don’t have a nine-to-five so anytime should be fine.”
“I’ll let you know when he’s available then,” she said as she started to slide out of the booth.
“You’re not even going to stay for lunch? I feel a little cheated. I got invited to lunch and now I fear I’m going to have to eat alone,” he grinned, placing a hand over her fingers. Heat crept up his arm from the innocent touch. Her skin was silky, and he remembered how her fingers felt skimming over his flesh. “It’s not like we haven’t shared a meal before,” he reminded her.
“I’ve already agreed to get you in to see my dad. You don’t have to have lunch with me,” she whispered quietly, her gaze searching him.
He narrowed his eyes at her. Did she think he was using her? Maybe Rachel, but not him. “I want to have lunch with you,” he replied adamantly. “I like you, Olivia.”
***
“Oh,” she mumbled as heat crawled over her cheeks. She did not want to talk about the other night. She and Tyler were back together and she needed to focus on that. Derrick was a nice guy, and she was happy to help, but things were already tense between her and Tyler. She didn’t want to make it worse. "Can I look at some of your other work…you know to kind of get a feel for what we should show my dad." Olivia asked trying to avoid his amazing cobalt eyes.
"Sure. I’m in the process of moving into an apartment. Let me give you my address.” He lifted his bottom off the seat and dug something out of his pocket.
Olivia bit her lip. She had hoped he had brought his work here. But then again, Rachel hadn’t told him why he was coming. I can do this. I can go to his place and do this. For crying out loud I worked as a receptionist at Levenson’s every summer after I started high school. I just need to stay professional. "Thanks," she murmured, looking at the table. This was going to be excruciating. Why did he have to be so cute? Why did she have to remember how good he’d felt pressed against her—inside her? No don’t think like that. I’m so screwed. If Rachel wouldn't ask a billion questions, she would forget the whole thing.
"Good when do you want to come by?" he flirted as he slid a piece of paper across the table.
She reached out, gasping as their fingers briefly met. Butterflies fluttered in her belly, and she quickly snatched the paper up.
"I'm available Thursday or Friday morning," she said sounding flustered.
"I should be up by eleven on Thursday," he said. "Come by after that."
***
Olivia pushed the apartment door open and shut it behind her, leaning against the wooden frame. What a day!
"Derrick told me you agreed to help him," Rachel called out from the kitchen.
Olivia gasped, clasping a hand to her chest. She hadn’t even realized Rachel was home. She shook her head and took a second to calm down. "Yeah," she agreed, hanging her jacket on the coat rack, then headed into the kitchen. I bet he didn’t tell you we slept together a week ago or that he liked me and spent all of lunch flirting with me.
"He likes to flirt, but he's a good guy," Rachel explained.
"I noticed," she mumbled.
"I appreciate you helping him. I just want to see him do something with himself," Rachel said quietly. “My parents never encouraged him. They never even helped him out. He put himself through school working two part-time jobs. I know he wants to own his own firm, but everyone needs to start somewhere. And he does have talent. I just think he’s afraid to show it to people.”
"I’m setting up a time for us to meet with my dad. I’m going to help him pick out some of his work to show later this week,” Olivia explained, grabbing a can of Coke from the fridge.
Rachel sighed. "He could make so much money if he tried. I just hope he follows through."
"We’re meeting Thursday morning at his apartment if you want to come, too," she said, secretly hoping Rachel would tag along. The last thing she needed was to be alone with him in his apartment. She shouldn't be this attracted to him. I love Tyler. But am I in love with Tyler?
"Can't come. I have class."
"Right," she replied sarcastically. "And what exactly does Mr. Marc Adams teach?"
Rachel grinned, "It depends on the day."
“I hope you know what you’re doing with him,” she warned seriously.
“We’re just having a little fun is all,” she smiled, but the grin didn’t quite meet her eyes.
“You know I’m here for you no matter what, right?” Olivia offered, knowing it was a sore subject for Rachel.
Rachel nodded. “I know. Thanks. Enough about that.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Let’s talk about Elena’s party that we are throwing. It’s only a few weeks away. We need to go over the details.”
Chapter Five
Olivia groaned; why is it so hard to pick out an outfit? Any other day it would be no problem, but today, she was going to see Derrick. Does it really matter what I wear? I could wear sweats and a hoodie; this isn’t a professional get together. I’m doing him a favor. “Just choose something,” she told herself as she thumbed through her closet. When nothing of interest popped out at her, she huffed loudly and looked at her bedroom door.
She hated to bug Elena with this, but she already knew about her indiscretion a few weeks ago and her friend would be able to help.
Olivia walked out into the hall and hesitated at Elena's door. It was late enough in the morning that her roommate should be up by now. She lifted her fisted hand up and tapped on the door.
"Come in," Elena called.
"Hey," Olivia greeted, crossing her arms over herself as she entered the room.
"You okay, Olivia?" she asked, her brow furrowing.
"Um." She bit her lip, trying to decide what to tell her friend. "Do you remember a week or so ago when I had that one-night stand with that guy?”
"The guy who rocked your world and then you left
him?" Elena giggled. "Why?"
"Well…" she trailed off, looking down to the floor hesitantly.
"Oh God, you’re not pregnant are you?" Elena cut in.
"What? No. I'm on the pill," she said as a sliver of fear ran through her at the mere thought. No. I am not pregnant she thought, giving herself a mental shake.
"Oh thank God. You just looked like you were freaking out, and then you talked about the guy. I just…sorry," Elena stammered.
"It’s okay," Olivia replied, waving her hand. "This is about that guy, though.” She drew in a deep breath and met Elena’s eyes. “So, you know how I'm helping Rachel's brother?"
"Yeah," Elena said, frowning.
"The guy is Rachel's brother," she blurted.
"Wait a second," Elena said, slowly. "The guy you had wild and crazy sex with is Rachel's brother? How did you not know this?"
Olivia shrugged as she sank down onto Elena’s bed. "It's not like she's ever introduced us before. I saw a picture once when we lived together in the dorms, but that was years ago, and I don't remember him being that hot."
"I suppose you have a point. Rachel is very private about her family life," Elena conceded.
"I just don't know what to do, Elena. I mean, I broke up with Tyler, slept with Derrick, got back with Tyler, and now I'm suppose to help Derrick like nothing happened," she said, flopping backwards on the mattress.
"You don't have to, Olivia," Elena said sitting next to her. "You could just tell him you’re busy and can't help."
Olivia frowned; she didn't want to do that. Truth was, she wanted to help him. She wanted to see him again, feel him again…wait no. She was with Tyler. She loved Tyler. "I already told him I’d help," she whispered. “And…he really does have a lot of potential.”
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