"You’re professional, outgoing, and friendly," Elena said quietly. "Just make sure it’s clear you’re with Tyler."
"You’re right. I am a professional. And this will be good practice for next year when I’m starting out in my own business. I’ll probably meet all sorts of people. If I can get through this, I’m pretty sure I can do anything," she said, her spirit picking up a bit the more she thought about it. "Besides, he’s not going to be the only client I’m ever going to be attracted to. Granted, in the future, my clients will be engaged, but that’s beside the point. I can get through this," she said confidently. Yes, she was attracted to him. And, yes, she did like him, but she was in a committed relationship with Tyler and Derrick was her roommate’s older brother.
Elena nodded, lying down next to her. "How are things with you and Tyler?"
Olivia sighed. Elena knew her too well, and it had to be obvious that she and Tyler’s relationship was in a downward spiral. "Okay. I guess. It's been kind of rocky since we got back together. I mean he proposed and presented our future to me, and I broke up with him. We spend more nights apart than together."
"That is rough. Does he know about Derrick?"
"Yes. And that fact certainly doesn’t help matters," she sighed, covering her face with both hands. "I mean we were broken up. I would never, never cheat on Tyler. I do love him." And she did. She had known Tyler for as long as she had known Elena. They had all grown up together in the same small town, applied to the same big city college to escape the small town life. But now that they were here in the big city, it seemed like they were drifting apart.
***
Derrick never woke up this early. He had told Olivia to be at his place at eleven because he usually slept in until at least ten. He was a night person. But today, he’d gotten up ridiculously early. He’d even had time to shower and dress for the day—and he still had thirty minutes to spare. That was assuming she actually came.
Olivia was clearly uneasy around him. What he couldn’t figure out was why. Was it because she regretted what had happened? Or, was it because she had liked him? He really hoped it was the latter. They had chemistry. He hadn't reacted like that to a woman ever. She was different.
Before he knew it, he was in his studio, pencil and sketchpad in hand. His hand glided over the paper, a rectangular home quickly taking shape.
A loud knock at the door startled him. Setting the sketch face down, he walked briskly to the door. A quick glance at the wall clock told him he’d lost track of time. It was eleven on the dot. Well, isn’t she punctual? No wonder Rachel likes her.
"Hi," she greeted as he opened the door.
"Good morning, Olivia," he smiled. "Did you have any trouble finding this place?”
She took a step inside and paused, looking around the empty apartment nervously. Aside from a couch and his TV, the room was bare. He hadn’t had a chance to go furniture shopping yet. She finally met his gaze again. "This has always been one of my favorite buildings. I love the older homes. The roof and architecture is unique."
"I agree there are no other buildings quite like it in the city. I read it was originally built in the 1800’s. It’s old, but I’ve always liked older style buildings, too." He motioned to the kitchen. "Can I get you something to drink: water, soda, coffee?" It was only after he’d made his offer that he realized he’d said the same thing to her the night he’d invited her up to his hotel room.
She closed her eyes, shaking her head. "Just so we’re clear, what happened that night was a one-time thing. I'm not that type of girl, and I am back together with my boyfriend."
He smiled, noting she hadn't said it was a mistake. He was relieved to hear she didn't regret what had happened. "Of course, I'm not one for relationships anyway. So we can just be friends, or it can be all business. Although, I must admit I do enjoy your company. You're rather easy to talk to." That wasn't entirely the truth. He didn't want to be just friends with her, but it would be enough for now.
"Well, I like talking to you, too. You remind me a lot of Rachel."
He grimaced. "I am nothing like Rachel." Was she seriously comparing him to his sister? They were as different as night and day.
She laughed out loud. "I know. I meant you’re easy to talk to like Rachel is."
"I can't imagine Rachel being easy to talk to. She's more whiny and demanding," he said as he led them toward his studio. He turned back to look at her and caught her blush as she looked in the bedroom. He wasn't going to say anything. Judging by the way her arms circled around her middle, she was still uncomfortable.
“This is my art studio,” he said, allowing her to enter ahead of him.
"Wow," she whispered as she walked into his studio. He smiled as she took in the space. The beige walls were bare, but he’d put his desk together before anything else. Sketches already littered the light wooden top. "This is really good,” she acknowledged, picking up a design.
"It’s one of my plans for my own home one day.” He tapped on the large pillars that would go in the front room. “I designed it to look old fashioned.”
"I think you could make a lot of money. You’re really talented," she cleared her throat. "I spoke to my dad. He’s all booked up for the next few weekends. We might have to go in to New York to meet with him,” she explained as her eyes continued to roam over the cluttered desk.
"Sweetheart, if you want to go to New York with me, all you have to do is ask," he flirted.
She sighed, rolling her eyes as she handed him an index card. "He said he’s looking for something that is different and that will blow him away. I’m not really sure what that’s supposed to mean, but here’s the dates he is available including a few dates where he’ll be in New York. My number is on there also."
"Good, now I can call you whenever I please,” he teased.
"Don’t make me regret giving that to you," she smiled, meeting his gaze.
"No drunk dialing at two in the morning, got it,” he joked.
Her brow rose up as she met his eyes. “You better not.” She bit her lip, rolling it between her top teeth. His gaze flicked to her mouth. He took a step forward. I want to taste those perfect pink lips.
She picked up the design of his home again and handed it to him. “I think you should bring this one.”
"Why?" he asked curiously. “Your father’s group has been focusing on newer fancier designs.”
She shrugged. "I don’t know. There is just something about it. It has heart. Not that these don’t too, but this one you can really feel it.” Her pointer finger trailed over the schematics as she stared down at it.
“Thanks.” Derrick touched her shoulder, causing her to glance up at him. She was so close—so warm. He only needed to lean forward to close the distance. Her tongue darted out, licking her lips. He inched closer. Her breath whispered against his face as his mouth grazed over hers. Olivia gasped, but instead of moving forward, she stepped back. She shook her head and shoved the sketch at him.
“It’s hard to choose which ones to bring. I’d say bring this one and whatever you feel is best,” she suggested, drumming her hands on the top of the desk.
Derrick swallowed, trying to regain his composure. Olivia cleared her throat and walked around him. “I should get going,” she spoke.
Great job. Way to scare her off. “Perhaps you could stop by again and give me some suggestions,” he offered.
“Sure. Give me a call,” she replied.
"Or I could always just stop by. I do know where you live," he continued. He’d not yet been to Rachel and Olivia’s apartment, but he did have his sister’s address.
She gave him a sheepish grin, her eyes sparkling. "True, but Rachel would be there, and that would just be awkward."
"Good point. She'd probably kill me if she thought I was there for you and not her," he joked, taking a step closer to her.
"She can be very moody sometimes," Olivia agreed as she hurried to the door. "So give me a call when you know what dates are b
est for you. Can I get your number too?" she swallowed, and ran a hand through her hair. “Just in case I need to reach you.”
Derrick smirked as he ripped off a piece of paper from the corner of an abandoned sketch. “I’m happy to give you my number. Feel free to call anytime.”
“Thanks,” Olivia said quietly as she accepted the paper. “I should probably get going. I don’t want to take up too much of your time.” She took a step back, heading for the exit.
“I’ll see you around,” he agreed. He didn’t want her to go, but if he offered her lunch, or something else, he was afraid he would scare her off entirely. He was going to have to let her warm up to him.
***
"Olivia, you’re late," Tyler said, kissing her cheek as she sat down with him at the table.
"Sorry. The train took forever." She forced a small smile. She’d spent longer at Derrick’s than she’d anticipated, but he really was easy to talk to. Despite everything, she enjoyed his company. She just wished she could feel comfortable in his presence again. If you didn’t want to jump his bones again you’d be more at ease, she reprimanded herself.
"You know, you don't have to take the train." Tyler said, frowning. "I would be more than happy to get you a car. And my offer still stands for you to move in with me."
She sighed, closing her eyes as she massaged her temples. How many times do we have to have this conversation? "I don't want to be dependent on anyone, Tyler. I like going to school and I’m looking forward to my career. It keeps me busy and I get to meet all sorts of interesting people. Not to mention, my roommates depend on me to help pay my portion of the rent, especially Elena."
Elena had a part-time job and was still in college getting her Master’s. Technically, Rachel was too, but her family had money.
"If that's what you want, Olivia. I just thought I’d put it out there for you.” She opened her mouth to protest, but he held up his hand. “I've had a long morning. Someone messed up the statements and I've been trying to fix them all day…"
She nodded, pretending she was listening. He was on one of his tirades again. She knew she should listen, but honestly, she got tired of listening to him complain about his work. He'd gone to school for business because of the money aspect, but hated every minute of his job. She always threw in a nod or 'okay' when he would pause. It would be easier to listen to him drone on about his day if he would ever take the time to ask about her day, but he never did.
***
"Derrick are you here?" Rachel called as she let herself into his apartment.
Derrick cursed under his breath as he came out of his studio. "Rachel? What are you doing here?" he asked, annoyed.
She rolled her eyes. Perfect. He’s not ready yet. "It's Thursday, Derrick. We have dinner on Thursdays, remember," she exhaled loudly, giving him a once over. He had on pajama bottoms and what she could only assume was the T-shirt he slept in. "Let me guess, you forgot," she surmised, setting her bag down on his couch.
"Sorry. I was feeling inspired. Let me get cleaned up real fast," he said, heading to his room.
Rachel sighed as her stomach growled. Needing something to do and a way to take her mind off her hunger, she wandered into his studio to look at his work. His work area was cluttered with pencils, paper, and works in progress.
A sketch caught her eye from the corner of the desk. She lifted up the pad to reveal the finished design. Instantly recognizing it, she smiled. It was his dream house. She squinted as a name caught her attention. Olivia was scrawled in the corner. Odd. Why is Olivia’s name on his design? A grin spread over her face. No way! Derrick and Olivia. Together? She could only hope.
Chapter Six
One week later…
"I don't know. Are you sure your dad really wants to meet me?” Derrick asked as he rested his forehead on his palm and clasped his phone with his other hand. None of the dates he’d suggested worked for her father. How long could he continue to keep seeing Olivia if her dad continued to blow him off?
Olivia sighed heavily into the phone. "He will," she started before hesitantly adding. “You should know he rarely makes time to see me. I wouldn’t take his disinterest as a negative sign.”
"He’d have to be an idiot to blow you off, Olivia,” he said, trying to keep his voice light. He knew all too well what it was like to have your parents treat you like something they stepped in.
“Yeah, well, I just wish I was as important as his receptionist," she commented.
He laughed. "Who says you’re not?"
Olivia was quiet for a long moment and he wondered if he’d gone too far. “Well, considering I’m his daughter, that would be a little weird for him to think like that.”
“Very true.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll let you know when I know more.”
She’s going to hang up. Think of something to keep her on the phone. “I have some more designs finished if you want to come take a look at them.” Lately, he’d been pulling out old plans and finishing them off.
“Oh, um,” she paused. “Let me look at my schedule and I’ll get back to you, okay?”
“Sounds good,” he agreed. Hopefully, she would make time for him soon.
***
"Did you talk to Olivia today?" Rachel asked as she stuffed spaghetti into her mouth.
"Yeah. Her dad had to reschedule," he explained, taking a sip of his beer. For all he cared, her dad could continue putting the meeting off. It just meant he could spend more time with Olivia.
"Her dad can be a jerk sometimes. I should have known better. He’s always blowing her off. Why would you be any different?" Rachel grumbled.
"It is what it is," he shrugged.
"Don't be an ass, Derrick."
He chuckled. "I’m not. I like Olivia. She's nice. Unlike some of your other friends."
Rachel rolled her eyes. It was a lie; he'd never really met any of her friends. "You like her." It was a statement not a question.
"She's different than most girls I meet," he said, honestly.
"Well, if you looked for women in other places than bars…"
He laughed. If she only knew. "You know I don't do relationships, Rachel."
"Really? I think you and Olivia could work well together," she said putting her fork down and looking up at him.
He frowned, but a part of him wondered if she really thought that. Wait. Was she giving him permission to date her friend? Not that he needed her permission, but he would hate to put a strain on their friendship. "I thought she was in a relationship."
"She is," Rachel sighed. "I just think she could do better." She looked at him pointedly. "Tyler is an okay guy and all, but he holds her back instead of pushing her forward. I just think they've known each other for too long. They’re comfortable and afraid to move on."
"Still don't understand why you’re telling me this and not her?"
Rachel just shook her head in frustration. "What are you doing tomorrow night?"
"It's Friday night. I’m going to the bar." He always went out to the bars on Fridays. Well, he went there just about every night, but that was beside the point.
"I'm going to a friend’s birthday party. You should come," she said smiling, sweetly.
"No, thanks. Wouldn't want to end up taking one of your friends home by accident," he teased. He would love to take Olivia home, but she wasn't ready for that again—at least not yet.
"It's an open bar and…Olivia will be there," she coaxed with a smile.
"An open bar?" And Olivia. That could be good. He enjoyed spending time with her. He knew he would see her sometime soon, but the thought of seeing her sooner sounded very appealing. “Where is it?” he asked.
Rachel clapped her hands excitedly. “I’ll text you the address.”
***
Olivia made her way through the crowded hotel ballroom. The strobe lights hopped around the room illuminating the crowd in a variety of colors. People danced around her and she had to squeeze through the sweaty bodies to g
et to the bar. She paused; Rachel and Derrick were seated on stools, drinks in their hands. Why is he here? "You okay, Olivia?" her friend, Paisley, asked nearly colliding with her.
"Yeah," she smiled, walking toward Rachel and Derrick again as she gave herself a mental shake. She needed to stop thinking about him and his hands, his voice, and his body. Why did he have to be so good looking?
She and Paisley got to Rachel and Derrick at the same time a brunette woman did. The brunette woman rested her arm on Derrick as she leaned into him. A wave of jealousy surged through Olivia, causing her face to flush and heat to creep over her cheeks. She was with Tyler; she needed to stop thinking about Derrick like that. If this woman was here with him, it was none of her business.
"Back off, he's not available," Rachel hissed, putting a hand on her brother’s elbow.
The brunette scoffed and crossed her arms, but leaned in toward Derrick anyway. "I'll catch up with you later," she sassed before turning an icy glare toward Rachel. "So, Rachel, is your teacher not doing it for you anymore, or are you just broadening your horizons?"
Rachel narrowed her eyes, her face contorting in anger. “Get out of here, Greta,” Rachel seethed. Derrick’s brow furrowed as he watched his sister.
“Hey. Everything okay?” Paisley asked as they joined the pair at the bar.
"Olivia, Paisley," Rachel said, turning to them. "I was just heading to the dance floor. Care to join me?" Rachel offered, looping her arm with Paisley’s and hauling her away before the other girl could respond.
Great. Now, I’m alone with Derrick, and Tyler is going to be meeting me any moment. Don’t just stand around being awkward. That will make it worse.
"Hi," she spoke up so he would hear her over the music. Derrick continued to watch his sister, a murderous glint in his eyes.
Pretty Young Thing: a new adult romance box set Page 36