He turned to the kitchen. Rachel leaned against the counter, her brow arched in question. He shrugged. She shook her head and huffed. “All you had to do was apologize,” she growled.
Yeah. Apologizing probably would have been the better way to go.
“I’ll try to fix this,” Rachel sighed, handing a spoon to Marc. “Keep stirring the sauce. I’ll be back in a minute.”
***
Olivia set her things down on her bed and dug through her book bag for her homework. She plucked her binder out of her bag and opened it to where she’d written down her assignment. She cleared off her desk, ready to get some work done.
“Olivia?” Rachel called as her door opened. The door clicked shut and Olivia turned to look at her friend. “You all right?”
“Yeah.” She forced a smile. No. I’m not all right. Derrick hadn’t even given her the benefit of the doubt. He’d automatically assumed she’d done something unforgivable without even asking.
“We have homemade ravioli and tomato sauce. You want some?” Rachel offered hesitantly.
“I’ll eat later. It’s exam week. I’ve got lots of studying to do,” she explained. It wasn’t a lie. She had homework and reading that needed to get done. But she didn’t have so much that she couldn’t enjoy dinner with friends. Truth was, seeing Derrick wasn’t something she wanted right now.
“Oh. Okay. If you change your mind, we’ll be in the kitchen,” Rachel sighed. “We’ll talk later?”
Olivia nodded and let out a relieved sigh as Rachel left her room. Rachel could be blunt, but she knew when to push and when not to. Tonight was not the time for her to insist she have dinner with them. Derrick had made it clear in his text this weekend that he didn’t even want to hear her out. Then tonight, he still didn’t believe her when she spelled it out for him.
Until he was ready to do some serious apologizing, she had nothing else to say to him.
Chapter Twelve
Olivia sipped her hot chocolate as Elena cleared her breakfast dishes. Now that exams were done, most students were heading home for the long holiday break, Elena included. Rachel was leaving too, but not for a few more days.
"Are you sure you won't come with us?" Elena asked as she put her plate in the dishwasher.
Olivia bit her lip as she looked at the suitcases littering the front room. She nodded. "Yeah. My mom picked up extra hours since I told her I wasn’t coming. And riding in a car with Tyler for eight plus hours is not my idea of fun," she said. Tyler had called to apologize for the events that had taken place at the hospital then proceeded to ask her to meet with him. The less time they spent together, the better. Funny how Tyler can say sorry, but Derrick can’t.
He'd gone back to ignoring her again. Yes, she'd been short with him in the elevator that night, but he'd blown her off for an entire week. He hadn't come to see her either; he had come to see Rachel. She felt like he only wanted to speak with her because he had seen her, otherwise he would have continued to ignore her.
She’d made the first move and tried to call him—talk to him. He blew her off. If he wasn’t going to make an effort, why should she keep trying? Yes, they'd had a little fight, but she would have gotten over it if he’d spoken to her. But no, he had ignored her instead. That's what infuriated her more than anything. Now, two weeks later, he was still ignoring her.
"You know, you could come over to our house on Christmas. My parents always make tons of food," Elena offered.
"That sounds nice, but I have an interview for an internship on the twentieth," she said. The interview was with her first choice of companies. If things went well, she could potentially land a job with the company after graduation. Owning her own business was still top priority, but getting her name out there was the first step.
"You could always come up after. You’ll always have a place at our house," Elena said looking at her sympathetically.
"I'll think about it, but I'd have to fly out and that would be expensive," Olivia explained. She knew—she'd already looked into it, especially after Rachel told her that Marc had invited her to spend the holiday in New York with him and his brother.
"I just hate to think of you being here all by yourself on Christmas," Elena whispered.
"It's fine," she said waving her off. It wasn't like it would be her first Christmas alone. Her mom always worked Christmas—at least she had ever since her dad had left. And her father was always off at some vacation hot spot with his latest fling. She’d spend the holidays as she usually did—curled up in a blanket with some junk food and a good movie.
***
Olivia walked toward her apartment, grinning from ear-to-ear. What a day! Her internship interview had gone well—she was almost positive she’d landed it. Then she’d gone shopping. Last minute deals were the best. Thank goodness for Christmas money.
She set her bags down on the wooden floor so she could rummage through her purse for her keys. The scent of pasta sauce wafted into the hallway. Rachel definitely knew how to cook—and she seemed to be going through a pasta phase. Olivia’s stomach grumbled with hunger. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast and it was dinnertime.
Eager for a home-cooked meal, she quickly snatched up her keys and opened the door. As the door swung open and the kitchen table, including its three occupants, came into view, she cursed, realizing it was Thursday night.
Her eyes darted to Derrick. His dark brown hair was mussed and his stubble seemed a little thicker than usual—sexier. His gaze met hers and she held her breath. Retreat. Retreat. Stop looking at him. Despite her mind’s pleas, her feet refused to budge.
"Hey, Olivia." Rachel beamed. "I made lasagna."
"Yes, please join us," Marc smirked conspiratorially.
She rolled her eyes. I can wait and eat leftovers. Her stomach rumbled in disagreement.
"Please,” Rachel begged. “I won't get to see you again until after Christmas." Rachel stood up and walked to the cabinet, pulling out a plate.
Looks like her friend wasn’t exactly giving her a choice. "Fine," she sighed. "Let me put my stuff away."
***
Derrick watched as Olivia disappeared into her room, her bags crinkling as she walked past him. He sighed, staring down at his plate. He’d stupidly thought he could ignore her, could stop thinking about her. Thought he could go back to picking up women from the bar. He couldn't have been more wrong.
If she could hurt him this much at the beginning of a relationship, how much could she hurt him when it was over? But what if it didn’t end? What if she was the one?
"Derrick," Rachel hissed, pulling him out of his thoughts. "Be nice."
"I'm always nice," he replied.
"Pfft. You know what I mean. You’re miserable. Stop being an ass and just accept the fact you like her. Maybe you haven't completely ruined your chance," Rachel insisted.
He doubted that. She'd been pissed he'd blown her off after a week, how would she feel after three? Probably royally pissed. He did deserve it. He wouldn't lie. Still, he had gotten her a present and had come tonight with the hope to speak with her.
The door to her room opened and she came out wearing a black skirt and heels that only made her long legs look sexier. He watched the sway of her hips as she walked to the table. I really am an idiot.
"So, did you leave any stuff at the mall for the last minute shoppers? You were carrying quite the haul," Marc grinned, breaking the silence.
Olivia grinned. "I had a good day. I deserve to splurge every once in a while." She shrugged, eyeing the plate Rachel had made for her.
It didn’t escape his attention that his sister had conveniently set her plate next to him either. Could Rachel be any more obvious?
"Yes, I'm sure your credit card company loves you right now." Marc replied teasingly.
"Christmas money," she replied.
"So your interview went well then?" Rachel asked.
Interview? Derrick’s ears perked up. What was she interviewing for?
&nbs
p; "I’m pretty sure I got it,” she smiled.
Rachel clapped her hands excitedly. "I’m so excited for you."
Olivia nodded as she took a heaping bite of lasagna. Derrick looked to his sister, still trying to figure out what Olivia had interviewed for. If you were on speaking terms, you’d know, dummy.
"Rachel tells me the two of you are going to be alone for the holiday,” Marc started. “You're welcome to come to my brother’s condo in New York City. There is plenty of room for you both. I’m sure my brother wouldn’t mind.” He cleared his throat and looked at Rachel who nodded at him. Great, now what was going on? "We’re leaving tonight. The news said a storm is on its way."
Derrick turned to Olivia. The idea of going to Marc’s condo was not appealing, but maybe if Olivia were going it wouldn’t be so bad. The brunette continued to eat.
"Storm? They’re saying possible blizzard," Rachel said, turning to Derrick and Olivia. "You should come. Both of you are going to be all alone."
"Yeah, well, I'm use to being alone on Christmas," Olivia said taking a bite. She'd yet to look at him once since she’d sat down. The thought of Olivia spending the holiday by herself bothered him.
"Sad tragic family life? Guess we’re all in good company," Marc sighed.
The room grew silent as everyone finished eating. Derrick couldn't stop thinking about Olivia. He didn’t want her to be alone on the holiday.
Rachel’s chair scraped against the wooden floor as she stood. “I’m going to go finish packing. Think about our offer,” she smiled at Olivia.
Marc stood up too. “Let me help you.”
Olivia shoved a few more bites into her mouth before she too got up. Silently, she gathered everyone’s plates, but his and walked to the sink.
"Let me help you," he said stacking the glasses and bringing them along with his plate to the sink.
She glared at him a long moment. "So, what now you’re going to get all domestic on me?"
"Just trying to help," he smiled.
"Fine," she sighed, turning on the hot water.
"I should have called you," he started.
"You've had three weeks and you're just now coming to that conclusion."
"You told me you loved Tyler and I just assumed you two would get back together. Especially when I dropped Rachel off and saw him coming out to his car," he explained.
"Yeah, well, you know what they say when you assume," she said, stopping what she was doing to glare at him. Her blue eyes locked on his as a tiny breath escaped her mouth. She was so close. Her pink lips looked so soft and inviting. If he tried, would she kiss him back?
“Ahem,” Marc cleared his throat.
Olivia reeled back and quickly turned to the sink, sloshing water up onto the counter as she did. Cursing, she grabbed a towel and wiped up her mess.
“I can help you with the dishes,” Rachel offered as she joined Marc.
“No. I’m fine. You two should hit the road,” Olivia said, turning to Rachel and drawing her into a hug.
“You aren’t coming?” Rachel asked quietly.
“Nah. I’m good here. But you go and have fun,” Olivia offered.
“Okay,” Rachel sighed before turning to Derrick. “What about you?”
“I’ll stay, too.”
"Well then, we’ll get out of your hair so you can continue whatever the hell that was you two were just doing,” Marc teased, picking up a suitcase.
"Marc," Rachel chided, crinkling her nose. "Let me give them the address in case they change their minds." Rachel walked to a drawer and pulled out a piece of paper and pen. She quickly wrote something on it then held it out to Olivia and him.
Derrick accepted the piece of paper and looked at it before he gave Rachel a hug good bye. "Apologizing usually helps," his sister whispered.
"Merry Christmas, Rachel," he said rolling his eyes.
"It was nice seeing you again, Derrick. I hope you two have a good night. Try not to get snowed in," Marc advised with a laugh and a wink as he ushered Rachel to the door.
"Marc." Rachel swatted her boyfriend’s arm. "Are you okay here?" she asked looking between Derrick and Olivia.
Olivia smiled and motioned with her arms. "Go have a good time."
"Oh we will," Marc smirked.
And now I want to kill him. Why couldn’t his sister be with a nice normal guy? Or stay single? Single would be better.
“You can leave now,” Olivia stated the moment the door shut.
He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I like you, Olivia. I've been a jerk. I’m sorry."
She bit her lip and looked down at the floor. "It took you three weeks to come to that realization?” Her head snapped up as her eyes narrowed. “You must really like me a lot," she bit out sarcastically.
"Olivia, the last relationship I had…didn't end well. She's married to my brother," he admitted. "My faith in women is a little shaken and I don't get why you defended Tyler."
She opened her mouth then shut it, shaking her head as she started scrubbing the dishes again. He let out a long breath as she worked silently. Now what?
"I've known Tyler since I was a kid,” Olivia started, setting a dish down in the dishwasher and then turning to him. “We grew up together and were friends long before we dated. He’s a good guy. His mom and dad are like parents to me, too. Linda, Tyler’s mom, babysat me when my mom first moved back to town and got a job at the hospital. They were best friends growing up,” she explained quietly. "I get why you reacted the way you did at the hospital and appreciate that you tried to help. But when I said something you didn’t like, you dismissed me without hearing me out and ignored me for a week. You never gave me a chance to explain. So yeah I got mad, and then you ignored me for another two weeks. I have a little bit of a hard time believing you like me."
"You told me you loved him…" he repeated this was the one thing that had stuck in his mind since she'd said it.
She rolled her eyes in frustration. "I do love him. I just told you we grew up together. His parents are practically my own. But just because I love him doesn’t mean I’m in love with him. I’m not. I haven’t been in love with him for a long time. It just took me a while to figure that out,” she sighed as she sank down into one of the kitchen chairs.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly. He pulled the chair out next to her and sat down, taking her hand in his. “I want to make things right between us, Olivia.”
She shook her head and closed her eyes. "I don't know that you can."
Chapter Thirteen
Olivia walked to the window and placed her hands on the windowsill. "It's really starting to come down out there. You should probably get going."
What a diplomatic way of asking me to leave. He walked to the window and peered out over her shoulder. She wasn’t kidding. The road was already covered. He hoped Rachel and Marc got out before the snow started and were staying ahead of the weather. He glanced at Olivia. If he left she’d be here alone. What if she needed something? "Are you going to be okay here by yourself?" he stalled.
"I’ve been by myself plenty of times," she said quietly. “I’ll be fine. But you really ought to leave before it gets any worse.”
He nodded knowingly. He’d spent plenty of time by himself too. But being alone was no way to spend the holidays. Maybe he could put off leaving for a little longer. He smiled as he remembered he’d brought something for her.
"I got you something," he said as he lifted his coat off the couch, revealing a medium-sized box.
She furrowed her brow at him confused. "Why?"
"I can't stop thinking about you," he answered honestly.
"You really do have a funny way of showing it," she retorted.
"I'm sorry, Olivia." He handed the box to her. How many times would he have to apologize? As many as it takes—Olivia is worth the risk.
"What is it?" she asked. Her eyes flicked nervously between him and the box.
"Open it and see," he urged.
"You
know it's going to take more than an apology and a gift for me to forgive you," she stated as she played with the wrapping.
"So you're saying I have a chance?" he smiled hopefully.
"I'm saying I'll think about it," she offered after a long moment.
It wasn't a yes, but it wasn’t a no either. He could live with that.
She met his gaze again, a tiny smile pulling at the corners of her mouth as she untied the red ribbon. Her finger hooked under the bow and tugged it off. She met his eyes as she bit her lip. He nodded toward the gift encouraging her to open it.
As she tore at the paper, a click sounded shrouding the room in darkness. Derrick blinked and looked around. Blackness surrounded them.
"Shit," she hissed as she shuffled away from him. It was completely dark in the house. He couldn't see—anything. Something thumped loudly to his left and Olivia cursed out loud. They needed light.
"You all right, sweetheart?" he asked. He squinted against the darkness, trying to see her, but all he saw was black.
"Just trying to get to the flashlight," she grumbled.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. The phone illuminated as soon as he pulled it from his pocket. He flipped it around so he could see Olivia. She was halfway across the apartment. Using his phone as a guide, he walked over to her. "I'm not sure a flashlight is going to be much help if the power doesn’t come back on."
"It will help me see once you and your phone are gone," she said reaching into the cupboard.
"I'm not leaving you here in the middle of a storm without power. You'll freeze to death," he said, surprised by her answer. Is she crazy enough to stay here?
"I'll be fine. I'm sure it will come back on," she argued as she flicked the flashlight on and deliberately shined it in his eyes.
He blocked the light with his hand and walked toward the window. The snow was falling rapidly, even more so than it had a few minutes ago. It was hard to tell how deep the snow was from so high up, but if it kept falling like this they wouldn’t be going anywhere. They needed to get out of here. Hopefully, he had power at his place. "Olivia, you can't stay here. This storm is just getting started. They might not get power restored for a few days."
Pretty Young Thing: a new adult romance box set Page 42