"Where else would I…" she trailed off as she caught on to what he had been thinking.
Of course she could stay with him at his place. What better way to start making it up to her than being stuck together?
"No. No way." Olivia stammered.
"Olivia."
"No," she argued.
"We’re wasting time, sweetheart. The longer we fight about this the worse it's getting out there," he said, pointing to the window. "And I'm not taking no for an answer."
She gave him an exasperated look before trudging off to her bedroom. "Fine, but you're going to have to give me a minute to pack some things."
"That's fine. You're going to have to give me a moment to raid your cupboards," he responded.
"Why?" she asked, turning to him shining the flashlight in his eyes again.
"I don't have food at my apartment," he smiled sheepishly. He ate out too much.
She shook her head and he was pretty sure she rolled her eyes, but it was hard to tell in the dark. "Whatever. Just don't take Rachel's food—she'll kill you."
***
Derrick twisted restlessly trying to get comfortable on the couch. Any other night and he could sleep there no problem. Tonight was different. Tonight, he had a gorgeous woman sleeping in his bed. Olivia was still hurt and angry, but they were making progress. He was determined to let her make the first move, even if it killed him.
The sound of soft footsteps padding across the hallway towards the kitchen drew him from his thoughts. Her brown hair was pulled up loosely around her face, and if she thought those pajamas would be a deterrent, she was wrong. The pink and black plaid pants were loose, but fit in all the right places. The black tee-shirt she wore was skintight, giving him a fantastic view of her lush curves.
He smiled, watching as she peered into the cupboards. After opening the third door, she finally pulled out a glass and set it on the counter. She went to the fridge and opened the door, illuminating the room in the soft light from the refrigerator. She mumbled something incoherent under her breath. If he had to guess, it was about the lack of contents.
He sat up and walked over toward her. "Looking for anything in particular?"
"You don't have filtered or bottled water?" she asked, continuing to rummage through his fridge.
"Why pay for something you can get out of the tap?" he said reaching around her to turn on the water.
"Ugh. Do you know how many chemicals are in there?" she asked crinkling her nose. "Bottled water tastes better."
"Why pollute the earth with plastic?"
She rolled her eyes and put her cup under the stream of water. He watched as she took a sip and made a face before setting the cup down. "You could at least get a filtration pitcher or something."
"No wonder Rachel is your best friend," he teased. "I think you might be worse than her."
She raised an eyebrow. "Nobody is worse than Rachel."
He chuckled unable to come up with an argument. Olivia looked around the kitchen as if seeing it for the first time. Sighing she took another sip of her water. "Can't sleep?" he asked, breaking the silence.
"Thank you for the gift," she said unexpectedly. "It was really nice and thoughtful."
"You’re welcome," he smiled.
"Why did you get it?" she demanded.
"You’re always cold. I figured a new coat was a good bet. Didn’t figure you’d buy that for yourself either," he said, quirking his brow up.
"You’re right. I didn’t,” she conceded. “But, we’re not together…”
"I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I thought if I got you something and we made peace with each other, it would help," he explained.
"Did it?" she questioned.
"No."
"Well, it was really nice. Thank you," she said after a minute.
"Do you want to watch something?" he asked before they could fall into an awkward silence and she thought of a reason to flee back into the bedroom.
She looked at him warily. "Do I get to choose?"
He beamed triumphantly. "Only if you’re watching it with me."
She rolled her eyes, but followed him to the couch and sat down on the opposite end. He pulled up his Netflix account and let her choose the movie, thankful when she showed him some mercy by picking a movie out of the comedy section. He handed her the blanket and she snuggled down into the other side of the couch.
***
Olivia awoke to the shrill of a cell phone. She sat up slowly looking at Derrick who was still sound asleep on the other end of the couch. The offensive noise was coming from the end table next to his head. He didn’t seem bothered by it though. Looks like she would have to silence the phone herself.
Carefully, she climbed over him reaching for the phone, eager to make it shut up. It was much too early to be awake or she'd stayed up too late. Falling asleep while sharing the couch with the hot guy who she couldn't get out of her head had been difficult. Shaking her thoughts away, she picked up the phone and hit the ignore button. Finally, silence.
Derrick moved beneath her, bumping her leg with his own. She yelped as she lost her balance and fell on top of him. His eyes flew open and he frowned at her as his eyes met hers. "What are you doing, sweetheart?" he asked blinking up at her.
"Your phone wouldn't stop ringing. Jace or something like that," she explained, staring down at him.
"Did you talk to him?"
"No, I hit ignore," she said as she looked at the clock. It was after one in the afternoon.
"Good, I didn't want to talk to him anyway."
"Who is he?" she asked curiously.
"My brother," he replied, reaching up to push strands of hair out of her face.
It was only then that she realized she was technically laying on top of him. The mood in the room changed quickly as she became very aware of the position she was in. Her body was pressed intimately against his. She bit her lip as she met his eyes.
"Olivia?" he questioned, his hand touching her cheek. His thumb traced over her lips, making her shudder, the urge for his mouth against hers was becoming more difficult.
"Derrick," she whispered breathlessly as she leaned into his touch. "I don't want you to hurt me again."
"I would never hurt you on purpose, Olivia. I care about you. I'm willing to try if you are," he promised, pushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I promise if you give me the chance you won't regret it."
With a sigh, she leaned down and kissed him lightly on the lips. He felt like home. Derrick wrapped his arms around her, pulling her flush against his lean body. She sighed contently, enjoying the feel of him, but she wanted more. She tugged on the thick blanket that separated them. It wouldn’t budge. She sat up and grinned down at him.
"How about you take me to bed instead," she smiled. "There's more room."
He sat up, placing a tender kiss to her lips. “I like that idea,” he murmured.
Slowly, she slid off him and sauntered into the bedroom. Olivia hopped onto the bed and crawled across, flopping down on the pillows.
Derrick paused at the foot of the bed. He yanked his shirt up, and over his head. She bit her lip, enjoying the show. He looked good—better than she remembered. He lowered himself to the bed at her feet. Picking up one leg, he pushed her pants up and placed open-mouthed kisses on her ankle. She shivered as anticipation rolled through her. Yes. This is what I want.
His fingers toyed with the strings of her bottoms, untying the waistband. She lifted her hips up so he could roll her pants down her legs. Then, he continued to worship her one kiss at a time. Starting at her toes, he worked his way up to her knee, then her thigh, and finally to her hip.
She fisted her hands in his hair as he moved to her core. His fingers hooked around her panties, dragging them down. Yes. Yes. Yes. Right there.
He flicked his tongue over her clit, causing her hips to jolt upward. She moaned. Derrick knew just how to touch her—just how to kiss her. No one had ever taken his time to please he
r like this before. With Tyler, it had always been about the finale—his orgasm. Today, she was sure she would reach her peak before Derrick did.
"You're beautiful, Olivia,” he hummed against her core. “So beautiful.”
She tried to speak, but the words got caught in her throat and came out sounding like a sob. Why had she been denying this so long? They’d both been so stupid—so stubborn. Not anymore. This was going to work. This was right and she’d never wanted anything more in her life.
She bucked her hips as Derrick inserted two fingers into her and started a steady, but maddening, pace. He curled his fingers, hitting just the right spot. She cried out as spots dotted her vision. One more flick of his tongue and a thrust and she tumbled over the edge.
She fisted the sheets in her palms as she rode out the waves. They were just getting started. She was sure she would be having another orgasm. And if the hard length pressed against her leg was any indicator, it would be soon. Her body trembled at the thought.
As if sensing her need, Derrick placed kisses up her hipbone and to her chest as he shoved her tee-shirt up. He paused at her breasts taking one peak into his mouth and then the other. His length pressed against her thigh and she shuddered, ready to feel him inside of her.
The last time they’d been together had been amazing. This time would be better. They knew each other now—had feelings for each other. Hell, she might even be falling in love with him. There was something about him that just felt right.
“You taste delicious,” Derrick whispered as he kissed her.
Olivia groaned as his tongue caressed hers and she could taste her arousal in the kiss.
I need him now. It had been too long since they’d been together and she needed to feel—to let out all the bottled up emotions and longing. “Derrick, please,” she encouraged, grinding her hips against his member desperate to feel him.
Derrick pushed the hair out of her face and met her gaze as he positioned himself at her entrance. With one solid thrust, he entered her, stretching her deliciously around his thick length.
His kisses left her mouth, trailing down her jaw to her neck. As he latched onto one breast with his mouth, she let herself lose control. Together they moved, both seeking climax.
Derrick continued to love her body as he angled his hips to hit just the right spot. God. What did he do, take notes of where my spots were? How does he know just the right way to move to drive me wild? It doesn’t matter. The only thing that did matter is that they were finally together.
Her thoughts jumbled as black dotted her vision again. She gritted her teeth as her orgasm raced over her. A scream bubbled up her throat as her hips flew off the bed. Derrick’s pace quickened, losing all rhythm as he followed her over the edge.
He fell on top of her and rested his forehead against hers. "That was amazing, sweetheart."
"We’re going to do it again," she promised as she kissed him.
"I hope so. Just promise me one thing," he said as he kissed her longingly.
"What?" she asked lazily.
"That if I fall asleep, you'll still be here when I wake up."
She smiled up at him. "I'm not going anywhere."
***
Derrick dug through his cupboards hoping he had something decent to make. He hadn't been lying when he'd said he didn't have food here. It was Christmas Eve and the blizzard was still going strong outside. Nothing would be open for delivery.
Sighing, he pulled out the box of spaghetti and jar of sauce. Looks like it’d be more pasta. He’d had his fill of it recently. That’s all Rachel made anymore. Hopefully, it was just a pregnancy thing and it would end soon.
Speaking of the devil, Rachel’s ringtone filled the kitchen as his phone vibrated across the kitchen counter. If he didn't answer, she would only call back. Rachel was persistent.
Picking up the phone, he placed it to his ear. "Hey Rachel. How’s the city?"
"I've been calling you all day," she screeched into the phone. "I was worried you were dead or something."
Derrick cringed moving the phone away from his head. Gosh she was loud. "I've been busy."
"Busy?" she said annoyed. "Doing what? There's a freaking blizzard outside."
He smirked as he looked back to his bedroom. "I’m not sure you really want me to answer that."
"What? Why?” she huffed angrily. “I've been worried about you. I've called all day and you haven't answered," she said irritated.
"I didn't hear my phone," he answered honestly. Even if he had heard it, he'd been too preoccupied. "I'm sorry you were worried, Rachel. But I'm fine."
"Have you spoken to Olivia? I can't get a hold of her either,” Rachel worried.
He laughed out loud. He was surprised she hadn't put two and two together yet. "She's fine."
"We lose power at out apartment so easily—"
"Rachel. She's here with me," he cut her off.
"She is? Oh. Eww," she gasped as she finally caught on. “Yeah. You’ve been busy haven’t you?” she accused. “I hope you know what you’re doing, she’s my best friend.”
"Relax. It’s fine. I promise," he assured. He’d lost her once and he wasn’t about to do it again.
The bedroom door creaked open and he looked up at Olivia. She stood in the doorway wearing one of his dress shirts. It was sexy. He wanted her again.
"You better, Derrick. She's my best friend so don't screw this up,” Rachel shrilled, drawing his attention back to her.
"I don't intend to."
"Good," she huffed into the phone. "Well, now that I know you’re not dead, enjoy the rest of your night."
"I plan to." Rachel made a disgusted noise as she hung up the phone. He scrolled over his call history and saw she had in fact been calling all day. Oops. "Rachel," he said to Olivia, indicating the phone. "Wanted to make sure I was still alive. She was worried when we didn't answer our phones."
"Oh," she said her cheeks flushing. "How did she take us…you know?" She chewed on her lower lip, nervously meeting his eyes.
"She told me not to screw it up," he shrugged. "She's been trying to hook us up for a while. Nagging me about how I was being a jerk."
"Well, you were," she said as he wrapped his arms around her.
"I'm sorry," he replied kissing her.
Olivia pulled back and gave him a pointed look. "Just so we’re clear, if you ever ignore me like that again, I'm going to kick your ass," she smiled as she kissed him. "Now, if you expect any more fun tonight, I suggest we find something to eat. I'm starving."
"I was going to make spaghetti," he offered kissing her.
"No more kissing," she mumbled against his lips, before pulling away. "I need food."
"All the snacks I stole from your apartment are in that bag,” he said, going back to the stove to start dinner. He was starving also. They'd been too busy to eat earlier.
"You took Rachel's Oreos? She is going to kill you," she giggled, holding up the package of Golden Oreos.
He chuckled. He and his sister had something in common. They both loved Oreos. "I couldn't help myself."
"Stealing food from a pregnant woman is never a good idea," she said as she opened up the package.
"I'll buy her more," he promised as he grabbed one too.
***
Olivia groaned as her phone chimed loudly. She rolled over, searching with her hand for her cell. Who was calling and why? Her hand bumped something, knocking whatever the object was to the floor. I don’t want to get up. It could be important or your mom calling to say Merry Christmas. They’d gone to bed a little after midnight. It was definitely Christmas morning.
She opened her eyes and rolled to the edge of the bed. Her phone vibrated across the gray carpet.
Snatching the phone up, she answered it. “Hello.”
“Olivia,” Elena screeched. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” she said yawning.
“Guess what?” Elena yelled excitedly.
“What
?” Olivia said sitting up. Derrick stirred next to her. He peered one eye open to look at her.
“Jack proposed,” Elena yelled excitedly.
“He did? Wow. Congratulations,” Olivia smiled.
“And he gave me a key to his apartment until we find our own place together. Can you believe it?” Elena exclaimed.
“That’s fantastic,” Olivia beamed, genuinely happy for her friend.
“I have to call Rachel,” Elena gushed. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Okay. Merry Christmas and I’m so happy for you,” Olivia giggled.
“Thanks. Merry Christmas,” Elena chirped as she hung up.
“Well that was exciting,” Derrick groaned, closing his eyes.
“She’s been waiting for Jack to propose for months,” Olivia told. She was happy her friend’s dreams were coming true.
“I’m pretty sure my whole building knows she’s engaged now,” he joked.
Olivia shoved him playfully. “Stop it.”
“Maybe I don’t want to,” he flirted. Derrick wrapped his hand around her wrist and tugged her to him. Once she was close enough, he pulled her flush against him and nuzzled her neck. She laughed as his stubble tickled.
Her phone rang again, interrupting his playful assault.
“That’s probably my mom,” she informed, pulling away from him. She looked at the phone for confirmation. “Hey, Mom. Merry Christmas,” she answered.
“Hi, sweetie. Merry Christmas. Just calling to check in. I heard on the news there was a blizzard there. Everything okay?” her mom worried.
“I’m good,” she said, meeting Derrick’s eyes.
“The news said it was bad there. Do you have everything you need?” her mom asked concerned.
“Yes. I’m staying with…Derrick, Rachel’s brother…and my boyfriend,” she murmured as she chewed on her lip.
Pretty Young Thing: a new adult romance box set Page 43