Pretty Young Thing: a new adult romance box set

by Coleman, Eileen Cruz

  He kissed her lazily as she slowly moved her leg back down to the shower floor.

  "That was amazing," she whispered out of breath.

  "Maybe we should fight more often," he joked, kissing her.

  “If we make up like that…” she trailed off.

  Derrick rested his forehead against hers. He was so caught up in their after sex bliss that he almost didn’t hear the frantic knocking on the bathroom door.

  “Derrick,” Jace called.

  Olivia stiffened and Derrick growled low in his throat. He was getting that damn key back from Jace today.

  "Jace, what the hell?" Derrick yelled.

  "Sorry to interrupt your, uh shower, but I just got a call from Marc. Rachel just got admitted to the hospital."

  Chapter Eighteen

  Derrick held Olivia's hand as they followed Jace through the sliding glass doors. The antiseptic hospital smell and piercing bright, white lights assaulted his senses. They stopped in front of the directory, looking for the labor and delivery floor.

  Jace hadn't gotten a lot of information from Marc. They knew that Rachel had gone to the hospital and was being admitted. Derrick hated not knowing what was going on and the sooner they found Rachel, the better he would feel. Derrick just hoped that everything was okay.

  "Sixth floor," Olivia said, pointing to a red label that read Labor and Delivery.

  Nodding, they headed towards the elevators and pressed the up arrow. He tapped his foot on the tiled floor as they waited for one of the elevators to arrive. What was taking so long? He glanced around the hall looking for a stairwell. At this rate, huffing it up would be faster.

  “Finally,” Olivia sighed as the elevator dinged.

  "I'm sure everything is fine. We will have our little niece tonight," Jace said leaning against the wall of the elevator.

  Olivia met Derrick’s gaze as she shook her head. "It’s too early Jace," Olivia spoke softly.

  "Oh," Jace replied, his face scrunching up in confusion.

  Derrick shifted uncomfortably. He hoped everything was all right. Premature births weren’t good. He didn’t know a lot about having babies, but he knew that whatever was happening definitely wasn’t a good thing. The elevator finally stopped and the doors clanked open.

  The waiting room was already overflowing with people. Finding a spot to sit would be hard to do. His eyes instantly landed on his family who huddled in one of the corners. Why did they have to be here?

  Elliott looked up. He got up and walked to them. "Jace, Derrick, Olivia," he greeted with an awkward smile.

  "What happened?" Derrick asked trying to keep his tone even.

  "Her water broke and she is having heavy contractions. They are in the process of getting her into a room now. Marc said he would come get us when they get situated. Depending on how things go, we may be able to go back and visit two at a time as long as Rachel is comfortable with us in there," Elliott explained

  "While she is delivering?” Jace asked surprised. “No offense, but I don't want to see that," he shuddered.

  "I'm pretty sure that's going to be just Marc." Olivia assured. "She probably won't be having the baby for quite sometime yet. I think he means we can visit while she is in labor."

  Derrick let out a long breath. It was going to be a long day. He just hoped Rachel and the baby came out of it okay.

  ***

  Derrick groaned as the rest of his family walked into the tiny café. Did they deliberately go to every coffee shop until they found him and Olivia? It wouldn’t surprise me. He, Olivia, and Jace had retreated there after the latest update. Rachel was in active labor, but currently resting. Marc had explained that it could be a while and he would text when something happened.

  Elliott nodded at them as they walked to the rectangular table where they sat. He stopped at the table next to theirs and pushed it over. Is he making room for everyone? He really hoped not. Derrick glared at his brother.

  The chair scraped against the floor as he pulled it out and took the seat opposite from him. His mom took the seat next to him and gently patted his hand as she situated herself. He fought the urge to snatch his hand away from her, but that would only give his father some sick satisfaction and something else to ride him about.

  Olivia gave his thigh a squeeze, a subtle reassurance that everything was okay. He just needed to stay cool and calm. Rachel had enough stress right now and he didn't want to add to it, though that was easier said than done.

  "I certainly wish we were all getting together again under better circumstances,” Elliott spoke up.

  “It’s a shame we didn’t all get to go to dinner together. I was really looking forward to doing it on our visit,” Patrice pouted.

  Jace snorted, but didn’t say anything.

  “Well, we’re all together now, for the most part, we should make the most of it while we wait. I don’t know about everyone else, but I don’t think I can just sit around and wait,” Arnold exclaimed. “Are there any good restaurants around here, Olivia? We could do a late lunch—early dinner.”

  Derrick’s head snapped up at the mention of Olivia’s name. He was not going to let his father drag her into something.

  Olivia gave him a look, the hand on his thigh tensing. “This café has some really nice sandwiches,” she suggested.

  “Sandwiches?” Patrice asked. “We were thinking something a little more upscale and filling. We could have a long night ahead of us.”

  “Doors right there,” Derrick said, motioning to the entrance.

  “You will speak to your mother with respect,” Arnold insisted with a snarl.

  “It’s hard to show respect to someone who shows you none,” Derrick retorted.

  His mother and father blanched at his comment. But they cared too much about their image to make a scene, even if the café was below their standards.

  “You know, I think we can find a place on our own,” Patrice replied as she rose to her feet. She put an arm around her husband and all but hauled him up, too.

  Derrick sighed, watching as his parents and Brandy gathered their things. Elliott massaged his temples for a moment before he too stood. They left without a word. How many more encounters was he going to have with his parents before things escalated again? He just had to remember to breathe. They weren’t going to get the better of him this time.

  ***

  "Are you sure this is a good idea?" Derrick asked as they walked around the baby section of the large toy store.

  "Yes," Olivia smiled as she pulled him through the clothes. "Marc said she is only at six centimeters and they don’t expect her to deliver anytime soon. The baby is going to need some preemie clothes for when she does get to come home from the hospital." Olivia picked up a pink sundress, a soft smile on her face. "Besides, it beats hanging out with the rest of your family."

  She had him there. "So you’re saying you don’t enjoy my family?" Derrick laughed.

  "They are definitely leaving an impression," Olivia grimaced as she picked up a yellow dress that was the exact same as the pink. "Which color?"

  "Yellow," he replied.

  She pouted and put the yellow back on the rack and turned to the next shelf still holding onto the pink one. "Why'd you ask if you didn't want my opinion?"

  "I did want your opinion. I just liked mine better," she giggled. "And she's a baby Derrick, little girls should be in pink and purple."

  "Okay. Just glad we're not having a baby anytime soon," he grumbled. The sea of bright colored dresses, shirts, and shorts was a little overwhelming. How many clothes did one child need?

  "It wouldn't be so bad," Olivia said turning to look at him.

  "Yeah it would," he argued back.

  "Look, I'm not saying I want to have a baby right now, but maybe in another five years or so," Olivia shrugged.

  "I don't think I want kids."

  "Why?" she asked her brows furrowed.

  "Well, look at my parents. I’m not sure I’d know how to be a good p
arent. My role models weren’t exactly adequate," he said quietly. Being in charge of another human being was a huge responsibility and he didn’t want to screw it up. No, having kids just wasn't in the cards for him.

  "That doesn't mean we would be bad parents. What would happen if I did end up pregnant?" she asked biting her lip.

  "You won't," he shrugged. "You're on the pill."

  Olivia laughed. "So was Rachel." He frowned and faltered a little at that news. "Look, I love Rachel, I do, but she wasn't exactly good about taking it like you're suppose to, so we shouldn't have anything to worry about, but..." she stopped sighing. "Anytime you have sex...there is always that possibility."

  "Well, that's comforting," he replied sarcastically. How the hell had they ended up talking about this? He just wanted this conversation to be over before it ended up in a fight. Change the subject, he looked around at the clothes and grabbed, well he wasn't really sure what to call it, it was shorts and a top all connected together. "What about this?" he asked holding up the pink and purple contraption.

  "Oh, that's cute," she said taking it. Well, at least she thought so. He thought it was hideous.

  "Do you want to get some tacos after this?" he asked hoping to squash the argument for good.

  She grinned as she picked up a teddy bear. "Sure."

  ***

  Derrick groaned and covered his face with his hands. Elliott and Brandy stood at the front of the restaurant, looking around for a table. Elliott’s eyes found Derrick and Elliott tugged Brandy over to his and Olivia’s table. Luck just wasn't on his side today. Olivia turned as if sensing his discomfort and let out her own huff of displeasure.

  Instead of being able to enjoy his dinner, he was going to have to scarf it down. Anything to get this dinner over with sooner.

  "How is Rachel?" Olivia asked as Elliott pulled out the chair next to Derrick.

  "Well," Elliott said as he picked up a menu and handed it to Brandy, then took out his own. "She has been resting since she got the epidural. Marc assured us that he would call if anything changed. Mom and Dad went back to the hotel for a bit."

  "Good," Olivia said looking down at her menu.

  "Have you two eaten here before?" Elliott asked.

  Derrick smiled despite the situation. This was their restaurant. The one that they’d had their first date at.

  "Any recommendations?" Elliott asked.

  Olivia looked up first looking to Elliott then to Derrick. Derrick shrugged. Olivia rolled her eyes. "Uh, just about everything here is good," she commented.

  "You two eat out a lot?" Brandy asked.

  "Well, neither of us cook so…yeah." Olivia replied not looking up from her menu.

  "Us either. We have a chef that prepares our meals," Brandy said flipping the page of her menu. "Perhaps when Rachel gets home, she can make another pot roast for everyone. The one she made last night was fantastic,” Brandy continued.

  "Sure. I’m sure a woman who just gave birth will feel up for that," Derrick answered.

  Brandy blinked with surprise. She opened her mouth then closed it before finally regaining her composure. She cleared her throat. "So I have to ask Olivia, how did you get Rachel's seal of approval? She never likes anyone her brothers date."

  "Rachel is the one that introduced us,” Olivia commented.

  "I'm surprised she let you near her friend, Derrick. I remember how sensitive she used to be back home when Jace was around," Brandy smiled.

  Elliott chuckled. “Can you blame her? Jace still flirts with every woman he meets.”

  The corners of Derrick’s mouth pulled up into a smile. Maybe there was hope for him and his brother. Maybe.

  "So are you going back to the hospital after this?" Elliott asked.

  Derrick looked to Olivia who was looking at him. Looks like it was his decision. "Yeah, maybe for a bit to see how things are going."

  "Oh good, we'll have some company," Brandy smiled.

  Derrick mumbled under his breath. Things might be okay with Elliott for the moment, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to spend an infinite amount of time with him either. Hopefully, Jace would come back to the hospital once he finished working tonight.

  ***

  Olivia let go of Derrick’s hand, letting it fall limply against the chair. Her parched throat ached and it felt like she was drinking nails every time she swallowed. She stood up and made her way to the small concession area. Waiting was the worst. Rachel’s labor had stopped progressing, and she’d gone under an emergency C-section. But they hadn’t heard anything from Marc in a really long time. Hospitals were notorious for being slow. Everything was fine.

  Derrick had fallen asleep a few minutes ago. That man could sleep anywhere. Must be nice. Her eyes burned with exhaustion, and every time she blinked, her eyelids barely opened. But she could only sleep a few short minutes at a time before her head would slump forward and she’d jerk awake. She needed coffee and some water.

  The walk to the vending machines was short. She dug a few ones out of her billfold and used the side of the machine to un-wrinkle them. She jabbed at the buttons choosing a vanilla latte. As she waited for the coffee to brew, she ventured to the candy machines. They have Nutrageous. Yum. She inserted another dollar and collected her candy. Then she got a bottle of water and took a drink, sighing as the cool water slid down her dry throat.

  "Good evening, Olivia."

  She whirled around startled by the familiar voice. At least out of the four Miller's she was avoiding it was her favorite, if you could call it that. "Elliott."

  "I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time?"

  Olivia shifted, her gaze flicking to the coffee machine. Please hurry up. And please don’t let Brandy be right around the corner. "Sure. What did you need?" she asked quietly.

  "I wanted to speak with you about Derrick," Elliott admitted, nervously. "I'm not sure what he's told you—"

  "I know quite a bit," she said staring at him. He genuinely seemed nice, so it didn't make sense to her that he could do those things to Derrick. But he had. Guess it went back to the saying, never judge a book by its cover. Although, Elliott had been the one to try and avoid a confrontation during all the gatherings—he just wasn’t successful.

  "I see. You must think the worst of me," he grimaced, pausing to look at her. She didn't say anything and he nodded his head. "I know I've made some poor decisions in the past. When I met Brandy, I was instantly attracted to her. Falling for my brother’s girl was never my intention. It was an awful mistake. One I both hate and love. Brandy may seem prickly on the outside, but she is a wonderful woman. I don’t excuse what I did. I know it was wrong. I wish to apologize for my actions. Despite what Derrick thinks, I really do want to make peace with him, or at least say my peace. The only problem is…he won't give me the time of day," Elliott confessed staring at her.

  "I don't understand what you want me to do about it," Olivia responded. The machine buzzed and she grabbed her coffee and popped a lid on it.

  "He seems to listen to you. I just thought maybe you could pass along the word," Elliott pleaded looking to the floor.

  "I'll say something, but I won't make any promises," Olivia offered sipping the coffee. The warm liquid burned as it went down. She coughed and cleared her throat.

  "Thank you, Olivia," Elliott said nodding at her.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Olivia took a moment to herself to think after Elliott had left. She still hadn't decided if she wanted to tell Derrick about the conversation—at least not tonight. It had been a long, stressful, and awful day. She was sure Derrick wouldn't be thrilled that Elliott had cornered her and who knew how he would react. Elliott had seemed sincere though. As an only child, she didn't really understand the dynamics of a brother or sister, but when she thought of the relationship she had with Rachel and Elena, she couldn't imagine having one of them hate her the way Derrick did Elliott.

  This was all just too much on top of what was going on with Rach
el and the baby. Thank goodness her friend didn't have any idea about the turmoil that was going on outside of her hospital room. Rachel had enough stress without adding to it. Olivia just hoped that everything worked out well for Rachel and her precious daughter. The thought of something happening to either of them was too much to bear.

  Taking one last sip of her coffee, which had a horrible, bitter aftertaste, she threw the cup away and started back to the waiting room.

  Derrick was still slouched down his chair. His head tipped back and eyes shut. He looked so peaceful. She didn’t want to wake him. At least one of them was sleeping. Quietly, she retook her seat and settled into the hard wooden chair. You’d think they could at least have some padding on the chairs.

  She placed her hand back into Derrick’s and smiled to herself when his fingers curled around hers. Even in sleep he wanted her close. Finding comfort in his warmth, she rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

  “Olivia. Olivia,” Derrick called.

  Olivia blinked her eyes open and then closed them again, momentarily confused as to why she was shaking. I’m being woken up. Did I fall asleep? When and how did that finally happen?

  “Morning,” Derrick murmured, kissing her forehead. "Wake up, sweetheart."

  "Hmmm," she groaned as she squinted her eyes open against the harsh bright hospital lights. Why did they have to make them so incessantly bright?

  "Rachel had the baby a little while ago," Derrick whispered.

  "She did?" she exclaimed sitting up, wide-awake. "What happened? Is everything okay?"