I’m applying mascara when there is a knock on the door. I smile in anticipation as I head over to open the door.
“Hello, gorgeous,” Derek says with a smile on his lips. He’s wearing jeans with a white shirt and a black leather jacket and black shoes. He looks amazing, of course.
I smile at him. “Hi.”
He follows me into the apartment and closes the door behind me.
“I’m almost ready. Just need to get my purse,” I say then turn around and look at him. “Am I dressed properly for the occasion?”
I watch as Derek’s blue eyes make their way down my body. I can’t read his face and then his eyes meet mine again and I suddenly feel naked.
He takes a step forward and reaches for my hand. He pulls me towards him and puts his arms around my waist. “You look perfect.”
I roll my eyes at him. “Right.”
He grins. “I can’t wait to show you off to everyone.”
I frown then bite my lower lip. “I’m a little nervous.”
He reaches out and frees my lower lip with his thumb. His eyes look at my lips. “Don’t be. Everyone is dying to meet you.”
“That just makes me more nervous.” I tell him.
He smiles then leans in and kisses me slowly. It’s hard to get into it at first because I really am nervous, but then I feel his palm on my lower back and he pushes me closer to him. I close my eyes and put my arms around his neck as he deepens the kiss. I know I saw him last night but I missed him all day today. He is all I think about now. I wonder if I’m all he thinks about too.
He smells so good and I love the way he holds me when he kisses me. He kisses me with more than his lips. He kisses me with his hands every time he caresses my waist or lower back. I love his hands on me. I wish I could have them on me every second of the day.
“Everyone knows you’re my girlfriend, Gin,” He says against my lips as we both open our eyes. “No one is going to hurt you or make you uncomfortable. You let me know if anyone does, alright?”
I can’t help but smile. “Okay.”
“Alright.” He kisses me again. “Pack a bag with more clothes this time.”
“You don’t have to do this.” I tell him.
“I know. I want to.” He looks at me, his eyes are serious. “Don’t make me hire a bodyguard.”
“A bodyguard?” I laugh because the thought of me having a bodyguard is ridiculous. I’m just an ordinary person. I don’t need a bodyguard.
“Yes,” He says as he reaches out to stroke my jawline with his thumb. “A lady bodyguard. There’s no way I would hire a man to be with you all day.”
My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. The thought of Derek being jealous of a man in my honor is just too good. “Why do you say it like that?”
He shrugs as he looks away. “My sister had a bodyguard once upon a time.” He looks at me. “They’ll be celebrating yet another wedding anniversary this year.”
“Really?” I smile, intrigued. “That’s so romantic.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “Exactly.”
I laugh. “I don’t need a bodyguard.”
“No, you don’t.” He agrees. “Because you’re packing a bag.”
I shake my head with a smile then turn around and head to my room. I grab my duffel bag and pack a couple change of clothes then I walk back to the living room.
He grabs the bag. “Ready?”
I nod. “I can’t believe you left your own party for me,” I say as we head out. I lock the door then follow him down the hallway.
“They can wait,” He says. “Besides, Ian is there. It’s fine.”
“How many people are there?” I ask as we walk down the stairs. “Just so I’m prepared.”
“Not a lot. Just close friends tonight. No need to be nervous.”
That, of course, doesn’t ease my nerves but I force myself to ignore them. I want to have a good time. It’s been a while since I’ve been to a party like this. It’s time to have some fun.
We get in his car and he drives. I text my sister, Natalie, on the way there. We’re just catching up on what we’ve been up to. At the same time, Kim wishes me luck and tells me to chill out and have fun.
Chill out and have fun. Okay. I’ll try my best.
The sky is dark by the time we reach Derek’s house. There are luxury cars parked everywhere and I notice a few bodyguards outside. I can hear the music before we even get out of the car. I’m going to need a drink.
Derek reaches for my hand and leads me into the house. There are people scattered all over the living room and kitchen when we walk in. Some of them are playing video games in Derek’s huge TV. Others are hanging out, talking and mingling while drinks. I can feel everyone’s eyes on us as Derek leads us outside to the backyard, which is where the actual party is.
Derek’s backyard is breathtaking. It is huge with a big, squared pool right in the middle and, as suspected, a jacuzzi to the side. There are people inside the pool, playing with a ball, others are making out and hanging out.
“Derek!” Everyone cheers when they see him.
“The one you were all crying for is here.” Derek grins and everyone cheers. I fight back a smile. Everyone loves him and he knows it.
Derek begins to introduce me to people as we walk. There are too many faces and names to remember, though there are a couple celebrities, mostly models. I’m grateful for the drink when Derek has someone bring me one. My shoulders are too tense. I don’t like to be the center of attention. I’m trying my best to ignore everyone’s stare but it’s hard. It doesn’t last long though. Once they’ve gotten a look at me, they move on and continue to party. I’m sure it would be a whole different story if there was press here.
Derek leads us where Ian is with the rest of his friends. I recognize Roman and Wyatt and the twins, Imani and Ebony, from the other night at the club. It feels like so much has happened since that night. It’s crazy to think that it’s only been a couple days.
There’s a DJ in the back playing loud music and people begin to dance.
I stand close to Derek while he and Ian carry the conversation in the group. He has his arm firm around my waist and I rest my head on his shoulder. I have no idea what they’re talking about but I love being here with Derek and his arm around me—I could stand here all night like this.
The twins, Imani and Ebony, have been giving me these weird looks since I got here. I have no idea what they want from me. I guess they have to hate me in their friend’s honor? I’m not here for drama but it seems like everything about Derek’s world is about drama.
Except for the twins, everyone else is super nice. They come and go and smile at me when they come over to talk to Derek. My shoulders begin to relax and I grab a second drink, wanting to get into the party mode.
I look over at everyone dancing off to the side of the pool and I look up at Derek; but before I can ask him if we can go dance, something happens.
Imani and Ebony stand up, they’re smiling and they look at each other and giggle then look behind us.
I follow their gaze and something in my stomach tightens because I can almost swear that Derek’s ex-girlfriend is making her way out the patio.
I’ve seen pictures of her on the internet but that didn’t prepare me at all for this. It never crossed my mind that I would ever meet her. Why would I? Her and Derek have broken up and I don’t really belong in her world. I was obviously wrong because she’s here and her presence is causing a commotion.
Sadie is tall with shoulder length black hair. Her hair was blond in some of the pictures I saw on the internet, so she must change her hair color frequently. She has two cat-like hazel eyes and, of course, a perfect toned body. She’s wearing a rose gold sequin dress that stops above her mid-thigh, exposing her perfect, shiny, long legs. She has heels on and I look away, feeling intimidated by how beautiful she is.
I watch as Derek looks over, after hearing everyone cheer. He clenches his jaw and his arm around me drops.
Did he invite her?
“Who invited her?” He asks looking at Ian.
Ian shrugs. “Must’ve been the twins.”
“Fuck, I need another drink,” Derek says then walks over to the bar, few feet away.
I look up at Ian. “Who is she?” I ask, even though I already know the answer. Maybe I’m hoping it’s not her which is stupid because I know it is.
Ian looks at Sadie as she says hi to everyone. “That’s Sadie, Derek’s ex-girlfriend.”
I gulp. There it is.
Derek’s ex-girlfriend has officially entered the party.
24. what they do
After a couple of seconds of pondering on what to do, I finally turn around and follow Derek to the bar. The music continues in the background, along with everyone cheering and partying like nothing is wrong…nothing is wrong, right?
Derek is leaning against the bar, facing the bartender. I can see how tense his shoulders are. Is this a normal reaction to seeing your ex unexpectedly? I try to imagine how I would react if Kevin suddenly walked in, just like Sadie did. I haven’t seen him in such a long time. It would definitely feel awkward but I like to think that I would be able to move on and continue on with the party, especially if I had come with a date.
“Hey,” I say softly as I stand next to Derek. I look at his side profile. God. He’s so handsome, even when he’s uncomfortable or stressed. I’m not quite sure what he’s feeling right now and I don’t like the uncertainty. “Are you alright?” I ask shyly.
He straightens up and looks at me. A small smile appears on his lips but there’s still a faint frown on his forehead. “Hey, Gin, yeah. Sorry, just needed a drink.” He brings the glass up to his lips and takes the shot then he motions the bartender for another one.
I don’t say anything for a moment. I can feel everyone looking at us. I know that people are always watching when it comes to Derek, especially when something like this happens. This will probably be all over social media tomorrow. I can almost see the headlines. DEREK COLLINS IS SEEN PARTYING WITH EX-GIRLFRIEND, SADIE.
It hasn’t happened yet but it already stings.
I know this isn’t the first time they see each other. They were spotted together a few days ago. They seemed friendly in the picture.
I hesitate, knowing I can easily be crossing a line with my question. “Did something happen the last time you saw her?”
Derek looks down at his drink and I regret asking him that right now. He shakes his head. “No,” He says looking at me. “I’d just prefer it if I didn’t have to see her. We already have to work together to promote the movie.” He shrugs.
Right. They have a movie coming out. They’re going to start promoting it soon…which means he’ll be spending a lot of time with her. In front of cameras…and probably alone.
Derek reaches out and puts his arm around my waist. He pulls me so that I’m in front of him, my back is against the bar. “I’m sorry for being a party pooper,” He says with an amused look on his face and just like that, he’s the same old Derek. “I’ll stop.”
I look up at him. I want to tell him that he’s not the party pooper, Sadie is, but I bite my lip. I have so many questions but I know it’s not the time. It’s a party and there are people all around us. I decide to wait until we’re alone.
Derek looks down at my lips then he tips his head so our lips can meet. I close my eyes to try to ignore the people around us and part my lips, inviting him in. I place my hands on his torso, inside his jacket and he takes a step closer to me as he kisses me.
It’s a long kiss, but not nearly long enough. It feels like I can kiss him forever. I wish I could. There’s something about the way Derek kisses me that makes me feel both wanted and sexy. His mouth is possessive but gentle. He rests his forehead against mine after he pulls away. We’re both a little out of breath and I lick my lips. Derek places his fingers under my chin and pulls it up.
“Why did you do that for?” He asks before pressing his lips against mine again. I smile then I feel his tongue on my lower lip and a gasp escapes from my lips.
We need to stop before the waterworks start.
“Derek.” I whisper.
He pulls away and grins at me then his hand finds mine. “Let’s go dance?”
I smile then nod excitedly.
He turns around and pulls me into the crowd. We don’t stop until we’re in the middle of the crowd. Derek puts his hands on my waist as our bodies begin to move with the music.
I’ve always liked dancing but I like it even more now that I’ve danced with Derek. I can’t see myself dancing with another man anymore. That thought terrifies me and I push it out of my head in urgency. I’ll pretend it never crossed my mind.
Derek and I dance long enough for me to forget that his ex-girlfriend crashed the party until we take a break to get a drink and then she’s suddenly standing behind Derek.
I see her before Derek and my eyes meet hers for the first time. She is even prettier up close. The smile on my lips fades and a smile appears on hers. She looks away and looks at Derek, totally uninterested in me. I find myself feeling a little offended.
“Aren’t you going to say hi?” She asks him flirtatiously.
Derek freezes for a second at the sound of her voice and my stomach churns. He puts his drink down then turns his head to his right to look at her. Time seems to stop for a moment. Everyone is eager to see what’s going to happen now. Meanwhile, I have the urge to grab Derek’s hand and pull him out of here as fast as possible. I know I can’t do that. Not just because I don’t have the courage, but because I have no right to keep him from speaking to her.
Why is she here? Why did she have to show up? And why am I suddenly feeling so insecure? I hate this.
“Sadie,” Derek says then he clears his throat. “I didn’t know you were going to come.”
“I know.” She smiles. “The twins invited me. I hope that’s alright with you.”
She is looking at him and ignoring all the looks around her, including mine. It’s like they’re the only ones at the party. Why is she here again?
Derek shrugs. “Sure.”
“I was…” She pauses then looks at him from under her long lashes. “I was hoping we could talk. You have a minute?”
I don’t realize that I’m expecting Derek to say no until he nods, and I feel disappointment run through my body.
“Sure.” He repeats. He takes a step forward and then, as if suddenly remembering that I am standing behind him, he stops and turns around. “I’ll be right back,” He says with a grin, as if he wasn’t ditching me for his ex-girlfriend. “Don’t go anywhere, Gin.”
Despite myself, I put on a brave smile on my face and nod as if I wasn’t being consumed by jealousy.
I watch as he follows her and I begin to feel anger build up. Doesn’t he see that she’s obviously doing this on purpose? I know I don’t know her and I just met her five seconds ago, but why would someone ask their ex to talk at such a public setting? If she had good intentions, she would wait to speak to him in private but no, she’s doing it here and pulling him away from me for everyone to see.
“There they go, off to talk about the past.”
I turn and see a guy suddenly standing next to me. He is tall with broad shoulders and short, silver hair. He is wearing black dressed pants with a white shirt and a black vest on top. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows. He’s very handsome. Before even knowing his name, I already suspect that he has millions of followers on Instagram.
His hazel eyes land on me and he half smiles. “What do you think they’re going to talk about?”
“Excuse me?” I ask when I finally find my voice.
He smiles. “I wish I could tell you that they’re discussing work stuff but I know my cousin,” He sighs then takes a sip of his drink.
“Your cousin.” I repeat then I glance at Sadie and Derek who are now standing across from where I am, on the other side of the pool. I hate that Derek
is smiling and laughing and not at all hurrying to end their conversation. People can’t help but look their way. I’m sure this picture is already starting to circulate on the internet.
“Yes. I’m Jeremy, Sadie’s.” He nods at me. “You’re Derek’s new girl.”
I clear my throat. “I guess I am.”
DEREK'S MATCH Page 17