Page 121 of Something Cheeky

Zoe laughed and handed him a glass for a toast. “Congrats, babe. You did it!”

“No, we all did it.” Derek wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her in for a kiss.

Zoe sighed happily in his embrace. It was freeing to hold him and kiss him publicly without worrying about a certain former artistic director being around.

“There you are!” A familiar feminine voice called out to them.

Derek groaned and broke off their kiss. Zoe blinked her eyes open to find his mother waving at them. Zoe’s mom was right behind her. Their moms had met for the first time the day before and—to no one’s surprise—hit it off immediately.

“We’ve been looking for you two, but you’re hiding back here making out,” her mom said a little too loudly.

“Mom!” Zoe blushed. “Keep your voice down, please.”

“All this kissing will lead to grandbabies,” her mother said in a marginally lower voice as she nodded in approval.

“Not yet Co H?ng,” Derek’s mother tugged on H?ng’s arm. “They need to get married first.”

“Yes, Ch?Linh, we should meet with the fortune teller to find an auspicious date,” replied her mom. “I know just the person.”

“Will you two stop!” Zoe laughed. “Let us enjoy tonight first.”

Both moms tsked at them. Suddenly, they were planning their wedding as if Derek and Zoe weren’t standing next to them.

“They’re not going to stop,” Derek mock-whispered. “Are you hungry?”

“There are some adorable bánh mì sliders calling my name.”Zoe pointed at a table across the lobby. “Think we can make it over there without being stopped?”

“Mission accepted.” Derek winked. “I’ll make us a plate. You grab some drinks and meet me on the balcony.”

Five minutes later, they were finally alone, outside in the warm summer air. This late at night, Southwest was fairly quiet except for a few cars and a couple of folks walking their dogs. She’d sweet-talked TJ into grabbing a bottle of champagne from behind the bar.

“I didn’t realize how loud it was inside until we came out here.” Zoe tore off the foil from the bottle. “Too bad we can’t see the Potomac River from here now that the high-rises are up.”

“I’ve got the perfect view from here,” Derek said, looking directly at her.

“Kiss up.” She laughed.

“You read my mind.” Derek pulled her in for a deep kiss.

Kissing him under the stars was all she needed right now. Tech and dress rehearsals had kept them busy. This moment was the first time they’d been alone and too exhausted for more than a peck on the lips before passing out.

“How about we skip the reception and sneak back to my apartment,” suggested Derek. His hand ran lazy circles around her back, leaving tingles in its path.

“As tempting as that sounds, our moms would kill us.” Zoe chuckled as she imagined the two women storming the lobby to find them as they called out both their names.

“By the time we go back inside, they’ll have names picked out for our future kids,” Derek joked. “I’d rather stay out here with you.”

“Me, too.” She leaned against his shoulder. They swayed to the muffled music coming from inside. Zoe wasn’t ready to discuss how they’d handle their relationship once Derek returned to New York. His contract was technically fulfilled tonight.

“Mr. Perez wants me to make a speech later,” he said as he glanced at the glass doors.

“Then we should eat before you return to your duties. I’m starved.” Zoe studied the two plates that he’d loaded with food. “Look how adorable these tiny egg rolls are.”

She bit into the crispy outer wrapper and murmured in appreciation. They were almost as good as the ones from her parents’ restaurant. Almost.

“I have news,” Derek blurted.

His cheeks were flushed, but it wasn’t due to nervousness or anxiety. He had a little bounce of excitement. It didn’t feel like bad news.

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