Page 120 of Something Cheeky

“I love the way you found your voice this morning,” she panted. “I promise to never give you ultimatums again.”

“You won’t have to because I’m never keeping secrets from you again.” He nibbled her neck as she bucked into his hand.

“I love you, Derek,” she cried hoarsely. “Now fuck me.”

“As you wish.”

He quickly ditched his boxers and grabbed a condom from his wallet to slide onto his cock. She smiled hungrily at his hard-on before meeting his eyes in the mirror. Derek gently bent her over the vanity table but tapped her chin to remind her to keep her eyes open. He groaned as he slid into her.

“How have I missed thee? I’ve missed your cock.” Zoe’s laughturned into a grunt as he thrust into her. She held on to the table as their bodies reunited again and again. Her eyes threatened to roll back but she’d promised him to keep her eyes on the mirror.

Derek’s eyes bore into hers in the mirror. Together, they watched as the other came and shattered into a million pieces. Zoe knew that he’d always be there to hold her up. And her him.

Chapter 51

Zoe washed her hands and straightened the neckline on her dress. She could spare a few seconds for a quick check in the bathroom mirror before heading out to the opening-night reception. The actors had received a five-minute-long standing ovation at curtain call, which had given her a chance to beat the crowd to the bathroom. Downing a large iced coffee to calm her nerves before the show had been a mistake.

“Excuse me,” a petite Asian woman a couple of sinks down asked. She was wearing what had to be a custom dress, because it fit her perfectly. “Are you Zoe Tran, the costume designer?”

“Yes, I am,” Zoe said proudly. This was the first stranger who’d recognized her from the program.

“Is that your design, too?” She gestured to Zoe’s deep purple satin dress. “It’s stunning.”

Zoe nodded. She’d kept the classic áo dài silhouette, but she’d skipped the high collar. She’d draped the fabric to create a dramatic asymmetrical off-the-shoulder neckline. Underneath she wore matching straight-legged satin pants pressed with a sharp crease.

“It’s my take on a modern áo dài. I didn’t catch your name.”

“I’m Lan Hoang.” She shook Zoe’s hand. “I’m a stylist and have some high-profile clients who would love your work. I know Kelly Marie would love your designs.”

Zoe’s mouth dropped.

“As intheKelly Marie Tran?”

Lan winked. “And many others.”

“Wow. That would be amazing.” Zoe tried to play it cool but a giant grin spread across her face.

“Can I see your phone?” She tapped on Zoe’s phone and then Lan’s phone vibrated. “There. Now we have each other’s numbers. I’ll reach out to you next week.”

“I look forward to it,” Zoe said calmly, even though she wanted to jump up and down in excitement.

“I’ll see you at the reception.” She nodded and exited Zoe’s life as quickly as she’d entered it.

If Lan’s confident stride in the three-inch heels was any indication of the woman’s ambition, Zoe would be foolish to pass up this opportunity. She couldn’t wait to find Derek to share the good news.

An impromptu receiving line had formed next to the lobby bar. Derek grinned ear-to-ear as people shuffled through to offer their congratulations. Zoe could tell that Derek’s eyes were beginning to glaze over and a tick was starting in his cheek from smiling too long.

“Excuse me,” Zoe interrupted as she sidled up to Derek. She batted her eyes at the gray-haired man still shaking Derek’s hand. “I need to borrow Mr. Director for a bit.”

“Apologies. Please enjoy the opening reception and bar.” Derek bowed and waved his arm toward the bar.

“I needed a break. Thank you,” he whispered in relief as she tucked her arm into his elbow and led him toward a quiet corner of the lobby.

She grabbed two glasses of champagne off a tray from the nearest waitstaff. The caterer had transformed the large atrium with several stations of tiny hors d’oeuvres and desserts. All Vietnamese-inspired, obviously.

“Once again, I’m here to save my damsel in distress,” she teased.

“I could’ve stepped away whenever I wanted.” Derek pressed his lips together and shook his head. “Yeah, you saved me lots of small talk.”

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