Page 15 of Derek
I blink up at him and feel an overwhelming urge to snap at him, but I don’t. Instead, I smile brightly and cock my head to one side. “Anyone ever tell you that you have the attitude and personality of a chihuahua?”
“Pfft! Ha!” Atlas wheezes and doubles over. Looking less than amused, Derek grimaces before walking up to my wheelchair.
“Can you walk?” He mutters through gritted teeth, and I flush before shaking my head. I am not sure I even get a full head shake before Derek leans down, effortlessly lifts me from the chair, and places me into the passenger seat. I watch in stunned silence as he grabs the seatbelt and reaches over me to fasten it. The loud click causes my heart to flutter. His face is so close to mine. I can see the grey strands in his dark hair and beard. He has a small scar on the bottom corner of his lips, and my god, this man smells so good.
Derek pulls away without a second glance because, of course he does. He closes my door before walking over to a cackling Atlas and smacking him upside the head. He then turns and heads to the driver’s side door. Once he gets his large frame inside, he puts the vehicle in drive and speeds off.
So, funny thing about me, when I’m nervous, I talk... a lot. And apparently, today isn’t going to be the exception.
“So, have you seen any good movies?” He grunts in what I’m assuming is his response.
Undeterred, I continue my nervous chatter. “I know what you mean,” I laugh lightly. “I haven’t seen a good new movie in years. I prefer just to stream older stuff from the comfort of my own bed. Which… I guess I don’t have one currently. But that’s okay, I’ll get it figured out. It’s super sweet of you to offer me a place to stay, but I assure you that won’t be necessary. Once I can charge my phone, I’ll start–”
“My God, have you taken a breath yet?” He interrupts, causing me to jump in surprise.
“Sorry,” I wince as I pick imaginary lint off my clothes. “I’m a nervous talker.”
“Evidently.” He mutters as he pulls into the driveway of a beautiful brown brick rancher-style house.
“Is this your house?” I ask, taking in the lush green grass and perfectly manicured landscape.
“No,” he deadpans. “I’m dropping you off at a stranger’s house.”
“Okay, no need to be sassy,” I mutter, and Derek stops halfway out of his seat and looks at me.
“Did you just call me sassy?”
“Yes.” I shrug as I go to take off my seatbelt. “If you don’t like it, stop being so sassy.” Derek takes a slow, deep breath before getting out of the vehicle and walking to the front door to unlock it. He walks back and opens my door. I feel his arm go under my leg, and I go to grip his shoulder, only to find I can’t.
“Darn it, hang on a second,” I sigh in frustration.
“What is it?” He asks, his hand still gripping me. His face is so close to mine.
“My hand isn’t gripping, give me a second to–” Derek hoists me up before I can finish, securing me tightly to his chest, and walks into the house. I instantly notice the smell. It’s clean. Like not “fresh home clean,” it’s sterile clean. Looking around, I see he has no furniture besides a futon and a coffee table.
He sets me down gently on the futon. I’ve never seen him be so gentle. It’s sweet, and I realize he must be nervous. “Derek,” I say his name softly, and his breath catches.
“Yeah?” He swallows as he looks at me.
“You won’t break me.” I offer him a small smile, and I swear a light pink hue appears on his cheeks.
“I know, I just…” He releases me before standing up. “I don’t know if it hurts when I touch you.”
“Are you planning on touching me often, Derek?” I wink and yep, there’s the blush. I watch his eyes widen, and I’m about to give him a break when his phone rings.
“Excuse me.” He says as he grabs his phone and walks off. I look around the empty house and frown.
Did he just move in? I wince as I shift on the futon. Does he actually sit on this? It’s so uncomfortable.
Derek walks back into the room, and he looks overwhelmed. “Ren is going to bring over your stuff in about an hour. I don’t have furniture, but I went out last night and bought an air mattress for you for tonight and tomorrow; I’ll get you a real bed. Is there anything else you need? Maybe like a chair in the shower?”
“I…” I frown at his words. I don’t like them at all. They were genuine and nice, but it makes me feel like a burden, and I refuse to be a burden. I give him a soft smile. “Give me the weekend, and I’ll be out of your hair.”
“Stop.” He scowls. Well, he had already been scowling, so I guess he just became more scowly. “I have a whole unused space back there, and there is zero reason you can’t use it.”
“Well, I mean, we could start with the fact that you look like you’re being forced to smell dog poop,” I state slowly, crossing my arms. “And then there is me being a total crimp on your dating scene.”
“I don’t date.” He states, sounding more annoyed by the second. “Indy, I’m trying to help you out here.”
