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“You wanna tell me the truth this time?”
“Nope,” I say, leaning into him.
“So, is this about the fact that some of the things from your childhood home just left, or is it because they mentioned Serena?”
I smile. He knows me so well. At least he’s given me a chance to take the high road on this one. I decide to be honest with him. “Both.”
He sighs. “Do you want to talk about either of those things?”
“Not really. We could have sex instead.”
I can feel him smirking when he kisses the top of my head. “I’m going to hate myself for saying this, but we should talk about it and not ignore it.”
“You’re turning into a woman,” I tease him again, hoping he’ll drop it. “The old Derek would have said that he’d rather have sex instead of talking.”
“So, you think the old Derek only had sex with women? Maybe I did talk to some of them.”
I snort. “Sure, you did, baby.”
“Well, I would have at least offered, same as I just did with you.”
I knew I was right. “I don’t want to talk, Derek. I just want to stand here with you and stare out at the ocean.”
“It’s a beautiful view,” he tells me.
I look over, and of course, he’s staring at me. “That’s a bit cliché.” But I love that he said it at all.
“It’s what I do. Turn beautiful women into putty in my hands.”
“You’re so cocky.” I can imagine the look on his face, and it makes me feel weak.
“I know you don’t want to talk about it, so I’m going to let it slide. I know part of it is because of what’s happening with your dad, but we should talk about Serena. I don’t want it to fester.”
“You’re sweet. There’s nothing to talk about. It bugs me like a lot of things lately, but I’ll get over it.”
“I hate that you have to.”
“I hate a lot of things. But it’s okay. You’ll make it up to me later.” I bump my hip into his.
“Nice distraction. And yes, I will.”
“Don’t make me say any more. Just stand here with me for a bit.”
“Deal,” he says with a sigh.
I like that he doesn’t push. He just lets me be me. And right now, with everything that’s happening, I need that more than he knows.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Later that night, we’re sitting outside together. The deck has always been my favorite place at this house, and I feel like we’re losing it. I want to spend as much time out here as I possibly can. I have my bullet journal spread out in front of me, prepping for the upcoming week and also plotting out some videos I want to shoot.
Derek is still beside me, a notebook in front of him and his guitar in his lap. He’s been strumming away and mumbling. I’ve enjoyed hearing the beautiful chords he’s playing.
“Are you over there changing genres?” I ask. “The guys will be none too pleased to hear you’ll be playing softer music now.”
I catch him smiling at me from under his ball cap. Ever since the moving guys recognized him, he’s been wearing the ball cap outside like it’s his job. Anything to keep from being recognized. I don’t mind it, though; I wouldn’t want word getting out of where he is and risk someone else bringing up her name.
“Nah, just writing one little slower song. But the rest of what I’m writing will sound different with the boys. What are you up to over there?”
