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Thank god the song is a ballad. Otherwise, our proximity would raise the eyebrows of everyone in the room. As it is, I can sense my parents’ attention. More specifically, I can sense my dad’s disapproval. I’d looked in his direction earlier, and I saw his narrowed eyes and displeased frown across the dance floor. I’ve made a point not to look again.
Dad can think what he wants. I’m a grown woman. If I want to dance pressed against my childhood love at his sister’s wedding, then that’s what I’ll do. It’s likely the closest we’re going to get tonight, and I’m determined to enjoy it. It’s likely going to be the inspiration for my next ten years of daydreams. I can almost imagine Derek wants me as much as I want him.
The song slowly fades as the DJ transitions into a more upbeat track.
I take a reluctant step back, but Derek’s fingers press into my hips, holding me in place.
My heart stutters as he leans down. His lips brush the shell of my ear when he whispers, “Come back to my room with me, Liv.”
What?!
My pulse quickens. I think I’m imagining things. I lean back and look stare into his dark blue eyes, and I’m shocked by the depth of desire swimming in his gaze. Immediately, every fantasy I’ve ever had about sleeping with Derek plays in my mind like a prophecy of what’s to come.
Knowing there can be no other answer—that I would never forgive myself if I let this opportunity pass me by—I slide myhands down his chest until our hands meet. I lace our fingers together and whisper back, “Let’s go.”
CHAPTER 11
PRESENT DAY
Olivia
The drive to Barton Ridge,the luxurious neighborhood just outside Ann Arbor, is peaceful on Sunday morning. Or it would be if I weren’t still thinking about Friday night over and over again. I don’t know if Derek was going to kiss me in the car. I mean, it sure seemed like it. And I can’t deny how the idea excited me… until I remembered he’d been drinking. The realization had felt like a bucket of ice water poured over my desire.
No matter how I feel about Derek, I refuse to let myself be the girl he only kisses when he’s drunk. I deserve better.
But my heart still sinks when I think of what could’ve been if I’d just let him kiss me…
Ugh, I’m so pathetic.
I didn’t respond to Derek’s text yesterday when he let me know he got his dad’s truck back. Or the second one when thanked me again for buying the ice cream. I needed time to try and get my head straight about our situation, but there will be no avoiding him this morning.
I thought about calling Avery to tell her I couldn’t make brunch, but I chickened out. I didn’t want to lie about why I couldn’t come, and I also know I need to get over these hang-ups I have when it comes to Derek. He’s going to be in town for weeks. My parents have already mentioned inviting him over to dinner while he’s here. I need to figure out how to be around him without constantly daydreaming about what-ifs and could-have-beens.
At least, that’s what I tell myself as I pull into the driveway of the massive brick home situated on two acres of lush green grass with professionally maintained bushes and trees. Adam Moreno purchased this home for his new bride before they were even engaged. I don’t know all the details of their romance, but I do know Adam followed Avery to Ann Arbor following their breakup. He didn’t blink an eye at uprooting his life to accommodate hers. The Spanish billionaire only cared about being with Avery. Nothing else mattered.
It's a love story Avery Lawson, now Moreno, deserved, and I enjoy seeing how happy they are together. I wish I saw more of them. They have a home in Ann Arbor, but the two do a lot of traveling for Adam’s work at Moreno Masterpieces and also for Avery’s work as a public relations agent.
Since she opened her own business, Avery has signed several big-name clients. She often travels to join them on press tours, coach them on interviews, and whatever else representing them entails. All of the Lawson siblings have successful careers centered around their passions. It’s a great contrast to my stagnant career, and I silently curse Derek for pointing that out.
Until Friday night, I’d done a good job of ignoring how monotonous being the lab manager is. I love the lab, and I love the people I work with, but Derek’s right. I prefer to work with my hands—to be the one running experiments or even developing new testing protocols with the latest technology.Coordinating supply deliveries, work schedules, and other business necessities are important parts of running a lab, but it’s not what I want to do.
Now, I just need to figure out what to do with this realization. I don’t want to quit my job, but I don’t see how I’m going to be able to fulfill my desire to work as a scientist while also managing the lab.
I shove those questions aside for later. Now, I brace myself for a potentially awkward morning as I walk up the cobblestone pathway to the front door. Avery pulls it open before I have the chance to knock.
“Olivia! It’s so good to see you.” She wraps me in a hug—one I eagerly return. Avery is a twin, but she’s technically the oldest Lawson sibling, and she acts like it, too. Growing up, she was the protective and level-headed one, and she extended those traits to me as her pseudo-cousin. She and her twin, Heather, were popular in high school. Derek’s and my connection to them made us off-limits to the teasing we would’ve likely received for being the nerdy kids Freshman year. But if there was ever someone who dared make fun of us, Avery never hesitated to step in and tell them to knock it off. Much to Derek’s mortification.
“It’s nice to see you, too.” I smile warmly. “How’ve you been?”
“Great.” Avery beams. “Come on in. Let’s get you a drink.”
We step inside just as a loud engine rumbles down the street. We both pause in the entryway and turn to see Derek pulling Uncle Eric’s old truck into the driveway. He parks behind Carmelo and hops out of the car, looking far too handsome in loose basketball shorts and a tight white t-shirt that showcases the muscles he’s put on in adulthood.
“Derek.” Avery steps across the threshold to hug her brother when he’s in reach. “Come on in. Adam’s making mimosas.” Shespins on her heel and leads the way into the house. I hesitate near the entrance.
Derek closes the door. “Hey, Liv.”
“Hey.”
