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When Dereck finally came thrashing through the glass double doors, he was wearing dark trousers with a beige undershirt and tan jacket. His hair was slicked backward, the first time Alina had seen them in this state. She smiled, knowing that Dereck had put in some effort for their date. He even groomed the hair on his face.
“Sorry, I’m late,” he said breathlessly. “A bad first impression I know, but it couldn’t be helped. I will make it up to you.” Then he looked her in the eyes. “Promise.”
Alina followed Dereck into the main part of the arena where John Legend was belching out vocals. It was hard navigating through the rowdy crowd, but the world seemed to pause when Dereck held her hand. It was warm to her touch and dispersed a sensation throughout her body. The unfamiliar reaction this man had on her body begged her to retreat. It was what she did when relationships got too intense, but Alina didn’t want to do this with him. Not with Dereck.
He smiled at her and the hairs on her skin stood straight up.
“Are you okay?” Dereck asked, staring down at Alina with a beat in his heart. He knew she was beautiful, but in that outfit, she was simply perfection.
“I’m alright,” her red lips smiled at him. “Better than alright.”
The concert was as expected of a John Legend show, filled with powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Alina and Dereck remained side by side as they strolled back to her apartment. They had gone for a stroll in the early morning air afterward, where Dereck offered the jacket Alina now had draped around her shoulders.
“Well, here we are,” he said.
“Here we are.” Alina stood facing Dereck with her back against her apartment door.
“Sorry again about today,” Dereck hung his head low. “Someone filed a complaint against me and they’re very influential, so my bosses are taking it seriously.” He sighed. “I was late today because my boss wanted to have a meeting.”
Alina swallowed hard, remembering the letter she had written after their encounter at the hospital. She had originally written the letter as a means to vent, but in her anger, she sent it to the hospital. Now her actions had come back to haunt her.
“Did they say who sent the letter?” One side of her cheek was raised and a bit flushed.
“No,” he said. “They don’t want to disclose that information. Meanwhile, I’m being accused without a chance to defend myself.” His hands folded into a fist.
“I’m sure everything would work out. That person was probably just mistaken,” Alina said, her eyes slightly twitching.
Dereck breath out heavily, “I hope so,” he said.
Alina took his hand in hers. “Trust me on this. That complaint will work itself out.”
Dereck smiled with his eyes right before he pressed his lips to Alina’s. Her lips were moist and soft. He had only meant the kiss to be a simple goodbye affection, but as soon as his lips touched hers, she grabbed onto him, demanding more.
Alina’s aggression left Dereck wanting more than was offered. That was the main reason his hands slid up her exposed leg.
“Do you want to come in?” she asked when their kiss finally broke.
“Maybe next time,” Dereck responded as he tried to move away from the hug.
Dereck looked down on Alina, his hands still on her waist, her lips swollen from their kiss.
“Are you sure?” a slight smile curved her lips.
“Yes, I’m sure,” he said and uttered, “have a good night, Alina.” As he attempted to go down the steps in front of Alina’s apartment building.
Though Alina was certain where she wanted the night to lead, Dereck wasn’t. Alina was the first woman he had gone out with in a long time, and he wanted to take his time getting to know her. That was the main reason he had let, even though he wanted to stay. Alina was giving him all kinds of signals that she wanted to sleep with him. She may not have realized it since it was subtle when they kissed. However, Dereck chose to walk away. He wanted her level-headed and not consumed with drinks when he had her.
He was still contemplating when all of a sudden Alina grabbed his hand, unlocked her door, and guided him into her apartment. Then her face went red. “Don’t mind the mess. I have a deadline and I can’t seem to finish the final paintings for my exhibition. So,” she scanned the area. “My apartment is paying for it.”
Alina was expecting Dereck to make a speedy escape, or at least embarrass her with a snappy comment, but instead, he said, “I actually feel so much better now.” Alina tilted her head at his comment before he continued. “You can’t say anything when you see mine.” He chuckled and the tension in her jaw relaxed.
“Would you like something to drink?” Alina made a beeline for her kitchen. “I’m afraid I have no beer, just wine.” She held up a bottle of her favorite red and dangled it in the air.
“Wine is perfect,” Dereck said, still standing around.
Alina guided him over to the sitting room with the bottle and two glasses in her hand. She rested them on the coffee table before clearing a couch.
“Did you do that?” Dereck asked, referring to the painting on the far wall. It was of a man and woman cuddled together in an embrace. Her body arched, exposing her neck, and Dereck leaned in for a kiss.
