by E. L. Todd
“I don’t have anything to wear.”
“I have clothes,” he said. “Or you could wear nothing…”
“Nice try,” she said.
He smiled. “You can’t blame me.” He moved off her then opened his drawer. He grabbed a shirt and some shorts.
“Just the shirt,” she said.
He tossed it to her.
She stood up and turned her back to him. She pulled her dress off and stood naked in his room. Derek stared at her, his eyes taking her in. Her body was smooth and all curves. She pulled the shirt over her head, hiding her goodies.
Derek sighed, knowing how hard this was going to be for him. He wanted to make love to her more than anything. Imaging how it would feel made his mind boggle.
“What are you thinking about?” she asked.
“Huh?”
“I know you’re thinking something naughty. You always make the same face.”
“I—I was thinking about making love to you.”
“And?”
“How it would feel.”
“I haven’t seen you,” she said.
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve seen my goodies. Now show me yours.”
He eyed her chest. “I haven’t seen them all.”
“I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”
He took off his shirt and pulled off his jeans. “Maybe another time.”
She pouted her lips.
“I’m about to sleep with you. That’s all we she should be doing.”
She sighed then pulled back the covers, getting inside. “You sheets are so soft.”
“My sister picked them out.”
He lied beside her and she hooked her arm around his waist. Derek held her close to him then moved his fingers through her hair, touching each strand. He was tired, but not tired enough to go to sleep. He would rather stare at the woman beside him. She was beautiful, perfect. It was weird how his perspective on everything changed as soon as he saw her. The things he cared about diminished in importance. He didn’t put himself first, wondering what he should do to make himself happy. Now all he thought about was Paola, how to make her smile, make her laugh. She was everything to him. He thought Thatcher and Nancy happened too quickly but now he understood completely. The person he was meant to be with was right beside him. Like a bolt of lightning she hit the earth, shaking the ground below his feet. She electrified him, made him sizzle. And she left a permanent mark.
13
Derek and Paola went surfing together the next morning. Thatcher still met Derek at the usual time, but he kept his distance. Derek fulfilled his promise to Nancy and watched Thatcher as much as possible, but a lot of his attention was taken by Paola.
She moved through the water with such grace and skill that it shocked him. Everything she did was precise and methodological. It seemed like her body was better suited to water than land. Her hair moved around her shoulders as she owned the board, reminding him of a mermaid. He’d never known a woman so strong and confident. She could command the waves like a Greek goddess. Derek spent most of his time watching her instead of riding his board. When they were done, they went their separate ways.
“You’ll join me for lunch?” he asked as he walked her to her car.
“I’ll be there.”
“Good,” he said with a smile. He grabbed her face and kissed her, letting his lips say what he could not. “I can’t wait to see you.” He opened the door for her and helped her get inside. Derek waited until she left the parking lot before he moved toward his truck.
“Wow.”
Derek turned to Thatcher. “What?”
“You’re a new man.”
He shrugged. “It seems that way.”
Thatcher patted him on the shoulder. “I’m very happy for you. I can tell she’s the one.”
“Really?”
“When you know, you know. And I can tell that you definitely know.”
“I hope she feels the same way.”
“She does.”
“You think?”
He nodded. “Nancy tried to act like she didn’t, like she wasn’t madly in love with me, but I could see through it easily. Paola is the same way. It’s a done deal.”
“I’m happier than I ever thought I could be.”
“You deserve it.” He turned to his truck then left.
Derek went home before he got ready for the day. His sister was still asleep in the spare bedroom. He hadn’t talked to her since the evening before. He couldn’t hide the disappointment he felt toward his sister. Ryder was ruining her life. It broke Derek’s heart.
When he went to school, he could barely concentrate. All he could think about was Paola, her smile, her kiss. When they slept together last night, he woke up early just so he could watch her sleep. He’d never done that before.
And he made her breakfast. An egg omelet with orange juice. He grabbed two mugs of coffee and they drank it on the way to the beach. He loved having a girlfriend, someone to take care of and cherish. When he remembered how he treated Nancy, arguing with her all the time or checking out other girls, he didn’t recognize himself.
When he was walking through the hallway, he ran into Bree.
“Hey stranger,” she said as she smiled at him.
“Hey.” He kept walking.
“Whoa,” she said. “Are you in a hurry?”
“I’m headed to lunch.”
“So, I heard you and Nancy broke up.”
“Yeah, a while ago. That’s old news,” he said.
“So, you’re single, then?”
“No,” he said quickly.
“Oh. Well, I like cheating sex better anyway. It’s just more fun.”
Derek looked away. Bree was the girl he slept with after the competition. He avoided her since that night, for obvious reasons. “I’m not like that anymore.”
She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. I’m horny and you’re good in bed. Come over tonight.”
“No,” he said firmly. “It’s never going to happen between us, whether I’m single or not.”
“Be real, Derek,” she said with a laugh.
“I am,” he snapped. “I have a girlfriend and I’m happy. You’re beautiful, Bree. You’ll find someone else to fulfill your needs.” He turned away before she could slip in another word. He headed to the cafeteria and joined his friends.
“Someone is in a good mood,” Coen said as he ate his salad.
Henry smiled. “He got laid.”
“Nope,” Derek said. “Even better.”
Coen raised an eyebrow. “What could be better than that?”
“Paola spent the night,” Derek answered.
“Awe,” Sydney said. “That’s so cute.”
Derek smiled. “I made her dinner and dessert then we went in my room.”
“Did you get any?” Coen asked.
Sydney elbowed him. “Coen!”
“What?” he said. “We’re best friends and tell each other everything. I know for a fact that you told everyone about our first time together. So don’t pull shit that with me.”
“But I volunteered that information,” Sydney said. “No one asked.”
Ren rolled her eyes. “Are we going to hear about the good stuff or not?”
Derek leaned back in his chair. “I kissed her and went down on her.”
“That’s it?” Coen asked. “She didn’t…reciprocate?”
“I didn’t want her to,” Derek said. “I just loved—doing it. I liked pleasing her.”
“You didn’t get off?” Coen asked.
“No, I did,” Derek said. “I used her underwear.”
Henry nodded. “Nice.”
Ren smiled at him.
Derek assumed it was something between them.
“So you’re officially together?” Sydney asked.
“No,” he said with a sigh. “But we’re getting there. I’m ready for a relationship but she says she isn’t. I have a feeling it has something to d
o with Vince.”
“Her ex?” Coen asked.
“Yeah,” Derek said sadly.
“Don’t worry about him,” Coen said. “Just keep this up and she’ll be ready.”
“She’s having lunch with us today,” Derek said. “So be on your best behavior.” He glared at everyone.
“What?” Sydney said. “We’re always on our best behavior.”
“Yeah,” Ren said.
Derek looked at them. “Don’t say how hot she is or you would tap her or something.”
Sydney rolled her eyes. “We would never say that.”
Coen looked at her.
“To her face,” Sydney added.
Derek looked to the left. “She’s coming. Be cool.”
“We are cool,” Sydney hissed.
“Baby, shut up,” Coen said.
Sydney glared at him.
Coen grabbed her face and kissed her, making her melt.
Derek and Henry rolled their eyes at the same time.
“Hey,” Paola said when she reached their table.
Derek stood up and put his arm around her. “How are you?”
“Good. How are you?”
“Terrific.” He leaned in and kissed her gently. She was wearing shorts and a blue top, brightening her eyes. “You look beautiful today.”
“Thanks.”
He pulled out her chair. “Take a seat.”
She sat down then looked at everyone. “Hi. I’m Paola.”
His friends introduced themselves.
“So you two are newlyweds?” Paola asked Coen and Sydney.
“Derek is an awesome guy,” Sydney blurted. “If I wasn’t married, I’d go for him in a heartbeat.”
The table became awkward. Derek covered his face, embarrassed at her obvious attempt to talk him up.
Coen looked at her. “Baby, just chill.” He turned back to Paola. “We got married a few months ago. Right now I can’t remember why.”
She hit him lightly on the shoulder. “I can beat you up.”
“I’d like to see you try. I’d rip off your panties and fuck you on the floor before you could make the first move.”
Derek covered his face again. “Ignore them,” he whispered.
“So, what’s your major?” Ren asked.
Derek was relieved by the normal question.
“Economics,” Paola answered. “But I’m applying to medical school.”
“I thought you were going to pursue surfing?” Derek asked.
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I still have to think about it.”
“What’s there to think about? You’re awesome, baby.”
Paola smiled at him. “We’ll talk about this later.”
He put his arm around her shoulder and moved closer to her.
Henry watched them. “I’m an English major and I love it. I write for the paper.”
“Cool,” she said. “I’ve always been a horrible writer. I prefer numbers.”
“Do you invest in stock?” Coen asked.
“I would if I had any money,” she said with a light laugh.
“That reminds me,” Derek said. He pulled out his wallet and handed her the check.
She stared at it. “Derek, I—I don’t know.”
“I want you to have it.”
She sighed. “We’ll talk about this later.”
He took the check back and returned it to his wallet.
His friends didn’t comment on the odd exchange.
“Ren and I are going shopping tomorrow. You want to come?” Sydney asked.
“Sure…” Paola said. “I don’t shop very often.”
“I don’t either,” Sydney said. “But I have holes in all my clothes and my underwear are ripped to shreds. Coen is making me go.”
Coen nodded. “She has a shirt with thirteen holes. I counted.”
“I just hate shopping,” Sydney said. “I’m terrible at it.”
Ren shrugged. “I like it. I’ll help you pick something out.”
“Thank you,” Sydney said.
“Slutty lingerie,” Coen whispered.
Sydney rolled her eyes. “Excuse my husband.”
Paola laughed. “It’s fine. It’s cute, actually.”
Coen smiled triumphantly.
Henry leaned toward her. “And help Ren pick out some slutty lingerie too.”
Sydney sighed. “Why don’t you two just go shopping together?”
Coen grimaced. “No.”
Henry leaned back. “I’ll pass…”
Paola laughed. “You guys are funny.”
“They are a nice break from my sister, huh?” Derek said.
“What’d she do now?” Coen asked.
Derek told them the story.
Henry shook his head. “I would rip the guy’s head off.”
“That’s exactly how I feel,” Derek said. “Now that my dad is gone, I feel like it’s my responsibility to clean up her act. But it’s hard. She doesn’t listen to me.”
Henry nodded. “That must be hard.”
Derek shook his head. “Anyway, I didn’t mean to damper lunch.” He turned to Paola. “What would you like to eat? A salad?”
“I can get it, Derek.”
“No,” he said as he kissed her. “Stay here.” He left and grabbed their lunch and returned with the trays. He set hers down in front of her then looked at the surprised expression on her face.
Coen winked at him, and Henry nodded.
“Is that okay?” Derek asked Paola.
“It looks great,” she said.
“Hey,” Andre said as he came over.
“Hey,” everyone said.
Andre looked at Paola. “Damn, who’s that? She can’t be with Derek. She’s too sexy.”
Paola blushed.
“He’s gay,” Derek said quickly.
“So?” Andre said. “She’s still hot. If I were straight, I’d buy you a drink.”
“That’s a nice compliment coming from a gay man,” Paola said.
“Just be glad you aren’t hideous like my sister.” Andre nodded to Ren.
“Hey!” Ren said. “I’m not ugly.”
“You look like a boy,” he said.
Paola laughed. “They remind me of me and my brother.”
“But I doubt he thinks you look like a man,” Derek said.
“He used to tell me I was ugly all the time,” she said with a laugh.
“Well, he was lying,” Derek said. “He just wanted you to have low self-esteem so you’d keep your legs closed.”
“Well, I didn’t keep them closed last night,” she whispered.
“Or tonight,” he added.
She smiled at him.
“Um, we can hear you…” Henry said.
Derek shrugged. “I like eating pussy. What can I say?”
“You said that was gross,” Coen said.
“Paola’s different.”
Paola avoided everyone’s gaze and ate her salad.
“Let’s stop talking about that,” Sydney said, glaring at Coen.
“One more,” Coen said. “So, you tossed her salad?”
Derek rolled his eyes. “Very funny,” he said sarcastically. He turned to Paola. “I’m sorry I embarrassed you.”
“It’s okay,” she said. “I can tell you are all very close.”
“We’re almost dysfunctional,” Sydney said.
“Almost?” Henry asked.
Paola finished her lunch. “I should get to class.”
“I’ll walk you,” Derek said.
“It’s okay, Derek. I’ll see you later.”
He grabbed her and sealed his mouth over hers, kissing her passionately in front of his friends. She kissed him back until she broke away.
“Can I take you out to dinner tonight?”
“Sure,” she said.
“I’ll call you.”
She smiled at everyone. “It was nice meeting you.”
“We’ll see you tomorrow,” Sydney said.
> Paola turned and left.
Derek stared at her ass the entire time. When he looked at Coen, he saw a weird expression on his face. “What?”
“She looks really familiar.”
Derek felt his heart drop.
“Yeah,” Henry said. “I thought the same thing.”
Derek felt himself panic. “There are pictures of her from the competition and she’s in the science building a lot. You’ve just seen her before.”
Coen crossed his arms over his chest. “No…”
Henry rubbed his chin.
Derek prayed they didn’t figure it out. The last thing he wanted was for his guy friends to look at nearly naked pictures of his girlfriend, and more importantly, he knew how ashamed Paola would be. He hoped they never figured it out.
14
Derek showered and got dressed, excited to see Paola. He was taking her to a restaurant on the coast and he already made the reservations. When he left his room, his sister was sitting on the couch.
“How was work?” he asked.
She shrugged. “It was slow. I didn’t make much in tips.”
“Get a second job. Or a better one.”
“You know how hard it is to find work on the island.”
“Making excuses won’t change anything,” Derek said.
She avoided his gaze and looked at the television. “When did you and Paola get together?”
“A few weeks ago.”
“I don’t remember that.”
“I don’t tell you every detail of my life,” he said. “We went to that surfing competition in California. One thing led to another and we just ended up together.”
“It seems like you really like her.”
“That’s an understatement,” he said.
“She’s beautiful.”
“And sweet and smart.”
“So, did you win?”
“She and I both won.”
“It sounds like you’re meant for each other.”
He nodded. “That’s how I feel.”
She smiled. “My brother has finally settled down.”
“I hope so. I really want her to stick around.”
“She will,” Cheyenne said. “She really likes you. A girl wouldn’t put up with me and our family drama if she didn’t.”
“You are a lot to handle.”
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “How much did you win?”
“20k.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah, I’m a badass.”
