The Beginning of Us (292 page)

I feel a sense of compassion and aggression coming from Derrick, but I know he’s doing this because he cares about Char.

"Derrick, I can promise you right now it’s not my intention to hurt her. I think, no I know I like her, a lot. I want to give it a chance and see where it may go. For all I know, she may not even be interested in me."

I can feel my palms begin to sweat and my heart rate increasing. Derrick looks up from his beer bottle and gives me some intense eye contact.

"I can tell you now she will be more than willing. But I will say that if you do anything, and I mean anything to hurt her you will have a problem on your hands." Derrick says with pure anger stemming from his voice.

I’m so relieved he didn’t just take a swing at me and that he’s allowing me to pursue Char. I honestly feel as if I could get up and do a happy dance through the pub.

"I just have one piece of advice for you. Take it slow with her. She’s been hurt in the past and ever since she has consumed her life doing everything she can to keep me happy while her sister is discovering herself."

"Fair enough" I tell him with a huge grin across my face.

"Alright, enough of this mushy shit, let’s celebrate your new job."

"I'll drink to that."

Derrick and I have dinner, a few more beers and decide to call it a night. Tomorrow we’ll be going out on his boat sailing, so we figure we could use an early night to rest.

Derrick inviting me to come on the boat with him and Char today made my day. After our conversation at the pub last night, I thought things were ok between us, but one can never be too sure.

As soon as I woke up this morning, I was so eager to spend the day with Char. Derrick mentioned that he was certain she’d be willing to give us a chance, but I wasn’t sure what that might mean. All I know is that I want to take this slow and see where it goes.

I grab myself a quick shower and dress in a tee-shirt and my favorite swim trunks. As soon as I pack a bag, I make my way downstairs.

I hear Derrick in the kitchen pacing so I decide to check out what is going on to set him off this early. He’s is a bit worried that Char isn’t here and that it’s unlike her to ever be late. Before he freaks out on me, I suggest he give her cell a call before jumping to any conclusions.

Derrick heads out onto the deck with his coffee in hand and I can hear his voice talking to Char. A sense of relief overcomes me that she is ok.

"She’s good to go and will be here in 30 minutes. I told her if she’s a minute late we are leaving her ass. Too bad she called my bluff because she knows I’d never do that, she’s bringing the drinks and food."

"She is one smart girl." I say with a nod.

"Yea, she’s too smart for her own good. We need to be wary of those Taylor girls." He says and gives me a high five.

Wow, I guess I do have his blessing after all. Holy shit!

I pour myself a cup of coffee and take Manny for a walk around the block. Derrick said I could bring him with us today but I’d rather not risk a bulldog going overboard.

As I get back into the house, I hear Derrick call me to say Char just pulled into the driveway. Ok man it’s go time; let’s show Char how charming we can be and watch the sparks fly.

I walk out the front door shortly after Derrick and I see him hugging Char while she apologizes for being so late.

She really is quite cute.

I make my way over to her and she wraps her arm around my waist for a quick hug. She smells amazing and her cute shorts and tank make her look all set to go sailing. She has her wavy dark hair pulled back in a pony tail and instantly I feel the need to pull on it and take her back inside and up to my room.

Then I hear her say something about taking her top off for us so that we can enjoy the beautiful day and I almost bust a load in my pants. Damn it, I need to sit my ass in the Jeep before she notices how happy I really am to see her.

Lucky for me I call the passenger seat and Char and I chit chat the whole way to the marina.

Chapter 8

CHAR

The boys help me get the stuff out of the back of the Jeep and I grab my purse and bag. I ask them to tote the cooler because it got heavy after I added in the beers, bottles of water, sandwiches, and snacks. Because they are carrying it to the boat, I promise I will haul it back at the end of the day.

Once we are on the boat, the three of us get everything situated and Derrick gets into captain mode. The sailboat isn't anything luxurious, but it’s his pride and joy. He’s spent a lot time on this thing with Chloe. I’m glad I get the chance to have fun with him and Riley on it today.

As we start to float away from the docks, I grab the sun tan lotion from my bag and begin to rub it on. I’m lucky I have my dad's skin tone so I don't burn as bad as Mom and Chloe, but being out on the water I don't want to take any chances.

I see Riley watching me from the corner of my eye so I get up from my seat and walk over to him. Derrick shifts the boat just enough for me to lose my grace and I trip and fall toward Riley.

He must have seen it coming because in no time he’s coming to my rescue and helping to catch me before I tumble flat on my face.

"Oh my god thanks Riley. I’m not typically a klutz, but apparently I should remain in my seat while Derrick is navigating through the marina." I say with a nervous giggle.

Shit I’m so embarrassed, what a great way to start the day.

"No problem Char, I’m a little taken back that you’re falling for me so soon. I mean it’s only our second date."

"Oh well it’s actually our fourth if you count the mini-mart and my dad's office." I add with a flirtatious grin.

He sets me back on my feet and my body immediately misses the connection to his arms and hands. I’m not sure if he recognizes or can feel this connection, but as I look up into his eyes I have the urge to plant my lips directly against his.

The moment is broken when Derrick calls for Riley to help him at the front of the boat. With the commotion of me falling into Riley, I completely missed that the boat is out of the marina and floating into the grand ole lake.

The view from here is beautiful and I’m grateful for the scenery because I need something to take my mind off of Riley. I carefully get up and move back to the other side of the boat. I dig into my bag and pull out my phone. I figure I might as well snap some pictures of today to remember this excursion.

I took a decent amount of snapshots and post a few to my Facebook wall. I decide to take one of Derrick lifting the sails, he’s so peaceful and in his element. I pull up the picture and inspect it. He looks so young, happy, and carefree for an attorney. I mean he’s only 26, which is not old, but still he could pass for younger. After typing in a message, I send the picture off to Chloe.

Today was fun and I’m so glad I decided to take Derrick up on his offer. I was able to see Derrick and Riley interact as friends and I’m glad he has someone else in his life he can count on to be there for him and hang out.

Throughout the entire day Riley and I have stolen glances, purposefully bumped into one another, and quietly exchanged flirtatious comments. It was great to have this time together, but I want to get him alone. I want to get to know him better without any distractions or watchful eyes. I just need to figure out a way to do this without coming across as being too forward or easy.

RILEY

I didn't think I’d have this much fun before the day even began, but it honestly is exceeding my expectations. Once we hit the marina and Derrick pulled us out of the slot, we are well on our way to having a good time.

As we are moving our way out of the marina and into the open lake, Char demonstrates her grace by tripping and falling into my lap. Having her in my arms sends chills throughout my body and as soon as I put her back on her two-feet I can feel the emptiness in her absence.

For a brief second I feel the need to have her body up against mine and my lips connected to hers. And then the voice of Derrick breaks through my trance.

"Damn it to hell Derrick." I say as I approach him at the front of the boat.

"What the hell did I do?" He asks with a sly look on his face.

"Nothing, don't worry about it. Just keep your voice down and forget I said anything."

"Ok Romeo, maybe next time I won't ruin the moment." He says with a laugh and smacks his hand against my back.

"Jackass, don't get pissed if I don't stay at home tonight and be sure to let Manny out for me."

"Ok funny guy, don't give me the details and I’ll let you survive."

"Deal!" I shout.

With that I help him lift the sails.

For the rest of the day the three of us talk, joke around, and eat the delicious lunch Char packed. There were so many moments I wanted to pull her against me and just hold her as we sailed through the lake. Because I wasn't able to get time alone, I did take every opportunity to catch her glances, flirt with her through whispered conversation, and touch her every chance I got.

Before I knew it the sun was beginning to set and it was time to take the boat back to the marina. I help Derrick bring down the sails and aid Char with the last-minute cleanup.

Once we are back and the dock is secure, I guide Char off the boat.

I was beginning to hate the fact that the day was over. It was crazy that I didn't want to go home; instead I wanted to spend the rest of the night with Char. I just wasn't sure how to approach the conversation without being presumptuous.

While Char carries her bag and purse up to the parking lot, I grab the trash off the boat and put it in the designated marina cans. Derrick was locking everything up when I walk back over to him. Without me even saying a thing he gives me a look and a pat on the back. It was as though he knew what I was feeling and thinking.

We head up to meet Char, the rest of our stuff in tow, and load up the Jeep. I offer to drive back to Derrick's house for her because she’s looking sleepy and thankfully she accepts.

The distance from the marina to Derrick's house is only a short trip, but in that time Char falls asleep. As we pull into the driveway Derrick gets out and grabs his bags. He asks me to get out of the driver's seat and slides into my place.

I wasn't sure what the hell he was doing, but within a few moments he was hopping back out and directing me to get back in while quietly shutting the door.

"I entered her address in the navigation; just take care of our girl. If you need a way home call my cell and I’ll come get you."

I think my mouth drops open, I’m in a bit of shock. He’s telling me to take her home and spend the night. I didn't know what to say.

"Thanks man, you know I will." I reply.

I back her Jeep out of the drive and head over to Char's apartment

Chapter 9

CHAR

"Wake up Char, you’re home. Come on babe, I don't know which place is yours so I can't carry you up to your apartment."

I hear his sweet raspy voice and smell his cool minty breath, but I don't want him to know I’m awake yet. I’m enjoying the direct attention he’s giving me. Honestly I’m too scared to wake up thinking he’ll call Derrick to come get him. I want him to stay with me tonight.

I hope that I’ve learned from my past mistakes, even though everyone says it wasn't my fault. But still I want to avoid heartbreak at all costs.

I never wanted someone this badly...ever. I want to be with this man and I don't want anything to ruin it.

The driver's side door opens and he tries to close it as quietly as possible. I peek out of my left eye to see what he is doing; his figure walks across the front of the Jeep toward the direction of the passenger's side.

Quickly I shut my eyes and move so it looks like the door closing is beginning to wake me. He opens the passenger side door and puts his one arm underneath my legs and the other behind my back. With little effort he lifts me from the Jeep and carries me toward my apartment.

How does he know which one is mine?

I continue to play as if I’m sleeping and nuzzle my forehead into his neck. He smells like the lake, sweat, and his amazing cologne. I’m so tempted to lick him that my body begins to tremble.

I open both my eyes and see two strong arms holding me. Riley is physically fit and I can start to see more of his tattoos peeking out from under his shirt.

God, what I wouldn't give to see this man without his shirt on and trace those tattoos from start to finish.

We stop moving and I notice that Riley is standing in front of my door. What is he doing? Oh shit! He needs the key to get in and he’s trying so hard not to wake me. God this man is too good.

I’m beginning to feel bad and the guilt is fighting with my brain to wake up or stay asleep. Damn it, my guilt won!!

"Riley?" I say.

"Yea babe?" He whispers back to me.

"I'm awake; you can put me down now so I can let us into my apartment."

"Ok, Char. Are you okay to stand?"

"Yep."

His voice continues to send shivers through my body as he sets me on two feet so I can stand. For a moment I feel as if I’ll collapse, but I just told Riley I was ok to stand. I take control over of my body and stand tall. I gaze up to Riley to see him watching me.