Against the clock

40.

I leaned back, and there was this expression on his face I'd never seen before. 'Meredith,' he said, just staring at me. 'Is there really chocolate sauce in our room?' He seemed like he was struggling to get the words out. I couldn't help but laugh, 'nope.'

'Meredith, it's your turn to ask someone truth or dare,' Alex interrupted. I diverted my eyes from Derek, but he edged in closer, his arm finding its way back around my waist, and he nuzzled his face into my neck. A light giggle escape me as his lips brushed against my ear. Alex chimed in, teasing, 'Come on, Meredith or I'll do it for you.' Derek's arm tightened around my waist, adding a playful suspense to the moment. I hesitated, caught between the mischievous gaze of Alex and the intimate closeness of Derek. Before I could respond, Alex took charge, declaring, 'Alright then, Derek, truth or dare?'

Derek, sensing the playful tension, eased back a bit, his arm still wrapped around me. With a grin, he responded, 'Alright, hit me with a truth, Alex.' The room buzzed with anticipation, the air charged with the newfound energy of the game.

Alex leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. 'Alright, Derek, spill it. What's your honest opinion of Meredith here?' The room held a suspended moment as Derek's gaze shifted from Alex to me. He paused, and in that moment, I could feel my heart beating a little faster. 'Meredith is amazing,' Derek finally spoke, his voice filled with sincerity. 'She's strong, beautiful, and everything I- You know what? I'll give you a better answer tomorrow,' he added, looking at me, 'but right now, all I can think about is you sitting on my face with that chocolate.' The room erupted in laughter, and Alex, feigning shock, exclaimed, 'Damn, get a room.'

'Seriously, guys,' I chimed in, 'he's not usually like this. He's just had a bit too much to drink.' The room erupted in laughter again, and Alex, still playing along, raised his eyebrows dramatically and said, 'Oh, sure, blame it on the alcohol! Like you two aren't living together and wanted to fuck each other ever since.'

Amidst the laughter, I joined in, 'you know that's not true.' As I spoke, I felt Derek's fingers tighten slightly on my waist, his gaze locking onto mine. I couldn't help but blush at the intensity of his look, a mixture of amusement and something more. Alex grinned mischievously and replied, 'sure, I'll keep watch outside the door while you two  get it off in the toilet.' Trying to deflect the attention, I chuckled nervously and added, 'I'm celibate, remember?'

Derek, swaying a bit as he tried to stand up straight, declared with exaggerated determination, 'I'm off to the bar to get another drink!' He stumbled forward a step before catching himself on the edge of the coffee table, nearly sending a stack of coasters flying.

Concerned, I hurried over to his side, slipping my arm around his waist to steady him. 'Whoa there,' I said with a laugh, 'I think you've had enough.' With my help, he managed to navigate his way across the room, though not without a few more wobbles and near misses. As we reached the bar, which conveniently was just a few steps away from where we were, I guided Derek to a high stool and helped him settle into it. He flopped down with an exaggerated sigh, his head lolling slightly to the side.

'Thanks, Mer,' he slurred, his words a bit mushy from the alcohol. 'You're a lifesaver, you know that?' He flashed me a lopsided grin, his eyes glassy but still twinkling with mischief. I chuckled softly, patting his shoulder gently. 'Anytime, Derek. Just try to take it easy, okay? You're not exactly in peak condition right now.'

He waved a dismissive hand, almost knocking over a salt shaker in the process. 'Nonsense! I'm as fit as a fiddle!' he declared, though his words were slightly slurred. Leaning in closer, he lowered his voice conspiratorially, 'But you know what would make me feel even better? Another drink... and maybe some company.' He winked at me, his expression a mix of drunken desire and genuine affection.