𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 ~ Derek Morgan

3. On a Wednesday in a Cafe

He was gone for just over a week, then had at least two days of paperwork after that, but there was a Wednesday in the coming week that worked for us both. He didn't however break off all contact. Throughout the week he was on his case he regularly checked in, cracking jokes and texting me silly comments and fun facts he learned from one of his coworkers. 

Wednesday rolled around and for once in a really long time I was excited. I had picked out a simple sun dress and walked to my closet looking for a matching pair of shoes. My eyes fall onto a pair of white chunky heels that sat in the cornered buried underneath other items of clothing and shoes. They were one of my favorite pairs of springtime shoes before Michael, I thought to myself before stopping. No, they still are one of my favorite pairs of shoes, to hell with what Michael thought, I think reaching for the heels. I walk over to my desk adding some finishing touches on my make-up before finishing the look off with my favorite pair of hoops, and my mother's old necklace. Taking one last look in the mirror I let out a sigh walking out of my room.

~~~

We had settled on a cute little diner in town, one that wasn't too far away from me. I took my time getting out of the car and walking towards the door, even though I was on time I figured I would be waiting a while for Derek to get there.  As I walked in the door, I was surprised to see the man already there. I smiled slightly as he stood up giving me a small wave and a stunning smile. I walk over quickly not wanting to keep him any longer. 

"I'm sorry I would have been here earlier if I had known you'd be waiting here for me," I say quickly trying to apologize but Dereks smile only grew slightly bigger. 

"Hey Hey baby girl, it's no problem, you are perfectly on time," He says and I watch his eyes move quickly over my body. "And might I add you look gorgeous," he says meeting my eyes once more before gesturing to the booth. I take that as my cue to sit. This was already so different then the last couple of dates I'd been on, and Derek didn't, couldn't possibly know how nice that was. After that we talked, for what must have been hours, we swapped stories ad shared jokes. I wondered at how easily it was for me to relax around him, it was a feeling that, if I was honest, i didn't want it to end. 

I watched with a smile as he threw his head back with laughter, something that was different considering Michael never thought I was funny. I knew that I was probably coming off a little bit shy, it has been a while after all, but if Derek noticed, which he probably did, he didn't ask, not once. Once we had finished our food Derek insisted to pay, and I only fought back a little before I let him.  I was still smiling as I followed him out the building, him holding the door open for me. 

"Where did you park?" He asks once the door closes behind us. 

"Uhm, about a block that way, parking lot was full," I reply with a small shrug. I take a couple steps in that direction before turning around. "I had a great time tonight," I say giving him a real and true smile. I watch as his eyebrows furrow in confusion. 

"If you think I'm letting you walk to your car by yourself you better start thinking again," he says giving me a serious look. 

"Ok then," I say with a small nod walking in the direction of the car. A small smile once again grows on my face as I feel him following behind me. The silence was bugging me, so much that I almost told him about Michael, brought up the reason that I was being shy tonight. But before I could he broke the silence. He broke the silence by talking about Christmas with his family, the movies that they would watch every year. Every thought of Michael left my mind as a bright smile grew on my face. Christmas was one of my favorite days of the year and I had my own fair share of stories to share. By the time we got to my car we were debating on whether or not carolers at Christmas time were annoying. 

" I had a great time tonight, with you," he said after I unlocked my car, adding the last two words almost as if he was trying to make sure I believed it. 

"I had a great time too," I say smile never fading. 

"I know," he said joking smirk growing on his face. "You only said it twice," I roll my eyes lightly. 

"I'm just trying to... emphasize my point," 

"Hmm, sure you were," he takes a step closer to me. "Can I take you out again sometime?" he asks and immediately I knew my answer. 

"Absolutely, I'd love that," the same gorgeous smile I'd been seeing all night flashes across his face. He steps around me carefully opening my car door for me. 

"Get home safe why don't you pretty lady," he says before stopping slightly, as if he was thinking. "Actually, text me when you get home?" he asks looking at me. 

"Yeah of course I will," I reply with a nod. I make a move to get into my car noticing him walking away in the direction of where his car was. "Derek," I say suddenly turning around, one foot still in my car. 

"what's up baby girl?" he asks also turning back around. 

"Thank you," Was all I said. 

"Always," came his reply along with a wink in my direction. A blush covers my cheeks at his words and actions as I continue to get in my car. Closing the door once I was in I let out a girlish squeal. 

Suddenly there I was, in my car, watching it begin again. 

A/N: hey hey! I'm lowkey trying to keep these updates spread out because I have not had time to write this week and I like to keep a couple chapters in my back pocket, but since y'all asked so nicely here is the next part!! love ya! ~M