Right Next To Me

Chapter 3 Derek

Chapter 3  ~ Derek

I am up early despite the fact that I was not able to sleep.  I tossed and turned in my bed the whole night with Derek’s beautiful face and mesmerizing blue eyes stuck in my head. At about six in the morning, I decided to get out of bed and fix myself. Today is a Saturday so everyone will be home, including Derek.

I made the extra effort to dress up. I got a sleeveless flowery top and matched it with a denim skirt and a pair of strappy sandals. I want to keep it casual and not too overly feminine. Jessie might notice I started to dress up or something. She will surely tease me.

“Good morning!”, I happily greeted Aunt Lily and Uncle Aidan who were already by the verandah where Jessie decided to prepare the breakfast spread.  I immediately noticed Derek was still not here. I silently hoped he would show up. I would really like to redeem myself from last night. I felt like a total idiot around him.

He was so sophisticated and carried himself well. I, on the other hand, seemed immature and boyish. Ugh. I did not like myself last night. Maybe I should start getting some advice from Aunt Lily on how to be a sophisticated young woman.

“Good morning, Cate!” Uncle Aidan greeted me. “Derek wanted to invite you to go to the stables but he thought you were still asleep so he left a few minutes ago. He figured you might want to ride and watch polo practice.”

“Oh, I wanted to go.” I said, feeling so disappointed.  “I missed riding. Ian didn’t want me to ride anymore since I broke my arm.”

“Why don’t you go to the stables tomorrow.  Derek can drive you there. “ Aunt Lily suggested. “You can ride as long as you do not try anything funny. No practicing show jumps and stuff.  Ian will go ballistic if he finds out. ” She added.

“Great! I can’t wait for tomorrow then.” I was so excited I could burst. Not only do I get to ride again, but I will be with Derek.

 ~*~

I was lounging poolside reading a book when Derek came round.  He was still wearing his riding outfit and I was stunned to see him looking so beautiful. How could someone be so beautiful? It is so unfair.

“Hi, beautiful! Missed me? ”He asked and smiled that wonderful smile again.

“Yeah, I did.” I am sooo determined to redeem myself, so here goes nothing.  “You left me! I wanted to ride, too.” I added, giving him my best pouty look.

“Aww, sorry! I stopped by your room this morning to ask if you wanted to go with me.  I heard you snoring, obviously you were still sleeping. So, I left.” He said suppressing a laugh.

“I snore?”, gullible me asked.

How can I snore if I did not even sleep because of you?, I mused. There is no way I would say that out loud. Not at this point anyway.

“Yeah. You sounded like…” He said and made a gurgling sound mixed with a snort of some kind.

“Haha. Very funny. I know I do not snore.” I said confidently.  Did he really stop by my room? I felt my heart starting to race. I am so lucky to be staying in this gorgeous man’s house.

“How do you know? Have you ever heard yourself while you sleep?” He was obviously teasing me.

“No, but Ian should have told me.” I said.

“You still sleep in your brother’s room?”  He asked looking amused. “ I was expecting you to say, ‘No, my boyfriend should have told me.”

“I do not sleep in my brother’s room.” I said indignantly.” And I do not have a boyfriend.”  I added feeling myself blush this time.

“No, boyfriend huh.  Somehow,I do not believe that.  You’re far too beautiful to be passed up by any guy.  Say, what you are doing this afternoon.” He asked wagging his brow.

“Nothing. Why?” I said. I felt my heart beating faster in anticipation.

“Wanna catch a movie in town?”.  How can I say no, when that was exactly the type of question  I wanted him to ask.

 ~*~

The movie was fun. It was a romantic comedy titled ‘This Means War”. I thought Derek kinda looks like that movie character called FDR. Smooth talker, very suave lover boy who would protect you and keep you safe.  I wanted to be Reese Witherspoon and get swept off my feet by FDR, too.

We started walking around the village, looking inside the shops.  People of both sexes were checking us out.  Or maybe, they were checking Derek out. I cannot blame them. Heck, I was checking him out myself. I hope he does not notice.  He looked absolutely gorgeous in blue jeans, crisp white shirt and dark jacket.

I think I look chic in my white sleeveless top, blue short skirt and strappy sandals. I have my long dark hair in a chignon. Ok, I copied that from Aunt Lily.  I feel like a million bucks. I will not be a pushover against the other women who were looking at Derek. I thought.

We picked up cupcakes and lattes which we ate at the park. “So, wanna go riding tomorrow?”.  He asked.

“Yup, most definitely.” I hoped I did not sound too eager.

Can I count this as date number one? And two tomorrow?

No. I cannot think like that. I think Derek is just being accommodating. I am seventeen, he is twenty three. How can he date and fall for someone like me?

 ~~*~*~*~*~**~*~****~*~

Hehe. Obviously, I wrote this chapter after watching 'This Means War'. 

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 Meet Derek =====>