Sealed With A Vow

Chapter 22- Falling

Claire's POV

"So let me get this straight. You want me to go with you on your business trip?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's what I asked you," Derek said.

He'd just taken a shower and was putting on some sweatpants over his boxers for bed. And yes, they were hanging off his hips in 'that way' that I loved so much.

"Is that even legal?", I asked him.

"Sweetheart, you're my wife. Of course I can bring you with me," he replied with a laugh.

"Oh...Because I thought that only your workers went on business trips with you," I remarked.

"Well, it's usually just me and Ashley. Sometimes Keith will go, too."

At the mention of Ashley's name- whom I loathed with a burning passion more and more each day- my subconscious immediately told me to decline Derek's invitation to accompany him to LA.

I hope I never had to see that heartless woman ever again.

"You know what, I think I'll just stay home," I stated.

"Why?", Derek asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, someone has to look over this place while you're gone, right?", I said, gesturing the large expanse of our bedroom with my arm.

A look of amusement began to play in Derek's eyes and he plopped down on the bed, shaking his head as he began to laugh.

"What's so funny?", I asked him.

"For one thing, this house doesn't need anyone to 'look over it.' And second, if that was some sort of lame excuse for you to not go, then I'm not buying it."

"I wasn't making an excuse. And besides, I already have plans with Charlotte for next Wednesday," I blurted, crossing my arms in front of my chest.

Liar, my subconscious sneered.

"I thought you told me she was visiting her mom this weekend and wouldn't be back until next Friday?"

Shit.

"Yeah, but she found out that she had an important meeting to attend on Tuesday, so she has to come home earlier than planned," I quickly spoke.

Wow, I was better at lying than I thought.

"Oh, really?" Derek still didn't seem convinced.

"Yup."

I gave him an endearing smile, praying to God that he wouldn't figure out that Ashley was the real reason I didn't want to go to LA with him.

Instead of returning my smile like he normally would, Derek's face suddenly began to fall as he climbed under the covers, turning his back away from me.

"Hey, what's wrong?", I asked him with concern.

"Nothing. I was just really hoping that you and I could spend some quality time together in LA. But if your plans with Charlotte are more important, then I understand," he replied in a distant tone.

Crap, what had I done?

"Oh, honey, don't say that. You know how important you are to me," I assured, crawling into bed next to him. I slipped my arm around his waist, but he still wouldn't turn to look at me.

"It's my fault. I should've told you about this sooner," he murmured.

No, Derek, it's my fault. For not being honest with you about why I couldn't go.