Page 12 of Softest Touch
He rubs his neck while peering at me. “I just ordered Italian. I was hoping you would stay over to fill me in with the latest news.”
I burst out laughing, making him read Carlo's logo on the bag.
“No way,” he gasps, astonished. “You read my mind.”
I shrug, feeling good. “Today I was told I was a sorceress, so anything is possible.”
“What did you order?”
I place the bag on the kitchen island before taking off my blazer. “Are you hungry, or are you curious about my tastes?”
“Both,” he says, opening the bags while I greet Sissi.
“You took the tiramisù?” He meets my eyes. “They told me they had run out of it.”
“That's because Carlo is a friend of mine, and on Saturdays, I always take it.”
“Oh, well, that explains everything.” He chuckles. “By the way, Sienna called me. She wanted to make sure I was still alive.”
“She was surprised you weren't in the office today.”
He takes out the cutlery and spins around. “I guess so. A fever never stopped me from going to work.”
“You're a workaholic!”
Derek stops in front of me with his hands on his hips. “Sienna told me about the little problems you handled. You could have called me.”
“Well, I did call you. The flyers look great now, and besides, you were sick.” I release Sissi and walk past Derek toward the kitchen sink.
Derek leans back on the counter next to me, his eyes fixed on mine. “I could get used to this.”
I tilt my head toward him, curious. “Used to what?”
“You taking care of everything.”
“Don't you dare. The office isn't the same without…” I trail off, catching sight of his smug, smiling face. Why can't I just keep quiet?
“Me?” he suggests, laughter in his voice.
“Nope.” I shake my head, but his laughter sends jolts through me.
After dinner, we take Sissi to the park, and then Derek insists on driving me home. I feel like I've known him for a lifetime, so at ease in his presence.
Maybe too much at ease.
No, not maybe.
Way too much.
There's something about him that draws me in, and good lord, the dreams I've been having lately are the steamiest I've ever experienced.
CHAPTER SEVEN
DEREK
After a sleepless night, I find myself exhausted and feeling as though I've forgotten something. As I load the suitcase into the car, I glance at the time, which seems to be passing excruciatingly slowly. I know it's early, but I need to see her. Melinda has become a constant presence in my mind.
She's just my assistant, nothing more. I recite this phrase to myself like a mantra, but I can't deny that her presence calms me, as if everything will go well simply because she's there. My feelings for her haven't gone unnoticed.