Page 14 of Softest Touch
Melinda shakes her head. “No need, I can take care of myself.”
“Yes, I know, baby!” Her grandma hugs her while winking at me.
Helping her with the suitcase, we exit her apartment. “Are you ready?” I ask while unlocking my car and opening the trunk.
“Yes.” Our eyes lock for a second before she gets into the car.
Sliding behind the steering wheel, I sense her tension. “What's up?” Did she overhear me talking with Julie?
She tilts her head. “You haven't slept, have you?”
“Not much,” I sigh as the car engine comes to life.
“Not much means not at all. Are you this nervous at every parade?”
I shrug. “More or less.”
“It's all ready. We are prepared. The dresses are stunning. What are you worried about?” She counts the points on her fingers, making her even more endearing. I glance at her briefly before focusing on the road.
If only you knew.
CHAPTER EIGHT
MELINDA
During the flight, I turn on my iPad and select a new book from my Kindle to read. I become engrossed in the pages of the novel when I notice Derek has fallen asleep. Fatigue has gotten the better of him, and I smile as I gently remove the folder from his hands and cover him with a blanket. The serene expression on his face confirms my suspicions – Derek hides behind protective armor. It's understandable, of course. Nobody can deny that Derek exudes confidence and swagger, but I've caught glimpses of the vulnerable person underneath, and it has captured my heart.
I'm not sure when it happened, but I need to tread cautiously; otherwise, my heart will be torn to pieces. Loving someone is easy, but having that love reciprocated is an entirely different matter. Derek is constantly surrounded by gorgeous models and stunning women, and I know that he is unlikely to see me as anything more than an assistant.
* * *
We land shortly after lunch and head toward the hotel. Derek opens the door and lets me enter our suite first. “Choose the room you want. For me, one is as good as another,” he says, taking off his jacket.
“I'll take this one,” I walk toward the room on the left. When he asked me to book the usual suite, I thought it would be smaller, but this looks more like a penthouse than a suite.
Sleeping in the same space has ignited a series of forbidden dreams. Derek tiptoed into my life, and although I tried not to, I fell in love with him. Ours would be an impossible story; he is older than me, and above all, he is my boss.
I sigh, trying to free my head from my own thoughts, and call my grandmother to ensure everything is okay. I decide to change my outfit and see where the parade will be held so we can check the latest things: the dresses, makeup, models, and then eventually relax.
The driver accompanies us to Spring Studios, and I am fascinated by this place, despite the chaos. It's crowded with models and stylists. Many stops by to say hello to Derek, and jealousy makes my blood boil, causing me to head straight to our space.
The new collection looks great, and José is so excited about it that it puts me in a good mood. His happiness is contagious. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Derek talking to a model who is flirting with him, distracting me from José's speech. The more I silently tell my brain to stay focused on work, the more I can't help but stare at them. Shortly after, I excuse myself and leave the room. Seeing her touch Derek's arm bothers me more than I imagined, but his laughter makes me lose my patience. I have no right to feel like he belongs to me, and I mentally shake myself. What the hell is wrong with me?
Derek is my boss.
I'm his assistant.
That's it.
Nothing can happen between us, and the sooner I get it, the better it will be for my own sanity.
Wandering around, I meet new stylists and the coordinator of this event. I make friends with Ernesto and Marco DellaVitte, two fantastic designers who are daring with both fabrics and color schemes. Their innovative vision will take them places, and I wish them all the best. They introduce me to Sheik Mhardjn, who smiles as soon as he sees me as if he has seen a priceless diamond. The sheik has a renowned reputation as a casanova, but he also buys everything that interests him or his wives, no matter the price. The sheik introduces me to some European and Asian businessmen, and I invite them all to the Wilson Creations Parade that will be held tomorrow. They promise to be there and bring more friends.
I can mark it as a win, and I love networking. After all, that's what our job is made of. You never know who you might meet and get introduced to. Wilson Creations has a fantastic reputation, and that opens valuable links even for someone they have never seen before.
As I return to our space, I feel the air has changed. It's tense.
“Where were you?” Derek snaps as soon as I reach him.