Page 19 of Softest Touch
“You are, babe, and I'm crazy about you!” The words slip from my mouth, but I don't care.
“Mr. Wilson?” Someone calls me, and I nod at them.
“See you later.” I wink at her.
CHAPTER TEN
MELINDA
Seeing him so disappointed pained me. I would have done anything to make him feel better. The anxiety was consuming him, as the final dress would have been the cherry on top. Typically, the conclusion of a fashion show is the game-changer for entrepreneurs, influencing their decision to buy the entire collection or not. I could see it in Derek's eyes, and I couldn't help but follow my instinct. José helped me squeeze into the dress, and when I saw myself in the mirror, panic took over. It wasn't the dress or the show itself, but in that moment, I realized I'd do anything to see Derek happy.
I'm falling for him, and I'm not sure how to handle these feelings. I'm both scared and elated. Grandma once told me our heart knows who's the one for us. Could it be Derek? I've never felt so comfortable with anyone, and the adoration in his eyes makes me feel important to him too.
After the show and mingling with everyone, I excuse myself and call my grandmother. I wanted to check on her and tell her about Derek and me. Since my parents’ death, our bond grew stronger, and Grandma became my world. We have no secrets, and she can sense my mood without a word. She made sure to teach me everything to get me where I am now.
“Miss Jackson, would you be willing to do a photoshoot for Elle with Mr. Wilson?” Stephanie, one of the photographers, asks me.
“Sure, let me grab him,” I giggle while searching for him. “I just need to find him first.”
As I walk past some people, I check my phone, anxious to hear from Sienna. I have prepared a surprise for Derek and hope he doesn't spot them until then.
Derek's arms encircle my waist. “Hey, baby, where were you?”
I lean my head on him, inhaling his cologne. “I called Grandma, and Stephanie wants some photos for Elle.” I smile, guiding him toward the makeshift shooting area.
After half an hour of shooting, we finally leave the studios.
Derek helps me into the limo and takes my hand. “I'm exhausted, but I have a surprise for you!”
“For me?” I ask, taken aback. “What have I done to earn a surprise? What is it?”
He brushes his fingers over my hand and brings it to his lips. “You exist.” He winks, making my heart melt. “But I won't tell you what it is, so you'll have to wait.”
“You tease!” I feign a pout. Derek's chuckle sends shivers down my spine and goosebumps cover my skin.
Upon arriving at the hotel, Derek removes his tie and blindfolds me. I try to back away, but he keeps me in place.
“Trust me,” he murmurs, securing the blindfold. The sound of the elevator chime startles me.
“I trust you, and you know it, but I don't understand the purpose of the blindfold.” I shrug, placing my hand on the elevator glass to maintain my balance.
His cologne grows stronger, and his breath tickles my neck as he brushes his lips against it. “Because if you see it, it's no surprise.”
“That doesn't make sense; if I take off the blindfold, then I'll see it anyway, right?”
“Enjoy the moment, Mel,” he whispers in my ear, making me shudder.
“You're the boss,” I relent, my senses on high alert.
We enter what I assume is our suite, and Derek steps up behind me. He caresses my arms up and down, easing my tension.
“The waiting is killing me,” I breathe out with a moan.
“I know, but it's worth it,” Derek replies, lowering the blindfold.
I blink a few times as my eyes focus on a gorgeous, one-shoulder, long evening dress displayed on a mannequin. The red chiffon is embellished with Swarovski crystals, making it breathtaking and one of a kind.
Derek walks over to the mannequin and pivots it. “I must confess, José secretly worked this miracle. I've dreamed of you wearing this dress so many times that I had to have it made.”