Page 28 of Softest Touch
“Oh, that's romantic!” I exclaim, opening the note I wrote myself. “‘Where the moon shines the most, I will wait for you there at six o'clock.’”
“What the hell!” he says, standing up and snatching the note from my hands.
Gotcha, babe! Now it's my turn to play.
I lean back in my armchair, smirking. “Both places seem inviting. Who knows where I'll end up?”
“Come on! Where does the moon shine the most? Too enigmatic.”
“Hey, he's my secret admirer. I could go to both places,” I tease, snatching the cards back.
“Do you want me to come with you?”
“No, it'll be more fun doing it alone, but I'll join you at your brother's place later.”
“But...” he says, trying to add more.
I grab my jacket and bag, pretending to be excited. “I have to get ready. Are you coming home with me?”
“Go ahead, I'll join you in a bit,” he murmurs, but I can sense his growing tension.
It's unbelievable he hasn't caught on to my little game, and for once, I'm one step ahead of him. I'm sure he'll be calling Sienna, panicked, any moment now.
By the time we get home, it's already five p.m. I quickly shower and slip into a red lace garment, noticing his stare as I do so.
I decide to tease him a bit more. “What do you think, should I wear, the red dress or the black one?”
“The red one. Didn't the note say so?”
“Oh,” I feign surprise, “you're right. I wouldn't have time to go home and change for the second date anyway.”
I hear him growl, and I can't help but be amused.
At 5:40 p.m., I leave our home and head to my apartment to kill some time. Should I arrive late to the lake? Shaking my head, I smile at my silly and cruel thought.
Derek's text pops up on my screen, asking where I am and if I need him to pick me up. I choose not to answer.
When the time comes, I call an Uber and get dropped off at the lake. I arrive early and notice the path made of small lights leading to the water's edge. Rose petals are scattered along what appears to be a carpet.
Derek paces back and forth, nervously checking his phone before leaning against the railing.
I silently approach him, but walking in heels on this path isn't easy, especially with the drizzle. Leaning against the railing, I nudge him. “You know, for a second, you had me doubting.”
Derek's heartfelt laugh echoes as he shakes his head.
“Let me guess, did Sienna help you?”
“There's no one who knows me better than you,” he says, his eyes lighting up. “My original idea was a little less chilly.”
“Was all this necessary?” I ask, peering around. “I mean, it's beautiful and romantic, but also freezing cold.”
Derek gazes at me, his eyes locked on mine. “Can you believe I've imagined and replayed this moment for so long that now I can't put my words together?” He shakes his head, takes my hand, steps back, and gets down on one knee. “Melinda, you are the woman of my life. With you, I've learned to live and love. Would you do me the honor of sharing your life with me and becoming my wife?” His hands tremble, and I can't help but smile as the wind whips around us.
I had a feeling he was up to something, but I never imagined this. “I'm... I...” My heart pounds in my chest, the rhythmic thumping making it difficult to think clearly, let alone speak. “Jesus Christ,” I laugh, “I love you.”
He raises an eyebrow at me. “So, was that a 'yes'?”
“Of course, it was a 'yes,' Derek!” I exclaim.