Page 9 of Softest Touch
Sissi nudges me, and I look down at her. “I know. Melinda is sweet,” I say, bending down to cuddle her too.
Warming up the soup, I inhale the delicious aroma. Tasting it brings back so many memories—it's just like Mom's, and I haven't had it in forever. After devouring the soup, I head to the desk to check on some work.
In my inbox, I find ticket confirmations and hotel reservations. The folders on the desk have been updated, as well as my agenda. Melinda has even rescheduled meetings for me, and I can't help but smile. She's already taken so much work off my shoulders, and I'm impressed with how quickly she's rearranged everything. Picking up my cell phone, I decide to send her a text. It's the least I can do after all she's done.
Me: The soup was delicious, and thanks for rescheduling the meetings.
Melinda: Don't work tonight!
Me: I can't promise, but I'll try.
Melinda: You should rest. I know it's hard to stop doing what you love, but for once, step back for a couple of hours and take a break, or you'll burn out.
I try to imagine it. My life is dedicated to working, and even if I attempt to switch off, I can't. For the first time in years, I can talk to a woman who isn't my sister-in-law and who understands me. Melinda owes me nothing, yet she worries about me. She could have left my sketch pad and walked away, but she stayed. Who would do that? Nobody. Nobody cares if a stranger is sick, and yet she does, like when she cut my caffeine intake.
Me: You're right. I hope Sissi was a good girl today.
Melinda: She was so sweet and loves cuddling.
Me: Definitely. Thanks again for everything. See you tomorrow.
Me: You forgot your laptop here.
Melinda: Yeah, I know. I'll pick it up before going to the office so I can check on you too. Sleep well. Goodnight, Derek.
I start to type a text but change my mind and delete it. Then I type another one and delete it again. Frustration takes over. Eventually, I give up and don't text her anymore.
The music in the background relaxes me, and my mind drifts to Melinda as I start drawing. I imagine her perfect body wrapped in silk and lace, bare shoulders and back while the gown opens up, revealing a glimpse of her long legs. The dress that materializes is outstanding, yet I have the feeling something is missing. But what?
CHAPTER SIX
MELINDA
Saying goodbye to my grandmother, I leave the house to go to Derek's. I hope his fever has passed, and he is feeling better. With the parade coming soon, we need him.
I need him.
Knocking on the door, nobody opens it. I knock again, but still nothing. I hear Sissi hopping near the door, and finally, Derek opens it, wearing only his pajama bottom, his hair tousled. My mouth goes instantly dry, and this vision will haunt me for a long time, if not forever. Holy freaking moly. Derek looks handsome in his suit, but sweet mother of Jesus, his six-pack and flexing muscles are incredibly sexy.
Trying to regain control of my mind, since my body seems to be made of jelly, I clear my throat. “Good morning, Derek. How are you feeling this morning?” I know he'll feed me the usual line that he's fine, but before he can answer, I get on my tiptoes and place my hand on his forehead. He's still warm.
Derek chuckles while staring into my eyes. “Morning, Melinda, come in. I'm fine, and you?”
“You're the sick one. I'm great.” I walk past him, sniffing his delicate cologne, and place a bag on the kitchen island. “I brought your lunch, and for you, princess...” I pull a chew toy in the shape of a pig out of my bag. Sissi starts jumping around, grabbing the toy and tugging on it.
Derek's laugh makes my heart skip a beat. “You are an angel, thank you.”
“It's a pleasure.” I want to kick my own ass. Why is he having this effect on me? Get a grip, Mel; it's just your imagination. “Stay in bed, rest, and eat. Tomorrow you'll feel better, and I may allow you to come to the office,” I joke.
He crosses his arms over his chest, making those muscles look so edible I'd like to sink my teeth into them. “I like being sick.”
“You liar!” I laugh it off as I collect my laptop. My eyes land on a paper close to it, and I can't help but peek at the sketch of the dress. “Oh wow, it looks wonderful.”
Derek sinks into the stool and sighs, “I did it last night, but something is missing.”
“Hmm…” I peer at the dress while thinking. “What about removing the straps and adding some volume here? But keep it light. Maybe a diamond strap around the waist would give it that fancy look without making it scream you can't afford me.”
His smile widens as he picks up the pencils and starts to work on it. I'm mesmerized by his movements and his fingers brushing over the colors to make them fade a little. “Sounds great. Why didn't I think about it before?”