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Only You Ch. 01

By: nerd4music



"Happy Birthday Derek!"

Derek Ryan's blue eyes sparkled with merriment as a pair of busty blondes in tight white tank tops carried a large chocolate frosted cake topped with twenty-four blue candles over to the table he was currently sitting at. 

It was a good choice to celebrate his birthday in New York. His family was here and would be joining him tomorrow to hang out. It had been too long since they'd gotten together. Since the wedding of his sister to her best friend, it had been two years since he'd seen everyone together. 

Yes, a family reunion was in serious order. But for now, he was going to live it up with his friends.

Derek let out a loud laugh. "You guys are fucking awesome!" He quickly blew out the candles on the cake as a loud cheer rose up at the bar. 

Jake, Derek's best mate and business partner slapped him soundly on the back. "Happy Birthday old man!"

"Old man!" Derek exclaimed. "You're four months older than I am, Gramps!"

Jake laughed. "True, but now's not the time for that." He pointed a finger at the two blonde cuties who were eyeing the birthday boy. "Which one do you want?"

Matt, Derek's other good friend plopped down another large pitcher of beer. "I will take whichever one you don't want, man."

Jake scoffed. "Whatever. I call dibs."

Derek shook his head. "You two can have both of 'em. I'm off the market, remember?" Derek was referring to Lottie Winchester, his current on-again off-again girlfriend.

"Oh for fucks sake, Derek!" Jake sniped. "Lottie's a pain in the ass."

He shrugged. "Maybe so. But what about that whole man law rule that says you can't tell a mate how much you hate his girl no matter how awful she is?" 

"Yeah, well whatever happened to 'bros over hos?" Jake smiled at him. 

"To be fair Jake we didn't tell you Shanna was a complete bitch," Mark pointed out.

"Yeah, until I married her."

"Well, you always had to learn things the hard way." Derek said. "And anyway, knock off you bastards. There are a lot of special things about Lottie that you twats will never know."

"Oh really?" Matt smiled. "Like what?"

A sly grin crossed Derek's handsome face. "Like she's got a mouth like a fucking Hoover."

Jake and Matt burst our laughing. "Mate, you are an asshole."

Derek's blue eyes flashed impishly. "Perks of being me." He lifted his mug of beer. "Talking of which, time to toast. To Derek Ryan, Happy Birthday, don't forget to drunk dial your girl, and oh yeah...Let's get fucking wasted tonight!"

The three men clanked glasses. "Wait a minute!" Matt exclaimed. "What about the Expo tomorrow? We're supposed to be showcasing the new website layout."

Smiling, Derek gulped down his beer in one take. "Matt, my luv I guarantee we will have a kickass presentation tomorrow or the next night's drinks are on me!"

Jake and Matt exchanged looks. "Whatever you say, man." Jake poured more beer into his friend's glass. "Now drink up!"

********

Tegan James made her way through the crowded club to the table where a group of people were talking animatedly.

"Tegan!" a dark-skinned girl called out to her. "Finally!"

Tegan hefted her body into the tiny space silently cursing her friends for picking a booth to sit in. They know how much I hate these things. 

"Sorry about being so late, Case. I almost forgot my Yaz album." She placed her large black messenger bag on the table gingerly. 

Casey Kohler flipped her chestnut colored hair over her slender shoulders. Her light brown eyes studied her best friend. "You know, you don't always have to dress like that," she said, pointing a slender caramel colored finger at her outfit, dark denim jeans and a black t-shirt with an As I Lay Dying band logo on the front. 

Tegan's whiskey-colored eyes shot her a look. "Case I'm working tonight. I wanted to be comfortable."

"Whatever. I just know you'll never get any man in here looking like that."

Tegan looked around the trendy nightclub. There were gorgeous girls everywhere: the bartenders were pretty girls of all colors in tight white tank tops and short black shorts. The female patrons including Casey and the rest of her friends were dressed to the nines down to their fifteen bucks a pop lip gloss. 

And then there was Tegan, who had always been "the chubby one." She looked down at her t-shirt which stretched tightly over her large breasts and rounded tummy. 

God I feel so fat, she thought. That's because you are, she answered. 

Sighing, she got to her feet and set her bag on her shoulder. "Don't remind me," Tegan grumbled. 

Casey grabbed her hand. "I'm just saying this for your own good T," she whispered. "Maybe you can come to the gym with me tomorrow? Work off a few of those extra lbs.?"

Tegan knew she was only trying to help, but the fact that Casey called her out in front of everyone still irritated her. "Actually Case I've got a ton of work to do. But rain check, okay?"

In reality, she didn't have anywhere to go. She had known Casey since she dated a friend of a friend and suspected the only reason the girl hung out with her was for VIP passes and free entry into clubs. Tegan felt like Casey thought she was better than her because she was thin and glamorous while Tegan definitely wasn't. She knew she had to cut ties and fast.

Casey nodded. "Okay. Where are you going? You're not on for another half hour." She pointed to the other people sitting at the booth. "You should stay and hang out."

Tegan's looked at Casey's friends. They were part of her model clique and never really liked hanging with her anyway. "That's okay. I think I need a massive drink."

She pushed her way through the crowded club, finally making out a space right in front of the bar. 

"Hey Drea," she called out to a pretty girl with long red hair. "Can you make me one of your signature drinks?"

Drea's green eyes focused on Tegan. "Hey babe. No problem." She gave Tegan a sly wink. "What color are we going for?"

"Hmm, I'm thinking red."

"Coming right up, hon." Drea set down a large glass and began pouring various liquids in it. "You working tonight?" she asked.

"Yeah," Tegan replied. "I'm on in 20."

Drea nodded. "Great. I can't wait to actually hear some good shit."

Tegan laughed. "Yeah, I noticed Greg's on the tables." She pointed to the DJ booth at the guy dressed like he walked straight out of a Hollister catalog, complete with shiny aviators. He was clearly there to score chicks and free drinks.

The redhead snorted. "You mean G.Nice? Even his name makes him sound like a tool."

The women laughed. Loud noises from the opposite end of the bar made Tegan turn her head. A sizeable group of people were drinking and laughing, shouting at the other bartender for another round. 

"Jeez," Tegan muttered. 

Drea rolled her green eyes. "Yeah, it's going to be a long fucking night."

"How long have they been here?"

"About an hour." Drea set the bright red drink on the bar top. "Here you go, T. See if you can guess what's in there."

Tegan took a sip from the glass. "Mmm," she moaned. "Let's see. There's vodka...a nice amount of vodka." She smiled. "Pomegranate liqueur, ginger ale...and is that a hint of cream?"

Drea laughed. "Yep. I call it a Dirty Red Virgin."

"Oh," Tegan said, making a face. "That is just a bit too much."

"I like it a lot."

"Don't I know it," Tegan replied, giving her a wink. 

"Speaking of, when are we going out?"

Tegan took another generous sip of her drink. "You know you're the only person that has asked me out in months."

Drea smiled as she wiped down the bar. "Guys are idiots. That's exactly why I don't date them."

"I don't know about that Drea. Girls aren't any better."

"I don't know about that. There are a lot of things a woman can do that a guy can't even fathom."

Tegan gave a dramatic sigh. "I guess I'll have to live out my lesbian fantasies through you."

Their laughter was cut short when a tall guy plopped down on the stool next to Tegan. 

"Excuse me luv," he said brightly. "But we seem to be out of spirits down at that end."

Drea flashed him a tight smile, something Tegan recognized as her reaching her irritation point. "What'll be cowboy?"

"A couple more pitchers of Heineken." 

Drea turned to fill up the pitchers. Tegan sipped her drink and tried to steal furtive glances at the man. He was rather attractive. He had navy blue eyes and his curly hair was shaggy and unkempt. Even in his semi-intoxicated state his full lips were curled in an impish grin, as if he had a secret he wasn't sharing. 

Yeah, he was attractive all right. But he would never be interested in someone like me. Guys like that don't talk to girls like me. Calm down T. No need to get so worked up. It's just a boy.

Drea set the pair of pitchers on the bar. "That'll be 15." 

Reaching into his pocket, the man slapped two twenties on the bar. Leaning his elbows on the edge, he made a face. 

"What the bloody hell are we listening to?"

Drea handed him his change, which he promptly stuffed back into her hand. "Keep it," he said winking. "Think of it as hot girl collateral."

Tegan snorted. "Oh please." Drea chuckled and rolled her eyes.

The man turned to her. "Too much?"

She sipped her drink. "Just a bit."

He snapped his fingers in an 'aw shucks' move. "Damn. Well, what can I say? I am a connoisseur of the female form."

"Uh-huh. So, what were you saying about the music?" 

He grinned. "Only that it's fucking awful. It's like where Top 40 went to die."

Tegan laughed. "I know. If I wanted to hear this crap I would have turned on the radio."

The guy's blue eyes lit up at that and Tegan felt her skin blush. Damn, he's cute.

"Oh man I know! Clubs are supposed to play shit you can dance to, not this made for radio bollocks. I thought New York was supposed to be the music capital of the East Coast."

"Hey," Tegan said. "We are. But we're kind of going through a douchebag phase in mainstream music. I could say the same for England. It is England, right?"

The man nodded. "Yup. Born and raised. Well, for most of me life." He shook his head, making his raven curls bounce. "I'm such a prat. I didn't even get your name."

She took another gulp of the sweet drink. "Tegan James. I'm the DJ here at the Romper Room."

The man tensed. "Dear Lord, you're not DJing now are you?"

"Fuck no. I go on in about 10 minutes. And you are?"

"Fuck me. I'm Derek. Derek Ryan."

"Nice to meet you Derek. Are you going to stick around for some of my set?"

Derek grinned. "Absolutely. Just as long as you promise to play me a birthday song."

"It's your birthday?"

He nodded. "Yup. Well technically it's tomorrow but we're out celebrating early tonight."

Tegan drained the rest of her glass. "Well Happy Birthday Mr. Derek Ryan. I'll be sure to play something special for you."

"Sweetness." Grabbing his pitchers, he walked away. 

Tegan watched him, admiring his tight ass in his jeans as he walked away. He was dressed just the way she liked, in jeans and a fitted black t-shirt with the words 'gamer girls r hot' scrawled on the front. 

"Whoa," she whispered aloud.

Drea set down another glass of the red concoction. "Down girl," she said with a smile. 

Tegan feigned a look of innocence. "What?"

"I saw you staring at his ass."

She shrugged. "Well it's a nice ass."

Drea laughed. "Well yeah. I like girls and even I know that. Do you even know who that is?"

"Sure, he's Derek Ryan. Hot guy who will probably star in my masturbatory fantasies for the next several nights."

Drea shot her a look. "You don't get out much, do you?"

She shook her head. "Not unless it's for a new show."

Drea leaned over the bar, her full breasts pushed up further by the bar counter. "That cutie-pie over there is the younger brother of superstar Dex Ryan."

Tegan gasped softly, her whiskey eyes following Derek as he sat down with his friends. "Shit," she muttered. "I thought he looked familiar. Never would have guessed it though."

"Yeah. I hear he doesn't like to be connected to his brother a lot."

"Would you? He must get a lot of shit because of all the attention from his brother. Wasn't there some big scandal a couple of years ago with Dex Ryan?"

Drea nodded. "Yeah, he married that chick in Vegas but later it turned out that they weren't really married and his manager was like stealing money from his other clients and trying to break Dex and the girl up." Drea shook her head. "It's like straight out of some cheesy romance novel."

Tegan laughed. "True. But I guess everything worked out nice. They're still married and have a kid too. I saw a picture of her in a magazine. Little girl is gorgeous."

"Yeah she is. I forgot the chick he married was black." Drea looked down the bar at Derek, who was singing along loudly with the music. "You think baby brother's got a chocolate craving too?"

Rolling her eyes, Tegan chuckled. "Shut up." Picking up her bag and her drink, she headed towards the DJ booth. "Time to rock out," she said as she waved bye to Drea.

"Play good shit!" Drea yelled out to her.

********

"Who was that girl you were talking to at the other end?" Jake asked Derek when he returned with the beer. 

"Oh, you mean the DJ? Yeah, she's cool. She's going to play me a song later on."

Jake shot him a look. "Not the tubby girl. I meant the bartender. She's fucking hot."

Derek took a gulp from his glass. "She's not tubby, man. So she's a little bigger. So what?"

Matt slapped him jovially on the back. "Whoa there D. No one's saying anything about the slightly larger but still cool DJ girl. No need to get offended."

"Whatever. The point is she's a nice chick. And anyways Jake I don't get the feeling you're the redhead's type."

Jake scoffed. "Really? And what makes you so sure?"

"Well for starters you don't have a vagina."

Matt guffawed. "Burn! You don't even need to be looking anyway old man. You're happily married."

"True. But a guy can fantasize, can he?"

A sultry voice permeating through the club make Derek's eyes focus on the DJ booth.

"I'd like to welcome you all to the Romper Room. Is everyone having a good time tonight?"

A collective cheer rose from the crowded club.

"Good. We're going to get this set started off right with a little Daft Punk and Digital Love. Speaking of love, I'm gonna show some and dedicate this mix to Mr. Derek Ryan celebrating his birthday at the bar over there."

Derek and his friends cheered loudly while everyone around them whooped and hollered. 

"My name is Tegan and I will here until closing. You are rocking at the Romper Room. Now get the hell up and dance!"

The sounds of Daft Punk's Digital Love started up. Grabbing the hand of the cute brunette sitting next to him, Derek moved to the dance floor, with Jake and Matt following behind.

As he danced, he found himself stealing glances at Tegan, who was busy spinning in the elevated DJ booth. Her headphones were half on, her eyes were closed, and she looked like a pro. 

Suddenly the husky voice of Marilyn Monroe overlaid the Daft Punk beat. The sound of Happy Birthday, Mr. President and Digital Love made the crowd in the club cheer. Derek was amazed. The two songs flowed together so naturally. 

When he looked up a second time, his blue eyes met Tegan's brown ones. Giving her the thumbs up sign, he continued to dance.

********

Tegan was lucky she was damned good at what she did because she was paying so much attention to Derek Ryan she was sure she'd make a few mistakes. 

She couldn't help it. He was actually a pretty good dancer and kept up with whatever she played. 

Normally she'd leave a set feeling good about it but not great. However she was nearly done and the dance floor was still pretty crowded. The crowd was hype tonight, loving what she was playing. She tried to mix in a little Yaz and Depeche Mode in the midst of the new stuff like Cut Copy and The Foxglove Hunt.

After making the announcement for last call, Tegan came over the microphone once more. "Thank you all for hanging with us at the Romper Room. We hoped you enjoyed it. Time for one more song before I head out of here, and I'm making it a good one. My name is Tegan and to paraphrase the late great Vanilla Ice: I rock the mic like a vandal."

She pressed play and a club mix of The Smiths' How Soon Is Now? started up. As she was packing up the rest of her records while the song played, she turned to see Billie, one of the bartenders standing next to her. 

"What's up?" she yelled over the music. 

Billie shoved a folded piece of paper in her hand. "This is for you. It's from Dex Ryan's little brother."

Tegan opened the note:

Sick beats Tegan J. You should hang out with us after your set.

She noticed the fifty dollar bill folded into the note.

A tippy for the best DJ. Call it hot girl collateral.

Smiling, she folded the note and the money into her back pocket. She couldn't help the large grin on her face. He called me hot! 

Don't get too excited, her brain warned. He's just being nice.

Sighing, Tegan went back on the microphone after the song ended, letting everyone know the Romper Room was closing and invited them back tomorrow night for Ladies' Night.

She packed up the rest of her music and left the DJ area. Glancing around the club, she noticed Casey and her friends had left. She checked her phone but there was no text from Casey. "I can't believe she just left without saying anything," Tegan grumbled.

Walking over to the bar, she plopped down once more in front of Drea, who was busying cleaning up for night. Derek and his friends were still down at the other end, their noise even more raucous as the club emptied.

"Great set T," Drea said brightly as she placed a couple of clean glasses on a larger stack underneath the bar.

"Thanks babe. Walk me home?"

Drea nodded. "You know I will. Casey left you?"

"Does a bear shit in the woods?"

Drea sighed and wiped off the liquor bottles. "You need a good friend Tegan."

"I got you, don't I?"

"True. Give me a couple of minutes. I've got to finish up with Mr. Hottie's crew down there."

Tegan smiled. "What's going on? Normally End-of-the-Night Drea makes an appearance and threatens to cut bitches by now."

A hearty chuckle escaped from the pretty redhead. "Well, when I'm getting three hundred dollars tossed at me for an average night's work I figure I can't be rude."

Tegan was astonished. "You got a three hundred tip?"

Drea nodded.

"Nice."

"I'll say. So you going to talk to him or just stare all night?" "What? What for? What good will it do?"

"Well it might be a step in getting that cherry of yours popped."

"Drea!" Tegan hissed. "Not so loud; he may hear you!"

She laughed again. "Like he doesn't know already."

Tegan pouted. "What does that mean?" Was it really that obvious? She felt like she needed to be in a zoo and studied. She could just picture it now: sitting miserably in a cage while nine-year-olds on a field trip dared one another to poke her. The sign next to her would read "Girlicus New Yorkus. Twenty-three year old virgin". She groaned softly.

Drea gave her a sympathetic look. "There's nothing wrong with it, hon. You just look like you need a deep dicking. And how."

"Shut your face and hurry up so we can walk home."

"Barkeep, I'm closing out!" a merry voice rang out.

Drea put on a sweet smile. "Enjoyed yourself Derek?"

"Immensely, thanks to Tegan J. here." His blue eyes focused on Tegan. "You were awesome."

"Thanks," Tegan stammered, trying to think over her loud heartbeat.

"I have a proposition for you," he said, leaning closer to her. Tegan could smell the mixture of beer and peppermint gum on his breath. "I'm having a small birthday party tomorrow night. You should totally stop by." He turned to Drea. "You too."


Only You Ch. 01



Tegan was speechless. Was he asking her out on a date? No, it couldn't be. "Oh well, I..."

"I won't take no for an answer," he said, a sliver of mock gruffness in his voice. "It is my birthday, and by law you have to do everything I say."

She gulped audibly. He is flirting with me! Dammit, I can't tell; his blue eyes always have that devilish gleam in them. "Okay. We'll be there."

"Brilliant!" he exclaimed. "It's somewhere in downtown Manhattan, I haven't decided yet." Grabbing a business card from his back pocket, he handed to her. "This has my cell number on here. Call me sometime tomorrow after nine. If you try before then, I'll be majorly busy and might not answer."

Tegan grasped the card tightly in her fist. "Okay then. See you tomorrow."

With a wave and a loud round of SexyBack, Derek and his friends left the bar.

Drea and Tegan followed fifteen minutes later, locking the club doors after them. "Can you believe this night?" Tegan asked.

"It's fucking crazy, that's what." She threw her arm around Tegan's shoulders. "I can't believe my little baby got asked out!"

They both laughed. "It's not a date...is it?"

"I think it kind of sounds like one. But who knows how men operate. I sure as hell don't. Now the real question is: who's buying breakfast?"

"I believe breakfast is on you, Ms. Three Hundred Dollar tip."

Drea sighed. "Ahh, I knew that hot girl collateral would bite me in the ass."

********

As the trio walked back to their hotel, Derek let Jake and Matt rattle on while his mind wandered. He was surprised at his reaction to Jake's words when he described Tegan. There was just something about Jake's teasing that irritated him. She did seem like a cool girl, so what if she was a bit on the large side?

It's not like she still wasn't attractive. In fact, she was very pretty. Her skin was the color of baked earth and her dark amber colored eyes shone even in the dim light of the bar. She had mid-length dark hair with long side-swept bangs and plump lips. She was more curvy than tubby, as Jake called her. She was bigger than most of the girls he dated; a good forty pounds extra, but still managed to look sexy, not unhealthy. 

But the thing that caught his attention the most was the small silver ring on the right side of her full bottom lip. Derek heaved a sigh. Lip rings on pretty girls were his weakness. 

He supposed he was so intrigued because DJ Girl was completely unlike Lottie Winchester in every way. Lottie was prim, elegant, and proper...at least during the day. At night she became a total London party girl. She had grown up in the spotlight, the daughter of a now aging British rockstar. Lottie was fun, but she was also tiring. They had started dating about five months ago after meeting at one of Dex's movie premieres. 

She had seemed truly enamored with him and he gave it go because he thought out of anyone, she would be the one to understand; to know how confusing life could be growing up in the shadow of a famous person. 

Not that he didn't love his brother, because he definitely did. But he sometimes felt the burn of his fame no matter how much he shied away from the flames. 

He could help it; his mind wandered back to Tegan. She was something else. A real down to earth chick. He had to admit, he invited her to his party so she could show off her awesome skills. She really was a talented DJ. 

Derek said goodnight to Jake and Matt while he keyed into his hotel room. Just as closed the door, his cell phone rang (Super Mario ringtone, of course!) 

Looking at the ID, he sighed. 

He was a little too drunk for this.

He flipped open the phone. "Hello?"

"I didn't realize you were in town," a melodic voice drawled over the phone.

"Just for two weeks. I'm doing a series of gaming and comic book conventions."

"Hmm. And you didn't even think you call up any of us?"

Derek sighed. He peeled off his t-shirt and flopped back on the king-sized bed. 

"I just got in, Carrie."

Carrie DiValenti laughed huskily. "Whatever. So what's up Ryan? Are we getting together or what?"

Derek sighed once more, realizing he'd been doing that since he got on the phone with her. He supposed it wasn't her fault. It had been nearly two years ago, on the night of Connor and Angie's wedding that he had drunkenly hooked up with her. He had woken up on the beach, ankle deep in water and with more sand in his crack than he cared to admit. 

He promised himself it was a one time thing. They were friends, after all. Except a 'one time thing' turned into every time he was in New York City. 

It wasn't a relationship; this much they discussed. They were both lonely, their friends and family paired off and happy made Carrie a little bitter. And as for Derek, his boyhood crush on Angie apparently affected him deeper than he thought. He would never admit it, but sleeping with Carrie allowed him the opportunity to be nearer to Angie. 

Angie was the one who figured out what was going on between Carrie and Derek, and at her counseling, he broke it off. They parted but still remained friends, and he started seeing Lottie. He assumed Carrie found someone else to occupy her time. That's why he was so confused as to why she was trying for a booty call.

"Carrie you know we can't," he said. 

She sighed dramatically. "I know. But it was worth a try."

He chuckled softly. "How are you doing, babe?"

"Not bad. Things at work are going pretty well." Carrie worked as a chef in an upscale Manhattan restaurant. "There's this new manager at work. Some Russian dude; total tyrant. I call him Stalin."

He laughed. "Not to his face, I hope."

"I'm crazy, Ryan. Not stupid." He heard her sigh softly. "I miss you. Do you ever think about us?"

"Care," he started. "Don't do this. You sound like you've been drinking."

"A little bit." 

He knew she had to have been upset. Carrie only got drunk when she was upset. It was weird; having sex with Carrie made her open up to him more than she did to her friends. Behind her blunt hard shell, Carrella DiValenti was more fragile than she cared to admit.

"Tell me what's up, babe." He sprawled out on the bed, eyes closed with his fingers clasped behind his head. 

He heard her sigh again. "I can't. You've got a big day tomorrow and it's already late."

"You know I'll always make time for you." He was fighting it, but he was already starting to fall asleep. 

"I know, but I don't want to keep you. Let's just meet for coffee sometime before you go."

"Sure thing, Carrie. I'll call you."

"Okay. See you later, you big flirt. Try not to break too many hearts."

Derek laughed. "I promise to be on my best behavior." Snapping his phone shut, he rolled over. 

Before he knew it, he was off into a deep sleep, visions of Lottie passing through his psyche. And yet, there was another woman making a guest appearance in his dreams. Rolling over in his sleep, one word tumbled sleepily from his lips:

"Tegan".



Only You Ch. 02



The sound of Super Mario blaring in his ear rustled Derek from his deep slumber. 

With a loud groan he rolled onto his side, his blue eyes glaring at the clock. Ten o'clock was way too early for anyone to be awake. 

Somewhere in the crevices of his mind, his brain registered the ringing of his cell phone. Not even bothering to look to see who it was he opened the phone and prepared himself to tell whoever it was to fuck off. 

"Who the fuck..."

"You little shit. You've been in New York for a day and you haven't even bothered to contact us!"

The angry sentence died in his mouth as he registered the voice on the other end. 

"Angie?"

"Yes? And I'll just sideswipe that whole cursing at me thing, seeing how it is ten in the morning."

Derek chuckled. "'Ello to you gorgeous."

"Don't try and sugar coat things. You did not tell me you were here. I am pissed at you."

"Don't say that. You know you could never be mad at me."

"True."

He smiled. "Damn, you still sound sexy."

"Damn straight. I'm a mom; I'm not dead."

"I gather from this ass-early phone call. I'm still running on England time, Hartley. Oh wait, Gavin now."

"Hey, I gotta get a hold of you somehow."

He laughed. "I knew it."

"Still a cocky little shit, I see."

"What can I say? It's a Ryan trait. And I'll have you know, I was going to call you. I was just waiting until he was out of the house. I know how steamy our conversations can get."

Angie laughed. "You are so bad." "Oh don't deny it. You know how it goes. I love it when you tell where you want me to put my mouth..."

"Derek!" Angie gasped in mock shock. "Connor says hi. You're on speakerphone."

"Hey Derek. Exactly where on my wife's body were you planning on putting your mouth?"

Derek coughed dramatically. "Hey Connor, you know I've been meaning to tell you how much I love how you don't hurt me."

The baritone laughter coming from the other end made everyone crack up. A faint cry in the background cut short the merriment. 

"Oh, sounds like one of the twins is up" Angie remarked. 

"Don't worry about it, hellcat. I'll take care of it." Derek could hear Connor yelling as he walked away from the phone. "Keep that conversation clean, Ryan!"

"I promise to behave myself, Gavin!" Derek chuckled. "How's the hottest Mama in NYC doing?"

Angie laughed. "I'm good. The twins are keeping me busy. It's a good thing my mom's helping out with stuff. How's the business?"

"Business is good. Touring season has arrived. I'm going to be in the States for the majority of the summer."

"Awesome. How long will you be in New York?"

"Two weeks. Then I hit California, Texas, and Florida."

"You should go see your brother."

Derek nodded, plopping down on the sofa in his room. "I plan to. I need to razz on him about this last film."

Angie laughed. "Aww, don't get on him too much. The critics' really liked it." Angie was referring to Dex's latest movie. He had taken a break from all his big budget productions to do an independent film as a favor to one of his friends. 

The role was about a cop who goes undercover as a male prostitute to crack a Russian crime ring. A critical darling, the role boggled fans who weren't used to seeing Dex in such a vulnerable state. They were extremely concerned about the graphic sex scene between Dex and another male actor. 

Derek applauded his brother for his daring acting choice. He had seen the movie twice and enjoyed it immensely. "Don't sweat it Ange. I thought it was really well done."

"So, how does it feel to be a little older?"

"God," he sighed. "Don't even remind me. Today is the big day. The big 2-4."

"Aww, look at my baby all grown up. You still doing the party thing tonight?" A soft gurgling sound stopped her sentence. 

"Gavin, what is Maggie doing in here?"

Derek could hear Connor laugh. "She wasn't going back to sleep, so I said she could sleep with us."

"Dammit, Connor she's nearly two! She should be sleeping by herself. Liam is in the room with her!"

"But babe, look at this face. How can I say no to my baby girl, especially when she looks like her hot mom?" 

Derek guffawed loudly. He could only imagine the look on Connor's face as he held up sweet baby Maggie as collateral. 

He heard Angie sigh and knew she had given in. "Fine. But this is the last time. She's a big girl now. And I wished you would have asked me first. I wanted to do something before the kids woke up."

There was a pause.

"Oh," he heard Connor say. "OH!" he exclaimed, finally catching on. "To hell with sleeping with us, baby girl. You're gonna have to tough it out in your own bed. Daddy's about to get some!"

Derek laughed. "Nearly two years of marriage and you two are still crazy for each other."

Angie giggled. "Yeah, it's nice. I'd hate to rush you off the phone, but..."

"Nah, it's cool luv. I know you gotta take care of business."

"Yeah, you too. Have fun today. We'll see you tonight."

"Will do, Ange."

"Oh, and Derek...Carrie's going to probably figure out you're in town."

Derek sighed. "Yeah, I know. She called me last night. Everything's cool, don't worry."

"Okay then. I gotta go. Talk to you later, babycakes." The phone beeped. 

Derek sighed. It was only half past ten; he didn't actually have to be up and about until 11:30. He was to meet Matt and Jake at noon to head to the convention center to set up their display for the expo at one.

"Well, since I'm up..." He rolled off the bed and walked groggily towards the shower. 

********

"And I'll tell myself I'm over you 'cause I am the King of Wishful Thinking..." Tegan belted the song loudly. 

Turning up the volume on the Go West album currently blaring on her record player, she stepped into a pair of black jeans. Huffing loudly, a stream of curses fell from her lips. 

"Fuck, come on don't do this to me" she said while trying to move the denim over her too curvy hips. After a few grunts, she was finally able to pull them on. Now came the other task, something she lovingly referred to as the button and zip dance. 

Tegan knew she looked like a fool, hopping around her tiny cluttered bedroom, knocking into stacks of records and CDs, trying in vain to button her pants. Throwing herself on her unmade bed, she sucked in her tummy and held her breath as the button finally connected with the hole. 

Sighing in relief, she held the two sides and zipped up the pants. 

Tegan's chest was still heaving when her phone chirped shrilly. 

"Hey Drea," she breathed loudly.

"Mm-hmm," Drea said knowingly. "Did I interrupt something."

Tegan rolled over and off the bed. "No," she grunted as she stood up. "I just finished pouring myself into my pants."

Drea's high pitch laugh made Tegan smile. "Maybe you should get some new jeans, fat ass."

"Yeah, well maybe you should stop coloring your hair, Andrea Davenport."

"Touché. So, what are we doing today?"

She walked over to the small hamper and began rifling through the stacks of clean, folded t-shirts. Way to screw up your handiwork, she thought. "Uh...I don't know. I figure I'd stop off at Ducky's for a bit and check out the selection. After that I really didn't have anything planned."

Drea groaned. "T. You just went to Ducky's yesterday. I'm sure the music collection hasn't changed. Come and do something new with me. I'll bring Teddy."

Tegan was about to say no but stopped at the thought of Teddy, Drea's best friend and roommate. He was always good for a laugh. She sighed. "Alright, dude. I'll be over at your place in about another hour."

"Good. We have to wait on Teddy; you know how long he takes."

"Okay. I'll be there in a bit."

Hanging up, Tegan exclaimed a cry of victory when she found what she was looking for. She quickly put on the aqua blue t-shirt and stuffed her feet into her black and white polka dot slip-ons.

After putting on more eyeliner than was absolutely necessary for noontime, she grabbed her keys and wallet and headed for the door.

********

When she got to Drea and Teddy's loft apartment, the door was already unlocked. Tegan was almost hesitant to walk in. One never knew what to expect with Drea and Teddy. Aside from Porn and Chicken Thursdays the roomies also shared Strip Poker Sundays with a bunch of their other friends. 

Tegan shook her head. Her friends lead much cooler, yet odd lives. 

"T? Is that you?" Drea's voice called out to her from the kitchen area.

"Yeah. Where the hell is Teddy?"

Drea entered the large living room, plopping down on the couch and reaching for the remote. 

Tegan sat in the bright red easy chair next to her. "So this is why I left my apartment? To come sit in yours and watch you eat Fruity Pebbles?"

Shooting Tegan a look, Drea shoved a large spoonful of cereal into her mouth and chewed slowly. "Listen, stop acting like you had something back-breakingly important to do." Her green eyes smiled devilishly. "Speaking of important, have you thought about Derek?"

"Derek who?" she replied, feigning a look of innocence. 

"Oh don't give me that bullshit!" Drea said, tossing a lime green throw pillow at her. "I know you were thinking about him all last night. And once more this morning."

"Shut up!" Tegan threw the pillow back at her. "Are we really going to his birthday party tonight?"

"Why wouldn't we?"

Tegan shrugged. "I don't know. I just figured I'd chalk everything up to being a fluke, you know? Not get my hopes up just in case things don't work out."

Drea let out a long breath. "T, you have got to stop selling yourself so short. Who knows what can happen?"

"That's exactly my point, Drea. Who knows?"

"Tegan I think you're making way too much out of this. Just call him up later, and we'll go and have a good time. No muss, no fuss."

"You're right. I think I'm just insane."

Drea smiled. "Yeah, you gotta get out more."

"That is why we're going to have a day of awesome!" Tegan looked up to see Teddy saunter into the living room. He was a ridiculously attractive guy: Tall with muscles that rippled underneath smooth cocoa skin, close-cropped black hair, and warm brown eyes that were always smiling. When Drea introduced Tegan to Teddy nearly four years ago she had a major crush on him. 

That was the same night she saw him making out with his then-boyfriend. It was a blow to her ego, but she eventually got over it. Teddy was just too good of a person to stay mad at. 

"Teddy!"

"Hey T. How's my girl doing?

Tegan laughed. "Good. What are we doing today?"

Teddy shot Drea a sly look. "You didn't tell her?"

"I figured I'd leave it up to you."

"Tell me what?"

"Quiet you," Teddy said. "We're going on an odyssey of sight and sound."

"And surprise, apparently."

He held up a hand to silence her. "Talk not of foolish things, m'lady." 

Tegan giggled. "Whatever." She eyed his outfit. "Well, you're dressed up." Teddy was an artist, and usually dressed in paint-splattered jeans and tank tops. But today, he was...clean. He was wearing a fresh pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt with a picture of a Hellboy comic on the front. "Why are you dressed up?"

He shrugged. "I told you, we're going someplace special. Drea, are you ready?"

"Yeah, just gotta put on my shoes." Jumping up, Drea shoved her feet into blue flip-flops. "Fuck, where are my keys?" She began moving her hips rapidly, listening for the jingle of keys in her short jean skirt.

Tegan and Teddy watched her and laughed. "Unless you plan on meeting some hot girl and end up at her place, I'd say you'll be fine if I have my keys."

Drea snickered. She reached between the couch cushions. "Found them!" she exclaimed, twirling the key ring around her finger.

"Okay, now that we've got everything can we please go?" Tegan asked. 

"Alright, Miss 'I Didn't Even Want To Go In The First Place'. Calm yourself."

Tegan smiled as the walked out to the pull elevator, locking the door behind them. 

"What can I say? You've intrigued me."

********

Derek was beaming. The expo was going so well. There were people from all over the world showcasing the best in gaming and comic books. 

He was so proud of his business, which had grown from a little webpage into a very lucrative business.

With the help of Jake and Matt, the trio had started their own website, NerdsUnite!, more than six years ago. It started out as a place where they reviewed the latest in gaming and comic books, including movies and actors. Now it was a money-making venture that still promised the same witty repertoire and the company of nerds just like them. 

They were previewing the website's new layout, which included a place for members to sign up and place bets on comic and movie memorabilia as well as set up profiles. Derek and his friends hoped to receive enough interest for the site to gain mainstream recognition.

He was sitting at the NerdsUnite! booth signing autographs and handing out free t-shirts when Matt eased himself into the chair beside him. Derek laughed at his appearance. When Derek had knocked on his hotel door earlier he had answered wearing nothing but shades and boxers and his normally gelled brown hair was flat against his scalp.

Now he was clothed, but he was still wearing the shades. 

"Fuck off, Ryan" he moaned. 

Derek continued to laugh. "That's what happens when you can't handle your alcohol, punk ass."

"Ugh." Matt cradled his head. "This is going to be a long three hours."

"Are you gonna be able to go out tonight?"

"Yeah, after the nap of Christ. What time are we heading out?"

"Around ten or so. Apparently my brother rented out a VIP room at this posh ass club downtown."

"Nice birthday present."

Derek nodded. "He's kind of awesome like that." His blue eyes scanned the room. "Where the hell is Jake?"

Matt laughed. "Over at the XBOX table trying to score a 360 from the hot rep."

"He's such a tool. If he's not looking for free shit, he's hitting on some chick."

"Same could be said for you, D."

"I pay for all my shit, fucker."

They both stopped talking to pose for a picture with a fan. Only after the guy left, did they start speaking again. 

"I'm not talking about paying for things. I'm talking about hitting on chicks."

"What? I don't do that....okay even I can't say that with a straight face."

They both laughed. 

"Yeah? Well what about that bird from last night? The 'not tubby DJ'."

"Tegan? What about her?"

Matt shot Derek a 'bitch please' look. "I know the Derek Ryan charms. Hell, I've fallen for the Derek Ryan charms. And you were layin' it on thick with her, mate. What, are you slumming it now?"

Derek tried to laugh off the dig about Tegan. "Slumming it? That girl is really chill. And no, I wasn't flirting I was just being nice. You should try it sometime. You're starting to sound like Jake."

Matt held up his hand. "I'm not trying to get into an argument, D. Mostly because my head is fucking pounding. But just remember: I know you man."

He shrugged. "Whatever. But I invited her tonight to my party. Shut up!" he added, when he saw the look Matt was giving him. "I can see your disapproval even through your sunglasses."

"Disapproval my arse. I'm just going to sit in the background and watch the proverbial poo hit the fan." He pointed to Derek's cell phone which was vibrating on the table. "You're being paged."

Opening his phone, he saw a text message from a number he didn't recognize. 

"Hey, it's Tegan. Just wanted to know if things are still on tonight. Let me know the place and style."

"It's from Tegan," he said. 

"Mmm-hmm, it starts" Matt said, shaking his head. "I wonder what will happen with Tegan and that other chick you hooked up with in the same room."

Derek stopped. He hadn't thought about Carrie being there. Suddenly this night was going to get more interesting. Carrie was never one to hold her words.

"Nothing is going to happen Matt," he said with more confidence than he felt. "I'm going to text her back."

"Yeah, I'm definitely taking a nap when we get back," Matt said, a grin on his face. "Tonight's going be awesome."

********

"T! Get your booty out here!" Drea called to her. 

Tegan huffed loudly. "I so did not sign up for this shit, you two!" she hissed. 

Teddy scoffed. "You think we were going to let you go anywhere in those rags you call clothes?"

"But who said that tonight is a dress-up type thing?" she called from the curtain. 

"That's what sending him the text message was for. In the meantime, you can still at least pretend to be a girl and dress up." Drea sipped her orange cream smoothie and smirked.

Tegan groaned. She knew 'an odyssey of sight and sound' would turn into a "What Not To Wear" session with Drea and Teddy.

"If you don't come out in the next 2 seconds, I'm going to reach in and pull you out," Drea warned. 

"Okay, okay here I come." Tegan pulled back the curtain and stepped gingerly out to face her friends. 

They were silent for a minute. "What?" Tegan asked. "What is it?"

Teddy shook his head. "It's just...I don't think I've ever seen you dressed up before."

"Is it really that bad?" she asked, walking over to the large three-way mirror in the corner. 

When she saw her reflection in the mirror, she let out a small gasp. She looked...feminine. Pretty, even. She was so used to seeing herself in jeans, used to being the cute but chubby friend. But in that dress, she simply smoldered. It was so weird. At 5'7 and a size fourteen, she thought she was too curvy for her own good; too much hips, ass, and breasts. But it didn't matter when she looked this good.

"Wow, is that me?"

Drea nodded. "It is, babe. I told you, you've got a killer figure. You need to start showing it off."

As if on cue, Tegan's phone began to ring, the Jimmy Eat World song signaling she had a text message. 

Drea looked down at the phone in her hand, flipping it open. "Hmm, he says it's going to be down at that place near Serendipity. It's a club called the Black Cat Lounge." She looked up at Tegan and whistled. "That place is fucking exclusive. We're supposed to go right up to the front and ask for Kent Brockman."

Tegan laughed at The Simpsons reference. "Did he happen to mention what the dress style was?"

"Hmm, he said dress sexy."

"No he did not!" she exclaimed, trying to grab the phone away from Drea. 

Teddy burst out laughing and quickly read the text over Drea's shoulder. "Actually he did. I'm starting to like this guy already."

Tegan felt her skin flush. "Well, this outfit definitely qualifies as sexy."

Teddy grabbed her waist and kissed her on the forehead. "It definitely does. You look wonderful, gorgeous."

"Aww, thanks Teddy. I know you're just saying that because you're my friend."

His brown eyes got serious and Tegan was taken aback. She had never really Teddy in any other state but happy. 

"Listen here, Tegan James. You need to learn how to take a compliment and not turn it into something negative. You're gorgeous just the way God made you. If some asshole can't appreciate that, well fuck 'em. There's a million other guys out there who are more deserving of what you can offer."

Tegan felt the tears welling in her eyes, threatening to spill down her cheeks. No one had ever said anything so nice to her. "You rock, Teddy. Thanks."

He smiled down at her. "No problem sugar. Now hurry up and get this thing off you and into a bag. You've got a kickass party to attend."

********

Derek knew he had to get his brother one hell of a thank-you gift. The Black Cat Lounge simply oozed cool. Black and hot pink leather lounge chairs were spread out in the expansive VIP room above the normal part of the nightclub. 

Black lights and neon strobe lights pulsed throughout the room. There were two separate bars in VIP as well as a separate DJ booth. 




Only You Ch. 02



By the time he had arrived, Matt and Jake were already there as well as Shanna, Jake's hellish wife. She greeted him warmly, hugging him to her. From the look on Jake's face it seems they had a nice makeup session in the hotel. Derek silently prayed the good mood would last.

Matt slapped him playfully on the back. "Looking good D," he said, letting out a low whistle. 

"Thanks man. You know I have to look good for the ladies." He had taken a lot of care with his wardrobe that night. After fifteen minutes staring at the selection of clothes he'd brought with him, he had decided on a pair of nice black slacks, a black pinstripe shirt and cobalt colored silk tie that matched perfectly with his eyes. His hair was its normal state, curly and unkempt, the shaggy locks falling softly into his eyes. 

"Anyone in particular you trying to look good for?" Matt's green eyes smiled at him. 

"I see that nap did you good. Try not to over drink tonight, Martha. I don't want to have to drag your ass out tonight."

Tipping an imaginary hat, he walked off to the bar. 

"Whatever!" Matt called out to him. "Don't forget about your actual girlfriend!"

Shit, Derek thought. He did talk to Lottie earlier after things wrapped up at the Expo. She was about to leave her apartment, heading out for a night on the town. He made her promise not to get into anything she couldn't handle. Derek was the only one that knew about her three month stint at a rehab center in Utah for a minor cocaine problem; he would be lying if he said he wasn't a little worried. 

She's a big girl. She can't always look to you to solve her problems all the time. Have fun tonight. 

He ordered a double of Crown Royale and sipped it slowly, enjoying the smooth taste of the cognac. 

Yes, he was planning on enjoying himself tonight. The liquor was good, the music was great, and he was surrounded by good people. 

"That better be iced tea in that glass!"

Derek turned and his blue eyes lit up. "Hey guys! It's so good to see you! He grabbed both Angie and Connor in a tight hug.

"You guys look amazing," he exclaimed. "Where are the twins?"

"Uh, not out at a night club that's for sure. My mom is babysitting in Jersey for the night. Connor and I have a whole night to ourselves."

"How does it feel to be back out in the real world?"

Connor sighed dramatically. "Sweet freedom, man. I see you're still looking like a scrawny rocker."

Derek smiled. "What can I say? The ladies love it. Look at you two, though. Parenthood agrees with both of you."

They had changed. Angie, though the fire was till there, she seemed to have softened feature wise. Her curves were softer and the glow of motherhood was all around her. 

"Connor, I see we're going into the world of facial hair." Derek pointed to the scruffy beard now taking up residence on Connor's face. 

Angie smiled and kissed her husband. "Don't poke fun, D. I happen to like it. It makes me feel like I'm having sex with a ferocious mountain man." She squealed when he nuzzled his beard against her neck.

"Oh ew, keep it clean tonight old folks. Speaking of old, is the rest of the crew coming?"

"Well, Jess is still in Ireland with her Eric" Connor said. "Sean and Nina should be on their way. And is Carrie even coming?"

Angie nodded. "Last time I heard. Is that going to cause any problems, Derek?"

Derek shook his head. "No. Lottie's not here. She couldn't make it. Too much partying to do, I suppose. So everything is going to be fine."

"Happy Birthday, cutie-pie!" 

Nina and Sean walked over to him, Nina looking fashionable as usual. 

"Hey guys!" He said as Nina embraced him tightly. 

"Happy Birthday, man." Sean said. "It's good to see you."

"You too. Wait a minute. If you two are here, who's watching the streets of New York?" Derek said, pointing to Angie and Sean. 

"Oh you have no idea how hard it is to tear Sean away from work," Nina said, flipping her long black hair over her shoulder. "I hardly see him anymore."

"I bet," Derek said, his blue eyes winking dramatically. "Listen guys, I'm going to mingle. Get drinks and kick back. Tonight's going to be awesome."

Twenty minutes later, the party was in full swing. There were plenty of people there, Derek's family and friends, and many members from NerdsUnite!. 

After about three doubles of Crown, he was feeling pretty happy. He looked over at Matt, who was talking to a cute brunette with a pixie haircut. "Having a good time?" Matt asked.

"Yeah, it's been pretty sweet." His eyes scanned the room. Where was Tegan? The party had been going on for nearly an hour, and she was nowhere to be found. 

He was drawn out of his thoughts by Matt's low whistle. "Holy fuck," he exclaimed. "Is that DJ Girl?" His finger pointed to the door. "Jeez, mate you're in for a world of trouble."

Derek's eyes followed Matt's finger and he gasped softly. Tegan had entered the VIP room with her friend Drea and another guy he didn't know. Drea looked smoking hot, but Tegan...she was gorgeous. 

Her normally shaggy bangs and black hair were styled in retro pin curls. She was wearing a navy blue silk wrap dress that highlighted her large firm breasts. The smooth material curved into her waistline and flared at her shapely hips and rounded ass. Her russet-colored skin shone under the club lights and he longed to feel the silkiness under his fingertips. 

Yes, he couldn't help but feel longing as he stared at her. Practically jumping up from his seat, he stalked over to her. 

"Tegan J!" he said, perhaps a bit too brightly. "So glad you could make it!"

********

A little nervous was an understatement. Her heart was thumping softly when she, Drea, and Teddy hauled a cab and made their way to the Black Cat. By the time they got to the club and passed the long line of people waiting outside, it was doing leaps in her chest. Amid the catcalls and hollers of 'Looking good, baby!' they got in with no problem. Going to the second floor of the expansive nightclub was no problem. She was too nervous to even comment on how good the music was. 

It was only when she got to the VIP room and saw his reaction to her outfit did her heart start beating out a large brass band rhythm in her ribcage. His eyes...he looked as if he were going to devour her. That simple look shot her confidence through the roof. Nothing better than a sexy ass man looking at you like he's going to blow his load, she thought happily. 

"Okay girl," Drea said next to her. She smoothed down her halter dress. "He's coming over here."

Tegan braced herself. Damn, he looks so good she thought, her eyes taking in the sight of him all dolled up. "Tegan J! So glad you could make it!"

"Hey Derek. Happy Birthday!"

"Thanks, babe. You look fucking hot."

Her skin blazed at his words. "Thanks, you clean up well yourself."

"Pfft. Utter tosh. How's the sexiest bartender doing? Thanks for putting up with me and the other prats last night. You were a doll."

Drea giggled. "No problem. You guys weren't that bad."

"Oh please. You should have chucked a glass at my head. I was that obnoxious."

"Well, maybe just a little. Oh, this is our friend Teddy. I hope it's cool we brought him." She linked arms with Teddy, who smiled at Derek. 

"No worries, it's cool. Nice to meet you mate." He held out his hand, which Teddy promptly shook. 

"Likewise, dude. Happy Birthday."

Drea clapped her hands. "Okay, I'm going to the ladies room to freshen up."

Derek turned to Tegan. "You want to get a drink?"

"Sure," she replied. 

"I'll go too," Teddy piped up. Tegan shot him the dirtiest look she could muster. "Uh, actually I'd better go with Drea. You know how those soap dispensers confuse her." He walked off quickly to join the retreating Drea. 

Derek held out his arm for Tegan. "Come along Tegan J. Let's get you liquored up; it'll be easier to seduce you that way."

Lord, she thought. This boy is too smooth. I can never tell when he's joking. 

"Stop trying to take advantage of my innocence, Derek Ryan." They had reached the bar, but he hadn't let go of her hand. 

Derek leaned in, his lips close to her ear. "Oh, I doubt you're anything but innocent, Tegan J. In fact, I think you're a very naughty girl."

She felt her head swim and her panties dampen with his words. Right now really would be ideal for a drink. Tegan glanced at the bartender, who was eyeing the exchange curiously. "I'll take a Long Island Ice Tea," she rasped. When he handed her the drink she sipped generously. 

"Easy there luv," Derek said as his hand found its way to the small of her back, resting gently right above her ass. "I don't want you ralphing before we have a chance to dance."

"Dance?" she asked, taking a smaller sip of the drink. 

He smiled, that sweet lopsided grin that had her pussy throbbing. "Yes, dance. You know, that whole process of moving one's body to a beat of a song."

She grinned, catching her glossy bottom lip between her teeth and Derek fought the urge to kiss her. Damn her and that lip ring, he thought. 

Derek grasped her hand again and led her to a semi-darkened corner of the room. Taking another sip of her drink she shot him a look. He held up his hands in surrender. "I promise to behave myself," he said, winking. 

They sat, sinking into the plush leather of the chair. "I thought you said we were going to dance," Tegan said, draining her glass. "You know, the process of moving one's body to a beat of a song."

"Very cute, smartass. I just wanted to talk with you." 

She felt his blue-eyed gaze drift to her large breasts, the tops of which where highly visible due to the low cut of her dress. Tegan smirked. "Eyes up here, buddy."

Derek smiled unashamedly. "What can I say? You're looking good tonight."

"Really? You don't think it's too much?"

He moved closer to her on the couch. "You really don't know how to take a compliment, do you?"

She smiled. "I've been told that." Tegan's gaze fell to her hands as her fingers toyed idly with the hem of dress. "I have a present for you. It's not done yet though."

Derek was touched. "You didn't have to do that, Tegan J." I just met you and you got me something, he thought. Meanwhile my girlfriend of five months can't even bother to spend fifteen fucking minutes of her time talking to me on the phone.

"It's no big deal, just a thank you for inviting me to this swanky soiree."

He smiled, the same lopsided grin that made her insides flutter. "It's more of a shindig, really."

"How can you tell the difference?"

"Well, a soiree is too stuffy. A shindig implies a laid-back atmosphere, so a shindig is way better."

"Is there anything better than a shindig?" 

His eyes suddenly got serious. Leaning closer into her, he stared at her. "Of course. A hootenanny is the mother of all get-togethers."

They continued to stare at each other until Tegan burst out laughing. Shoving him playfully, she shook her head. 

"Anyone ever tell you you're a little bit mad?"

He grinned. "All the time. We should hang out."

"What do you call what we're doing now?"

Derek gently picked up her hand. As he slid his fingers between hers, he whispered. "Shameless flirting."

Her skin sizzled when in contact with his and Tegan found it hard to form complete sentences. "What are you saying?"

He was edging closer now, his full lips taking over anything else that could have been in view. "Go out with me," he said softly. 

Her heart was threatening to combust, it was beating so loud. "Like, on a date?"

Derek grinned. "For such a sexy girl, you can be quite daft." His lips fell to her neck, nuzzling the soft skin smelling like the sweetest roses and lilies. His other hand rested on her thigh, itching to trail its way farther up, but satisfied itself by running fingers up and down the smooth brown skin. The sweetest sighs of pleasure escaped her lips, her breath warm on neck, and tickling his ear. 

He kissed his way up to her, both her cheeks, her forehead, the tip of her nose. Tegan's hand clutched his hand now cradling her cheek. 

Right as his lips were about to descend onto hers, she whispered her answer. 

"Okay."

Derek smiled. "You know, that lip ring is so fucking hot."

Tegan looked up at him and he could feel his cock swelling. She looked so innocent with those wide amber eyes. How she could look naïve, yet so unbelievably sensual at the same time thrilled him. 

"C'mere," he groaned, bringing her face to his. 

Their lips touched and Tegan let out a small whimper as his tongue found its way into her mouth. Her fingers twirled themselves into his springy dark locks as he pulled her closer to him. She was sitting half on his lap, half on the chair when her teeth nipped at his bottom lip. Grinning slyly as he groaned, Tegan sucked his lip between her teeth and tugged. 

Derek felt his cock twitch in his pants. "I knew you were a naughty girl, Tegan J." He kissed her again, harder this time, ignoring the sights and sounds of the club. The only thing he heard was the blood rushing to his head.

********

Drea elbowed Teddy, who was busy talking with a slightly drunken Nina. 

"Do you see that?" she hissed happily. She pointed to the corner where Tegan and Derek were currently kissing. 

Teddy looked up from his conversation. "Oh my," he remarked, as Derek's hand slid further up Tegan's exposed thigh. "They're like a couple of horny high-schoolers."

Nina giggled. "Wow."

"I'll say," Drea added.

"Has anyone seen Derek? I want to give him his birthday present before I get too drunk to remember." Sean asked, joining the little group.

Teddy pointed to the corner. "Looks like Little Ryan is getting his birthday present right now."

"Holy..." Sean sputtered. "Why are you guys watching him make out with someone?"

"Are you kidding?" Nina exclaimed. "This is better than late-night television."

Sean shot her a look. "I think you've had enough to drink, Gill. You know how you get on alcohol."

He tried to take away her drink, when she slapped his hand away. "I wouldn't do that, Slugger. I'm getting drunk in hopes of taking advantage of you tonight." She laughed brightly. "That doesn't make sense, does it?"

Everyone laughed. "No, Pretty. It doesn't." Grabbing her hand, Sean steadied her. 

"Where's Carrie lame ass? She's supposed to be here."

"Oh, is that another one of your friends?" Drea asked. 

Nina nodded. "Yup. She's also Derek's ex."

Sean coughed. "Um, Neens..."

"Ex?" Teddy asked. 

"Well, not really ex. They weren't really dating...just kind of fucking around and thought no one in the group knew about it. But I'm Carrie's best friend and she told me."

Drea looked at Teddy, and the same thought passed between them. Oh. DRAMA.

********

"Whoa, whoa, are we really doing this?" Tegan pulled herself away from Derek's embrace. What are doing you silly bitch, her brain screamed. 

"What, what are we doing?" Derek ran a hand through his curls and straightened his tie. 

"Making out on a couch like we're on a study date." She attempted to restore order to her hair and dress. 

"If people ask, I'll just say you threw yourself at me. They'll believe me with my innocent eyes."

Tegan grinned. "You're something else, Derek Ryan."

He looked into her eyes and felt the urge to kiss her again. Tegan squealed and put her hands out to stop him.

"Oh no. I'm going to have your family and friends thinking I'm some sort of scandalous girl who makes out with you after only just meeting you."

She stood up as gracefully as possible. Her legs felt wobbly and Jello-like. Derek stood next to her, holding out his hand to brace her. 

"You good?" he asked. 

"Yes," she replied as he cupped her chin in his hand. "Maybe I've had...too much to drink."

His smile spread slow on his face as his beautiful blues twinkled impishly. "After one drink? Don't tell me you can't hold your alcohol, Tegan J."

Tegan raised a slender dark eyebrow. "I'll have you know, Derek Ryan, I can drink with the best of them."

"Happy Birthday, baby boy" a voice husked.

Derek turned to face the person and his grin faltered slightly.

"I hope I wasn't interrupting anything." Carrie's eyebrows were lifted in amusement. 

"Care," he stammered. "I didn't know you were coming."

She shrugged. "I told you on the phone last night that I was. You must have been more hammered than I thought." 

Her gaze fell on Tegan who swore she saw a dangerous flash behind the eyes of the woman who was now making Derek look viciously uncomfortable. 

"And who is this?" Carrie asked simply. Her tone was genial enough, but Derek knew better. Carrie was trying to mark her territory.

"This is my friend Tegan. Tegan, this is Carrie. She's one of my sister's best friends."

Tegan extended her hand. "Nice to meet you."

Carrie shook her hand firmly. "Likewise. Derek introduced me as Roxie's best friend, but I'm much more than that, aren't I Derek?" she smiled sweetly. 

As Tegan wondered what she meant, Derek coughed. "Tegan, if you'll excuse me I have to go talk to Carrie in private."

Tegan nodded. "Sure. I'm going to get a drink." She left them and walked over to one of the bars where Drea and Teddy were currently sitting. 

"Well, well, well. Look who decided to come up for air." Teddy handed a drink and grinned proud like a parent.

"Oh jeez." Tegan slapped her forehead. "You guys saw that?"

Drea rolled her eyes. "Babe, the whole party knows you had a good time."

Tegan couldn't help the grin plastered on her face. "I know. I normally don't do things like that. But..." she glanced at Derek, who was across the room talking to Carrie. "You see him, right?"

Teddy nodded. "He certainly is a good-looking boy."

"Oh, he's not a boy." Tegan smiled. "Trust me. Derek Ryan is definitely all man."

Drea and Teddy laughed. "Look at our little baby girl, Teddy. She's playing dress-up and snagged a man of her own." Drea's face turned serious as she surveyed the scene in front of them: the almost intimate touch to Derek's face as Carrie's hand brushed it gently. 

"Who's that girl with him now?" Drea asked. 

Tegan gulped down the rest of the drink and cleared her throat. "Oh her? That's Carrie. She's his sister's best friend."

Teddy sputtered. "That's Carrie? Wow, I didn't know..." He stopped when Drea elbowed him.

"Know what?" Tegan asked. 

"Nothing," Teddy said, catching himself. "We were talking with Nina and she just mentioned Carrie."

"Uh-huh," Tegan said suspiciously. She looked at the woman who had interrupted her and Derek. Her skin was a deep olive color. Her chestnut colored hair had streaks of blond and hot pink in them, which normally would have looked foolish on someone else but worked for her. Her celery-colored eyes were exotic in her dark face. She was thin, with medium breasts, slender hips, and a round pert ass. She smoldered in a pink cocktail dress and a large matching pink diamond ring that probably cost more than Tegan's entire wardrobe. Suddenly her sexy makeover made her feel like she was trying too hard. 

"I'll be right back, I have to go to the ladies room."

Drea caught her arm before she tried to movie. "You okay?" she asked, her green eyes searching her friend's face.

Tegan forced a smile. "I'm five-by-five. I just gotta pee. Breaking the seal is a bitch." "Alright," Drea said, releasing her arm. "Let me know when you want to leave, okay?"

Tegan nodded and walked quickly to the bathroom.

"Think she's figured it out?" Teddy asked. 

Drea downed her gin and tonic. "She's naïve, Teddy. But she's not blind."

********

"Looks like your girlfriend can't handle her alcohol," Carrie remarked as Tegan walked past them into the bathroom. 

"Is it possible you could be a little nicer?"




Only You Ch. 02



Her lips formed into a perfect pout. "I'm sorry, D." She adjusted his collar and tie. "You know I don't mean to be a bitch."

"Of course you do. It's one of your most endearing qualities."

She smiled. "Endearing? Why baby, I didn't know you cared. Aren't you going to say anything about my outfit?"

Derek eyed the designer outfit. It was pure Carrie: sleek and stylish. "You look good, babe."

Her celery colored eyes lit up. "You always knew what to say to make me feel so good." Her fingers trailed up his arm. "There were other ways you made me feel good too," she whispered.

"Care..." he warned. 

"I know," she said while backing off. "You've got a girlfriend now. Tell me something, Mr. Monogamous. How would your bird feel about you macking on Ms. Thick Booty?" Her eyes flickered in challenge. 

"Carrie, Lottie and I aren't married to each other. Last time I checked, I'm a grown man and could do what I please. You're just bitter because that doesn't include you."

Derek almost regretted saying that when he saw her eyes darken. "So, you're just friends right? Just like we were friends?" She stepped closer to Derek. "Are you going to get tired of her too, Derek?"

He pushed her away gently. "I have to go, Carrie. Thanks for coming." He left her standing there and made his way to the ladies' room. Derek tried to shake off her words, not trying to let her get to him because she was just speaking out of hurt. But she was pushing some major buttons.

********

Tegan dabbed the wet paper towel on her throbbing temples. The lights, the music, the drinking—it was all too much.

Closing her eyes, she leaned her forehead against the coolness of the bathroom mirror, glad for the dim lighting of the bathroom. 

Her eyes opened at a knock. "Occupied," she said weakly.

The knock came again. "Drea, I said I'm fine."

The door opened, but she didn't bother to turn around. It wasn't until she heard the click of the lock and felt strong solid arms around her waist did she gasp and look up. 

"Derek?"

"Mmm, do you know how much your dress rides up with you bent over like that?" He dipped his head and kissed the nape of her neck. 

"Wha..." her brain stopped the word process when his hand reached around to cup her heavy breast in his hand. His finger found her nipple, teasing the bud into a pebble while she struggled to breathe. 

She could feel his growing erection pressing into the small of her back and it sent a nervous shiver up her spine. 

She only had one boyfriend in her entire life. Donnie was a guy from her history class in high school, who was just as outcast as she. They had kissed a couple of times in her car and under the bleachers. One night as they sat in her car parked down a dark street he had unzipped his pants and told her to touch his "thing". Tegan had complied, and before she knew what was happening, he was forcing her head down, begging her to go down on him. 

Tegan had been confused. She had watched a sleazy adult movie at a friend's house during a sleepover, but she wasn't entirely sure what a blowjob was. She had stuck her tongue out and licked him slowly. His shudder of approval bade her to go further. She continued licking him, pretending his cock was an ice cream cone and before long Donnie's body stiffened and something warm and sticky coated her cheek. He had patted her head and told her she was amazing. The next day he broke up with her in front of everyone, declaring "fat girls give the best head". So was the extent of her sex life.

Tegan shook the bad thoughts from her head and tried to concentrate on Derek, who was making her body feel so good. 

"Derek..." she breathed. She whimpered when his hand reached up under her skirt and began its slow crawl up her leg to the waistband of her black panties.

"Yes, gorgeous?" he drawled. His fingers dipped into her panties, his knees weakening at the damp heat scorching his skin. 

"You're not going to fuck me in a bathroom, are you?"

She turned to face him, bringing her lips up to meet his. 

Derek moaned. "'Course not, Tegan J" he said tightly. "I am however going to make up for being so abrupt with you earlier." And with that, he pushed a finger into her wetness.

Tegan moaned, her fingers gripped the sink in front of her while the other hand wound its way into Derek's curls. 

Her hips began to move against his fingers, her ass grinding against his throbbing cock. 

"God, you feel so soft" he groaned. He slipped another finger inside her and she felt her knees buckle. 

"D-Derek..." she whimpered. "Oh fuck."

His thumb circled her clit, teasing the button as his fingers pumped inside her. With his other hand, he stroked her nipple, cupping the breast in hand. He wanted to unzip his pants, bend her over, and fuck her to a screaming orgasm but he knew it wasn't time. She wasn't ready for that yet.

Her shallow breathing and the tightening of her walls around his fingers signaled her impending release. His teeth found her neck, nipping bluntly at the soft, russet skin. 

"Open your eyes, Tegan J." he said hoarsely.

She did as he requested. She watched him watch her in the mirror. She stared at her breasts, heaving from his touch, his hand moving frantically in her panties. The fact she couldn't see his hand but felt his touch drove her crazy. 

"Watch me make you come," he growled. His usual impish gleam was gone; in its place was something a bit more primal.

He tugged gently on her clit and she moaned loudly, her ass grinding into his cock harder. 

"You like that," he whispered, both their eyes still fixed on their image in the mirror.

"Y-yes," she said. 

"You want me to do it again?" he asked, thumb teasing her clit once more. 

Tegan nodded, her senses on overload from his touch and dirty words.

Derek tugged on her clit once more and she left out a soft wail. "Fuck" she groaned. 

"You ready to come for me, Tegan J?"

"Yes, Derek." She bit her bottom lip and stared at his reflection. "Make me feel good."

Kissing her neck, his eyes never left their reflection as his fingers began strumming her pussy faster. 

Tegan braced her hands on the sink, watching Derek as he brought her closer to the brink. 

His fingers mauling her clit, his other hand palming her breast, his lips kissing her skin, his breath hot on her neck spurned the fire.

Derek nibbled on her earlobe. "Come," he growled. 

That one word, spoken so forcefully, and in that accent pushed her over the edge. 

"Oh!" she shivered. He held her body close, fingers still pumping inside her slowly as her hips grinded out her pleasure. 

Tegan continued to tremor as another small orgasm ripped through her. She tightened her hold in his curls as her heartbeat started to slow down. 

She felt a sense of emptiness when his hand left her warm pussy. When he put his fingers to his lips and sucked her essence slowly from his fingers she felt her kitty pulse hotly. 

"Damn babe," he moaned. "You taste so good."

Tegan smiled. She had never done anything like that before. It was ridiculously embarrassing and exciting at the same time.

"Tell me something," she said as she smoothed down her dress. "Do you make up with all the girls like this?"

Derek grinned, the devilish gleam returning once again to his navy blues. "Only the ones I really like." He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close. "And I like you, Tegan J."

She could feel his throbbing cock and every part of her silently screamed for him to take her however he wanted. But she knew having sex in a bathroom was a no-no, especially for her first time.

"So take me out."

He smiled. "Deal. When?"

"I've got work in the morning. Maybe tomorrow afternoon?"

"You DJ in the morning?"

She laughed, her light brown eyes making him giddy. "No. I photograph. I just don't DJ, Derek."

"A woman of many talents. I like it." He kissed her lightly on the nose. "Tomorrow afternoon it is." He cupped her ass in his palm. "Until then, you wanna leave me a lil' somethin' somethin', as they say in the States?"

Tegan laughed. "You are shameless."

"I prefer cheeky, thanks."

"Whatever." She kissed him soundly, savoring his cognac taste and his heady aroma. 

"That's all you get for now, Mr. Ryan." Ignoring her hormones, she wriggled out of his embrace and headed for the door. "After all, what kind of girl would I be, letting you fuck me before our first date?" With a waggle of her fingers, she was out the door. 

Derek let out a long ragged breath. He shoved his hands into his pockets and stared at himself in the mirror. His normally unkempt inky curls were even more haphazard. His lips were red and swollen from kissing and his tie was crooked. 

He grinned. He looked like a schoolboy caught with the cream. 

"Tegan J," he whispered as he turned to leave the bathroom to rejoin his party. He chuckled. "What an awesome birthday present."



Only You Ch. 03



"Alright kids, just give me one more big smile...there we go!" Tegan smiled down at the laughing kids who were too busy shoveling way too pricey cake into their cute mouths to pay her any attention. 

It was a slightly overcast day in Central Park and Tegan was on a job. She was supposed to be walking around, snapping pictures for the Westing family; Upper East Side royalty. Tegan had gone to the same private school as Cabot Westing. Cabot had married young, the wife of an ambitious senator wannabe. Tegan was surprised when Cabot contacted her to photograph her daughter Aspen's birthday party. 

It was a hellish assignment. Central Park was overrun with sugar-induced two year olds. It was all Tegan could do to not to pull her hair out. She was tired of chasing after kids, tired of framing the light, and worst of all, she couldn't get Derek Ryan out of her mind. 

Just thinking about his hands, his mouth, his breath warm on her neck made her ache for some alone time. She was ready to leave to prepare for their date, but Cabot was nowhere to be found. She needed to let her know the pictures would be done in a few days.

Her phone rang and she hurriedly fished it out her jeans pocket. "Hey you," she said, trying to mask the tremor of excitement in her voice. 

A deep chuckle greeted her. "Hey gorgeous," Derek replied. "What are you up to?"

"Just finishing up with this job."

"Mmm. And what are you doing afterwards?"

"I dunno. Maybe knock over a bank. Pick up a drug habit, the usual."

He laughed loudly. "You're a wild one, James. You'll never guess where I am."

"Um, I have no idea."

"Guess."

"Empire State Building?"

"Fuck no. I wouldn't be caught dead at that tourist trap."

She laughed. "Well, then where are you?"

"Mm, right behind you."

Tegan whipped around and gasped. He was indeed right behind her, cell up to his ear, the same half smile on his lips. "What the...how did you know I was here?" she asked. 

"Drea told me. That doesn't look like 'happy to see me' face," he said with a mock pout. 

He looked so sexy doing that, she thought. He did look hot today. Jeans ripped in an artsy fashion paired with a navy blue t-shirt with his company's logo on the front, the blue of the shirt matching his eyes. 

"I am totally happy to see you," she replied. She snapped her phone shut and hugged him. When he tried to cup her ass, she squealed. "Derek! There are kids around!"

He laughed loudly. "Aww, come on Tegan J. You need to be bad once in a while."

She didn't bother to mention that letting a guy stroke her to a star-blazing orgasm in the bathroom of a swanky club was as bad as she got. 

"Be more bad. Check." She kissed him lightly on the lips. When she tried to pull away, he grabbed her tighter, his tongue sliding into her mouth before she could protest. 

"Mm, Derek." She gently shoved him away. "Down boy." 

The sound of someone clearing her throat made them both turn. 

"Tegan James. I sincerely hope I'm not interrupting anything." Cabot Westing was standing in front of the pair, a slightly amused expression on her classical face. 

"Cabot! I am so sorry." Tegan felt her cheeks flush. Damn you Derek and your sexy self. 

"Mmm-hmm. Don't mind us. I'm just having a child's party."

"I apologize. This is Derek Ryan. He's a friend of mine."

Cabot extended her hand and Derek could smell the breeding, right down to her casual designer wear complete with pearls and Chanel No. 5. "Charmed I'm sure." Her eyebrow rose in surprise. "Ryan? As in Dex Ryan?"

Derek smiled tightly. "One in the same. He's my brother."

Cabot seemed impressed. "Well. Tegan, nice one. Anyway, thanks so much for helping me out today."

Tegan smiled. "No problem Cabot. I'll be getting the pictures to you no later than Tuesday. See you later." Grabbing Derek's hand, they walked out towards the street. 

"Are you okay?" she asked. "You seem kind of antsy."

"I'm good." He turned to her, all sense of irritation gone. "How the hell do you know someone named Cabot?"

Tegan grinned. "I went to school with her."

"Oh my god!" he gasped. "Don't tell me you're a private school girl!"

She nodded. "Since I was about six years old."

The grin on his face was positively lascivious. "Do you still have the outfit?"

"So, you really have a dirty mind."

"Baby, it's one of my best qualities. So, where are we going today?"

"Um." Tegan was finding it hard to think straight. He was rubbing his thumb idly across the top of her hand. It was sending tiny sparks all over her body. "We can go hang out at my house for a little bit. Then I have something planned for us."

"Ohh," he said, pulling her close to him. "Something dirty?"

It was Tegan's turn to smile roguishly. "You never know."

********

They rode the subway to Tegan's Village apartment, hands entwined the entire time. They traded stories about their lives. Tegan told Derek about growing up on the Upper East Side with her mother and stepfather. Her real father had exited the scene when she was five years old. Her mother had married Harlan James, an investment banker from old money. 

It was a big scandal for Harlan's family. They had vehemently opposed to their handsome white son marrying a black woman beneath his class level. And she had a child, gasp! But Harlan loved Catherine and treated Tegan like his own. 

She had played the role of an Upper East princess, graduating from her snooty prep school with honors. She was accepted to Columbia University and went for three years before promptly dropping out. 

Her parents were understandably furious, but Tegan knew that college just wasn't for her. She was bored, more interested in exploring the world around her than studying to be a doctor. 

Derek was surprised she was telling her so much about her life. He had taken her to be very stand-offish, preferring to listen rather than talk. It was refreshing to see her look so relaxed. He had watched her some time before calling her, observing the way she moved while taking pictures. Like her DJing, it was natural and graceful. She was simply beautiful. 

"Okay, this is it" she said as they stood in front of a warehouse type building. 

"This is pretty cool" he remarked. 

"Yeah, it used to be some type of meat-packing warehouse. Some company bought it over and turned it into high-priced apartments. Welcome to New York."

They rode the elevator up with Tegan secretly praying she left her house in some sort of order. She wasn't used to having people at her house. She always visited her parents in their penthouse apartment and was always at Drea and Teddy's. 

She realized with a shock that it would be the first time a guy would set foot in her space. The very thought was exciting and mortifying at the same time. 

"So, are we just going to stand outside and observe the door?"

"Huh?" Tegan looked at Derek, who was staring at her curiously. 

"I mean, it's a nice door but I'd kind of like to see what's going on inside."

Laughing she unlocked the door and pulled him inside. "Welcome to my humble abode," she said with a dramatic arm sweep of the room. 

Derek stepped inside and uttered a low whistle. "Whoa, nice digs." It was a large, open space; high walls that led up to exposed steel beams for the ceiling. A large panel of windows on one wall gave an excellent view to the city below. There was a tiny kitchen in one corner and a walled off portion that Derek supposed was her bedroom. "This is such a New York apartment."

Tegan laughed. "Yeah. Excuse the clutter. I'm an organized mess kind of girl."

He took in the stacks of movies, books, and music scattered about the apartment. It seemed to be in a haphazard manner, yet neatly organized. He chuckled. Even in mess, Tegan James seemed like a walking contradiction. "I can definitely see that," he remarked. "So what are doing at your house?"

Tegan glanced at her watch. "Well, it's 6:30 now. We've got about three hours before the real fun starts. I'm going to change out of these clothes real quick. You can watch TV while I do that. Then we can head out to catch a bite."

"Ms. James what exactly do you have up your sleeve?"

She smiled. "Like I said, be a good boy and you'll find out." She walked down the short hallway to her bedroom. 

Derek flipped on the television, but turned his attention to her collection of stuff. There were tons of photographs on the walls. He noticed that even the walls were art. Some had copper and metal sheet plates hammered on them, while others were painted a deep red and splattered with different colors. 

There were several pictures of Tegan, Drea, and Teddy. He stopped at the picture with Tegan and someone he guessed to be her mother and stepfather. Her mother was definitely beautiful. 

She was tall and thin, her high cheekbones and the elegant curve of her neck giving her a regal look. They shared the same light brown eyes and glossy dark hair, although her mother's was done up in a tidy chignon while Tegan's was its usual shaggy, layered state.

Her stepfather was a nice-looking guy with wavy brown hair and kind hazel eyes. They looked like a happy family. 

Derek was drawn out of the moment by a soft stream of curses. He walked over to her room. "Babe, are you okay?"

"I'm...fine. Just finishing up."

He walked over to the kitchen area. Opening her stocked refrigerator he grabbed bottled water and took a sip.

"Derek?" she called out.

"In the kitchen, babe." He heard the clipped tones of her shoes as she walked towards the kitchen. What he saw next nearly made the water shoot from his mouth. 

She was dressed in a short pleated black miniskirt, the bottom of which barely reached mid-thigh which gave him a glorious view of her sepia toned skin. She was wearing a red short sleeved button up shirt, the top two buttons undone to reveal some sexy cleavage. 

But what really set him off were the boots. Those fucking boots, his body screamed. Long, black stiletto boots that zipped up to her kneecap, a pair of black tube socks with two white stripes peeking out from the top.

"Dear Lord," he managed to gasp out. "Sweet dear Lord."

She smiled. Her lips were glossy and she wore smoky black eyeliner and shadow. "I take it you like the look?"

He was gripping the water bottle so tightly he feared it might snap in two. His body was practically begging him to take her on the dining room table, wanting nothing more than to drive home between her lovely dark thighs, the soft leather of the boots wrapped around his waist...

Derek cleared his throat. "We should leave. Right now."

********

Tegan was beaming. Derek had almost spent himself in his pants when he saw her. She knew the night was going to be fantastic after that. She had grabbed a black summer cardigan and her camera bag before he practically frog-marched her out of her own place. 

They had grabbed a quick bite to eat at Sal's Deli, which was a couple of blocks from Tegan's apartment. Tegan loved the restaurant for their good eats and good service. The way Derek kept staring at her made her slightly uncomfortable but so hot at the same time. 

After dinner, they walked around some more. She showed him the small park she liked to take pictures in and a couple of her favorite stores. One of the last places they visited was her favorite haunt, Ducky's Records. She had discovered the little gem a few years back and now she was one of Ducky's most loyal customers. 

She introduced Derek to Ducky Tavares, the namesake. He was a retired member of Iron Will, a semi-famous punk band from the old-school days. Derek liked him instantly. Ducky was a punk rock brat through and through, from the straight-edge tattoos and snobbish music tastes. He was a decent guy and thoroughly loved Tegan, especially when she argued with him about music.

Derek played the part of dutiful tourist. He was charmed by all the things that she held dear in her little existence but he was growing a little impatient, wanting to get on with the rest of the night, especially with the festivities he planned for later—mainly involving her on all fours while he fucked her from behind. Watching her walk, her lovely ass swaying in that short skirt, especially when the back rose up when she flounced...god, she was driving him crazy and she didn't even realize. Damn, how he loved that. 

It faintly occurred to him that he had gotten up this morning and hadn't even bothered to dial Lottie. In fact, she called him twice during his tour of the Village with Tegan but luckily his phone was on vibrate. Part of him thought he should at least give Tegan a heads-up about the state of his dating life, but the majority, the part he clearly was listening to was shouting a big 'Hell No'. 

As they left Ducky's promising the old man they'll return tomorrow, she grabbed his hand once more and pulled him across the street. 

"Tegan, as much fun as it's been to watch you walk in that miniskirt...I have to ask—where the hell are we going tonight?"

She stopped in front of a black building. "I have a slight confession," she said. "I have a mini-job to do tonight. A friend of mine is having a performance at this club and she wanted me to snap some shots. Is that okay? I know it's not a real date, but..."

He silenced her ramblings with a short kiss. "It's okay, luv. Really. Just being around you is enough for me. Besides, I can think of a way for you to make it up to me." He winked dramatically. 

Tegan gulped nervously. So he did want to sleep with her! This was perfect. She pointed up to the sign outside the building. "Okay, this is it." 

Derek looked up at the sign. It was a silhouette of a woman arching her back. Next to that in tasteful neon lighting were the words "La Salon Rouge".

He shot her a quizzical look. "The Red Parlor? What exactly is this place?"

A coy smile played on her full lips. "You'll see," she said as she pulled him inside. 

The door opened up to a dark hallway, illuminated only by softly light wall sconces. The hallway gave way to a large room filled round tables decorated in red and black lace and silk. There was a large stage with a deep red velvet curtain. All along the walls were black wall sconces. 

Derek felt he was inside some twisted Gothic novel brought to life by Tim Burton. There were already people filing into the area. He noticed most of the tables were occupied. The guests ranged from men in expensive business suits to guys and girls with piercings and tattoos. 

Tegan walked over to a table near the front but off to the side in a darkened corner, which had a tiny white card with 'reserve' etched on the front. "This is us," she said as she removed her cardigan. 

They sat down and as a raven haired girl approached . She was extremely pale and wore blood red lipstick and dark eyeshadow. Her hair was in retro curls and she wore a red and black lace corset and garter with matching low cut panties. She was really pretty, reminding Derek of that burlesque girl Dita Von Teese. 

"Hey Tegan," she drawled. Her voice was husky and tinged with an accent Derek couldn't recognize. 

"Hey Syn. I'm still helping you out tonight, right?"

The woman nodded. "Absolutely. I'm thinking about using the snapshots for my portfolio." The woman's violet eyes gazed at Derek and her red lips parted to reveal white teeth. "And who is this one? He's dreamy."

Tegan laughed as Syn sat boldly on Derek's lap. She stroked his chest and batted her long lashes at him. "Syn, meet my friend Derek."

Syn winked at Derek who smiled cheekily at her. "Hello Derek. I take it you're the recipient for the special prize tonight?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about gorgeous, but I'm definitely game."

Syn chuckled. "Oh, I like him T. He's a shameless flirt."

"You have no idea, Syn."

She bounced off Derek's lap. "Well, as much as I'd like to stick around I've got to prepare for the show. See you in a bit," she said, giving Derek a sexy wink over her pale shoulder as she walked away. 

Derek was flabbergasted. "Show?" he asked, turning to Tegan who was setting up her camera. "What kind of show?"

Tegan stared at him. "La Salon Rouge is a burlesque house, Derek."

His signature half smile turned into a full-on grin. "Holy shit, seriously?"

"Sure. Can't you tell by the atmosphere?"

"And here I thought it was just a very sexy reading parlor." He chuckled. "You have a very odd perception of first date etiquette."

Tegan shrugged. "I was never one for normal."

"I'm slowly beginning to understand that. So, I take it Syn is a dancer?"

"You would be correct."

"And is Syn her real name?"

"As far as I know. Her full name is Synister La Rue."

He laughed loudly, drawing looks from the other patrons. "I officially love your friends. You're a weird ass girl, you know that?"

She smiled. "Yeah, I know. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to get ready to take some shots. Have fun ogling the talent."

As she rose to get up, he caught her hand, drawing her closer to him. His hand traveled up her skirt to cup the one thing he'd been fantasizing about since the night before. "The only talent I want to see is what you've got under here," he said. His voice was barely a whisper, but Tegan felt his words echoing through her body as his hand stroked her ass. 

Her knees dipped when he gave her a playful, but sharp slap that made her pussy throb with need. "You need to behave yourself, sir." She tugged his curls, lifting his head "We don't allow that kind of touching here at Le Salon Rouge."

"Oh yeah?" he challenged. His hands dipped lower, pushing aside her panties and reaching in to give her pussy a light but pressured squeeze. "And who the hell's going to stop me from taking what I want?" His blue eyes blazed with a desire so fierce it sent shivers down her spine. 

Tegan was well aware of the fact they were in front of people, and even though the corner where they were was kind of hidden, there was still a chance people could see. 

"Derek..." she trailed off.

"Hmm?" he replied lazily as he continued to squeeze her pussy lightly.

Her hips began to grind involuntarily against his hand. "You...n-need to stop." Her hand was still clasped tight in his curls.

The smile on his face was positively devilish as he pulled away. "Whatever you say, Tegan J." His tone was deceptively bright but she could see the lust in his eyes yearning to break free.

Tegan let out a ragged breath. "You are so bad." She smoothed down her skirt and tried to collect herself. 

As she turned to leave, he gave her bum a sharp slap. "Don't I know it," he whispered. 

Tegan grabbed her camera and moved away from the table as quick as possible. 

Derek smiled to himself. He was definitely going to have a nice time tonight.

********

He was still beaming as they walked back to Tegan's apartment. 

"That was seriously one of the hottest things ever!" 

"I'm glad you liked it," she said. 

"Are you kidding? What man wouldn't like a bunch of half naked gorgeous women prancing around on stage to gothic rock?"

Tegan laughed. "It's kind of something you have to get used to. I used to be so nervous around the girls. They're just so beautiful and sexy; they can make a normal girl feel a little inadequate." She didn't know why she was telling him this. Dammit, now he's going to think I'm some insecure basket case. 

As they got to Tegan's building, Derek stopped her. Smiling, he took her in his arms and kissed her gently. "Babe, you're just as lovely as those girls." He kissed her once more. "In fact, you're even better. Know why?"

Tegan shook her head. He loved the naïve way her whiskey-colored eyes stared up at him. 

"Because you don't know how sexy you really are. That, and you can dance for me anytime you want." The lopsided grin was back.




Only You Ch. 03



She laughed. "Hmm, maybe I'll take that into consideration. Now let's go up so I can take advantage of you."

********

Tegan sat on the couch, nervously sipping the beer she just opened for herself. She was hoping the alcohol would give her a huge nerve boost. I can't believe I'm going to have sex tonight, she thought nervously.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Derek said. 

She smiled. "Um, just thinking about some things."

"Like dancing for me?" his hand rested on his thigh. "Because that would be so hot."

She shoved him lightly. "Can I ask you something?"

"Ask away."

"Why me? I mean, of all the girls in the club that night...why did you choose me?"

She downed a huge gulp of beer, anxious for his reply.

He was thoughtful for a moment. "Well aside from the fact you seemed like the easiest one...you had a kickass sense of humor. Plus, you played a song for me. That definitely counts for something."

Tegan shot him a quizzical look. "I suppose that's kind of a compliment."

"Why me?" he countered. 

"Your ass," she said unashamedly. 

Derek let out a generous burst of laughter. "Wait, seriously?"

Her wry smile let him know the answer to his question. "Why, you naughty minx!"

"What? You've got a really nice ass. Plus I love your hair." She ran a gentle hand through his silken ringlet-like curls.

"I should feel offended. You only like me for my manly but sexy attributes."

"Well, you did say you thought I was easy."

He shot her a dramatic look. "I said I should feel offended. Actually it's kind of hot you find me hot."

Tegan rolled her eyes. "You are so corny."

"One of my finer qualities."

Tegan tucked one leg underneath her, an act that made her skirt rise slightly. If she had been paying attention to Derek's face, she would have seen the lusty flash in his eyes as he caught a glimpse of her inner thighs. He could barely suppress the groan that threatened to betray his cool outer persona. 

The smallest things were driving him fucking crazy, especially when she kept reaching up to touch his hair. Each tug of his raven curls or when her fingertips touched his scalp, it made his whole body sizzle and his cock twitch. He had to adjust himself often to mask his growing arousal.

"Derek? Derek, are you alright?"

He snapped to attention, his blue eyes trying not to focus on the buttons of her shirt. She was leaning forward, the top two buttons undone showed off her bountiful breasts while a third button was nearing its breaking point. 

"Wha...?"

"Eyes up here buddy." Tegan lifted his chin, forcing his eyes to hers. 

Derek tried a mega-watt smile. "Why do I feel like I'm about to be spanked?" His eyes grew hopeful. "Is there going to be spanking involved?"

Tegan laughed. "You are something else." She brought his face close to hers, her lips resting softly on his. 

Derek groaned and slid his tongue gently into her mouth. Cupping her face in his hands, he deepened the kiss, surprise at his sudden need to further explore her mouth. She was too far away. He brought her closer, sitting her on his lap with her legs dangling off the side of the couch. Tegan was feeling a tad uncomfortable, and he could sense it.

"What's wrong, baby" he said as his lips moved to her neck, sucking the soft and scented skin. 

"Am I...I'm not going to crush you am I? You're like eight pounds."

He laughed and the sudden warm blast of air on her neck made her shiver. "I'm a big boy Tegan. You won't break me."

She grinned. "Wanna bet?" She ground her ass softly into his crotch. Derek shut his eyes and felt his head tip back. Tegan moved her hips harder this time. His hands palmed her ass, giving each cheek a slap. 

"Bad girl," he moaned. "Now you have to do something to make up for teasing me."

Tegan grinned. "Like what?"

His navy eyes sparkled. "Dance for me, baby. I want to see you dance."

"You first," she countered. 

Derek grinned. "Is that a challenge?"

Tegan nodded. "You bet your hot little ass it is."

He gently lifted her from his lap and rose to his feet. "You got yourself a competition, baby."

"And I get to pick the music."

"Only fair. You are the DJ after all."

Tegan walked over to a stack of vinyl. She sifted through the albums, looking for the perfect song. She grinned broadly when she found it.

"Aren't you going to let me see what I'm dancing to?" he asked. 

"Nope," she replied. "You'll just have to wait and see."

She put the album on the turntable. She dropped the needle and returned back to the couch, anticipation running through her veins like lustful adrenaline. 

"I've always wanted to dance to this," she remarked. 

He was standing there with a bit of hesitance. His hands were shoved deep into his pockets and he shuffled from one foot to the next. 

As the song started up, he looked at her, his eyebrow raised in an almost appreciative fashion. 

"You've always wanted to dance to this?" he remarked. 

Tegan shrugged nonchalantly. "Rob Zombie is hot." She pointed at him. "Now I believe you owe me a dance, Ryan. Time to pay up."

Derek gave a 'what the hell' gesture and began to move his hips somewhat awkwardly. 

Tegan fought a giggle. He looked so clueless, but it was so cute. Plus, Rob Zombie's Pussy Liquor was such a badass song to dance to. She felt so raunchy, yet sexy every time she heard it.

"Whoo, take it off baby!" she hooted. 

Derek shot her a smoldering look as he brought his blue t-shirt over his head and flung it right at her. 

She was surprised. He had looked so skinny, but he was actually pretty built. He had the beginnings of abs. His low slung jeans made his deliciously hot hip lines show. There was a set of blue stars on either side of his hips that made her pussy pulse hotly. Fuck, tattoos? Could this boy get any hotter?

Derek noticed her eyes go hazy as she stared at him. I'm going to give her one hell of a show, he thought. Licking his lips, he unbuckled his belt and ripped it out of his pants.

Tegan whooped appreciatively. "Ow, ow!" With her index finger, she made a downward circular motion. "Turn around, sexy. Let me see that fine ass of yours!"

He grinned as he played with the button of his pants. "God, you sound like those horny old ladies at male dance revues."

"Hey now, hush it up. Talkers don't get tips. Now shake it for Mama!"

Tegan was shocked at herself. She was getting way too into this; but it was nice to let loose. And she was really getting turned on, watching him sway and move for her.

Derek unfastened his pants. Turning around, he slid his pants down slightly. Tegan let out a yelp of protest. "All the way, sailor!" Her heart was racing as she took in more of him. There was another tattoo, a biohazard symbol between his shoulder blades. 

He dropped his pants quickly and she got a lovely view of his underwear clad behind. He was wearing red boxer briefs and when he turned around to face her, she could see the beginnings of an erection. From the preview, Tegan could clearly tell that the main show was bound to be a blockbuster. 

When her eyes finally made it to his, there was a mirror look of lust in them. She looked down at herself. She was gripping the arm of the chair tightly, her legs opened and he could definitely see her underwear. She was thankful they were black otherwise he would have noticed they were soaked thoroughly.

The song was still playing in the background as he pulled her to her feet. "Your turn," he said huskily. He flopped on the couch, his legs splayed.

Tegan began to swing her hips, her eyes fighting not to focus on his growing erection. She was nervous. She was the only person who had seen her naked in...well, she didn't want to admit that.

Closing her eyes, she allowed the sensual griminess of the song to guide her limbs. Arching her back, her hands traveled up her body, stroking her sides, running up her arms, and finally cupping her breasts,

Her legs moved farther apart, as her hips swayed from side to side moving with the beat. She shook out her hair and her brown fingers started to undo the buttons to her shirt, letting it fall to the floor. 

Tegan pinched her nipples through the satin of her black bra. Her pussy was positively crying out for release. 

Her eyes were still shut as she slid her skirt over her hips and down to the ground. She was left standing there in her underwear. As her hand traveled to her panties, she heard him speak.

"Tegan," he said tightly. "Open your eyes, baby."

She looked at him. The room was quiet. She realized the song had been off for some time. 

His eyes had that primal look from before. His boxer briefs were tented, and she could see his hand inside, moving slowly against his cock. 

Her lips suddenly felt dry, and her tongue reached out to lick them. Derek's eyes followed her tongue and he tugged his cock harder. 

"Come here," he commanded. 

She slowly walked over to him. Instinctively, she got on her knees in front of him. She reached for the waistband of his underwear and slid them off. 

A small gasp fell from her lips. She hadn't really seen a cock in real life. Donnie didn't count because it was too dark for her to really anything.

He was thick and about as long as her hand. It was pink with a purplish top that was oozing pre cum. There was a small patch of hair at the top of his cock; other than that, he was completely shaven. 

Tegan stared up at him; her dark amber eyes were the perfect balance of innocence and pure impishness. "Derek," she whispered. "I'm not really an expert on this." She bit nervously on her bottom lip, the flash of silver from her lip ring peeking out.

He smiled warmly at her. "Don't worry, baby. I'll steer you around the curves." His body was on fire. He needed to feel her near him. "Just reach out and touch him," he said. "He won't bite."

As her hand reached out, he cleared his throat. "Speaking of" he added. "Under no circumstances are teeth ever okay."

Tegan laughed. "I'll try and keep that in mind." Her fingers trailed lightly, barely touching the smooth skin. When she gripped him gently, he uttered a low moan. She nearly snatched her hand back. 

"Did I hurt you?" she asked. 

Derek shut his eyes and breathed slowly. "No, baby. You're fine." He didn't want her to know he had been close to cumming on her hand just from that light touch.

Tegan leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on the mushroom-like head. Her tongue licked the underside of his head before she took it into her mouth. 

Derek groaned and grabbed her head as his hips rocked forward. She opened her mouth wider to accommodate him. Tegan started to bob slowly, using her thumb and forefinger to jerk him off. She wasn't exactly sure about her movements, but she tried to listen to the sounds he was making when he liked something. 

When her tongue lapped at his balls, Derek let out a low moan. Smiling, Tegan took them into her mouth. His fingers twisted into her hair and she groaned, the vibrations of which sent tiny sparks shooting out from all directions, making Derek intake short gasps of air. 

Her eyes went to his and he knew he was going to cum. Damn, those eyes. The naughtiness of her actions and the naïveté of her looks made him dizzy with lust. He felt that familiar tightening as she continued to tongue his sac while her dark hand moved along with smooth, quick strokes. "Tegan, I'm gonna cum."

Her mouth went back to his cock, her warm mouth back on his hardness making his hips jerk. 

She looked up at him once more before whispering softly. "Please come in my mouth."

Derek growled, releasing his seed into her waiting mouth. Tegan swallowed it eagerly. She licked at his head and cleaned the rest of him until he gently moved her away, his cock too sensitive for any more of her attention. 

Taking her hand, he brought her from her knees to sit next to him on the couch. He kissed her deeply, taking her bottom lip into his and sucking it hard. Tegan whimpered, her pussy begging her to touch it, to give relief to the fire now burning inside. 

Her fingers dove into her panties, stroking her soaking sex. She gasped her surprise when she felt him push her fingers aside and take over, his fingers curling inside her pussy and hitting that wonderful hidden spot. 

"Oh fuck," she mewled. Her head rested on his shoulder as she humped his fingers. 

"I want to be inside this pussy so bad," he growled. "But first, I want to make you feel as good as I do." He forced her to look at him, while his fingers pumped her. "Do you want me to fuck you, Tegan?"

When his thumb pinched her clit, she nearly cried from pleasure. "Yes, please."

Derek grinned at her polite answer. "Well. Then I suggest you cum quickly for me, baby girl. I don't know how much longer I can last."

His fingers thrust deeper into her. Tegan let out a small wail. Her body twisted to the side as she draped her top half over the arm rest. Her gaze drifted back to him. His knees were in the couch as his fingers were slowly pushing her over the edge. With his free hand he pushed back the dark curls that fell into his face. 

Derek moved closer, practically lying on top of her with his fingers still inside. She could feel his cock swelling once more as he kissed her side. Tegan looked down at him, his blue eyes studying hers. His wicked smile was sudden and fierce. 

"You're going to look so fucking nice on the end of my cock."

Tegan felt her eyes roll as her body fell into ecstasy. She climaxed with a low moan, her body shuddering. He slipped his fingers out of her wet pussy and brought her close to him. 

She kissed him roughly before seizing his hands and sucking his fingers into her waiting mouth, tasting herself on him. She decided she liked that.

"Please fuck me," she said to him softly.

She got to her feet shakily before unclipping her black bra. Her large D cup breasts bounced free and Derek gulped audibly. She slid her panties down and stepped out of them. It was he could do but stare. He knew she was pretty, but as she stood in front of him the only word that came to mind was beautiful: the smoothness of her sepia skin, her glorious breasts with the dark-capped nipples, the cinch of her waist and her slightly rounded tummy giving way to generous hips and the ass he couldn't get enough of. He was reminded of that phrase 'shaped like a Coke bottle'. And right there, at the meeting of her thighs was the treasure he'd been dreaming about. Wondrous layers of chocolate and vermillion he couldn't wait to feast on. A thin strip of hair was all she had on her mound. 

Tegan was becoming increasingly shy; she was standing stark naked in front of him, save for her black boots. As she moved to cover her breasts, he stood up and stopped her. 

"Don't" he whispered. "You're too beautiful to hide." Wrapping his arms around her waist, he brought her closer. He covered her lips with his, enjoying the feel of her silken skin against his, the soft scent of roses and lilies making him feel at home. 

"Take me to bed," he said.

Tegan took his hand and nervously led him down the short hallway to her bedroom. They sat on the bed and Tegan unzipped her boots. Derek kissed her once more, his hands traveling to her breasts, rubbing her nipple with the flat palm of his hand. 

He pushed her gently back on the bed, their mouths still connected. He could her trembling slightly under him. "Are you okay?" he asked. His blue eyes searched hers and could see the discomfort in them. 

"I..." she started. Dammit, how can you tell they guy you're about to have sex with you're a virgin? It's not like you can exactly blurt it out.

"What is it? Do you not want to do this? We can stop." He was hoping to God she was planning to move forward with it, however selfish it sounded. It was like having this nice big present snatched away without warning. 

Derek started to move away when she pulled him closer. "No, don't go. It's just...I've never done this before."

He stared at her incredulously. He knew she was innocent, he didn't realize how much she was. "You're a virgin?" He supposed the shock was evident in his voice because she turned her head in embarrassment. 

Realizing his mistake, he kissed her cheek. "Tegan. Baby, don't be ashamed. It's just...it's a little shocking is all."

"Why? It's not surprising that no one wants to bang the big girl?" There was a hint of bitterness in her tone.

"Their loss," he said firmly. "Because now they'll never have a chance to be blessed with the gift you're about to give me."

Tegan turned back to him, her light eyes brimming with tears. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

He chuckled and brushed a dark strand of hair from her forehead. "I should be asking you that."

She smiled broadly. "I'm sure. I want you to be my first."

"Then I am honored, luv." He pushed her to the top of the bed, resting her head on her pillows. He spread her legs before positioning himself at her entrance. "It's going to hurt for a bit. Let me know if it's too much." His cock was twitching with anticipation as he neared her dark core. 

"Are you sure you want this, Tegan? Once I start it's going to be really fucking hard for me to stop." He could hear the almost desperate tone in his voice.

Tegan propped herself up on her elbows. She smiled at him. "I'm a big girl, Derek. You won't break me."

Derek's mouth rose in his signature lopsided grin at his words being thrown back at him. He lifted her knees slightly as he eased his cock into her warmth. He felt her tense underneath him and he brushed back his curls. "You good?" he asked, his blue eyes studying her. 

Tegan nodded. "I'm fine, no worries." She breathed deeply, and tried to stop her heart from thumping erratically. He leaned down to kiss her before plunging true, breaking her hymen and burying himself inside her. She groaned loudly, tears spilling down her cheeks. Her hands grabbed at his strong arms. 

"I'm sorry, baby" he said as he kissed her tears. He stopped moving so she could adjust to the sudden invasion. 

"It's okay," she breathed. "Nothing like getting it out of the way, huh?"

They both laughed. "Are you ready?" he asked. 

She nodded. "I want you to fuck me, Derek." His hips began to move again. 

Tegan closed her eyes and tried to focus on the pleasure now sweeping through her body. Things had moved past discomfort into happy with each stroke of his cock. It felt as if he was trying to go deeper with each plunge. A low groaning sound filled the room and Tegan realized it was her. She had never heard something like that before. It sounded so...primal.

She found her hips rising to meet his thrusts, her back arching her nipples as if in offering. Derek obliged, tonguing the dark bud before taking it completely into his mouth. Tegan sighed, her fingers clutching at his dark hair once more. 

Derek's head was spinning. He looked down; her eyes were shut tightly, her mouth slightly open, little cries of pleasure tumbling out. He leaned close to her ear. "How do I feel?" he asked. 

He felt her tremble underneath him. "S-s-so good," she breathed out. "So fucking good."

Derek grinned. "You want more?" He punctuated the end of the sentence with an even deeper stroke, arching upwards.

"Ohhh, fuck." Her legs spread even wider.

"Tell me, tell me what you want Tegan J."

"I want more. Faster, please."

He slid out of her wetness and plunged in once more. Grabbing the headboard with both hands, he fucked her hard. He watched her writhe beneath him, her brown legs wrapped around his waist, her beautiful breasts pointing heavenward. Beads of sweat rolled off his face and fell on her stomach.

Tegan's hands clawed at his chest as his cock thrust hard into her pussy. She knew she was going to be sore as hell tomorrow but it was definitely worth it. Her body felt on fire, and she knew at once the only cure was him. 




Only You Ch. 03



There was a heat stirring inside her, starting from her toes and slowly creeping up to her belly. Tegan pulled him down to her, clutching his shoulders as she kissed him hard. 

"Derek, I'm gonna..."

"Cum with me," he moaned. One last hard stroke had him growling out her name and for the second time that night, Derek spent himself inside her. Tegan pussy clenched his cock as she came with a loud whimper. Her arms and legs wrapped around his body, enveloping him in such softness he nearly cried out.

She peppered his face with kisses as he rolled over, taking her with him. When she tried to move off him, he held her in place with his arms. "Oh no you don't. I want you near."

Tegan sighed as her heartbeat tried to calm itself. She felt so wonderful. Her skin buzzed all over and her legs felt a little numb. She chuckled softly to herself.

"Uh, normally that's not what I guy wants to hear after having sex." He settled on his side and snuggled up to her back.

Tegan rolled over to face him. "No, not that. You were wonderful. Thank you."

He smiled, tucking his arm under his pillow. "I should be saying that to you."

Her hand reached out, entwining her fingers with his. "So say it then, Ryan."

"Thank you, Tegan James." His smile was illuminated by the moonlight streaming in through the curtained window. "You saved me the trouble of getting myself off."

Tegan slapped him playfully. "How romantic. You say that to all the girls you deflower?"

"Well I normally don't make it a habit of banging virgins. It's kind of messy, with all the tears. Plus, you're the oldest virgin I know. Do you know how hard it is to find virgins these days? At my age, I'd have to sleep with schoolgirls and I believe that's illegal no matter what side of the pond you're on."

They both laughed. "You mean I'm the first virgin you've been with? What about your first time?"

"I was fourteen and she was sixteen and the sister of one of my mates. She kind of attacked me in a broom cupboard during a birthday party."

"Oh, you bad boy. Macking on the older women."

"I'll thank you not to sully my good name. She practically raped me. Turned me into a sex-crazed pervert."

Tegan rolled her eyes. "You were fourteen. All boys that age are that way. Besides you clearly came out on the better end."

He nodded. "True. You know something? You are a first for me."

"Oh really? What am I?"

His face got serious as he leaned closer to her. "You're the first fine piece of chocolate ass I've ever had."

Tegan laughed loudly as he grabbed her as nibbled at her neck. "Ahh! Let go of me, perv!"

"Nope. You're stuck with me for a while."

She got serious for a moment. "Dammit, now that makes me think."

"About what? How I look like Adam Brody's extremely fit British brother?"

She grinned. "No, but now that you mention it...that's hot." 

"I know. So what is it, then?"

Tegan didn't want to mention that he was only here for a short amount of time. He was leaving in two weeks, moving on to California to showcase his website. He didn't even live in the same country! All at once she felt a little foolish. She knew this thing wouldn't last. Well, it didn't make sense to spoil the time they had with trivialities. 

She plastered on a smile. "I don't know if I want you in my bed tonight. You might snore."

Derek's blue eyes twinkled. "You'll just have to let me know. Why are we still up anyway? Don't you know guys usually pass out after a really good shag? You're keeping me up, virgin." He shoved her playfully.

"Hey! I'm not a virgin anymore, thanks to you buddy. Plus, I wanna talk some more. I'm not here just so you can get your jollies."

"Speaking of jollies let me know when you're ready for round two." He inched closer to her. 

"Nuh-uh, Ryan. I'm going to need recovery time. Some dirty old man fucked me like he was going to break my back."

Derek winked. "Heartless bastard. He should know better. Maybe he was distracted by those sexy boobs of yours." He cupped a heavy breasts in his palm. 

"Shameless flirt," she said. 

"Tart" he replied.

"So are you!" she shot back.

"Touché. I am a flirtatious tart. I just hope one day God will forgive me for all my sexy sins."

Tegan laughed. She loved the banter between them. It felt so right, lying in bed after great sex, joking with the hot man who brought her to amazing heights of pleasure. This is how things should be, she thought. "You know, you never really mention your brother."

Derek was silent for a moment. "I don't particularly like to. Especially not after sex, you cheap bint. Now I'm all paranoid you were thinking about him during."

Tegan shook her head. "Honestly, I think I've seen only one of your brother's films. Besides," she said as her fingers brushed against his lips. "I think gamer boys are hotter anyway."

"Don't go trying to seduce me, Ms. James. I'll have you know I'm not that kind of boy."

"Oh really," she teased, her hand reaching down to cup his mild erection. "That's not what I hear."

His blue eyes darkened as she began to pump his cock. "Tegan J., don't start something you can't finish."

She kissed him gently. "Baby, I plan to go all the way."

********

Tegan woke to the sun streaming through her grey curtains and a huge smile on her face. 

You just had sex you skank, her brain chanted. With a guy you barely know!

It was nearly 11:30. She and Derek had spent the rest of the night alternating between sex and talking until the early lights streaked through the dawn sky.

Perfection was the only way to describe it. There, in darkness of her room, she connected with a man on a level beyond the pleasure he ripped from her body with each orgasm. 

She turned, watching him sleep soundly. He was facing her, his hand tucked underneath his cheek, his unruly hair curling out over the pillow and into his eyes. She realized then he looked so young and almost cherubic. 

Tegan's hand traveled to her pussy and touched it gingerly. She winced slightly. Maybe an all-night marathon wasn't the bed of ideas. She couldn't help it, he was so cute—with the accent, and the eyes, and the hair sweet Lord the hair!

Apparently her body couldn't grasp the sore concept because she was getting hot just thinking about Derek. Despite the dull ache between her legs, her fingers idly stroked her pussy as she breathed sharply, a mix of pleasure and ache. 

She nearly jumped out her skin when she felt his lips on her shoulder. 

"You don't have to do that as long as I'm around," he whispered. His voice was heavy with sleep and lust.

Derek reached out and pulled her on top of him. "Derek..." she moaned in protest. "No more, at least for now." She still straddled him, despite her body's warning.

He groaned, his hands clasped behind his head. His blue eyes stared up at her, giving her the biggest puppy dog look he could muster. "You can't just leave me like this. Blue balls are quite dangerous to a man's health luv. I could die if you don't fuck me right now."

Tegan shot him a look. "Nice try, Ryan. Points for the look though."

Derek grinned. "Hey, I tried. What do you say, Tegan J? Why don't you give me a proper good morning greeting?"

She grasped his cock and was about to lower herself down when a jingling of keys halted her movements. 

"What?" he asked. 

"Shh," she said. She listened for a beat before cursing loudly. "Dammit. Perfect timing."

"Tegan?" a voice called out from the common area. "Are you here?" It was Drea. 

"Is that a man's shirt on the floor?" a deep voice she recognized as Teddy's asked. 

Derek giggled. "Mum and Dad are home. We are so busted." He slapped her ass, making her pussy rub against his cock. 

Tegan fought a moan. "Quiet. They'll hear you."

"T, we already know you're back there. You've got five minutes to get out here or we're coming in." She heard Teddy guffaw. "And tell Derek to get his fine ass out here too."

Tegan leapt off him and scrounged around for something to throw on. She settled on a pair of short blue shorts and a white tank top. She ran an errant hand through her hair. "How do I look?" she asked. 

He propped himself on his elbows and stared hard at her. "Like a gorgeous girl who's been shagged silly for the past nine hours."

She groaned. It'll have to do for now. As she turned to leave she noticed he was still in bed. "Get up," she hissed. "They already know you're here."

His devilish smile was back again. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

"What?"

"Well, I seem to have divested all of my clothing in an impromptu strip show and all my clothes are currently out in the living room."

Tegan groaned. "Shit."

"Never fear, my potty mouth paramour. I'll just MacGuyver myself something." He rose from the bed, giving her a nice view of his erect cock before wrapping her black bed sheet around his waist. 

He grinned happily at her, clearly pleased with himself. "Ta-da!" 

"That'll have to do," she said. "Come on."

They walked out into the living room as Drea and Teddy clapped loudly. "'Bout damn time!" Teddy shouted.

Tegan knew if she could turn red her face would be like a tomato. 

Derek was beaming. "I've never had a round of applause before. This is just amazing." He walked over to the couch and picked up his jeans. 

Drea's eyes followed him. "So, I see last night was good. Care to share, T.?" Her green eyes sparkled with amusement. 

Tegan grabbed Drea and pulled her towards the kitchen, with Teddy behind. 

"Oh stop, I was just teasing."

"I know," Tegan replied. "It's just that you guys have perfect fucking timing."

"Oh really?" Teddy asked. "Were we about to interrupt Round Two?"

"More like Round Ten."

"Goddamn!" They shouted in unison. 

"I know," Tegan said excitedly. "He fucks like a champ but I am so worn out."

"Oh honey, you need to sit down and rest. Maybe get some fluids in you other than Little Ryan's." Drea said, laughing loudly.

"Jesus, does he have another brother?" Teddy said, pretending to fan himself. 

"What happens now? I mean where do we go from here?" 

"You have fun," Drea replied. "You enjoy the company of a great guy for the short time you're given." Before he goes back to his cokehead girlfriend, she added silently.

Tegan sighed. "You're right, Drea. I know we're supposed to hang out today, but I've got to get some sleep before we do anything."

Teddy nodded. We understand girl. We've all had those nights. I'm just glad you finally got yours."

********

Derek dressed hurriedly and slipped into the bathroom while they were talking. He fished into his pockets for his phone, which had been on vibrate. There were several calls: a couple from Matt, one from his brother, another from Angie, and two from Carrie. 

He decided all of that would be dealt with later. Right now there was something else on his mind. Derek dialed the number quickly. 

His bare foot tapped against the cool tile while he waited for the person to pick up. 

"'Ello?" a groggy voice answered. 

"It's me," he said quietly. 

"Gorge? Is that you?"

He sighed. She had been using again. "Yes, Lottie. It's me." He gritted his teeth at the use of that awful nickname. It was short for gorgeous, but it always sounded like someone on an eating binge.

"What time is it?" she asked.

"It should be around afternoon time on your end." He sighed. "Listen, Lots I'm calling because I...I really feel like a prat to do this over the phone but, well we know this 'us' thing isn't working out. And it's pointless to be holding on innit? So why don't we throw the towel in?"

The phone was silent on the other end and he was afraid she hung up the phone in anger. 

A loud snore told him his answer. 

She had fucking fallen asleep on him. 

Derek had reached his limit. "Bugger this," he spat as he snapped the phone shut. He was officially done. 

Shoving his phone back into his pocket, he ruffled his hair and smiled at his reflection in the mirror. 

"You're all hers, now."



Only You Ch. 04



Derek wrinkled his nose in concentration as he typed away furiously on his laptop. He was trying to finish his review for the latest Grand Theft Auto game for NerdsUnite!. While Matt and Jake took care of public appearances at the conventions, Derek stayed behind the scenes to tighten the graphics and layouts of the new site and to work on the business aspects. 

There were a lot of people interested in purchasing his little company. Sooner or later the Geek Trifecta, as he referred to himself, Matt, and Jake would have to make a lot of decisions. He wasn't sure if he wanted to sell his company. After all, it was his baby; he brought it up with his friends and without the help of any others, specifically his brother. Why couldn't people understand that he wasn't just Dex Ryan's little brother? There was definitely more to him than a famous sibling.

Derek made sure there was hardly any connection to Dex in his work. He didn't want to be accused of using his brother's fame to further his own agenda. He had seen too many Hollywood families ruined by siblings' need to constantly compete for the spotlight. He loved his brother was content to remain behind the scenes. After all, he was twenty-four and as Dex joked, the only thing on his mind was sex and girls. 

At the present moment, there was one girl taking up residence in his thoughts. Tegan was fantastic, the complete opposite of Lottie, who hadn't returned his many calls in the past week. That didn't bother him at the moment; as far as he was concerned, their relationship had been over for nearly a month now. Tegan was just the thing he needed to take his mind off the situation that was slowly bubbling under the surface.

If he had been a more efficient man, he would have wrapped up all his loose ends. But no, he was Derek Ryan, Master of Procrastination. 

He sighed. Life was complicated. He was sitting in Tegan's apartment on a Saturday afternoon trying to get things accomplished but he found himself distracted by her movements. She was fluttering back and forth between her bedroom and the stacks of CDs and cassettes placed haphazardly around the common space. Derek chuckled. She still owned cassette tapes. That was some dedication to tunes. She had her headphones on and seemed to be in deep thought. 

Derek's eyes trailed back to the screen in front of him. Just a few more paragraphs to go, then he would call and let the Trifecta know everything was set.

"Earth to Derek!" Tegan said. She snapped her fingers in front of his face. 

"Huh?"

Tegan smiled. "You were totally zoning out."

"Sorry babe," he said, giving a huge yawn. "I was totally lost in this article."

"It's cool. I thought you'd been ignoring me." It was then she noticed the square black frame glasses perched on his nose. "Wait, since when do you wear glasses?"

He grinned sheepishly. "Oh these? Well, I use them for reading and stuff. Dorky, huh?"

Her lips brushed his cheek before she kissed him gently. "You look dashing. Like Peter Parker."

"Oh really?" She noticed that old mischievous gleam in his blue eyes. "Roleplay?" He reached out to her from the couch, but Tegan shied away. 

"Oh no, Derek. I've got to get some work done today."

He sighed dramatically. "I suppose I've got to do work too. Damn you with your vigorous work ethic." He looked at the stack of albums in her hand. "What are you working on, anyway?"

"Oh..." she started. "It's not actual work; I'm just making a playlist."

"Really?" he asked. "What kind of playlist?"

Tegan shrugged. "Just a random one. Why are you so intrigued? Don't you have work to do?"

"I'm nearly finished writing this review of GTA4."

"That's cool. I've never played any of them before."

Derek's eyes widened. "Seriously? You've never played Grand Theft Auto?"

"Is that a bad thing?"

"Do you even play video games?"

She shot him a look. "You're looking at the girl who owned at Super Mario and Sonic."

He scoffed. "Old-school gamer, huh?"

"Damn straight." She put her hands on her hips. "You got something against us old-heads?"

Derek laughed. "Not at all. In fact, I still have my Super NES. I think a lot of the newer games are pretty cool."

"What's your favorite game?"

"Jeez, that's like me asking you what your favorite song is."

Tegan smiled. "Touché. But answer me this: who would win in a Thunderdome-type battle...Lara Croft or Sonya Blade?"

He scoffed, setting his laptop on the opposite side of the couch. "No contest. Sonya Blade would kick Lara's ass. The bicycle kick alone would set those enormous boobs quivering in fear."

Her laughter was loud as she took off her headphones. "Good answer, Ryan. Sonya Blade was my hero back in the day. One of the most badass females in Mortal Kombat."

He nodded. "For some reason I pictured you as a Tank Girl-type character."

"She was cool. But I seriously am not feeling shaving my hair, or that whole making out with a mutant kangaroo man." Tegan straddled his lap. 

"Good thing," he said. "Otherwise I'd be out of a job."

"Do you realize how incredibly random our conversations are?"

"I have realized that fact, yes. Do you realize how fucking hot you are right now?"

Tegan waved him away. "You're just sayin' that because you want some."

A guilty grin played on his lips. "True. It has been nearly four hours."

"You are ridiculous," she said chuckling. "You've got work to finish, don't you?"

He shrugged. "Work can wait. I need a distraction." His hands cupped her ass and rocked her hips towards him. "Hello, distraction."

She giggled softly, something that surprised her. It was a high-pitched sound; she used to make fun of girls that did stuff like that. And now you're one of them, she thought. "I know there's going to be thousands of little gamer geeks who are going to be severely disappointed that there aren't any updates on their favorite website."

Derek sighed dramatically. "Damn, you are so right. The legions of nerds depend on me and Ryans do not disappoint their fans." He pushed Tegan off gently. "Get off me, you scarlet woman. I've got work to do."

Tegan went back to sorting her albums while Derek reluctantly returned to his computer. They were quiet for several minutes when she let out a loud gasp. 

"Hot damn, I finally found it!"

Pushing his frames further up on his nose, he peered at her curiously. "Found what?"

Tegan waved the album triumphantly. "Only one of my favorite records ever!"

"Come again?"

She sighed. "I had a copy of Yaz's album Upstairs at Eric's, but I couldn't find it for weeks. I borrowed Ducky's from the store that night when I DJ'ed at the Romper Room when we first met and had all intentions of looking for mine later on but I've been kind of distracted." There was a sly grin on her pretty face. "And now here it is and it's so damn awesome!"

Derek grinned as she practically hopped from one foot to the other in excitement. "That's cool, Tegan. But am I supposed to know why that's so important?"

The look she gave him made him feel incredibly sheepish. "Why this is import..." she huffed loudly and grabbed her music player. "Derek Ryan, for shame. Upstairs at Eric's boasts only the greatest love song of all time."

Tegan sat back on his lap and handed him one of the earbuds before putting the other in her ear. "Listen to this," she said and she pressed play.

Derek was silent as the opening melody burst through the tiny speakers. He had heard the song before, maybe on the radio as an old flashback tune or in the background at a bar. Listening to it now was different. But then again, most things with Tegan were that way. Her eyes were closed and felt free enough to peruse her features. Her long dark lashes fanning out over the tops of her cheeks, the thick layer of black liner on her light eyes giving them a more dramatic look. She was humming along softly with the song; she had a really good voice. 

He closed his eyes too and allowed the song to wash over him completely. Tegan was right; it was really good, in that electro 80s way. 

All I needed was the love you gave All I needed for another day And all I ever knew Only you

The song faded out as Tegan removed the bud from her ear. "God," she sighed. "I absolutely love that song."

Derek nodded. "I do like it. I've heard it before but never really paid much attention to it."

"It's such a beautiful song. That's how love songs should be, you know? Sparse and quiet, but so sweet and emotional you can't help but want to play it. It's the stuff mixtapes are made of."

He smiled. "You really like this song."

Tegan nodded. "I can remember sitting in my room when I was like ten or twelve listening to the tape over and over. I was going through a big 80s music phase, you know, when I was still in love with John Cusack and I used to think my very own Lloyd Dobler was going to stand outside my window blasting this song through an old-school boombox. For me, that is the ultimate 'I Love You' moment." Her light brown eyes stared wistfully into space. 

"Wow, you really are cheesy."

She shoved Derek playfully. "I'm serious, jerk! 'Only You' is a very important song, the ultimate ode to unrequited nerd love."

His arms wrapped around her waist, rocking her closer to him. "Tegan, your obsession with music is so cute."

Her dusky lips formed a small pout. "It's not an obsession per se. I just...music has always been there for me, you know? I can always count on songs to get me through the crazy parts of life."

Derek nodded. "That's understandable. But answer me one question: can music do this?" He kissed her gently, letting his tongue slide inside her warm mouth as he pressed her tightly to his chest. 

Tegan groaned, her fingers cupping his face, beckoning to kiss her deeper, wanting to feel all of him at the same time. 

He pulled away reluctantly, gasping for air. "Damn girl," he breathed. 

She smiled. Her heart was pounding furiously as the rest of her body felt deliciously on edge. "Are you almost done with your work?" She kissed his neck, sucking the soft skin between her teeth. 

Derek's grip on her thighs tightened as she ground herself into his cock. "Fuck," he groaned. "I'm nearly there." He wasn't sure if he was talking about the article anymore. Her touch was slowly driving him crazy; her movements were slow and deliberate and he wondered what spell she possessed to make him so anxious from just a single look. 

Tegan smiled against his neck. "Maybe I should let you finish," she whispered. 

"Maybe you should stop being such a tease," he replied, his voice strong with faux gruffness.

She giggled. "Aww, poor baby. I promise I'll make it up to you soon." Rubbing his cock gently, Tegan rose from the couch and went back to organizing her music. Derek sighed loudly, his finger running through his dark curls. 

His ringing cell phone stopped the stream of curses threatening to break free. 

"Yeah?" he answered somewhat rudely.

"Well, answer the phone like that and a girl will think you don't wanna talk to her."

Derek sighed, his erection rapidly deflating. "Hey Care, what's up?"

"Nothing, just thought I'd take you up on that offer of coffee."

He didn't see the point of reminding Carrie she was the one who suggested meeting for coffee and not the other way around. Carrie wasn't big on details. "Um, I'm kind of busy right now, Carrie." He watched Tegan who bustled around the room, humming softly and trying to act as if she wasn't listening.

Carrie's soft chuckled rang loudly through the phone. "Oh come on, Ryan. I'm sure you can be away from the missus for just an hour."

His eye twitched at her vague dig at his level of involvement with Tegan. He knew she wasn't going to give up until she got her way. "Alright. I'll meet you in fifteen."

"Great. Let's go to that place on 13th Street. You remember the one, right?"

Damn, she was good. Rio's on 13th was where he took her when they first started hooking up. In fact, it was one of the places her father owned. He had discovered that little tidbit when she pulled him into the upstairs office for a hot makeout session. Another loud sigh. Part of him was sure this was going to bite him in the ass later on. But again, he was never one to be reasonable. "Rio's it is. See you in a bit."

He snapped his phone shut. Fuck fuck fuck, he thought. 

Tegan stared at him curiously. She knew who was on the phone, and from the look on his face he wasn't too happy to hear from her. That made Tegan smile. She was sure something happened between Derek and that Carrie girl, but she wasn't going to push the issue. It's not like you're really dating him, her brain reasoned. Still, the thought of Derek running to her simply because she called kind of irritated her. 

She stacked the last of her albums. "Done!" she declared happily. "I take it you're going out?" Derek was quiet, his brain trying to process the meaning behind her words. Finding no sarcasm or hidden meaning within them, he nodded. "Carrie invited me to coffee. I forgot I made plans with her before." He watched her for any signs of the usual suspicion. Tegan was determined to remain cool. She wasn't going to be that girl who hounded a guy about his every move. No, she would just play it cool.

"It's no problem," she said, a small smile on her lips. "You should definitely go and hang out with your friend."

A dark eyebrow raised in question. "Seriously? You're not mad?"

"Why should I be? It's not like we had concrete plans." She kissed him, allowing her tongue to play gently with his. She would be lying if she said she wasn't giving him something to look forward to when he saw her next. "When you come back, I'll have something special waiting."

********

Derek stood outside Rio for a good five minutes before pushing the glass door and stepping into the café. Rio was an impossibly classy place, from the modern deco art to the clean lines of the classically cut furniture. Several dark wood tables and matching chairs were placed all around with small no-light candles and bowls of floating flowers as centerpieces. The sounds of a mandolin playing softly in the background added to the overall laidback feeling in the café. No wonder it was a favorite among artists and celebrities. 

The place was only a little crowded for a Saturday afternoon. It was relatively quiet, a regular oasis in the midst of a noisy New York summer day. Derek spotted Carrie at a table in the middle of the room. The center of attention, he thought to himself. She was checking her Blackberry as a cute brunette wearing the Rio server uniform of black polo shirt and grey pants poured Pellegrino into her glass. When she saw Derek approaching, she stood up so he could see her outfit. 

He had to admit, she did look good. Carrie was lethal in all things, especially in fashion. She was wearing white skinny jeans that clung to her slender hips and yellow stilettos that matched her yellow designer tank top. A teeny white summer blazer was folded carefully behind her on the back of her chair. She smiled brightly, her white teeth glowing in her olive-colored face. She removed the aviator sunglasses from her face as she opened her arms. 

"Glad you could meet me," she said. 

Derek stepped into her arms. "You know I couldn't pass up an opportunity to hang out with a friend," he said trying to emphasize the 'friend' part. 

Carrie's grin never faltered as she took her seat once more. "Gloves down, Ryan. I'm not here to start anything." She flipped her long chestnut waves over her shoulder, the hot pink still evident in her hair catching the light in the room. "Do you want anything? You know it's on the house." She snapped her fingers and the same bouncy brunette from before rushed over to the table. Everyone in Rio knew the boss' daughter was a hellbeast, and no one dared to cross Carrie DiValenti.

Derek shrugged and smiled up at the server. "I'll take an apple soda," he said. It was one of Rio's signature drinks. The brunette nodded and walked away quickly. He focused back on Carrie; her light green eyes studying him curiously. "What?" he asked.

She smiled again. "Nothing. I'm just glad I get to hang out with you before you leave."

"Carrie, I'm not leaving until Thursday. I definitely would have called you before then."

Her slender nose wrinkled. "Yeah, right. Not after the way I behaved at your party."

Derek flashed the brunette a smile as she set down his drink. The apple soda was mixed with top shelf rum in a tall glass with slices of granny smith apples floating inside. He sipped from the long black straw and stared at the beautiful girl in front of him. She couldn't possibly be apologizing. That just wasn't in DiValenti style. "Do my ears deceive me?" he joked. "Can it really be Ms. DiValenti admitting she was...wrong?" He gasped in mock surprise. 

"You are such an ass," she said even as she cracked a smile. "But that's what I love about you." Her face turned serious for a moment. "You were right, you know. I was jealous." Her green eyes stared into his navy blues. "I still am." She sighed. "You and I...we could've had something you know."

Derek felt his eye twitch yet again. Here was the conversation he didn't want to have, dancing right in front of him. "We just didn't work out, Carrie. It wasn't like we were even in a relationship."

"Maybe because you didn't give us a chance." Her light green eyes gazed at him. "You just left and gave me some shit excuse about 'not wanting to ruin the friendship'. You could have at least given me the opportunity to tell you how much you meant to me." 

"Carrie," he started. He couldn't tell her the real reason why he left. How Angie had talked him out of continuing to hook up with her. In the back of his mind, he knew nothing good would come from it. It might have made him an asshole, but their sex was convenient, a sure thing he could count on every time he was in the City; he didn't realize how much she had invested in him, the feelings that had grown. It was all just casual fun, right? All at once he felt like an ass. "I didn't realize."

She scoffed, a bitter sound that added another stab of guilt to his conscience. "No, you didn't." Carrie shook her hair out and sighed, a loud whoosh of air pushing from her mouth. "You know what? Let's just drop it." The flash of something Derek recognized as hurt flickered briefly in her eyes before it was replaced by a demure smile. "Let's catch up, eh?"

Derek nodded. "Okay. How's the family doing?"

"Not too bad. The boys are the same assholes. Daddy's doing the business thing. He always talks about your awesome domino skills."

He laughed, thinking about the time he spent the day at the DiValenti home on Long Island and played dominoes with Carrie's father instead of doing research for the site. He considered it time well spent, as Robert DiValenti was a pretty good opponent. "Yeah, tell Rob I still owe him a beatdown. How's the step-monster?"

Carrie rolled her eyes. "A bitch as usual. Can you believe the other day she tried to tell me I was spending too much money on 'frivolous things'? I tried to explain to her that dropping five hundred dollars on a cookware set is an investment. I'm a fucking chef, not some Podunk housewife!"

Derek chuckled loudly, his dark curls shaking. "Carrie, she might be right. That is a little steep, even for you."

"Nonsense. She just thought I was spending her money. Oh wait, correction: my father's money. But I bought it as a gift to myself, with my money from MY job. I don't think that crazy bitch could say something like that."

"True," he nodded. Robert DiValenti, though a smart businessman, was not lucky in the love department. He was currently on wife number three. His first wife Donatella he married as a young man while still living in Sicily. Together they had five sons: Carmine, Michael, Paul, Cole, and Nic. She had died in a car accident shortly after Nic was born. Carrie was the product of his second "marriage". During his marriage to Donatella, he had been having an affair. 




Only You Ch. 04



Carrie's past was quite scandalous. Her mother Ella had been ballet dancer whom Robert had fallen madly in love with. She had been a great beauty; a runaway from New Orleans who came to New York to pursue her dancer dreams, Robert fell for her light caramel skin and startling light green eyes. They had a passionate affair and when Carrie was born, he showered her with gifts and love. 

Around this time, Robert was rapidly moving up the chain in organized crime. Though he wasn't a major player in the mafia, his various connections gave him a boost in the business world, helping him to acquire licenses for his business ventures. He was technically legitimate, as the feds could never exactly prove that he was associated with any of the major families. Still, some people had grudges against the suave businessman and some say his wife paid the ultimate price for his success. The car Donatella was in when she died, the brake line was cut. 

Carrie's mother left to return home to New Orleans under threat of disownment from her own wealthy parents. She left young Carrie with her father. Robert was a widow with two four young boys and two infant children to care for. For many years, Robert had worked hard, keeping track of his business ventures while caring for his brood. Carrie was his light and joy and she was very close to her brother Nic, as they were the same age. When they were twelve, Robert married Maria, his current wife. 

Derek couldn't believe Carrie's life. It was seriously straight out of a soap opera. Her family was loaded and she suffered at times from the 'Poor Little Rich Girl' syndrome. When she had revealed to him the complications of her past, he felt incredibly lucky to have the stability he had in his life. Shit, the most he ever had to deal with growing up was breaking his leg when he was eight after falling out of a tree in his backyard.

"I know what you're thinking," she said, jarring him out his thoughts. "My family is insane."

The corner of his mouth turned up in a half smile. "No worries, babe. Everyone's family has a little batshit in 'em. That's what makes it special." He reached over to grasp her hand. "I'm glad I came."

Carrie flashed him a warm smile, a rarity for a DiValenti. "I'm glad you came too."

********

"Hey Audra, it's me. Listen, we're gonna have to cancel this afternoon. Nino scheduled a staff meeting for three and you know how those go. We should get together later though, tonight even. Wear that blue top I like. Bye babe."

Drea snapped her cell phone shut. "Well that's done."

Teddy lowered his sunglasses and stared at her. "You are so sad, Andrea."

"What?" she asked innocently.

"You are leading that poor girl on. I don't know why you don't tell her you aren't looking for a relationship."

Drea shrugged. "She'll figure it out sometime. You know how I hate confrontations, especially with girls."

Teddy shot her a look. "Pathetic."

"Whatever, Teddy. Look can we just enjoy our afternoon out please?" She flipped her bright red hair over her slightly tan shoulder. 

"Sure thing, sweets." Teddy shifted the set of bags in each hand. "Where to next?"

Drea shrugged. "Dunno. Maybe we should stop by that one store Tegan loves so much and pick her up a couple of tees."

Teddy nodded as they moved easily through the almost crowded street. "That'd be cool. Some cute summer tops would do her good. Have you heard from her lately? I haven't seen much of her since that day at her loft."

"A couple of phone calls and texts. She did a gig last night at the Romper Room but I was working the early shift that night and didn't get to catch up with her."

Teddy grinned. "Seems like little Ryan's been keeping her very busy. Note to self: call Tegan later on."

"Don't you have a job to do?" Drea asked, referring to his new project. 

"Pshaw," was all he said. "Doing a series for some stuffy museum, or a night out drinking with good people?" Teddy grinned. "Besides, my best work is done under the influence, but that's a trade secret."

Drea pretended to zip her lips. "I'll take it to my grave." Her cell buzzed loudly. "Oh shit, text message from Audra." She stopped in front of a glass paneled café to read the message. "She's totally fine with the reschedule."

Teddy scoffed and wiped the sweat off his brown. "Of course she is. She's jonesin' for some Drea booty and will do anything to get it. How else do you explain how she bought that flimsy ass lie about a bar meeting in the middle of the damn day?"

Drea laughed as she typed back a response. "Well, let's just say Audra isn't the brightest crayon in the box. But she is hot." Teddy sucked his teeth and turned back to his reflection in the glass. He adjusted his stark white v-neck designer tee, making sure his large belt buckle showed. His milk chocolate skin shone in the bright summer sun and he was thankful for his shades; it was damn hot outside. Pushing his sunglasses on top his head, Teddy stared up at the sign in the window. Rio's. He had heard of this place before. 

He was about to turn to Drea and see if she wanted to go inside when something caught his eye. The woman in the middle of the café. She was that Carrie chick from Derek's party. She was sitting at a table facing the window and was definitely there with someone, although the server was blocking his view. "Move bitch," he hissed loudly. When the brunette hopped away, giving Teddy a clear view, he gasped loudly. "You've got to be shitting me!" he exclaimed. 

"What's wrong?" Drea asked. 

He waved his arm furiously, beckoning her closer. "Look at that!" he pointed to Carrie. Drea followed his finger. "Oh, there's that Carrie chick. So what?"

Teddy harrumphed irritably. "No, not that bitch although she's dressed fabulously. I'm talking about who she's with."

Drea looked at the guy sitting across from Carrie. Shaggy black curls, Wiry frame. It couldn't be. "Is that....DEREK?"

Teddy nodded. "You bet your ass it is."

They watched as Derek grasped Carrie's hand in his. Her fingers stroked his cheek, an intimate act that sent Drea's blood boiling. "What the...oh that bitch is definitely going the right way for a face-punch!"

"Andrea wait!" Teddy exclaimed, barely grabbing hold of her before she went into the café. "You can't go busting up this kind of place in a bitch-fit. Girl, have some damn class."

She wrestled from his grasp. "Fine. But I swear, if I see that girl again I'm not responsible for what I do." She started walking brusquely down the street, pushing past people.

Teddy practically broke into a run to catch up with her. "Fine."

Drea huffed loudly. "What the hell is he doing in there?"

"Well, they are friends Drea."

"Correction, Theodore. They are former fuck buddies and that girl is clearly still into him. This shit is getting out of hand."

"What are you talking about?"

Drea suddenly stopped. "All of this," she snapped, spreading her arms wide for emphasis. "This entire situation. I've kept my mouth shut out of respect for Tegan and the fact that she seems so happy, but I'm about to lose my shit."

"Drea," Teddy said slowly. "I thought we agreed to stay out of Tegan and Derek's business. We said we'd let him tell Tegan everything on his time."

"That's the thing, Teddy. What kind of friends would we be to allow some British Don Juan to play our friend? Tegan, of all people. She's so innocent, Teddy and much too good for Hugh Grant over there and his bumbling yet charming buffoon act."

Teddy was silent for a moment. While he agreed with Drea, he still felt like Derek was decent. He was just behaving the way normal twenty-four year old guys do: like an ass ignorant to his actions. "Andrea, let's go talk to Tegan. I think that's the best we can do for now."

********

Tegan's phone buzzed loudly on the table next to her bed. She groaned, stirring from sleep. She had only planned to take an hour nap after Derek left to meet Carrie and that was nearly two hours ago. Sitting up, she yawned and rubbed her eyes. The phone still buzzing, she picked it up. It was a text message from Drea wondering where she was. When she flipped open her phone, she noticed a couple of missed calls from Drea. 

She was about to call her back when the phone rang in her hand. 

"Hello?"

"Hey gorgeous."

"Derek?"

"Yeah, it's me."

"What's up? Did you call earlier?"

"I meant to, I just got caught up in some things back here at the hotel."

"Oh okay. Did you finish your article?" 

He chuckled. "Yeah, I just turned it in to Matt and Jake. I'm all yours now."

Tegan smiled. "Mmm, I like the sound of that." She leaned back on her pillows. "Where are you?"

"Why?" he asked teasingly. "Miss me?"

"Well let me put it this way: what I'm planning to do right now, it's fun by myself but better with you."

There was a short silence on the phone before he spoke again. "You sure know how to make a man feel wanted, luv. What would you do to me if I was there right now?"

Tegan felt her cheeks flush. She had never done something like this before; dirty talk always made her think of some sleazy late night commercial with those plastic bimbos. But somehow this was different. This was Derek. "Derek," she whispered shyly. She heard the soft groan from the other end of the phone. 

"Tegan J, you are such a little tease." His hearty laugh rang in her ear. "Maybe next time, eh?"

Breathing a sigh of relief, she smiled. One hurdle at a time. "I'll make it up to you baby, I promise."

"You can start by buying me a drink tonight. I'm taking you out."

"Really?" she asked excitedly. "Where are we going?"

"I dunno. It's a surprise for us both. Let's get everyone together. I'll invite Matt and Jake and you bring Drea and Teddy."

"Sounds good. Do you want us to meet you downtown at your hotel?"

"That'd be great. See you soon, babe. Wear something smashing so I can show you off."

Tegan closed her cell phone and picked up her cordless to dial Drea and Teddy's place. The phone rang once before she heard Teddy on the other end. 

"Teddy?"

"Tegan?"

"Hey, what's up? I saw that Drea texted me."

"Oh yeah, about that. We were just wondering where you were."

"Asleep. I went to take a nap after Derek left to see Carrie."

"Oh," Teddy remarked. "So you knew about that?"

"Yeah," Tegan said slowly. "Wait, did you know about that?"

"Um, kind of. Drea and I saw them when we were out earlier." 

There was a hesitance in his voice which sent a warning flag waving. "Oh...really?" she asked. 

"Yeah. Well, anyway what's up? What are we doing tonight?"

"Well, Derek wants all of us to hang out tonight. We're gonna go out drinking or something."

"Sounds like fun. Where should we meet you?"

"Tell you what, why don't I meet you guys at your place? It's easier to catch a cab or the train from there."

"Cool. See you in like what, an hour?"

Tegan checked her watch. It was nearly eight PM. "Yeah, that sounds about right." She was about to hang up the phone when she heard Teddy shout.

"Wear whatever, T! You're changing it as soon as you get here!"

********

Nearly an hour and a half later they were sitting in Paddy's, an Irish bar located in the heart of the city. Teddy and Tegan had gone to find a table in the midst of the crowded place while Drea went to score drinks. Tegan pulled up her jeans before climbing onto the stool. "God, I hate seats like these" she grumbled. "I'm always afraid my crack is hanging out for the whole world to see."

Teddy laughed as he sat down across from her. "I'm sure there are many people in here who loved to see your crack."

"Shut up," she replied, a giggle spill out. She smoothed down the brand new shirt she was wearing. "Thanks again for the shirt, Teddy. It's really cute." 

Teddy waved her praise away as if it were a fly. "No worries, honey. There was a huge sale at Aqua today. Just think of it as an early birthday gift."

"Teddy, my birthday is in October."

"So it's mad early. You deserve it."

Tegan smiled. The shirt was cute. It was the same blue as Derek's eyes with little gold stars sprinkled all over. It molded over her ample cleavage and was long enough to cover her hips. It was a rarity to find a shirt that made her feel sexy and comfortable at the same time. But then again, that was Teddy; he always looked out for her. 

"Whew!" Drea called as she plopped down on the stool next to Teddy. "That bar is a fucking madhouse!" With a grunt, she lugged the large bucket of beers onto the table. 

Tegan let out a low whistle. "Jesus, Drea how much you planning on knocking back?"

Drea grinned as she used the opener on her keys to take the top off one of the bottles. "Hey, one must always be prepared." She did the same to two other bottles and handed them to Tegan and Teddy. "Alright, let's get this night started."

They had barely finished one beer when Derek appeared with Matt and Jake in tow. "Hey guys!" he called brightly. Grabbing Tegan by the waist, he lifted her off the stool and planted a large, wet kiss on her cheek. "How's my sexy girl doing?"

Tegan giggled and tried to release his death grip on her. "I'm fine, Derek." She looked at Matt and Jake who waved hello and sat down. "Hey guys."

"DJ Girl!" Matt called to her. "Cool place. Kind of a madhouse tonight, innit?"

"It's Bucket Saturday!" Drea said excitedly. "It's always crazy!" She handed Matt and Jake a beer. "Drink up boys! We're doing some damage tonight!"

Derek still held onto Tegan. Leaning forward, he moved to her ear. "I can't wait to get you alone," he whispered. 

Tegan noticed he was slurring a little. "Derek, are you already drunk?"

He smiled his usual half-grin. "I might be a lil' buzzed. Not drunk. I'm gonna need a clear head tonight."

"Were you drinking earlier with Carrie?" Tegan hoped that didn't sound like a jealous accusation. 

Derek shook his head. "Nope. I just started maybe an hour ago."

"Why?"

"Derek, you didn't tell her the good news?" Jake asked, tipping the bottle to his lips. 

"Tell me what?"

"We were celebrating earlier," Jake said, a grin on his ruddy face. "We got a major offer from some bigwig who wants to buy our company."

"That's great!" Teddy exclaimed. "Congratulations guys!"

"Hear hear!" Matt said, raising his bottle. Drea, Teddy and Jake followed suit, clinking bottles and drinking. 

Tegan stared at Derek, who had released his grip to sit on the stool next to her. "Are you alright with this, babe?" she whispered. 

His blue eyes stared back at her. "I don't want to think about it," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "Let's not talk about deals. The only thing I want to do is hang out with my mates and my best girl at my side. Now drink up, lads!" he whizzed around. "Who the fuck is buying the shots?" ********

Derek was having a good time. At least that's how it looked from the outside. The offer to buy NerdsUnite! had really thrown him off guard. After his afternoon with Carrie he went back to the hotel to finish his article. He had received a phone call from Simon Slade, some bigwig out in Los Angeles interested in the company. Apparently Slade worked for the same conglomerate that had recently taken over another, larger, networking community. He liked what he saw at NerdsUnite! and was very pleased to meet the Geek Trifecta. 

Jake had been his usual self, thrilled but wondering about the money aspect. Matt was the sensible one of the three. He was also excited, but also hesitant about what the offer meant. Derek was unsure of how he felt. The company was their baby. It just seemed wrong to just part with it. So, instead of voicing his opinions he kept quiet and celebrated with his friends by cracking open the hotel mini-bar. 

Slade wanted the Trifecta to come to Los Angeles to meet with the rest of his company, another reason Derek was so uneasy. Slade was flying them out on Monday, nearly a week earlier than he planned to leave for the West Coast leg of the NerdsUnite! tour. It meant that he'd have to leave New York early. More specifically, he'd be leaving Tegan earlier than he planned. 

He wasn't sure how he felt about that. On one hand, man she was special; completely unlike any other girl he knew. She could carry a conversation and he wasn't constantly worrying whether or not she was impressed by him. She talked to him like he mattered, like being Dex Ryan's little brother wasn't everything to know about him. But there were major drawbacks to the situation. He didn't live in New York, and being with her was more like being on a vacation or honeymoon; sooner or later he'd have to go back to the real world. 

Derek shook his curls in an attempt to clear his head. He tried to bring his focus back to the group of people in front of him. They were clearly having a much better time. He felt Tegan's hand rest on his thigh as she gave him a reassuring rub. He smiled at her. She really is fucking great, he thought. Draining his beer, he rejoined the conversation. 

"For fuck's sake!" Matt bellowed. "This music is shite!"

Tegan grinned. "Well I can't be the DJ everywhere, Matt."

"I'll say," Jake said. "Speaking of, Derek tells us you're really good with your hands." His green eyes gave her a lewd wink.

"Oh really?" she asked, turning to look at Derek who suddenly became very interested in a bottle cap. "Well if Derek keeps running his mouth, he'll find himself on a lot more solo missions."

The whole table erupted in laughter. 

"That's my girl!" Drea called out. 

"Somebody better call an ambulance for that burn!" Matt said gleefully. 

"Oh knock off, you prats!" Derek said. "I never even told you anything Jake, you wanker."

Jake grinned evilly. "I know, mate."

Tegan kissed Derek lightly. "Come on, babe. He's just having a go at you." 

"Well ha ha." He got up. "I'll be right back." 

"What the hell is his problem?" Jake asked as Derek pushed his way to the bathroom. 

Teddy shook his head. "Must be that time of the month."

When he got to the bathroom, Derek splashed cold water on his face. "Get it together, Ryan" he said. His foul mood couldn't be helped, but he tried to gloss over everything. No use in everyone else's night being ruined. Giving himself a once-over in the mirror, he headed back to the door. As he stepped out of the bathroom he collided with someone. 

"Oh shit," he remarked, righting the person. "Sorry about that, mate."

"No problem," the woman said. 

Derek grinned. "Oh, Drea it's you."

"Yeah, me" she replied. She was holding on to the wall, swaying slightly.

"You okay?" he asked. 

"I'm fine. Just a lil' tipsy." She giggled softly. "Having a good time?"

"Sure."

Drea snorted loudly. "Sure. You're a lousy liar, Little Ryan."

Derek shot her a look. "I think I'm gonna go back to the table."

"Yeah, why don't you do that?"

He crossed his arms, the frustration evident on his handsome face. "What is your problem? I thought we were cool." A slight frown crossed her pretty face. "We were, until you started acting like an asshole."

"What are you..."

"I know about everything, Derek."

He was shocked into silence. "What...what do you know?"

Drea scoffed and leaned against the wall for support. "About Carrie and your whole friends with benefit deal. And your British girlfriend with the rockstar daddy. You know she's been to rehab for a coke habit?"

Derek felt as if he'd been slapped. He tried to grasp the words she was saying, but it felt he was getting the spins and it wasn't all from the alcohol. "Are you going to tell her?"

She laughed loudly. "Is that all you're going to say?"

"I just...you don't know the whole story, Drea. How did you even know about Lottie?"

"Your friend Nina told me the night of your party. And about the coke thing...I hope you really didn't believe you were the only one that knew about it. Come on, Ryan. She was just in the tabloids the other day about doing lines off the table in a London club."




Only You Ch. 04



He could have smacked himself. Of course the rest of the world would know about Lottie's issues. "Drea, you have to understand something. That thing with Carrie is ancient history. And as for Lottie, we're no longer together. Even when we were together we weren't really with each other."

Drea shot him a suspicious look. "Seriously?"

"Yes," he replied. "After Tegan and I slept together, I called her to end things. But before I left on my trip I'd been planning to break up with her for good." He didn't feel the need to mention that while he was pouring out his heart to Lottie she had fallen asleep on the phone.

"What about Carrie? Teddy and I saw you two at Rio today. You were holding her hand."

"It was innocent, I say. We were trying to resolve our issues. She even apologized for being rude to Tegan at my birthday party." His blue eyes looked at her pleadingly. "Look, I don't expect you to fully trust me. But believe me, it's all true. I would never do anything to harm Tegan."

"You had better not, Ryan." She jabbed a finger into his chest and he tried not to wince. "Or else there will be hell to pay. She's a good girl, Derek which is a rarity. Don't fuck things up." Drea shoved him aside and walked into the ladies' room, leaving a stunned Derek in her wake. 

He sighed loudly. This shit was becoming too much. It was time to come clean.

********

By the time they arrived back at Tegan's apartment, Derek was pretty much sober. After Drea's revelation, drinking himself into a stupor seemed like the complete opposite of a good idea. 

Tegan had noticed his seemingly withdrawn behavior. She chalked it up to his shock about the offer from NerdsUnite! and felt like it wasn't her place to push it unless he initiated conversation. 

Unlocking the door, she headed straight into her bedroom, peeling off her shirt as she walked. She turned around to watch him. Derek was still standing by the door, hands shoved into his pockets, a dark eyebrow raised curiously at her. He watched her, clad in only her jeans and a violet bra that highlighted the deep brown of her skin. 

A sly smile crossed her face as she turned back towards the bedroom, giving him a lovely view of her curvy hips and round ass. "Are you coming?" she asked. 

He followed her slowly, stepping into the bedroom. Tegan held out her hand beckoning him closer. She grabbed his striped blue button down and pulled him closer. Reaching up on tiptoes, she kissed his lips softly, her tongue lightly caressing his. Derek wrapped his arm around her waist, her body pulling tightly against his. She kissed him harder, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Nimbly, her fingers unbuttoned his shirt and pushed the material away from his body. 

Tegan boldly kissed his bare chest, her tongue lingering on his flat pink nipples. Derek groaned loudly, his head tilting back as his fingers wove their way into her hair. There was something different about her tonight. She was stronger, more aggressive...and he kind of liked it. 

Kneeling down, she unbuckled his jeans and slid them down. She worked silently, making quick work of his boxer briefs. He stood completely naked in front of her. Tegan pushed Derek back, setting him down on the bed. Gingerly, she stepped out of her jeans, kicking them to the side as she reached behind to unclasp her bra. Derek breathed sharply as her beautiful breasts bounced free, her dark nipples already hardening. Tegan pulled down her black panties before straddling his lap. When her soaking pussy came into contact with his half hard cock, a low moan tumbled from her lips. "Jesus," she moaned. 

Grabbing his face, she kissed him once more before taking his earlobe into her mouth, sucking on the fleshy skin. "I've thought about you all day baby," she whispered. Her hips began to dance slowly, her pussy rubbing against him. Derek's hands went to cup her ass, his fingers digging into the soft skin. "Been so wet," she continued, her hips moving faster now. Rubbing against him was sending sharp sparks all over her body. "All day thinking about you."

"Fuck Tegan," he said, his voice hoarse. "I need to have you, baby."

Tegan's head tilted as she arched her back, her hips still rolling. Derek leaned forward, taking a dark bud into his mouth. She let out a low whimper when he bit down gently. She lifted up a little before sliding him inside her. Derek moaned loudly. "Ride me," he commanded. 

Her hips moved again. Her pussy gripping him so tight it was almost painful. Her breath was coming in heavy gasps and she felt like she could come just from the shivery sensations rippling through her body. Tegan stared deeply into his blue eyes before kissing him hard. When she squeezed and held his cock deep inside her, Derek growled. His teeth nipped bluntly at her plump bottom lip. 

"Dammit," he groaned. She began to bounce on his cock, her breasts moved rhythmically. He moved against her, every thrust drawing little cries of ecstasy from her lips. When his cock hit her spot in the perfect way, she bucked, her fingers tightening their grip on his shoulders. "Right there," she breathed. "Don't stop."

Derek grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled, leaving her neck open. He kissed the nape of her neck, licking her salty skin and relishing her taste. She looked absolutely beautiful, her dark hair wild, her hips moving smooth like a dancer's. Everything about her turned him on. She was moaning his name now, a sound he could get used to. 

Her body began to tremble as her movements became more erratic. "Come for me Tegan," he commanded. She let out a small scream and arched her back as she climaxed, her brown legs wrapping tightly around his waist. With a powerful thrust, he came with a grunt. Derek pulled her to him, cradled her to his chest as he fell back to the bed. 

"Fuck," he breathed. "Holy sweet fuck." She stroked his chest, her slender finger tracing the small flat nipple. His fingers twirled in her dark hair, pushing her sweaty bangs out of her eyes. She was pretty quiet. Normally after sex he couldn't get her to shut up. He wasn't used to the quiet. "What's wrong, Tegan J.?"

"I should be asking you the same question," she said. "You seemed kind of down tonight."

Derek sighed. She could still hear his heart pounding rapidly. "Just got a lot on my mind, is all."

"Are you worried about this buy out deal?"

"Mostly." He lifted her chin to look at him. "Tegan, there's something I have to tell you."

"What's up?" Her light brown eyes searched his face. There was a definite look of discomfort. 

"Simon Slade, the bloke who's interested in NerdsUnite!...he wants me, Matt, and Jake to fly out to California and meet the rest of his company."

Tegan smiled. "Is that all? That's okay. I mean you're leaving next Friday anyway."

"No, baby you don't understand. He wants us there first thing on Monday. We have to leave New York early Monday morning."

Her smile faltered slightly. "Oh." She sat up quickly, wrapping the sheet around her body. "Seriously?"

"I'm sorry Tegan J," he said. "I don't want to leave so early..."

"No, I understand. This is your work. You do what you have to do." She turned her back to him. She knew she was acting like a baby, wanting him all to herself. But she couldn't deny it, she had grown accustomed to him being around. Yes, she knew he couldn't stay forever. He had another life. But...fuck it was hard to explain. 

"Tegan," he said softly. His lips pressed gently against her back. She smelled of sex and him. "I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing, you jackass." She smiled at him but it was almost a grimace. "You and I, we're just having fun, right? We don't even live in the same country."

"Well jeez, don't make it sound like a business deal gone wrong." Derek pressed his cheek to her back, hugging her to him. "Otherwise I'll start asking for a refund. I don't pay for shite jobs."

Tegan laughed loudly, her shoulders shaking with mirth. "You are such an asshole." She sighed softly. "So I guess this is our last night, huh?"

Derek was quiet for a moment. There was only one thought dancing around his brain. "It doesn't have to be."

She turned to face him, surprise evident on her face. "What are you saying?" 

His blue eyes sparkled as his impish lopsided grin returned. "Come with me to L.A."

Her brown eyes widened. "Are you fucking serious?"

"As Britney's mental state," he replied. "Come on, Tegan J.! Sojourn with me to the land of fake boobs, orange skin, and meth addictions!"

Tegan stared at him. "Derek are you serious? I have...work, DJing and photography." She didn't want to tell him the other reason. The thought of leaving her life, even for a moment to spontaneously follow after a guy scared the balls outta her. 

Derek grabbed her arms. "Tegan, answer me this: when was the last time you took a crazy ass leap or did something unexpected?"

"Derek, since I met you I've been leaping off shit right and left."

"Okay, so what's one more thing? Do it, Tegan J. Let's do something else crazy." He could tell he was wearing her down. "Sunshine," he chanted. "Movie stars...swimming pools..."

"Alright already!" she exclaimed. "I'll do it just to shut you up. I don't want to hear your Beverly Hillbillies accent." 

Derek grinned madly. "So you'll do it? You'll come with me to L.A.?"

Tegan nodded. "Sure. What's one more leap?"



Only You Ch. 05



Author's Note: Mad apologies about the lateness. My life is in complete upheaval at the moment. Chapter Six is on the way! Sienna H.

********

Tegan woke the next morning and the feeling of exhilaration had yet to dissipate. She was still slightly sore, deliciously so, from last night's sack session with Derek. As usual, it had been an all-nighter. Her body silently pleaded for her to take it easy, but she was finding it harder to resist him with each passing moment. 

Even now, she watched the rise and fall of his defined chest as he slept: flat on his back with a long arm thrown casually over his eyes. The same sly smile forever plastered on his lips. 

God, she couldn't get enough. He was gorgeous, absolutely beautiful and part of her was terrified he was going to wake up any moment, a look of pure disgust on his handsome face with the realization he made a terrible blunder. The thought of that happening made her feel sad. 

She bit her lip and chided herself for being such a twat. He liked her, this much she knew. However, she couldn't shake the feeling there was something he wasn't saying. He was quite upset last night but tried to play it off. Tegan hoped that with time, he could tell her what was bugging him. Maybe going with him to Los Angeles wouldn't be so bad. 

The concept was still hard to grasp. Somewhere in her brain, the reasonable side questioned her sanity. Surely going across the country with a man she hardly knew seemed like the actions of a very insane young woman, but Tegan knew that she deserved an adventure. She had played it safe for far too long, preferring to live vicariously through her friends and at times, complete strangers. Maybe it is time for me to start taking some major leaps.

"I can hear those naughty thoughts rolling about your head, James."

She glanced up to see Derek watching her, his cobalt eyes still heavy-lidded from sleep. A slow grin appeared on her face. She couldn't help it; he was simply irresistible. "You clearly haven't the faintest idea what I'm thinking about, Ryan."

"Oh really?" He propped himself up on the pillows. "So you weren't thinking about sticking your hand underneath that sheet to give me a proper good morning?"

Tegan shook her head. "Not at all. In fact, I was actually trying to come up with a way to let you know I've changed my mind about California."

The telling smile on her cute face gave her away. Derek tackled her easily, pinning her underneath him with her arms above her head as she squealed in protest. 

"Cheeky girl," he remarked. Tegan noticed the change in his voice. Once high in a joking fashion, it was now deeper and much sexier. Her pussy couldn't help but pulse hotly in anticipation of what he was planning to do. "You mustn't tease me."

She smiled, and he could see the lustful flicker in her hazelnut eyes hidden behind a thin veil of innocence. "But it's what I do best," she said. "Among other things."

"Oh really? Come on, then. Give us a good look at the other things." His eyes traveled to her large breasts, the nipples starting to harden at his words. "Ahh, there we go. Yes, I have to agree, those are only some of what you do best. But what about this?" his hand moved between their bodies to stroke her mound, the arousal evident. "Mmm, wonderful," he cooed, his finger tracing the outer lips in such a painstakingly slow fashion Tegan thought she could die. 

Her sensuous moan brought the trademark half-smile to his lips. "You're sodding gorgeous, you know that?" His lips kissed hers gently before they moved down to her neck, trailing butterfly soft kisses on the smooth nape and collarbone. She lay there panting, her heart and senses on utter overload. God, he was too fucking smooth. "Every single inch of you," he continued, moving to her right breast, his tongue lingering over the swell and curve before dipping into the valley, tonguing the very sensitive skin. 

Tegan whimpered as her legs automatically went to wrap around his waist. Derek smiled. "Nuh-uh, luv" he said, shaking his raven curls. "You're not going to get off that easily. Pun intended. Stroke my ego a bit. Make me feel all manly."

Grinning, she flipped him onto his back as she straddled his legs. "Well, your hair is so fucking hot" she said as her fingertips raked gently through his scalp. Derek groaned as his dick jumped, making Tegan rock her hips forward. "Your eyes, I've never seen a deeper yet vibrant blue." 

She kissed his eyes gently as his hands steadied her hips. "And then there's this," she whispered excitedly. "This wonderful mouth with the adorable half smile. I could kiss it all day." Tegan moved down his body. "Hot chest, nice muscles, but what I really adore are these." She licked the blue stars on his hips, the sensation sending erotic shocks all over. 

"Fuck," Derek moaned. His cock was throbbing and he was nearly in tears from the pain. He needed release, needed to feel her body writhing from pleasure. Picking her up, he gently moved her underneath him onto her stomach. "Lift and spread, baby" he growled. Tegan complied, lifting her ass up and spreading her legs wider. He gave her pussy one long, slow lick that had Tegan muffling her moans with the pillow under her cheek. 

Derek positioned his erection at the apex of her thighs. He was about to plunge when the sharp trill of a phone had him groaning in frustration. Tegan sighed and reached for the black cordless when Derek stopped her by thrusting into her tight pussy. Her moan was low and long and she pushed her ass higher, as her pussy tried to suck his entire length inside. 

"Don't answer it," he groaned out. Beads of sweat were already starting to form on his forehead as he continued to slide his cock inside her. 

"I-I have to," she pleaded. There was only one person who could be calling at this hour on a Sunday. When he undulated his hips, she arched her back. Pushing her back down, his hands palmed her cheeks before giving each a sharp slap that had her begging for more. 

"You're not answering that phone, sweetheart" his words were light, but there was a darkness in his tone that had her shivering with pleasure. Derek slid his cock out before plunging hard again, this time both of them groaning in unison. 

He smiled cheekily before rolling his hips once more. "Now scream for me."

********

A few short hours later, Tegan sat at a table in the posh Victorian Tea Room. She sipped her orange juice and checked her watch. It was never like her to be late. Man, she must be really pissed at me. 

"Excuse me, miss but are you ready to order?" It was the waiter again. He had appeared at the table once before to do his job and Tegan informed him that her guest had not yet arrived. Now nearly fifteen minutes later and still no sign of her. 

She forced a smile. "I'm sorry, sir but I'm afraid my guest hasn't...."

"No need to stall, Tegan. I am here." The woman took her seat. "Good afternoon, sir. I'd like to start off with the salmon puffs and a spinach omelet with just a hint of dill and extra brie." 

She smiled at Tegan. "And she will have the Belgian waffles and a spinach omelet prepared just as the first with thinly sliced sausage. But before all that, let's start with the Lady Grey tea, blueberry scones, clotted cream, and chocolate petit fours." The woman ignored the slightly astonished look on the waiter's handsome face. Tegan stifled a grin. 

"Yes, madam. Right away." He walked away briskly. 

Tegan smiled at the woman, a pair of light brown eyes like her own held the same bright glow. "You think you ordered enough, Mom?"

Catherine James smiled at her daughter. "Well, I will admit my appetite has gotten a bit carried away lately. I believe your father will take the blame for that. He's been putting my yoga classes to shame." There was a lively spark in her eye that made Tegan flush.

"Mo-om!" she whined. "I really don't want to think about you and Daddy having sex."

"Tegan Harriet, control yourself!" her mother said with a small smile. "We are out in public!"

"That's what I'm saying," Tegan muttered. Both mother and daughter exchanged smiles. 

Catherine picked up the goblet of ice water and sipped casually. Tegan had to admit, her mother was one classy broad. Even though she came from a family who struggled all their lives, Catherine knew about manners. Her mother, Tegan's grandmother scraped enough money together to send Catherine and her two sisters to charm school. Catherine was the only one who really took the lessons seriously and it paid off. Every movement was stylish and graceful. 

To Tegan, her mother was beauty personified from her silky sienna skin, light brown eyes, and impeccably done dark hair. She was always well dressed and today was no exception. Even though it was Sunday, she was wearing tailored grey slacks with a high waist and a pale pink short sleeved tuxedo shirt that was definitely designer. 

Unlike other Park Avenue wives, Catherine worked very hard. She owned a small fashion marketing company that specialized in advertising fashion and designer brands. Tegan was very proud of her mother, who had come a long way from two-bedroom welfare apartments in the Brooklyn projects. 

"You look good honey," her mother remarked as the waiter returned with their tea and treats. "There is definitely something different about you."

I've been gettin' some on the regular, she wanted to shout but she didn't think her mother was that understanding. "Oh you know I've just been taking care of myself more." She placed the white linen napkin in her lap as her mother passed her the plate of petit fours. 

"Well, whatever you're doing agrees with you. Have you been working out?"

You have no idea. "Um, yeah. I have been getting worked out a lot lately."

"Mmm, personal trainer?" Catherine sipped her tea and daintily placed a piece of scone in her mouth. Tegan was impressed at how she was able to keep her soft pink NARS lipstick in place.

"Yeah, you could say that." She was trying not to giggle. 

"Well, you should tip him double. I can't remember the last time you looked so...different. You're positively glowing. And I must commend you on your fashion choice. There's hope for burning those band shirts yet."

Tegan smiled. She and Teddy shopped at a stylish boutique every so often to pick up outfits specifically for Sunday brunch with her mother. She normally kept the outfits hidden in the back of her closet. 

Today it was a pale yellow short-sleeved sundress with a V-neckline that was tasteful yet sexy. Her hair was down and curled softly, her dark bangs swept to one side. She was wearing tan wedge sandals. "Don't worry; I'm still keeping some of the band shirts around just for fun."

As she savored her omelet she wondered how she was going to tell her mother about leaving tomorrow without actually giving away the part about a boy involved. Deciding that it was no use to lie, she was going to come straight out with it. "Mom?"

"Yes honey?"

"I'm...going to be out of town for a couple of days."

"Really?" Catherine's eyebrows rose in surprise. 

"Where are you going?"

"California. Los Angeles to be exact."

"Honey who do you know in Los Angeles?"

"Well, a friend of mine is doing some business and invited me to come along."

Catherine smiled. "That is very nice of them. Do I know this friend of yours?"

No, but he was definitely the one who kept me too busy to answer your early morning phone call today. Tegan shook her head. "No, you haven't met them."

Catherine nibbled on a salmon puff. "Tegan, you are well beyond the age where you need to ask permission from your father and me. If you want to travel, just go."

"I know," she said with a small sigh. "I just wanted you guys to know where I was, just in case."

"Well thank you, honey. What about work?"

"Greg, the other main DJ is going to take my shifts for me at the Romper Room and I didn't have any jobs lined up on the photography side until the week after next, so I'm good to go." 

"You've thought of everything, haven't you?" She smiled. "I am my mother's daughter."

Catherine returned the smile. "Yes you are. So tell me, who's the boy?"

Once more her cheeks flushed. "W-what?"

"Oh come off it, honey. I know that look anywhere. And the whole going to California thing? You haven't left the City in Lord knows how long." She took another generous sip of her tea. "So who is he?"

"Um, well his name is Derek."

"Nice name. So what does Derek do?"

"He owns his own website, a gaming one."

"And why is he whisking you away to California?"

"Well some company is interested in buying out his site and he just wanted me along for the ride. Plus, I think he wants me to meet his brother."

Catherine's eyes widened. "Meeting the family already? How serious is this Tegan?"

Tegan was thoughtful for a moment. "I really like him, Mom."

"I see. And does he feel the same?"

"I hope so."

She watched her mother's face, an undetectable emotion plainly visible. "Well, I hope you find everything you're looking for in California, dear."

"I hope so too, Mom."

******** After leaving brunch with her mother, Tegan decided to walk home. The sun was shining and promised another glorious New York summer day. Now that she had unofficially gotten her mother's approval to go to L.A., she couldn't help but feel excited. Digging her cell phone out her purse, she dialed Drea and Teddy's place. 

"Hello," a groggy voice answered. 

"Drea?"

"Tegan? Why the hell are you calling so early on a Sunday?"

"Drea, it's definitely nearly one in the afternoon."

She yawned over the phone. "My sentiments exactly. It's too early."

Tegan shook her head. "Well the rest of us normals have been up for a while. I've got some news for you. I'm going with Derek to California." 

"What?" She heard a rustling noise that sounded as if Drea dropped the phone. "Tegan, are you serious?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Why am I serious?"

"Very funny," Drea scoffed. "No, why are you going?"

"Because he asked me to."

"He asked you to Cali?"

"Yeah, he did. Why are you acting like that's so hard to believe?"

"No, it's not that. Tegan, are you a little concerned things are moving kind of fast?"

"Things like what? It's just going to L.A. with him. We're not engaged or anything."

"It's just..." Drea trailed off. 

"What's wrong?" Tegan could tell there was something she wasn't saying. 

"Nothing. Just...be careful, Tegan."

She chuckled. "I will, Drea. I'm always careful. Go back to sleep. I'll call you later." As she hung up the phone, a tiny thought kept working its way into her mind. Drea had been acting funny since last night at the bar after coming back from the bathroom. It was also around that time Derek became super quiet. Had something happened between the two of them?

Tegan shook her head, in an attempt to clear the idea. She tried to focus on the nice day, but she couldn't help but wonder if Drea knew something about Derek that neither one was willing to share. She'd have to ask Derek about it later.

******** "Bend over because I am so about to give you the best you've ever had!" 

Derek was sitting on the bed with Matt in Matt's hotel room, a controller in both their hands. On the television screen was the latest FIFA video game.

Matt snorted. "Bitch please! You're about to get schooled by the master." 

This was the normal banter between the two whenever video games were involved. 

Derek grinned. "Oh, what was that O masterful one? I do believe that was a goal!" He jumped onto his feet, bouncing up and down on the bed. 

"England for the epic win!" he shouted. 

Matt shook his head. "Serves me right for using USA. Revolutionary rematch my arse." He watched as Derek continued to do his victory dance on the bed. "Oi, you could stop rubbing it in now!"

Derek smile lit up his handsome face. "Oh, but I want to gloat more."

"Well while you gloat, I'll pack." Matt jumped from the bed and headed to the bathroom. He emerged quickly, carrying a toothbrush and shaving cream. "Have you even bothered to get your shit together, mate?"

Derek shrugged before hopping off the bed. "I'll pack it up soon."

"You're a piece of work." Matt laughed. "I swear you procrastinate more than anyone I know."

"I know. I just don't know about this whole deal, Matt."

"What's up, D? You've been off lately."

Derek sighed. "Nothing major. But, do you really think we should sell? I mean, we've been working hard at this thing for years now, just to see it go to shite by some L.A. exec who's probably going to mainstream the company and try and turn it into some big sellout money-making venture."

Matt was quiet for a moment before nodding. "I see your concerns, mate. I really do. But why don't we at least go and see what the man is offering. We don't take the deal if all three of us aren't happy. Does that sound good to you?"

"Yeah, that seems fair. But what about Jake?"

"Like I said, D: it's all of us or none of us. We're the Trifecta."

The two of them smiled. "Cool," Derek said. "Oh, by the way I invited Tegan to L.A."

Matt stared at Derek incredulously. "What?"

Derek shrugged once more. "I asked her to come, she said yes, so she is. End of story."

"I just..." Matt was at a loss for words. "What the fuck are you playing at, D?"

"What are you talking about?"

"It's just I really didn't think it was that serious between the two of you."

Derek's nostrils flared slightly. "Why not? Because she's a bigger girl? Don't you start in on that too, Matthew. I already put up with Jake's shit and I can't take much more."

"Not at all," Matt said. "I didn't think it was serious because she's way too good for you."

At that statement, Derek laughed. "What?"

"I'm serious. One look at that girl would tell you she's pure and good. And you've totally corrupted her."

"Yeah, I'll admit to that."

Matt shook his head. "Just be careful with this one, D."

Derek scoffed. "Why does everyone act like I'm some predatory pervert?"

Matt laughed. "Because you are. I know you, man. I know how you get with girls: hot and heavy one minute, then out the door. You get bored or something. All I ask is that you don't do it this time."

"She's different, mate" Derek said quietly.

"Yeah she is," Matt agreed. "So don't fuck it up. If you don't want to be with her, make a clean break. These girls, man. They get sucked into your charm and there's no hope for them. It's not something you intentionally do, but you do it just the same. All I'm saying is this: really think things through with this one."

The weight of Matt's words played heavy on Derek's thought process. It was true. He was a big flirt, this much he knew. But with Tegan, he didn't have to flirt. She genuinely seemed to like him, but it was like he couldn't turn it off. He was so used to putting on shows for girls' attention it just became second nature. He was determined not to screw things up with Tegan. I wonder why, his brain taunted.

Derek smiled at Matt. "Thanks. No wonder you're the sensible one."

Matt laughed before chucking Derek under the chin. "Who else is going to keep you two wankers in line?"

********

Tegan's stomach was churning slightly as the plane descended for the landing. 

Derek noticed her hand gripping armrest tightly. He loosened her fingers and grasped them gently. 

"Tegan J?"

Her eyes were shut and she seemed to be talking to herself. When he leaned in closer he realized she was singing softly. He chuckled. "Rocket Man? Seriously?"

She nodded, her eyes still shut. "It's the only thing that calms me down whenever I fly."

"Have you ever thought of taking sedatives like normal people?" He winced when she punched him hard. "Ouch! Remind me not to piss you off anytime soon. Why didn't you tell me you were scared of flying?"




Only You Ch. 05



"I'm not scared," she breathed. "I just don't like to fly. Now don't talk to me until we've stopped fully."

Derek stared at her, his eyes wide with amusement as she went back to singing under her breath. As the plane skidded to a stop, he couldn't help the excitement rippling through his body. He was planning to take Tegan to see his brother. It was a big step, he knew, but he was going to see how things would play out. 

Tegan opened her eyes, a long breath escaping her mouth. "Finally," she said happily. 

Derek smiled. "So, Tegan J. doesn't to fly. Next time I'll have to keep you busy with other things." His hands traveled from the armrest, landing on a chestnut colored thigh, left exposed by her dark khaki shorts. His fingers danced idly on the silken surface, moving ever closer to the treasure nestled at her apex. 

"Derek," she warned. He was like an over-sexed schoolboy. 

"What?" he asked, his blue eyes feigning innocence. "We've got a few minutes left to join the Mile-High Club." His pink tongue darted out to lick his lips and her eyes followed the motion. 

"Later," she whispered. Her thighs squeezed together, trapping his hand for the briefest of moments before unclenching. She stood up and smiled demurely at him. "Ready to go, baby?"

Derek rose, careful to adjust his stiffening cock. "Ready," he replied tightly. It was going to be a long ass trip, he thought as they exited the plane.

By the time they got off and picked up their baggage, Matt and Jake were already waiting for them in the lobby. 

"Damn, what took you guys so long?" Jake grumbled. He was in a spectacular mood, Derek thought. 

"Derek was being a big baby," Tegan replied genially. She got the distinct feeling Jake didn't like her for some reason. He was the biggest of the three, built like an American football player with a baby-face, greenish blue eyes, ruddy cheeks, and closely cropped blond hair. 

He was a fairly nice looking guy when he wasn't scowling. She decided if he wasn't going to be nice to her, she was gonna kill him with kindness. "Anyway, thanks guys for letting me come with you. I know this is supposed to be just a Trifecta thing and I appreciate you excusing my unfortunate luck of being a girl in your Boys Only club. I promise to keep outta your hair."

Matt smiled genuinely at her. "Bollocks, DJ Girl. You know you're welcome. Plus we all know how much D likes having you around."

Tegan grinned back. "Cool. Well, let's go boys! The sunshine waits for no man." She walked towards the front door, swinging them open boldly. Derek watched her amble away, her hips swaying softly as her rounded ass bounced with each step, the movement heightened by the short but still modest khaki shorts.

"Whoa." Matt whistled lowly. "DJ Girl."

Derek looked up to see Matt's eyes following Tegan's form. Even Jake was sneaking a peek. 

"Hey, knock off you twats!"

Matt grinned sheepishly. "Sorry mate. But damn."

"Uh yeah, I know" Derek said. "But eyes up top."

"The top's even better." He protested loudly when Derek slugged him playfully. 

"Watch it, that's my girl."

"I know man, I know. But damn, even Jake's looking. What's wrong, Jake? Feeling like going for the meat on her bones-type?" 

Derek and Matt laughed as Jake scowled. "Shut up, Matt. Let's go, guys. We've got money waiting for us."

They walked outside to find Tegan chatting with a man in a driver's suit. She waved them over. 

"Guys, this is Gianni," she said, pointing to the man who was flashing Tegan a friendly grin. A little too friendly, Derek thought. He took in the man's huge bulk concealed in a classy and lightweight black suit. He had a handsome olive-colored complexion and warm brown eyes. 

The man turned his smile to Derek. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Ryan. Mr. Slade sent me to escort you and Mr. Cornwall and Mr. Dunning to where you'll be staying. I will also be your personal driver during your stay in Los Angeles."

Derek nodded. "Nice to meet you Gianni. I see you've already met Tegan."

Gianni smiled. "Ahh, yes I noticed Ms. Tegan right away. You should not let such a beautiful woman roam the streets unattended, Mr. Ryan. Someone else might swoop in and save her."

Derek barely stopped his eyes from rolling as Tegan stifled a giggle. "Right then," he said curtly, glaring at Matt who was shaking with silent laughter. Even Jake was cracking a rare smile. "Let's get going."

"Right away, Mr. Ryan." Gianni opened the door and stepped aside, allowing entry. Tegan climbed in, followed closely by Derek and the boys. Gianni placed their bags in the trunk before jogging back to the driver's seat. "Welcome to Los Angeles!" he called happily.

********

Nearly a half hour later, they arrived at their destination. Slade Enterprises was in the heart of downtown L.A. Derek found the building rather ostentatious from the outside, with its large stone lions in the front of the glass skyscraper. 

As they walked inside, it definitely got worse. A huge Japanese garden pond was in the center of the first floor. It was certainly beautiful, with lush plants and large koi fish swimming in the serene waters. Derek thought it just added to the overall attitude of trying way too hard. 

Standing in front of the large secretary's desk was a tall woman. She was definitely beautiful. Her glossy brown hair shone and her blue eyes were big and bright. Thin and slender, she was wearing a crisp white shirt and white linen pants. She flashed a genuine smile as she walked to meet them.

"You must be the creators from NerdsUnite!," she said in a breathy voice. "Welcome to Slade Enterprises. I'm Jade Stone, Mr. Slade's personal assistant. And yes, that is my real name." she chuckled softly.

Derek smiled. Maybe this won't be so bad. "Nice to meet you Jade. This is Matt Cornwall, Jake Dunning, and I'm..."

"Oh of course we know who you are, Derek Ryan." She flashed another smile. "Right then, shall we go see Mr. Slade?"

Jade led them to a set of elevators. As they got in, she pressed the button for the top floor. The ride was brief and they were out in a flash. The top floor was less garish than the first, decorated in muted hues of blue and gray. Jade walked to a set of doors and knocked sharply.

"Come in!" a voice boomed. 

Pushing the door open, she ushered the group into the large office. There was a panel of tinted glass windows on one wall. The others were sparse with the exception of an occasional painting or photo. Two large flat televisions hung side by side on one wall and in the middle of the space was a large grey desk. Simon Slade was perched on the end of it, Bluetooth in his ear, chatting away, and looking every bit the part of a slick L.A. businessman. 

Derek could feel that irritated feeling coming back when Tegan grasped his hand gently in hers. She gave him a reassuring squeeze and he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over him, thankful to have her there. 

Simon Slade was a considered a young hotshot, thirty-nine and already head of the company he inherited from his father. He had the looks of a model, with his slate grey eyes and sandy blonde hair, but underneath the GQ persona lay a ruthless business. What Simon wanted, Simon got. By any means necessary, was his motto. He definitely lived up to his nickname, Simon the Shark.

They waited barely a minute after watching him bark orders to whoever was on the phone. He flung down the headset and smiled. "Well, look who it is. My new best friends."

He held out his hand and shook Matt's hand. "Mr. Cornwall, pleasure to meet you."

Matt's eyes widened in surprise. "Mine, I'm sure. I didn't realize you really knew who we were."

Simon laughed easily. "Mr. Cornwall first rule of any good business is know your client. But I'm sure you know all about that, am I right Mr. Dunning?" he asked, extending his hand to Jake.

Jake smiled. "Definitely. Nice to meet you, Mr. Slade."

"Call me Simon," he replied. "And you must be Derek. It's definitely good to meet you." Derek's nod was tight. He could see that Simon was slicker than an oil rig. "We'll see," he said warily. 

Simon picked up on his hesitance. "Yes, we shall. And who is this?" he asked, looking at Tegan who had been quiet through the introductions. 

"This is Tegan James, a friend of ours" Matt replied. 

Simon's eyes roamed her body before extending his hand once more. "Well, hello Ms. James. Any friend of the Trifecta is a friend of mine."

"Likewise," Tegan said, returning the handshake.

"Well boys, let's get down to brass taxes. I'll plan it plain enough for you. I want your company. It's hip, refreshing, and just the thing Slade Enterprises is looking for."

Derek nodded. "I agree. It is definitely fresh. How do you plan to keep it that way?" 

Simon's smile lit up his handsome face. "Well, we're going to hire a staff of the best writers when it comes to reviews and the like. Maybe have a section where fans can submit their graphic art, a brand new message board solely designed for live action role play. We're trying to take NerdsUnite! into the same hemisphere as MySpace and Facebook, making it the supreme spot for all things comic books and video games."

Derek glanced at Matt and Jake, who were listening intently to Slade's word. He had to admit, the new live action role play feature was pretty creative. But he just wasn't sold. Something was up. "You sound like you've got some really interesting ideas. I anticipate hearing more about them."

Simon grinned. "Excellent. Now Jade will show you out to the limo downstairs which will take you to one of the swankiest hotels in the entire city. Rest up, because tonight we're having a party in your honor." And with a wave of his hand, he was back on his Bluetooth, the snarl in his voice returning with a vengeance. 

Jade escorted them out and onto the elevator. "That went really well," she remarked. "Usually Simon spends half a minute and practically chucks the person out the door. But you got a full three minutes." She smiled. 

Derek chuckled. "I suppose we should feel lucky then?"

Jade shrugged. "Depends on if you thought it went well." The elevator opened once more at the first floor. "Okay, Gianni is waiting outside to take you to the Jardin. It's a new hotel, but one of the hottest. You guys have all day to do whatever, but make sure to be back by ten. That's when the real fun starts." Her smile was still plastered on her face and Derek began to wonder what the hell everyone was so jazzed about. 

"Alright, guys. See you tonight. Great to meet everyone." She walked away brusquely. 

"Wow," Tegan said. "And I thought things moved fast in New York. Why does everyone here act like they're on speed?"

Matt shook his head. "No clue. Must be a West Coast thing."

********

The Jardin Hotel was located in the in the extremely trendy part of L.A., although Derek wasn't sure of the difference between that and the other trying way too hard sections. It was nice enough, with modern furniture, crisps colors, and a hot, young staff eager to please. 

When they were checking in, Derek noticed the price from the angle of the computer at the front desk and nearly keeled over. One night in this overpriced pleasure palace was the equivalent of a whole month's rent at his flat back in London. Simon Slade was definitely shelling out the big bucks for them. 

The group parted ways, eager to explore their respective rooms. Jake muttered something about jet lag but Derek and Matt knew he was going to call his crazy wife Shanna, something that usually required about two solid hours of talk time. Matt wanted to check out the spa and the girls, and all Tegan wanted to do was sleep. 

Their hotel room was spectacular, with a lovely view of the L.A. skyline. It was decorated in blues, Derek's favorite color. A large Jacuzzi-style hot tub in the marble bathroom and a four-poster bed fit for a king had Derek anticipating the festivities to come. 

Tegan was overwhelmed. The place was gorgeous. She still couldn't believe she was actually in California with Derek. Things seemed like a dream. She knew he was stressed about the deal and promised herself to do everything in her power to make him feel at ease. Tegan flopped back onto the large bed as Derek tipped the bellboy for their bags. "Wow," she breathed. "I could totally use a nap."

She felt the bed sink in as he climbed up, his body resting on hers. "Really? I had other plans in mind." His blue eyes winked at her, an act that made her stomach jump in anticipation. 

"Derek..." she started, but was cut off by his lips crushing against hers. Tegan moaned into the kiss, arching her body closer to his as her arms automatically wrapped around his neck. "Babe..." she whispered against his lips.

"Hmm?" his fingers were already working to undo the button on her pants. His body was practically screaming for her touch. 

"Aren't you tired?" She moaned when his fingers dipped into her panties to slowly circle around her wet clit.

"I am," he said tightly. "But I want you more." When he slipped a finger into her tight channel, she grabbed his hair hard. 

"Fuck," she whimpered. "Derek...sleep."

He glanced up at her, eyes half-lidded from sleep or pleasure. She looked positively exhausted. A loud sigh escaped him as he climbed off her and flopped on his back on the bed. Kicking off his shoes, he groaned heavily and tried not to think about the cock throbbing in his pants. Tegan snuggled up to him. "I'll make it up to you tonight, cutie." She yawned loudly as sleep overtook her. "I promise."

Derek grunted softly. He was definitely holding her to that.

********

Hours later, they were at the ultra-hip club The Rooftop partying it up with the young and elite of Los Angeles. Derek was astounded by how many people were at the event, which boasted a guest list of nearly two hundred. He was sure over half the people in there had no clue what NerdsUnite! even was. 

He tried to put on a positive face and act like he was having a good time, but he was frustrated. He didn't want to be in the lame scene party and he was still horny as hell from before. To make matters worse, Tegan was looking so good tonight it was taking all his willpower not to find a dark corner somewhere and spread her legs against a wall. 

Shoving his hands into the pockets of his black pants, he sighed. He just wanted to be back in Tegan's New York loft, playing video games and fucking her senseless. But he had to be here and it was time that he started to enjoy himself. 

Everyone around him seemed to be. Derek watched as Matt chatted up a sexy raven-haired girl while Jake practically dominated the XBOX which was hooked up to a large projector screen. 

The Rooftop was the latest in L.A. club trend. The large space was designed to look like a lavish party on the rooftop without the added benefit of actually being outside. The walls were painted to resemble the night skyline, complete with lit buildings and the occasional helicopter. The dance floor was painted as well, looking like concrete and brick. The VIP lounge in the back was an urban garden, complete with lush foliage and the latest Top 40 music.

Derek found the whole Rooftop concept a bit ridiculous, but he reminded himself of the promise he made to stay positive. He smiled when he saw Tegan heading towards him, drink in hand. "Hey baby," he said. "Did I tell you how great you look tonight?" She was wearing a simple black dress with spaghetti straps and a v-neckline that showcased her large breasts. Her dark bangs were pinned back, showing off her lovely round face. 

He loved the fact that she was so low-maintenance. She was wearing the bare minimum of makeup, just a touch of black liner and some punch-flavored lip gloss. Still, she practically smoldered. 

Tegan grinned. "Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself." That was an understatement. After she woke up from her nap, he had been in the shower. Just picturing the water running down the strong and muscular frame had her biting her lip to resist the temptation to strip down and join him. 

When he emerged into the room a few minutes later, she was pretending to still be asleep, leaving her free to enjoy the show. She felt like a voyeur watching him get dressed. 

Everything about him screamed sex, from the curve of his tight ass as he stepped into his boxer briefs, from the way his black dress shirt fit him like a glove. And now he was standing in front of her in his deep red tie and black and white Converses looking so delicious she nearly cursed herself for being so tired earlier. Tegan took a sip of her drink to calm herself down. 

Yes, she was going to make it up to him tonight. All night if she had to.

She held out her glass to him. "Want some?"

He nodded, pushing the glass aside. "Don't mind if I do," he whispered. His tongue ran lightly across her lips before dipping in to taste. 

"Mmm," he moaned. "I love the taste of rum, especially on you." He stole her gasp, taking it as his own when his tongue licked the roof of her mouth. 

"Derek," she moaned.

"Am I interrupting something?" a woman's voice called out. They separated to see Jade Stone staring curiously at them, a small smile playing on her lips. 

"Ahh, Ms. Stone..."

"Please, call me Jade." Her eyes went to Tegan. 

"You're the girl from earlier today. I don't believe we were introduced."

"Oh I'm sorry," Derek said. "This is Tegan James."

Jade extended her hand. "Lovely to meet you, Tegan."

Tegan grinned sheepishly. "Regretfully in such a manner."

"Not at all," Jade replied, a hint of laughter in her voice. "I guarantee I'd be doing the same thing if I had a hot guy on my arm. Alas, I'm kind of stuck with Simon."

Derek glanced around. "Where is Simon, by the way?"

"Oh, he'll be here any minute. I'm supposed to be doing some recon, spying on you guys to make sure you were enjoying yourselves."

"Ahh, and what'll you be telling the boss?"

Her blue eyes stared into his, and he suddenly became slightly uncomfortable. "Oh, nothing but good news." She smiled once more. "Well, I guess I'd better finish making my rounds. Nice to meet you, Tegan." And she turned on her designer heels, walking in that effortless way only a former model possessed. 

"Hmm," Tegan said. 

"What's wrong?" 

"There's something...off about her. She smiles way too much."

Derek laughed. "Is something wrong with that?"

"Technically, no. But it doesn't seem sincere. And then there's the other thing."

"What other thing?"

She casually sipped her drink. "Oh you know, that look she gave you, like she knew what you looked like without your underwear on."

"Ahh you saw that too, huh?"

"Definitely."

"Why Tegan J," he cooed, his arm snaking around her waist. "Do I detect a hint of jealousy in your voice?"

She elbowed him in the rib. "You'd like that, wouldn't you? Two chicks fighting over you."

"Only if there was some oil and heavy, heavy petting involved."

"God, you are such a boy."

"You love it, don't deny it."

"Whatever. I'm going to get another drink."

"Not too much. I want you clear-headed for tonight's festivities."

She glared at him before heading to the bar. So he had noticed the looks Jade was throwing at him. Sipping her new drink, Tegan shook out her shoulders. She wished Drea was here to drop a bit of advice, although she knew what she'd say. "T, fuck her. You got him. Now go show him why."

But do I really have him? Or am I just borrowing him for a little bit? She couldn't help those thoughts from forming every time she thought about Carrie or him leaving after his business was over. Fuck, things were already getting too damn complicated. They were just avoiding talking, glossing over things as if they didn't matter. But the real world was fast approaching and sooner or later they'd have to face up to the truth that things weren't and couldn't last this way.




Only You Ch. 05



********

Derek was talking casually to some man who claimed to be the publicist of some random teenage television star when Simon Slade finally entered the club and made a beeline straight for Derek.

"D. Rye!" he called enthusiastically.

Derek winced at the shortening of his name. "Hey Mr. Slade."

"Derek, we're old friends now. Simon is just fine. Are you enjoying yourself?"

He nodded. "A bit. Who are all these people anyway?"

"Movers and shakers in the industry."

"Which industry?"

"The ones that matter." Simon clapped him on the back. "You'll come to understand, Derek that in this business it's all about who you know. You've got to have friends in all the right places. With Slade Enterprises, we can make sure of that."

Derek nodded. More and more he was beginning to dislike the idea of being a part of this world. 

"You're twenty-four, right?"

"Yeah."

Simon smiled. "Damn, I remember when I was that age. It felt like you had the whole world ahead of you. Stick with me, kid and I'll show you how amazing life can be."

Derek chuckled. "You sound like a scene out of Scarface."

Simon laughed. "I like you. You're not like how I imagined."

"And how was that?"

"Like a mini version of your brother. I've met him once or twice. Nice guy, but a bit reserved. You must be the fun brother."

He smirked. "It's been said, yes."

"So let's go have some fun, Derek. We can talk business another day."

********

It was nearly two in the morning by the time Derek and Tegan returned to their hotel room. He was positively exhausted after schmoozing for hours. To his surprise, there were many people from the gaming industry there at the party who were very pleased with the Trifecta's work. But the best news came from a rep who worked with Fanboy, a cable channel affiliated with Spike TV. They were interested in working with Derek, Matt, and Jake for their own show. He was caught off guard by that. The man had given him his card, promising to keep in touch. 

He was still reeling as he loosened his tie. Tegan noticed the big grin on his face. "What's up? You seem to be in a much better mood." She kicked off her heels, thankful her feet could finally rest. 

Derek unbuttoned his shirt. "I am. Some guy from Spike TV was there and he talked about giving me, Jake, and Matt our own television show."

Tegan's light eyes widened. "Oh my god! Derek that's so fucking cool." She ran over to him excitedly. 

"I know," he grinned. "I'm still kind of dazed."

"Well what are you going to do?" 

He shrugged. "I'm still not sure. I never expected so many people would be interested in our work. It's all a little overwhelming."

"I know it can be," she said soothingly. Her reached out to stroke his cheek. "But you boys have worked so hard, and you all deserve much kudos."

"Thanks, baby." He wrapped her in his arms, his fingers unzipping the back of her dress. "Listen, can we put things on hold tonight? I'm fucking knackered."

"Sure, Derek. We've got a whole week."

He smiled and her heart quickened. God, he's so beautiful. "That's my girl." His lips met hers and he pulled her tighter, reveling in the softness of her pliant body. She moaned, sliding her tongue into his mouth, exploring his taste. 

Her fingers wove deftly through his dark curls. 

"Mmm, what do you say to a nice massage?"

He grinned. "Only if you promise to keep your hands above the equator."

Tegan smiled and held up three fingers. "Scout's honor."

"You were a Girl Scout?"

"There's lots of things you don't know about me, Ryan. Now clothes off. I'll be right back." She headed for the bathroom, stepping out of her black dress as she walked. When she returned moments later with a bottle of oil in hand, he was clad only in his boxers and sitting on the bed. "On your stomach," she commanded.

Derek complied, turning over. She straddled him deftly before squeezing a small amount of the rose scented oil into her hands and rubbing them together. When her fingers pressed into his sore muscles, he couldn't help but groan. Her hands moved expertly, massaging his shoulders and lower back, knuckles softly kneading his muscles.

"You are so tense, baby" she cooed, her lips kissing the slick skin. 

"Yeah, but you're making me feel damn good right now," he said. He grunted when she hit an especially tender spot. "God, right there. Damn, how is it you know how to do this?"

"When I was sixteen I had a torrid affair with my mother's massage therapist. He taught me everything I know."

"Wait, what?" Derek turned to look up at her. Tegan burst out laughing. "Drea and I took a massage course at the Y six months ago."

"Oh. So no affair with the instructor?"

"Hardly. I believe Sven was more interested in his partner Joel than me." She lifted slightly. "Now turn over."

Derek flipped onto his back, sighing happily. 

"That was awesome, Tegan J. Thanks."

She smiled a slow, wicked grin. "It's not over yet. Straddling him once more, she slid down his body to what she really wanted. He groaned in anticipating as she tugged down his boxers with her teeth. 

"I thought I said no hands below the equator," he gasped out when she nuzzled his hardening cock. 

"Mmm, I don't plan to use my hands at all." Derek leaned back into the pillows as her warm mouth covered his cock. 

He could definitely get used to this.

********

He awoke to the sound of his cell phone ringing. Derek reluctantly opened his blue eyes. It was way too early for a phone call. 

"'Lo?" he grumbled. 

"No need for sleeping late, D. Rye!" Simon called brightly.

Derek winced. "Simon?"

"Just calling to check on you."

"Uh, I'm fine. Just you know, sleeping. You should try it."

"Nah, I'll sleep when I'm dead. I'm calling to invite you and the boys over to this little get-together I'm having at the old homestead tonight. We can go over the specs and see where we go from there."

"Uh, cool. I mean, couldn't this invitation wait until you know, daylight?"

Simon laughed. "Look outside your window, champ at that beautiful Los Angeles sun. It's nearly nine."

Derek sat up, the rays of sunshine beaming steadily in through the slightly open curtain. 

"So it is," he replied. 

"I'll see you tonight at nine, D. Rye. And bring that pretty girl of yours." The phone clicked off. 

He sighed. It was a bit too early for Simon and his indefatigable energy. All he wanted to do was curl up next to Tegan and sleep. It was then he noticed she wasn't beside him. Getting out of bed, he walked to the bathroom to find it empty. 

A slightly worried look crossed his face. Where the hell could she have gone at this hour? He was about to call her cell when the hotel door swung open and she appeared, packages in hand. 

"Tegan, what the hell?"

"Sorry, I couldn't sleep this morning" she said breathlessly while giving him a quick kiss. "So, I went for a walk to this diner my parents used to go to whenever my dad had business in L.A. I brought you back a doggie bag." She held out a Styrofoam container to him. 

Derek just stared at her. "You walked for breakfast? When you had perfectly good room service?"

She shrugged, taking off the light cardigan she wore. "Well, it just wasn't about breakfast. I wanted to explore the city. And it's so cool. I found this really awesome music store and I bought a Saosin EP on vinyl that I've been looking FOREVER for. And this." She held out a flat, wrapped package. 

He took it from her. "What is this?"

"Your birthday present. It's ridiculously late, but there we go."

He tore the black paper from the package. Inside was a CD. A genuine smile crossed his face, the irritation ebbing away. "You got me a CD?"

She nodded shyly. "The store had this place where you could make mix tapes. So, I made you one. I had been planning to do it on my own back in the city, but I figured what the hell and did it here. Surprisingly, they had a really cool selection of stuff." 

Derek was speechless. It was one of the best gifts he'd ever received. It was genuine and heartfelt. And one hundred percent Tegan. "Thank you baby," he said. "I love it."

Tegan laughed. "You haven't even heard it yet."

"You made it, that's all that matters."

"Look on the back."

He turned the CD around and burst out laughing. 

"Where did you get that picture?"

"It was from the day you were shaving at my apartment and I started messing with the cream, remember?"

Derek chuckled. "Yeah, we made shaving cream moustaches and you took pictures with your cell."

She nodded. "I did good?"

"Oh, honey did very good." He grabbed her in his arms. "Give us a kiss, luv."

Tegan let out a squeal of protest. "Not until you brush that morning breath out."

He pretended to look offended. "Ouch. What's wrong, don't you like my monster morning breath?" He attacked her neck with wet and sloppy kisses as she tried to wiggle free. 

"Oh my god, Derek stop!" she was laughing and squealing as he began to tickle her back. "No, no, no you know I'm ticklish right there!"

"That's why I do it, baby!" He held her tighter. She was always surprised at how strong he was. "I'll let you go on one condition. One kiss."

She glared suspiciously at him. "One kiss?"

"One tiny kiss. And then I'll go brush my teeth and eat like a good little boy."

Tegan sighed dramatically. "Okay, I suppose since it's just one kiss." She gave him a light peck and tried to pull away when he grabbed her face and kissed harder, his tongue sliding gracefully into her mouth. Her hands went from his arms to his inky curls, tugging on them. With one arm still clutching her tightly to him, the other hand rested on a plump ass cheek and when she lifted her leg to ground her pussy into his hardening cock, he couldn't help but groan his approval. 

Derek barely heard his cell phone ringing until Tegan pushed him away. He watched her for a moment, lips swollen from his harsh kisses, her nipples already starting to pebble; he could see them through the white t-shirt she was wearing and he knew if he looked even harder, he would see the arousal dampening her grey shorts. 

"You should get that," she whispered, her voice seemingly hoarse. 

He nodded slowly, walking over to the nightstand and snatching up his cell phone. "'Ello?" he said, hoping like hell his voice sounded normal.

A deep chuckle greeted him on the other end. "Well, I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all big brother. What's up?"

"Oh nothing," Dex replied. "I mean I'm only your brother who lives in the city that you're currently in and you haven't called once to say hello."

"Oh, I'm sorry Dexter. I didn't realize I was talking to Mum. Forgive me."

Dex laughed again. "I could still kick your arse, younger one. Remember that."

"Whatever old man," he said playfully. "You're like one of those declawed tigers."

"Bullshit," Dex scoffed. "This old cat can still hunt. Plus, I'm not even thirty yet, jerk."

"I think you're letting those Sexiest Men Alive lists get to your head."

The brothers laughed. Derek loved talking with his brother. Most people really didn't get his dry cheek humor. People always mistook Dex's sarcasm for being an ass, but for the most part, he was just doing it for a laugh. 

"So when are you stopping by?" Dex asked. "Roxie is dying to see you. And Bells is always asking for her idiot uncle."

"I was thinking of stopping by today, if it was cool. I know Bells could use a break from her stick-in-the-mud Pops. Luckily she's got Roxie as her Mum, otherwise she'd be a boring kid."

Dex chortled. "Still a cocky little shite. I see turning twenty-four hasn't matured you."

"Nope. I'm still a tyke at heart. Hey, do you mind if I bring someone? I really want you guys to meet her."

"Her?" Dex asked. "It isn't Lottie, is it? I never really cared too much for her."

"Not at all. You'll see when I get there."

"What are you playing at, younger one?"

"Like I said, big brother, you'll see."

Dex sighed. "Alright. I'll see you here in an hour or so."

Snapping his phone shut, Derek turned to Tegan who was watching him curiously. 

"So, feel like going to see a movie star?"

********

Forty-five minutes later they were driving a rented Lancer en route to Dex's L.A. mansion. Tegan drummed her fingers nervously on the window of the passenger side. Derek stole a side glance at her. "A little anxious?"

"Why do I feel like I'm about to be put on trial?" she asked. 

"What?" he said, laughing. 

"I'm currently on the way to meet a guy's family, his brother, who not only looks like him, but happens to currently be the world's biggest fucking movie star. Anxious is a damn understatement."

"Tegan J," he said soothingly, grabbing her hand. "Everything is going to be fine. Dex and Roxie are seriously the coolest people ever. I know my brother will adore you. He's an excellent judge of people." He kissed the back of her hand. 

She sighed. "I don't know why I'm breaking like this." Because he's turning it into a big deal, she thought. Why else would he take me to meet his brother and family if he wasn't serious about us? Did this mean that he wanted there to be an us? Tegan tried to shut off her brain and the crazy questions. 

"Just be your normal awesome self and that will be enough," he said. He pulled up to a wrought iron gate in front of an impressive three story house. Pressing a button, they waited for a bit before the gates opened up. Derek drove up the long cobblestone driveway before parking in front of a three-car garage. 

"Wow," Tegan remarked. "Your brother's house is gorgeous."

"Yeah," Derek said. "He's a such a showoff."

They got out the car and Tegan glanced around, amazed. The outside property was a large front yard decorated in beautiful flowers and large palm trees. A small fountain sat on the side. The house itself was a sight. It was a large ranch-style painted a pale shade of terra cotta. 

"Wow," she said again. "So this is how the other half lives."

"The other half?" Derek scoffed. "You're one to talk. Isn't your family worth about eighty million themselves?"

"True, but that's definitely not my money. And hey, how did you know about my father?"

Derek smiled. "Google is such an awesome tool." He reached for her hand. "Come on, Tegan J. Let's go meet my folks."

As they were walking up the pathway to the house, the front door flew open and Tegan nearly gasped. It was him, Dex Ryan. She had only seen a couple of his movies and some magazine articles but they didn't do him justice. He was breathtakingly gorgeous. He was an inch or two taller than Derek, but it was like looking in a mirror. She could see why people always brought up Dex around Derek. They really did look alike but instead of Derek's bright blue staring at her, she found a pair of deep emerald green eyes. 

His hair was straighter and shorter, falling to the tops of his ears in a tousled sort of way. And he was definitely more muscular than his wiry frame younger brother. He looked so low-key and very un-Hollywood like in light blue jeans and a black v-neck tee. Tegan smiled when she noticed he was wearing black Converses just like Derek. So God really did make two of these angels, she thought. 

Derek's face lit up . "Dexter Phillip!" He grabbed his brother in a hug. "It's so good to see you."

Dex lifted his younger brother off his feet. 

"Nice that you made it on time. This L.A. traffic is killer." He ruffled Derek's hair. "I see you're letting that mass get longer. Nice look, hippie."

"Hey, hey, the ladies love it. Speaking of, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. Dex, this is my friend Tegan. Tegan J., meet my brother, the one the only, People's Sexiest Man Alive three times running...Dex Ryan." He outstretched his arms in a 'ta-da' motion.

Dex rolled his eyes as Tegan stifled a giggle. "Nice to meet you, Dex."

"Likewise, Tegan. I'm really surprised, Derek that you found such a pretty girl who could stand to be around you for more than five minutes."

Derek winked impishly. "Well, let's just say I give 'em a lot to look forward to later on."

"Dear God, has he always been like this?" Tegan asked. 

"Since birth I'm afraid," Dex said nodding sadly. "Come in, come in." He ushered them into the house. 

Tegan was expecting lavish furniture and decorations but was pleasantly surprised. The house looked like an actual family lived there. The open foyer was cozy, painted in warm tones of reds, oranges, and golds. The front room had the same colors mixed in with brown and beige. 

"Dex your house is beautiful," 

"Thanks. Although my wife is to blame. I can barely keep plaids and polka dots separate."

"Would you believe that's the same thing he said to me when I first met him?" 

Tegan looked up to see a beautiful black woman enter from a doorway. She hoped the shock wasn't evident on her face. So this was the infamous Roxie. She was so pretty. She was a good two inches shorter than Tegan which long black hair that ended at the tops of her generous cleavage, displayed modestly by a white lace sundress. Tegan couldn't get over how normal she looked. She wasn't model skinny, her body was curvy from motherhood and genetics but she was still glamorous. 

Roxie smiled sweetly at Derek. "Hey there, baby brother. It's good to see you." 

Derek swept her up in a hug. "Hey beautiful. You're looking great."

"Pshaw. It's all a farce. Motherhood's been keeping me busy. I don't have any time to look beautiful."

"Luckily it comes naturally for you." Dex cooed. He kissed the top of his wife's head. "Kitten, this Tegan, Derek's new friend." 

Roxie glanced at Tegan. "It's nice to meet you." She grabbed Tegan in a hug. "Sorry, I get a little happy."

Tegan laughed. "It's okay. I think it's great."

Roxie grinned. "Nice job on this one, Derek. She's adorable. Well come on, lunch is all set up on the patio and there's someone else who's dying to see you."

They walked past the kitchen to the outside. There was a large swimming pool with a hot tub and waterfall on one side. On the other side of the yard was a large flat patio deck under gazebo netting. 

As they settled on the patio Derek heard a high-pitched giggle. "Rer-rek!"

He turned to see his two-year old niece Isabella emerge from the French doors and toddle over to him as fast as her chubby little legs could move. 

Derek jumped up from his chair. "Bells!" he called. 

Derek swept her into his arms and showered her with kisses. She erupted into high giggles. "Let uncle Rer-rek have a look at you." He studied the little darling, who was fast growing into a beauty like her mother. She was a warm café au lait color that was darkened by the summer sunshine. Her dark hair was nearly black and was plaited into two braids that reached down her back. Her big hazel eyes sparkled in her chubby face and she seemed almost cherubic in her bright green sundress and polka dot deck sneakers. "Did you miss me, Bella?"

"Uh-huh," she answered. 

"Well show me how much. Give me the biggest kiss ever!" 

Bella took a deep breath and kissed her uncle Derek hard on the cheek. 

"Tight squeeze, tight squeeze," he yelled. 

Her chubby little arms grasped him tighter as she continued to kiss him. 

"Ahh, wonderful!" he exclaimed. "You really did miss me!"

"Guess what?" she called.

"What?"

"I'm almost this many." She held up three little fingers. 

"That's amazing. Well I guess I better get you a nice big birthday present just in case."

"Yay!" she yelled. "More kisses!"

Derek laughed and obliged. Tegan's heart practically melted. He was so cute holding his niece and playing with her. 

"Bells, I've got someone for you to meet." He carried her over to the table where Tegan, Dex and Roxie sat. 

"Bella, this is my friend Tegan. Tegan this is my gorgeous niece Isabella Ryan."




Only You Ch. 05



Tegan smiled at the little angel who buried her face shyly into her uncle blue t-shirt. "Hello Isabella. It's very nice to meet you."

Bella flashed Tegan an adorable kid smile. 

"You're pretty," she finally said. 

The adults erupted in laughter. "Well so are you, cutie" Tegan responded. 

They had a lovely lunch, dining on grilled chicken sandwiches and spinach salad. Tegan couldn't get over how down to earth Dex and Roxie were. They were completely laid back. Dex didn't even seem to be like an actual celebrity. He and Derek were hysterical, the way they made fun of each other made Tegan long for that special connection only siblings seem to share. And Bella was too cute. She spent the entire time perched on Derek's lap, stealing food from his plate and gobbling it up. Every so often she would glance at Tegan and smile shyly. When Tegan started making faces at her, she would shout with glee and beg for more. 

Lunch was perfect, and now she was sitting at the table, sipping white wine with Roxie and they watched Derek and Dex chase Bella around the yard. Tegan watched as Derek grabbed his niece before tossing her wildly into the air. She cringed for a moment, thinking the play too rough but Bella shrieked madly, enjoying the roughhousing. 

"You have such a beautiful home," she said to Roxie. 

Roxie smiled. "Thank you. I've definitely worked hard for it."

"Yeah, Derek told me you're a writer. I think I read one of your books a while back."

"I mostly do it for hobby now although lately I've been shopping my stuff around publishers. Who knows, maybe I'll get a bite."

"Is it tough, being the wife of a hot movie star?"

"Not as tough as people think. We have the same issues other marriages have. And our initial meeting definitely wasn't conventional."

Tegan laughed. "I don't think many people can say they drunkenly married a movie star in Vegas."

Roxie laughed as well. "I see you read the papers."

"It was hard to avoid. You were major news back in the City. How do you get used to your life being public speculation?"

Roxie was thoughtful for a moment. "This may sound weird, but after awhile, you don't even notice it. Plus Dex and I try to create a stable environment for our daughter. She's rarely seen in magazines." She looked at Tegan. "Your turn now. How did you and Derek meet?"

"Um, I was DJing at the same club where he celebrated his birthday."

"You're a DJ?"

Tegan nodded. "And a photographer."

"That's pretty cool. How old are you?"

"I'll be twenty-four in October."

Roxie smiled. "You know you're the same age I was when I met Dex."

"Really? That's cool. He's so amazing."

"He is," she nodded. "And so is Derek."

"Oh I know," Tegan said. "He's so unlike any guy I've ever met."

"How so?"

A slight frown crossed her face. "Well, because he noticed me. I mean, most guys used to just pass me by. I was the other friend, the fat girl." She smiled when she thought of Derek. "But with Derek, he really took the time to get to know me. And the way he looks at me sometimes, like I'm the only girl he sees. And when he holds me..." Tegan felt her face flush as Roxie laughed heartily. 

"Don't worry girl I know exactly what you're talking about. Those Ryan men are very blessed. They definitely know how to put it down."

Tegan smiled. She liked Roxie. 

"I can see why he likes you."

"You think?"

Roxie nodded. "Definitely. You've got spunk. And you're the first girl he's ever brought to meet us."

"Wow. So you don't think we're moving too fast? Everyone else in my life seems to feel that way."

"Tegan, at the end of the day, it's not about what other people think. People thought the same things about me and Dex. They said I was marrying him to be famous, blah, blah, blah. But people didn't know the man I knew. The one who listened to me, who understood who I was from the get-go. Who's to say what's too fast? There are couples who've known each other for years and still don't have that connection. Who's to say two complete strangers can't meet in a bar and fall for each other? After awhile, you gotta stop listening to other people and do you, you know?"

Tegan nodded, Roxie's words sitting heavy on her conscience. It was plain to see how much in love she was with her husband and her life. Tegan hoped one day to have something like that. Maybe with Derek, her brain taunted. "I guess I'm still a little concerned that I don't know much about him."

"Well all you have to do is ask. Unfortunately you don't have my luck. Everything I needed to know about Dex I could just pick up any magazine and find out."

Tegan laughed. "But what if I don't like what I find?"

"That is a possibility. But you'll always be wondering 'what if' if you never ask."

********

It was after seven PM when they left Dex and Roxie's house. Tegan was jazzed. Dex and Roxie were amazing. She was still reeling from Dex's words when they leaving. He gathered her in a warm hug and kissed her cheek. "It was lovely to meet you Tegan," he had said. "Be careful." She had looked quizzically at him, but he just smiled back at her. She had seen Dex whispering to his brother earlier in the evening, but wasn't sure what to make of it. And then she decided to take Roxie's advice. All she had to do was ask.

When they arrived back at the Jardin, Derek checked in on Matt and Jake who already knew about the party at Simon's house that night. When he returned to the hotel room, he found Tegan sitting at the table next to the window. Smiling, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders before giving her a chaste kiss on the cheek. "See, I told you it wouldn't be so bad."

Tegan gave him a small smile. "We need to talk," she said. 

Derek sat down at the chair adjacent to hers. "Uh-oh, so this can't be good. What's on your mind?"

"Well, I've just been thinking about a couple of things. These past few weeks with you have been amazing, more like a dream than reality. But I'm not sure where things are supposed to go after this point. I don't want to be the one who pushes you into something you don't want to do. God knows I don't want to be that girl. But I need to know something, Derek. What do you want?"

He watched the guarded emotion hidden (not so well) behind her light eyes. She was giving him an in. All he had to do was be perfectly clear about his intentions. But would she like everything he had to say. "Tegan, I honestly can't answer that question with the answer you want. I want you, I really do. And I want us to enjoy the time we have now. Can't that be enough for the time being?" 

She had to know how he felt about her. The way he looked at her, touched her. 

She had to know that he was crazy about her. 

"I don't know if that's enough for me, Derek. I feel like I've been in this daze since I met you and I'm going to wake up any second and realize it's all been a dream. You never were here and I'm still alone. And that saddens me." The tears stung behind her eyes, but she willed herself not to cry. Taking a deep breath, she continued. "I guess I'm concerned because there's still so much about you I still don't know."

Derek took her hand in his, stroking the smooth brown skin. "Ask me anything Tegan," he said. "Whatever you want, baby and I will tell you the honest truth."

Tegan stared into his blue eyes and she knew at once he'd be straight up with her. Now's the time, she thought. "Carrie," she whispered. 

Derek nodded. "Yes, ages ago. It first happened the night Ange and Connor were married."

"The last time?"

"Over six months ago."

"Why did you do it?"

"Because I was lonely. And Carrie and I have a lot more in common than people think."

"Did you love her?"

"I did, but not in the way that you think. I wasn't in love with her, no. But I understood her. The insecurities, the mistrust, the self-doubt. Carrie and I needed each other at that time in our lives, but not after that. We hooked up, had sex, and that was it. I made it clear that I didn't want a real relationship."

His words stung a little. "So, you used her?"

"No, baby I didn't use her. Well, maybe a little. Carrie knew what the deal was before we ever got involved. And because she agreed to it, I thought things were fine. I never realized how much she cared about me until after things were said and done."

"What happened with you and Drea the night at the bar?"

That question caught him off guard. "What?"

"When you came back from the bathroom, you looked upset and so did she. What happened?"

Derek sighed. "Drea and Teddy saw me earlier at Rio's with Carrie. She thought things were getting too close again."

"And were they?" He noticed there was a bit of an edge in her voice. 

"No," he said, shaking his head. "She was apologizing for being so rude to you and trying to hurt me."

"Hurt you? Why would she do that?"

"Because she saw how much I cared for you. It was in the way I never cared for her and that was a serious blow to her heart."

The tears did start to fall now, and he wiped one away with his thumb. "What did you say?" she whispered. 

"You heard me," he said. 

"Say it again."

"I care for you, Tegan. A lot."

Her eyes closed and she let out a small moan. "Say it again" she said quietly. 

He half-smiled and kissed her cheek. "I care for you, Tegan James."

Her head was spinning, and it felt like she was going to throw up, but definitely in a good way. So he did care. But she needed to know one more things. "Am I the only one?" Her light eyes opened once more, the million dollar question written all over them.

Derek smiled once more. "There are no others, luv. Only you." His lips descended on hers, 

"How much time do we have before Simon's thing?" her breathing was becoming more labored with each light kiss. 

"Plenty. Why?"

She rose from the chair, lifting her black tank top over her head and tossing it at him. Tegan unbuttoned her jeans and slid them off her hips and onto the floor. "I'm going to take a shower," she said softly. She walked in the direction of the bathroom, giving him a lovely view of her panty-clad bottom. 

Derek groaned watching her, his mouth watering for every single inch of her. 

Tegan glanced at him over her shoulder, his fingers digging into his knees. "Aren't you coming?" she asked innocently, an almost wicked gleam in her honey eyes. 

He grinned. "Don't have to tell me twice." Stripping off his shirt, he followed her into the bathroom. 

********

Simon Slade snapped his phone shut. Everything was ready for the party tonight. A thrill of excitement ran through his spine. By tonight, he was hoping to secure the deal between with Slade Enterprises and NerdsUnite!. He definitely believed this was the best thing for the company; it would double their profits and make the boys very wealthy. 

He truly believed that the new ideas for the company would make it a hit with the public. Jake was already on board, and Matt would eventually do whatever Derek did. It was Derek who he needed to convince that this was a good idea. 

It was a little surprising when he had received the phone call that tipped him off about NerdsUnite!. The person said the boys were definitely interested in selling the company and that Slade Enterprises would definitely like what they saw. They called NerdsUnite! a sure thing. 

But he heard the surprise in Matt's voice when he made the call to them in New York. He sounded blindsided, as did the rest of the Trifecta. The sound of his tiny cell phone ringing brought Simon out of his thoughts. 

"Slade here."

"Mr. Slade." The voice on the other end was cool. 

"I take it everything is set for tonight?"

"Absolutely. Derek, Matt, and Jake will be here by nine so we can discuss the particulars of the business venture."

"Excellent. I'll be sure to be on time."

"Wonderful. I'm sure the guys will love to see you, Derek especially."

A light chuckle. "I'm sure he'll just die of shock. 'Til then, Simon."

The phone snapped shut as a slight sneer cross the slender face. "Damn you Derek." The voice came out in an angry hiss. 

She checked herself out in the mirror, admiring the dress she bought just for the occasion. She was trying to picture his face when he would notice her, the anger that would ensue when he discovered she'd been the one behind the whole buyout deal. 

"Let's see you run to that cow after that, luv." 

She could feel herself becoming angry once more, and counted slowly to ten to soothe her anger. When her eyes slowly opened once more, the look of anger was gone. In its place was a cool veneer of venom. 

No one dumped Lottie Winchester like yesterday's rubbish and got away with it.



Only You Ch. 06



Author's Note: Ahh, finally! The sixth chapter. One more to go! Enjoy, kids.

Sienna H.

********

The water was just right as Tegan stepped into the large marble shower. She turned the glass knob and the hot water sprayed from the dual showerheads. 

After pinning up her shoulder-length hair, she stepped gingerly into the heated mist. She had barely shut the glass door when Derek slid in right behind her. 

She couldn't help the broad smile that danced across her lips. "I was wondering what was taking you so long." Tegan leaned her weight into his frame as his strong arms wrapped around her waist. She jumped slightly when his erect cock brushed against the small of her back. 

Derek let out a small groan. He reached for the bottle of the rose and mint scented body wash she always used and squeezed a dollop into his hand. Derek lathered the scented mass in his hands before sweeping the suds over her body. 

His nimble fingers slid over her taut nipples, making her whimper softly. Tegan's hand went to grasp his wet curls as his hand slipped between her wet thighs to stroke her smooth mound. 

"Beautiful," he whispered, his breath coming out heavy and hot against her damp skin. Tegan's heart thumped loudly as he dropped to his knees and turned her to face him. She grabbed hold of the metal bar in the shower as he lifted her leg and placed it over his shoulder. 

Derek leaned in, breathing in the scent of her arousal like the sweetest of perfumes. His nose nuzzled her clit and her hips jumped. His tongue darted out to lap at her pussy, the petal-soft folds slick with her juices and the hot water. 

Tegan let out a harsh breath when he took the sensitive nub between his teeth and sucked lightly. His large hands cupped her cheeks to steady her as his tongue danced slow circles around her clit. 

With both hands braced against the wall, her hips began to dance, moving in tandem with the rhythm his tongue made. Derek pushed back his soaking curls and watched her as she responded to the pleasure he was giving her. She was simply stunning, even more so by the water. 

He pushed a thick finger into her damp heat and she gave a small cry. Her body began to tremble violently as her pussy clenched his finger tightly. Her hips moved faster, her large hazelnut colored breasts quivering from the orgasm now ripping through her body. 

Over and over she whispered his name, the softest of arias that brought an impish smile to his face. Placing her leg gently on the marble floor of the shower, he rose to his full height. 

Derek gathered her to him once more, grinding his hardness into her soft tummy. "Do you want me to fuck you, luv?" he growled out. His lips sought the tender flesh of her glorious neck, sucking the wet skin into his mouth, adding a little more pressure every so often. 

Tegan felt the room start to spin, the heat of the shower not even comparing to the fire now roaring through her body. She needed him, and now. Her head tilted in a slight nod as she breathlessly called out. "Yes, please fuck me,"

Derek angled his cock so that it brushed lightly against her still throbbing pussy. Tegan moaned from the contact and tried to grind against him harder, but his strong hands stilled her moving hips. 

"I didn't hear that," he whispered, his tone more dangerous. His cock rubbed harder against her pussy and Tegan let out an anguished groan. 

"Please," she moaned. She lifted her hips, desperate for the slightest nudge of his cock against her clit. 

Derek held her hips still but continued to rock his cock into her warmth, the sensations driving him crazy. He wasn't sure why he was so keen on making her beg for it, but it was turning him on to see her so worked up. 

His lips crushed hard against hers, sucking in her taste and making his body roar with lust. He winced slightly when her blunt teeth nipped him harder than necessary. He supposed she was just paying him back. 

He couldn't hold on any longer, He needed to feel her soft pussy wrapping around his cock as if they were made for one another. 

With no gentle easing, he plunged hard into her, making her cry out, her teeth sinking into his shoulder. Derek let out a low growl, more out of lust than pain as his hips thrust hard into hers. 

Derek lifted her off her feet and rested her against the marble ledge in the shower. With one leg lifted, he rolled his pelvis, sliding quite nicely into her pussy. Tegan's eyes rolled back as her head whipped from side to side. Her breath was coming in short, harsh pants. She simply couldn't get enough of him, she wanted more. 

"Harder," she moaned. 

Derek stopped rolling his hips and moved at a gradually slowing pace until he was barely moving at all. Tegan gave a frustrated snort, her whiskey colored eyes not even bothering to mask her irritation. 

He couldn't help the chuckle that tumbled forth at the look on her face. She was positively cute when she was pissed. 

"Don't tease," she said a hint of a whine in her voice. She normally hated to pout but he was being a bit unreasonable. 

Derek thrust hard and slow into her and she let out the sexiest noise he'd ever heard. It was part whimper, part moan, part growl, and all woman. He felt his cock twitch inside her. "That was a new one," he said. "Let's see if I can make it happen again, shall we?" He slid out of her pussy, waiting a beat before repeating his actions. 

Once again, she made the sound, her legs wrapping around his waist, her fingers scratching the skin on his back. He had never been so turned on. 

"Baby girl, you are so sexy right now," he whispered, his pelvis rolling, making his cock dance inside her. "Fast or slow, honey. How do you want it?"

Tegan shivered under the intense gaze of his blue eyes. "Fast. And hard."

He complied, thrusting into her with so much force, Tegan had to hold onto his shoulders to steady herself. She egged him on, whispering the naughtiest things she could think of, making his heart race. 

"You feel so fucking good," she moaned. 

"Yeah?" How good?" His grip on her hips tightened, rocking her curves into him with each powerful thrust. He hit her secret spot and her toes curled in pleasure. 

"Ohh, fuck. Like heaven." She bent her head, her lips right at his ear. "The night after we met, I went home and worked my pussy raw thinking about you."

"Jesus," he groaned. His hips began to move faster, pushing harder into her. Her nails were digging into the skin of his back and he was sure there were going to be bruises later on, but he didn't care. "How many times did you come, baby?"

"Mmm, I lost count at f-f-four," she shuddered as she started to orgasm, her legs beginning to quake. Derek took that as his cue and picked up the pace, pounding her pussy harder. Tegan could barely speak, her entire being on overload. 

"I bet the real thing feels ever better," he gasped out. He could barely speak; his cock was screaming for release just as Tegan began crying out from her second climax. 

"Oh it does," she moaned, her voice climbing higher until she couldn't get out more than a raspy scream.

Derek groaned as he came, his cock pumping his seed inside her as she still trembled in his arms. He was breathing heavily, trying to make his body return to normal when he realized the water in the shower was no longer on and realizing it must have been on a timer of some sort. 

Tegan's legs were still shaking when he moved her from the ledge and held her tight to him. She noticed that his body was trembling a little and she clung to him tighter. She breathed in his scent, and smiled. She could get used to this.

********

Forty-five minutes later they were dressed and with the rest of the Trifecta en route to Simon's house. His lips held a devilish smile, as if he had a secret he wasn't planning to share with the rest of the class. That shower was one of the hottest experiences he had, hands down. 

Just thinking about her soft, wet body, so pliant in his hands had his cock begging for round two. He might have to suggest to Tegan that they move their play to the Jacuzzi tub. That could definitely be interesting. 

The sex did take his mind momentarily off the business at hand, but now he was back to fretting over the deal. On the one hand, it seemed like a no-brainer of an opportunity. Simon was a decent chap who had really interesting ideas for the company. 

On the other, Derek felt like he'd be selling out to some giant corporation who'd probably turn their baby into some soulless money-making venture and he'd be damned before he let that happen. 

Derek glanced around the limo at his two best friends. Matt and Tegan were busy talking about some movie that had just come out and Jake was busy texting on his phone. He felt as if his friends had already made up their minds about what they wanted to do. He wasn't sure if he wanted to be the one to hold everyone back. 

"Derek? Oi, wake up you!" Derek glanced up to see Matt and Tegan staring at him. 

"Sorry, what?" He shook out his black curls, removing his random thoughts from his mind. 

Matt grinned, his handsome face lighting up. "I was just telling DJ Girl that we've got to check out that new Judd Apatow movie when it comes out."

"Sure," Derek nodded. "Definitely."

Tegan's light eyes searched his face. "Are you alright, babe? You seem kind of out of it."

"I'm fine," he said while flashing her a large grin. "Just thinking about some things."

"No worries about this deal, tonight mate." Matt chucked him under the chin. "Just have some fun with it. We'll know when everything is right. Besides, you might want to enjoy this hot girl you've got on your arm tonight."

"Oh you," Tegan slapped his arm playfully. 

"You look gorgeous DJ Girl."

"Thanks Matt. You don't clean up so bad yourself. Actually you all look pretty hot." 

When they stepped onto the elevator, Tegan remarked that Matt and Derek looked like members of a cheesy emo band. It was far from it, though. 

Matt's brown hair was styled in an awesome mini-mohawk and he wore dark denim jeans and a black t-shirt that highlighted his full tattoo sleeves. On his feet he wore a pair of sneakers with ridiculously bright colors of orange, purple, bright blue, and an almost highlighter green. Jake was more conservatively dressed in a casual navy blue button up, faded blue jeans and checkered Vans slip-ons. 

But it was Derek who once again set her pulse racing. Even dressed down, he was so smoking she had to keep her fingers in check, even as they itched to undo his pants and show him how incredibly hot he made her. He was clad in dark jeans, and a black t-shirt with the words "They're Coming to Get You, Barbara" written in bold neon colors on the front. 

She felt incredibly proud to be sporting such fine ass men on her arm. For the first time in a long time, she felt absolutely beautiful. She was wearing slim black jeans that gave her figure a more slender look, a tight simple white tank top, bright yellow round toe flats, and a fitted light yellow and black argyle-style summer cardigan. Tegan hoped the outfit looked a little more indie scene chick than Mom-at-the-country-club-brunch chic. 

Matt smiled at her once more. "Derek, I think I might have to borrow her for a while."

Derek put a possessive arm around her shoulder and shot Matt a faux gruff look. "Get your own, mate. This one's mine." 

The limo came to a sudden stop. Jake peered anxiously out the window. "Looks like we're here," he said. There was a huge smile on his face that made Derek a little uneasy. He was way too happy about all of this. 

They clambered from the limo, Gianni tipping his imaginary cap to Tegan who chuckled softly as Derek rolled his eyes. The guy was way too smooth for his taste. "I hope you all have a wonderful evening," he said easily in his crisp English. 

Derek nodded as they walked up the slate stone way leading up to Simon Slade's impossibly classy bachelor pad. 

It was how a house in L.A. should look, all glass panels and trendy grey tones. Tegan thought it was an accurate depiction of Simon Slade: hip, transparent, and austere with just a hint of shady. Before they could even knock, the door flew open and they were face-to-face with Simon. 

"Ahh, the Trifecta!" he glowed. "Welcome to my home. The party's already started." Tegan noticed he was dressed down from his sleek business suits in a pair soft denim jeans and a crisp stone colored button down that matched his slate eyes perfectly. He really was a handsome man, she thought as they stepped inside his expansive home. 

"Nice digs," she remarked. The house had an open floor plan, the rooms melding together in a modern look. The first level was decorated in various shades of grey, blue, and green. Tegan thought it looked like something straight out of Architectural Digest. 

Simon smiled at her. "Thank you, Ms. James. As you can see, there are a lot of people who've turned out to get to know you guys better. Meet and greet for a few, then we'll step into my office to talk a little business." He pointed to a large counter in the kitchen that was laden with food. "Help yourselves to whatever. If you need anything the staff will be happy to get it for you." 

At those words, a young man wearing all black appeared holding a tray with various alcoholic beverages on it. Tegan picked up a bottle of beer and another server slid in to open the beer and pour it into a glass. 

"Wow," Derek said. "Efficient, aren't they?"

Simon nodded. "I'll be back to check up on you guys in 30." He made a shooing motion with his hands. "Go. Mingle. Get drunk, whatever." And with that, he turned on his heels to welcome other arriving guests. 

Jake's broad smile was still there as he turned to his friends. "Well, let's say we get this party started?" He made a beeline for the buffet-style food setup.

Matt shook his head. "That guy is an idiot." His eyes searched the room. "Do you have any idea who half these people are?"

"Nope," Derek said, shaking his head. The first floor was pretty crowded with people eating off tiny plates or drinking. He could see outside to what he assumed was the backyard and there were more people out there. "Man, he's really wining and dining us, isn't he?"

"Oh this wasn't all for you," a breathy voice said behind them. Derek turned to see Jade Stone, the ever-present smile plastered on her face. She was looking hot tonight, practically sizzling in a white A-line skirt and white halter top. 

He noticed that she was always wearing white; it complimented her sun-kissed skin rather well. Her hair was glossy as usual, casually brushed around her tan shoulders. 

"Oh really?" Derek asked. 

Jade nodded; he noticed that her round blue eyes always seemed to get bigger whenever she talked to him. "Simon was already having a party tonight for some of his friends and he invited you four along. He really likes you, you know?" 

Derek heard the softness in her tone when she uttered the last part and he couldn't help but wonder if Simon wasn't the only one who really liked him. He mentally shook those thoughts from his head. Why was he even thinking about another woman when he had Tegan? Old habits die hard, he thought. 

"Well, we kind of like him too" Matt said. He offered his arm to Jade, who took it. "Care to share a drink with me, Ms. Stone?"

Jade laughed flirtatiously. "Of course, Mr. Cornwall. Are you trying to seduce me?"

"Give me time," he winked as they walked away. 

"He is so ridiculous," Tegan said, draining her beer. 

Derek shrugged. "Pretty much. So, we have a whole half hour to do as we please. What do you want to do?"

"Go down on you in the bathroom" she replied bluntly.

His blue eyes widened, the incredulous shock on his face making him sputter. "W-w-what?" 

She burst out laughing. "I'm totally joking. Even I'm not that skeezy."

Derek's lips formed into a pout. "Damn, I was kind of hoping you were."

********

For the next thirty minutes, Derek wandered aimlessly around the party, talking briefly with the other guests about mindless things that didn't really hold his interest. Unlike the other party last night at the Rooftop, this one was more about Simon than about appealing to the Trifecta's interest. There were several people that represented the companies Slade Enterprises had taken over, Simon's co-workers, and other various people with ties to the businessman. 

To Derek, it was almost as if Simon had gathered people there who he'd knew make him look more appealing which was a pretty ingenious move. The reps from the companies had nothing but glowing reports. 

They talked about how Simon the Shark was a dogged but very fair man who understood his work and treated people with respect. One man in particular talked about his initial skepticism about Slade Enterprises and how he was reassured constantly that his company was in good hands. 

It was a lot of information to take in, and Derek was trying to absorb it all. He was casually leaning against a wall, sipping on soda when someone tapped him on the shoulder. It was Jade, still all smiles. 

"Enjoying yourself?" she asked brightly. 

"Somewhat. How about you? Aren't you supposed to be working tonight?"

Jade gave a casual shrug. "Supposedly." She leaned into him, and Derek stepped back a little. It was all a bit too intimate. "So, Derek how long have you and Tegan been seeing each other?"

Ahh, here it goes he thought. "Um, for quite some time now."

Her blue eyes studied his for a moment and it made him a little uncomfortable. There was something in her gaze, something that indicated she had a secret and she wasn't sharing. That made him a little uneasy. 

In an instant it was gone, replaced by her usual look of unmasked lust. "Well, I just came over to let you know Simon's ready for you guys now." With that, she flounced away, her white skirt swishing behind her. 

Derek's eyes followed, watching her walk away with a look of curiosity. There was something a bit peculiar about that girl he just couldn't put his finger on. 

"What did she want?" 

"Whoa!" he exclaimed, jumping nearly a foot out of his skin. He turned to see Tegan right behind him. "Jesus, you've got to start wearing a bell or something!"

Tegan giggled. "Calm down, you bitchass. It's not even that serious." She noticed the guilty look flash on his face. "Mmm-hmm."

"What?"

"You were watching her ass, weren't you?"

"What? No! I haven't any clue what you're talking about."

A small smile spread on her pretty face. "Baby, I was joking with you." She punched him lightly on the arm. "Calm down, okay? Nervous Derek isn't all that attractive."

He returned the smile as his heartbeat slowed back to normal. He had been watching her walk away, but not for the reasons Tegan thought. "I'm sorry Tegan J. Your question just caught me off guard." 

"No shit."

"I gotta go see Simon now to talk business." Tegan wrapped her arms around his trim waist, drawing him closer. "Do you want me to go with you?"

"That's okay, babe." He kissed the top of her head, inhaling the scent of her spicy shampoo. 

"It's kind of a Trifecta thing. But I'll let you know how it goes."

"Okay." Tegan kissed him softly on the lips before moving away. "Good luck, kid."

********

Derek walked down a carpeted hallway in search of Simon's office. He was about to give up and start opening doors randomly when he heard deep laughter booming from a slightly open door at the end of the hallway. 

When he pushed the door open he found Simon, Matt, and Jake already seated in Simon's impressive office. It was a fairly large room that resembled his Slade Enterprises office, with the color scheme, and the two flat screen televisions. In lieu of a desk there was a round solid oak table in the middle of the room with several comfy black leather chairs around it. 




Only You Ch. 06



Simon looked up from talking with Matt to smile at him. "D. Rye! You finally made it." He patted the chair next to him. "Come and sit. We've got a lot to go over." 

Derek sat down, his hands pressed flat on the table surface. "So what's up Simon?"

"Like I said before boys, I really want your company. I believe that NerdsUnite! is a fantastic concept and brand. You deserve to be rewarded for the hard work that was put into making the company a success. I believe that with Slade Enterprises all that can be accomplished." 

His smile grew broader. He handed out a single sheet of paper to the three of them. "This is how much we are prepared to offer each of you for your share." 

Derek picked up the paper and his heart nearly stopped when he read the sum. Fifteen million dollars. FIFTEEN?!? He didn't even know their little company was worth that amount. "There must be some mistake," he whispered. 

"No mistake," Simon said, shaking his head. "Believe me when I say you gentlemen will be generously compensated for your efforts. Now this is the base offer and we're prepared to negotiate the terms of the contract whenever you guys are ready." 

Derek nodded and was about to open his mouth when Matt surprisingly spoke up. "I do believe that your intentions are honorable, Mr. Slade. And I also believe that your ideas to bring NerdsUnite! into the mainstream are very ingenious. But I still don't understand one thing: why us? Why our company? There are hundreds of websites that offer what we do. And yeah, we're pretty fucking cool, but what made you decide that we were what you wanted?"

Simon's grey eyes were thoughtful for a moment. "Matt, I saw something in your company that makes it a step above the rest. I saw the hard work, the effort, and most of all the camaraderie between three friends who really respected each other. And honestly, you guys looked like you were having a really fucking awesome time."

Matt grinned. "We do have an awesome time. And that's why I still love doing my job. Do you know how hard it is for people to find a job they truly love? I wake up in the morning and I'm fucking ecstatic to turn on my computer and blog or make a video or read a new profile. 

It's a great feeling to do what I do, Mr. Slade, I'm sure you can agree with me on that. I can't speak for Derek or Jake, but I don't think there's enough money in all of Los Angeles to make me give up that feeling."

He smiled at Derek who was gaping at him, a look of pure astonishment on his handsome face. Matt was usually the quiet one out of the three, the peacemaker. He had never heard him speak so passionately, so forcefully; it was amazing. 

"Matthew," Derek said. "You're so badass right now. It's kind of hot." 

"Thanks baby," Matt replied as he let out a hearty chuckle. He turned his focus to Simon, who had been listening quietly as he spoke. "I hope you don't take offense to this, Mr. Slade. 

I really do admire your company and I have to admit that you're pretty fucking cool yourself. But I don't think you should expect my approval."

Simon nodded. "That's perfectly understandable. It's just a little surprising, considering the phone call I received prior to me contacting you about my interest."

"Phone call?" Derek asked. "What phone call?"

"I was informed by someone very close to you that the Trifecta was interested in selling their company on the high end market. I took a look at the site, liked what I saw and made the call to Matt."

Derek looked at Matt who raised his eyebrow in question. They both had the same 'what the hell' look on their face. Jake, who had been relatively silent throughout the proceedings spoke up. 

"Simon, who the bloody hell told you that we were ready to sell our company? Not that we don't appreciate the offer, mind you but this is the first time selling it even crossed our minds."

"Well," Simon started. "They're actually here tonight."

At that moment, another door in the office swung open and someone stepped out. It took a minute for everything to sink in, but when Derek saw who was standing before him, a look of genuine horror crossed his face. 

"Lottie? What the..."

Lottie Winchester smiled tightly at him. "Hello Gorge." She stood before him, thin hands on her slight hips. She had been a model in her teen days, but her slight indulgence with the cocaine cost her a choice contract. 

Despite the "hard times" struggling with a drug addiction, she was still able to maintain her attractive features. Her hair was long and layered, the strawberry blonde locks reaching down her back. She had big green eyes that she used to her advantage, making them wide and round when she wanted to look innocent, and small and sly when being seductive. 

Beauty came effortlessly for Lottie Winchester. She was the daughter of sexpot royalty: Irish model Siobhan Parsley and Collin 'Wild' Winchester, ex-lead singer of The Bones.

Indeed she was attractive, with her rounded breasts that were the perfect handful and her slim frame. But Derek knew beneath all that lay a viciously insecure girl with the personality of a houseplant. On top of that, he knew she could be a first class twat when necessary. 

All of a sudden, the room became too small and Derek struggled to find his breath. She was in the same place as Tegan! Shit, this was going to be bad. What the fuck was she doing here?

"What the fuck? What are you doing here?" His tone was quite snappish but he didn't care. She had a lot of damn explaining to do. 

Lottie smiled coolly at him. "Can't a girl visit her boy when he's away on business?"

Four pairs of eyes stared at Derek, waiting for his reaction to her question. And then it hit him: she knew everything; about Tegan, the whole lot. She stared at him, her eyes practically daring him to challenge her statement. He wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of letting her get to him. 

"Can we talk in private?"

She laughed, a shrill sound that rang in his bones. Oh yeah, she's definitely peeved. "Of course we can, Gorge. Anything for my fella." Lottie turned and walked back through the door she came out. 

Derek rose from his chair, his hands shaking slightly as he followed her. The room turned out to be a small sitting room and he realized she must have been in there the entire time, listening to their conversation. That thought made him boil with anger and as soon as the door was shut he grabbed her arm. "Are you fucking taking the piss or what?" he hissed. 

Lottie wrenched out of his grasp. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Gorge."

He pressed his fingers to his temples. "Stop fucking calling me that! What are you playing at Lottie? Why are you here, and what the fuck do you have to do with Si..." Derek cut his sentence short as realization sank in. "It was you," he said incredulously. "You were the one that told Simon we wanted to sell NerdsUnite!."

Her cold smile chilled him. He had never seen her look so positively...sinister. It was very unbecoming to her delicate features. "Beauty and brains," she hissed nastily. "It's no wonder the American cow adores you."

"What?" he sputtered. "How do you know about..."

"I know all about your fat whore!" she said shrilly. 

"Is that why you did this? To get back at me?"

Her response was to smile evilly once more. Derek balled his hands into tight fists. His father taught him from a very young age never to strike a woman, but she was thisclose to making him renege on that promise. 

"You once told me I was your world," she said. "I thought we were going to be together forever."

"Please! We were barely together when I left London. You thought the parties and the other stupid people were more important than me. Face it Lottie, we were over even before I hit the States. I called you to finalize it and you fucking fell asleep on me. Yeah, you definitely gave a shite."

"What else was I supposed to do!" her voice was getting increasingly louder. "You broke up with me! Over the fucking phone! I'm not some moon-faced little schoolgirl that you can just bin whenever you feel like it!"

"You could have called me back and talked. You could have acted like an adult instead of taking out your frustration on people who had nothing to do with the situation." The fury churned inside of him and he once again had to will himself not to strike her. "And how did you plan all this?

"I had Simon's number. You know Jade, right? She's an old modeling friend. We did a couple of shoots back in the day and still kept in touch. 

When I found out a month ago that she worked for Simon Slade, I looked up his company. I had been planning on surprising you with the information when you got back, that someone like him was interested in you. But apparently Simon jumped the gun with the news."

Derek shook his head, his raven curls whipping about his face. Something just wasn't making sense. "So you're telling me that you looked up Simon ages ago when I was back in London?"

Lottie nodded, her green eyes showing nothing but truth. She had no reason to lie. "As a surprise for you. I knew how hard you worked on that site and wanted to show you that someone was interested."

"I..I don't understand this, Lottie. Why would you let me be ambushed by him?"

"Like I said, I didn't know he was going to contact you so soon. I told him to wait until you were back overseas. But you know, it worked out better than I planned. Jade told me all about your little cow and then I knew I had to see for myself. You wanker, you took her to see your brother." She hissed the last part, the words filled with so much venom he almost flinched. 

"How do you know about that?"

She laughed once more, the sharp sound slicing through the air thick with tension. "You are really thick. Of course there were paparazzi around. I saw the pictures of the two of you together. 

They were all over the bloody mags back home. Do you know how embarrassed I was, all our friends seeing you cavorting with that bloody blimp?"

"Watch your tongue!" he barked. "Don't talk about her like that."

"Defending your whore?" She scoffed. "How chivalrous of you. Does she know about me?"

Derek stared at her, his blue eyes cold and hard. "You wouldn't dare."

"Wouldn't I? You don't fucking know me." She started for the door when he grabbed her suddenly. His fingers dug into the soft flesh of her thin upper arms and she cried out from the pain. 

"Listen here, you fucking cunt. You breathe one word to her, one fucking word and I swear to God I will..."

"You'll what? You can't do anything to me." Her green eyes flashed fire. Lifting her arms up, she pushed him away from her. "Pathetic. Weak little boy living in his brother's shadow. The charmer, the heartbreaker. How does it feel to be played?"

"I should be asking you the same thing," he spat. "Tegan's more of a woman than you'll ever be."

Lottie snorted. "I'll say. It won't last. You'll tire of her just like you always do. Then you'll crush her poor heart and you'll come running right back to me."

He laughed bitterly. "You'd like that, wouldn't you? God, now who's pathetic? Can't you see it's over? I don't want you."

"So what, you're saying you actually love this girl?" Derek was silent and her green eyes widened. "Oh my god, you love her!" Her laugh once more pierced through him. "Oh this is much better than I hoped. Fuck ruining your company, it's going to be much sweeter to meddle with this!"

He stepped forward, his eyes blazing hotly with a trembling fury that would have frightened a lesser woman. But Lottie Winchester wasn't easily shaken. Derek was about to open his mouth when another door opened and Tegan stepped inside. 

"Derek?"

He turned when he heard her call his name; the anger dissipated and was quickly replaced by fear, the emotion washing over him like a cold dousing of water. "Tegan, what are you doing in here?"

Tegan surveyed the scene, the pained look on Derek's face and the pinched smile of the rather attractive woman now staring boldly at her. She got the distinct feeling she'd walked into something bad. "Um, I just came looking for you to see how everything went. Jade told me I would find you here. What's going on? Who is this?"

"Yes, Derek" Lottie said evenly. "Why don't you tell her who I am?"

His heart was bounding a brass band beat in his chest. "She's..."

Lottie cut him off abruptly. "My name is Lottie Winchester. Tegan, is it? Well Tegan what Derek here can't say is that I'm his girlfriend. From London. The one who he abandoned by phone when he started fucking you." She turned to Derek, the sweetly evil grin making his stomach churn. "Am I forgetting anything, Gorge?"

A rush of air, the sound of the ocean roaring in her ears. That's all she could hear at that moment. Tegan stood stock still, her eyes staring but not really seeing. 

The room was silent, and Derek swore he hear the moment her heart snapped in two. "Tegan, I can explain..."

He expected anger, for her to launch herself at him, a punch to the face, something, anything. But she simply stood still, her light eyes boring into his blues. There weren't tears; there was a look of extreme disappointment and finally the wave of shame washed over him. 

"Is it true?" she asked, her voice choking with emotion. 

Lottie laughed shrilly. "Of course it is."

Tegan's eyes turned on her, and Lottie cut her laughter short. "I don't believe I was talking to you." Her voice was low, the whisper coming out a dangerous hiss. She turned her gaze back to Derek, who was watching her with such sadness. 

"Is this true?"

He couldn't take it any longer. "I...can explain. It's not as black and white as it looks."

Her body shook, the sob she'd been trying to hold back escaped in a strangled cry. It was a loud, sharp sound that disappeared quickly but pierced through Derek's heart. "Tegan," he started. His arms reached out to her, but she edged away.

"No," she gulped. "Don't touch me. I can't stand to look at you." She began to laugh, her body shaking with mirthless sound. "So fucking stupid," she gasped out. "I let you...I was a virgin." The laughter continued, the pained sound making him wince. 

Only Lottie seemed to be enjoying herself. "Oh my, a virgin?" She winked her green eyes dramatically at Derek. "Well done, Gorge. Although honey, next time you might want to really find out about a guy before you open your wobbly thighs."

"SHUT UP!" Tegan screamed. Derek jumped at the sound. He had never heard her raise her voice that way. Lottie look genuinely ruffled as Tegan stalked over to her. "Get out," she snarled. 

"I will do no such thing" Lottie said with more bravery than she felt. Tegan's honey brown eyes flashed dangerously and before she even realized what was going on, she felt the sharp sting of Tegan's hand as it connected with her pale cheek. Her face spun to the side, so powerful the slap. Lottie's hand instantly cupped her cheek and she glared at Tegan, who didn't appear to be backing down any time soon. 

"I said get the fuck out. Or I will throw you the fuck out. Your choice."

Lottie opened her mouth as if to say something but changed her mind when she saw Tegan's hand rise once more. Shooting Tegan a withering look, she sauntered out the same door Tegan had entered minutes before.

Tegan turned back to Derek, her eyes looking everywhere but his. "I asked you," she said slowly. "I asked you if there was anything else you needed to tell me..."

"Tegan," he began. The dark look she shot him silenced his sentence. 

"I asked you. All you had to do was be honest. It was so easy. I made it easy for you. You think I give a shit about Lottie or Carrie? You could have slept with the goddamn Queen of England and it wouldn't have mattered only if you fucking TOLD me when I fucking asked you about it!" her hands clenched at her hair and she let out a short cry of frustration. "Goddammit, Derek!" she fumed. 

"Baby, I'm sorry. I know I should have given you the complete truth. But things were over between Lottie and I."

"When, Derek? When were they over? Was this before or after I let you have your way with me?" She grit her teeth in anger. "So fucking stupid."

Derek could see the anger she was trying in vain to keep in check. He had never seen her look so troubled, and knowing that he was the source of her anguish made him sick. "Tegan, you have to believe me. Lottie and I...I knew we were over before I left London. And that's the honest truth. 

After the night of my birthday party, I knew I wanted you. Just you. And then you gave me the most beautiful gift that people can share. And that made me feel amazing, you have no idea." His hand rubbed the back of his neck as his blue eyes stared at her, silently pleading. "Can't you see, baby? All of these things: asking you to L.A., meeting my brother, I..."

"What?" she practically barked. 

"I love you." The words tumbled from his lips and he felt a giant weight lift from his shoulders. It was the first time he had said those three words to a girl and actually meant it. 

Tegan began to laugh once more, and he became very aware of the painful awkwardness of the situation. "You are some piece of work. Tell me something, how many times have you said something like that to get what you wanted out of a girl?"

"Honestly? A lot. But I really mean it this time. I really fucking love you."

"And I call bullshit. You don't love me. You love what I do to you. You're a selfish boy stuck in a jackass' body." 

Her arms involuntarily wrapped around her body and Derek suddenly had the urge to comfort her. But he knew she'd quicker punch him than kiss him. "You know, a part of me knew things were going too well. There was bound to be some bad. Par for the motherfucking course that is my life."

"Tegan, please." He was practically ready to drop to his knees. 

"I don't..."

"What is it, baby? Tell me."

She sniffed and rubbed her nose, willing herself not to cry. "I think we might need to spend some time apart. You've got a lot on your plate right now and I've got to suss some things out."

Derek shook his head hard. "No, I have everything figured out. My company stays and I want you. There's nothing I need to work on."

A small, sad smile played on her lips. "Sort out your life, Derek. Decide what you want. When you know what that is, you know where to find me." 

She turned to leave, when he reached out and pulled her close to him. His hands wrapped around her soft curves as he buried his face in the dark downy strands of her hair, the scent of her shampoo bringing hot tears to his eyes. 

"Please Tegan," he moaned. "Please don't do this. I'm sorry about not telling you about Lottie. I truly am." He could feel the effect of his words as she started to tremble; he could feel her tears pressing wetly on his shirt and still he held her tighter. He had to make her see sense. She had to know.

"I know you're sorry," she said softly. "But it's not enough, Derek. You've clearly got some business to take care of before we can be together. I want us together. But I don't want to share you with your past." 

Leaning up on her tiptoes, she pressed a soft kiss to his lips. Derek cupped her face in his hands, drawing her firmly to him. His tongue sought entrance into her mouth, stroking her tongue into submission and exploring the dark corners he knew like his own. 

Tegan pushed him away, her fingertips resting on her mouth as if trying to mimic the weight of his soft lips on hers. "Call me," she whispered. 

"Don't wait too long." She gave his hand one final squeeze before turning to leave the room quickly. 

Derek waited a beat before walking over to the lone window that faced the front of Simon's house. He watched as she practically ran to the limo where Gianni leaned casually. 




Only You Ch. 06



When he saw Tegan, he opened the door for her before jogging around to the driver's side. They drove away quickly, the black limo barely visible in the Los Angeles night. 

He could feel the anger beginning to rise once more. She was right, there were things he needed to take care of. It was time to stop procrastinating. Derek clenched his fists tightly. 

He was going to show her just how much he loved her.



Only You Ch. 07



Author's Note: FINALLY! The last chapter. It took long enough. Thanks for hanging around and being so patient. You guys rock my world! Sienna H.

********

Eight years ago; Surrey, England:

"Dammit, Derek I just tripped over another one of these stupid things!" 

Sixteen-year-old Derek smiled slyly at his older brother, who was currently glaring in his direction, holding a G.I. Joe by its leg. 

He never could take Dex seriously. With his long, shoulder length locks flying about his face, he looked more like a puffy, ruffled peacock than an actual threat. 

"Well that'll teach you for barging into my room unannounced. What's up, my surly older sibling?"

Dex heaved a loud sigh of exasperation. "I would appreciate it if you'd stop stealing my cologne."

Derek peered at his older brother from the top of his comic book. "As much as I'd loved to smell like Eau de Lumberjack, I'm afraid it wasn't me that took it."

Dex's emerald eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Really?"

"Yes," he replied. "Matter of fact, I do believe I saw Mum stashing it in the garbage bin. Said the smell reminded her of pine trees and gym socks. And if you really think about it, you're only visiting. You don't live here anymore and are no longer allowed to make us suffer through that smell. Is that what all the blokes are wearing in the States?"

The brothers laughed. Dex sat on the edge of his brother's bed. "Should have known you wouldn't take it. What would a scrawny, spectacled little git like you do with cologne?" He ruffled his brother's black curls, making them fly about his face. 

Grinning, Derek gave his brother a playful shove before picking up his comic. "If you must know, Dexter Phillip, I happen to be well-versed in the female form."

A very loud snort was Dex's reply. "Right. Nicking Playboys from the shop and ogling them with Matt and Jake doesn't count."

"I'll have you know I haven't done that since I was twelve. I'm sixteen now. I know better."

"Ahh, sixteen. Practically a lady." Dex ducked a misaimed swipe. "Alright, truce. So who's the lucky girl? I see Kitty Porter's looking kind of fit."

Derek's blue eyes twinkled impishly and at once 

Dex realized his younger brother was up to something. "Lola Parrish."

His grin grew ever broader as he smiled back at the pair of green eyes now widened with shock. 

"As in THE Lola Parrish? The sweet little sister of my good friend Alex?"

Derek's shoulders gave a noncommittal shrug to feign noncommittal, but the wicked gleam in his eyes gave him away. "Trust me, big brother; she's not at all sweet and innocent."

Dex's face contorted into something that resembled a smirk crossed with a grimace. If he wasn't completely aware that Alex Parrish would totally demolish his little brother if he ever caught wind of what occurred, he probably would have laughed. 

At the moment, he was having a bit of an issue, torn over wanting to strangle his little doppelganger or congratulate him. "D, Lola is at least two years older than you."

"I still stand by the statement that she was the one who dragged me into her room and pulled my pants down."

"When did this happen?"

"Last week, at Alex's birthday party."

Dex let out a low groan. Once again, he was going to have to make things right. Once again, his baby-faced little brother who was just a bit too girl crazy would involve him in some ridiculous plot that normally involved a girl who was either way out of his league or completely off limits. 

In the case of Lola Parrish, it was both. 

She was older and cooler, smoking menthol cigarettes with her mates outside the gate at school, taking healthy sips of the gin and tonic they passed around in a water bottle. And as the younger sister of Alex Parrish once popular football star now graduated and trying to play professionally. It was a general rule that she wasn't to be messed with. 

But then again, Dex knew his baby brother was never one to follow the rules. "He's going to kill you," he told his brother. 

It was Derek's turn to snort. "Please. That overgrown bullfrog can't do anything to me. He should stick to running up and down the pitch like a good little boy. I'll take care of sweet and innocent Lola." Dex couldn't help but laugh at the air quotes he made around "sweet and innocent". 

"Well you know if he tries anything, he'll have to answer to me first." 

"What are you going to do, Dex? Glare at him? Throw a sarcastic quip? I think I'd rather like to see that, you having a go at Alex in a battle of wits while your opponent is severely unarmed."

Dex's laugh rang out in the relatively small room. "Come off it. He's not that bad."

"Mmm-hmm. And hell is just a sauna."

"What am I going to do with you?" Dex asked with a sigh. 

"Keep me away from broom cupboards and nubile scarlet women."

Dex was quiet for a moment before speaking. "Mate I feel bad for the girl that gets you. She's going to need the patience of a saint."

"Well, I would say the same thing about you; that is if you'd ever come out of that 'old geezer phase.' Although with your luck you'll find a bird who's just as much as a senior citizen as you." He aimed a playful kick at Dex's thigh. 

"Now shove off."

"Oi, what's this? Got a hot date coming over?" He took in Derek's lopsided grin. "You're bringing her here?"

"We very well couldn't do anything at her house, can we? Not while the biggest prat in Surrey is home."

Dex sighed. "Fucking ridiculous," he muttered. Rising from the bed, he couldn't help but shake his head. "Starting bad habits early, aren't we?"

Derek gave a shrug. "No worries, Dexter. I have plenty of years to find a good girl. Right now I'm just having some fun, nothing serious."

"Mmm-hmm. You'll get tired of that shit soon enough."

Derek scoffed, his bright blue eyes sparkling cheerfully. "Never that, older brother."

********

He walked through one of the doors leading to Simon's office. They were still sitting around the table, pretending they hadn't heard one of the most awkward conversations ever. Derek shoved his hands into his pockets and stared at his friends. "Uh, I think I'm gonna head back to the hotel" he said. 

Simon nodded, while Matt tried to force a smile. 

"Sure D. I think we're pretty much done here." Derek glanced at Simon whose grey eyes were studying him thoughtfully. "Mr. Slade, thank you for your interest in our company. But I'm on board with Matt. No sale."

Simon nodded once more. "Understandable. Maybe we can talk in the future."

Derek shrugged. "Maybe in the future you could contact me before talking to a psychopath about my life's work."

Slade's eyes widened before he quickly recovered. "Touché," he said. "I apologize about the mix-up."

"Not your fault. Should have taken care of business a long time ago."

Jake gaped at his two best friends. "Isn't anyone going to ask my opinion about the matter?" 

Matt chuckled. "Nope," he said easily. He shrugged off the angry glare from Jake. "Oh come off it! We all know you want to sell, Jacob."

"Actually Matthew if you'd let me speak for once you'd hear it quite differently." Jake stood up. "Mr. Slade, hearing my friends talk about our work made me realize they're right. And giving up NerdsUnite! would be a major mistake." He let out a huge sigh. "However sweet fifteen million sounds."

"Why Jacob! I didn't know you cared."Matt grinned. 

Jake's deep laughter reverberated off the walls and Derek smiled in spite of his unhappiness. "Besides, Shanna was the one pushing the sell. This will just piss her off, which will make me ecstatic." The huge grin on his baby face was practically contagious. 

Simon rose from his chair. "Well if that's all boys, let's just get back to the party shall we?"

"Wait," Matt said. "You're not pissed off at us?"

"Guys, I'm a grown man. My ego will recover. Now the hotel's paid for until the weekend, and that's when you'll have to get the hell out. But until then, go have some fun on Slade Enterprises' dollar."

Matt and Jake grinned broadly, shaking Simon's hand before leaving his office. Simon shot Derek a sympathetic look. "I really do apologize about the whole situation Derek."

Derek shook his head. "No worries, man. But I think I'm going to take a cab back. I'm really not in the party mood."

Simon nodded. "Understandable." His large hand clapped Derek soundly on the back. "You really are a decent guy, Mr. Ryan. That much is true. Don't worry kid. These things have a way of sorting themselves out."

********

Tegan yawned loudly, not even bothering to cover her mouth as she unlocked the door to her apartment. She had been on a plane for longer than she really wanted, taking the red eye from Los Angeles back to New York. It was still early, the bright sun barely peeking from the horizon. 

All she wanted to do was sleep; sleep was the only way she'd be able to function properly. She wasn't due back in the city until Friday and it was barely Wednesday. It gave her two days to hide and mope and then she'd be all right to face her friends. 

Throwing her bags on her squashy green couch, she kicked off her shoes and headed straight for her bedroom. The plane ride was hellish; she was still wearing the outfit from the party at Simon's house. She was rumpled and in desperate need of a shower, but all that would have to wait. 

She stepped out her jeans and threw off her cardigan before slipping between her covers clad only in her panties and white tank top. As she settled onto the pillows, she smiled sadly. There was an ulterior motive in her decision to head to bed so early. 

Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply as the welling tears stung her eyes. Him. She could still smell him on the sheets, the familiar scent of lemon and sandalwood stirring her heart even as she tried to force her body to shutdown mode. 

In the back of her mind, she knew she was doing the right thing. They needed space, time to figure out where they fit in each other's lives. 

Yes, it was the right thing to do; but damn if it didn't hurt like hell. Tegan fluffed her pillow, giving it harder than necessary punches. She yawned once more before snuggling deeper under the blankets and for the first time in several days, Tegan fell asleep alone.

********

Derek stared groggily at the bright blue numbers of the alarm clock on the nightstand. It was pitch black outside, no sign of the sun in the still-early morning sky. It was a little after four, and he hadn't been able to sleep. 

At Matt's insistence, he stayed longer at Simon's party, returning to the hotel over two hours ago. Part of him secretly hoped she had decided to stay, waiting for him inside their room, smiling that sweet smile he loved so much. 

But no, he was all alone. He was sprawled out on the bed and trying his damndest to get comfortable. Rolling out of bed, he flicked on the lamp on the nightstand, his blue eyes squinting at the sudden light invasion. 

Derek rummaged through the stuff on the table before finding what he was looking for. He padded back to the bed and opened the CD case, taking out the disk and sliding it into the small stereo on the nightstand. 

The sound of Tegan's husky voice filled the room. He staggered for a moment before sitting on the bed. Just the sound of her voice made his knees weaken. Damn, he had it bad. 

"Fuck, is damn thing even on?" he heard her mutter. There was more muffled scuffling as she struggled with something. There was a brief silence, followed by a throat clearing. Finally she spoke. "Hey baby. You'd think I would know how to work one of these things. Damn new-fangled L.A. technology. Ohmigod, I just 'new-fangled' which makes me feel like such an old woman..."

Derek couldn't help but chuckle. She rambled on like that for a few more minutes before she collected herself. "Anywho. This is your birthday mix. I wish I could have made it on my equipment, but I wanted you to have it now. I hope you like it."

Her voice faded out, and the CD began. Leaning back onto the pillows, Derek turned out the lights and listened to the CD in darkness. It was one of the best presents ever, right up there with that Christmas when he got a Super NES. The CD was a mixture of bands he liked and things he didn't recognize. 

Each song was perfectly layered and flowed beautifully. There were no bad picks, everything was perfect. She really had a concrete understanding of what people liked. She took their music preferences and ran with it. 

As Coheed and Cambria's Wake Up ended, he felt a slight pang. This mix was obviously made with such love. It almost hurt to listen to it in his current state of mind; hearing it only made him miss her more. 

And the final song, the last nail in the coffin that was his heart started up. He felt himself groan when the soft electronica intro of Only You pushed its way through the speakers. It was the last straw, he thought. 

Derek was barely through the song before he snapped the stereo off. He needed some advice, good sound advice that would help him navigate through the muck that was his current situation. 

Flopping onto his side, Derek shut his blue eyes tightly, praying for sleep to come. Later on, he would make the call to his big brother. He was the only one who could help him now. 

********

Tegan was being shaken. She shut her eyes tightly and tried to burrow deeper under the blankets to get away from whoever was invading her personal space. 

"Girl, get up!" she heard Teddy say. "It's way past sleep time."

Tegan groaned and opened one honey-hued eye. "Why are you here?" she said gruffly. "No one knows I'm back."

Teddy shrugged. "Matt texted Drea." He reached out and ripped the blanket off her. "You didn't think you were going to hide out here for the rest of the week, did you?"

"I was kind of hoping so," she grumbled. She brought her knees up as close as she could. "I just need a couple of days, Teddy."

"Sorry hun. Drea's orders. You are not going to wallow and do the emo thing."

"Sometimes I hate you guys. How does Matt even have Drea's number?"

Teddy reached down, sweeping her long bangs from her eyes. "Just as long as you don't hate yourself. And the Matt thing is all semantics." 

He clapped his hands. "Now, get into that shower. Drea and I will fix you breakfast."

By the time Tegan rolled herself out of bed and into the bathroom, she could already smell the beginnings of a healthy breakfast. She pretended not to notice the empty bottle of Derek's body wash in the trash can when she stepped into the shower. 

She was washed and dressed in under fifteen minutes, wearing simple dark denim jeans and a bright white t-shirt with the words "Bigmouth Strikes Again" scrawled on the front. Tegan padded barefoot down the hallway and turned into the open kitchen. 

Drea and Teddy were already seated at the table, a small brunch feast laid out. 

"Hey T.," Drea said. "Just in time. Sit down and enjoy yourself."

Tegan plopped down in the chair opposite Drea and picked up her fork. Her stomach growled noisily and she realized how hungry she was. All her breakfast favorites were there: pancakes, sausage, and eggs. 

As she dug her fork into the fluffy golden mound of eggs on her plate, she felt an overwhelming wave of nausea hit. The smell that once tantalized her senses now made her feel as if she were going to throw up. 

With a look of disgust, she dropped her fork and pushed the plate away. Drea and Teddy noticed her movements and a questionable look past between the two. "You okay honey-pie?" Teddy asked. 

Tegan nodded as the urge to toss her cookies subsided. "I'm fine. I guess I'm just not as hungry as I thought." She took a healthy sip from the tall glass of orange juice in front of her, careful not to breathe in the stench from the eggs. 

Drea opened her mouth as if to say something, but shut it abruptly. Clearing her throat, she began again. "How are you holding up?

Her shoulders lifted in a casual shrug. "I'll manage," she said, trying hard to sound nonchalant. 

Teddy shot her a sympathetic look. "It's okay to miss him, Tegan."

Tegan closed her eyes, willing the tears not to fall. She didn't want to be like this. "I...can we not talk about this right now? I just want to go back to bed."

"Well, we're not gonna let you" Drea replied. 

"Get your shoes on because you're coming out with us. It's a beautiful sunny summer day and we're going to enjoy it."

She knew they were only trying to help. But right now the only thing she wanted was 3,000 miles away and completely inaccessible. The corners of her lips lifted into a smile. She was determined to make the most of the situation. "Alright," she said. "Where are we going?"

********

Derek pulled into his brother's driveway, barely turning the car off before he jumped out. He practically jogged up the walkway and rapped sharply on the front door. He was surprised to see Dex open the door. "Don't you have help to do that?" he asked. 

Dex nodded. "Inez doesn't get in until noon on Wednesdays. Speaking of," he added. "May I ask what I owe this pleasurable early morning visit to? It's not even ten yet." He stepped aside, giving Derek room to amble in. 

"Just needed to talk to my big brother, is all."

"Mmm-hmm." Dex's green eyes stared at his curly-haired doppelganger. "Bollocks. What have you gone and done now, younger one?"

Derek heaved a big sigh. He never could keep anything from Dex. "It's Tegan. She's left me."

"Oh for fuck's sake D," Dex said. "What happened?"

They walked into the living room and Derek eased himself into a soft suede chair the color of brown sugar. "Lottie happened."

Dex shook his head, an incredulous look on his handsome face. "Derek Arthur. You stupid ass."

"I know," Derek moaned as he cradled his head in his hands. "I've bungled up monumentally."

Dex sat in the club chair opposite to him. "Tell me everything."

"Lottie was the one who told Simon Slade I wanted to sell my company. She came to L.A. to surprise me. She found out about Tegan and decided to mash everything up. Told Tegan that we were still together. Tegan slapped her, got mad, said we needed a break, and then left. I think she's back in New York now."

He stared up at his brother, who was watching the wall curiously. "Dex?"

"Shh," he said. "I'm trying to decide whether or not knocking you off your ass would break the furniture. What is your problem Derek? Why do you keep doing this?"

"Doing what?"

"Doesn't the flirtatious heartbreaker act get kind of old?"

Derek snorted. "You're one to talk. You've made your entire living off that image."

"You're right. The difference is I'm really not that way. The difference is I've got a woman who made me realize that it was all just pretend. And it is. It gets old to be the player because at the end of the day you still go home with that empty feeling burning a hole inside you." Dex stared at his little brother, the irritation gone from his face and now replaced by a gentler emotion. "What do you want, Derek?"

"Her. I want her. I'd stop the fucking world."

"Then show her why you're worthy of her affections. She's given so much to you, Derek. Isn't it time you started taking leaps as well?"

He nodded. "But what if it isn't enough? What am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to show her that I can't seem to function properly if she isn't with me?" 

Dex smiled as his hand reached out to ruffle his brother's curls. "You're a smart boy, D. I know you'll be able to figure that one out."

Derek chuckled. "How did you get so smart about love, anyway? Weren't you the boy who was afraid of girls until he was twelve?"

"Cheeky prat," Dex said. "As opposed to you who got caught playing doctor with Kitty Porter in her playhouse. Even at seven you were mischievous."




Only You Ch. 07



"Hey I still maintain that she was the one who dragged me into that house against my will. I can't help it if girls lose their sense of reason around me. One day you too may have that affect on women, old man. That is, if Roxie doesn't beat the shit out of any woman who tries to come near you."

The brothers laughed heartily. "I miss having you around," Dex said. "Even if you do tend to cause havoc wherever you go."

"Maybe I'll stick around longer this time."

"You planning on staying in the States?" 

Derek shrugged. "I think I have a pretty good reason to, don't you?"

"Yes, I do." Dex turned serious. "What are you going to do about Lottie? I believe she's got to be dealt with."

"Oh don't worry about that. I've got it all taken care of."

********

Tegan couldn't believe it was Saturday. The rest of the week had whizzed by and she wasn't even sure what happened. She was positive it was thanks to Drea and Teddy, who kept her so occupied she barely had a moment to herself. Tegan knew they were just trying to be friends, but it was draining her. 

Even now she lay tiredly in bed, her poor feet aching from their walk around Central Park. Then there was museum browsing and going into the stores on Fifth Avenue to pretend they were rich ladies looking to burn a little plastic. That was actually pretty funny, considering Tegan's mother had a personal shopper at half the stores they were in. 

After a lunch of hot dogs and ice cream it was off to the Bronx to Simpson Street, one of Teddy's favorite places to shop. Drea had to practically drag Tegan away from a jeweler offering to pierce her ears. "You don't need any more damn holes in your body," she said gruffly. 

She was so exhausted, it was all she could do not to fall asleep on the way home. After much cajoling, she managed to let Drea and Teddy give her a couple of hours to herself for a much deserved nap, but not before promising to hang out tonight. 

Picking up the remote resting on the nightstand, she powered on her stereo. A drum beat tapped loudly before the opening of No One Will Ever Love Youburst right in. Tegan shut the stereo off, cursing The Magnetic Fields and random shuffle for torturing her. She rolled onto her side and shut her eyes tightly, willing herself to hit REM. It wasn't working. Derek was still on her mind and no matter how many sidewalk sales and museums Drea and Teddy marched her to it wasn't going to make the ache go away. 

It hurt, having someone who felt so deeply about her so far away, unable to reach out and touch him in the most intimate of ways and instead settling for memories and images. She wanted to cry, scream, get angry at Derek for being so incredibly stupid and yet all she could do was lie there, feeling stupid and miserable. 

She didn't hate him, this much she knew. In fact, she was pretty much far from hate as one could possibly get. 

She could feel it, the chunks rising in her throat as a dizzying wave of nausea hit. Sitting up quickly Tegan bolted for the bathroom, barely making it to the toilet before she retched the remnants of her lunch of hot dogs and a vanilla cone. 

Flushing the toilet, she rested her cheek weakly against her hand. What the hell was happening to her? She couldn't sleep sometimes and even thinking about certain foods made her sick to her stomach. 

And then it hit her like an eight pound brick. No, she couldn't be...could she? Her mind flew back to the weeks she'd been with Derek. She could only remember a few times they had actually used condoms. Her first time, the last time they were together...no protection. 

Jesus, she felt so stupid. A mild panic started to set in. She couldn't be pregnant. It just wasn't possible. Tegan crawled to her bed, reaching for the phone. There was only one person she could talk to at the moment. Crisis didn't even begin to cover it. 

********

"Well, I can't say I'm a little surprised you even called me after what happened a couple of days ago," Lottie drawled coolly.

Derek stared at the woman across the table from him, trying to remind himself to remain civil. "I just thought we needed to tie some things up, don't you agree?"

Lottie waved her hand absentmindedly. "Is that why you picked somewhere open? Scared I'll make a scene?" She indicated the small outdoor café they were currently in. It was another beautiful day in L.A. 

He held back a grimace. More than anything, all he wanted to do was leave California as soon as possible. He studied the woman in front of him, as she snapped her fingers impatiently for the waiter, a bored scowl on her pretty face. 

A surge of irritation flooded him. What the fuck could he possibly see in such a vapid and useless creature? Even Carrie, with her perma-bitchiness would never do something so cruel as what Lottie had done. 

"Derek? Derek are you even listening to me?" His eyes focused once more on Lottie, who was glaring at him. 

"Sorry about that," he said as his blue eyes came back into focus. He looked up at the waiter, who returned with Lottie's sparkling water. 

Lottie looked at him pointedly. "Cut to the chase, Derek. Why did you call me here?"

"That's a good question. I've been trying to figure that out. I feel like I should hate you for what you've done to me. But I can't help feel sorry for you."

Lottie scoffed, the sound turning into the most unbecoming snort. "You feel sorry for me?" She reached into her purse for her cigarettes, some French brand she always smoked and knew it drove him crazy. She lit up, ignoring the looks of the people around her. "You were always rather daft, weren't you?"

He stared at her, watching as she blew the smoke rudely in the direction of the dining couple next to them. "What happened to you?" he asked softly. 

The irritation was gone now, replaced with a gentle look. She was silent, tsking sharply under her breath. Derek continued. "I remember how you used to be. You were so beautiful; you were a hardcore bitch, but I found it so attractive." His laughter was sharp and short, a hint of bitterness ringing underneath. "What the fuck does that say about me? Why do I keep finding these fucking girls to be with?"

"Girls?" Lottie stubbed her square out on the table before sipping her water. "Girls like what?"

"These damn girls with complications, all this baggage. Goddammit! Why does the bitch attract me?"

"Because anything else would bore you to tears," Lottie said simply. "If you wanted the nice girl, you would have found her already. Women like me excite you. You are thrilled by the chase."

Derek shook his head. "You know, I have to say I'm done. I don't want to be like this anymore."

For the first time in their conversation, 

Lottie's looks softened. She reached a pale hand out and patted his fingers. "Of course you don't," she cooed. "It's who you are, Gorge. You'll always be the heartbreaker."

Derek slid his hand out from under hers. "No," he said firmly. "I won't. She deserves more than that."

"You mean the American cow?" Lottie's laughter rang sharp and cruel. "Do you really think she'd take you back after what you've done to her? Gorge, she's fat, not a fool."

"She loves me," he said quietly. "She wants to be with me."

Lottie waved his sentence away as if she were swatting a fly. "Listen. You and that...Tegan; you don't make sense. She's too green and she doesn't understand you, the life you lead, the things you've done." Her hand went to caress his once more. "You and I...Gorge you and I belong together."

Derek thought about what she was saying. They certainly did have a lot in common. Lottie knew about the world of cameras and in-depth questions, of people following out of clubs for pictures; of living in the spotlight even when you really didn't want to. Yes, Lottie was like him in so many ways...and he just couldn't stand it. 

"You're right, Lottie. We are alike," he said. "And that's why we could never work out. You were too selfish and I was too stupid to take notice. Even now, you're still trying to hold onto me when I've told you I've completely fallen for someone else. 

I love her, Lottie. I love Tegan more than anything in this world and nothing will ever change that." He moved his hand away from hers before standing up. "I want her, and only her. Not you."

Derek smiled at the look of stark astonishment written on her pretty face. It was probably one of the first times she had ever been rejected by a man. That thought made him smile. As he turned to walk away, he shot her a calm look. "Lose my number, will you?"

********

Tegan, Drea, and Teddy burst into Tegan's apartment, each carrying a small brown paper bag. 

"Okay," Tegan breathed. "How are we going to do this?"

Drea reached into her bag and handed Tegan the small pink box. "Just go into the bathroom, pee on it, and then in ten minutes we'll know if Dougie Fresh is on."

Grimacing slightly, Tegan took the box from her. "Seriously though, was it really necessary to buy six different tests?"

Teddy shot her a look that plainly meant 'shut-the-fuck-up'. "Yes it was. Now get the hell in there and start peeing."

"I don't even know if I have that much urine in me at the moment," she protested as they walked her down the short hallway to the bathroom. 

"Well fucking try," Teddy snapped. "And if you can't do it, we'll bring you some water. But you're not leaving from in there until we get some results." And with that, he snapped the door shut behind him.

"My, aren't we testy today Theodore." Drea shot him a dark look, her tanned arms folded tightly across her chest. 

Teddy's irritation mirrored Drea's. "Don't start with me, Andrea. I am so fucking pissed off right now." He stalked into the kitchen, slamming open one of the cabinets and reaching in for a short glass. Teddy opened the fridge, going directly to where he knew Tegan kept a small bottle of rum. He pouted a little of the amber liquid into the glass and downed it quickly. 

Drea snatched the glass from him. "What are you doing? You know you don't drink rum like that!"

"Well what else am I supposed to do, huh? I can't stand to think one of my best friends has gone and monumentally fucked up her life!"

"Teddy," Drea started before he cut her off. 

"No, Drea it's true! Tegan wasn't even considering buying pregnancy tests before he came along and corrupted her! I am so fucking angry, not using the sense God gave her to use protection. What if he gave her more than just a baby? I'm just wondering why these things never crossed her mind."

"I don't know, honey. But the most we can do right now is wait until we get the results. Once we know where we stand, we can go from there. The most important thing is that we're there for her." Drea snaked her arm around his trim waist, hugging her roommate to her body. "She's going to need us more than ever, Teddy. Whatever you're feeling right now, just put it aside and be there for her."

Teddy sighed. "I know. I just can't seem to wrap my head around this entire situation. And why the hell are you so calm? Usually you're the one about to flip her shit."

Drea smiled. "Couldn't tell you. I think since Tegan came back we've been so busy trying to make sure she was okay that we never really asked her how she was feeling. I think we just need to give her some time. She'll sort things out in her own eventual little Tegan way."

Meanwhile, down the hall Tegan was practically breaking into a sweat. She was trying to go over things in her mind, trying to process how she ended up sitting on the edge of her bathtub, jiggling her foot nervously, while waiting for three small sticks to determine the course of her life. 

She couldn't picture herself as a mother. It wasn't that she didn't want children. The possibility that someone would be attracted to her was a hard concept to grasp. For a guy to actually desire to sleep with her was something she still couldn't fathom.  

Guys never paid her much attention, until Derek. And now here she was, practically ready to leap off a building in anticipation. 

What would she say to Derek? Things seemed so far gone now. Would he even want a baby? Would he still want her? She couldn't stop the panicky tears that started to crept down her cheeks. She rocked herself gently, trying hard as hell to soothe the questions burning inside. Whatever the outcome, whatever the decision, she knew Drea and Teddy would be there for her. 

She glanced at the clock hanging on the wall in the bathroom. Time was up. Taking a deep breath, she reached for one of the tests, her hand shaking slightly. Tegan inhaled and exhaled deeply one more time before glancing down at the 

results. 

And there it was. Her future in black and white. 

********

"Derek! Where the hell have you been? We need to check out ASAP if we're going to make it to the airport on time." Matt's usual cheerful tone had been replaced with something akin to irritation. 

He was standing in the hallway, ready to pounce on Derek as he stepped off the elevator and trekked to his room.

Derek couldn't help but chuckle. Matt was always so laidback and to see him any other way was positively amusing. But he decided good-natured ribbing was out of the question, as Matt looked like he was ready to chuck something at his head. 

"I just had to take care of some last minute housekeeping issues. No worries, Matthew."

"No worries? Have you met you before? Mr. Procrastination himself? I bet you haven't even begun to pack." He walked in with Derek and a look of utter shock crossed his face. Derek's black duffel was neatly packed, resting on the bed with his black messenger bag that held his laptop. "Am I in the fucking Twilight Zone or what?"

"Nah, no alternate universe. Just figured I might be productive at least once in my life."

"Mmm-hmm," Matt said with an air of suspicion. 

"This wouldn't have anything to do with attempting to win a certain lovely DJ back would it? 'Cause I have to say, it's going to take a lot more than neatly folded clothes to get into her good graces mate."

"It's not about the packing, git. I think it's just another step for me in putting things right again."

"Really now? And what was the first step?"

"Saying no to Simon. And telling Lottie to piss off."

Matt's smile was warm and wide. "Brilliant, D. I am so glad you finally told her to jog on."

Derek nodded. "I know. For the first time in a long time I just feel absolutely and completely clear. I know what I need to do next."

"Back to New York, then?"

"Just me," he said as he picked up his duffel and swung the strap over his shoulder. "You guys should go on ahead to Houston. I'll just take care of things."

"Oh bugger that. You're not leaving me in a hotel with Jake 'Surly-Pants' Dunning for three days. I'll murder him, D. I swear I'll leave no evidence behind."

A small chuckle escaped as Derek hefted his laptop over his other shoulder. "I'm sure you guys will be fine," he said. "Just do this for me? We've been planning this tour for awhile. Don't let my fuck-ups stop us from doing what we love."

Matt waved his hands in defeat. "Alright, alright. NerdsUnite! will live on in my stead. But I swear if he even mentions something I don't like I get to punch him in his great big ruddy face."

Derek clapped him soundly on the back before pushing him out the door. "You have my full permission."

"Good. And good luck, D."

"Thanks mate. I think I'm going to need it."

********

Tegan pulled down the flimsy paper gown, being mindful of ripping the thing. It was all she needed to be half-naked in the gynecologist office. She sat on the examination bed, her bare legs swinging back and forth. What the hell is taking so long, she wondered. The suspense was killing her. 

After taking the six pregnancy tests two days ago, Tegan decided that getting a second opinion was definitely necessary. She just wanted to make sure that everything was alright. Drea and Teddy were waiting outside in the lobby for her. She didn't feel like being alone today. 

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the heavy wooden door opening. A handsome woman with dark brown hair wearing a white coat stepped through. Her smile was a bright and warming one as she came into the room. "Tegan," she said happily. "What a lovely surprise."

"Hey there Dr. Lansing," she said politely. 

The older woman waved the title away. "Tegan, honey you know you don't have to be so formal with me. I've known you since you were seven years old."

Tegan smiled. In her nervousness she forgot all about Brenda Lansing and her friendship with her parents. "Sorry about that, B. How's the other Dr. Lansing these days?"

"Oh Nick's doing just fine," Brenda said about her husband. "He's been busy with surgeries, you know the drill. We still have a date to play tennis with your parents." Brenda sat on the leather stool next to Tegan as she glanced at the series of papers in her hand. "Now let's get down to business. I see you came in to get some blood work done as well as take a-a pregnancy test." 

Tegan tried to ignore the slight falter in her speech and nodded her head. "That's right."

Brenda peered at Tegan through her dark green frame glasses. "Well, I just wanted to let you know that everything is fine. The results came back negative. You aren't pregnant."

Relief, bordering on euphoria rushed through her body. So the home pregnancy tests were right. Tegan felt her body sag with the news. Although she was happy, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. 

The older woman could see the gamut of emotions on the younger's face. She had seen Tegan grow from a shy, sweet girl to a very grounded and pleasant young woman. Brenda Lansing had been quite surprised when the nurse in her office handed her the manila file folder with Tegan's name on the top. 

Reaching out, she patted Tegan's knee, her warm brown eyes staring plainly into the light ones. "Honey, you know whatever you tell me stays in this room. Your mother will never know what we discuss."

Tegan took a huge gulp of air into her lungs. "I just feel so stupid, B. I know I know better. And every time I think what my mother would say if she found out..." The rest of her sentence was hidden as she buried her face in her hands. 

Brenda moved closer to the girl, giving her a brief hug. "There there," she said. "It's okay. The important thing is you actually came in to get a professional test done." 

"What can explain the nausea or the exhaustion?"

"Well sometimes an extreme change in life can up your stress levels, leaving your body feeling tired all the time or dizzy. Stress can also cause your period to be late as well." 

Picking up a pen, she pulled out a pad from her pocket and scribbled something down before ripping the paper off and handing it to Tegan. "Here you go. This is a prescription for birth control."

Tegan slid off the table and eased herself back into her blue jeans and black flip flops. 

"Thanks, B. I really do appreciate it." She gave the older woman a tight hug. 

Brenda smiled. "Just remember to use protection always, Tegan. You were lucky this time. Be safe." She left the room quickly, shutting the door behind her. Tegan tugged on her black v-neck t-shirt and picked up her large, bright green purse. It was one of the gifts her mother gave her, some designer bag made famous by celebrities. 

Tegan never was one for purses, but for some reason she saw it in her closet this morning and felt like carrying it around. She slipped the prescription in the bag before leaving the room. 

When she got to the waiting room, she found Drea and Teddy watching some random soap opera on the small flat screen television. They looked up when she entered, both their faces expectant. "Well, what's the deal?" Drea asked. 




Only You Ch. 07



Tegan smiled. "Sorry guys. You won't be aunties anytime soon."

Teddy let out a huge breath. "Thank god. I'm far too fine to be anyone's aunt right now." He ruffled Tegan's long bangs. "Shit girl you nearly gave us a fucking heart attack."

"You? I almost died when I thought I was." She let out a slow, ragged breath. "I have to get this birth control prescription filled. Figured it might be time to start getttin' smart."

Drea nodded. "Could be. Now, after all that's done what do you want to do tonight?"

"Are you kidding me? I want like eight different shots of alcohol. My nerves have been shot to hell."

"Okay," Drea said with a smile. "We could do that."

Teddy shook his head. "But what about...." The look on Drea's face cut him off. 

Tegan saw the exchange between them. "What? What's going on?"

"Nothing," Teddy said quickly. 

"Bullshit. I saw that look." Her arms folded across her chest and she cocked an eyebrow. "You two have been whispering since yesterday. Don't act like I didn't see. Now what the hell is up?"

Teddy sighed loudly. "Drea, you might as well tell her. She won't ever shut the fuck up if we don't."

Drea rolled her eyes. "Ohmygod fine. I got a text from Matt yesterday that said Derek was on his way back to New York tonight."

At the mention of his name, Tegan's heart began to flutter. "And you just conveniently forgot to tell me?"

"No," Drea replied, shaking her head vigorously, her long bright red locks swinging swiftly. "It was supposed to be a surprise. That is until SOMEONE opened his big ass mouth." She glared at Teddy who was currently feigning innocence. 

"So, he's really coming back?" she asked softly.

Smiling, Drea nodded. "Yeah, he is. Tonight at seven. But I mean, if you still want to get drunk..." Her green eyes smiled wickedly at the dirty look Tegan shot her. 

He was coming back to her. The slow grin creeping behind her teeth sprang forth. All of a sudden, the day seemed brighter and she felt a surge of energy. "Sounds like I've got a lot of work to do," she said happily. 

"That's my girl!" Teddy said excitedly. His smooth brown fingers ruffled her shaggy hair. 

"Now first things first, we need to get this nest you call hair all taken care of."

Tegan waved his hands away. "And what the hell is wrong with my hair?"

"Nothing if you're trying out as the Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd. Come on," he said, tugging both of them out of the doctor's office. "We've got a lot of work to do."

********

Tegan was in Drea and Teddy's apartment, sitting on a high-backed chair as Teddy flatironed her freshly washed hair. "Mmm," she moaned as his expert fingers combed over her soft dark locks. "You know you are so perpetuating the stereotype about gay men and hair right now."

"Har har," Teddy said sarcastically. "You better count yourself lucky that this gay man knows what he's doing. When's the last time you had a trim?"

"Hell, I don't remember."

He sighed dramatically. "It's a shame such pretty hair is wasted on a straight tomboy like you."

Tegan laughed. It felt good to be so lighthearted. She had gotten great news from the doctor and later today she was getting the best present ever. Whenever she thought about Derek that stupid and ridiculous grin would appear. He was coming back for her.  

It surprised Tegan how much her whole body seemed to ache for him. Time away from him made her realize that she didn't want to spend another moment without him.

"Teddy," she said softly as he combed out her shoulder-length hair. "Do you like Derek?"

He was quiet for a moment before he responded. "I do. I think he's made some bad calls but he's a good guy. And he loves you, which is enough for me."

"Do you think he still wants me?"

His hands stopped moving in her hair. He stepped in front of her, crouching so that his warm brown eyes were level with hers. "Honey, you are too smart to ask such stupid questions. Of course he still wants you! The guy is leaving his job to come and be with you. What more proof do you need?"

She sighed. "I know. I'm being an idiot. But it seems like whenever it comes to him I just can't think straight. I just...I don't know how to describe how he makes me feel. He's like an awesome song I just discovered."

Smiling, Teddy wrapped his arms around her. "You've got it bad, baby. And it's so cute. But come on, we've still got to work on your outfit."

********

By the time Tegan left Drea and Teddy's place, it was dark outside. She had spent the entire afternoon being their life-sized Barbie doll, letting them play dress up. 

Drea had told her Derek's flight was coming in at eight-thirty and she wanted to be there when he arrived. She had to stop by her apartment to pick up some cash. In her haste this morning with the doctor's appointment, she left without it. 

When she got to her front door, she suddenly froze. There was a faint sound coming from the other side. Her mind instantly went to the baseball bat she kept right by the door. 

Unlocking the door as quietly as she could, she pushed her way into the apartment. Closing the door softly, her hand went for the metal bat propped up against the wall when a voice spoke from the dim apartment. 

"Now what are you planning to do with that, Tegan J.?"

Tegan's heart leaped wildly at the sound of the playful baritone. "D-Derek?" She nearly moaned aloud when she saw him emerge from the shadowy hallway. God, a week was far too long to be apart from him. He looked positively gorgeous: same shaggy black curls, impish blue eyes, and that killer smile. She missed him, so fucking much. 

At the same time, however, her brain was still trying to grasp that he had been in her apartment, waiting in the dark. "How did you get in here?" she asked. 

"I have my ways," he said. His pale arm reached out. "Come with me."

She took his hand, following him down the hallway into her bedroom. When she stepped inside, she couldn't help but gasp. Several candles lit up the room, swaddling it in a soft glow. It was all so romantic and it nearly brought tears to her eyes. 

Derek felt his pulse quicken at the joyous look on her face. He vowed then to do everything in his power to keep that look from fading. She was gorgeous in the warm and intimate candlelight. 

Her long hair sat around her shoulders, her heavy bangs pinned back, showing off every sweet inch of her face. She was in slim dark jeans and a black band shirt; signature Tegan, sweet and simple but so sexy. Everything had worked out according to plan, from Matt texting Drea, to the early flight back here, Tegan's super letting him into her apartment, the candles. Everything. But there was still one more surprise. 

Walking around the side of the bed, he picked up the stereo and hit play. Tegan felt the tears begin to burn as Only You began to play. Derek held the small boom box high above his head, his eyes never leaving hers. 

She took in the sight of him, barefoot in black jeans and a bright green t-shirt, holding that stereo playing the one song she loved as much as him. The tears fell harder as she watched him, the nervous glimmer in his smile, his eyes so full of love it nearly weighed down her heart. 

"Tegan," he began. His voice was barely a whisper above the music but it somehow boomed in her ears. "This past week gave me so much time to think. I know I've fucked things up monumentally. I've always seemed to run away from responsibility. But I'm tired of it. The only thing I want is right in front of me. I love you Tegan James. I love you, I love you, I love you." 

He took a shuddering breath. 

"Fuck I could get used to saying that. I love that innocent smile, I love your soft curves and how good they feel against me, but most of all I love the way you don't expect grand things out of me. I'm completely myself around you. And I just want you to know that I will always be the one standing outside your window, arms high, radio blasting. I will always be your Lloyd Dobler. Be my Diane Court."

She began to laugh, even as the tears streamed down her cheeks. Feelings were just crashing into one another, euphoria on high and she didn't know where to begin. "Put that down," she gulped, pointing at the radio. " And come here."

He set the radio down and stepped towards her. Before he could say anything else, she yanked him to her, pressing her lips to his. Derek groaned in surprise before it turned into a deep moan. 

His arms wrapped around her, pressing her so tightly against him she had to gasp for air. His tongue forced entry, craving the taste he missed dearly. His brain sighed in pleasure, his heart was on fire. He felt her fingers digging into his arms, squeezing him tight but he couldn't care less about bruises. She was his, totally and completely. And he was hers. 

"Derek," she breathed. "Stop. Have something to say." She gently pushed him away, her body almost reluctant. 

"What? What is it?"

"This just feels like a dream. I think of where my life was a few months ago to where it is now and I can't believe I'm the same person. I can't believe that someone like you stumbled drunkenly into my life and had the audacity to stick around. It's crazy, a concept I can't even fathom that someone would want me as much as you do. And it's not because I'm the big girl. It's just, I always thought I wasn't good enough, wasn't pretty enough for guys." 

She shook off the bad memories and smiled. "But then there's you. You make me feel so comfortable and it scares the shit outta me. You're sweet and kind and cocky and so unbelievably hot. And you're mine. I love you, Derek Ryan. And I don't ever want to be away from you ever again. 

You're like my favorite song on repeat, you're the playlist I wanna hear forever. You're my adrenaline rush. And yes, I know I'm ridiculously corny right now and I don't care. I love you too, babe. More than you know. You talk about me saving you; well it goes both ways."

"Wow," he whispered. "You're right. That was corny."

"Shut up jerk! I'm pouring my heart out here."

"I hear you, luv. I hear you. Anything else you need to get off your chest? Besides that shirt?" He winked devilishly at her. 

Tegan smiled. "Well now that you mention it...I did go to the doctor's today because I thought I was pregnant." She laughed at the shocked reaction on his face. He looked positively stunned. 

"What?"

"You heard me."

Derek rubbed his eyes. "Oh...well what happened?"

"You're safe for now, Ryan. But might I suggest we start using some protection? After all, you're older and more experienced. You should know better than that, sir."

"Hah! Like you're all that innocent."

"Not anymore. You've completely corrupted me. And ruined me for any other guy."

"There sure as hell better not be any other bloke," he said gruffly. 

Tegan shook her head, her light eyes staring lovingly into his blues. "Never. Only you, remember?"

"That's what I like to hear. Do I need to know anything else before I take you over to that bed and ravish you?"

"Um, I love you?"

He laughed. "I know that, beautiful." He pushed her back gently onto the bed before covering her body with his. His lips trailed kisses on her neck, soft sighs of pleasure slipping from her. 

"Can I ask you something?" she said. 

"Anything, luv," he murmured. 

"What do you think about staying here with me?"

His actions stopped as he raised his glance to meet hers. A large grin broke out on his handsome face. "Why Tegan James, are you trying to seduce me into moving in with you?"

Propping herself up on her elbows, she nodded. "I am. I want you around, Ryan. For some weird fucking reason."

"Oh, well when you put it like that..." He moved to get off her before she grabbed him by the t-shirt and pulled him back. 

"Shut up," she said smiling. "And make love to me." She spread her legs wider and he fell into place, right where he needed to be.

"Yes ma'am."

********

Three months later...

The club lights pulsed to the beat of the smooth R&B dance mix currently blasting on the speakers. 

The Romper Room was simply hopping that night, and for good reason. It was packed to the rafters with people celebrating a momentously happy event. 

It was a private party tonight. He went big, renting out the entire club for his lovely lady.

People were dancing, drinking, snapping photos. It was such an awesome night. Suddenly a husky voice came over the music. 

"Ladies and gentlemen thanks for coming out tonight to celebrate such a happy occasion. Let's raise our glasses and toast the happy couple. To Sean and Nina! Congratulations on your engagement!"

The crowd let up a happy cheer and raised their drinks as the song changed to a dance mix featuring God Only Knows. Tegan slipped her headphones around her neck and smiled. She saw Nina's face light up at the song and she turned to blow Tegan a kiss. Tegan smiled and returned the kiss. She knew they would like that. Derek had mentioned to her it was technically their song. 

As if right on cue, she felt his arms wrap around her shoulders. "So there's this hot ass girl who happens to DJ here and I was wondering if she takes requests."

Chuckling, she turned to face him. "Depends on the request. What do you have in mind?"

Derek grinned. "That's a loaded question, luv. But seriously, you should come down and hang out. Greg said he'd take over." He laughed at the grimace on her face. "He's not that bad, baby! You're just being a music snob."

"And you're just saying that because he's a closet gaming nerd like you."

"Um, who was the one who had that erotic dream about Hellboy the other night?"

She cocked a dark eyebrow at him. "Jealous?"

"Not at all," he said easily. "I could totally take him." 

She kissed him softly. "No need, baby. You know I'm not going anywhere."

"Not true. You go where I go. And ditto for me."

"True." Every time she saw that look, that mixture of love and lust in his eyes it made her dizzy with glee. Things were amazing. They had been living together for three months and she couldn't get enough of him. She didn't even mind the extra clutter. He divided his time between working on NerdsUnite! and hosting a blog show via webcam with Matt and Jake. 

And as for her, life couldn't be better. She was busy with photography and more DJing gigs. The best of her day was falling into bed right next to the man that made her life feel like heaven. Suddenly those sad songs that dominated her life before didn't seem necessary. "So where are we going next?" she asked him. 

Derek smiled, the silly grin positively contagious. "Anywhere you want, baby. Anywhere you want."

The End. 

********

Thank you so much for reading my little story. Writing about Derek and Tegan was an absolute blastey-blast. And the overall praise for the story has touched my heart. Thanks for making my day. I'm including the playlist Tegan made Derek. It's just a list of songs that inspired me to write this last chapter. Hope you enjoy! 

*********

1. "You Are The One" by Shiny Toy Guns
2. "Suspension" by Mae
3. "Black and Gold" by Sam Sparro
4. "Waiting 4 U" by Chromeo
5. "Explode" by Uh Huh Her
6. "Forever" by Walter Meego
7. "Because of You" by Ne-Yo
8. "No One's Gonna Love You" by Band of Horses
9. "Ms. Vandersanden" by Split Habit
10. "Wake Up" by Coheed and Cambria
11. "Always" by blink 182
12. "Sunshine" by Lupe Fiasco
13. "Time After Time" by Quietdrive
14. "Shooting Star" by Air Traffic
15. "In My Eyes" by Rufio
16. "Here In Your Arms" by Hellogoodbye
17. "Six Different Ways" by The Cure
18. "The Adventure" by Angels and Airwaves
19. "Only You" by Yaz