I'll Have Both

10 - Unwanted Information

Derick's POV

Seeing Tanya as I pulled up caused an array of emotions. I promised to be on my best behavior. No matter how much she teases you Derick, don't cave in. That pink dress though. Everything she wears is inviting to me. A moment of weakness overcame me, and I grabbed her at the waist. Just one kiss. I pressed my lips against hers and pushed my tongue between them. You promised to be good, remember.

"Hello Tanya," I finally let her go. 

"Hi." I could tell she was out of breath.

I wanted to take her to the park to enjoy the night sky and me of course. I come here every now and then to get away from it all and thought it would be ideal for a quiet night with just the two of us.  When we got there, I could tell she was impressed. Way to go Derick. If you continue like this, she will be yours. I may not be a chef in the kitchen, but I tried to put something together thankfully with the help of the internet. 

"What's going through your mind?" She seemed to be lost in thought

"It's beautiful Derick." She answered.

I'm glad she likes it. 

"It's not Grey Goose but I hope it will suffice." I handed her a glass of wine. 

"Every liquor has its place. This one is perfect for this occasion," taking a sip of her wine.

"I'm glad we're on the same page."  I agreed.

"So how was your day?" I wanted to make small talk. 

"Well, I spent most of the day sunbathing and in the pool." She responded. 

"I see. Did you miss me?" Because I missed her. It's like I can't get enough of her. 

"What do you think?" She asked sassily.

You will pay for that attitude Missy.

"The only way you're getting any fruit is if you take it off my lips," and pointed my lips towards her. She thought it was funny and laughed loudly. The moment she came for it I sucked it in, and she kissed me instead with her soft lips arousing me. You promised to behave Derick. 

"You played me," she said, pulling back and smacking me on his chest. 

Do that again, my body beckoned. 

I wanted to touch her, and I knew just how. I made sure to slide my fingers across hers when I handed her the fruits.

"The park is closed, and you shouldn't be here." Pierre said, startling her. What the f*ck is he doing. 

"Oh, I am sorry Mr. Charlston I didn't realize it was you." He said when he noticed it was me.

"It's ok Pierre." Why didn't he just call me Derick? I wanted to tell her about me on my own terms. I could see the look in her eyes when he said my last name. My father ruins everything for me. What will she think of me? How will I convince her that I'm not like him?

"Are you ok?" I can tell she was still shaken. 

"I'm fine, I just didn't expect anyone else to be here." She answered with a questioning tone.

"It's just Pierre the Park Ranger making his rounds." I wanted to ease her concern.  

Maybe it's time to eat. That will distract her for a bit. Hope she likes what I prepared. 

I pulled out the tray and she didn't hesitate to eat. 

"I know nothing about you." She spoke.

 I knew the questions were coming but not that soon.

"What do you want to know?" I asked

"How old are you?" She asked.

"Twenty-six. And you? Not that it mattered to me. She could have been older, and I'd still like her. 

"Twenty-five. Where are you from? Do you have a girlfriend or a wife?" She hit me with so many questions at once. 

"I'm from New York but I have lived in New Jersey for most of my life and no I don't have a wife but I'm dating someone. Don't know if she wants to be my girlfriend." I wanted to know if she was interested in me just as much as I was in her. 

"Oh, I see."  She looked stunned. 

"So, do you want to be my girlfriend? I needed to know. 

"Well, we're dating, aren't we?" That's not what I wanted to hear but I'll take it. 

"I'll do with that," I said cautiously. "I'll take you home." 

We didn't talk on the way home. I was lost in thought about how I would bring myself to explaining to her who I am without freaking her out. I've fallen head over heels for her and don't want to lose her. When we got to the hotel, I walked her to the elevator. Be good Derick.

"Good night, Tanya," I wanted to kiss her.

"Good night, Derick," and the elevator door closed. 

I felt a pain in my chest. I hope she accepts me for me and not what people think of me or who I'm related to. 

I couldn't keep my identity hidden forever now that Pierre has put my last name out there, it's only a matter of time. I hate my life. 

Tanya's POV 

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Derick was the son of Eli Charlston. I remember it like it was yesterday. When I bought the accounting firm, he was the first client I stopped doing business with. He was so upset he also caused two more clients of mine to cease doing business with me. I wanted to run an honest company and there was no way I would do business with him and cook his books. Like father, like son. No wonder he carries a gun. I should have trusted my instincts. 

What have I done? I need to end it with him right away. How will I tell him? Meridith was right. 

I coiled up in the center of my bed and felt like crying.

Derick: I can't stop thinking about you. I wish I could explain to you how the sound of your voice and your beautiful smile has left a lasting impression in my mind. The way you call my name and tease me ignites a fire within me. 

I started to weep. Why me? Why is my mind and heart in conflict? How can I reject this? I couldn't bear it.

"Meridith help me." The tears couldn't stop falling. 

....

The sun was peeping through the window curtains. I pulled the blanket over my head; I did not want to wake up. I'm technically on a sabbatical so I don't have to wake up.  

I felt my phone vibrate at my feet. A sudden sadness enveloped me, bringing me back to last night's discovery. I reached for my phone and saw I had a missed call from Glen and one from Meridith and a text message from both. 

Glen: Good morning sunshine. Just wanted to let you know that I'm going out of town on a business trip. Will be back by Sunday. Call me when you can.

Tanya: Good morning handsome. See you when you get back. I'll call you shortly. 

Meridith: Just checking up on you. Call me.

Tanya: Just waking up. Give me 5. 

I hadn't responded to Derick's message from last night. I can't avoid him. 

Tanya: (smiley face) Can we talk later?

Derick: Are you ok? Of course.

Tanya: I'm fine. Lunch at 12?

Derick: Great. See you later.

Not knowing how to approach him with this situation, I headed to the kitchen.

F**k there's water everywhere. I couldn't tell where the water was coming from. I opened all the bottom cupboard doors and lo and behold the pipe for the sink is broken. I might have heard a faint sound of something falling last night but didn't bother to check as I was drowning in my own sorrow that I had created for myself. 

I needed to call Maintenance.

"What do you mean an hour? I have places to be," I yelled on the phone. I can't believe the plumber will take that long. 

"I'm sorry mam the plumber is on his way from out of town." The receptionist said calmly.

There's no way I'm making it for twelve to see Derick. I had to tell him. 

Tanya: I'm sorry but I can't make it. My kitchen is flooded, and i have to wait an hour for a plumber.

Derick: I'm on my way. What's your room number?

Don't come. I can't have him come to my hotel room. I barely know him. But you are willing to spread your legs for him. I'm shameless sometimes. 

Tanya: The King Suit on the 10th floor. 

My conscience and my mind are on two different levels. Let's not talk about my lady part. And we think men think with theirs. Try being horny. 

I needed to start mopping up this mess. So much for having one of the best rooms.