I'll Have Both

Under The Stars

Tanya's POV 

So much for wanting to rest. I suspect my week will be all about playing pass the parcel with my two lovers with me being the parcel of course. Being with Glen on the yacht was fun. Thinking about it I am thankful we were interrupted. Lord knows what would have happened had Derick not called me. Saved by Derick for Derick I chuckled.

Glen had dropped me off after earlier and he seemed to want to spend more time with me. I need to spend just as much time with them both if I am to make up my mind about choosing one. I hate that I have to choose but Meridith is right, I can't have both.

It was time to meet with Derick. Though he didn't mention where we were going but based on yesterday, I can tell it will be fun. I wore a pink sundress this time with white sandals. My hair was tucked in a ponytail because I wasn't in the mood to flat iron it.

I headed down to the lobby and as I was about to sit down Derick pulled up. He had a red Dodge Ram truck. My favorite color. He hopped out and walked towards me holding me at the waist and kissed me deeply. His tongue penetrated my lips into my mouth, and I kissed him back.

"Hello Tanya." He said with a broad smile on his face. 

What a showoff. He is so daring and provocative. Why would he kiss me like that? You kissed him back though.

"Hi." I couldn't contain my blushing. 

He opened the door and signaled me to enter. He closed the door, and I buckled my seat belt. When I raised my head, he was already seated, and we drove off. I wanted to know where we were headed but I didn't ask the last time, why would I ask now.

After 20 mins we pulled up at the park. Ok, interesting I thought. We both hopped out and he got some items from the back seat. He emerged at the back of the truck with a picnic basket. Omg, he is romantic, I couldn't help but blush. It never occurred to me to check the back seat, maybe if I did, I would have had an idea what we were doing for the night.

He took my hands and we walked to a secluded area then stopped. He placed the basket down and started setting up the picnic area. The night was beautiful and the stars in the sky made it perfect for having a romantic picnic. It was a brilliant idea and for that I applaud Derick.

"What's going through your mind? He asked.

"It's beautiful Derick." I answered. 

We both sat down on the blanket. He popped the bottle of Louis Martini Lot 1 Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. He handed me a glass and took his own. He too had good taste in wine.

"It's not Grey Goose but I hope it will suffice." He smiled. 

"Every liquor has its place. This one is perfect for this occasion." Taking a sip of my wine.

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

"So how was your day?"  Pulling fruit bowls out from the basket. 

"Well, I spent most of the day sunbathing in the pool." Of course, leaving the part about the yacht and Glen out. 

"I see. Did you miss me?" He looked at me waiting to hear my response. 

"What do you think?" I asked with a little attitude in my voice. 

He kept both bowls of fruits to himself and opened up one. He picked up a strawberry with a plastic fork and took a bite.

"The only way you're getting any fruit is if you take it off my lips." He said mischievously and pointed his lips with half a strawberry poking out. 

I let out a loud laugh and creased my eyebrow. Well, I'm gonna starve I thought. The strawberries looked so juicy in his mouth. Whatever. Just as I leaned in to bite, he pulled the strawberry into his mouth and my lips pressed on his. The taste of strawberry juice on his lips was like an aphrodisiac, sending chills down my spine.

"You played me." I said, pulling back and smacking him lightly on his chest. 

He grinned at me and handed me the bowl of fruits making sure to let his fingers slide over mine. All I did was blush.

"The park is closed, and you shouldn't be here." A loud voice startled me from behind causing me to gasp. 

"Oh, I am sorry Mr. Charlston I didn't realize it was you." He said with a crackling voice. It's as if he was afraid of Derick. 

"It's ok Pierre." Derick said unbothered.

The Park Ranger turned around and hurriedly left. What was that about? Why did he sound as if he'd seen a ghost? Mr. Charlston? I'm guessing that was Derick's last name. I know that name. I've heard it many times before, but I can't remember where. I made a mental note to dig further when I got home.

"Are you ok?" Derick asked drawing closer to me. 

"I'm fine, I just didn't expect anyone else to be here." I said with a little uncertainty in my voice.

"It's just Pierre the Park Ranger making his rounds." Derick reassured me. 

He pulled out a tray with an assortment of cheese, ham and toasted bread slices. There were also sausage rolls and tortilla chips and guacamole. He handed me a plate with a fork, and I wasted no time digging in.

We both sat there looking in silence not knowing what to say next.

"I know nothing about you." I blurted out.

"What do you want to know?" He asked.

"How old are you?" I started with the basic questions. 

"Twenty-six. And you?" He asked.

"Twenty-five. Where are you from? Do you have a girlfriend or a wife?" I raised my eyebrow.

"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." He said smiling. 

"Oh, I see." I said not knowing what to say next. 

"So, do you want to be my girlfriend? He asked, looking at me dead in the eyes. 

"Well, we're dating, aren't we?" I threw at him smartly. If I say yes, it means I've chosen him. If I say no it means I chose Glen. I was not ready to choose.

"I'll do with that." He pouted his lips, and I couldn't help but chuckle. 

"I'll take you home," he added.

We cleaned up and headed to the truck. I enjoyed this I must admit. The ride home was a quiet one. When we got to the hotel, he helped me out and walked to the elevator. My heart was racing not knowing what to expect. The elevator door opened, and I stepped inside.

"Good night, Tanya," he looked at me with great need in his eyes.

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

I sighed in relief, yet I felt disappointed. Why didn't he kiss me? Is he upset with me? Maybe he just wants to slow things down. I felt confused.