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Home / Romance / BAD REPUTATION / Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

All Chapters of BAD REPUTATION : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

112 Chapters

31

Her eyebrows rose.“I finally finished decorating the loft,” he continued. “So I've got a brand-new kitchen, fully stocked, and I took your teasing about my cooking skills as a personal challenge.”Olivia laughed softly.“I figured this might be a good opportunity to impress you,” Derek added. “And maybe show off a little.” He paused. “Alright, maybe a lot. But I’m willing to look pathetic if it means I get to spend the evening with you.”The laugh that escaped Olivia this time was genuine. “When you put it that way…”“Of course,” Derek added quickly, “if you’d prefer going out instead, that works too. The location doesn’t really matter—as long as I get to see you.”Olivia leaned back against the pillows, smiling like an idiot. How could anyone say no to that? When Derek wasn’t teasing her or making ridiculous comments, he could be surprisingly thoughtful. Almost gentlemanly.“So…” she said slowly, pulling the duvet up to her chest. “Just to be clear… you’re asking me out on a date?”

32

Olivia parked, cut the engine, and sat there for a moment. Just breathe. Her heels clicked softly against the pavement as she stepped out of the car. The night air was cooler now, brushing against her bare legs as she crossed toward the building entrance. The soft glow of the lobby lights spilled onto the sidewalk. Her pulse quickened with every step. She stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for his floor and watched as the doors slid shut. Her reflection stared back at her again in the mirrored walls. Calm and collected, except for the way her heart was beating far too fast.The elevator chimed softly as it reached the top floor and Olivia stepped out into the hallway, the plush carpet muting the sound of her heels as she walked toward Derek's door. She paused outside it for a moment. Just long enough to steady herself, then she knocked, and a few seconds later—The door opened.Derek stood there.And the look that crossed his face when he saw her made Olivia very certai

33

He moved to the stove and lifted the lid from a pan. Steam rose immediately, carrying the scent of roasted garlic and herbs through the room. Inside was a beautifully cooked herb-crusted salmon, the top golden and slightly crisp. Beside it were roasted baby potatoes tossed in olive oil and rosemary, their edges browned and fragrant. A bowl of fresh lemon butter asparagus sat nearby, the bright green stalks glistening under the light.Olivia stared at the spread. “You made all this because of me?”“Don’t sound so surprised.”“I’m not surprised,” she said quickly. “I’m… impressed I guess.”Derek’s smile deepened. “That's all I wanted to hear.”They moved to the table a few minutes later, plates filled and wine glasses refreshed. Outside, Solmere glittered beneath them, the city lights stretching endlessly across the night.For a few minutes, Olivia simply enjoyed the food. The salmon was perfectly tender, flaking easily under her fork, the herbs and lemon bringing out the richness of th

34

With Derek, nothing felt forced. Everything about tonight had been easy… Natural. She hadn’t needed to pretend, or fill silences, or try too hard to keep things interesting. Derek did that effortlessly, and that realization alone made her pulse quicken.The balcony door slid open behind her. She didn’t need to turn to know it was him, and a moment later Derek stepped out, a wine glass in his hand. He closed the door quietly behind him before walking over to stand beside her.Their shoulders brushed lightly as he rested one hand on the railing next to hers. Olivia turned her head and smiled at him, a little shyly now that they were alone again.“You know,” she said softly, glancing out over the city again, “I have to say… you made the right decision choosing this place.”Derek followed her gaze out toward the skyline. “You think so?”“It really does suit you,” she continued. “And the view is incredible.”“Well,” Derek said casually, shifting closer beside her, “I have you to thank for

35

She stilled against him, her eyes flying open as she remembered Isabella, her best friend who may or may not be okay with her shagging her brother. She pushed him away, ignoring his widened gaze and the hard expanse of muscle that flexed beneath her touch. “What's wrong?” He reached out and cupped her chin, scanning her face with a curious look. “I… Urmmm…” she began, “I don't think we should go that far,” Derek stared hard at her for a moment, and for a second she thought he was upset, but then he took a deep breath and said, “I know. I'm sorry I got carried away and went too fast. There's just something about you, and I can’t seem to control my reaction to it.” She couldn’t speak. Wasn’t it how she felt too? Hadn’t he broken through the layers she thought she had effectively in place, all in the space of a look, a touch…?“It's okay,” she said, suddenly feeling cold when he released her, “I should go now. It's getting pretty late,” “I could take you home,” Derek offered. Olivi

36

“Like what?” Tessa challenged. “What exactly do you want to watch instead?”“I don’t know,” Isabella admitted, flopping down on the couch beside Olivia. “Just something new. Something exciting.” She turned to Olivia with pleading eyes. “Liv, please tell Tess we cannot watch Outlander again tonight.”Olivia chuckled softly and lifted both hands in surrender. “Nope,” she said. “I’m staying out of this one. You two can settle it yourselves.”Tessa pointed at her accusing. “Coward.”“Strategist,” Olivia corrected.Truthfully, she didn’t care what they watched tonight because she doubted she’d be able to focus anyway. After a few minutes of dramatic arguing, Isabella finally gave in with a long, exaggerated sigh.“Fine. Outlander. But if I fall asleep, you'll know why.”Tessa grinned triumphantly and grabbed the remote. Within minutes, the episode was playing. Wine was poured, snacks were opened, and the familiar soundtrack filled the room.Isabella, who had been the loudest protester, was

37

“I thought maybe I’d misread things,” Derek said after a moment. Olivia looked up sharply. “You didn’t.” His gaze held hers. “Good,” he said quietly. “Because that would’ve been a very confusing kiss.” Despite herself, Olivia let out a small laugh. Then she dragged a hand through her hair. “This thing between us… is complicated.” Derek tilted his head slightly. “Why?” he asked. She looked surprised by his question, “How could you ask me that? Because of Isabella, of course, your sister… And my best friend. I don't keep secrets from her, and I don't want to start now, but this thing with you… I… I haven't told her about it and it's eating at me. I don't want to lose my friendship with her,” Derek sighed. “Okay,” he said calmly, “When do you want us to tell her?” “What?” Olivia's head snapped up. She hadn’t thought that he'd agree to it so fast. Derek shrugged, “You said you were worried about keeping it a secret from Izzy, so let's tell her and get the secret out of wa

38

She bit her lip, but she couldn’t resist smiling. Her eyes went to his arms, inches from hers, the muscles, the veins. He reached for her, his fingertips brushing over her cheek. He was so close, and for a moment she was almost sure he was going to kiss her. But then his hand fell away, and he cleared his throat.“Maybe it’s time to set those S’s aside for a bit…and let me help you focus on my favorite S, which is much more fun,” he said softly. “Maybe you’re into me because I don’t follow any of that dating advice or expectation rubbish.”Her face heated, but she leveled her gaze at him. “Who says I’m into you?”Derek threw back his head and laughed. “I say you’re into me, Liv. But I’m very into you, too.”He watched her closely for her reaction as he said those last words. Hell, yes, she was really considering his proposition. The longer the silence drew out, the more the charge between them built. His entire body ached for this woman, but there was no way in hell he was going to pu

39

“Derek…”She drove her hands through his hair, pulling him back to her hungry mouth. He grunted as he fused his lips to hers, kissing her with brutal urgency, his tongue tangling with hers as if he couldn’t help himself, and, God, it was just what she needed. To be kissed, desired, as if she were the harvest after a terrible famine. Her hungry lips clung to his, her moans filling the room as her body blazed.Derek plastered his glorious body against hers, kissing her open mouth, his tongue lashing hers. She opened for him, and took his tongue again, and again, her own meeting his in the most primal of ways. His fingers found the edge of her top and she wanted them there. Wanted all the fabric gone. He slowly pushed it upwards, almost too slowly, until her heavy breasts were fully exposed to his hot gaze, then he stood back and studied her nearly naked form.She dared to look up at him. All hesitation gone as lustful heat bore down into her, etched in every taut line of his face, the

40

Derek slid down her body, down between her knees, his tongue found her need. Then he withdrew his fingers as his expert tongue caressed her pulsing want and her mind went wild with desire, like nothing she’d ever felt before. The flames felt like they’d consume her from the inside out. She let out a shriek, and clutched his thick hair, holding on for dear life. Her nipples formed hard peaks as Derek devoured her—there was no other way to describe it. It was as if he wanted all of her, stoking her fire with his tongue, building it, a wildfire that threatened to rage out of control. Her back arched, and a cry ripped from her throat. He knew what he was doing. More than knew what he was doing. She felt completely out of control. He knew what her body wanted, knew how to control it, knew how to take her home.He whipped her with his tongue, bullying her body into submission. But she wanted this. She handed over control to him, handed him her body. He pushed two fingers inside her and suc

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