This beautiful, picturesque house that I dreamed of each night since I’ve seen it, is filled to the brim with dolls. There has to be thousands of them. They line the staircase going up, and the wall as if they’re the baseboards. Dolls are on shelves, on top of cabinets, and…they’re everywhere.
I can’t look in one place because my eyes are overwhelmed.
“Does Everly like dolls?” I ask, trying to contain my laughter. “Because…I’m pretty sure you’ll never find them all.”
Derek’s gaze meets mine and he bursts out laughing. “This is some scary shit.”
“No wonder he took your bid!”
We both continue on with the loudest laughs I’ve ever heard. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” he says as he gasps for air.
“I can’t stay in here.” I snort and hold my arms around my belly. “They’re all staring at me and I think one just talked!”
I haven’t laughed like this in ages. The muscles in my stomach hurt and we both make it outside unscathed.
“Let’s head to the back.”
“Yes, where it’s safe.”
I stifle another fit of giggles and we make our way onto the deck.
It’s truly beautiful and secluded back here. There are tall trees that create a barrier and give so much privacy that you’d forget you even have neighbors. It’s a bigger lot than what this town normally has too, which helps. The shed is off to the left and the deck is covered and has a great little eating area.
“At least they kept the outside cleared of…dolls.”
“Well, I’m sure they’re still watching us.”
He shudders. “I’m going to have nightmares.”
“You and me both! That was insane. You bought the creepy house full of dolls that no one else wanted.” I start laughing again.
He joins in. “You wanted the house too!”
“True. But I didn’t buy it.”
“Yes, but you wanted to.”
“I would’ve at least looked inside.”
Derek runs his hand down his face. “I was so sure this house would be magical.”
“Oh, there’s magic in there all right. Hmmm.” I tap my finger on my chin. “Maybe we should call you Ken from now on!”
The two of us are laughing so hard that tears are falling. “Then I’ll call you Barbie.”
“Hell no, this is your house, creepy dolls and all.” I wipe my tears and try to stop the giggling.
“You laugh now, but one day you will be living here too!”
Well, that sobers the moment.
We both stop laughing.
I stare at him, unsure if he knows what he said. Derek looks down at me, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows. He moves closer, our breathing is accelerated, and I’m unsure of what to do.
I could ask him what he meant or pretend it didn’t happen.
However, I’m not sure I can unhear what he said and I don’t know that I can pretend otherwise.
“What?” I ask, my voice is barely a whisper.
“Don’t look so surprised, Teagan.” Derek’s hand lifts and he takes a strand of my hair and then tucks it behind my ear. “I told you, I’m not going anywhere and I don’t have any doubts that I’m here with you for a reason. I can wait until you know it, but what we’re doing here, isn’t ending.”
My heart is pounding so loud, I can’t hear anything else. I want to believe what he’s saying more than anything, but this is really not slow and this is a million times beyond complicated.
“Please don’t make me promises like that,” I say with fear and apprehension. “I don’t think I could handle the loss again.”
He wraps his arm around my back, forcing me to put my hands on his chest. “Then hold on and don’t let go this time.”
“You’re the one who let me go the last time.”
The regret fills his eyes. “And I won’t ever make that mistake again.”
I lean up, kissing him because I need to seal it. I want that promise to be unbroken. I can feel my insecurities bubbling up, telling me that this isn’t how life works out for me, but I fight against it. If I can just hold on to this, then maybe it’ll be okay—we’ll be okay. It’s different this time for us. We’re not kids and we both are being honest. I told him I would tell him if I wanted to run, but this time, it’s not away that I want to go.
Our lips move together, hands gripping one another as I’m desperate to do as he says—hold on.
His tongue slides into my mouth and we both give each other everything. I moan when his hand makes it way down to my ass, pulling me against him, feeling his erection against my leg.
This kiss is different than the others. We’re not tentative with each other. This isn’t both of us holding a piece of ourselves for safekeeping. I’m letting go of all the past right here. I’m giving him more than just words. I’m giving him me.
Derek’s hands are everywhere. I feel his warmth through my shirt and I want more. I know I said we should go slow but I can’t stop myself. I need more. Each touch, each second our mouths are connected, the further my desire deepens.
He’s the man I’ve always wanted. He’s starred in more dreams than I can count, and against all odds, he’s here now in my arms.
I feel his hand slide to my chest, just barely brushing my breast, and I can’t stop the noise that escapes me. When he does it again, I gasp and break the kiss.
“Tell me to stop and I will,” he promises.
“Don’t stop.”
“You’re so beautiful, you’ve always been.” He kisses me again, this time squeezing my breast and rubbing where my nipple is under my bra.
His touch, is everything. It’s been so long since anyone has been with me this way, and having it be Derek right now means so much more.
My fingers move down his chest, needing to explore him. He groans when my hands get to his stomach, feeling the ridges of the six-pack that hides underneath his shirt. Derek kisses
