Chapter 35
“Derek,” Zoe whispered as she tapped his chest softly.
His eyelids fluttered but his eyes moved as if he were dreaming. A leg twitch jostled Mr. Bobbins, who was in bed with them.
He mewed in protest.
Derek had helped her off the couch last night so they could cuddle more comfortably in her queen-size bed. Which felt a little
too small with two adults and an orange tabby. A sliver of sunlight slipped through the curtains of her bedroom window and
bathed his bare chest.
“It’s morning,” she said instead of kissing him where his skin glowed golden with the sun.
She should let him sleep. Stillness was rare for Derek even while asleep. This was the most relaxed he’d been since coming
to DC. She’d peeked in on rehearsal, where he’d been on his feet the entire time as he observed the cast from different vantage
points. He was dedicated to his craft and his audience’s experiences the same way she was passionate about her customer’s
fit and confidence.
He needed the rest. Even when they were alone together, he jumped up to do anything and everything for her. Grab a fabric
swatch, bring her coffee, and fuck her silly on her couch. He’d put her first almost always.
She’d sensed a deep longing in him yesterday. Maybe she’d been unfair in her wish to keep their relationship a secret. He’d supported her even though he disagreed. Derek had spent more time than necessary helping her present her designs.
It was her turn to support him. He’d asked for only two things since he came to the DMV: for her to design the costumes and
to share with the world how happy she made him. How could she deny him that?
“Let’s get some breakfast. I’m hungry.” She danced her fingers on his chest before stroking his cheek.
He murmured incomprehensibly and turned into her touch. His lips curved into a smile but his eyes remained closed.
Derek was right. Who cared what Greg thought? He was a sad man who was afraid of being left behind. Which would happen once
people saw this production. Trixie and Th ? o already knew about their relationship and TJ had pretty much figured them out.
She was ready to tell everyone how much she loved this man. Her best friend. Her lover.
If only he’d wake up so she could say all these things to him.
“Derek,” she said at her normal volume. “Open your eyes. I have something to tell you.”
She kissed his shoulder and ran her thumb over his lips. Slowly, he blinked his eyes open.
“Hi, beautiful,” he said with a wide, sleepy smile. “What time is it?”
“Eight in the morning, but don’t move.”
“Huh?” His arm stopped in midair as he reached for her.
“Mr. Bobbins is sleeping between your legs.”
“That’s why I can’t move them.”
“There’s more.”
He squinted and lifted his head to look at his legs.
“His head is on my balls!”
Zoe bit her lip to keep from laughing.
“Is he going to attack me if I move him? What if he attacks my—”
“Shhh, it’s okay.” She giggled. “You’re the first guy to spend the night, but I think he likes you.”
“So he holds my junk hostage?” Derek dropped his head back to the pillow. “Dammit, Mr. B, stop purring!”
“You’re being dramatic,” she teased. “He’ll get up once I open a can of tuna.”
Derek closed his eyes and scrunched his face as if he were in pain. His neck and face were beet red.
“Are you hurt?” She looked under the sheet. “Please tell me that’s morning wood and not because of the cat.”
“Go open the tuna,” he said through gritted teeth. “Please.”
Zoe pressed her lips together to hold back her laughter but her shoulders still shook.
“I cannot believe my girlfriend will not move her cat off my dick. Which is one of your favorite parts of my body.” He enunciated
each word firmly.
“You know the rule. If a cat sits on you, you can’t move until he does.”
“Zoe,” he half-whined. “I have to go to the bathroom and you’re laughing at my pain.”
“Sorry,” she squeaked before breaking into peals of laughter.
Mr. Bobbins glared at her for waking him up. She mouthed an apology to the furball. Tired of their antics, the cat hopped
off the bed and left the room. Derek threw off the covers and made a dash to the bathroom. He also gave her a very lovely
view of his bare ass.
Maybe they should stay in bed and make it a lazy Saturday. Neither of them had taken a full day off in over two weeks. She
wouldn’t mind curling up in bed with him and watching a costume drama.
“Hurry up! The bed is getting cold,” she called out to Derek.
She heard a muffled ring tone coming from the living room. It was her mother! She threw on a plush chenille robe—her design of course—and followed the sound of her phone. By the time she’d located it under the couch, the call had gone to voicemail.
“Six missed calls?” she read aloud. “From the restaurant. Má is never there so early on Saturdays.”
Zoe hit the button for Ph?-Ever 75, but it rang and rang. Something was wrong. She fumbled through her favorites list and
called her mother’s cell phone.
“Zoe.” Her mom stretched out the end of her name in a worried tone. “Come to Eden Center right away.”
“Do I hear sirens?” She couldn’t hide the panic from her voice. “Má, are you okay? Are you hurt? Is it Ba?”
“Someone spray-painted terrible things all over Eden Center. They are so bad.” Her mom started crying.
Her mother only cried during romance movies.
“I’m coming. I’ll be there as fast as I can.”
“Okay, con, be careful.” Her mother hung up.
Zoe had never heard her strong mother so upset. So scared. She texted her brother.
Zoe: What’s going on? Má called but she’s freaked out.
She stared at the moving dots until he responded.
Eddie: Fuckers spray-painted slurs all over Eden Center. The restaurant. Your shop. Parking lot. Everywhere.
He sent photos. Zoe’s stomach twisted. Her heart pounded in her chest. No wonder her mother was scared.
Zoe: Anyone hurt?
Eddie: No. Thank God. Police are investigating it as a hate crime.
Zoe: I’ll pick up cleaning supplies on the way over.
Her brother replied with a thumbs-up.
“Z, what’s wrong? Why are you staring at your phone like that?” Derek had pulled on his jeans but was still holding his shirt.
Her lips trembled so hard she couldn’t get the words out. She held out her phone so he could read her brother’s messages.
“Fuckers,” Derek spat. “Come on, let’s get you dressed and I’ll drive you there.”
She nodded and let him guide her back to her bedroom.