Author's Note: Hey all :) I'm still working on my other Dizzie story, but I got inspired for another story, SO I thought that I would give it a try. This fic is going to have shorter chapters than my normal stories, because it will be easier for me to manage and update regularly. I tried using shorter chapters with another one of my stories, and it was awesome. Anyways, hope you like this!

-Anneryn

I DO NOT OWN LIFE WITH DEREK OR THE CHARACTERS.

Chapter One:

I sat on the edge of my seat, trying to keep still. I should have just gone with Casey, Mom, and Marti. But, I really wasn't in the mood to put up with that girlie shit today. I really didn't want to hear about Casey's latest male victim… love wise.

I sighed, inwardly. Derek and George were laughing loudly at something Ed had told them. My eyes flickered over Derek's face, unwillingly. He keeps shooting me almost knowing glances. His eyes are twinkling with mischief, completed with his signature smirk.

To be honest, I hate that I feel this way about him. It did get a little easier after he started university, but he lives at home. Casey decided to pledge with some sorority. So we don't see her that often, which is okay with me. I love her and everything, but there is only so much a girl can take.

Derek and Casey are both in their third year of university and Edwin just started his first year. I decided to take a semester off, much to Mom and George's dismay, but after the winter holiday, my online classes start up.

"You've been quiet tonight, Liz." Derek commented, as George and Edwin chatted merrily, taking little notice of either of us. I shrugged.

"Tired, I guess." I told him. I am tired, so I didn't lie… Something about him makes my insides squirm, and makes me tingle in my nether regions. I dug my fingers into the cushion on my chair. I had barely eaten anything on my plate, but I wasn't hungry, and with Derek and Edwin, it's not like my dinner will actually go to waste.

Derek nodded, slowly, not buying my excuse. Why did he of all people have to be my stepbrother… my older, attractive step brother? Life really is a bitch.

"Lizzie, you wanna help us fix up the car tonight?" George asked, clearly excited. I shook my head.

"Not tonight, but thanks." I told him. He smiled and went out into the garage with Ed. They are fixing up some old car that they got really cheap. It's George and Ed's newest "man" project. Whatever keeps them happy, right?

I pushed my chair back and got up from the table and picked up my plate. I brought it to the kitchen sink and barely noticed Derek following me into the kitchen. I rinsed off my plate and started to do the dishes in silence.

"Lizzie," Derek said in a low voice, right behind me. I jumped and spun around.

"Damn it Derek!" I exclaimed. Well, my heart works. He smirked at my reaction.

"Such naughty words," he said, shaking his head in amusement. I rolled my eyes.

"What do you want?" I asked him.

"Why are you in here doing the dishes?" He asked, instead of giving me, my answer. I shrugged.

"I didn't see anyone else doing them… Didn't know it was against the law." I retorted.

"You know that you'd rather being doing something else, Lizzie." Derek said, convinced he was right.

"Oh, and what would I rather be doing?" I asked him, since he clearly thinks he knows everything.

"Spending the evening with me, we're going out." He announced. I laughed and turned my attention back onto the dishes.

"Right, you're so conceited." I told him, as I finished the plate that I was working on.

"Fine, I admit that I am. But, if you don't have a good time, then we'll do whatever you want tomorrow." He promised. What? I turned around to face him.

"What's this about, Derek?" I asked him. This really isn't like him. I mean, sure he's my stepbrother, but we rarely do things just the two of us.

"I want some Lizzie time; sue me." He replied. I rolled my eyes. "Get ready, we're gonna be late." He said, impatiently.

"What exactly are we doing, Derek?" I asked him, suspiciously.

"No, it's a surprise. Just go change." He told me, smirking.

"And what do I need to change into?" I asked him. His smirk broadened. He led me upstairs, to my room. He opened my closet and started leafing through my clothes. He looked over at me, expecting me to scold him. To be honest, I really don't care if he goes through my clothes. He's probably used to Casey going off on him for messing with her things.

It's going to be a long night…

Author's Note: Chapter two will be up soon-ish. Review and let me know what you think.

Xo Xo
Anneryn