A/N: I absolutely love The Client List, and I sincerely hope it gets renewed for a third season. It's just so dramatic and that's probably what I like about it.

This story's about Selena and Derek, who are slowly growing to be my favorite.

Their whole relationship intrigues me, and I hope to express it in a realistic way. Enjoy. :D

Remember: I don't own any of the characters.

When expert masseuse Selena Ramos had married Joey, her ex-husband, she knew very quickly that it wouldn't last.

Joey had said he could set them for life; he lied to her about everything.

The whole thing collapsed the moment she caught him red-handed cheating with the girl next door. In their bedroom.

"I never want to see you again!"

Those were the words she had screamed before running out, but it still haunted her to this day.

Selena wanted to blame Joey for the solid, untrusting wall she had constructed around her. There was a reason she never let anyone close all right, because everyone always turned out to be assholes.

But there was something about Derek Malloy that was different. He was not the kind of guy to fool around. He seemed utterly committed, and caring to just about anyone who crossed his path.

He was probably too good for a gal like her, someone who was just looking to get by. Someone who was just looking for a way in life, to make a living independently. Selena was certainly not looking for a soul mate. In fact, it was the last thing she was looking for.

But deep in her mind, like any other woman, she had dreamed of her Prince Charming. He was dark-haired, tall and lean, with a muscular build that could hold her tightly and protect her from the harsh world.

The description fit Derek pretty well, but she had told herself not to get too involved.

"Relationships are nothing but trouble." She had said to him. And it was the truth. Every relationship of hers ended badly. It always went in Selena's favor when she called the shots, when she decided how long-term or short-term a relationship was. And usually, the shorter the better. She made it remotely clear when she wanted to be left alone.

Selena just couldn't keep herself from intervening when she saw Nikki and other girls start falling all over Derek. Sure, he was single, but in her head, he was off the market. Letting her jealousy be exposed wasn't too hard. She was pretty good at scaring people off.

"You just don't know when to quit do you Selena?"

Another thing was that she was completely insensitive at times. It was a terrific way to make people shy away, even abandon her completely. Whenever Selena tried to act nice, it just came off as entirely awkward. It was more her speed to be quick, sexy, witty, and intense.

And with Derek being a war vet and all, she didn't know how to take it. Maybe if she asked more about him and wanted to know who he was and what he'd been through. Not just fun buddies. Even though he was talented in that department too.

"No, really, I wanna hear all about Marcus."

They could all face it, though. Selena Ramos was shallow. And even in Derek's gentle eyes, she could see he didn't believe her. They were two different people with two different attitudes.

Selena drew closer to him as he spoke, his voice soothing her nerves and almost making her want to hear more.

As he called for another shot, she glanced the other way for a moment, slowly sliding her smooth hand over his. She could sense the smirk on his face.

Derek had developed stronger feelings for Selena the night when she turned down the guy who asked to dance with her. It was almost like a legitimate test for her. She would pick him over that guy. It made him feel great, like he was getting through to her stubborn attitude.

Selena had known Derek wanted more when he asked, of course, but also when he started doing little things. Like showing up to her house to visit Henry, buying her designer purse back for her, just showing her kind gestures. She almost despised how kind he was.

Sighing, Selena probably figured they were going to be one of those couples. The ones who did PDA all over the place, held hands, said 'I love you & miss you', text each other, cuddled, and lovey-dovey crap like that.

"A guy like Derek's not gonna wait around forever."

That's what that Nikki girl said. Selena hated to say it, but she was probably right. He most likely wanted a fiance, marriage, and then children. She shuddered thinking about it.

If she was going to be sensitive in a relationship, then she would have to learn to be supportive for him when he needed someone. Derek was still talking and she was processing it halfway.

As it got later and later, the bar was starting to get emptier. She started to say something, but didn't feel like interrupting him.

Derek finally got her expression and looked around, placing a tip on the counter.

"What do you say I give you a ride back to my place?"

Selena knew by the tone of his voice he didn't mean to play around. She knew she could probably get another ride, but as he stared at her she realized she shouldn't think about it too much.

Selena thought that if she were him, she would not want somebody around at the time. She would want to grieve in peace. She reminded herself they were very different as an explanation.

"Sure, sounds good to me."

Derek walked with her to the door and opened it for her, making her shoot him a joking grin.

The ride was extremely silent. Neither of them made an attempt to say anything, and from what Selena could tell, Derek was looking more somber than anything.

She remembered back to the other day when they had sex in one of the rooms at the parlor. Selena almost laughed thinking about it. It was so much fun.

"I didn't know you could be quiet for so long, Selena," Derek looked at her in the darkness, steering smoothly around curves.

"Yeah, well, I guess I've been used to you doin' all the talking tonight," She could tell he was subtly trying to lighten the mood.

He had figured a more smartass reply and stopped himself from saying anything else. "Here we are."

Selena unbuckled and hopped out, happy to be out of a dull and mopey car ride.

A/N: The next chapter will be longer probably. xD Feel free to review if you have anything to add. :3