The Way She Looks at Him

Chapter One: Surprise Visitor

Casey McDonald lay on her bed, a notebook in front of her, and a pencil resting on her lip. She gently chewed on the eraser and stared at the blank paper in front of her and racked her brains for the right words. She was supposed to be writing an essay about how one person affected her life, but nothing was coming to mind. Her mind kept wandering to the person responsible for the loud music pounding through the wall. Derek Venturi. Casey's annoying stepbrother. Although, recently, Casey had not been seeing him as so annoying.

She had seen the sweet, caring side of Derek, like a few weeks ago at the kid's camp they had helped run. He had been so sweet with the kids, and sweet to Casey. It had shocked her, but in a good way. She liked the sweet side of Derek. She had begun to feel something deep inside of her ever since he had put a hula hoop around her and looked her full in the eye. The look he had given her had sparked feelings inside her that she did not want to think about.

Regardless, Casey had felt it was unfair to continue going out with Max while she was so confused. So, one day, after kid's camp, she met Max at Smelly Nellie's and told him that she had some things she needed to clear up and that she needed some time and space. They had ended it on good terms, but she could tell that Max was hurt and confused. So, she was shocked when she saw Kendra and Max on a date only a week after Max and Casey's break-up.

She turned onto her back and sighed; she was scared to let her feelings for Derek show themselves. She was afraid that she mike actually like him. As in more than a stepbrother. More than a friend. Now that was a scary thought. She shook her head and groaned. Even if she did like him like that, he would never date her, or even like her back. Derek isn't the 'date his stepsister' type of guy. The music suddenly shut off and Casey sat up straight, listening intently. Just as she had hoped, there was a loud knock on her door. She took a deep, calming breath, and went over to the door. When she opened it, there he was, leaning on her doorway, his shaggy light brown hair hanging down in his eyes as he looked up at her.

"Ye-" she cleared her throat, "Yes?"

Derek looked down and then back up at her; he seemed nervous, almost worried. He walked into her room and began pacing, barely noticing her presence.

"Derek? What's up?" Casey closed her door and walked over to him. Without thinking, she grabbed his hand to stop his pacing.

At her touch he stopped and looked in her eyes. He kept his hand in hers and opened his mouth to say something, "Casey, I-"

"Kids! Come down here, please! Hurry!" George Venturi called, interrupting Derek.

Their hands broke apart instantly as they ran out of the room and downstairs. The five children sat down, looking at their parents who stood in front of them by the T.V. George looked cautiously at Derek, and then he began to speak.

"I just got a call from my brother, Nicholas, and he has a favor to ask of us."

"What does Uncle Nick want now?" Derek asked, sounding exasperated.

Casey shot him a confused look before returning her gaze to George. "Well, his eldest son, Drew needs a place to stay for two weeks while Nicholas and his wife go on a business trip. They were able to find places for Erika and Dylan to stay, but no one seems to want to host a sixteen year old boy for two weeks."

"No, no, no. NO! Dad, Drew is NOT coming here!" Derek glanced at Casey as he said this.

George sighed, "Derek, I already said yes. I know you don't get along with him. But I'm doing this for my brother. Please, just do this for me, Derek."

Derek crossed his arms over his chest, "Fine. But he's not getting my bed again!"

"He'll take the couch, I'm sure he won't mind." George said, looking a little relieved.

"When's he coming?" Derek asked, sneaking a glance at Casey as he said it.

George took a deep breath, "He should be here any minute." Derek groaned, and, as if on cue, the doorbell rang.

George hurried to answer it and the kids and Nora watched curiously. "Drew!" George said and hugged someone out of sight to the occupants of the living room, "You're dad was in a real hurry, huh? Here, let me get that suitcase for you."

George led Drew into the living room, setting the suitcase down. Casey, who had been playing with a pillow and thinking about the situation with Derek earlier, looked up at the loud sound. As she looked at the tall, dark-haired figure of Drew Venturi, and looked into his deep brown eyes, she forgot all about Derek and her mysterious feelings for him.

Drew Venturi had captured Casey's attention immediately and she intended on letting him have it as long as possible.

A/N: So, this is my new LWD fanfic... please enjoy and R&R:D Let me know what you think. And I don't know about you, but I really can't think of anyone hotter than Michael Seater, but if you could think of someone to be his cousin, who is just a little bit hotter, picture him as Drew. Hahaha. Thanks!

-Jacki :)