Disclaimer ;; I own nothing! Except my own little piece of heaven in my head where I own Derek. haha. Totally playing.


Chapter Seven ;; Derek Knows ...


The next few days sort of went like that day. I was excited to get Thursday done and over with, just so I can go to the game on Friday. Erik was a pretty good fake boyfriend. Really amazing actually. Not as good as Derek probably was. Well … maybe Derek wasn't a great boyfriend. I really wouldn't know. From what I heard he really wasn't that great of a boyfriend, not unless he really cared about someone (like he had with Sally). It was just the fact that he was sexy, dangerous, edgy, and so cool. It wasn't his sweetness or niceness I liked.

It was his cocky, slightly arrogant, sarcastic, the world revolves around him attitude. That's what drew me in. It was hot.

Wednesday night, I actually ran into him. Derek, I mean.

I woke up around twelve or one in the morning. Somewhere around there. I didn't bother glancing at my clock. I knew it was late but I also knew it wasn't brightly early. I stumbled out of my bed and towards the door. I needed something to drink. So, naturally I headed downstairs. Looking through the fridge, (the light seeming way brighter than it actually was) and just grabbing a bottle of water.

When I turned around, I turned right into a strong chest. Gasping for a split second before my eyes took in the chest in front of me. The light over the sink allowed me to see him clearly. He was shirtless, and god my breath caught. Derek didn't look this fit. I knew he had to be in good shape but I had no clue. The guy had a six pack. Serious people. He wasn't huge and bulky, muscles ripping through his shirt - he wasn't like that. But he was lean and looked just about all muscle. Maybe it was because he was lean that his muscles appeared even more defined and rock hard. I wanted to reach out and run my fingers along his abs.

"Derek … You …" I stumbled over my words and realized I was still staring at his chest. I squeezed my eyes shut and brought my hand up to shield my eyes, disguising that by pretending to rub my forehead. "Why are you shirtless?" I asked. He usually didn't sleep shirtless, not that I knew of anyhow. I dropped my hand away from my eyes and looked at his face, forcing myself to stay looking at his face.

"Because?" Derek said as he leaned in towards me, making me inhale sharply. He froze for a second. Studying my face before pulling away again.

I looked down at the bottle in his hand and realized why he had leaned in. God, I feel so stupid. Sure, I had more confidence when I knew I making him uneasy about being with Erik. Erik gave me some needed confidence but apparently I was still weak around Derek at times. Really, insanely weak. I felt as if my knees had just gone all wobbly and my heart was pounding a million times too fast.

Derek didn't even move. He just stood there, his fingers untwisting the bottle cap as he watched me. He bit his lip, causing my attention to focus on his lips. God, his perfect fucking lips. I would do anything to have his lips against my skin. Anything to have his hands …

Whoa! What? Why was he slowly leaning in towards me again?

Derek inched towards my neck, stopping about an inch away as he whispered softly, "Lizzie …" His breath tickled against my neck, caressing my skin. "You really need to stop seeing Erik."

"… Why?" I asked, my voice squeaking some.

"Cause I said so."

I turned and looked up at him, "Why?"

He grinned and shook his head, backing up away from me some. "Because. Just getting some random senior isn't going to satisfy your need for who you really want." He stated calmly as he turned away from me and walked over to the cookie jar.

I swallowed and backed up, closing the fridge and leaning against it. Watching as Derek grabbed a few cookies, munching on one right away. "What do … what do you mean by the one I really want?"

Derek grinned and unscrewed the bottle for his water, "Me." He said as he walked out of the kitchen and disappeared upstairs. Leaving me breathless and stunned in my place.

I swallowed and leaned against the fridge, starring into the darkness. So … that was it. He knew I wanted him. It's not like I was doing a good job at keeping that a secret. I had just made a fool of myself by starring at his chest. Who knows, maybe I even drooled some. He just had looked so … delicious. So fucking yummy. Man was I gonna have some detailed dreams tonight.


I was right. I had at least two dream revolving around Derek and his abs. I swear I must not talk in my sleep because if I did: people would start asking questions. Like, I don't know, why was I moaning in my sleep? Probably saying his name two. So thankfully, I don't think I was one of those sleepers that did that. Man that would be awkward.

Sort of like that morning was.

I now had to relive the night before event, over and over in my head. Derek knew about my obsession with him. He knew that I was only trying to substitute him. He probably even knew I was trying to make him jealous. Who would have thought Derek was so smart? Then again, this was his area of expertise. He was used to having girls into him, so of course he was gonna recognize the signs that a girl was into him.

Argh, why me?!

I was almost finished with my cereal when Derek walked into the kitchen with his usual morning drowsiness. God he looked so yummy … This was fucking torture! It was like living with Joe sex on legs Jonas and not being able to reach out and just grab!

I shifted and swallowed what was in my mouth before shoving another spoon full in. I felt so awkward it wasn't even funny. Derek reached over and grabbed a piece of toast off of Edwin's plate, holding it in his mouth as he poured himself a cup of orange juice. He took a bite and pulled himself up onto the counter. "Morning Ed. Liz."

When he said my name and glanced my way, I started choking on my cereal. Coughing up what felt like my entire lungs! Edwin reached over and tapped onto my back, rubbing gently as he did so, "Cough it up Liz!" He said with a soft chuckle, "Who knew cereal good be so lethal."

I pushed Edwin's hand away from me and shot him a glare real quick. "Don't. Touch. Me." I said with a growl before clearing my voice once more. Not looking at Derek but I could feel his eyes on me for a few moments as I nearly coughed to death.

"Sorry. Just thought I'd try to help. Geeze." He mumbled going back to his food.

"Help by not touching me and not talking." I mumbled lightly. I grabbed my bowl and set it in the sink. I avoided looking Derek's way as I headed past him and into the dinning room where my mom was. "Heading out now."

"Kay Lizard. Make sure Erik can still come! I'm serious about meeting him."

I laughed and nodded, "Will do mom." I said before walking out and finding Erik's car parked near the sidewalk. I smiled and walked over to the car, slipping inside and smiling over at him. "So, is this like a new thing now? You picking me up in the morning?"

He nodded but shrugged his shoulders as he placed his arm on the back of the seat, "Perhaps. I guess it all depends."

I chuckled and shook my head, "Just drive me too school. I don't wanna stay here anymore." I said hooking my seatbelt and sinking down in the seat. He nodded and started to drive towards the school, nodding his head to the low music that was playing from the radio. I sighed and looked over at him, "Derek knows … I like him."

Erik raised an eyebrow and looked over at her, "For real?"

I nodded, "Yeah, He told me last night …. this morning, whatever. I got up in the middle of the night and he was downstairs getting a drink as well. Told me I should just dump you because you'll never be the one I really want. I asked him that was and he said 'me' as he walked away."

"Oh … wow." Erik said glancing over at me, "Well, he knows you like him. That's not exactly bad, is it?"

I shrugged, "I don't know. I thought he knew because I haven't exactly been great at hiding it but now I know for sure he knows." I said.

He shrugged, "Doesn't really make much of a difference, huh?"

I shook my head, "Not really. Not at all, actually. I just … I don't see the point in this!" I said throwing my hands up some, "He's never gonna want to screw around with the girl he considers a baby sister!"

Erik shook his head, "Liz … he's a guy. No matter who the girl is, a guy is a guy. We usually think with our dicks and usually can't control what our bodies want." He said truthfully.

I nodded. Some part of me knew that statement was true. But not when it came to siblings and that's what Derek considered me as. His sibling. "Do you have any siblings?" I asked, turning to look at him with a curious look on my face. I couldn't remember if he had ever mentioned ever having a sibling.

Erik nodded, "Yeah. Older brother. Off finishing college in the states." He said as he glanced at me for a moment. "Why?"

"Well, say he was your sister instead of your brother. If you walked in on her butt ass naked - would you get turned on?"

"Well … no. Not if she was my sister."

"My point exactly." I said looking back at the road in front of us. "Derek probably thinks of me as a full fledge sister."

Erik sighed, and pulled into the parking lot. Turning off the engine and turning to look at me. "Look, when it comes straight down to it - your not his sister. Nor would you ever fully be his sister. Take Edwin for example, I am positive he would fuck you if he had the chance. Why? Because your sexy and not his blood sister."

I made a face, slightly disturbed by the comment. Not disgusting really because I had thought about Edwin and I having sex - right after my first dream about Derek. I had wondered if Ed ever thought about me like that before. "But … that's still different then him and Derek. Derek is …" I sighed and shook my head. "Let's just drop it, please? It's never going to change your opinion and your probably not going to change mine."

He nodded, "True." He leaned over and cupped my cheek, turning my face to his. "I'll give you this: perhaps my opinion is slanted because of my own feelings."

I smiled slightly, "Yes. I do believe that's the case." I said with a soft chuckle, "Now, lets get to class." I said leaning in and pecking his lips. Slipping out of the car and leaving him where he was. Probably thought he'd get a more … passionate kiss then just a peck. Oh well. My mind was too busy replying the event of last night over and over and over and over again.


The day had went by pretty normally. I hadn't went to lunch because I had to use that period to make a test up. So I was able to avoid Derek during that period. I had actually only seen him a few times throughout the day. He hadn't really paid much attention to me. Like normally.

I got home after soccer practice and encountered a very cheerful Casey. Apparently she was excited for the dinner that night. A dinner I had almost forgotten because of my preoccupied thoughts. I had just finished showering when she entered my room with her bubbly smile.

"Lizzie! You nervous about your boyfriend meeting the parents?" She asked, walking in and taking a sit on the edge of my bed.

I looked away from my computer screen and at her, "No … well, I wasn't before." I said tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear and glancing over at my reflection. I should probably put some make-up on too look nicer.

"Well, you shouldn't be. I talked to Erik today and gave him a few pointers."

"Oh no! You didn't Case .."

She laughed lightly, "Don't worry. I think he'll do fine. He's a lot more relaxed and just … chill. Plus, he's charming so mom will love him. I'm sure George would like his athletic side as well."

I raised an eyebrow and shook it off, "Yeah … I'm sure he'll do fine." I was more worried about how Derek would act. "Is Derek home from work yet?"

Casey paused and shrugged her shoulders, "And I would know …. why?"

"I don't know … figured he would stop in and annoy you as soon as he got home."

She thought that over and nodded, "That does seem logical. So Annoying. Anyhow -" She flashed me an almost mischievous smile, "Is Erik the one you had that dream about?"

I froze. I had forgotten she knew about that. "Um …" I laughed awkwardly and nervously, "Not really …."

"Oh, no need to embarrassed Liz. He's attractive, it is only natural. I think it's cute."

I looked at her and smiled weakly, "Umm …. thanks?"

She laughed and then trailed off, "Just remember Lizzie… don't do anything your not ready for. You'll regret it."

Whoa, hadn't expected that exactly. "Yeah, I know Casey…"

"No. You don't. You think you know but you really have no clue. I heard what happened at the party and I've seen you two in the hallway. Your moving fast in almost no time. Slow down … you might think you want something but when you get it - your realize you should have waited."

I studied her for a moment. Has she … Did she … Did she want it? …. With who? "Casey I …"

"I should get going. Just know I'm here to talk. No matter what's it about. Okay?"

"But Case …."

"Okay?" She said standing up, raising her eyebrows and clearly wanting me to say okay.

I nodded, "Of course. I know."

She smiled and turned on her heel, heading back to her room or downstairs, not quite sure where. Had Casey had sex? My sister Casey? The goody two shoes klutzilla? That was so … hard to believe but that is what it sounded like. It was weird to think Casey had had sex. With who? Was it Sam? Max? Or was it her new guy Truman? All of them? Just two? Oh, now my mind was curious about that.

I sighed and turned back to my homework. I finished it up and decided to go down and help with dinner after getting some make-up on. My mom kept asking questions about Erik throughout it though, almost as if she was preparing herself for when he actually got there. Which … according to my last text from him should be within a few minutes.

I helped my mom take the steak off of the stove, "There." She said, smiling as she sprinkled some more seasoning on top of it.

DING DONG.

I looked towards the door, "That should be him." I threw my towel down on the counter and started to walk over towards the door. I was cut off by Derek though, he came flying down the stairs and towards the door.

When had he even gotten home?

"Yo! Look who it is. The pedophile, nice for you to join us." Derek said as he leaned against the door and looked at Erik.

Marti walked over behind me, "What's that?"

I completely ignored Derek (the best I could but I couldn't help hold my breath as I gently brushed him out of the way) and smiled at Erik, grabbing his hand and pulling him through the door, "Welcome. Thanks for coming."

"No problem Liz." He said kissing the side of my head and then turning his attention to Marti, "Hey you. You must be Marti. Lizzie tells me you know how to make awesome games up?"

Marti smiled brightly and nodded, taking a step away from Derek and towards Erik, "Yes Sir! Last night I was a mouse! Today I'm just Marti but I'm still awesome!" She giggled.

He chuckled and nodded, "Well, I think your right! So you were a mouse? That's pretty cool. Ever been a tiger?"

She giggled and shook her head, "Not yet! Tiger's are pretty cool though …"

"Erik?!?" My mom entered the room and smiled at him, "It is very nice for you to come over for Dinner."

Erik stood up and smiled at her, extending his hand for her to shake it, "It's nice to meet you Mrs - is it McDonald or Venturi?"

"It's Venturi now but please, call me Nora." She shook his hand and let go of it. "Dinner is ready. You guys can take your seat. Marti, can you go and get Edwin and Casey? I'm gonna go call George up." She flashed him a smile before disappearing into the kitchen.

Dinner began and started off to be really good. I kept glancing at Derek but he seemed to either be stuffing his face or glaring over at Erik. He bickered with him back and forth for awhile about what was better: Football or Hockey. I don't think either of them really won that argument. After dinner we all chatted for a few minutes before Erik had to excuse himself.

"I have to head home now. I have an early practice tomorrow and I need to be well rested." He stood up but smiled at George and my mom, "It was a pleasure meeting you guys. I enjoyed myself, really." He shook their hands one more time before ruffling up Marti's hair, "And you - rawr. You've been a great tiger. I was almost afraid!"

She made a cute Rawr type face, "RAWR!"

George smiled, "Ha, Well we'd love to have you over again sometime. It was a stimulating night."

Erik nodded, "I'd love that as well."

"Sure you would …" Derek mumbled and rolled his eyes.

I rolled mine in return and stood up, "Come on, I'll walk you out." I said heading towards the door with him following behind. He grabbed his coat and we stepped out onto the front steps. "Oh wow … you really are good with parents."

"Well, thank you my lady." He said hooking a few buttons on his coat before smiling up at me.

"Not sure that's a good thing … how many parents have you had to impress?"

"Not many, I guess I'm just good with parents naturally. Good with teachers too." He shrugged, "I liked them though. They are all very … insane. I like it. Feels like a real family."

"Yeah …" I mumbled and looked down at my foot scrubbing against the ground.

"Lizzie … relax. This will work." He said leaning in and kissing my forehead. "Just continue doing what your doing. Your getting his attention, I've seen it."

"Yeah … I guess." I sighed and smiled up at him, "Thanks for coming."

"No problem." He wrapped his arms around me and pressed his lips against mine. We kissed for a few seconds. Nothing overly passionate but nothing entirely innocent either. I pecked him one last time before we parted. He got in his car while I walked back inside.