Hey guys! I hope you enjoy this chapter! I want you to know that I aim to get at least ten reviews per chapter, so please try to remember to review!

I kinda spat this chapter out just for the sake of a new chapter. Hoping to close things off in the story soon.

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Disclaimer: All character belong the Kelley Armstrong.

Chapter 21

Chloe's P.O.V.

"Derek?" I asked quietly, clicking my cell phone shut as I took in a hasty breath before walking into our bedroom.

"Mhm?" Derek responded lazily, one arm behind his head and the other on his bare chest, as he watched TV.

"Someone's coming over," I spoke as I reached into his closet, grabbing a pair of jeans. "Put these on."

Derek groaned, flipping over on the bed before reaching his hand out, taking the pants from me. "Who's coming?"

"M-my dad." I squawked, in which Derek turned around and looked at me seriously.

"What?"

"And my aunt." I bit my lip.

"When?"

"Ten minutes?"

Derek immediately jumped up from our bed, tugging on his pants as he scavenged for a shirt. "What the hell, Chloe?" He bellowed, rushing to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

"I know! I know!" I exclaimed, my face shoved in my closet as I looked for something half decent to wear. "They kept putting it off, I thought they were going to cancel at the last minute, like always!"

"I can't believe this, Chloe." Derek grumbled, stocking out of the bathroom.

"Sorry." I mumbled sheepishly, glancing up at him through my eyelashes. "I should have told you."

Derek waved me off, we didn't have time to argue. "Do they know I live here?"

"Yeah, they wouldn't expect I lived at a place like this by myself." I mutter, gathering my strawberry blonde hair out of my ponytail and loose down my back.

Derek paused for a second and glanced at me. "They know about me?" He face almost thoughtful for a second, as if it never crossed his mind I would tell my family about him.

I blushed slightly. "Of course. Well, my dad knows, not my aunt."

"That's good, right? Won't have to try extremely hard to make him like me than I would if he didn't know I existed."

I shook my head. "Earning my dad's approval is great, but really, he likes just about everyone." I put in fake pearl earrings. "You need to impress my aunt, who doesn't know about you and most likely will tear you to pieces."

He grunted something unintelligible as he stocked off, grabbing a piece of toast from the kitchen.

"I'm sorry," I said, racing after him and pulling him into a hug, wrapping my arms around his chest. "Thanks for being here."

Derek snorted. "Where else would I be? You told me five minutes ago."

I pulled away slightly from him; his harsh comment making me feel worse, but when he tugged me back in I dropped the sour mood.

"Any tips with your aunt?" Derek murmured into my hair, his breath tickling my neck.

"Just don't be rude. Don't brood. Tell her stuff with details, she likes that."

"What about if they ask how we met?" Derek asked, dropping his arms to his side as he went to smooth his shirt as he looked at himself in the mirror.

"Don't tell her that!" I said urgently. "I mean, we can, but not the full thing."

"Full thing?"

I sighed. "I mean, let's not tell her you wrecked my car and I worked for you. Let's say I worked for another guy and I just met you in the office-,"

I was cut short by a sharp knock on the front door, sucking in a breath I looked at Derek, who, for once, was slightly whiter than usual. I raced over to him, pulling him down by his collar and planting a quick, sweet peck upon his lips.

"Love you, you got this." I said, already running towards the front door, but Derek caught up quickly, reaching it before me as he swiftly opened the door.

"Dad! Aunt Lauren!" I squealed, running into my aunt's open arms. Lauren's arm clenched around me lovingly as she quickly let go, holding my by the shoulders as she stared at me.

"Chloe, you look beautiful." The blonde spoke, her curt voice floating through the air with warmth.

My face flushed as I pulled back, smiling at my father as I wrapped one arm around Derek's waist. "This is Derek," I glanced up at him nervously, thankfully he was calm. "My boyfriend."

Lauren's face fell slightly, inspecting him, particularly his bulging muscles with wavering blue eyes. However, her face twisted in a smile at him.

"Nice to finally meet you, Derek." My father said first, reaching forward to shake his hand, which Derek met halfway. "Chloe's mentioned you a lot whenever she called."

"You too, Mr. Saunders," Derek's deep voice rumbled through the small doorway. He glanced at my aunt. "Nice to meet you Dr. Fellows."

Pulling their arms away after a quick shake my aunt smiled at him. "Ditto," she replied with a small laugh.

Derek glanced at me before backing away, letting my family come in the door. I shot him a grateful smile, I owed him one.

"Oh, this is huge." My aunt gushed, staring at our apartment with somewhat awe. "It's very nice, Derek."

"Chloe decorated it." Derek said in response, brushing his black hair out of his green eyes.

"So Dad, how was the train up from D.C.?" I asked, straying from the subject of our living space.

"Good enough, I saw Lauren at the station, we split a cab here." My father glanced at my aunt through the corner of his eyes with distaste.

"H-How long will you be staying?" I asked hastily, hoping they would be gone within the hour.

"Trying to get rid of us already, Chloe?" Lauren asked with a chuckle, which Derek nervously joined in on.

Yes.

"Of course not, I was just curious, because Derek and I made plans earlier. I completely forgot about them, I'm so s-sorry about that." I lied, glancing at Derek, hoping he would confirm the made up plans. He got the message.

"Yeah actually," Derek shoved his hands in his jean pockets. "I have a required luncheon I have to go to give a-a speech at, and Chloe's my date."

Thankful he seemed comfortable enough with the lie I sent my family a regretful smile saying 'Oops, I forgot, how silly of me,'.

My aunt sent us a suspicious look, however my dad interrupted.

"Actually, that's great. I have a meeting at twelve I have to go to." Good, I smiled.

"Well that gives us forty five minutes to talk." I said cheerily, as if all issues had just been resolved.

My aunt opened her mouth. "Chloe, could I go to that luncheon?"

My jaw nearly dropped, not suspecting that she would ask to join us. "A-actually, Aunt Lauren, it's private, company employees only."

Here blue eyes narrowed. "I thought you worked for a director now."

My eyes widened slightly, my face turning paler.

Derek spoke for me. "She is, but that'd be done in about a month and then she'll return to work for the firm until she finds a stable job." Derek's arm wrapped securely around my waist, tugging me closer to him.

"I see," Lauren murmured, sending us a smile. "Well, I have to go check into my hotel soon. Let's talk for a few minutes before I leave."

I nodded. Flashing a dazzling smile at both of my family members, I led them towards the living room, plopping down on the couch with a small thud.

"Uh, would anyone like something to eat?" Derek asked, scratching the back of his head.

"You got a Diet Coke?" My dad perked up, sitting opposite me on a plush chair.

"Regular okay?" I asked.

He made a face, "Trying to be good." Laughing good heartedly he grabbed his stomach.

My aunt crinkled her nose as she glared at my father, their rival still evidently continuing. "Steven, you should watch your weight."

Steven glanced at Lauren, displeasure rolling off him in waves. Derek stood there awkwardly, watching the interaction.

"I'll take the regular, thanks Derek." Derek grunted, before walking away to the kitchen, returning a mere moment later.

The sofa drooped down beside me as Derek sat down, folding his arms over his chest.

Aunt Lauren leaned forward, "Tell me Derek, what do you do?"

"I'm the Vice President at the Editorial Firm." Derek spoke blandly, taking a sip of the soda sitting by his side.

Lauren frowned, "Is that where you and Chloe met?"

"Yeah." I nudged him, signaling for him to elaborate slightly. "I- uh- she spilled coffee on me."

My father laughed. Lauren smiled slightly.

"Was Chloe working for you?" Lauren inquired.

"No, I was working for someone else." I surprised myself with how easily that lie slid off my tongue with almost no regret.

"How long have you two been seeing each other?"

I glanced at Derek, who responded in a heartbeat. "Almost nine months."

I smiled, snuggling into his side only slightly.

'When-," Steven cut off my aunt.

"Stop with the questions Lauren. I'm sure they're already nervous enough."

Taking a deep breath and sending a nasty look towards my father, she sat back in her seat. "Of course. How's the directing, Chloe?"

I paled, expecting to hear this question, however, anything regarding Davidoff immediately seemed less appealing. Thankfully, he never touched me again, but, every once in a while he would make a cutting remark, or linger near me for a moment longer that necessary.

"Brilliant. It's better than I'd ever imagined it." I grinned sheepishly at my aunt and my dad, who in return smiled back to me kindly.

"That's wonderful, Chloe! You have to tell me all about over coffee tomorrow."

"Actually, I know a good place. I'd love to." I responded. "How long are you guys going to be in the city?"

"Two days, kiddo." My dad said, "I can't get out of work for very long."

I nodded understandingly.

"Three days, honey. It'd be great, we can catch up." Lauren said, beaming at me.

I glanced at the clock. "A-actually, we have to go get ready."

"Oh, alright." Dad said, already getting up from his seat, soon followed by my aunt.

"Tomorrow at ten?" Lauren called out as Derek and I ushered them to the front door.

"Yeah, swing by."

"Derek, will you be joining us?" My aunt asked, however, I could tell if she wanted him there or not.

"If I'm wanted." Derek muttered, his lips perking up slightly in a fake smile.

My aunt sputtered, as if him not joining us was a preposterous idea. "Of course you are."

I smiled, pulling my aunt and father into a quick hug.

"Bye, love you guys."

The door closed and Derek turned on me. "I never knew Chloe Saunders was a liar."

My cheeks flamed, however I shrugged, as if I was completely indifferent. "Hey, you can't love everything about me."

Derek swept in, his hand gently caressing the back of my neck. "I beg to differ."

Not my best, clearly. Wow, I had no idea where this was going until I wrote it. Sorry you had to endure this. Please leave suggestions for the next chapter.

Sorry for not posting for forever! But I've been working on a new story, Roommates, and I'm really excited, please read it!

Don't forget to favorite, follow, and review!

Thanks. Bridget.