This chapter should make you all a little happier - more MerDer interaction, still going slow, but things are beginning to heat up a little bit. As for Mark, yes, he's Derek's friend, but just as he indicated on Grey's, he's capable of doing things that aren't always smart. I had that part written well before any of you expressed interest in him and Izzie perhaps getting together, and I couldn't really revise it without impacting this chapter. But I do have plans...so read, enjoy and review! (I admit...I like this chapter a lot myself...hopefully you will too!)


Chapter Seven - Longing to be With You

The phone was ringing the next day when Morgan came through the door after her morning run. Wiping sweat out of her eyes, she picked it up breathlessly. "Hello?"

"Oh…hello… is Derek there?" The female voice on the other end of the line was soft, a little hesitant at hearing Morgan's voice.

"He's still in bed. Can I take a message?" Morgan assumed it must be a casting agent's office, or something similar. She pulled a bottle of water from the fridge and twisted it open.

"Well, all right, I guess…"

"Who is this?"

"This is Meredith Grey…"

"And you are…?"

Meredith laughed softly on the other end. "I guess I'm his hair stylist."

Morgan's eyebrows went up. "And you make personal phone calls to your clients?"

"Actually, maybe I should just speak with him. I'll leave you the number…"

"Whatever…let me grab a pen." Morgan scribbled down the cell phone number, and nodded. "All right, ciao."

Derek wandered into the small kitchen then, looking half asleep, wearing faded jeans that were low on his hips. He yawned widely, and looked at the phone in her hand. She shoved it at him, along with the piece of paper. "Here…your stylist called…"

"Wha-?"

"Meredith…" Morgan shrugged. Derek had come home late last night, well after she had finished her shower, and crawled into bed. She feigned sleep when he settled beside her, avoiding conversation and rolled away from the hand that he rested on her hip. She had been feeling too guilty and confused to talk to him, waiting until he flopped onto his back, his breathing indicating he was asleep, before she dared move again. Then this morning, she slipped out for a run before he woke up.

"Why would she call here?" Derek asked, confused and half asleep yet. He had caught a glimpse of her eating dinner with Jack last night, as he slipped out for a break. But that was the last he'd seen of her, and now he stared at the cell number scrawled on the paper in his hand.

Morgan shrugged again. "Didn't know you could afford her prices, Derek. Now I remember who she is – kind of expensive, honey. Or do you fuck her for hair cuts?"

"Morgan, that's crazy," Derek sighed. "You know me better than that."

"I'm just saying…" Morgan smirked, taking a long drink of water.

"And she's not that kind of woman, either, so drop it," Derek added, with a scowl.

"Ooohh…touchy, aren't you? You know her that well, do you?"

Derek looked at her. "You have no reason to be jealous, Morgan. I'm not the kind of guy to cheat on you."

Morgan gulped her water miserably, feeling even worse, but she seemed to be unable to keep from goading him. "But you'd like to fuck her wouldn't you? I've seen pictures of her, she's quite a hottie. And you're not fucking me these days, so you must be getting it somewhere…"

"Stop it, Morgan. What's wrong with you?" Derek rubbed his hand over his face, trying to understand her sudden jealousy.

"Nothing…just…"

Derek moved closer to her, putting his hand against her cheek, surprised to see a glitter of tears in her eyes. "Hey, baby…what's wrong? I swear, there is nothing going on between Meredith and me…you have nothing to worry about." His conscience wasn't entirely clear, but it was true, there was nothing happening, just some flirtation, and some fantasies. Morgan bit back a little unexpected sob, at his gentle touch, her own conscience gnawing at her, but unable to tell him what happened. Yes, Mark had been aggressive, but she couldn't deny that she had been just as caught up in the moment.

She nodded, biting her lip. "Okay…sure, whatever you say, Derek."

As he pulled her closer, she sighed, letting him hug her, resting her head against his chest. Each of them wrapped up in their own thoughts, trying to act as if nothing was wrong.

Meredith stared at the phone in her hand, feeling silly. Whatever had possessed her to phone Derek at home? Obviously the man was living with someone, a someone who was well aware he was still in bed. She had a sudden vision of that lean body naked, with sheets rumpled around his hips, his hair sleep tousled on the pillow. Heat washed through her at the mental image, and Meredith shook her head to clear the lustful thoughts away.

Get a grip, girl, she thought with a little smile. Where had that come from? She didn't normally fantasize about her clients, after all. But she'd had this mad idea that he needed a job, and she could use a model for an upcoming trade show. That hair of his would be perfect. However, maybe his girlfriend would lose the message, or conveniently forget to pass it along to him, and they could forget this whole thing. Probably best. If he needed a haircut, he knew where to find her. She settled deeper into the rocker on her sunny patio, sipping her morning tea. Stormy dozed in the sun beside her, half hidden in the pots of geraniums that edged the patio. Sunlight glittered on the tiny pool, beckoning her for a swim.

The house in Venice Beach that she still owned was another bone of contention between Jack and herself, but she didn't feel like moving in with him just yet. This was close to the ocean, someplace she liked to walk to clear her head. In fact, that was just what she needed at the moment – a long walk, and sand between her toes. Stormy stretched luxuriously, twitching his tail, as Meredith stood up. "You stay here and guard the house," she told him, rubbing his belly. "Keep the mice away." He just blinked solemnly at her and went back to sleep.

She dressed quickly in faded cutoffs, and a loose white cotton sweater, pulling her hair up in a ponytail. Adding a pair of big Fendi sunglasses, before she headed outside into the warm sun again, and she was good to go. She wandered along the boardwalk, feeling at home among the crowds, before finally reaching the beach. Wind tugged her hair, trying to pull it free of the restraint, and whipping away any of her feelings of self doubt.

Before long, she was aware of someone approaching her from the opposite direction. As if conjured from her previous thoughts, she was soon face to face with Derek. His hair was unruly, rioting around his face, and his startling blue eyes were warm on her. "Well, we have to stop meeting like this," he said with a sexy grin. He was wearing a cobalt blue shirt, that matched his eyes, and jeans so thin and faded, they looked almost white. Barefoot, like she was, he seemed more boyish and carefree than before.

"That's a bad pickup line," she giggled.

"Good thing I wasn't trying to pick you up then." They walked together for a few steps. "You phoned me this morning?" he prompted, glancing at her.

Meredith nodded, with a roll of her eyes. "Silly of me – just forget it…"

"What was it?"

"I, um…I had this crazy idea to hire you."

Derek raised one eyebrow as their eyes met. "Hire me?"

"As a model for a tradeshow I'm doing – to demonstrate techniques…"

"Interesting. Do I look that desperate for work?" His voice was a little cool.

"No, god, no," Meredith assured him, touching his arm. "Just in need of a haircut…and my usual guy is out of town…"

"I see. Can I get back to you on that? Check my busy schedule?"

"Of course, it was spur of the moment, after seeing you last night. I'll understand perfectly if you don't want to," Meredith confessed. They settled onto the sand then, watching the waves silently, content in the silence between them.

"I didn't expect to run into you out here," Derek said finally, propping himself on one elbow beside her.

"I just live on Jasmine Way. I like to come out here and clear my mind." Meredith let a handful of sand trickle through her fingers, feeling warm and lazy.

"You're kidding. I'm only two blocks from you – on Redberry Road."

"Seriously? Small world…"

"Very."

"I hope I didn't cause any problems when I called," Meredith commented. "The woman that answered…"

"Morgan. .."

"She sounded a little…surprised. Your girlfriend?"

Derek shook his head. "I'm not sure where we're at in our relationship, actually, Meredith. I thought we were good, but lately…"

"Is she an actress as well?"

"Yes." Derek raked his hair out of his eyes, looking over at Meredith, not really wanting to talk about Morgan at that moment. "Meredith…" he murmured, looking into her soft green eyes, tucking an errant strand of hair behind her ear. The breeze off the ocean swirled around them, as the moment stretched out between them. She looked so sweet and sexy, making him feel protective, wanting to take her away someplace safe. Like a bed…

He suppressed the urge to kiss her – it was the wrong time, the wrong place…just wrong… If they were both single, he wouldn't hesitate to tell her what he felt. Which was what exactly? Lust? Friendship?

"What?" she whispered.

Derek shook his head, moving back slightly. Watching her expression – was that regret, or relief? Did she feel the same unspoken desire that snapped like a current in the air? She must, her lips parted slightly, as she leaned forward into him, her hair falling around them in a scented rush as it came loose. "We should go…" he said softly

Meredith realized with a start they had been sitting here longer than she had realized. "You're right," she agreed, but reluctant to break the spell of companionship between them.

Derek's eyes slid down to where her sweater had slipped off her shoulder. Unable to stop, his hand gently caressed the sun warmed skin, marveling at the soft satin feel. He felt her shiver, and he let his hand slide down her to arm to take her hand. Before he could do anything stupid, he jumped to his feet, and pulled her up with him. He wasn't the kind of guy to cheat, despite wanting her so much it was beginning to consume him. He wanted her soft curves against him, wanted to devour her with his mouth and make her feel the abandonment of their desires.

As they turned to walk silently back to the boardwalk, Meredith's thoughts were in a tangle. She found herself attracted to him, drawn to his easy charm and the way he made her special. It was wrong, it was against her nature, and she was torn. He was with somebody else already, and she had Jack. How messed up would their lives be if they let themselves get carried away?

At the edge of the boardwalk, they stopped and he touched her cheek. "I'm glad I ran into you today, Meredith. I'll call you about the job," Derek said, as she smiled at him.

"Sure…no rush. But you really need that haircut…" she teased him gently, tousling the dark curls that hit the collar of his shirt.

"Funny…"

Meredith's heart skipped as he leaned closer again, and she thought he was going to kiss her this time. And she was surprised at how much she wanted him to. Derek brushed a gentle kiss against her temple, instead. "Gotta go, Meredith. Talk to you soon…"

"Yes…" She hugged herself, as he turned to walk away, feeling strangely bereft at his absence. Watching the blue shirt disappear into the afternoon crowd of rollerbladers, she found herself crossing her fingers that he would look back at her. A little rush of pleasure surged in her, as he did look, before she turned herself and headed the opposite direction.

"Thanks for doing this today, Derek," Meredith smiled at him, as they were seated at a table in the small bistro near her salon. It had been a successful afternoon, for both of them. Meredith made several new contacts, and the other hair and makeup stylists had buzzed around her area. "It was a good day, for both of us."

Derek had helped her carry out the black duffel bag that contained her products and equipment to her car after the show, and she insisted on buying him dinner after they deposited the items at her shop. The bistro was a favorite of hers, small and unpretentious, with wonderful food. The owners knew her well, and usually saved a table for her in the back.

He flashed her a grin, and ran a hand through his hair. "Win win situation, I think."

"I think you made a few new fans, and discovered some old ones," she giggled, thinking of the women that had been captivated by his charm. A few of them asked for autographs, remembering him from his earlier movies, something he felt inordinately grateful for.

"I don't know about that, but it was nice to be remembered."

"And I think that producer was impressed too," she reminded him, thinking of the big sandy haired man that was also one of her clients. He was up and coming in the business, doing smaller budget movies that were modestly successful. "Bob's a good guy, seriously, Derek. You can't go wrong with him."

"Well, thanks again for the opportunity, Meredith. I appreciate it."

Meredith smiled at him over the rim of her wineglass. "Cheers...to a bright future."

"To the future..." Derek added, trying to keep his tone light. His eyes lingered on the play on light along her delicate features. Light slanted through the open timbers above them, where the roof was covered in glass panels. Again, her hair was pulled up in a soft knot, with a few tendrils along her temples, and he had a sudden longing to pull the pins away and let it fall around his hands. Little gold earrings dangled from her lobes, and each turn of her head sent them grazing along the side of her throat. It drew his gaze there, imagining kissing the little pulse that jumped there.

Then the waiter appeared with their meal, and he pulled his thoughts back from their erotic ventures. Meredith had been so professional all during the show, with only a light touch on his shoulder from time to time. He wondered if he was getting obsessed about something that was entirely one-sided.

"Meredith...I have to ask you something," he said, as she began her salad.

"Sure..." She looked at him carefully, wondering where this was leading. After their encounter on the beach, she found herself thinking of him more than she really should. She found herself comparing Jack to his younger brother, finding the differences in so many things.

"About Jack...where did you meet him, anyway?"

"Oh..." Meredith speared a piece of cucumber thoughtfully. "Well...it was a fundraiser dinner, for some charity, I can't remember what now. We were placed at the same table. His date backed out, so he was alone that night. We got talking, and he asked me out a week later. One date led to another, and now here we are..."

Derek took another sip of his drink. "I just have to ask...I know Jack can be...controlling, I guess. He always had to have his own way, and our father indulged him a lot. Trying to make up for the loss of his mother, probably, but it didn't help with his attitude."

Meredith sighed a little. "I can handle it, Derek."

"Look, I'm not going to interfere." Even though he wanted to, and he was doing his best not to let his growing desire for her show too much. "Just be careful. I know he has a temper."

Meredith toyed with the stem of her wineglass, looking pensive. Derek reached across the table and touched her hand. "I'm sorry, you're just becoming very special to me, and I don't want you to be hurt. Jack may be my brother, but I don't have any illusions about his character." She didn't pull her hand away, and she didn't speak for a moment.

"He never talks about his parents. It must have been awful for both of you when they died," she said softly, warmed by his touch on her hand. More than she should be, more than she had a right to be.

"You're changing the subject, Meredith," Derek pointed out.

"I do appreciate the concern, Derek, I just need to work this out on my own. Can we talk about other things right now?"

Derek nodded, but then his eyes caught sight of the tiny bruise on the inside of her wrist as she reached up to brush a strand of hair away from her eyes. His eyes narrowed, and he felt a surge of anger at his brother. "He did that to you, didn't he?" he asked softly, not wanting to upset her further.

"What?" Meredith gave him a startled look, before realizing what he was talking about and her eyes flew to her wrist as well. It was a small mark, where Jack's thumb had pressed into her the day before. Derek caught that hand as well, holding them across the table. His blue eyes burned into her.

"How can he do that to you? And what could you possibly do to deserve him hurting you?"

"It's nothing," Meredith assured him. "Please, can we just drop this?"

The good mood Derek had been in previously disappeared, as she tugged her hands away. "Fine. But call me, anytime, Meredith. I mean that - if you need to talk, or whatever, I'm only a phone call away. Okay, honey?" He realized the term of endearment slipped out, but he couldn't help himself. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and keep his brother away from her forever.

"Okay," Meredith replied softly. "I should go." She signaled the waiter for their bill, pulling her wallet out.

"Let me pay for this," Derek insisted, reaching for his own wallet.

"No, you can buy when you're working more." Meredith handed her credit card over quickly, and they waited in silence for a few moments. She signed the receipt then, and got to her feet quickly, and they headed outside quietly. It was darker outside now, and Derek walked her to her car. They stopped alongside the little BMW coupe, and she fumbled for her keys in the large Vuitton purse. She knew she was stalling for time, trying to calm her racing pulse. His concern and his nearness were sending her signals that she couldn't ignore.

The keys caught on something in her purse, and she ended losing her hold on the bag and dropping the whole thing on the pavement. Derek dropped to his knees, just as she made a grab for it as well, and they ended up face to face, his hands on her shoulders to steady her. "You confuse me, Derek..." she whispered. "I thought I knew what I wanted..."

"Shh..."

Derek helped her stand, feeling her body so close to his, her breasts were nearly brushing his chest. "Sometimes I confuse myself," he confessed, trying to make her smile. His warm breath fanned her cheek.

Meredith closed her eyes. "I..." I want you to kiss me, I want you to make me forget all about everything but your mouth on mine... "I really need to go. Take care, Derek." This time she feathered a fleeting kiss across his cheek, before claiming her keys and getting into the car before he could say another word.

The next evening, as Derek prepared the bar for the early crowd, he saw Jack striding across the lounge towards him. His gut tightened, realizing that his brother was headed directly for him. Jack took a seat on one of the stools, leaning his arms on the polished surface. There was no one else around at the moment, as Derek met the frosty look in Jack's eyes.

"What?"

"You don't fool me, Derek," Jack said quietly. "Stay away from my fiancée, okay? Meredith doesn't need you sniffing around her. She's mine."

Derek frowned. "What makes you think that I'm interested?"

"I have my ways, little brother. Don't forget that."

"You sonofabitch...you have her followed?"

"That's none of your concern." Jack smiled thinly, adjusting the already perfect French cuffs on his crisp white shirt. At that moment, Derek wanted to wipe the arrogant smirk off Jack's face, but he held his tongue. One thing he learned growing up, never give any reaction to Jack's taunts, it only made things worse. So he shrugged, as if totally unconcerned, if only for Meredith's sake. He wasn't going to give Jack any reason to take actions with her.

"Fine, whatever. She paid me for working as one of her models at a tradeshow, and we had a late dinner. Nothing to worry about." Derek grabbed a towel and started polishing glasses vigorously, needing an outlet for his emotions.

"Hmm...if you say so. Just keep it that way."

"Sure."

Then Jack got up, noticing the slinky approach of the hostess from her spot near the front doors. Wearing a low cut, ice blue halter dress that displayed the sumptuous curves of her breasts, Zara was homing in her boss with a seductive smile on her face. "Well, don't forget our little chat, Derek." Jack turned away without waiting for an answer, taking Zara's hand and leading her away to his private office beside the kitchen, his other hand resting on the curve of her hip as they walked away.

"Damnit..." Derek muttered under his breath.

"He's gotta be fucking her," Tony, one of the waiters, commented, having walked up just as Jack was disappearing. "From the day she started, they're locked up in there on a regular basis. Hell, I wish I had a chance with her." He winked at Derek.

"He can have her," Derek replied, wondering if he should tell Meredith, or just let Jack hang himself with it.