The long days of workshop had made time pass quickly and soon days turned into weeks and weeks into months. For Derek and Karen, the passing of time meant they had officially been together now for three-months; and for the director, they had been the best three-months of life.
"I can't believe I'm relaxing in the Hamptons on a Friday morning." Karen wistfully sighed. "This has got to be the best birthday ever." She continued "And, that's saying a lot because on my 11th birthday I got my first keyboard and tickets to see Christina Aguilar." Her last statement making Derek laugh. "Don't laugh, 'Genie in A Bottle' was very in." she pouted her body slightly turned in Derek's embrace so that she faced him. Today was Karen's 26th birthday and the director had surprised his girlfriend with a trip to his beach side cottage in the Hamptons. They left New York last night after rehearsals and enjoyed a late dinner and a moonlight walk upon their arrival. The trip was only the first part of what Derek hoped would be a weekend she would remember. Looking in her lovers' eyes, her tone grew serious "thank you, no one has ever done anything like this for me before."
Derek looked at the stunning woman in front of him and it amazed him she couldn't see how special she was. "You, Karen Cartwright, are worth so much more than this and I have every intention of making sure you always know that." He told her. "I am utterly crazy over you and I can only hope that you will be gentle with my heart because there is no turning back, it belongs to you."
Reaching out to cup his cheek, Derek's eyes fluttered closed at her touch. Seeing him so vulnerable she knew he was right, there was no turning back because to do so would break her. The gorgeous Brit in front of her owned her heart just as much as she owned his. "I love you Derek Wills and I will forever hold your heart close." His eyes opened at her words. It was the first time either of them had vocalized what was felt in their hearts. The smile on his face was enough for Karen to know he, was her forever. Turning completely so that she was now straddling her lover, she leaned in to capture his lips for a kiss she hoped would express everything words could not. They were so lost in each other they failed to notice the unwelcomed guest until the click and flash of a camera brought them back to reality. Turning to see where the sound came from, the couple could see a photographer standing outside the gate at the edge of the boardwalk from Derek's deck to the beach.
"What the bloody hell," Derek said as he gently moved Karen from his lap. Standing from where they had been reclining on the outdoor bed, he began to make his way to the gate but it was too late as the gentleman had already taken off. "I'm sorry, Love. I have no idea how they found us."
"It's alright, at least we were clothed," she flushed thinking what would have happened had there been no interruption. Seeing the pink on her cheeks Derek grinned.
"We could go inside and rectify that," he said stealthily making his way to her.
"Sorry Mr. Wills, not gonna happen, I think a dip in the ocean is more appropriate." She said removing her top to reveal a tiny turquois bikini. "I'll race you." She laughed pushing her way past him in a fast run. Taking a few minutes to grasp what just happened Derek discarded his shirt thanking the gods it was already unbutton and in a sprint he ran after the brunette. Catching her just before she reached the water he lifted her over his shoulder and dove together into the cold water. Their laughter filling the cool breeze. Wrapping her arms around his neck she let herself be easier carried in his embrace relishing the taste of salt on his lips. "I could get used to be being spoiled by you Mr. Wills." She informed her voice husky.
"Oh, I'm not worried Miss Cartwright, forever is a strong probability." He replied back before capturing her lips once more.
Three hours after their morning swim, Derek found himself loaded down with every size of bag imaginable. After enjoying their swim in the ocean and the extra time taken to rinse themselves off together in the shower, Karen had wanted to come into town to visit several shops and boutiques. She had also decided she wanted to cook dinner together so they were currently on hunt for fresh lobster. "Oh can we stop in here?" she asked looking in the window of the local jewelry store.
Stepping inside the couple was greeted by an elderly woman and man. "Hello, how can we help you today?' the woman asked. "All of our jewelry is one of a kind as my Henry here crafts it by hand." She announces proudly.
"We're just looking right now," Karen answered making her way over to a glass case containing various necklaces. Derek watched with fascination as his girlfriend eyed each piece with care, her eyes narrowing and her face moving closer to the glass when an item caught her attention. One item in particular seemed to have her attention as she had been admiring it now for several minutes. Moving next to her he asked.
"Is there something you'd like to see, Love?" Her shy smile returned letting him know she was embarrassed at having found something she liked but didn't want to buy for herself.
"I was just admiring the craftsmanship," she lied.
"Excuse, do you mind if we looked at one of these necklaces." He asked the elderly couple.
"Of course not," came the reply as both moved to stand in front of the couple. "Let me see if I can guess which one you want to see," the woman smiled looking at Karen. The woman reached for what appeared to be a simple heart shaped pendant made from white gold. However, upon closer inspection, you could see the outline of the heart was actually the silhouettes of a man and woman leaning down into each other for a kiss. Where their lips met formed the tip of the heart and from there hung a single solitaire diamond.
Derek had to admit the piece was beautiful in its simplicity and from the twinkle in Karen's eyes the elderly woman was correct in her guessing. Seeing the subtle detail of the silhouettes, explained why the brunette had been studying it and the intimacy of the act the heart portrayed made the gift one clearly intended to be given by a lover. Bringing the piece out from the case she handed it not to Karen but to Derek.
He gladly accepted the necklace and turning to Karen motioned for her to turn around. "It's alright, I don't need to try it." She stated not wanting to make her boyfriend feel obligated in anyway. "I was just admiring it. It is absolutely stunning." She complimented the owners.
Derek smiled at the elderly couple. "Did I hear correctly when you said earlier that each piece is one of kind?" He inquired.
"Oh yes, Henry crafts pieces as he receives inspiration, no two are ever alike." The woman smiled knowing what the young man was trying get the young woman to understand.
"Then to pay proper homage to such a fine piece of craftsmanship; I believe a piece like this should only be given and worn by woman equally unique. One whose subtle grace and compassion can steal a man's heart without warning, wouldn't you agree?" He asked the couple but his eyes remained locked on Karen.
"It would give me great pride to know my piece was gifted to such a woman to be worn as a symbol of the love she inspires." Henry remarked.
Karen's face was now a deep shade of red. His attention now focused on the owners he smiled "I'll take it; it truly is a beautiful piece, almost as beautiful as the woman who will wear it," he stated pulling out his wallet. Once again he motioned for Karen to turn, this time his request was granted.
"I love it," she confessed.
"And I you," he replied. Signing the receipt he led Karen out of the store knowing it would not be the last time he'd paid the couple a visit.