Chapter 6: Burst into Flames
A cloud of confusion. Casey made her way through the week trying to wrap her mind around all of her emotions. She took on several cases, giving her very little time to think about Derek while she was at work, but it didn't seem to help. He seemed to creep into her mind like a phantom. She took great pride in her work, always had been a perfectionist, but now there was also the incessant need to impress Derek, to ensure he didn't regret hiring her. He had come into her office one time just to check up on her emotionally after that night, but he was very formal. It was hard to imagine they had been in such close proximity to one another, since there was a clear ice division. Behind his formality though, she would catch a little smile, a little glint in his eyes, that made her react. God what was wrong with her, she wanted that ice division knocked out. Right before he left, he stopped and studied her bluntly.
"Casey, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I would hate to see you become an ancient woman overnight, you need to balance things out a bit. Yes you work hard, but there's more to life than that, and you're in clear need of kicking back and relaxing. Seriously, you look exhausted. If you're a zombie at work, it will affect your cases. Go have fun, it's an order." He gave her a little smile and left. She felt a little wave of emotion at how concerned he sounded for her. If he only knew the reason she looked so exhausted was because she wasn't sleeping well, that her dreams were being held hostage by him, he would make fun of her and call her crazy.
That friday, as Casey ate with Melody, Savitha kept going through her mind incissently, and she couldn't help wanting to learn more about Derek's history. "Hey, Melody...I found out something about Mr. Venturi, and I know you know so much about him. I'm not trying to be a gossip, I am just genuinely curious. Who was Savitha Brooks? I know they were in a serious relationship, but do you know what happened?"
Melody choked on her food for a moment, drinking water quickly, "Oh Casey, I'm not sure I'm at liberty to discuss it. I have certain rules since I know so much about him I have to be careful about maintaining his image. I'm in a trusted position, and I would hate for his personal information to be leaked. I've been asked by reporters this very question."
Casey felt frantic, as she burned up with embarrassment. "I don't want you to break confidentiality, it's just... I get the feeling he's been through some dark things, and well, I can't help but want to know why he's so...well guarded."
Melody touched her hand, looking at her for a long time as if trying to decide if she was trustworthy. "Trust me, Mr. Venturi has been through more hell than anyone should ever go through. I know he was affected, but I will tell you he didn't show it on the outside. All you need to know about Savitha Brooks is this: she's an evil, conniving woman. She never loved him. A woman has to not have a heart at all to be able to be with someone like Derek Venturi, and not love him."
Casey felt that annoying stirring in her, for some reason this protectiveness took over. "So she never loved him, was she blind?" She said it so quickly, and quickly blushed, "I mean...I don't mean to be so..."
Melody laughed softly, "You're speaking for the entire female population, it's mystifying isn't it? Not only is he handsome, but he's basically got everything anyone could have to fall in love stupidly. Savitha didn't deserve him. But I will tell you, I'm glad Mr. Venturi didn't allow that woman to take everything from him. He's tough, and he's now making his own name for himself, proving Savitha wasn't able to bury him alive. He fought his way out of that pit aggressively, and didn't look back. He hasn't had a girlfriend in so long. Derek and Savitha ended almost two years ago. And since then he hasn't dated anyone long term. Oh, he's had his adventures, but he's completely given off the no commitment vibes ever since."
Casey couldn't help feeling compassion, and she wanted to ask for more, but she worried it would be too revealing. Derek did seem strong, but it was clear he was scarred. "I get the feeling he's still affected by whatever happened though."
Melody nodded solemnly, "It would be a hard thing to forget, and he loved her., that was obvious. I'm sorry Casey, that's all I can tell you at this point, please try to understand. Savitha was a complete ice queen, while Derek is fun, lively, but she always looked so cold. I don't even get how she captured his attention, sure she was beautiful, but beyond that, I just didn't get it. To be fair, I was jealous," she said with a little laugh. "Promise me you won't tell anyone, I mean I know I didn't reveal a lot."
Casey smiled faintly, "I promise, I admire your integrity. I am just curious to the core, hate being that way, thanks so much Melody." She tried to unpack that information, what could she have done to him? Sure, Derek was a jerk at times, but he didn't deserve to be hurt, and it bothered her that she couldn't find out more.
That weekend, her sister Lizzie called her up to go to the carnival. It was a yearly tradition, and she was so exhausted, but Lizzie begged her with her large blue eyes and she gave in with a groan.
"Casey!" Lizzie basically sprang on her when she saw her, giving her a tight squeeze. "Miss Lawyer, you've been hiding under rocks, I missed you so much."
Casey hugged her tightly, "Oh Lizzie, I just have been so busy, but I'm so glad we can spend time together today." Lizzie was 19, beautiful, smart, and sweet, and they had been best friends all their life. When their parents got divorced, they became a solid unit, they vowed to always take care of one another.
Lizzie danced on her feet, "This is a Mcdonald tradition, going to the carnival has always been our thing. I can't wait," she said happily.
They went on a few rides, laughing and Lizzie made fun of her because she was such a drama queen when it came to rides, screaming and freaking out. As they waited in line for one of the rides, she looked off into the distance. She stopped in her place, staring with complete surprise. Derek. He was with a guy and a girl, and he looked so different, unrecognizable. Without the suit he looked so normal, but still so heart stoppingly handsome. His usual gelled hair was left alone, curling slightly. He wore a leather jacket, and he was laughing, making fun of the guy beside him.
She felt a visceral reaction, she couldn't help it. Lizzie noticed her suddenly distraction, "What are you looking at?" she mused sappily. "Oh that guy," she looked towards the direction she was looking, "He's so...dreamy."
Casey elbowed her, "Don't even think about it, that's my boss," she said with a little annoyance.
Lizzie looked stumped, "Which one?"
Casey blushed, "The one in the leather jacket, that's Mr. Venturi."
Lizzie squealed, "Oh my god, but he's so young! And I wasn't talking about him, by the way. Although now that you mention, he's also attractive. I was talking about the guy beside him. Please, please introduce us."
Casey glanced at the other guy, he was tall, had large brown eyes, he was definitely attractive too. Who was Derek with? As she was trying to figure out the puzzle in front of her, Derek's gaze went to to her, and he stopped in his tracks. The smile he had vanished. She felt unsteady, her heart suddenly jumped in her skin.
He grinned, and came towards her, the other two people beside him followed, "Well, what do you know. You actually listened to me, do my eyes deceive me or are you actually doing something fun for once?"
Casey laughed slightly, "It's all my sisters doing," she glanced at Lizzie, "She dragged me out."
Derek glanced over at Lizzie, and for one moment she feared he would hit on her, "You are sisters?"
Lizzie nodded a little shyly, "I'm Lizzie," she looked at the guy behind him again, completely entranced.
Derek laughed, looking between them as if he was trying to figure out their relationship. "Well, let me guess, you must be the fun one then. There's always a fun one in every family, and well unfortunately for Casey, she's the uptight one, clearly."
Casey shot him a glare, "How dare you assume I'm not the fun one? For all you know, Lizzie could be much more uptight than me, have you ever considered that?"
Lizzie giggled, "Casey, as much as I love you and want to defend you against your boss, I did have to threaten you to come out today. But I'm only a little funner than you, not by much."
Casey gave her sister a molten look that immediately had her scrambling, "I'm joking. Mr. Venturi, Casey is so fun...when we were younger she would drag me to all of these poetry readings, would always take me to cool trips to the museum, and gave me meaningful experiences. She was so fun are you kidding me, as long as it was not past our curfew."
Casey wanted to melt from embarrassment as Derek looked at her with a little grin. "I stand corrected, she's a wild one," he teased, "Poetry readings? That's the sort of thing only a rebel would do." The sparkling in his eyes made her blush.
Lizzie shrugged apologetically as Casey sputtered nervously, "Poetry is a lost art, Mr. Venturi," she said icily.
Derek's mouth formed a little smile, "You don't say? Damn have I been missing out on the good stuff then. Maybe you could recommend a poem for me, provided it's not too romantic, or gross, but I do love a funny limerick once in awhile."
Lizzie, completely unaware of their strange banter joined in, "You don't say? Well Casey hates limericks, she believes only uncivilized people could read limericks and call it poetry."
Casey couldn't believe it, her sister was out to embarrass her, but Derek just laughed. "She may be right, I'm so uncivilized."
Lizzie was going to be the end of her, "Lizzie!" she said angrily, "This is my boss you can't just call him uncivilized!"
Derek snickered, ruffling his hair playfully, "It's cool Casey, I happen to agree with you, I'm so uncivilized and I'm proud of it. No big deal, cut your sister some slack."
Lizzie was clearly not acting like herself, she was too distracted by Edwin to realize she was ruining her life, "Sorry Mr. Venturi, please don't fire my sister."
Casey was one step away from freaking out, and Derek just gave Lizzie an easy smile. "I wouldn't dream of it, your sister happens to be one of the good ones, I promise," and then he bolted her with one of his intense looks. "Take it easy, princess, I'm not easily offended and you know it."
She had enough of the weird tension, "Enough about me, who are you with Mr. Venturi?"
Derek's arms went around the two, the girl was beautiful, had a cheerful smile. And the guy, up close was definitely attractive. "Lizzie, Casey," he motioned to them, "These two little terrors are my sibs, Edwin and Marty."
Edwin looked at them awkwardly, shuffling nervously, "Hey," he said aloofly and stared at his brother, and leaned into his ear. "Where the hell did these two beauties come from, and why am I just meeting them now?"
Derek laughed loudly, "Well, one of them is, the other one," he said surveying Casey with a mocking sweep, "is such a nerd. Casey happens to work for me."
Casey couldn't help it, "De-rek!" she said angrily.
Lizzie grabbed her arm, "He's joking Casey, calm down please," and then looked at Edwin. "You um, want to leave these two to kill each other and um hang out?"
Marty squealed, "I want to go too!"
Edwin blushed slightly, "Um yeah, that would be cool. My day suddenly got much better," he said with a bit of awkwardness, but it was clear he was trying to be confident.
Derek elbowed him playfully, "Way to go, Ed. You got my permission to go score." He gave his brother a high five, and Edwin just punched him.
"You're such an idiot," Edwin muttered, casting Lizzie an apologetic smile, "Don't mind Derek, please."
Lizzie laughed breathily and poked Casey, "Can I go? I can meet you in an hour, please Casey."
Casey gave Derek and Edwin a protective look, "There will be no scoring, got it? Lizzie is too innocent to be played around with at a whim."
Edwin blushed, "I um, promise I'll behave."
Lizzie glared at her hotly, "Casey, I'm not five, I'll be fine. There's a million people here."
Casey wasn't being annoying for her sake, she was scared that it would mean being left alone with Derek. There was no elevator, and no office for her to hide behind. She smiled faintly, "See you in one hour, not a minute later young lady."
Lizzie grinned and motioned at Edwin with an inviting wave. Derek smiled at them, "Ed, see you in an hour apparently. Don't forget Marty will be with you."
Marty rolled her eyes, "I'm 15 Derek, I'm not a baby!"
Derek smiled at her and gave her a hug. "You are still my little sister, and well there's a lot of weirdos out there. Just looking out for ya kid."
Marty smiled, "How do you do it to always make me forget that I'm mad at you?"
And with that the three of them left, running towards the drop zone. She didn't know why the interaction between Derek and Marty so heartwarming but it was such a sweet side of him. She felt a tremor go through her as his gaze went back to her.
"That was bizarre," she said tightly, "My sister and your brother? Could you imagine us having to be in the same family? Oh my gosh that would be a nightmare."
Derek grimaced, "Yeah, us being related would definitely suck. Talk about insanity, we already can't get along imagine that disaster, " he looked repulsed by the thought. "But if I were you I wouldn't worry too much about us becoming a family. Edwin is a little shy and he won't be busting any moves with Marty following them around. He's not as cool as me."
Casey looked around after a moment of electric silence. "Um anyway, I'll just wait for her, you can go. You already said I wasn't any fun, remember? Wouldn't want to bring down your day."
Derek smiled a little, and stood there for a moment, observing her. "Well, if you want to convince me I was wrong, wouldn't you agree that maybe you should try having fun with me?"
Casey looked up alertly, "Fun how?" she didn't mean to sound so intrigued.
He looked around them, as if it should have been self explanatory. "We're at a carnival Casey, it's meant to be fun. Come on, your sister said you were fun, don't you want to prove it?"
Casey smiled unwillingly, "Fine, only because my sister thinks I'm fun, not for any other reason, got it?"
He smiled brilliantly and pulled her by the arm, "Come on, lighten up."
They lined up at a few different rides, and at first she was extremely shy around him, but he was so damned charismatic, he pulled her out of that within moments. He kept daring her to go on the vominator, which was a ride meant for people to throw up from all the spinning, and after a lot of taunting she gave him. He laughed the entire time while she screamed. When they got off the ride she was walking dazely, and he kept reaching for her, steadying her.
"Should have known you would make me deaf," he teased as she tried to keep herself from throwing up. "Oh god, you look like you're going to hurl. If you get my leather jacket, I will definitely freak out."
Casey glared at him, trying to keep herself collected. She wasn't faint from the ride, but rather how nice his arm felt around her. "You're not chivalrous in the slightest, a chivalrous guy would offer his jacket happily for a woman in distress. You're clearly too immature to understand the concept though."
Derek scoffed, "You come from a different planet Case, you're saying I should sacrifice my jacket just so you have somewhere nice to throw up on rather than yourself? Seems egotistical to me," he lit up with mischief.
Casey shrugged as she moved away from him with a little smile. "Clearly it's like explaining the laws of the universe to a monkey, you wouldn't get it."
Derek laughed, stopping to look at her with complete surprise. "So I'm a cat, a monkey, what's next an elephant seal to mock my looks? You're just full of angel sweetness."
Casey blushed, he could never be an elephant seal. He was too attractive for his own good, but she was not about to reveal that. "I'm just frank about my beliefs, that's all and you can't handle it."
Derek led her to the pretzel line up, "I won't offer my jacket for you to destroy, but I'll buy you a pretzel, deal?" he said smoothly, and she ended up smiling at him.
"Fine, I guess that would be acceptable," maybe he wasn't the chivalrous type, but he still had some sweetness, even if it was very rare.
Derek shook his head with amusement as they waited in line. He looked so different, more approachable. What was it about the suit that made him so overpowering? Her thoughts got disrupted as she noticed a woman in front of them who kept looking back at Derek, fluttering her eyelashes bluntly.
Derek noticed her, and the woman gave him a flirty look, "You're dazzling," she said sweetly.
Derek smiled dashingly, "Not as dazzling as you," he murmured softly. Casey was instantly annoyed, so that's what Derek was like outside the office, just flirting with strangers without a thought. She giggled at him, giving him such a lustful look that it made her insides boil. When she saw Casey, her smile wiped away.
"Oh," she said sincerely, "Sorry I didn't mean to interrupt your date, " and then turned around hastily.
Derek laughed a little. "Seems you scared off a potential date, you are definitely not what I'd want as a wingwoman that's for sure. You're too intense. "
Casey rolled her eyes, "I didn't mean to scare her off, I was just observing, that's all." She would rather die than to admit she might have given that woman a glare or two, but she couldn't help it for some reason.
Derek just shrugged, clearly unbothered and handed her the pretzel. "Don't worry, there's a million more just like her out there, I'll be fine."
Casey couldn't help herself, "You're shallow, they're not all the same. They are unique and I'm sure they are wonderful, complex beings that shouldn't be toyed with." The reminder of what Savitha could have done to him struck her. "I mean, don't get me wrong there are also a lot of horrible women out there that don't deserve your attention, but there are good people out there Derek."
He laughed dryly and she followed him to a bench. "Well I haven't met very many, we live in completely different worlds Casey." He sat down and pat the spot next to him, "Now can you stop depressing me and just relax?"
She was jittery as she sat close to him, the scent of aftershave tickled her senses. "So um, you look different without the suit."
Derek took a loud bite of his pretzel, "Thank god. I hate wearing suits, if it were up to me I'd dress this way all the time. Much more comfortable," he watched her as she nibbled on her food. "You also look different, you've got the preppy thing going on."
She blushed a little, was tempted to ask which version he preferred.
Derek then casually brought up the upcoming party, "So um are you bringing a date?"
Casey laughed softly, "I'm bringing someone, just not what you'd expect," she said with a little smile.
He had a stony look on his face, "You are? Who?"
Casey grinned, for a split second she thought she saw a flicker of jealousy. "My best friend, Emily. I thought it would be kind of sad to show up alone, Em insisted she wanted to come."
He let out a little breath, and broke into a teasing smirk. "Oh, you're right it would be lame to show up alone."
Casey tried not to stare at him too much, but it was challenging. "I'm sure you're not showing up alone."
He looked put off by the thought, "I'll be too busy making sure things are running well. If I had a date, I'd just ignore her, and well I don't want little scenes of tears and getting called a jerk in front of my employees."
Casey smiled a little more than she wanted to. And then Derek looked out, pointing towards the carnival games. "Want to go shoot some bottles? I'm sure you have horrible aim, and I bet you won't get anything," he teased softly.
Challenged burned within her, causing her to stand up quickly, nodding excitedly. "Oh you're so on, don't underestimate me Mr. Venturi."
Derek looked surprised, and then gave her a hot, inviting look. As if they were about to commit the most erotic thing on earth."How about this, if you beat my score I'll give you a paid day off. If I win, you have to run errands for me for an entire week. You have to get my coffee, my food, and any other annoying tasks I want, and you can't complain."
Casey pretended to be annoyed. The thought of having a full week at Derek's call made her excited, more than she wanted to be. "I'm not a secretary Mr. Venturi, I have cases to solve, but I'm pretty sure I'll win so I'm not too worried."
Derek seemed taken back by her confidence. "So do you want the paid day off?"
Casey thought hard about it, she wanted his attention for some reason. "I don't want a paid day off, I like working. I know it would be extremely challenging for you, but you have to be nice to me for an entire week. No teasing, and you can't just avoid me, you have to make an effort. " She blushed a little, what was she doing?
He looked at her for a moment, and she worried it sounded a little too scandalous but he promptly offered his hand, "Deal."
Casey reached for his hand and they shook slowly. She was distracted by the specks of gold in his eyes since the light hit him full on. She had just agreed to play games with her boss, and it was enthralling, it made a zing of dangerous excitement consume her. As they made their way to the shooting game, she found herself captivated by his jokes, and she had lightened up a lot. She was laughing a lot. At the back of her mind, she wondered why this felt so intimate, as if she was on a date.
"Alright Mcdonald, this is how it's done," he taunted as he went up. There were ten bottles all lined up. He had the rifle filled with ping pong balls, looking at his target with complete concentration. He had incredible aim, and as she was beginning to feel that wave of attraction for him, she started to have second doubts. Maybe this was a horrible idea, a whole week of Derek just calling her whenever he wanted, of having to see him more when she already felt so confused was so unwise. She needed him to lose, so she went up behind him, and she tickled his ribs. Derek missed the shot, and cursed loudly.
He darted her with a glare, "Wow, maybe I was wrong about you, you play dirty Casey."
Casey shrugged playfully, "We were ambiguous Mr. Venturi, no one ever said no cheating, as a lawyer I need everything to be laid out explicitly."
His eyes roved over her, as if breaking out of her goody-too-shoes persona shocked him. "Well I'm telling you now, don't touch me again," he said a little bitingly, "I almost shot my foot."
Casey laughed a little, "Not up to a little challenge Mr. Venturi?"
His eyes gleamed with sudden intensity, "Fine, have it your way, but when it's your turn you'll regret that."
Derek ended up shooting 5 out of the 10 due to her insistent poking, she had clearly lost her mind, but the thought of having to be at his constant whim for an entire week made her nervous,
He was extremely annoyed, was her touch truly that irritating? "Your turn," he said darkly.
"I let you shoot three times without interference, you owe me the same courtesy."
Derek chuckled, "Just shoot Casey."
Casey took the the rifle and concentrated. Surely Derek wouldn't do anything too...her mind stopped as she felt him behind her. His hands went to her waist, and his fingers moved over her in a slight tickle, she shot in crazed movements. Her breathing was all over the place as he kept grazing her, over and over again until she dropped the rifle. She had shot 2 bottles out of the 10. There were no more bottles to hit, but he was still touching her so wickedly, and she was so mortified by the delightful surge going through her body, she twisted around spastically. She tripped while trying to shove him back, and Derek fell backwards. The idiot hadn't let go of her, and the momentum brought her down on top of him.
His arms went around her automatically, her body nestled into his, and her face landed in his neck. She was breathing harshly, and he was laughing, muttering something about "klutzilla," but she couldn't heart anything over the pounding in her ears. How could he be laughing at a time like this? "Oh my god," she said alertly, trying to move off him. She felt all too much, and she was scattering to get off him, but his gaze bolted her in place. She froze. He was staring at her face, and that laughter dissolved into the air.
They were in a weird trance, his hand went to her cheek, softly stroking. "You've got some dirt," he tried to explain hoarsely.
Casey was mesmerized, and was aware of a humming in her entire body. He was looking up at her with an intensity that made her mind melt. This unfurling tension went through her in spurts of desire. She found herself taking in the details of his face, lingering on his mouth for just moment. She melted into him the longer he looked at her, and his arms stayed lodged around her. It had been a long time since she'd been in such a sexual position, and it was in a public setting with people just looking at them, yet she couldn't have noticed them if she tried. She noticed his ragged breathing, the way his cheeks burst with redness. His gaze was unbreakable, dark beauty, eyes that made her feel desperately out of control.
He smiled slowly, a shivering wave coursed through her. "Well, this isn't the kind of fun I had in mind, but hey I'll give it to you, you're not as boring as I thought. Are you ever going to get off me princess?" he teased.
Oh Derek Venturi was absolutely sexy, and as the thoughts crammed in her mind, she sprang off him. "Oh god, I'm so sorry," she breathed harshly, "You shouldn't have done that, you know how uncoordinated I am!"
Derek got up slowly, rubbing his head, and let out a little breathless laugh. "I didn't mean for that to happen, I was just getting you back for distracting me, but it seems you just love falling on me. You have got to be most uncoordinated person on earth."
Casey flushed, "I do not! You pulled me down, that wasn't all my fault!" She wanted to disappear.
Derek looked away, smiling ruefully. "I guess I'm a little guilty, but Casey you turned around so quickly I didn't even have a moment to think. How was I supposed to know you would knock me down like a bowling ball?"
Casey was so flustered, and she focused on smoothing out her clothes, trying to avoid looking at his face. "I was annoyed. You were supposed to give me some free shots, you cheated more."
Derek moved closer to her, and she anxiously looked up at his smiling face. "I don't follow rules Casey, and you started it. You only have yourself to blame. So I guess I won," he said in a sultry tone.
She turned away from him, trying to look at anything but him. "You did," she said breathily, "Congrats."
Derek pulled her back to him, his brazzen expression fizzled away. "You don't have to um follow through on the deal, it's fine. I did cheat."
"No, a deal is a deal," and she looked at her watch, "Lizzie will be looking for me. See you Monday," she moved away from him in quick succession.
He followed her though and they were quiet the entire way, games with Derek Venturi were too lust filled for her liking. Oh, why couldn't she get her heart to stop galloping away from her? "Would it atleast make you feel better that you're funner than I thought?"
Casey was too embarrassed to even look him in the eye, "Great, glad I entertained you."
When they found their siblings, Lizzie was just twinkling with excitement, "Casey, I'm ready for round two with you."
Casey avoided Derek as she reached for her slowly. "I'm sorry, um, I should go home. I'm not feeling well."
Derek made a little sound, but he remained silent. Lizzie said goodbye to Edwin, and she said something to him in a hushed whisper. At least one of us is walking away feeling happy, instead of mortified like me.
She glanced at Derek shyly, "Thanks for a fun day," she said as cheerfully as she could, "See you Monday." And with that she took a hold of Lizzie and pulled her away.
She heard him say, "See you," but he didn't seem too thrilled about the thought at all.
Casey spent the rest of the weekend just kicking herself, she should have never tickled him in the first place, what was the matter with her? She accepted his challenge, it was so indecent of her, so unlike her. Yet it was the funnest hour she'd had in the longest time, maybe in her whole life. While he wasn't too mean about the falling incident, it made her feel anxious, and ardently aroused. How could she face him now? She certainly lingered on him, made no effort to move off him until he spoke, but her mind just stopped. She couldn't get him out of her mind.
On Monday, she looked at her phone the entire day. It didn't ring, and she should have been relieved, but she wasn't. It upset her, it felt like there was no winning. She didn't want to be around him, but at the same time she desired his company, it was a constant battle and it was so exhausting. Throughout the week, she kept hoping he would eventually call her.
Casey took the stairs that entire week, she really couldn't stand the thought of seeing him. She felt so inexplicably lost. And she couldn't stop thinking about him underneath her, she couldn't help it, she thought about it. Thought about what it would be like to sleep with him, what it would be like to feel his hands all over her, to tame that unattainable force in him. Oh god, it had to be her dry spell, had to be. Around the corner was the staff appreciation, and word around the firm was Derek was going to throw the best party the firm had ever seen. Maybe that's why he had forgotten their bet.
Emily took her out shopping one night, "Casey, I have one goal in mind." She beamed with mischievousness,
"Oh?" she croaked, she knew that look had trouble written all over it.
Emily scanned her body leisurely slow. "I'm going to make sure you are the hottest lawyer, you need to turn heads. It's supposed to be evening wear, so what do you say to um showing a little bit more than you usually do?"
Casey gasped, turning beet red. "Emily, I do not want to turn heads! I've never been the type to flaunt my body, and you know it. Why can't I look classy but still beautiful?"
Emily sighed heavily, going through different racks, "Casey, I'm not telling you to go as a stripper, just maybe add a little bit of sauciness to your look. Maybe a little cleavage, something that will highlight your legs. You have a dancer's body, and you hide it, it's a crime Casey. How else can I test to see if Mr. Venturi is attracted to you?"
Casey fumbled with her purse, "Well don't we want it to be authentic? I don't want him to be attracted to me as a bimbo, if I want to test it, I want him to be um attracted to me as I am."
Emily laughed, handing her a red dress, "So you do want him to be attracted to you?"
"No!" she answered quickly, "I'm just saying if we're testing this insane theory, then it needs to be done authentically." She grimaced as she looked at the dress in her hand, it was basically made to reveal boobs and nothing else.
"Casey, but we need to take the element of surprise, if he's suppressing attraction, we need to hit him with you at your hottest. Please Casey, we can compromise."
It was madness, she felt guilty trying to get his attention this way. It seemed wrong to play with this, what if he was, then what? Or even worst what if he wasn't? She didn't know what was worse. After a week of not seeing him, and him not collecting the bet, she found herself saying, "Fine, but there will be no this," she said throwing the dress back to her, "This is my workplace, keep that in mind."
After five hours, she stood in front of the mirror with Emily gaping at her. The dress she chose went all the way to the floor, and there one slit up the one side that revealed one of her legs. It was a midnight blue colour, with a bit of a plunging neckline. Enough for a little bit of cleavage but not an alarming amount. The straps were thin, revealing more shoulder than she'd ever be comfortable with. There was a bedazzled sequence right where the neckline ended.
"Oh my god," Emily breathed, "You look so sexy but without it being too much. Once you have the completed look, hair, makeup, you're going to be the hottest lawyer, hands down."
Casey blushed, she was losing it. Why was she going to this length just to get Derek Venturi's attention? She should be examined for brain leasures, but as she thought of those eyes, the way he close enough to kiss, it was just more than she could resist.
Derek woke up in a heated sweat, he panted raggedly and groaned into his lap. Dreams of Casey in the most unspeakable scenarios plagued his mind, "Oh fuck," he muttered harshly.
How could he not dream of her that way after the way she fell on him? He couldn't shake the image of her on top of him, the way her cheeks blazed with embarrassment, the way she looked at him with...well not disgust. He could read a woman's reaction to him quite easily, and he could have sworn by the way her eyes scanned his face, how her body fused into his, that she might have been turned on by the situation. He was aware that he was holding on to her like a lifeline, he was just as captivated. Moments away from pulling her head down for a kiss. He hated public display of affections to the bone, but in that moment he could have cared less about where they were, he would have kissed her. It was her fault for tickling him in the first place, the feel of her touch made him act strangely, and he just couldn't think! At the back of his mind he knew he couldn't allow this kind of unprofessional relationship, but he couldn't stop it.
Derek couldn't collect the bet, no way. He was barely holding on to his mind around her as it was. The attraction for her seemed grow like a fire, there didn't seem to be an end in sight, and the thought of a fire burning to that point where nothing could extinguish terrified him. She didn't seem thrilled about that bet anyway, it was best to stay clear of her. As the week progressed, he threw himself into getting every detail for that event done. Originally he didn't want to bring a date, but he needed some form of protection, something to keep his attention so he wasn't just staring after Casey like a starstruck moron.
He called Avery Walker, she was a model, and had been hunting him down for a second date for months. She was tall, leggy, blonde, his usual type. She nearly made him lose his hearing from how loud she squealed into the phone, "You're inviting me as your eye candy to a work party? God, that would be like any girl's dream, being with the Derek Venturi, oh I'm totally your girl."
Derek had to fight to sound enthused, he knew the type of woman she was, all about status. "Yeah, I thought you'd be perfect for this, but I will be checking in on staff a lot, so you may have to sit pretty on your own for most of the night, but no worries, everyone will know you came with me," he said with charm.
"Oh, I get to be your date and see how hot you are as a CEO at the same time? I'm not saying no to that," she said in syrupy voice. He wanted to pull his arm off, he was starting to remember why he couldn't stand her, but there was no time to be picky.
Saturday morning he went to the exclusive banquet they'd rented out. He had hired a band, and they were setting up. Melody had managed to get one of the top caterers, and the bar was being set up. The door prizes were insane, he went all out on them, TVS, Stereos, Vacation Getaways, he wondered if Casey would win anything. George came by at one point and he was quite taken back, "Derek, where the hell do you think this kind of money came from? We have a generous budget, but this...is over the top."
Derek quickly made that scowl disappear, "I paid for it myself, I didn't use company money for it."
George looked stunned, "Why?"
Derek smiled, "Someone always taught me to be the envy of the world around me, and if our firm is the top in the country, I believe the lawyers deserved some recognition, wouldn't you agree?"
It was rare, but George smiled widely, clearly impressed, "I thought you ignored me all these years, what do you know, maybe there's hope for you. But you need to reimburse yourself at least half, deal? No worries I won't come and ruin your evening, although I'm curious as hell."
Derek then looked at the time. He left to pick up Avery, and they came back together, he robotically flirted with her, but it was so hard to even pretend interest. As the banquet started filling up with everyone, he kept his eyes peeled for Casey. He was nervous, sickly so. Ricardo arrived with his date, and as always he was loud and obnoxious. Melody came by to give him a report on everything, she was so anxious so he handed her a drink.
"Melody, for the love of god, you're a guest at this party. You've done enough, go and enjoy your boyfriend, an get a little buzzed, alright? You are the best receptionist ever, sit back and relax." he ordered.
Melody smiled sweetly, "Thank you, sir. Oh and thanks for sitting me beside Casey," she said with excitement, "I love that girl, she seems like a good person."
Derek concealed a little blush, the mention of her name was enough to get him all hot. "You're just too sweet, clearly you haven't seen Casey when she's yelling at me, she's not this sweet little angel, believe me."
She burst out into laughter, "She yells at you? I find that hard to believe, she's the most professional woman there ever was.
Derek smirked, "Oh she's a yeller alright, anyway, go. Have fun."
Avery snaked her arm around him. "You're so hot, do you think we could sneak away at some point? You're looking fine in that suit."
Derek just moved away, gently pushing her away. "Cool it, Ave. I told you, this is a serious event, alright?"
She pouted, and he was just rolling his eyes discreetly, when he heard gasps throughout the room. It was a loud room, yet he could hear and saw many of the lawyers looking towards the entry, with shocked expressions. Who the hell were they leering at?
And then Casey walked in. He burst into flames on the spot. She looked around with a dazzling smile, looking like a goddess or something. Casey had to be the sexiest woman on earth, holy hell. Her dark hair was straightened, she had a half updo. That dark blue dress wrapped around her like a glove, revealing a heart stopping figure, the sight of so much skin showing, her shoulders, her provocative neckline that revealed what could only be described as a cleavage to die all over. She walked slowly to her table, and he noticed the teasing of one leg as she walked. His mind stopped, he was aware of Avery speaking to him, but he just stared at Casey, he couldn't help it.
She scanned around the room until she seized him with her blue, intense eyes. He couldn't help it, he groaned inwardly, he was choking on air. Damn it Casey, are you trying to give me a heart attack? She stared at him for a few seconds, noticing a smile go over her sexy mouth, but then her gaze went to Avery who clamped onto him like a leech. Casey skewered him with a look, as if she was demanding an explanation for Avery's existence. He looked away from her, all his thoughts were consumed with going to her right that instant, taking her away for his sight only. He could see many of the other lawyers all men, just gawking at her. It made him intensely possessive. When he looked up again, she had sat down with Emily at one of the tables, and she was no longer looking at him, thank god.
He reached for Avery, he needed that distraction more than ever, his heart was pounding. Casey garnered a number of admirers, and watched with annoyance as people brought her drinks, they stood there gaping at her, and she just smiled at them with complete confidence. Did she have any idea how hot she looked? After the prim and proper attire he'd seen her in at the carnival, this was a complete 180. Casey was already stunning, but this was bordering on complete seductiveness.
Ricardo came to him immediately. "Holy fuck, have you seen Casey?" he said with round, crazed eyes. Oh god, he knew that look, Ricardo was officially hooked.
Derek forced a laugh, all his energy was going into not showing any emotion. "I did but I was way too zoned in Avery to notice anything, why?"
Ricardo just sputtered, leaning into his ear. "I knew she was hot, but that body...fuck I want her. Derek would you be cool if I tried you know…getting to know her?"
He nearly dropped his drink, giving him a dark glance. "Know her how?"
Ricardo just smirked with devil intent, he didn't have to respond, he was going to try to fuck Casey. He took a deep breath, trying to control his anger."You can try, but you're wasting your time, she's not going to go off with you," he said with a bit more intensity. "You brought a date, are you really going to abandon her to just chase Casey around?"
Ricardo laughed saronicaly, "Um yeah, Casey is worth abandoning a fleet of women, don't stand there and tell me you aren't thinking of her that way."
Of course he was thinking of her that way, of course he wanted to pull her away, kiss her crazily, wanted to pull that dress off her. She was too sexy, and just wanted to give her the wildest night of her entire life. He was turned on beyond anything he'd ever felt, but he covered it up with, "I'm here with a model, Casey doesn't even come close. Fine make a fool of yourself, but she's going to reject you."
Ricardo left him with that stupid smirk, and he was relieved when he didn't go to her. He needed to move, anything to keep this crazy feeling submerged. He left Avery and stopped at all the tables, greeting everyone slowly, all while stealing glances at Casey. At last, he made his way towards her. He was sweating bullets, and he could hear Casey laughing with Emily. As he got closer, he overheard Melody was saying, "Have you seen the way Ricardo is gawking at you? Beware Casey, he's got the hunter look on, trust me he's not your type."
Derek concealed a smile. Thank god Melody had a brain, and then she got up up with her date to go get drinks. He took a deep breath and approached her. She was much more beautiful up close, he tried to keep his eyes in check, but he could feel them bugging out of his head. "Hey," he said with as much cool indifference as possible, "Enjoying the party?"
Casey smiled a little, but she looked at him with detachment, "You really went all out," she said quietly.
He shrugged coyly. "No big deal, it seems everyone is quite happy. I see you're getting quite a few drinks there," he said easily.
Casey just pushed the tray away, "I'm not a big drinker, but I just couldn't be rude to everyone."
He laughed quietly, "Why am I not surprised, I'm assuming there isn't a lot of drinking during poetry readings?"
Casey's gaze locked with his, and he tried not to smile at her openly, but he wasn't in control of much. She smiled back, "No, because just listening to poetry fills the soul with emotion and depth, there's no need for alcohol," she countered.
Derek laughed, "Right, because unbearable pain and wanting to die is so much funner," he teased.
She giggled, it was such an adorable sound, and he was losing his CEO mask, and quickly. The moment didn't last long, just as quickly that smile went away as she motioned towards Avery, "She doesn't seem too happy you're over here."
Derek sat down across from them, with his usual laid back facade. "Oh she isn't, but she knows I have a job to do, she can cry me a river later." I needed to be near you.
He wanted to stay there and talk to her all night, but he couldn't think of anything over the pounding in his heart, so he just shifted his attention to Emily. "Hi, I'm Derek Venturi," he offered his hand to her, and she shook his hand with a surprised look on her face. "You must be Emily."
Casey was staring with round eyes. He had been dying of jealousy up until now, and maybe he just wanted to provoke her a little, so he returned his attention to Emily with his usual charm. "Casey," he said with amusement, "Where have you been hiding her? I couldn't help but notice you, can I get you a drink?"'
Casey squeaked and Emily just looked startled as she fumbled with her napkin."Oh, um that's so kind of you Mr. Venturi, but I'm not drinking tonight. Thanks though."
Casey interrupted and he tried his best to look annoyed. "Mr. Venturi, it wouldn't be appropriate for you to hit on my friend, you're my boss," she said tightly.
Derek just smiled at Casey tauntingly, "I'm your boss, but I'm not hers, I'm doing nothing wrong. "
Emily got up for a moment, blushing slightly. "That's really sweet, but if you'll excuse me, I have to go freshen up."
Casey flared him with an intense look, and looked around her before speaking in a hushed tone. "What do you think you're doing? If you think for one moment I will let someone like you near my best friend, you're crazy, and I will kill you because I know you'd just hurt her."
Derek chuckled, clearly she was triggered. "Casey, it's not like I just seduced her, I was just being a gentleman. You are the one imagining the worst. Lighten up will you, even with a couple drinks you're just insufferable."
Casey glared hotly, "Mr. Venturi, I don't wish to be around you for another moment. Now if you excuse me, go back to your date, and stop going after whoever you please. It's indecent."
Derek smiled, what was indecent was the pure lust burning him, god did she have any idea what she was provoking in him? "Well, I don't know at what point you ever thought I wasn't indecent. Now, stop being such a drama queen, and have some fun will you?"
Casey got up abruptly, "Oh I'm having plenty of fun, just not in your presence!" She marched away looking angry as hell, and he just thought good, I bother you.
Later that night, Derek was talking to some of his coworkers, when he noticed Ricardo approach Casey. His attention went to them like a siren. He felt a possessiveness beyond his control, but he was sure Casey would just push him away. Instead, she got up and accepted his drink, and they talked for the rest of the night. Ricardo had that stupid look on his face, and Casey was laughing, smiling, and he was whispering something in her ear. There was a roaring in his ears, so he just grabbed Avery, and tried to flirt up a storm with her, but he kept looking over at them. Casey caught his gaze a couple times but just gave him a brimstone glare, was she that annoyed he was a little friendly with Emily that now she was just being reckless? He laughed at himself, of course not, she was enjoying Ricardo's attention, clearly. What was supposed to be a fun night to just have an excuse to look at Casey, now was turning into a night of unbearable jealousy. And he hated feeling so stupid.
Casey was fuming as she angrily put food on her plate, he lied to her. He said he was coming alone, and he showed up with a total bimbo with big boobs, and she felt sick to her stomach seeing her hugging him and stealing kisses at random times. She told herself she was acting like a crazy person, their carnival moment was just that, a rare occasion where she got to have fun with Derek, and that was all. But then he just had to make her feel out of control as he hit on Emily right in front of her. Derek was a jerk, stupid, immature-
Emily came beside her, "Well, that was awkward," she said in a hush whisper, "Let's talk outside."
Casey didn't want to talk about it, she wouldn't know what to say without sounding petty and jealous. "There's nothing to talk about Em, why wouldn't he notice you? You're stunning, and well, you seemed interested. "
Emily pulled her by the arm and led her outside. "Casey, I think you're looking too much into it, he was just being ...well nice, he clearly wanted to come over to talk to you, he didn't even look at me throughout that whole interaction. He just turned to me randomly. Plus come on Casey, I saw the way he looked at you when you first arrived, he totally reacted. He looked like you took the wind out of him. Anyway, why are you getting so intense about this, I thought you didn't want him to be attracted to you?"
Casey cut her off, "I don't, this whole thing was stupid, I was clearly out of my mind. But don't think I didn't notice the way you looked at him, you were intrigued, admit it."
Emily blushed, her eyes sparkling with the effect of Derek's attention. "Well, he's not a scarecrow Casey, he's definitely got charm. But I would never actually go for him, he's not the dating type anyway, alright? Now, let's go back, and wipe that look from your face. You're showing...well that you're jealous."
Casey laughed loudly, " I was not jealous! I felt bad for his date having to see him hit on other women in front of her, he's such a jerk!"
Emily rolled her eyes with a little smile, "Come, forget about Derek, there's a lot of hot lawyers in this firm, and you had that one guy-the dark haired guy, he came up to me and asked if you were single."
She raised an eyebrow with surprise, "Ricardo?"
Emily smiled brazenly, "Just putting it out there, it's a fun night, it's not against the law to flirt with your coworkers. And maybe give Derek a taste of his own medicine."
Casey went back inside, she would never stoop to that level, ever. As the night progressed, she actually won one of the door prizes a trip to Paris for 5 nights, which Emily quickly squealed and begged her to bring her. As she was coming back to the table, she sat with a little smile, when Ricardo towered over her. "You have stolen my breath away and kept it for yourself all night," he said smokily as he handed her a drink. Emily elbowed her, and she just scrambled on her feet.
She accepted it, she felt so out of her element, though."Please, I'm sure that's not the first time you've used that line," she said sternly. "I will not be going off with you, got it? But if you want to just...have normal conversation, I'd be okay with that."
Ricardo's mouth twisted into a charming grin, "Got it, and I accept, can I sit with you?"
Casey waved him over, and he sat beside her. Much to her surprise, he was friendly not just with her, but with Emily too. Melody just kept rolling her eyes a bit, as if she'd seen that side of him too many times to get sucked into it. She found herself relaxing in Ricardo's company, and he leaned over a couple times and made jokes that had her giggling more than expected. it wasn't a crime to just relax. She couldn't completely relax though, she couldn't keep herself from looking out for Derek, he was always with people, and his date was on him like a bee on honey. She was burning with annoyance.
At one point, she went to look for the washroom when she was suddenly swept away, right underneath a stairwell. Casey's heart was rattling, "Get your hands off me, I will scream!"
"Shh, it's okay, it's Derek," she stopped struggling, as his voice cocooned around her. "I just wanted to talk to you, Casey."
Casey's eyes adjusted to the darkness, taking in Derek's closeness. His mouth was formed into a stern line. "Derek, did you have to give me such a fright?" she squeaked.
Derek laughed, but it was a mocking sound, "Yes I did, because you're acting stupid," he said bitterly.
Casey gasped, slapping his shoulder, "Excuse me? How dare you-"
Derek's features were contorted in a look so dark it made her anxious. "What the hell are you doing with Ricardo?" He asked in an angry whisper.
Casey felt a tremor go through her entire body as he moved closer and held onto her arms. She tried to speak through the pounding of her heart. "Why do you care?" she spat, "You're just my boss."
Derek was glaring at her with an intensity that killed her, "I don't care about you, not even a little, but I do care about your concentration and job performance. I thought you were different, the working type, not the type to have affairs in the workplace!"
Casey couldn't help but laugh sardonically, "Who do you think you are? How could you berate me with these type of comments, when you were flirting with my best friend, and you came with a date! Maybe you should preach to yourself! You are slimy, the worst-"
Derek suddenly pinned her against the stairwell, his arms came around her tightly, searing her with his body. She let out a shocked breath. "Who am I?" he muttered harshly, "I'm the guy who hired you Casey, I'm the guy who's had to fight my dad off because he thinks you don't have what it takes. I'm sorry princess, but I'm just not particularly psyched over you flirting with Ricardo!"
Casey could feel his breath striking her mouth, and she tried to keep herself looking unaffected by his closeness, but she was trembling. He felt so good, so distracting, she was glad it was dark so he couldn't see how flushed she was. "You're delirious! I was not flirting, I was just being friendly and he doesn't want me that way."
Derek laughed with pure darkness, "You are oblivious. I just can't believe you're so unaware, Ricardo is trying to have one crazy night with you. And you just smiling at him, and being all flirty is giving him the signal that you'd be into it. Don't tell me you're that blind not to notice he's dying to be with you, I mean look at you! You could make a monk blush, you are-" he stopped and collected himself. What was he going to say?
"Look at me...what did you mean by that?" she whispered.
He groaned softly as he took measured breaths, his gaze softened a little. "Just never mind, you are not the one night type, and well he is. He's going to hurt you."
She couldn't help the melting of her heart, he was being so protective. "Since when do you care if I get hurt?"
Derek looked away from her, but she could feel the way his body was trembling against her, and she was drowning in the depths of desire. When he looked up at her, he sighed. "I don't care, but you're the emotional type and something like an affair with Ricardo would certainly distract you. Look Casey, I've known that guy my whole life. He will give you a night of romance, tell you whatever you want to hear, he would be a gentleman all night, but then leave you heartbroken in the morning. I just know you're not his usual type, and it bugs me that you could drop the ball with your work, and for Ricardo of all people."
Casey was overwhelmed by his closeness, the intense way he was looking at her, and she had no other defense. "Well, you know what they say, 'flocks of a feather stick together', like you're any better. How can you judge Ricardo when you are the exact same? It's none of your business what I decide to do in my private time, this is past your area of concern Mr. Venturi."
Derek looked visibly shaken as if she'd slapped him. "Fine, go ahead, do whatever the hell you please! But don't come to work all weepy tomorrow because you will not receive any compassion from me!"
He jolted off her, swearing in a long string of words and left abruptly. She was trembling, why was he so mad? Why did he care so much if she slept with anyone? His concern was extending farther than any boss-employee relationship she'd ever seen. Yet she was aware their relationship was not normal, and she didn't know why. She was jealous and bitter that Derek said he would come alone and he didn't. He barely even looked at her all night. When he came by to talk to her, she was excited for one moment, only to realized he came by just to hit on Emily. So, this little anger scene was not what she expected in the least. He was clearly just upset over her lack of focus that was it, he wasn't jealous, as always his interest in her didn't go further than her work. It made her bitter, so bitter. He clearly wasn't attracted to her, and it hurt so badly.
Work would be a nightmare next week, she knew it. Derek would not be kind or sweet, he would go back to being a jerk as always. Yet for all the deeply annoying feelings he caused in her all night, she couldn't hate him, couldn't think of him with disgust. As the memory of his closeness consumed her, an awareness dismantled her, she was getting too used to feeling Derek Venturi against her, and it was addicting, puzzling, but most of all terrifying. She had to stop this feeling before it overtook all of her logic, she was slowly being seduced whether he was aware of it or not. And not just a physical seduction, it was a seduction of the part of her she'd kept locked away for so long, he was seducing her heart. She couldn't let a heartbreaker like Derek Venturi near it, but it seemed her heart had a mind of its own.
Author's Note: Sorry this chapter took so long to update, I fell a little behind on life which is why this chapter is long to make up for the time waiting. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, all the tension has been so fun for me, as well as creating some Venturi-Mcdonald interactions! Please let me know if you're enjoying this, and to those loving it so far, thank you for your support! 3