All I Ask(65)

This man is a mess, but he’s a cute one. “How did you uncomplicate it?”

“I brought lunch to the place we could be alone and secretive.”

“You thought of it all, huh?”

“I did.” He beams with pride.

“You know you don’t own the house, so we’re kind of trespassing.”

Derek smirks with his brow raised. “Ye of little faith, I talked to the previous owner, who has accepted my offer, and he told me I would be doing him a favor by looking after the house while he’s in Florida.”

“You got the house?”

“He accepted the offer this morning.”

I knew he would—Derek always gets what he wants—but I did hope just a little bit that he didn’t. Which makes me a terrible person. Derek has endured a tragic loss and he needs stability. I’m being stupid, but I decide to give myself two seconds to be stupid and then let it go.

One.

Two.

And I’m done. “I’m really happy for you. Have you seen the inside yet?”

“I thought maybe we could do that together.”

“I can’t believe you bought the house without going in.”

He shrugs. “I’m a rebel.”

“Or an idiot, but sure.”

“I’m going to pretend you think I’m fabulous.”

“Whatever you need to make you feel better.”

Derek takes my hand, kisses the top, and grins. “I just need this.”

I start to smile and then I look away, feeling the heat on my cheeks. He makes me smile, even when I don’t want to.

He unlocks the door, extending his arms so I can go first, and I stop. Oh. My. God.

I can’t turn my eyes to look at him, but I feel him beside me, doing the same thing, taking it all in. What in the hell did we just walk into? There are no words to describe the scene I’m looking at.

This house…is…

“Wow,” Derek says.

“Yeah, wow.”

“I guess…” He trails off, looking to the right, and my eyes follow.

“The owners were…” I can’t even speak because my head can’t comprehend what I’m looking at.

This beautiful, picturesque house that I dreamed of each night since I’ve seen it, is filled to the brim with dolls. There has to be thousands of them. They line the staircase going up, and the wall as if they’re the baseboards. Dolls are on shelves, on top of cabinets, and…they’re everywhere.

I can’t look in one place because my eyes are overwhelmed.

“Does Everly like dolls?” I ask, trying to contain my laughter. “Because…I’m pretty sure you’ll never find them all.”

Derek’s gaze meets mine and he bursts out laughing. “This is some scary shit.”

“No wonder he took your bid!”

We both continue on with the loudest laughs I’ve ever heard. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” he says as he gasps for air.

“I can’t stay in here.” I snort and hold my arms around my belly. “They’re all staring at me and I think one just talked!”

I haven’t laughed like this in ages. The muscles in my stomach hurt and we both make it outside unscathed.

“Let’s head to the back.”

“Yes, where it’s safe.”

I stifle another fit of giggles and we make our way onto the deck.

It’s truly beautiful and secluded back here. There are tall trees that create a barrier and give so much privacy that you’d forget you even have neighbors. It’s a bigger lot than what this town normally has too, which helps. The shed is off to the left and the deck is covered and has a great little eating area.

“At least they kept the outside cleared of…dolls.”

“Well, I’m sure they’re still watching us.”

He shudders. “I’m going to have nightmares.”

“You and me both! That was insane. You bought the creepy house full of dolls that no one else wanted.” I start laughing again.

He joins in. “You wanted the house too!”

“True. But I didn’t buy it.”

“Yes, but you wanted to.”

“I would’ve at least looked inside.”

Derek runs his hand down his face. “I was so sure this house would be magical.”

“Oh, there’s magic in there all right. Hmmm.” I tap my finger on my chin. “Maybe we should call you Ken from now on!”

The two of us are laughing so hard that tears are falling. “Then I’ll call you Barbie.”

“Hell no, this is your house, creepy dolls and all.” I wipe my tears and try to stop the giggling.

“You laugh now, but one day you will be living here too!”

Well, that sobers the moment.

We both stop laughing.

I stare at him, unsure if he knows what he said. Derek looks down at me, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows. He moves closer, our breathing is accelerated, and I’m unsure of what to do.

I could ask him what he meant or pretend it didn’t happen.

However, I’m not sure I can unhear what he said and I don’t know that I can pretend otherwise.

“What?” I ask, my voice is barely a whisper.