Disclaimer: I don't own Life with Derek

Chapter 11

Casey attended rehearsal the next day with a light heart and slightly red body. Nothing could destroy her good mood. For the first time, the other dancers noticed her and were surprised to see how good she was. However, Casey seemed to be in a world of her own. She couldn't wait to get home, and she practically skipped the whole way, her mind full of pranks that Derek could have played while she was away. She twirled in front of her building and noticed that it didn't seem so dingy today. As she ran up the stairs and she didn't even notice the musty odor. Smiling widely, she unlocked the door.

This was not what she had expected. She thought her legs were going to buckle and she stumbled to her bed and sat down hard. BAM! Casey missed the bed and landed on the floor. Tears filled her eyes as she rubbed her rear. Klutzilla strikes again. Der-ek! Casey looked around, the smell overwhelming. The whole apartment was filled with white daisies and violet-tipped roses. Petals covered her bed as Casey's hands covered her face.

Derek leaned against the tall brick apartment building across from Casey's small dumpy one, hiding behind a newspaper, sunglasses, and cap. What had possessed her to pick that building? The apartment was not much better. He didn't like that the lock was so flimsy. He didn't like that the apartment was so small and barely furnished. It didn't feel like Casey at all. When this is all over maybe Casey could move in with me? He tried to stop the smile from forming on his lips as he watched her skip up to the door and twirl. What a dork. But she was his dork. He checked his watch and waited five minutes before crossing the street.

Derek buzzed Casey's apartment.

Ten seconds later, "Who is it?" came Casey's voice through the intercom.

"Flower delivery."

"Wrong apartment." struggled Casey.

Derek laughed, "It's Derek, Princess. Open up."

"Derek who?"

Becoming exasperated Derek said, "C'mon Spacey, let me in."

"How do I know it's really you?"

"Ca-sey," growled Derek.

BUZZ

Derek bounded up the stairs as Casey stood near the door wringing her hands. She wanted to pace but the flowers prevented that idea. She had no idea how to react this.

KNOCK KNOCK

Casey took a deep breath and opened the door. Derek leaned against the door jam, cocky smirk in place, sexy as hell.

"Go to a movie with me." It wasn't a request.

"Now?"

"Yes, Spacey. Now." Derek rolled his eyes.

"I-I-I have stuff to do."

"Look Spacey, if I leave, the offer is off the table." Derek said turning.

"Okay, okay. Just let me change first and, uh, clean up." She said looking around.

Derek teased, "Yeah, who'd have thought you'd live in such a mess, Princess."

"Der-ek! This mess is your fault."

Derek could see Casey was gearing up for a fight and that's not why he had come. He tapped his watch. "Movie, Casey. Or do you want me to leave?"

"No" Casey's voice was desperate.

"Then move it."

While Casey showered Derek began cleaning up the flowers. He was putting them in vases that the flower store had insisted he purchase when Casey came out. He turned when he heard her and stared. Casey bit her lip a little nervous. Derek was rarely speechless and Casey thought maybe she had misinterpreted his actions. She had put on a black mini and pink form-fitting halter. High black sandals, black bangles and a pink hair clip completed the outfit.

"Uh, D? The movie?"

He gulped and nodded turning back to the sink to compose himself. Get a grip, man. He turned and held out his hand. "Let's go Princess."

They left the apartment and walked toward an old movie theater that was just a few blocks away. Love Story was playing. "Oh I love this movie." Casey breathed.

"I had no idea," Derek feigned innocence.

They were the only ones in the theater, and Casey could feel Derek looking at her.

"What," she said turning toward him.

Derek smiled, not smirked, at her and Casey's heart fluttered. Their eyes locked and Derek's hand cupped her cheek. Casey looked down blushing. Derek leaned over and kissed her forehead then lifted her chin and kissed her nose. Lifting her chin again he softly kissed her lips. It was perfect. "Don't ever leave me Princess."

"Never Der."

THE END

AN: Big thank you to kmr04, , rumored reader, Kpfan72491, Dark-Supernatural-Angel, countryfan4life, Leaf26, LaFolie for the reviews. Please read their stories. Thanks for reading.