He hid the rush of relief flowing through him as Charlie studied every detail of the gold, vintage-looking locket. It was small with turquoise accents surrounding a tiny gold dragonfly in the center.
“As a kid, you were always fascinated by dragonflies.”
“I still am.” she smiled up at him. “I don’t know what it is about them. They’re just so pretty and graceful.”
“Just like you,” he whispered.
Her eyes sparkled with affection. “Thank you. Here.” She turned around and lifted her hair. “Will you put it on for me?”
“Of course.”
Reaching over her head, Derek clasped the gorgeous piece around her neck. When he was finished, he leaned down and kissed the area at the base of her neck, just below the chain. “I love you, Charlie.”
She glanced at him from over her shoulder and smiled. “I love you, too, Derek.”
His knuckle grazed her skin as his hand lowered to the top of her zipper. With incredible patience, he took his time pulling it down.
When she wore nothing but the locket, Derek proceeded to carry her over to her bed. For most of the night, they used their mouths, hands, and bodies to prove the love they shared was all they’d ever really need.
****
Chapter 17
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For Charlie, the nextfew days passed by in a blur as she worked tirelessly to get her new office painted and ready for business.
She’d chosen a light gray for the walls and then accented the space with navy, mint, and coral.
As expected, the police hadn’t found anything more about the person who’d totaled Derek’s car. Initially, she’d a hard time letting go of her suspicions regarding Caleb. It wasn’t until Derek’s friend, Shane, confirmed her ex was in New York at the time that she’d been able to truly relax.
With no evidence of suspicious financial activity and no more signs of trouble, both she and Derek brushed it off as a random act of vandalism and moved on.
His insurance policy included a ridiculously high amount for rental car reimbursement, so he’d decided to take his time buying a new car.
Deciding to call it a day, Charlie double-checked to make sure she had everything exactly how she wanted it before grabbing her purse and keys.
