He shrugged. "Fine, don't take it. I'll buy the sweater," he said, turning and going back in the direction of the sweater.
"No," I said, grabbing him by the hand to stop him. "It's really very nice of you, I appreciate the gesture, but you really don't have to do that. It's just a sweater."
"A sweater that you want," he replied.
"A sweater that I can't afford. I'm not taking your charity."
He rolled his eyes. "Don't be an idiot. It isn't charity. I'm allowed to buy you things."
"You are not," I argued.
"Why?" he responded sardonically. "Is that too much of a boyfriend thing to do?"
I didn't even have to think about it, I simply nodded. "Pretty much."
"Too damn bad," he said, walking over to the table with the sweaters.
"Derek, don't," I said quietly. "If they see you buy it..."
"That's why I gave you the money, hon," he replied easily.
The endearment caused me to tense a little.
"Please just take it," he said, pressing the money into my palm. "I really don't want to have to explain why I'm buying myself a very feminine sweater."
I cracked a smile, taking the money, and also holding his hand for a few more seconds than I really needed to. "Thank you," I said quietly.
"You're welcome," he said, lightly smirking at me. Leaning in, he whispered in my ear, "You can thank me later."
I grinned, picking up the sweater and tossing a wink at him over my shoulder. "Oh, for sure.”
He raised an eyebrow at my response and I just gave him a jaunty little smile, not realizing until I spun around that Kayla was watching us, her expression less than friendly.
I immediately put a few feet between myself and Derek, walking over to pay for my sweater.
As soon as we left the store, Kayla made a show of flirting with her new boy toy. Derek didn't ignore her, but he did wat
ch with amusement for a few minutes, then he grew bored and started asking when we were going to be done.
Kayla seemed a little miffed when, on the ride home, Derek and Greg actually talked more than anyone, seeming to get along like old friends.
I had to admit I was pretty amused. Kayla invited us on the shopping trip to try to show me up, and instead, she went home pouting while I went home with a beautiful sweater and a new pair of earrings.
Honestly, I enjoyed watching her plan completely backfire.
A few days later I wore my new sweater to school, and I had lunch with Derek and Stephanie. After I sat down, I realized I forgot to get my drink, but Derek said he wanted one, too, so he'd just get mine while he was up there.
As soon as he was out of earshot Stephanie elbowed me and gave me one of her happy little smiles.
I automatically smiled back, not even knowing what her smile was about. "What?" I asked.
"It's just so cute," she said.
"What is?" I asked cluelessly.
"You two. I take it you're officially dating now?" she asked, smiling at me in girly confidence.
I raised my eyebrows, shaking my head. "Oh no. We're just friends."