Holly shook her head. “We have to go back Sunday night. We mainly came to see Derrick. Brax and I have some things to do tomorrow. But I also need to do a bit of shopping. My boobs are spilling out of all my bras and I need some bigger clothes.” She sighed.
So did Jacey. She’d taken to wearing Derrick’s t-shirts because they were loose and comfortable but her jeans were getting tight and uncomfortable.
“I’ll come with you and help. We can make a girls day of it. Jacey, you’ll come too, won’t you?”
“Umm, well, I’m not sure. Derrick might-”
“Oh, Derrick won’t mind if you come along with us,” Ava said with a wave of her hand. “I’ll have Roarke’s driver, Max, take us. That way the men can’t complain about the two of you wearing yourselves out. I’ll book us in for massages, manicures and facials. It will be great.”
“Can you get us appointments at such short notice?” Jacey asked.
“Oh, no problem, I’ll get Sam to book us. He can charm anyone into anything.”
Of that Jacey had no doubt.
Ava clapped her hands. “It’s settled then. I’ll pick you both up at 10 a.m. This is going to be fun.”
“So long as I don’t puke up all over the masseuse’s feet,” Holly said dryly.
***
“Well, that went well,” Derrick said as he pulled the blankets back from the bed.
“Your friends are really nice.” She actually meant it. She’d been surprised by how much she’d enjoyed herself in their company.
“Did you get on all right with Holly and Ava?” he asked as he climbed onto the bed. Jacey lay down next to him. “I know Holly can be overprotective of me, I’ll have a chat with her if she’s giving you a hard time.”
“No,” she said quickly. “No, it’s okay. I understand why she feels like she does. Besides, I think we’re okay. Actually, Ava and Holly asked me to go shopping with them on Saturday.”
Well, Ava had asked, but Holly hadn’t seemed to hate the idea. She’d never really had friends, just a few when she was a child, but they’d drifted apart, and she was a bit jealous of the close relationship between Derrick and his friends.
“Of course, I have to say no. I’ll think of an excuse tomorrow.”
“Why would you have to say no?” he asked, rolling onto his side and leaning up on one elbow so he could stare down at her as she lay on her back.
“Ah, well, I’d just be intruding,” she said, feeling at a distinct disadvantage with him looming over her.
“Jacey,” he warned.
She sighed. “Must you know my every thought?”
“No. But the one’s that upset or worry you are something I’d like to know about.”
She glanced away, feeling frustrated with him.
“Jacey?”
“Derrick, you keep insisting that I talk to you, but you’ve totally shut down on me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You’ve been acting differently since our argument the other day. It’s like there’s this gap between us and I can’t cross it. Even when we make love it’s not the same.”
He sighed and pulled her close, lying on his back with her head against his chest. “I’m sorry, you’re right. Hard as it is for me to admit this, I’m hurt by the fact that you think I can’t protect you.”
“Derrick, that’s not it at all.” Tears of frustration welled in her eyes and she buried her face against him. “I just…I can’t…”
“Shh.” He grabbed the back of her neck, squeezing it gently.