Chapter 145: Accident Happens*

Chapter 145: Chapter 145: Accident Happens*

"She’s just a bit tired, Aunt Ruth," Derrick said smoothly, a confident grin on his face. "We pushed ourselves a little hard tonight."

Ruth raised an eyebrow, the strange, playful smile never leaving her lips. "I can see that. Well, don’t just stand out there in the cold. Come inside."

She stepped aside, opening the door wider to let the warm glow of the living room spill over the porch.

Beth didn’t wait a second. The moment there was enough room, she slipped past her mother and practically ran straight toward the stairs, her heels clicking rapidly against the hardwood floor.

"I’m going to change!" Beth yelled over her shoulder, not daring to look back as she vanished up the staircase to her room.

Ruth watched her go, shaking her head with a soft chuckle before turning her full attention back to Derrick.

"You really know how to fluster her, don’t you?" Ruth said, her voice dropping into a gentler, more affectionate tone.

Derrick laughed, "She looks so cute when she gets all worked up. I am sure she takes after you in that regard."

"Oh, dear. You sure have your way with words." Ruth chuckled while covering her mouth with one hand.

A warm smile appeared on her face along with a faint blush, as she said, "Thank you, Derrick,"

"I have never seen Betty so happy with anyone else." Ruth added softly, her smile turning genuine and warm. "So, thank you for making her happy and... for everything else."

"Always," Derrick replied quietly, his eyes steady. "I’ll make sure nothing ever happens to her."

Ruth nodded, looking completely at ease. "Would you like to have lunch with us? I made pot roast."

"That sounds delicious but you should take rest. You don’t have to push yourself." Derrick took her hands and guided her to the sofa, before sitting with her.

"Oh, this is nothing. I have been resting all day. And with all these fancy machines it is so easy to cook food." Ruth placed a hand on his hand and shook her head before taking a seat.

"Is there still something left to do? I can help you cook." Derrick asked while sending a message to Rebecca that he would have lunch at Beth’s house.

Ruth smiled softly, her fingers giving his hand an affectionate squeeze. "Everything’s almost done, Derrick. I just need to set the table and make the side salad. But if you insist on helping, you can grab the bowls from the top cabinet."

"Consider it done," Derrick said, standing up and heading into the cozy kitchen.

Ruth took him by the wrist and guided him into the kitchen, pointing up toward the top cabinet near the stove. "The heavy dishes are up there, Derrick. My back’s been acting up today, so I couldn’t reach them."

"I got it, Aunt Ruth," Derrick replied smoothly, stepping up to the counter.

He reached up with both hands to open the high cabinet. As he stretched to lift the heavy porcelain tray, his fitted shirt pulled right up, exposing his tight, rock-hard set of abs. The sculpted muscle glistened faintly under the warm kitchen lights.

Standing right behind him, Ruth’s breath hitched. Her eyes got glued to his exposed waist, and she gulped audibly as a sudden heat flushed through her body.

Lost in thought, her mind went completely blank. She unconsciously took a step forward, her eyes locked onto his waist, but her foot caught the edge of the rug and she slipped.

"Ah!"

Whoosh!

Before she could hit the hard floor, Derrick turned around like lightning and caught her waist with one hand, holding her firmly in place.

However, as she lost her balance, Ruth’s hand slid straight down his front to steady herself. Her fingers ended up cupping the massive, rock-hard bulge pressed inside his pants.

Still dazed and flustered from the near fall, her hand unconsciously closed around it, squeezing and rubbing the thick heat through his trousers a couple of times.

Gulp!

Realizing what her palm was gripping, Ruth’s eyes went wide as saucers.

She snatched her hand back as if she had just touched burning coals, her entire face exploding into a deep, furious crimson.

"I-I’m so sorry! Derrick, I slipped—I didn’t mean to—" Ruth stammered frantically, her heart pounding against her ribs like a jackhammer as she berated herself in her head. What is wrong with me?! He’s my daughter’s man!

As the initial shock began to fade, Ruth suddenly realized where his hand had landed to catch her.

To keep her from falling, Derrick’s large, warm palm had clamped firmly around her upper waist, his fingers brushing right against the soft lower curve of her breast.

The firm, heavy grip sent an electric jolt straight through her chest, making her breath hitch all over again.

Derrick, however, didn’t show a single trace of fluster.

He gently eased his hold on her, sliding his hand away as smoothly as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened.

"Don’t worry about it, Aunt Ruth. Just watch your step," Derrick said smoothly, setting her back on her feet before turning to carry the heavy tray over to the dining table.

Ruth stood frozen in the kitchen for a moment, her face burning a deep, furious crimson as she fanned herself, trying desperately to regain her sanity.

Right as noon hit, soft footsteps padded down the wooden staircase.

Beth walked into the dining room, dressed in a pair of soft silk pajamas.

The smooth fabric clung to her body, proudly displaying her full breasts, tiny waist, and round hips with every movement.

Her hair was tied in a messy bun, and her face still carried a soft pink glow from earlier.

Derrick turned around from setting the table and took her in, doing his best to keep his eyes off her body—at least while Ruth was in the room.

"Look who finally decided to wake up," Ruth said, her voice still trembling slightly as she tried her absolute best to act natural, refusing to meet Derrick’s eyes.

Beth paused near the table, her cheeks flushing bright red the moment she looked at Derrick. "I was just... getting changed. Smells good, Mom."

Derrick pulled out a chair for her, a small, knowing smirk tugging at his lips as he watched both women struggle to keep their composure.