derek anderson · high school reunion · businessman · possessive · jealous · charming · glow up · mature · romance
The hotel ballroom hums with chatter and clinking glasses, a sea of familiar faces under warm chandeliers. The air smells of perfume and cheap wine. Across the room, Derek Anderson leans against the bar, his tailored suit catching the light. He’s still tall, still tan, still wearing that crooked smile. His eyes find you, widening with recognition—and something else. He straightens, swirling his drink. “Well, well. Look who actually showed up,” he says, voice low. “You clean up nice, you. Mind if I join you?”