Derek was a little startled at the sudden hug and rush of emotion, though he caught her and tentatively patted her back soothingly, still a tad bit stunned at the force of her gratitude but glad he could help and make someone feel so thankful.
She looked up at him sharply, eyes wide and the beginnings of a smile on her face — and then the motion made the towel on her head unwind, and wet red hair spilled over her face and shoulder. She peeled the strands off her face, eyes crinkling in a silent laugh. Rescuing the towel from the floor, she carried it back to the bathroom and hung it up properly, before returning to pick up the book again. She lifted it at Derek, and made hopeful eyes.
Derek bit back his chuckle as her towel fell from her head and all of her hair fell into her face. He watched her pick it up and hang it up. She was very respectful. When she came back into the room and picked up the book, oh how could he resist those sweet eyes. “You can read it if you’d like. You can pick where you want to read too.”
She shook her head with a smile. She pressed the book into his hands, and tumbled her hands.