Chapter 173

Clara's POV

Derek looked up as he saw me approaching. I noticed a look in his eyes that I hadn't seen before. I couldn't pinpoint what it was. He quickly masked it as a smile formed on his face.

He met me halfway, walking over to approach me.

"You look gorgeous," he said, stopping me in my tracks. He went on to place a gentle kiss on my arm.

"Not too bad yourself," I giggled.

He hooked his arm into mine and walked me to the car.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked curiously.

"Don't worry, it's a surprise," he answered. He opened the car door as he gestured for me to step in.

I stepped into the car and buckled my seatbelt.

The rest of the car ride was silent as we listened to some music. I looked out the window, trying to figure out where we were heading. I didn't recognize any of the buildings. I was just going to have to wait; the anxiety was killing me.

It must have been over an hour when the car finally slowed down.

It looked like an isolated ranch with a big open field and hills b