Chapter 22: The Invitation

Derek Rogan was used to keeping his focus on his work. Since retiring from the Marines and deciding to open his gym, he had lived a disciplined and controlled life. The challenges he faced now were different from those of his days on the battlefield, but they still required focus, effort, and dedication. However, something unexpected was beginning to emerge in his life—something he never anticipated would happen.

It was a quiet afternoon at the gym. The sun was shining softly through the large windows, illuminating the space where the students were performing their intense workouts. Derek walked around the room, observing the exercises, correcting postures, and encouraging his students, as he always did. Kylie Jenner, who was now a regular at the gym, was in the middle of a workout. She was pushing herself, executing the movements with precision, but there was something different in the air, a subtle, almost imperceptible tension.

After class, as the students began to disperse, Kylie approached Derek. She was sweaty and out of breath, but there was a different glint in her eyes. She hesitated for a second, as if she were gathering her thoughts, before finally speaking.

"Derek, can I talk to you for a minute?" Kylie asked, her voice softer than usual.

Derek, who was organizing some equipment in the corner, looked up and nodded. "Sure, Kylie. What do you need?"

She took a step closer, looking a little nervous.

"Well, I was wondering... do you have any free time tonight?"

Derek frowned slightly, surprised by the question.

"Yes, I do. Anything you need?"

Kylie bit her lip, glancing down at the floor before meeting Derek's eyes again.

"Actually, I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me. Just the two of us. I know a great restaurant in Malibu, and I think it would be nice to have some time to talk outside of here... without the workout, without the gym."

The proposal took Derek by surprise. He had never imagined that Kylie Jenner, one of the most famous women in the world would ask him out to dinner. While he was always polite and respectful to all of his clients, including the celebrities who frequented his gym, he kept things professional and didn't mix things up. But there was something about the way Kylie was looking at him at that moment, something deeper than just a casual invitation.

Derek thought about it for a moment, considering the situation. He wasn't the type of person to shy away from a challenge, and Kylie's invitation was a different kind of challenge.

"Sure, Kylie. Sounds like a good idea. What time?"

Kylie's face lit up with a bright smile. "How about eight? I can text you the location of the restaurant."

"Deal," Derek replied with a small smile. "See you there."

Later that night, Derek was getting ready for his date. Dressed in a black dress shirt and dark jeans, he kept his appearance casual but elegant. It still felt strange to him to think about going out to dinner with someone like Kylie, but he didn't see any reason to worry. After all, it was just dinner, a conversation.

When he arrived at the restaurant in Malibu, a beachfront spot with a spectacular view, Kylie was already there, sitting at a private table near the windows. She wore a simple but sophisticated black dress, and her hair was loose, falling in waves over her shoulders. She smiled when she saw him, standing up to greet him.

"Derek, you're right on time," she said cheerfully, hugging him lightly.

"I try not to be late," he replied with a light laugh as they sat down.

The restaurant had a calm and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed conversation. Soft music played in the background, and the sound of the waves crashing on the nearby beach created a sense of tranquility. After ordering their dishes, the conversation between them began lightly, with Kylie talking about her busy life, the responsibilities of being a public figure, and how much she enjoyed going to Derek's gym as a way to escape it all.

"I know it sounds cliché, but working out at your gym helps me stay focused," Kylie said, fiddling with the wine glass in her hand. "It's like I can tune out the outside world and just focus on what's happening right now. You have this ability to make us focus."

Derek nodded, taking a sip of his drink before answering.

"I'm glad you feel that way. That's exactly what I want to offer. A space for people to challenge themselves and focus on what they can control."

There was a brief moment of silence, and then Kylie looked at him more closely.

"But what about you, Derek? You always seem so in control, so focused. I wonder if there's anything that challenges you outside of the gym."

He shrugged, thinking for a moment.

"I've been through a lot of challenges in my life. I've been in the Marine Corps, and all the tours I've been on… sometimes staying calm and focused is what keeps me on track. I'm a simple person now. I like having a routine, working with people, seeing results."

Kylie smiled slightly. "I admire that about you. But I think sometimes you need something outside of work, something that takes you out of your comfort zone."

Derek arched an eyebrow. "Really? And what do you suggest?"

She chuckled, leaning forward a little. "Maybe more dinners like this? Who knows?"

Kylie's playful tone brought a lightness to the conversation, and Derek couldn't help but smile. "Well, let's see how this one goes."

Dinner continued with them exchanging stories and experiences. Derek talked about his transition from military service to civilian life, and Kylie shared more about the behind-the-scenes of being an entrepreneur and public figure. The connection between them seemed to flow naturally, without any force. It was as if they were both discovering a new side of each other, outside of the roles they normally played in their lives.

As the evening began to draw to a close, Kylie looked at Derek, her expression soft but sincere. "I had a great time today, Derek. It was nice to get out of the routine and have this conversation."

"I enjoyed it too," he replied, just as sincerely. "It was... unexpected, but nice."

She laughed softly. "Unexpected is nice sometimes. I'd like to do that again, if you're up for it."

Derek watched her for a moment before answering. "I guess I can make an exception and break the routine every now and then."

Kylie smiled, satisfied with his answer. "So, that's a deal. See you at the gym tomorrow?"

"Sure thing," Derek said as they stood up to leave.

The two of them said goodbye with a quick, discreet hug, and Derek watched her leave the restaurant with a smile on her face. There was something different about Kylie something he couldn't quite put his finger on, but it intrigued him. And as he drove home, his mind kept returning to dinner, to the easy laughter and open conversation. What had started as a simple invitation had turned into something more, and Derek was curious to see where it would lead.

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