reflections_of_hope_chapter

Author's Note: here's chapter two, many people seem to be excited for this chapter to come out. I worked hard and trust me, I did take my time since I was working on several other stories at the same time. I hope your all enjoying this, I think the "Reflections Trilogy" has to be some of the funnest times I've had in writing. There will be some explicit love making in this fanfic, some of you might not like it, but thats life. Remember that I like to base my stories on what would happen in reality, not what we would want too happen. So read on and E-Mail me what you think.

Reflections of Hope
Chapter 2

     Biting her lip, she stepped into the shadows of the boatshed, where she could hear machines at work and smell the scent of men sweating in the air. She'd been here before with Darien, he'd shown her and Lita around, but then it had been different. It had been safe.
     It was completely different now that she was coming to visit Greg. His invitation had been innocent enough, but she knew what his true intentions were beneathe the dark eyes, beneathe the smirk that had come to his lips.
     Those eyes of his bothered her more then she cared to admit. There was something in them that made her feel flustered, as if something crawled up her back on spiders legs.
     She wouldn't allow a man like him to frighten her. Men like him had never frightened her before. She'd come across several in her life, back in highschool or on the beachs when she and Lita came down in there bikinis, hoping for some sun and relaxation. There whistles and leers had amused Lita, but she had raised her nose to them, not even sparing them a glance.
     Firm on not allowing this man make her want to run in retreat, she walked through the warehouse, smiling now and again to some men she knew personally through Darien. When she reached his office, she halted for a moment, smoothing her pale, blue skirt down and adjusting her white blouse.
     She took a moment to study him, standing with his back to her as he spoke on the phone, arguing in what she understood as Italian. Surprised he actually spoke it, she stood there snapping her mouth open and shut, until she finally stepped in, stepping forward and waiting as he spoke.
     "Grazie, grazie. In nessun modo, cioe mio piacere. Vedere di nuovo. Addio."pressing a button on the reciever, he re-replaced the phone against his ear."Stanford and Knight."he was quiet, listening as Amy inched closer."Bella, come sta?"his chuckle was soft, dark."Inffati amore? Um....avere a una donna."his tone softened considerably."Lei perfetto."he winced and Amy could hear a woman shouting now."Rincrescere bella. Forse-"he stopped, holding the reciever from his ear when she hung up."Well shit."
     "And who was that?"she took another step inside, smiled serenely at him when he turned to look at her."An italian lover?"
     He put the phone down on his desk."Cammilla was an excellent italian lover, but very high maintenance."he cocked a brow when Amy's lips tightened."Something wrong?"
     She lifted her chin."I'm just surprised you know Italian. I didn't think a man like you would know anthing except how to order people around."
     He crossed his strong arms over his chest, considering her."I picked it up here and there. It comes in handy knowing what people are saying around you, especially when you live around them and have to put up with them everyday."
     "I'm assuming Italian is all you were able to pick up then."
     "Narrow minded, aren't you? I know a little of this, a little of that. Scire circa Latin? Hinc melior quia tibi?"satisfied with her shocked look, he continued."Or maybe Greek. Nai'? Ti ka'nete? E'tsi ke e'tsi? Then there's French. Poser te croire eh bien? Vouloir davantage?"
     Annoyed with him now and feeling like an idiot herself, she held up a hand."There's no need to continue. You've proved your point."she arched a delicate brow."How about German?"
     "Unter uns gesagt, du bist das exotschste, schoen Frau ich haben je traf."he whispered quietly, his eyes darkening with his words.
     She looked down when she would have blushed."Thank you."
     This time his eyes widened."I see you have a few surprises as well."
     "I had years of schooling. I have to agree it does help to know what people are saying, especially when most of them are your family members."she looked back up at him."I understood most of what you were saying."
     "Look Amy, I know what else your thinking. A guy like me, actually being able to pick up a few languages. I'm full of surprises."he wiggled his brows."Maybe you'd like to find out what other things I've got up my sleeve."
     Unable to help herself, she laughed."You are different then I thought you would be."
     Seeing his advantage, he rounded the desk and stood before her, watching how she reacted to his body."I could make you believe I'm a good guy, that my past is clean and my future planned."he grinned at her, quick and gorgeous."But all of that isn't true. I'm a dangerous man Amy and if you weren't the least bit afraid of me I'd be worried."
     "Yes, I'm sure you like instilling fear into the women who interest you."she took a deliberate step back."I came here for a reason, remember?"
     "Honey, I won't let you down."he grabbed her into his arms and kissed her to her further shock.
     God, it was unlike any kiss she'd ever felt. All the other men she'd been with and dated had been so reserved, so calm and cool when they had touched her, even in bed. But Greg was so obviously different. The man was kissing her as if his life depended on it, as if she was the only woman alive and only she could satisfy his hunger. His lips were rough, his tongue like a demon, and his hands. Oh God, his hands.
     Without realizing it, her own hands had come up and were gripping his shirt, her nails digging into the muscles of his back as he deepened the kiss, took it far enough to have them both panting.
     When he pulled back he touched his forehead to hers, had to take a moment to catch his breath."Damn....Goddamn."was all he managed.
     At his words she came back to herself, shoved at him, only to have his arms lock tight around her."How DARE you? Let me go this instant! I should have known you would try and take by force the first chance you got!"
     "Force? Was I the only one in that kiss? YOU were sucking my tongue down your throat."when her struggles halted and she stared at him in disbelief, he roared with laughter.
     "You have some nerve! Let me go right now! The men who work here work for MY brother and none of them will hesitate in coming to my aid, so let me-"
     "And they also work for me now."he reminded her, bringing a hand up to toy with the ends of her dark hair."You know, most women can't pull off this kind of hair cut."he leaned in and nuzzled her earlobe."You pull it off just fine honey."
     She refused to acknowledge the way chills ran up her spine at his touch."Let me go now. I mean it. I didn't come here because I thought you were going to jump me the first chance you got."
     "Last time I checked, I was alive and I was male."but he did back off now, letting her go and tucking his hands into the back of his jeans so he wouldn't be tempted to reach for her again.
     Using her dignity as a cloak, she straightened her clothes, smoothing her hair back down where he had run his hands through."I'll be leaving now."ignoring the way he had tensed up after releasing her, she turned and marched out of his office.
     He stood there a moment, cursing under his breath, then followed her out, heading outside where she waited to cross the street to where Serena and Lita stood, waiting for her."Hey honey, your not going to leave mad, are you?"
     She stared straight ahead, spearing the light with a glare when it remained green."I have to get back to work now. I don't have time to stay here and argue with you."
     He hooked his thumbs in the front of his jeans, studied her profile, the tightly clenched jaw."I guess I can understand why your so mad."
     "Can you?"she glanced at where Lita and Serena stood, Serena standing back and listening as Lita flirted with the man who had been eyeing her inside the restaurant.
     "Sure I can. You liked the kiss and thats pissing you off. But I think whats really pissing you off is that your so attracted to a guy like me, a peasant like me."
      The fact that he had hit the mark so easily and so precisely unnerved her. Determined not to let him make her angry again, she gave him a sweet smile."Greg, darling. I feel NOTHING for you."the light finally changed and she walked across the street quickly, leaving him grinning behind her.
     Serena came to her when she approached them."So? How did it go?"
     "The man is insufferable."she muttered, pushing past Serena to climb into Lita's truck.
     Serena followed and climbed in after her, while Lita gave her number to the man, then walked around the side to climb in as well."Insufferable huh?"she clucked her tongue."Hhmm, those are always the best one's."
     "How'd it go with Greg?"Lita turned the truck on, fastening her seat belt, then going out into traffic.
     "Amy says he's insufferable."Serena put in when Amy crossed her arms over her chest and looked out the window of the truck.
     "I like Greg. Whats so insufferable about him?"Lita's green eyes lit, narrowed on her friend."Oh I get it. I get it."
     "Get what?"Amy sniffed, still insulted that he had kissed her and she had actually enjoyed it.
     "The guy did something that you liked, but the fact that you liked it pissed you off."
     Serena turned on Amy, her blue eyes wide."Did he? What did he do Amy? Did he kiss you?!"
     "What makes you believe that-"
     "Don't try denying it pal, we know you too well."Lita cut her off, turning to flash her a quick grin."So? Spill it."
     She knew it would be childish to continue feeling this way and that was one thing she was NOT. She took Serena's hand in hers, gripped it."He kissed me."
     "I knew it!"Lita shouted, delighted with Greg."Keep going, we want details!"
     "There are not other details. He kissed me, I left. That was that."
     "Oh yea, and I'm sure you didn't like it."Serena said sarcastically, rolling her eyes."Any woman with blood in her veins would react to a kiss from a man like that."
     "I can't believe your speaking like this when your married to my brother."
     "I love Darien, but I'm not dead either. I DO have eyes."her hand curled around Amy's, held."You did like it, didn't you? Thats why your so worried."
     "I'm not worried. I don't know why-"
     "Am, come on. Its us. We've always been able to be honest with each other."
     She knew the truth in those words, but there was one thing she'd never been able to tell anyone. The fact that she would only marry someone of her own standing, that she would make her parents proud of her in her career and in her choice for a husband."I can't do this with Greg."she whispered.
     Serena and Lita glanced at one another, eyebrows raised."Why not? Greg's a hot guy, he has a steady job. Darien and Ken both think highly of him."Serena said, confused.
     "I just can't. I mean, I....I can't."
     "Am, whats wrong? What is it your not saying?"Lita asked quietly.
     "There's nothing I'm not saying. Can we please just drop this issue?"
     They drove back the rest of the way in silence.
     She went back to work, focused on her patients, ended the day with a minor headache and a strong desire to go home and take a nice, long bath. Instead she arrived at her apartment to find a message from Thomas, saying he would be over to pick her up later for dinner.
     Unbearably tired, she showered and dressed, arranged her hair and put light make up on. She was placing her coat on the living room sofa when her phone rang.
     Walking over, she picked it up."Hello?"
     "Amy."it was Thomas, sounding grim."I'm not going to be able to make it. I just wanted to call and tell you. One of my patients is critical, I'm going to have to go into surgery. I'm sorry sweetheart."
     She let out a long sigh, sat back on the sofa."Its all right Thomas. Your patients come first."
     "I knew you'd understand. I'll call you tomorrow. Hopefully we can reschedule this. Have a good night."
     She hung the phone up, frustrated with him. Normally, she didn't become even the least bit angry, but today she couldn't help the way she felt. Perhaps it was because she'd had a somewhat bad day, or because she had a headache.
     Or because she couldn't stop thinking of Greg.
     Deciding she wasn't going to just sit around at home feeling sorry for herself, she grabbed her coat and purse, slamming out of the apartment with more force then she'd meant too.
     She drove down to Serena and Darien's, to her old home where she had grown up. The lights were on and looked so welcoming to her, some of her bad mood faded.
     She pulled up in front of the home, frowned a bit at a huge Ford truck that was parked in front of it. Darien had his own cars, why would he go out and buy yet another one? Perhaps he'd bought it on impulse.
     Shrugging, she stepped out and went inside, where she could hear Serena's laughter coming from the balcony outside. Smiling, she followed the sound.
     She rounded the corner to the balcony and came to an abrupt halt at the sight of Greg sitting there with her brother and her best friend, sipping a beer and looking at home. His eyes immediately went from the two of them to her, his head tilting as he studied her.
     "Hello Amy."his quiet voice sent chills down her spine, made her skin become hot with unwanted desire."This is a pleasant surprise."
     Serena and Darien both turned."Am, hey. I thought for sure you'd be out with Thomas."
     "We had a change of plans."she came forward and kissed both Darien and Serena on the cheek, her eyes cutting over to Greg in a frigid glare."Hello Greg."she sat with them at the table they'd had set up outside."How was your day?"
     "It was pretty good."he didn't mention she'd made his day earlier with that hot kiss they'd shared. He considered seeing how she would react to his mentioning it, then thought better of it when he remembered how protective Darien was of his little sister."How was yours?"
     Hideous, she wanted to say, but bit it back."It was fine."
     When an uncomfortable silence fell, Serena elbowed Darien, who grunted and eyed her for interrupting the relaxing he'd been doing with his own beer. When she rolled her eyes at him, he caught onto her meaning, cleared his throat and sat up."So....how about those Lakers, huh?"
     Amy cocked a brow at her brother while Greg continued to sip his beer. Serena stared at Darien in disbelief, unbelieving on what an idiot he could be sometimes.
     "Amy, did you know Greg is fluent in five languages?"Serena put in.
     "Yes, I did."her color rose, because with that memory came what they had shared in his office earlier as well."Quite impressive."
     He grinned and winked at her, enjoying how flustered she had suddenly become."I was seducing her earlier with my italian."he sipped some more beer."I think she liked it."
     Darien sat up abruptly, frowning."What?"
     "Darien, I'm feeling a little thirsty."Serena went into automatic pout, letting her eyes and shoulders droop."Could you get me something?"
     He shot to his feet, hoovering over her."What do you want? What do you need? I'll get you some milk. Do you want some milk? I'll warm it up too. Is that ok? I'll be right back."he rushed back into the house.
     Satisfied, Serena sat back and relaxed once again."Now Greg, you know better then to mention something like that in front of Darien."
     Amused by her, he gave her a lop sided grin."Yea, I know. But why worry when I got you around to distract him for me?"
     She laughed, tossing her long, silvery hair over her shoulder."He's so attentive. He jumps if I barely sneeze. Now, whats with the tension? Is it sexual tension?"
     Amy could only gape at her in horror while Greg threw back his head and roared with laughter."Your damn right its sexual."
     "You wish it was."Amy snapped at him."Serena, this is ridiculous. Please stop encouraging him to-"
     "Just looking at you encourages me."his dark eyes sharpened as he put his beer aside and leaned toward her."Just seeing you, just watching how your eyes are narrowing right now encourages me."
     As much as she was enjoying this, she knew when to leave two people alone."Hhmm. I think I'll go inside and help Darien with my drink."she was up and gone before Amy could blink.
     Sitting up straight, she raised her chin an inch."I really would appreciate it if you would stop flirting with me so much. Especially in front of my brother and Serena."
     He rolled his shoulders, stretched his neck."Can't help it. Do you think you could stop being so beautiful?"he nodded when she just stared at him."The day your not so tempting is the day I'll back off."
     "What exactly do you want from me? I have nothing to give you that I could. I'm already seeing someone and I would never-"
     "Do you love him?"he cut in, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees.
     She gaped at him."Excuse me?"
     "Do you love him?"
     "Thats a very personal question."she stood and walked to the edge of the balcony so he wouldn't see how worried she was. Her immediate answer had been no and she'd barely been able to hold it back.
     He watched her, watched her face tip up to the moonlight, watched the glow from it wash over her lovely features."And its easy enough to answer."
     She knew it was. She knew exactly how easy it was to answer, but love was something she'd experienced only once in her life, a long time ago, and that love had been doomed from the start."I don't think I should be talking about this with you."
     "Why not?"
     "Because I don't."she remembered how happy she had been with the other, how much she had fallen in love, only to walk away when he had met her parents and given them the worst impression possible. Her father had been horrified by him, her mother shocked, and she had known it was the end."Its my own business."
     "Then thats a definite no."he stood, walked over to her and stood next to her, looking up at the moon as well."Don't worry. I've never loved anyone either."
     She whirled on him."What makes you think I've never loved anyone?"the moment the words were out, she wished she could take them back.
     He turned toward her, curious now."Oh, so you have. My mistake."
     When he didn't say anything else, only continued watching the moon, his hands tucked into his pockets, she grew nervous."So your saying you've never actually loved a woman?"
     He slid her a look."I don't see why I should talk about my personal life when you won't bend enough to say shit about yours."
     She knew the truth in those words, but decided to ignore it."I loved someone, but it was a long time ago. It didn't work out."her voice was clipped.
     He could hear the pain beneathe her words and wondered what could have happened."Those are the worst. The one's that could have worked out, but didn't."he contemplated the stars a moment."I've never loved a woman in my life because I'm incapable of love."he looked down at his hands, big hands that had been made to beat things, things like women. Just like his father. Although he had never raised a hand to a woman, he knew the blood was inside him. There were times he became so angry he couldn't even see straight and that, he knew, came from his father too.
     Pity stirred inside, although she would have rather kept her heart indifferent to him."Everyone is capable of love."
     Images of a dark house, reeking with alcohol and violence, came into his mind. His hands clenched into tight fists without his realizing it, his eyes shadowing over."Maybe I am, but I have too much of him in me."he whispered.
     She went from indifferent to comforting. She was a psychiatrist after all."Him?"
     His nostrils were filled with the stench of his fathers Jack Daniels bottle, his ears ringing with his mothers cries as his father pounded his fists into her face. These memories haunted him daily. They were a part of his childhood, like growing up had been."Never mind."he stepped back from her, ran his hand down his face, unable to believe he had actually spoken of it. He had never mentioned it to anyone in his life."Its nothing."he rolled his shoulders, cramped suddenly."I better get going. I have an early start tomorrow."
     She wanted to hear more, to help and see why those shadows had crossed into his eyes, but she also knew when to back off."All right."
     He glanced at her."Maybe we can get together sometime."
     She smiled and answered before she could think."I'd like that."
     A bit surprised at his luck, he pressed on."Maybe some dinner tomorrow? I could pick you up, say around seven?"
     She nodded."That sounds fine."
     Eyeing her, he tried figuring out what could have made her change toward him so easily, then decided to accept his good luck. She was agreeing, after all."I'll see you then."he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, inhaling for just a moment the soft scent of her skin. When an image of her, sweaty and lying beneathe him, crying out his name filled his mind, he cleared his throat, stepped back."Bye honey."
     She'd felt him tense when he had leaned over and kissed her and wondered what could have caused it. Perhaps she made him just as nervous as he made her.
     Thoughtful, she watched him walk away, watched his broad back, his strong arms, and felt something stir inside, something she didn't want to feel. But then, she had always lived according to the rules she had built on herself. She had never taken a chance on anyone who was even remotely out of her range, someone who she didn't personally think her parents would approve of.
     Perhaps it would be nice to have a quick fling with him. There was no harm in it, after all. She knew for a fact that she wouldn't be marrying him, and there was no way he would want things to progress along those lines. He was a man who lived for the moment, not the future. They were both adults and they would know how things were to go, how things would be.
     She decided to at least consider the possibility. She needed something to help her relax, something where she wasn't hoping to find what she had been looking for her whole life. Every time she began a new relationship, she was always filled with hope for each one because the men she dated were so prominent, so....perfect. But each time, her hopes were squashed like a bug, and each time she always wondered if she would marry for obligation, and not for love as she'd always hoped too.
     Sighing, she walked into the house, going in search of Serena and Darien.

     He wasn't sure what worried him more, the fact that he'd never wanted another woman as much as he wanted her, or that he had told her more then he'd ever told anyone else in his life.
     He didn't want to think on it, didn't want to worry, but he couldn't help it. Angry with himself, he stalked over to the bar in his home, poured himself a brandy and shot it back like water. Even as the brandy seared his throat and burned his stomache, he still didn't feel better.
     Running his hand through his hair, he decided he needed to get some rest. He had put in a hard day at the boatshed, mentally and physically, and the only thing that had made him feel better was the kiss with Amy. The memory of it brought back a smile, made him grin when he remembered there date for the next night.
     He walked into his room, stared at the king sized bed he had, and his grin spread. She was a cool, lovely one, but imagened she was a firecracker once she was in bed. He would see to unleashing all that passion he was sure was hidden beneathe.
     He had a challenge now and he was one who loved challenges.

     Lita waited on the shore of the ocean, kicking up sand, walking into the water to where her shorts would allow. The wind was fierce here and blew through her hair like insistent fingers, her eyes a snapping green and taking in the sunset before her.
     Closing her eyes, she breathed the salty sea air in, letting it out in a long sigh filled with contentment and happiness. This sea, this view, this place, had all healed her at one point in her life. Everything about it had been so magical to her, so full of possibilites, the possibility to dream, to hope, to wish.
     This and her two closest friends, her sisters. Without them she didn't think she would have made it this far in her life. Before she and her mother had moved to Monterey, her life had been filled with sadness, with fear, with hiding in the shadows from her mother.
     But she'd gotten through all that, she'd made it and here she was now. Exactly what she'd always wished to be.
     Something in the winds changed, alerting her, and she turned, squinted against the sun to see Amy and Serena making there way over to her. She watched them, watched Serena's silvery hair flow out behind her, watched her brilliant blue eyes laugh at something Amy had said. She watched Amy's lovely smile come to life, watched her dark eyes fill with joy, her short cap of hair gently ruffled by the wind.
     She watched them, and in watching, knew they were her greatest reason for living.
     She went forward to meet them, pointedly checked her watch."About fifteen minutes late there. Let me guess: Serena's fault."
     Serena tossed her hair, sniffed."I needed to reapply my make up."
     "Oh, sorry. I thought someone's death had kept you. My mistake."
     "Its beautiful today."Amy looked out at the sun, trying not to think that she had a date with Greg in less then two hours."Very nice."
     "This place is always nice."Lita watched Amy a moment, and noted how her eyes darted about, how her hands were clenching and unclenching at her sides."Whats up Am?"
     She glanced at Lita, away."Nothing. Nothings up. Why do you ask?"
     She cocked her head, smiled."You tell me."
     Serena turned and eyed her friend as well."Hhhmmm, something is up. Whats going on?"
     Annoyed because she could never get anything past them, she huffed out a breath."I have a date tonight with Greg."
     "You do?!"Serena squeeled, pounced on and hugged her with enough force to almost knock her back."Oh Amy!"
     Lita tucked her tongue into her cheek, stuffing her hands into the back of her shorts."No shit?"
     "Why is it that you two have never reacted this way to any other men I've dated?"but she couldn't help her own smile, though she didn't realize it was as foolish as a school girls.
     "Because the others have been boring as hell."Lita pushed her hair out of her face."What made you change your mind finally? I know it wasn't his looks, or his charm, or how sexy he is, since none of those seemed to have impressed you in the least."
     She wasn't too sure herself what had made her agree to the date, but she knew she wasn't backing out of it."I just want to try something spontaneous for once in my life. I've always done everything the right way, always made sure to act as I should. I think maybe its time I tried something where I don't have to worry about what will happen in the end."
     Serena and Lita stared at her so long, she ran a hand down her cheek."Something on my face?"
     "Who are you and what have you done with our best friend?"Lita said, causing Amy to laugh.
     "Its me, I just don't want to act as....me my whole life. You guys understand, don't you?"
     Serena nodded as Lita scratched her head."You want to be different. You want to do something that you wouldn't normally do."
     When Lita continued to stare at her, she smiled, took her hands."You've always done what you wanted to Lita. You've always followed your heart, so of course what I'm saying must sound childish, but to me, its completely new."
      Lita shook her head, tightened her hands over Amy's."Thats not true. Your so calm Amy, so respected by everyone who meets you. You've always been lucky enough to have others look at you and know who you are. Thats a gift right there."
     "I'm glad to hear you say that. It means something to me to have you say it."and it did.
     Serena put her hand over there's, linking the three of them."Were all different from one another. We all have something that sets us apart, but the one thing that binds us is our friendship. We'll always have that."
     When Serena and Amy's eyes filled, Lita blew out a breath, rolled her eyes."Oh God, I didn't tell you guys to meet me here so we would all get sniffly about it."
     Amy knew how uncomfortable tears made Lita, so she drew hers back."I'm sorry, I couldn't help it."
     Serena wiped at hers."Wacky hormones. I don't think I've ever cried this much in my entire life as I have in the past few weeks."
     "So why did you ask us to meet you here?"
     Lita looked back out at the sun."Its a nice spot, don't you think?"
     Serena nodded."It always was our favorite."
     "I'm leaving to Africa again in two days and I won't be back on this one for probably three months. And thats the soonest."she said it in a rush, dreading turning back and seeing the looks on her friends faces.
     "Three months?"Serena shook her head."Thats way too long. Why?"
     "Its a special issue thats coming up. Its on the African animals, predators, birds, the hunted, the whole survival of the fitest thing. There going to need tons of pictures and they want me to lead the team. I'm sorry guys. I know its a long time, but its.....its my job."
     "Three months? And thats the least amount of time you'll be there?"
     She nodded."And even three months is cutting it. They never really give me a time limit on when they want something done, especially for something like this, but I estimate that three months is the soonest I'll be back. I'm guessing it'll probably take me up to four months though, just to be sure."
     Serena's eyes were pleading when Lita looked at her."Four months? But...I'll be seven months by then. I want you here when my time comes, I want the both of you here. Please-"
     Lita put a hand on her arm, reassuring her."I'll be here. You call me on my cell phone if anything happens and I'll answer it. I'll come back as soon as I can. I promised you I'd be there and I will be."
     Serena sighed, nodded."Ok. Ok."
     Amy checked her watch, estimated how much longer she had."I can't stay too long guys."
     "Oh, of course. We don't want to make you late for the big date."Lita teased.
     "HaHa, very funny. I have to get going. We'll all do something before you leave, right Lita?"
     "You bet."
     "I'll tell Darien so we can throw a small party for you at our house. Just us. And Greg too."
     "Sounds like a plan. Tomorrow night ok for you Am?"they began walking up the beach, heading back to where they had left there cars.
     "Its fine. I'll be there."when they were all standing by there cars, she rolled her eyes when Serena and Lita both began to laugh when she smacked into her car instead of opening it."Shutup, thats wasn't funny."
     "I think Amy has her mind on other things."Lita wiggled her brows at them.
     "I would too. The man is gorgeous. Goodluck honey, and be ready to tell us every detail tomorrow night."Serena blew her a kiss, then climbed into her car.
     She couldn't help her own laughter at how the two of them were acting. It was just a date with another guy. She'd been on several dates in her life, with several different men. She knew the whole dating routine better then most.
     So why did she feel as if there were thousands of butterflies in her stomache?
     She got home, prepared to shower and change into a gown she'd had picked out for the evening, a simple, black cocktail dress, sleevless, that clung to her curves like a second skin, when she checked the messages on her machine and found one from Greg. He was telling her he'd still be by at seven, but for her to wear something simple, no dress or heels, just jeans and a blouse.
      She listened to the message, unsure on how she felt about that. Dates for her were places with style, with sophistication, where a gown and suit and tie were mandatory.
     Obviously he didn't plan on taking her to a restaurant.
     A bit annoyed by this sudden change of routine, she went to her closet and found some jeans that she'd bought on her last shopping spree with Serena and Lita. Lita had insisted she buy something other then a gown, and had ordered her to go try the jeans on. They had fit much to tightly, clung to her with every move she had made, but Lita had said they were perfect. She'd then ordered Amy to buy a blouse that buttoned up the middle, but where the top button reached right above her breasts, leaving an exotic dip into her breasts that gave a very good view of her cleavage. And of course the right bra had to go with the outfit, according to Lita, along with some boots that were a tan color, made to match the outfit in the western style it was promoting.
     Faded jeans, a blouse that dipped much too low for taste, and boots that made her a good two inches taller, all combined to make her look at herself in the mirror, her jaw dropping open at the sight.
     She looked completely different. She'd gotten so used to seeing herself wear gowns and skirts, she'd almost forgotten how she looked in jeans and a shirt.
      She liked how....sexy she looked. Rustic, wild, and yet sensual. This was how Lita looked every minute of the day and she now understood what it was that made her walk with her head thrown back in pride, what made men within a ten mile radius turn and eye her as she strode by.
     So of course, being a woman who had had a great love affair with clothes and make up in her life, she knew that her usual, smooth style wouldn't do. She ruffled her hair out a bit, putting mousse in it so that the ends curled up and around her face. She then applied eye liner and dark eye shadow, sweeping it across her lids, then applying a light, lip balm that made her lips glow. She decided to go against the blush and leave her face pale, which accented her dark eyes that seemed to be more noticeable this time with the eye liner and dark eye shadow on them.
     She spritzed on some light perfume, then jumped when the doorbell rang. Amazed the time had flown by so quickly, she grabbed a faded jean jacket she had bought to go with the outfit and headed for the door, taking a deep breath before opening it.
     And she could feel her heart jump into her throat at the sight of Thomas standing on her porche and not Greg.
     Thomas' eyes were wide as they surveyed her attire."Amy, you look....wow. I mean, gorgeous."
     She smiled at him, not at all wanting him to see her like this."Thomas, this is a pleasant surprise."her mind was reeling with how fast she could get rid of him before Greg showed up.
     "Are you headed somewhere?"
     She pounced on the excuse."Yes, I was going to go spend the night with Lita. She had something wild planned and this outfit was the only thing that would have been appropriate."
     He nodded, his eyes halting on the cleavage the low cut blouse revealed."Its some oufit."
     She bit her lip, nodding."Yes I know. Its not exactly me."
     "Well....since your headed out, I better go."he seemed reluctant to tear his eyes from her.
     "I'm sorry Thomas, perhaps tomorrow night?"
     "I can't tomorrow night. I'm working. But I'll find someway to see you soon."he stepped forward, surprising her when he put his lips to her neck and pressed them there."And hopefully you'll wear something like that."
     She stepped back and away from his touch. She watched him walk back down the stairs to the street, closing the door when he was out of sight. Breathing out a heavy sigh, she leaned against the door, relieved he had left so quickly.
     She had barely turned back to a mirror to re check her make up when there was another knock at her door. Sighing, she opened it saying,"Thomas, I really can't-"she cut off when she saw it was Greg standing on her doorstep and not Thomas. His eyes were dark and even though she hardly knew him, she could tell he was angry.
     Determined not to feel guilty, she smiled."Greg. Your prompt."
     "I ran into your boyfriend downstairs."he lashed out, unable to help the rage coiled inside him. When he'd seen him he'd had to use most of his self control and not ram his fist into the pompous ass' face.
     "Yes, he showed up unexpectedly. I didn't-"
     "Save it."he cut her off, ignoring the way her blue eyes widened."Lets just go."shoving his hands into his pockets, he turned and stalked away.
     She wasn't too sure on how to react to this anger. She had never juggled two men before in her life, and she really didn't want to start now. She decided that even if she was going to have a fling with Greg, she wasn't going to keep giving Thomas any false hopes. She would speak to him as soon as possible.
     Grabbing her coat, she followed after Greg.

     The large, black F150 Ford Fox truck that was raised well off the ground and seemed to exude power with its loud engine perfectly matched his mood, Amy decided. Exactly matched him, was more like it. It was dark and dangerous, exciting and powerful. It gave her chills, and yet pumped her full of adrenaline at the same time.
     He was speeding through the streets, eating up the road with his rage. She imagened it was best not to disturb him at such a time.
     She wondered about where he was taking her when they pulled in with several other cars causing traffic, moved slowly along until they reached a large stadium where lights and the sound of hundreds of people's voices reached out to them. Curious now, she stared at the stadium and wondered what he had brought her too.
     He parked the truck, slammed his door and walked around to her side to open it for her and help her down. For the first time in the night, he noticed the wild and sexy outifit she was wearing, and the way her eyes seemed to glow cat like because of the way she had applied her make up. He felt his mouth go dry and the blood drain from his head.
     She noticed the way he was staring at her and concluded he had barely noticed her, really noticed her. Enjoying the way he had gone still and speechless, she gave him a look from under her lash's."Still mad at me?"she couldn't believe she was flirting with him, but the outfit seemed to demand it.
     Snapping back to himself, he snorted."I was never mad at you."but even to his own ears, he sounded childish.
     She cocked her head, ran her tongue around her teeth when he frowned deeply."Sure you weren't. Greg, I tried telling you before that Thomas just showed up. I didn't invite him over, I didn't make plans with him." something in his eyes tipped her off."You think I let him touch me, don't you?"
     "Its none of my business."he said roughly, although she had hit the mark precisely.
     "Then I'll make it your business."she put a hand on his arm, felt his muscles tighten beneathe."I'm going to speak with him as soon as I can and explain things simply aren't working out between he and I. I'm not a person who dates two men at the same time and the fact is, Thomas is extremely boring."she was glad when he smiled at this."I trully am sorry about what happened earlier."
     He ran a hand over his face, annoyed with himself. He had planned on staying angry with her, at least a little longer. But when she looked at him with her big, liquid eyes he couldn't even seem to remember why he'd been angry.
     He reached out and cupped the back of her neck, hauling her in quickly before she could protest and kissing her hard, letting her go so suddenly she almost fell back."Its all right honey, don't worry about it. I'm an idiot."
     Struggling to come back to herself, she reached out and pushed him back a bit."Your right, you are. But I forgive you."
     When she pushed harder, he let her go, grinning at her back when she turned away with a toss of her head."Even though your dressed like a temptress, your still the same woman beaneathe."he ran a hand up and down her back, enjoying how she stiffened at his touch."Glad to know that too. Its the woman beneathe I want."
     He took her hand and led her through the crowd of people, to the entrance of the stadium where he handed over two tickets, then went inside with her behind him. Eyes wide, she was amazed to see he had brought her to a rodeo, with the lights and sounds of it all around them and the center field empty. There were stalls to the sides, where bulls and wildhorses were kept, where clowns and cowboys stood milling about, waiting for the show to begin.
     He took her and they sat near the front, settling down amid the huge noise."Ever been to a rodeo before?"he shouted to her, but already knowing the answer by the way she was staring at everything with wide eyes.
     She shook her head, remembered herself enough to close her mouth."No, no. Its so loud."she shouted back, never believing she would ever actually be attending a rodeo.
     He'd wanted to do something different with her and the fact was, he hadn't been to a rodeo in quite sometime. In Europe he'd mainly worked on his boats and raced them on the circuit, making a name for himself. The few times he'd come back to the states in the past couple of years he'd only been to a rodeo twice. As a child, he'd always gone to them, with his mother and father.
     The rodeo brought back those memories, but he pushed them away. He didn't want Amy seeing him upset and vulnerable again. He'd rather she thought of him as what he was, is.

     When the rodeo was over it was late and he took her home, walking her upstairs to her apartment. The building and area she lived in was secluded, for the privelaged in his mind. Only the rich and pompous lived here, and even though Amy was rich, he couldn't imagen her as pompous.
     They reached her door and he watched her turn to him, watched her meet his eyes, the kindness and sincerity there almost frightening. All the other women he'd ever taken on dates had always held the same expression in there eyes after, of lust and greed. Of taking and taking, and never giving. None of them had ever had this gentleness for him.
     He wasn't too sure how he felt about that.
     But he didn't care too much on that at the moment. She'd agreed to a date and he was glad she had. He'd had more fun with her then he would have had with any other woman. He leaned over and brushed her lips with his, bringing a hand up to wrap around her waist and haul her in.
     The kiss became fierce, hard and demanding, his hand clutching her shirt tightly into his fist. Sounds and sighs, crushing embraces and quick breaths surrounded them as the kiss spun out of control and there minds fogged with the passion they were emitting.
     She tore away from him, gasping for air."Stop, please."
     His hand was still filled with her shirt and he brought her against him once again, her softness against the rugged steele of his own body."I want you."he breathed it out, tasting the racing pulse at her throat, absorbing the almost perfect way they fit together."I want you."
     She couldn't seem to catch her breath, couldn't seem to see anything as her mind and body were absorbed with the pleasure of what his mouth was doing to her."Greg.....oh, Greg....."
     And even though he knew his advantage, even though he understood he could take more and more until he got what he wanted, he wouldn't defile her in that way. She was pure to him, everything good and right that no other woman had ever been to him.
     So he stopped his caresses, wrapped her in his arms and simply held her."I want to see you again."
     It took her a moment since her brain was still a bit light. She blinked, realized he was holding her and stroking her back gently."All right."she could feel something softening inside, struggled to hold it back by keeping her voice calm.
     Her soft, almost cool agreement stirred his anger, but he didn't comment on it."How about we go to the party at Serena and Darien's together tomorrow night?"
     She wasn't sure if she liked the idea of showing up with him to a family party, but she knew he had been invited as well and it seemed logical enough."That sounds nice."there was a momentary silence between them.
     "Did you have fun tonight?"he blurted it out, realizing it was a question he'd never bothered to ask another woman. There personal feelings had never mattered to him, only getting them into bed and discarding them afterward.
     "I did."and the realization surprised her."Thank you for that."
     "No problem honey."he took the keys she'd removed from her purse, reached over and opened her front door for her."I'll pick you up tomorrow around five. That ok?"
     She estimated her schedule, nodded."Thats fine. I'll see you tomorrow."when he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek tenderly, handing her her keys at the same time, she had to bite back the sigh that would have escaped.
     Neither had been expecting to enjoy the others company so much.

     Amy decided the next morning when she woke up that she would cancel her sessions for the day and spend it with her friends. Lita was leaving tomorrow morning on the seven o'clock flight and she wouldn't see her again for months.
     So she did, then called Lita and woke her up, listening as her friend grumbled on the other end."Its seven thirty Amy. Couldn't you wait to tell me this later?"
     "No, of course not. I want to spend every minute with you that I can. The sun is out already, we should go get Serena and go to the beach."she was already packing a case with her things, certain her friends would agree.
     Lita groaned when she looked out the window of her apartment and sunlight hit her sleepy eyes."Shit, your right."the thought of catching Serena without her usual mask of make-up was so amusing she was leaping out of bed in the next moment."Ok, I'm gonna shower and get ready. I'll be over to pick you up in half an hour. And don't call and tell Serena were coming!"
     Amy knew Lita's mind as well as she her own and she knew what she was up too."You bet I won't."
     Lita showed up promptly, and Amy was ready for her. They drove over to the Stanford Estate and went through the front doors just as Darien was having a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper in the dining room. His face lit when he saw them.
     "Hey guys, I didn't know you were coming."
     "Its a surprise. I cancelled my sessions today so I could spend the day with Lita and we came to kidnap Serena into playing hooky with us."Amy explained.
     "Hooky huh? I don't think you've ever done that Am."and the thought had him frowning. He hoped it wasn't due to Greg, but he had a sinking feeling it was."Serena's upstairs, still sleeping."
     "I was hoping for that."Lita strode out of the room, her mind set on her mission.
     "Does she want to catch her sleeping?"he asked.
     Amy nodded, sat at the table with him."She likes embaressing her when she's not wearing her make-up even though we've seen her without it before."she rolled her eyes at the thought.
     He'd always been able to read Amy like a book and now he could see contentment in her eyes, happiness and joy. He hadn't seen that look in her eyes for years, not since.....
     He set his coffee aside."Amy, did you go out with Greg last night?"Serena had been extremely tight lipped about the entire situation, but he had heard overheard a conversation between her and Lita, the two of them giggling over Amy's 'big date' as they'd termed it.
     She shot him a quick glance, gauging his reaction."Um....yes, I did."
     He told himself to be calm about it, but couldn't when he knew exactly how Greg was. Use em, then lose em, Greg had always said. He'd seen Greg with a different woman every week back when he'd partied with him in Europe. He doubted he had changed since then.
     "Amy, I don't think its a good idea that you go out with him."he said in a calm, reasonable tone.
     The tone immediately set her off, had her back straightening."I wasn't aware I needed your permission."
     He made sure to keep a tight reign on his own temper. It wouldn't be good to lose it. Fighting with Amy had never gotten him anywhere. The woman could argue with the dead if she set her mind to it."I didn't mean it like that Amy. I only meant that you don't know Greg like I do. I've known him for years and he's never had a serious relationship in all that time. He doesn't waste time with them."
     "I didn't know you were so interested in my sex life."she kept her own voice cool, ice cold, causing him to wince.
     "I didn't mean it like that."annoyed and embaressed now, he ran his hand through his dark hair."Amy, I'm only looking out for you. I don't want to see you get hurt."
     "And what makes you so sure I'm going to get hurt?"patiently attentive, she folded her hands before her, stepping into the role of the calm psychiatrist.
     "Greg always hurts women."he snapped.
     "He won't hurt me Darien. I'm not a child. I stopped being one years ago."she halted at the sound of a scream from upstairs, followed by a crash, another scream, then several more crashes."And I can see Lita succeeded in waking Serena up."
     He glanced upward, torn between finishing the conversation and going to check on his wife."I better make sure Serena's all right."jumping up from the table, he walked out of the room.
     Amy sighed heavily, grabbed his coffee cup and drained the contents. She was a trained professional at remaining calm, but what Darien had said DID bother her. She couldn't help admitting it to herself not matter how much she wished otherwise.
     Standing and smoothing the tank top she wore, she scolded herself on becoming to emotionally involved. Greg appealed to her only because he was dark and dangerous, because he was different from most of the other men she had ever gone out with. There had only ever been one man in her life she had loved and that hadn't worked out. He had been like Greg.....unsuitable for marriage.
     She walked upstairs and found Darien standing in the doorway laughing, Serena hissing at Lita while she roared with laughter. Serena's silvery hair was tousled, her cheeks pink from sleep and her eyes dark with her rage. Her ivory complexion held no make-up, but even then she looked absolutely stunning, the picture of an etheral angel.
     Serena saw Amy and pointed."This is your fault. Why the hell did you get it into her head to come here and wake me up?! You guys know I don't like it when-"
     "Serena, we've seen you like this all our lives."Amy cut in, amused by it all."Come on, get ready so we can go to the beach. The weather's perfect."
     "I want to go to the beach."Darien put in, turning and giving his wife a sorrowful look.
     Her angry expression didn't waver."No way, even if they did wake me up, this is girls day out. No men."with that, she walked into the bathroom adjoining the room, slamming the door.
     Lita chuckled."Sorry Dar, but I have to agree with her on this one."
     Huffing a bit, he straightened his suit."Fine. I didn't want to go anyway."he marched from the room.
     Once Serena had finally fixed herself up enough, she met them downstairs with a bag flung over her shoulder, wearing a red bikini top and small shorts. Lita eyed her as she descended the steps of her home to them, tossing her long, silvery hair over her shoulder as she came.
     "Aren't pregnant women supposed to be throwing up all the time?"Lita snapped at her sourly.
     Serena gave her a radiant smile."They are, but not me. I've never felt better."
     Amy could see because Serena had taken so long, Lita wasn't in the best of moods. She decided to hurry things along."Lets go guys, the beach is waiting."
     Sitting under the sun an hour later, the three of them dressed in only there bikinis with sunglasses to shield against the blinding rays, they relaxed in the three chairs they had pulled up side by side, Amy in the middle of them. She turned and glanced at Serena, seeing that her stomache was barely rounded a tiny bit.
     "How far along are you Serena?"
     "Five months."she put her hand up on her belly."I'm starting to show. Can't you see?"she smoothed her hand over her middle, as if soothing the child growing inside her.
     Amy squinted, nodded."Your right. You are showing."she saw how happy the news made her friend."You really want to show, don't you?"
     "You bet I do. Darien could hardly keep still when he saw I was beginning to grow."
     Lita could see a group of men all eyeing them from some feet away, trying to gain there attention as they played football. Smiling to herself, she gave her attention to her friends."Am, tell us about your date."
     Serena sat up abruptly."Your date! I almost forgot! How did it go?"
     Amy shifted, uncomfortable now at remembering the previous night."It went well."
     "Don't give us that cool, rich society shit. Details, we want details!"Lita said, grinning all the while.
     "What did you wear?"to Serena clothing was as important as breathing.
     "That outfit Lita talked me into buying last time we went shopping. Remember it? The western type outfit."when there eyes widened and they exchanged looks, she hurried to explain."I wore it because he had called earlier and left me a message telling me not to wear a gown. And thats the only presentable outfit I have thats not a gown."
     "Wow, he must have swallowed his tongue when he saw you in that."Lita remembered well how sexy it had made her usually sophisticated friend look.
     "Hhmm, I think Lita's right. But anyway, tell us where he took you."
     "To a rodeo."she didn't see the raised brows of her friends as she began to recall the night."I've never been to anything like it in my entire life. It was so loud and so dirty and so exciting. I watched men get thrown from wild horses, watched them get chased by bulls, watched rodeo clowns almost trampled. It was so exhilerating, so-"she halted suddenly, embaressed because Serena and Lita were staring at her with wide eyes."Sorry."
     "Amy Stanford, going to a rodeo and actually enjoying it."Lita still couldn't believe it."I can't see you doing the cowboy thing Am, no matter how hard I try."
     "What is so unbelievable about it? I can do different things, I can enjoy something wild once in a while."
     "Ok wild for you is like wearing a nice pair of slacks to work instead of a suit."Serena pointed out."This....well, this is something else."
     "Its outrageously wild."Lita concluded."And I'm proud of you Am."
     "Me too. And its obvious you had fun so I'm sure Greg had fun as well."Serena noticed the group of men playing football, smiled at them and had them all tripping over themselves."Did he kiss you goodnight?"
     Amy rolled her eyes at the question."Do you guys even have to ask?"
     "And how did it make you feel?"
     She sat back and sighed."Like a woman."
     "Just like a woman?"Lita persisted, seeing something else in Amy's eyes.
     "It wasn't what I expected. It wasn't soft or gentle. No man has ever kissed me the way Greg did last night."she touched her lips at the memory."Like I was the only woman in the world who could satisfy this raging hunger he had inside."
     Serena sighed as well, nodded."Yea, thats how Darien makes me feel. He's the only one who ever has, and the only one who ever will."
     "I think your both nuts."Lita had never felt that way about a man and doubted she ever would.
     "I think perhaps your right."Amy didn't like thinking that Greg made her feel the same way that Darien made Serena feel.
     "We are not nuts."Serena ran a hand through her hair."Were lucky."
     "No I'm lucky. I'm single and I think I'm going to signal that tall one right there over."Lita gestured toward the men, who weren't even bothering to play football any longer, but watched them openly."The tallest one with the body and the face? He's mine."
     Serena studied the one Lita had chosen."Nice choice."
     "What about that guy you met the other day? At the restaurant?"Amy preferred straying from the subject of her and Greg then analyzing it as she thought her friends might want too.
     "Oh were going out. But it doesn't mean I'm tied down to him."rising, she ran a hand through her wild brown hair."I'll be right back."and strode over to the group.
     Amy watched her go and wished she could have Lita's strong confidence in herself."There's another heart for her to break."
     "Hhhmmm."Serena was studying the group intently, seeing a familiar body and face among them."I think thats Chad Henry over there."
     Amy squinted against the sun, saw the large build and exceptionally handsome face."Thats him all right. And still gorgeous enough to out do any of those other guys."
     They watched as he and Lita saw one another, before Lita went to the man she had been eyeing and ran her hand down his arm, ignoring Chad altogether. Chad watched for a moment, the hurt showing clearly on his face, but when Lita pressed closer, he gripped her arm and dragged her away to where Serena and Amy sat watching with mild interest.
     "Ladies."Chad greeted, his voice deep and cultered, showing no strain as he dragged there struggling friend along.
     "Hey Chad."Serena raised a brow when he shoved Lita back onto the beach chair she'd occupied.
     "What the hell is your problem?!"Lita shouted, fired up now and beyond reasonable thought."You idiot! Get out of my way!"she tried standing and he merely pushed her back down."Bastard, I'll KILL you-"
     "And I won't stand by while you throw yourself at other men!"he shouted down at her, stopping her tirade."Godamnit Lita, why won't you give me a chance?!"
     "Are you STILL on that? Get over it, that was years ago!"
     "I'm not going to get over it because I'm in love with you!"he shot back.
     Amy considered interrupting and was opening her mouth to do so when Serena slapped a hand on her arm."Don't even think about it. I want to enjoy this."she muttered to her, settling back once again to keep listening.
     "I don't care if your in love with me! I DON'T love you Chad and I never will!"she screeched at him, breathing hard.
     He made sure to keep his face remote so she would't see how she'd once again torn his heart out and trampled on it."I'll do anything Lita. Just please-"
     Lita stood suddenly, gathering her things together quickly."I'm leaving. This wasn't how I planned on spending my last day with you guys. We can find something else to do."with that, she marched away, her arms full.
     Sighing dramatically, Serena stood and gathered her own things."Sorry about this Chad."she followed after Lita.
     Amy could see how much she had hurt him now and she went to him, touched his arm."I'm sorry too Chad. I really don't know what else to say."patting his arm, she gathered her own things and followed after her friends.
     Lita was in an exceptionally bad mood afterward. Serena and Amy struggled to bring her out of it, finally doing so when they took her to eat at her favorite steak house restaurant. After they had finished eating they went to see a movie, then went to a nearby spa and spent most of the rest of the afternoon relaxing. It was late when they headed back to Serena's home, where they had all left the outfits they would wear that night to Lita's small party.
     Amy checked her watch, swore under breath."I have to call Greg. He was supposed to pick me up, but I'll tell him he can just meet us all here."
     Lita and Serena exchanged knowing looks."Sure Am. Go ahead."
     After she'd called him, she went with her friends and they changed into there outfits, Amy having taken Lita's advice and decided on s skimpy, black dress that left little to the imagenation. Slipping into black heels, she went to apply her make up next to Serena, who looked devastatingly gorgeous in her snowy white, backless flowing gown.
     After over an hour and a half of primping, with Lita pacing and waiting impatiently, Darien popped his head into the room."Ladies, the parties going to start and we need the guest of honor."his eyes were on Serena, drinking in the vision she made.
     "I'm ready, I'm going. I'll see you guys downstairs in the next eon or something."pushing past Darien, Lita left the room.
     Darien stepped in, dressed in a black tux that matched his dark hair and seemed to turn his eyes opaque."You two look beautiful."
     Serena fluffed her long, silvery hair."Don't we know it."
     Amy slipped on her diamond bracelet, then the matching earings and necklace."Has Greg gotten here yet?"
     Darien tore his eyes from his wife and looked at her."He's waiting for you downstairs."
     "Good. I better go meet him."she left the room, feeling like a third wheel with the looks Darien kept giving Serena.
     She was descending the stairs carefully when she spotted him across the room, three women standing with him and all giggling over something he was saying. Feeling a bit jealous, she pushed the thought away and made sure she kept her expression cool and calm.
     She had a moment to look at him, wearing his black tux, his hair and eyes matching it. Even dressed as he was he seemed to exude dominance and power, danger and a sexy aura. It was no wonder he had three women around him with several others eyeing him throughout the room.
     She recognized these women as Lita's friends, some part of the team she took with her on her expeditions. There was also several men who worked with her, some she recognized, others she didn't.
     She noticed the moment he saw her, his eyes going from amused to darkly hot, a gleam entering them as he pushed past the women around them and left them staring after him. He was at the bottom of the stairs the moment she made it there as well.
     He could only stare up at her a moment, awed by her elegant beauty, almost afraid to touch her. Then, he held out his hand and she took it, smiling at him as she took the last step to him.
     When she looked up at him, turned that demure smile on him, a desire such as he'd never felt before seemed to spread through and consume him. Turning her into his arms, he put one hand on the small of her back and pressed her into him, the other hand sliding up her back to cup the back of her neck and draw her in for the kiss he would give her.
     It was rough and demanding, hard and mind consuming. He could feel her against him, smell her soft scent, hear her moan that went in and over him. In a room full of people he was aware would be watching, he kissed Amy Stanford with the thoroughness only a lover would bestoy upon his chosen.

Stay tuned for Chapter 3~sailorperfect@yahoo.com