Mine

Derek POV

"Let me be your star!" Oh God did she belt that note out beautifully. I know now that I made the right decision, even if everyone was sceptical, I knew she could do it and now look at her. Ivy was gorgeous but not right for the part, I'll admit Ivy had the sex appeal down to a T but none of the innocence, no Norma Jean. And Karen, she had the beautiful mix of both. She had exactly what this show needed to be a hit, to make her a star. Which is exactly what I want, I want her to be my star.

Speaking of stars I should make sure I see Lyle afterwards, I'm sure I will but he always manages to duck out early with some broad on his arm.

I was dragged from my musing as the crowd erupted in a thunderous applause.

We had done it finally.

As the cast ran past me to line up for Curtain I glanced up only to make eye contact with Karen. She really was a sight in her gold sparkling dress and Marilyn wig. It was no secret at least not to me that I had an admiration for Karen especially after choosing her over Ivy. The cast had run rampant with gossip all day as I tried to prepare her for the arduous task of being a leading lady in a Musical. It was after all her first major production.

Karen made her way toward me slowly, stoping only a few inches from me.

"You were amazing Karen. I knew you could do it" I spoke softly into her ear making brief eye contact as she glanced up at me.

"I couldn't have done it without your little push" she replied a little breathlessly.

I gave her a small smile, but it vanished quickly before anyone but Karen could see it. I know I may have had you going for a bit there, sounding like a human and all but I'm still Derek Wills for Christ sake.

I looked on as she was whisked away by Linda to the stage as the ensemble parted to make way for her entrance.

As she walked out on stage the Applause got louder and I got prouder. I had achieved what I wanted and that was a Smash hit with an amazing Star.

The after party would be going hard long in to the night but personally I was tired and felt like shit, a good glass of blue label Johnny walker and bed sounded just pretty fantastic right at this moment.

I ended my conversation with Eileen and glanced around the room looking for my star. I couldn't see her anywhere; I walked the room once looking for her and gave a sharp nod to anyone who bothered to attempt conversation with me.

After establishing the Karen had left I made my own exit and headed to the cab waiting for me.

As I watched Boston pass by my window my mind wondered, remembering the past few months. It had been a gruelling few months and I was glad we were finally at this point. Reviews would be in tomorrow morning and we would hopefully be Home to New York and Broadway in a month or so.

The taxi pulled up out front the hotel, I swiftly paid and exited heading for the hotel bar as my first stop. As I made my way up to the bar I noticed her, sitting by herself at the other end of the bar. I spoke to barman quickly placing my order before heading over to my star.

"What brings a fine lady like you to a hotel bar, on her own may I add, after one of the most important nights of her life?" I spoke softly as I sat on the Bar stool next her, accidentally on purpose brushing my arm against hers.

"Derek!" she proclaimed looking up at him on surprise "What are you doing here?"

"I think I asked first Miss Cartwright" I smirked.

"Oh I guess you did" she replied, looking down and taking another sip of her drink "I just needed to get away from all the attention. This hasn't exactly been the easiest day, emotionally, mentally or physically" she smiled weakly up at me.

"hmm so sitting alone at bar drinking..." I picked up her glass and inhaled quickly "A vodka soda sounded like a better plan?"

"It did actually. Until I was rudely interrupted" she quipped with a sly smile on her face.

"I guess I'll just leave then" I made to leave, but she grabbed my arm and turned me back

"No. You know I was joking Derek." She looked in my eyes and we stayed like that for a few seconds longer than necessary just looking, and taking in each other's emotions. I watched her eye's soften as they glanced down at me before returning to my face and ending at my lips.

"I want you to stay." She said softly.

The barman finally bought my drink over to me and I was jolted out of the trance that had held me.

I think I just found my muse.

I always knew Karen had something but that connection we just had unlocked something in me. She had me choreographing routines just for her that weren't even written yet in my head. I was bombarded and I felt almost violated but at the same time I was revelling in it. She was inspiring.

I needed to have her. Musicals needed to be written just for her...

I needed to slow down. Bombshell had just taken off she was the star, I need to focus on keeping her mine and not letting anyone snare her away from me.

"Karen, I know this will sound really odd, but will you come up to my room with me?" I asked her looking in to her eyes to make sure I caught her emotions.

She was shocked at first and confused but her eyes soon settled on trusting, I had her.

"Yes. Yes I will." She replied simply.

I don't know quite what inclined me to ask but even before I had finished I was setting myself up for rejection, it was refreshing when she didn't and simply agreed.

I quickly knocked back my glass of $80 Scotch and stood gesturing for Karen to take my arm.

We made our way over to the elevator and as we waited I felt her looking at me. I smirked "see something you like Miss Cartwright?"

"You know I do" she replied quickly.

I don't know when we finally reached that mutually unsaid point of acceptance in our relationship, but that was definitely a validation if I ever heard one. As the elevator arrived and I ushered her in we turned just in time to see the rest of the ensemble stumble in as the doors closed. And the first person I made eye contact with was one very pissed Ivy.

I don't know what she expected. I had told her the truth. I had been completely upfront and honest as to why I chose Karen. And as far as I'm concerned we were over a while ago.

I heard Karen speak softly next to me "if looks could kill I'd be six feet under."

I snorted "Ivy has her issues but there is nothing we can do. I told her where I stand and now she has to deal with it"

Thanks for reading guys. I hope you enjoyed. I understand I have made Derek quite Out Of Character (OOC) but let me know your thought and opinions and I will try to make this what you guys want. I'm open to suggestions so hit me.

I already have the basis of the second chapter figured out and by the time your reading this it will probably be well on its way

Thanks guys!