Chapter 1

Elizabeth, Jane and Charlotte walked over to the table to join Bingley and his friends.

"I'm so glad you came, Lizzy," Jane whispered as she squeezed Elizabeth's arm.

Elizabeth was not particularly pleased to be there. She had had an awful phone conference with one of the parents in her class. Jane had dragged her from the house under the excuse that it would be stress relief. Elizabeth highly doubted it. Charlotte had agreed to come at Lizzy's request. Dependable Charlotte, she didn't mind Lizzy's last minute calls, begging and pleading. She was a true friend.

"So who are these friends of Bingley's, you are so determined I meet?" Lizzy had asked on the way over to the bar.

"Oh, I can't remember his name, but he's nice enough. You are going to have fun." Jane promised with a smile.

Always sketchy on the details, Lizzy did not press her sister further. Besides, when Bingley was around, Jane was blind to all else. Elizabeth walked over to the table after Charlotte and Jane took their seat next to Bingley, forcing Elizabeth to sit in the only remaining chair, next to Bingley's friend who had just gone to the bar to fetch a drink.

"So who's your friend, Charlie?" Elizabeth asked.

"Oh, his name is Will." Bingley said, straining to be heard above the music. Elizabeth nodded with a smile. Well if nothing else, maybe she could meet a nice man tonight. Bingley was a sweet guy, somewhat lacking in common sense sometimes, but otherwise a very good man. Certainly his friends would be nice. Elizabeth stood to go to the bar and order herself a margarita. I may as well start drinking, she thought to herself. She was two steps from the table as she bumped into a tall dark haired man.

"Oh excuse me, I'm sorry," Elizabeth said before meeting his gaze. As soon as their eyes met, recognition set in.

"Ms. Bennet?" he asked in complete surprise.

"Mr. Darcy?" If there was one person Elizabeth would have wished to avoid, it was Fitzwilliam Darcy. Elizabeth's face reddened from embarrassment and pure anger.

"Will! You're back!" Bingley shouted happily from the table. Elizabeth's heart sank.

"You're Will?" she asked almost unable to force the words from her mouth. She could hear the disappointment and frustration in her own voice, yet masking it would have been impossible.

"And you would be Lizzy I assume?" Darcy replied with a smirk on his face.

"Ms. Bennet will work just fine." Elizabeth replied as she stepped aside and continued on to the bar.

Darcy watched her storm off before taking his seat. The woman was feisty. It would take a good while to forget the pretty blush that had come over those cheeks, even if it was in anger directed towards him. He didn't like the idea that he found his son's teacher so attractive, but he considered it yet another nuisance to be dealt with in his busy life.

Elizabeth ordered a shot, which she drank at the bar, making sure her sister did not notice. Charlotte caught her eye and gave her a knowing smile. Elizabeth knew Charlotte wouldn't betray her trust. Elizabeth and shots were never a good combination and Jane had cleaned her up more than once. Lizzy knew Jane wouldn't wish to end her night early. Then she returned to the table with her margarita. Fortunately, by the time she returned Jane had gotten up to dance with Bingley, leaving empty chairs far away from Darcy. Elizabeth sat next to Charlotte silently thanking God that Charlotte had agreed to come with her tonight. She needed a friend if Mr. Darcy was going to be with them all night. Unfortunately, a man came and invited Charlotte, who happily accepted, out onto the dance floor. Elizabeth sat awkwardly sipping her drink and avoiding Darcy's gaze, feigning deep interest in those on the dance floor. She decided to sneak a look at him, thinking he would be distracted. She was wrong. Their eyes met and she turned away quickly, kicking herself for letting him see her glancing at him.

"This night doesn't have to be completely awkward you know?" Darcy finally said, breaking the silence.

"Is that right?" Elizabeth replied with no attempt to hide her sarcasm.

"I like you, you know. Despite what you think." Begrudgingly, Elizabeth looked up at him. She was surprised by his response. Darcy held her gaze for a long time. Elizabeth was unable to read his expression. His words confused her. They had insulted one another. She had yelled at him, only hours before.

"Well, thank you Mr. Darcy." Her voice sounded small. She was losing her confidence and her anger. She looked away, unable to take the intensity of his stare. The man confused her and those big blue eyes didn't help things. She felt such strong feelings in his company, but she had not yet decided if they were positive or negative.

"You can call me Will." He noticed she did not return the favor. He also did not miss the surprise in her expression. Darcy and Elizabeth sat in silence for a few long minutes. Finally Elizabeth cleared her throat and began to attempt friendly conversation.

"So where is Edward?" She grasped for a change of subject, unable to decipher his previous remark.

"With his grandparents. He visits with his grandparents twice a month. It just allows for a little break, some time to be Darcy instead of Daddy." Darcy replied with a half smile. "Huh, I know that feeling." Elizabeth replied.

"You mean, getting to be a person, instead of a teacher?" Darcy teased.

"No, getting to be Lizzy instead of Mommy." Elizabeth replied sipping her drink and watching Bingley twirl Jane around the dance floor. It was Darcy's turn to show his surprise. Elizabeth ignored the look, as she had for years. Darcy did not pry, but Elizabeth did not find it awkward to talk about her son.

"My son's name is John. He's in Ms. DeBourgh's kindergarten class this year." Elizabeth ended her comments. If Darcy desired any more information, he need only ask

"I didn't know you were a mother. Is your husband watching John tonight?" Darcy asked, curious now to know more about Elizabeth Bennet.

Elizabeth simply wiggled her empty ring finger. "John's father is spending time with him this weekend. We never married. My mother's biggest disappointment." Elizabeth smiled at the thought of her mother and her poor nerves. The woman had an obsession with marrying off her daughters- whether love was involved or not.

"You made the right choice I'm sure." Darcy said, sipping his drink. Elizabeth said nothing. She was never so personal with any of the parents of her students. Unfortunately as fate would have it, Darcy was the best friend of the love of Jane's life. Elizabeth had the uneasy feeling that they would be meeting quite frequently. Darcy couldn't stand the silence.

"So Lizzy, is it?" Elizabeth tried, and failed, not to blush. She couldn't explain it, but the way he said her name made her stomach muscles tighten.

"Yes, at least, to my family. Occasionally they resort to Eliza, but only to frustrate me." Elizabeth admitted. She couldn't stand Eliza and her family was well aware of the fact.

"Hm, that sounds like my little sister. She calls me Fitz all the time just to irritate me. She knows I hate it." He smiled and for the first time Elizabeth admitted to herself that Will Darcy was a very attractive man. The way he spoke of his little sister was endearing. Elizabeth found herself becoming quite curious about the man seated opposite her. She took him in as she finished her drink. She had only seen him in his work attire. Tonight, however, he was much more relaxed, in jeans that fit him sinfully well and a forest green polo that brought out the striking blue of his eyes. His hair was slightly mussed and Elizabeth realized that he looked more human than she had ever seen before. Before the school year had begun, Elizabeth had been warned by some of the teachers that Darcy was a man as cold as stone, he was fiercely protective of his son Edward and he didn't mind walking over a few teachers to get what he wanted. Before Elizabeth could reply, Jane came over and grabbed Elizabeth's hand.

"Come on, you are supposed to be having fun. Take another shot and start dancing." Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest but was cut short. She shot a quick look back at Darcy and shrugged her shoulders to excuse her swift departure. "Oh, I know you think I didn't see you. Go get one of those horrid tequila shots you insist are wonderful and get on the dance floor. You need a lesson in fun, little sister."

Jane pulled Lizzy from her chair and dragged her by the arm to the bar. Darcy watched Jane order her younger sister a drink in an attempt to loosen her up. Elizabeth tossed back her shot in one swift movement. Her face puckered from the intense alcohol and Darcy chuckled to himself at the sight. He was almost amazed to realize Elizabeth Bennet had a son. A five year old son to be exact. He looked at her, guessing that she was no more than 24 or 25 herself. Darcy cursed himself, remembering how only hours before he had advised her to "stick to teaching because she knew nothing about being a parent." He had assumed things and his assumptions were terribly wrong. The fact that he had not been able extricate the young woman from his thoughts since, was not helping the matter. She had made him crazy with her arguing his every point. However, she had passion and he respected and admired her for it.

Bingley strolled over to encourage his friend to socialize. "She's cute right?" He commented, as he noticed his friend staring at Jane's younger sister. "What?" Darcy asked, shaken from his reflections.

"Oh, yes, Jane is very sweet." Bingley gave his friend a hearty laugh and a slap on the back.

"Right, yes, you were staring at Jane just now." Bingley rolled his eyes.

"I wasn't staring at anyone Charlie. I was just thinking." Bingley gave Darcy a look that indicated he certainly did not believe that for a moment.

"Well, either way you are being a bore. Come socialize. You can talk to Lizzy since you weren't staring at her." Darcy began a protest but Bingley just waved it off. It wouldn't matter what Darcy said- once Bingley had the notion that he was correct, there wasn't much swaying him. Darcy moved to the dance floor and noticed that Elizabeth now had a bright smile upon her face. Her cheeks had taken on a rosy tint. Her eyes had a somewhat distant look. With a little alcohol in the system, Lizzy was now having a wonderful time. She laughed aloud at something Charlotte whispered in her ear. They both looked his way and Darcy quickly turned to avoid meeting Elizabeth's eye. Darcy stood awkwardly amidst the crowd, not comfortable enough to dance. From the corner of his eye, he watched as Lizzy's hips swayed to the rhythm of the music. He could not hide his surprise as she made her way over to him. He could see as he looked into her eyes that she was now feeling the full force of the alcohol she had drunk. The mischievous grin on her face made him immediately suspicious.

"Hello," Lizzy said in a husky voice as she continued to move to the blaring music. Darcy looked over her shoulder to see Bingley giving him a congratulatory look as he danced with Jane. Charlotte had found yet another willing partner and was enjoying herself. Darcy just looked at Elizabeth with a smile.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself now Lizzy."

"Mm, hmm." Lizzy agreed, spinning in neat circle. "Don't you dance Mr. Darcy?" He laughed at her tone as she looked up at him from beneath her thick, dark lashes.

"Not if I can help it," Darcy answered honestly.

Ignoring his reply, Lizzy grabbed his hand and twirled beneath it. "Well that's too bad." She was about to move away, but Darcy grabbed her. The alcohol had not dulled her senses that much. She immediately gave him a surprised look, but she didn't fight for him to let her go. She made herself comfortable in his arms. She felt a torrent of feelings flow through her. Will Darcy's surprisingly strong arms were now wrapped about her waist, holding her fitted against him. She had not noticed till now, how very tall he was. She looked up into his eyes and suddenly felt very small and completely vulnerable. Darcy saw it the minute she looked at him. Elizabeth Bennet was afraid. He wasn't surprised as she pulled away and he did not attempt to fight her this time. Darcy had no explanation for his own feelings at this moment either. He hated feeling so much for this young woman. Awareness that nothing could come from these feelings only served to frustrate Darcy further. He was quite ready to leave. Elizabeth had moved to speak to her sister and Bingley was getting another drink. Darcy figured now was as good a time as any to make an excuse and escape.

"Charlie. I think I'll be heading out. I've got an early meeting tomorrow. I'll call you next week." Darcy smiled and turned, trying to get away before Charlie could coerce him to stay.

"Charlie, Lizzy is ready to go. I'll have to take her home." Darcy heard Jane explain to Bingley. He turned to look at the Bennet sisters. One so ready to leave, the other anxious to stay. Bingley turned to Darcy.

"Darcy, you're on your way out. Why don't you bring Lizzy home, so Jane can stay?" Darcy looked from Bingley to Jane to Lizzy. The latter was clearly begging him to refuse. "Sure. I'd be glad to." Darcy held out his hand to Elizabeth, who rejected it and continued on her way out of the bar. She swayed a bit from unsteadiness, but her pride kept her from asking for assistance. Elizabeth turned quickly to face Darcy as soon as they made it out of the door.

"I can just take a cab. I don't need your help." All the mixed emotions Elizabeth was feeling came out in one big huff as anger.

"If you don't mind my contradiction, you are in no shape to go anywhere by yourself Elizabeth." Darcy tired to keep his temper cool and his amusement in check.

Jabbing a finger in his direction, Lizzy replied, "That's Ms. Bennet to you." Elizabeth tried to sound dignified and offended by his informal manners. She looked and seemed neither in her current state. Darcy just rolled his eyes at the woman standing before him, arms crossed in front of her chest, daring him to challenge her.

"Alright Miss Bennet," he said exaggerating the miss. With that, he grabbed her hand and forced her to follow his lead to the car. Finding it useless to argue and nearly impossible to keep up with his long strides, Lizzy allowed herself to be guided by Darcy. After what seemed to be an endless walk, Lizzy collapsed into the front seat of Darcy's car. It put her used old Honda to shame. Lizzy curled into the comfortable leather seat and felt her eyes growing heavy.

"You're quite stubborn aren't you? It's not just in your professional life then?" Darcy winked at Elizabeth as he started the ignition to let her know he was merely joking. Elizabeth found little of his remark to be humorous and settled herself in the seat once more, mumbling to herself. "Insufferable man."

The remainder of the drive was silent except for the radio and the occasional direction from Lizzy to turn. Finally they arrived at Elizabeth's house. Darcy got out the car to walk her to the door. Under any other circumstances, Elizabeth would have been flattered. Collins had certainly never done anything so chivalrous. He had barely waited for her to find her keys when he dropped her at the door. Elizabeth cast a sideways glance at Darcy as they traveled up the walk. The man was totally confusing and much too attractive for his own good. Elizabeth fished for her keys, unsuccessfully.

"May I?" Darcy asked as he grabbed her purse and quickly located her house keys. He unlocked the door for her and ushered her inside. Elizabeth swayed a bit as she walked through the doorway. I really shouldn't drink, she thought to herself as she looked lovingly at the sofa.

"No, you shouldn't" Darcy agreed and Lizzy winced as she realized she'd spoken aloud.

"You're so charming Mr. Darcy" Elizabeth responded, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Darcy rolled his eyes and teasingly pushed her shoulder, causing her to fall back onto the sofa with a giggle. Darcy's stomach tightened at the sound. There was something about that laugh that made his blood swim and the light in Lizzy's eyes stole his breath. The woman was far too innocent and far too beautiful for her own good.

"Are you ever going to call me Will?" Darcy asked as he took a seat on the sofa beside her.

"I think I prefer Fitz," Elizabeth replied teasingly. Elizabeth didn't understand herself. She couldn't stand this man and somehow he was now at her house in the middle of the night and she was actually flirting with him. What is wrong with me? Darcy saw the quick flash of confusion and fear in her eyes once more. It registered for him. The woman wasn't afraid of him. She was afraid of her attraction. She didn't understand it and neither did Darcy, but the feelings were undeniable. The woman drove him crazy in more ways than one and Darcy wasn't fighting it any longer. Suddenly, Elizabeth found herself wrapped firmly in Darcy's embrace. One hand held her around the waist, the other secured behind her neck. Elizabeth wondered, when was the last time she had been held like this? She could see the desire in his eyes, just before his lips met hers. Lizzy did not pull away. She was just as curious to see what would come of the passion raging beneath the surface.

Darcy's lips met hers in one hot, searing kiss. Lizzy felt an explosion in her mind and suddenly she was all over him. Her fingers gripping and tugging his hair. Before she realized her own actions, she was almost in his lap. The man was an expert kisser. His tongue massaged against her own, making her lose control of her thoughts. He changed angles, deepening the kiss. He seemed oblivious to Elizabeth's wild response. Suddenly his mouth, his breath were hot on the sensitive skin of her neck. Her head fell back in surrender. Unable to hold back, Lizzy let out a moan of pleasure.

The sound broke through Darcy's thoughts and he yanked back. Elizabeth nearly fell off the sofa during his abrupt movement. Darcy was mortified by his own actions. Elizabeth struggled to regain coherent thought. Her mind was clouded with Darcy. The man gave mind blowing kisses. Darcy looked at Elizabeth, red cheeks, lips swollen from kissing. He felt satisfaction knowing she had taken as much pleasure from their brief union as he had. Darcy quickly reminded himself that it couldn't go any further. The woman was Edward's teacher. She was too young for him. She had been drinking and Darcy was suddenly struck with the horrifying thought that he had taken advantage of her.

"Ms. Bennett I apologize. It was inexcusable of me." He moved quickly to the door. The confusion on Elizabeth's face only served to embarrass him further.

"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth searched for the words but seemed at a total loss for how to respond. The man had quite simply kissed her brains out and very nicely apologized. Elizabeth was becoming more confused and frustrated by the moment. Elizabeth simply stared at him in disbelief as he walked out the door. Sinking sat back on the sofa, she thought: What was that?