REIGN OVER THE NIGHT

Chapter 1

Alan walked up to the after party venue somewhat hesitant, somewhat excited. There were so many thoughts going through his mind, but wanting to see her is what drove him forward.

He was grateful for the invite to the CSA this year as he already had known that Megan was nominated for her award as Best Actress. If they were in the same place at the same time, he knew they would see each other and be able to spend time together with no worrisome expectations. She had always been nervous the two of them getting together outside of work. In her mind, people would talk and rumors could start, and a public relationship was still a difficult concept for her. So, an invite to the CSA and to this after party granted him that chance, that chance to enjoy spending time with her, when she was in her element and they could just be themselves.

As he approached the entrance, the music escaped through the doors and he could tell the lights were dimly lit. It was approaching midnight and the party was in full swing. It may take a while to find her in the crowd, but she was all he could think about.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

He had seen her walking the red carpet earlier that night, God that dress, and had wanted to meet her at the end. But, she was busy with interviews and even though he had stopped to watch her, elegantly turning from camera to camera as they called her name, he had been quickly ushered along into the main auditorium. Was it just him, or did she know how sexy and confident she appeared tonight? She always exuded sureness of herself while at work, but sometimes that lacked in her personal life. Not tonight, she looked amazing and by the way she was carrying herself and strutting from interview to interview, she knew it. What had changed? No worries, he would get a chance to see her later. Until then, he had that stunning image of her on the red carpet to keep him satisfied, he thought as a slight smirk tugged at his lips.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

He walked through the doors and needed to allow time for his eyes to adjust. The room was packed. This may take longer to find her than he thought, especially since most of the crowd typically seemed to tower over her. He scanned the room and first caught sight of Rossif, who had looked up at the same time. Rossif motioned for Alan to come and join him, as he was already hanging out with John too. It had been awhile since the guys had all gotten together. Rossif and Celina had just recently had their baby, so a night out was far and few between. With both of them looking at him, he slowly made his way over to their table. He enjoyed spending time with his "bros" but he was anxious to find Megan.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sitting in the CSA auditorium, he had tried earlier to make his way over to her, but they were almost virtually on opposite sides of the room. Each time he tried to make a mad dash, someone would inevitably stop him and want to talk small chat. Couldn't they see he had a destination in mind? He wanted to wish her the best of luck before her category was announced. But as always he was cordial with his peers in this business. You never knew who you would be working with. They announced Megan's category and he saw her as the cameras panned in her direction. She smiled and lightly laughed as they played her clip and he realized he was holding his breath awaiting the announcement of the winner. "And the award goes to…" They didn't call her name. He felt a bit crushed as he knew how hard she worked at her practice day in and day out. He almost wished he could have been sitting next to her, just to put his hand on hers and lightly stroke it as reassurance. But, as always, she was a consummate professional, allowing a wide smile to spread over her face as she applauded the winner. He knew on the inside she was disappointed, but she never let it show.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

He had just received his first drink while chatting with Rossif and John. Rossif was entertaining all listeners with his stories of early fatherhood, while John was interjecting with his stories of living the single life. Those two couldn't be living lives farther apart from each other and yet the banter had everyone smiling. While Rossif paused for John to speak of his time at the All Star games, he looked at Alan and coyly asked, "Looking for someone in particular? You haven't stopped looking around the room since you joined us." Alan barely acknowledged the question as he continued scanning the room. "Ah, yes, actually. I know that Megan is supposed to be here, but I haven't seen her since I arrived. Have you seen her?" Rossif had a smirk on his face already knowing that is who Alan was seeking, "Yes she joined us for a drink when she first arrived about 40 minutes ago. But she was quickly escorted away after that by some of her male peers." That caught Alan's attention. He quickly turned to face Rossif with a questioning look and he was reassured as Rossif put a hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry man. It looked to be all business. Besides we all see the connection you two have and I'm sure she does too. No need to worry, except for how phenomenal she looked tonight." Alan quickly jabbed him, but was also content with what Rosiff said. Is it true? Did everyone notice their natural connection both when they bantered as friends and flirted as companions? He was done guessing. He wanted to find her now. He placed his now finished drink on the table and excused himself from the group. Rossif gave him that knowing look with a quick, "Go get her," as he walked away.

Alan was again subject to small talk as he walked the room. Several times he was stopped and, although polite, he would quickly extinguish the conversation and continue on his way. He had finally made his way to the back of the venue without catching sight of her. Had she already left? He doubted she would leave without at least saying hello to him first. It was actually her that had texted him originally, letting him know she would be at this particular after party, in case he wanted to catch up. Disappointment was beginning to set in, when he finally heard a familiar chuckle. He glanced in the direction of the bar and there she was.

Megan was leaning up against the bar, drink in hand, talking with one of the male actors from her most recent directorial project. He had made her laugh which caused her to throw her head back a bit, allowing the tresses of her hair to fall from her shoulders and cascade down her back. Her laugh, her actions were so familiar to Alan, even if he hadn't seen her, he could picture her laughing in this same manner. He took a moment to allow his eyes to run over her. That black dress clung to her in every way it should showing off her best assets and curves. The front was cut seductively almost down to her belly button and yet she remained regal in her appearance as a mature woman. He finally allowed his gaze to rest on backside. The thoughts of his hands resting there and a quick squeeze made his breath catch for a moment. Was this dress causing the same thoughts in every man's mind tonight? He quickly caught himself when he realized he had been staring with his mouth slightly open and breathing a bit heavy.

The conversation she was having didn't seem intimate, but the male actor was leaning in towards her a bit. Now was as good a time as any to break up this conversation. He quietly walked up behind her and placed a hand on her waist to grab her attention while quietly whispering in her ear, "Hello beautiful." She was caught off guard mid-sentence and quickly turned to see who it was that touched her. She swiftly registered who it was and the questioning look in her eyes changed to a star-like glint. "Alan Van Sprang," she declared as she grabbed both of his hands and stepped up on her toes to kiss his cheek. Her eyes met his for a moment and perhaps the glance lasted a little longer than it would between normal friends, but then it was over and she was turning to face her colleague again to introduce him. He stuck close to her side for several minutes while the three of them discussed Megan's upcoming role as director of a web series, but then the gentleman dismissed himself, clearly understanding that Alan wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

He finally had her all to himself. Realizing that it was just the two of them, Megan slowly turned to face him, but didn't step back from their close proximity. "I have been wondering when you would come and save me," she said first looking at his chest and then up into his eyes. "If you didn't want all of the attention this evening, you wouldn't have worn that dress," he quipped. A slight blush radiated on her cheeks. He loved making her blush and feel a bit uneasy, it was the game they always played when flirting. "I would have doubted you would have noticed, given all of the young beautiful women that throw themselves at you," she remarked. He felt a bit defeated by that comment. After all this time, did she not know the effect she had on him? "When you are in the room, there isn't a moment that goes by where you go by unnoticed…especially tonight." A half smile pulled at her lips and knowing that she was enjoying the banter, he leaned in closer so that only she could hear and finished with, "My minx." That drew her half smile into a full grin and her eyes twinkled with the complement. He was very much enjoying their exchange and was starting to let his mind wander as to where tonight would lead if they continued on this path, when Johnny and the crew walked up. "We were wondering where you two were off too," exclaimed John. The group had found them. They decided to move, as a group, to a larger space with plenty of couches for sitting and mingling.

"Wait, before we go too far, there is something Megan and I need to do," Alan remarked. Johnny and Megan had already started walking away, but turned to face Alan, both with questioning looks. He continued, "Some of our fans requested pictures of tonight and I would hate to disappoint them." Megan looked as though she thought there could be an ulterior motive but didn't put up a fight, "Okay, I'm game." Alan handed his phone to Johnny as Megan walked back over to Alan. "I guess that means I won't be in the picture," John quipped. "Not these ones. These are special 'Cathry' photos for the fans, of course," Alan stated. Megan chuckled at Alan's nonchalant use of their fans' name for the Catherine and Henry relationship. Leaning against the bar, Alan pulled Megan towards him and she nestled in close to his side, each placing an arm around the other's waist. This feels right, he thought to himself. John snapped the photo and handed the phone back to Alan. Just as he was about to walk towards their retreating group, Megan quickly chimed in, "Wait! Take one with my phone too. I need one as well, for the fans of course." At that, Johnny rolled his eyes and a smirk spread across Alan's face while he lifted an eyebrow at her. "Well, if they are going to talk one way or another, we might as well give them something to talk about," Megan reasoned. She continued, "Alan, here, come up behind me and put your arms around my shoulders, like you are hugging me from behind." "As you wish, your majesty," Alan replied coyly. As he bent down and put his arms around her, he felt her relax back onto his chest. He was careful not to accidentally brush her anywhere inappropriate but brought his face down to hers and their cheeks softly brushed together. She brought her hands up and gave his arm a playful squeeze. They stood like that waiting for Johnny to tell them the picture was taken. After a lengthy silence, Megan asked John, "Did you get it?" "Yep…I just wanted to see how long the two of you were going to stand like that in each other's grasp," John said jokingly. Alan laughed out loud and Megan lightly smacked John's arm and reached to retrieve her phone. Again Johnny began walking towards their group as they had found a spot not too far from the bar. "Would you mind texting me that photo?" Alan asked Megan sheepishly. "For the fans of course," Megan taunted him but then continued, "and as long as you send me the one on your phone." They both grinned at each other and side by side walked over to their group.

Although Megan and Alan enjoyed being close, in this situation they thought it best to sit across from one another so that they could spend time talking with everyone. Megan questioned Rossif on new projects and parenthood, giving him advice for these early years. Across the cocktail table, Alan spent time sharing story for story with Johnny about hockey, basketball and the joys of living in LA. As each story ended, Megan and Alan couldn't help but glance across to each other hoping for just a smile or wink from the other. The time was passing too fast and Alan felt that he had done his obligatory "catching up" with the crowd.

He stood and made his way back to the bar ordering himself and Megan her favorite drink, "Two bourbon and ginger ales, please." He thought casually about how well he knew her quirks, likes and dislikes. As he was waiting for the drinks, he allowed himself to ponder just why they had never really given "them" a chance.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

He had been excited to work with her on Reign, but never had he imagined he would learn so much from her while on set. She was fierce and gave everyday her all; it made every scene she was in divine, along with those acting alongside her. They quickly fell into a routine onset and the chemistry between them was almost immediate. Neither at first wanted to admit to it, they were colleagues and nothing could happen between them. But, as the filming progressed he found himself often drawn to her trailer during their down time. They initially discussed work but soon thereafter the conversations became more personal and the realization of how much they had in common set in.

One evening they had stayed late, past filming, with the rest of the crew gone. It had started with a drink in her trailer after filming and one had led to another. The weather outside was brutally cold and neither was ready to venture out as they had grown comfortable sitting on the couch next to each other, sharing stories of their children and past failed relationships. Out of instinct they had gradually moved closer to one another and they were now sitting side by side with their shoulders touching and arms slightly grazing each other. Between stories they had fallen into a comfortable silence, both were exhausted from the grueling filming schedule and quietly enjoying each other's company just felt right. Alan wasn't sure what had made him do it, but he had reached his hand down and entwined it with hers. He didn't look at her and was sure as soon as he did it that she would pull away, but she didn't. In fact she clutched his hand in return and slowly lowered her head onto his shoulder. He could feel her soft breath on his neck and he wanted nothing more in that moment than to lean down, cup her cheek and softly kiss her lips, but he didn't want to ruin this moment. At this moment she trusted him and he didn't want it to end, so he slowly lowered his head back onto the couch. Both closed their eyes in this comfortable state and fell asleep, hands still entwined.

Alan woke an hour later in the same position he had been when they first had fallen asleep, but now his arm was wrapped around her shoulder and her hand rested lightly on his knee. He was a bit upset with himself for not having left earlier. What could really come of this? Would she be upset? He didn't care though; this was the most comfortable he had felt with anyone in a long time and nothing had really happened. While he was still relaxed, he felt her begin to shift and when her eyes opened she quickly moved to sit up, but her hand slipped from his knee and fell between thighs, grazing him close to the crotch. Startled at her own indiscretion, she gasped and looked up into his eyes. Immediately they broke into laughter at the situation. She rectified herself and sat up still chuckling before making excuses, "I'm sorry I fell asleep. They have us up so early for hair and makeup, I've just been exhausted lately. Perhaps I've gotten a bit older but I'm having trouble keeping up with this schedule and I'm just not like these younger.." "Megan," he interjected, "it's alright. I completely understand." At that moment they both had looked at each and their eyes met. Both stopped talking and there was a recognition of understanding and of mutual desire that each of them saw mirrored in the other's eyes. With their gaze still locked they slowly leaned into one another. Alan brought up his hand and lightly ran this thumb across her jawline while he cupped the back of her neck and gradually pulled her lips up to meet his. Just before they touched, her eyes closed in recognition of what was to come. Their lips met softly at first as they grazed each other, but when she didn't pull away, he intensified the kiss pulling her closer. His hand entwined in her hair and just as he was about to run his tongue between her lips, her breath caught and she pulled away. Still breathing heavily, her eyes opened and he clearly saw the desire that resided there. It took a moment before she started, "Alan, we can't." "I know," he replied, but it had felt so right.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

He was brought back to the present moment as the two drinks were set in front of him. "Thank you," he replied to the bartender while leaving a tip and then grabbing both drinks to head back and finally spend a bit more time with Megan. As he approached the couch she was sitting at, he realized that she was scanning the room looking for someone. He came up to her side and placed both drinks on the table in front of her. "Is this seat taken," he questioned her. She couldn't help but smile as she casually replied, "I was just looking for you. I thought perhaps you had already left without saying goodbye." She raised her eyebrow on the last comment and gave him a sweet pout. "I've barely gotten to spend 5 minutes talking to you. Plus no man leaves the most beautiful lady at the party alone," he commented while flashing a devilish smile her way. She reached up and playfully squeezed his arm but again allowed a smile to cross her lips. Their banter came effortlessly and they quickly settled into conversation. She had turned to face him, picking up the drink she knew he had brought for her. While she spoke, he tried concentrating on the details of her recent vacation to Paris and London, but at the same time he watched her hands as she gestured, smiled at the many times she wrinkled her nose and allowed his eyes to wander to her lips as she would take a sip of her drink. She enthralled him completely. As the details of her trip came to an end, it was his turn to update her on the details of what he had been doing while he was on hiatus from filming. He started into his story and watched as she leaned up against the couch, placing her elbow on the back cushion and her head in her hand. A few tresses of hair slipped from her shoulder to rest on her chest and he noticed that her dress had shifted slightly to the left, revealing a bit more of her cleavage. If he was going to make it through this story, he was going to need to keep eye contact.

Over an hour and a half had passed as the two sat and exchanged stories. Both laughed and would casually touch the other from time to time with a simple squeeze of the hand for emphasis, or a light tap on the arm to show disdain, but it was a rhythm they were familiar with and one that came naturally. As a chuckle was subsiding between them, they glanced around to see who was left of their party. It was now approaching 3:00 AM and it seemed that most had already left or were finding their way to another after party. "Well Alan it looks like it's just me and you…apparently no one else finds us as entertaining as we find ourselves." She had a light flush on her cheeks from the several drinks they had consumed and he wondered if this was her way of finishing the conversation to end her evening. When he didn't say anything right away she continued, "You know, tonight was a bit difficult for me. I actually thought I had a chance this year to win. Each year I get to say how happy I am for being acknowledged….that being nominated is enough, but I would love to walk home with that award. I work so hard...," she trailed off looking down into her now empty glass. This was the first time tonight she had shown any signs of being disappointed. Alan stopped her before she started speaking again by placing his forefinger under her chin and slowly lifting her face so that her eyes met his. He saw sadness deep within the wells of her eyes and in that moment his heart broke for her. "Megan, you are easily the most talented, professional, hardworking and passionate actress I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They got it wrong this year. Don't give up…you mean so much to all of us, to me." Her eyes welled with tears and her lips trembled slightly; as a reaction he gently glided his thumb along her lips as a means of reassurance and shifted his gaze to ensure they would stop trembling. As he averted his eyes back to hers, he noticed a single tear escape and run down her cheek. He continued to gaze into her eyes, looking for the sadness he had seen just a moment ago, but it had been replaced…replaced with longing and desire. Was he imagining it? He knew that her piercing stare found the same emotions in his eyes. They remained that way for what seemed like an eternity, trying to ensure that what they both saw was true, the only sound the now soft music in the background. She broke the silence by reaching for his hand, "I still have some steam I want to burn off. Dance with me?" Even with what they both saw, she wasn't running this time. He gradually stood, her hand still entwined with his, "There is nothing more than I would want in this moment than to have you in my arms…dancing sounds perfect."

Megan blindly followed him to the dance floor. As he pulled her hand and circled her once around the floor, she glanced around to see that it was only her and Alan and two older couples. This was perfect. He pulled her close, both hands around her waist. She encircled her arms around his neck as the music lulled them into a slow rhythm. At first they did nothing but sway to the sound of the music. She had taken her hand from his neck and slowly drawn a line with her thumb from below his ear to his jawline and he could tell that her eyes had settled on his lips. She didn't make any further movements but then retraced the trail of her thumb so that again her hands were clasped around this neck. She layed her head down so that it rested lightly on his chest and collarbone then ever so slightly she pressed her lips to his neck. As the song continued she began to move her hips against his, causing him to become aroused with each movement. Did she have any idea what she was doing to him? He would grab her and pull her into a dark corner if she wasn't careful. As they swayed to the music, he adjusted his position so he wouldn't totally give up his arousal, but he couldn't help but moving his hands down from her back to rest right at the top of her ass. She noticed the proximity and pulled his head down closer to her so that he was now breathing in the scent of her neck and hair; she was intoxicating. They stayed that way, in each other's arms, even after the song had ended, standing there and not wanting to let go. He slowly pulled away from the heat of her body and lowered his forehead to rest against hers. Both had their eyes closed as they breathed in the breath of the other. "It's been a long evening, should I call your car to take you home?" he asked, still not letting her go. At first he could tell she was thinking about her answer, but determination finally came forth and her face tilted upward looking into his eyes, "I've actually arranged to have a room here for the evening. Would you mind walking me back?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

He didn't know if this was the best idea. His heart had leapt when she first suggested it, but he was a man and if she was asking him to go with her all the way to her hotel room door, she also needed to know that at this state and his current mood, he would not be turning around, leaving tonight without her. He peered into her eyes, searching for an answer before quietly asking his question out loud, "Megan, are you sure?" He wanted her to know his intentions; he wanted to know that's what she was asking when she wanted him to accompany him to her room; he wanted to know she was sure this time and would have no regrets. She reached both hands up to his face, holding each side and running her thumbs along the stubble of his cheeks. She allowed a smile to tug at her lips as she watched her own hands. "There is no question this time. I want this…I want you," she remarked. Her last act of affirmation came as she pulled him down to her and kissed him passionately. He was a bit caught off guard and sucked in a sharp breath, before fully giving into her. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and pulled her in close. She moved her hands so that one was at the back of his neck and one grasped the back of his head almost willing him to come closer. Their kiss intensified and his tongue ran along her lips seeking entrance which she gladly entertained allowing her lips to part and their tongues to intertwine. Forgetting where he was, his hands finally reached his longed for destination that evening as he grabbed her butt and, grasping both cheeks, pulled her up against him so that he could feel her…so that she could feel how aroused he already was. At this, she gasped and her head tilted back out of reaction. Their lips had broken their seal for just a moment, momentarily stopping the fierce hunger they both had. Through a fog he breathily noted, "You had asked me to walk you to your room?" Still gathering herself, she took a moment before replying, "Yes, that's where we need to go. We need to go now."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A bit clumsily they gathered their things and leaving the venue via the hotel entrance quickly headed for the hallway leading to the elevators. "Shit, I forgot something," Megan said irritated. "What?" he inquired and continued, "It looks like you have everything." "I was supposed to get a picture by myself tonight and post it on my Instagram. I've been trying to do that every day or so," Megan said. "Getting chummy with the fans on social media, huh? It's about time," he remarked. "Here," he said with urgency, taking out his phone, "I'll take one with my phone for now and then you can post it tomorrow…or actually later today. I'll send it to you." He had her lean up against a wall and watched her fix herself for the camera, pulling some of her hair over one shoulder and placing her hand on her hip. She had that devilish grin on her face, as he looked at her and, without realizing he said it out loud, breathed, "God, you are beautiful." He snapped the photo.

Quickly making their way into the elevator, Megan asked Alan to send her the picture. He obliged while she pushed the button for the 12th floor. As the texted picture came through, she made quick work of trying to save it and get it posted to Instagram. "What are you doing?" he asked. "It's 4:00 AM and your fans are going to know when you posted that picture." "I thought we were being a bit scandalous," she replied back devilishly. As she was still working on her phone, he quipped, "I'll show you scandalous," and he pushed her up against the wall of the elevator, lowering his head to her neck, slightly sucking and nipping on her sensitive skin. "Alan," she breathed almost dropping her phone, "I can't think, let alone type with you doing that." He stopped for a moment, just resting his lips on her, while she finished her post. "Done," she proclaimed and tilted her head to the left, exposing more of her neck to him. He gratefully accepted her offer and began working on her neck again while allowing his hands to begin roaming over her body. He knew he had found that special spot on her neck when her eyes closed and she allowed her lips to part letting out a soft moan. Just then the elevator doors opened and Alan grasped her hands, bringing her back to reality. He saw her bite her lower lip in frustration and he couldn't have that, so they quickly stepped from the elevator and he allowed her to show him the way to her room.

Megan debated which way her room was when they came to a split in the hallway. Decisively she made a right and, knowing that Alan was watching her, strutted her way down the hallway to right in front of her hotel room door. As he watched her hips sway, in rapture, he thought to himself, "That will be all mine tonight." Megan clumsily felt for her hotel room key in her clutch. Alan leaned up against her back with this hand supporting him on the hotel door. "Found it," she declared as she removed the key from her bag and quickly inserted it into the door, allowing it to swing open. Alan nearly pushed her into the room, making haste to shut the door behind them. She turned right in the entrance to face him and unabashedly he looked her up and down, allowing his eyes to settle on each of her curves. She continued to stand there, allowing the happiness and pleasure of what was to come, to spread to her smile and a glint in her eyes. At that moment he realized that she knew…she knew he cared for her and would never want to hurt her, that he just wanted her to be happy and hoped that would be together. Not wanting to waste one more second, he lightly growled at her, "Come here," and in that moment wrapped her in his arms. They embraced in their new found knowledge of each other and then he placed her against the wall once more. He nestled his head into her hair and found his way back to her neck, right by her jawline and below her ear. Her hands immediately flew to rest on his neck and behind his head, as she lightly allowed her nails to scratch him. He peppered kisses down her neck to her collarbone while his hands ran down her sides to her hips. She tried moving her hands so that she could begin to remove his jacket, but he stopped her. "Please, just let me worship you in this moment." He continued his path of light kisses down to the tops of her rising breasts; he kissed the tops of both and a moan escaped her lips. He wanted to see her, so he looked up briefly to her face and her eyes were closed, mouth slightly open as she ran her tongue across her lips, breathing heavily. This is just how he imagined she would look. He had been eyeing the cutouts of her dress all evening and finally he had the chance to kiss and nip her in each individual square, leaving little pink marks that quickly disappeared. As he did so, he moved his hand up to tease her breasts and first cupped them. She fit his hands perfectly. He was pleasantly surprised that the only thing between his hands and her now perky breasts was the thin material of the dress. He could feel her harden under his touch and he heard her give a slight yelp when he tweaked her. She then opened her eyes and breathily asked, "Are you just teasing me?" "I've been dreaming of this all night," he said almost inaudibly as he continued to make his way down her body. He knelt down in front of her, his pants fitting uncomfortably as his arousal increased, and placed his hand underneath her long gown. He worked the fabric up her legs to her knees where he first stopped and kissed the inside of each. Then he continued the journey, working the material up as he would rotate between kissing the insides of each thigh, hearing her now groan in anticipation. He again was happily surprised when he finally reached her hips and butt cheeks to find no impending fabric. He quickly shot her a glance at the knowledge that she was not wearing any undergarments and she stared back at him with a smirk, lightly shaking her head, eyebrow raised. "Goddess," he proclaimed. He was just starting to work his hand over to her womanhood and he could feel her heat and knew that he would find her pleasantly wet, when she reached down and grabbed his shoulders. "Alan, I need you now. Take me to the bed." He reluctantly allowed the dress to fall to the floor and stood. She moved to walk to the bed, but he stopped her and easily swooped her up into his arms, with one arm behind her back and the other cradling her legs under her knees. "Whatever your bidding is, my Queen." She threw her arms around his neck, grinning wildly.

He lay her softly on the bed. She watched him intently as he removed his jacket, allowing it to fall to the floor. Then he began unbuttoning his shirt and she motioned for him to come to her. "I want to feel you under my hands," she remarked. He moved to the bed and climbing on top of her straddled her at the waist. She began by pulling his shirt from his pants and gradually undoing each button. She concentrated on each button and again was unknowingly biting her lower lip. He wanted to taste her again. As she removed the material from his shoulders, her eyes moved over his chest and down his abs, followed by her nails. She allowed her hands to glide down to the belt of his pants, slowly undoing the buckle. Not removing her eyes from the work of her hands she commented, "I too have been waiting for this all night. I've been waiting to see you for a long time." She removed the remaining barriers of his clothing and he helped her out of her dress sliding it over her shoulders and then down over her chest and hips.

That first time they made love it was slow and all encompassing. He studied her every inch, her every freckle not wanting to forget anything, and as promised worshipped her body until she finally screamed his name in exclamation. They had both collapsed in ecstasy and sleep overcame them. It wasn't long after that they awoke later at the first light of dawn and she returned the favor. She had slowly worked every nuance of his body, teasing and tantalizing, holding him back until he couldn't take it anymore. When he was at his fullest she had allowed him to surge forward to his release, allowing his mind to explode into a million pieces. God, had it ever been this good? No woman had ever treated him as she did. This second round left them spent and in their groggy state before sleep found them again, she nestled her back against his chest, allowing him to drape an arm over her. He would awaken many hours later in that same position.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

When Megan's eyes finally started to flutter open, she immediately felt a sense of content and almost giddiness. Each corner of lips tugged into a smile as the events of last evening, or she thought to herself early morning, came racing back to her. It had been years since the last time she had awoke with a man in her bed that she was happy to see and that she wouldn't mind waking up with each morning after. Rolling over in anticipation of greeting Alan with a good morning kiss, she found his side of the bed empty and cold. She was shocked and her stomach started to sink. Wait…had she been wrong about him? Had everything he told her last night just been a fabrication? She knew he had wanted to get in her bed since they first met; their flirtation was all too real, but she also knew he respected her and they both knew it best not to start a relationship while still actively working together. Her mind was reeling, when she heard the door to the hotel room open. Still naked, she wrapped the sheets around herself and tucked them under her arms, so she wouldn't be indecent in case it wasn't who she thought it was. Her eyes shifted to the doorway and there he was; he must have haphazardly slipped on his clothing from the night before because he looked a mess, but he was carrying her one true vice, coffee. He knew her too well.

"A bit of coffee for my sweet," he casually allowed the pet name to roll off of his tongue. Megan didn't mind at all. He walked over to her, handing her the steaming cup of coffee he leaned down to kiss her forehead first and then her lips, before adding, "Just the way you like it." They were both smirking now and she felt so care free in this moment…she hoped that he felt the same way. But by his actions, she could tell he wanted nothing more than to be here, now. "How do you remember all of these little things about me?" she asked quizzically. Slipping out of his shirt and pants again, but leaving on his boxers, so that he could comfortably join her again in the sheets of their bed, he started, "Megan, since the moment I met you, there was always an attraction. I knew we would be friends and I hoped we could be more. But no matter what it was, I wanted you to be happy, so I've always studied you, your ways, your likes and dislikes, because I knew I could be someone that makes you happy." He was too much and his words made her practically swoon, but she didn't him to have all of the surprises. "Well, perhaps I know a little bit about you too. Do you have any plans tonight?" she asked. "I don't," he stated factually but continued, "although you should since it is your birthday." "I do now. I had already bought two tickets for the Raptors game tonight and I was hoping you would be free," she replied. Alan chuckled, "Apparently, I'm not the only one with surprises."

Just then she noticed that Alan's phone was lighting up like a Christmas tree. Not taking her eyes from his phone she asked, "What's going on there? Is someone trying to get a hold of you?" "Oh, no," he remarked, "I just happened to tweet our pictures a few minutes ago and I'm sure those are the responses." "Let me see," she said. He gave her the phone and as she read the responding tweets she started to laugh. "Aren't we the special pair," she remarked and then noticed that the picture of her from last night was now the background on Alan's phone. "Hmmm, someone may be getting a little ahead of themselves," she said coyly with her eyebrows raised. She was shaking the phone at him and indicating that she saw the picture, but he didn't bite at her remark. Instead he lay back on the pillows, putting his hands behind his head. He looked dreamily up at the ceiling and replied, "I am ahead of everyone in all things at the moment. I do have you in my bed." She playfully slapped his chest, but then lay next to him, nestling herself in the crook of his shoulder with her head on his chest and her arm draped over him. They stayed that way, content and chatting about what was to come.