Chapter 1

Caroline couldn't believe it, after all the planning and organising for this move; both Bonnie & Elena had missed their flights and were still in Mystic falls. She had finally decided to move out and start a new page in her life. It was her twenty third birthday tomorrow and both Bonnie & Elena had moved away from home to Texas of all places nearly five years ago, whilst she had been content with the familiar and stayed in Mystic falls.

Finally she had decided to move out and the girls had offered her a place in their three bedroom apartment. It was perfect she would be in a new city, but with her best friends since school. Elena had already lined up a job interview at her work for the position of Personal Assistant to the big boss and her interview was first thing on the Monday

The girls had come back to Mystic falls for thanksgiving and then they were going to fly out with Caroline, so that she would be able to settle in before they had to go back to work. Instead they had missed the flight because of a flat tyre and Caroline was stranded in a strange city with no key to the apartment.

Walking out of the airport she asked the taxi driver to take her to a hotel nearest to the apartment's address. Half an hour later, having checked in and unpacked a few things, she was already bored. It was late evening, so she couldn't go out exploring and there was nothing to do in her room. Unbelievable, a Friday night and she was moping on her own in her room. Caroline suddenly thought, what she would do if she were back in Mystic Falls. She would be all dressed up and on her way to the Mystic Grill. Well she thought, just because I don't know anyone here doesn't mean I shouldn't have a bit of fun and say goodbye to being twenty two in style.

One hour later wearing a short, sleeveless, wrap around blue dress and high heels, she walked into the partially lit hotel bar. She put a big smile on her face, whilst thinking to herself, you can do this. There is nothing wrong with having a drink on your own. She walked up to the bar confidently, giving the impression to anyone who looked, that she did this all the time and then she hesitated. The blonde haired bar man looked up from drying a glass and smiled.

'Hi there, what can I get you Miss?' he said, grinning at her in appreciation. Caroline thought he doesn't look much older than me.

'Um I don't actually know what I want to drink. I'm on my own this evening and I thought as it's my birthday tomorrow, I might have a drink or two to say goodbye to being twenty two. I was actually thinking I could try a few drinks I've always wanted to try, but been unable to because I lived in a small town where everyone knew everyone and my mum was the sheriff.' Caroline said all this in one breath, wanting to get it out and hoping the bar man would not judge her or think her a loser, for being on her own.

He seemed about to say something, when suddenly he looked up and passed her shoulder, 'Good Evening Mr Mikaelson, it's good to see you again Sir. Will you be staying with us long this visit?

Turning slightly on her bar stool, Caroline looked over her shoulder in the direction of the bar man's gaze. Her lips parted slightly as her skin tingled in appreciation. There standing a few feet away from her and making his way towards her was the most attractive man she had ever seen. He was about six foot tall, with fair hair and maybe half a day's growth of stubble on his face. He was wearing what looked like a very expensive suit, but it didn't hide his athletic physique, which was both obvious and understated. Realising she was staring, when his eyes crinkled and his cheeks dimpled as he smiled, she quickly turned to face the bar again, whilst blushing profusely.

Leaning against the bar Klaus said, 'Hi Matt, good to see you mate. I'm just staying over a couple of nights on this trip. I have to be in the office on Monday, so I thought it would be easier to stay here, than go back to the ranch.'

'I'll just serve this young lady and then I'll get you your usual, Mr Mikaleson' Matt said, whilst turning back to Caroline, with an apologetic smile. Then giving Caroline his undivided attention he said 'Now what drink shall we start with? Maybe something fruity, but with a bit of vodka, how does that sound?' Caroline smiled and said 'That sounds perfect!'

Unknown to her Klaus had actually been observing her in the mirror for a few minutes before he made his presence known to Matt. He had been a regular of this hotel for several years now and had often stopped to have a few drinks in the bar. But never had he seen such a beautiful woman sitting at the bar on her own before. He had overheard her shyly telling Matt that it was her birthday tomorrow and that she wanted to try lots of different drinks. He thought her actually very brave and applauded her, for having the guts to not care what people thought.

When she turned on her stool as he spoke to Matt, his eyes had dilated with awareness. In the mirror he could tell she was attractive, but in front of him he could see she was stunning and when she smiled she seemed to be full of light.

When he realised she was staring at him, he couldn't help but grin. He thought to himself, so she found him attractive as well, did she. This might just turn out to be an interesting evening after all.

A/N: Hope you enjoy my first piece of Klaroline fiction. I know the main elements to this story, but am going to write it as I have time. Please do leave reviews.