A/N: Sorry for such spaced out updates. Now that I have time to actually write, it seems I like to procrastinate lol. Anyway, it seems I will be out of town in a few weeks with little Internet, so I will try to it in a few more little updates. Plus, I am going to try to add another chap to "Demons" as well. But only if my writer's block eases up (grrr) :P So, y'all know the drill. Review if you enjoy! Lemme know what you think, comments always appreciated (:

2. We Kiss In a Shadow

Rose slowly milled her way through the stifling heat of the crowd. She tossed polite nods and plastic smiles here and there, not knowing anyone's names. This was Cal's crowd; his party.

And Rose could feel the butterflies flitting around in her stomach turning into boulders.

These people were far more wealthy and powerful than her family ever had been. Yes, the DeWitt Bukater name was prominent...or had been.

The last few months had been hard. Rose's father had died of an acute heart attack, leaving the family name tarnished and drowning in debt. Her mother had become hysterical with the loss of income and had dragged Rose into the shimmering society spotlight, hoping she would find a suitable husband...all the while in grieving.

Rose fiddled with the lace on her gloves as she desperately looked around for Cal; just hoping her big, blue eyes would catch sight of his handsome face...

But she saw nothing.

After all, it was the annual Hockley spring garden party. It was thrown every year to supposedly celebrate the newly-planted, blossoming array of flowers...but no one was admiring the fresh, pink tulips or yellow, exotic lilies... They probably couldn't even smell the sweet aroma of nectar that hung in the air, due to their nose's buried deep in juicy gossip and scandal.

Rose sighed, picking a icy champagne glass off of a passing waiter's tray. Cal was probably off deep into the garden, entertaining guests.

He had no time for a silly girl like her.

But then, the glass was snatched swiftly from Rose's hand. She whirled around to face her thief when she saw it was none other than Cal, grinning at her mischievously while dressed in a beige, starched suit, with a purple handkerchief peeking out smartly from his breast pocket.

"Ah, Ms. DeWitt Bukater..why must you always drink at such events? It's not at all proper for a pretty lady to waste herself away like so..." He mused, a playful smirk dancing on his face.

Rose couldn't help but laugh a little as he held out his arm to her, which she took with a smile.

"Rose" he continued, his face serious as he guided her through the crowd expertly, "My father wishes to speak with you..."

"Why is that?"

A moment of silence passed between the pair before Rose added jokingly, "Am I being a bad influence on his little boy?"

Cal chuckled as he replied, "No, it's just...he believes things are getting serious with...us...Or at least they will be..."

"Us? I didn't know there was an us..."

"Well, that's what he's hoping for..." Cal retorted back, his voice quiet. "And haven't you seen the way that your Mother's eyes glisten when we're together? They both want us together, Rose...To them, it would be the perfect match..."

Rose lowered her eyes. Her face stoic.

"Rose...are you alright?" Cal asked, observing Rose's sudden moodiness.

"Oh, I'm fine..." She answered, her voice hinting with uncertainty. "I just...I just don't want to be with someone just to make someone else happy. I want to be happy..."

Cal smiled at her gently, grabbing hold of her hand. He whispered into her ear, " Come with me..."

Curiosity bubbled inside of Rose as Cal led her away from the crowds of people and into a maze of hedges.

"Cal...where are we going?" Rose giggled as he pulled her further and further into the winding bushes and flowers.

"It's a surprise...do you trust me?" Cal asked, stopping dead in his tracks.

Rose looked deep into Cal's warm eyes, sparkling with excitement.

"I trust you" She whispered back, suddenly enthralled with the man standing in front of her. "This is crazy...but I trust you..."

Cal's response was simply a smirk as he grabbed her hand once more, their skin touching and Rose's heart racing with the possibilities to come

xXx

"It's...beautiful..." Rose whispered in awe at the place Cal had brought her.

It was the middle of the maze.

A sparkling, marble fountain with crystal blue waters sat right in the very center of the large circle, hedges and rose bushes surrounded it from all around, so from the rest of the world, it was hidden.

"This is favorite place to go...To think, to breathe, to be alone..." Cal stated wistfully as he plucked a full,red rose from a nearby bush. He waltzed around for a moment, almost inspecting everything to see if it was truly the way he desired before he came to sit next to Rose on the edge of the large fountain.

He handed her the beautiful flower and she blushed.

"A rose for a Rose..." Cal mused, taking in the beauty before him.

Her blush reddened as Cal took her hand once more, caressing her soft skin. He brought his free hand up to her chin, tilting her head up to meet his gentle, loving gaze.

A small, sweet smile spread across Rose's face as she whispered, "Cal...what I was saying earlier was...I just want to be with someone I love... Someone who will make me the luckiest girl alive. I want to- I want to be happy..."

"I know...and my Father believes I'm the man for that job..." Cal spoke, his voice warm and husky. "And if I was to be that man...Would you trust me?"

Rose looked deep into Cal's eyes. She knew she liked him...maybe...even loved him...

And perhaps those feelings were rushed. But she didn't doubt them. She didn't doubt them as she whispered back, her heart pounding, "I would..."

She most definitely didn't as Cal's lips met hers, as he caressed her cheek with careful gentleness. His touch was warm and tender as he ran his hands through her auburn curls, as he touched her neck...her waist...

It felt as if fireworks were exploding inside of Rose's head. Every nerve in her body seemed to come alive and dance.

She had never been kissed before, but now that she knew the sensation, she wished this wonderful moment would never end...She just wanted to stay here in this secret of a place forever; just hide away with Cal and never let go of him...

But she knew such things only happened in stories, fairy tales...

She knew as they broke away, they would never get that moment back.

Cal let go of her as he stood from the edge of the fountain, holding his hand out to her to grab. She took it, savoring the feel of his touch one last time as they linked arms again, heading back to the false world outside of their special secret.

Hope y'all enjoyed! (: R&R!