A/N: These rapid updates are killing me! I'll admit, I originally hadn't planned to update this one so quickly. I was probably going to cycle through all of them with updates until I got back to this one, which may have taken up to several weeks. But man, I'm surprised. Not only did this receive a lot of reviews, it was also chosen by you guys as my best story, which surprises me because I try the least with this one. However, a deal's a deal. You reviewed like crazy, and I will update like crazy….fair enough?

Chapter Four:

Sarah was immediately and instinctively pulled closer by Chuck, which not only surprised her, but made her feel awkwardly hot. She couldn't have picked a better time to feel the dagger sharp attraction his body against hers seemed to be creating.

Cameras flashed, it seemed as if a million questions were being asked. Sarah couldn't grasp just what the hell was happening…..This could NOT have been the feds…..cameras? Reporters? This was more like that lame show she'd heard of…..TMZ?

"Mr. Bartowski?" One man called, as Chuck had a smooth smile. Sarah could practically feel his heart beating, but on the outside, he looked perfectly poised and calm. "Is this the new Jill?"

"That ring! Are you engaged…..Married?" Another woman called, smirking. Chuck glanced down at his ring finger, which had his father's small, plain silver band on it.

"Not that I know of." He replied with a calm smile, trying to make his way to the Club's main entrance, where the familiar security guys would surely fend off the cameras.

"Who is this?" One man called, watching Sarah, as Chuck kept his arm around her. Sarah feigned a smile, trying desperately not to turn and run. What the hell was going on? Was he an actor? A wanted criminal? He said he was a god damn video game designer! Had she fallen for a creep?

"What's your name, Sweetheart?" Another, cocky reporter asked, between a bite of his gum. His mic was in Sarah's face, as she froze, her beautiful smile almost about to fade.

"You missed your interview, Mr. Bartowski!" One man called as Chuck gently moved the mic from Sarah's way, gently guiding her to the club doors, where the ushers nodded respectfully, letting him and Sarah in. Shutting out all the fuss, they made their way in, safely past all the flashes and into a loud, bustling dance floor.

Sarah simply gawked at the supposed video game designer before her, wondering if she should simply up and run out the back door. While she was busy contemplating her escape, Chuck leaned over to her ear. "We should talk somewhere private." He told her over the blaring beat. Numbly nodding, she allowed him to take her to the quietest corner, where the music and talking was merely a background for there rather serious conversation.

"What the hell is going on, Chuck!" Sarah demanded in a half frightened, half pissed.

"Im so sorry!" Chuck immediately apologized, the sincerity in his voice immediately made her regret everything she'd just said. "I didn't expect them to find me." He admitted.

"Them? Who is 'Them', Chuck?" She asked, calming slightly. She was totally compromised….the feds could find her in seconds.

"Photographers….Interviewers…..Sarah, they all work for the news…." He explained, wondering how she didn't know what they were doing.

"News? Chuck, what would the news want with you?" Sarah asked flippantly.

"I know video games are boring, but being the countries' number one bachelor and millionaire comes with its downs." He pointed out.

Countries' what?" Sarah's eyes widened, her breath hitched.

Chuck suddenly slapped a hand to his forehead. She had no clue. That's why she hadn't harassed him with ten billion questions about Jill or his money or fame…..She had no idea.

"Sarah…..god, I'm so sorry…..I thought you knew!" He apologized.

"You kind of forgot to mention it….." she said, almost going pale. Chuck glanced at her with concern.

"I thought you knew…..Oh, they didn't get your name though, so it looks like your good, even if you do make it on the front cover of some magazines…." He tried to break it to her quickly, in hopes that she'd be too shocked to care.

He failed.

"MAGAZINE?" Sarah repeated, seeing her grim future in cuffs and shackles. How she'd wished she'd stayed in regular school at that very moment.

"It's no big deal…..I swear a day or two…..and it's gone…." He tried to assure her gently, though his attempts were in vain. Sarah sighed…..he only knew half the truth.

"They might even think you're family…?" he tried to lighten the awkward subject of them being a respective couple on a magazine cover….apparently a married one.

"Chuck, the way you were holding me…..I doubt it." She replied, suddenly red.

Chuck turned the same color as well. "I'm so sorry….I didn't mean to…..It's just-"

"Chuck…..I didn't have a problem with it." Sarah replied, a smile forming on her face. Chuck sighed in relief…..she wasn't mad at him. They were okay.

"So, is there any way we can get home with out Forbes stalking us?" Sarah asked light heartedly, causing Chuck to laugh.

"Yeah, let me text Morgan to send a ride out back. He'll take car of the car." Chuck agreed. "While we wait….Can I get you a drink?" he offered, sounding totally apologetic. This must've been a hellish nightmare for her.

"Sure…..I still believe we have a date to finish." She replied with a smile. On the inside, her panic was slowly growing. A drink could help. She figured she'd stay with Chuck for the night, hopefully avoiding being caught at her hotel. He seemed like he had enough connections to keep her safe…..and, truth be told…..she still wanted to finish their date.

One way or another, the truth had to come out.

-0-

Chuck's millionaire reputation was certainly reflected by his house, which was, by all means…..suited for someone of his…..status.

The house it's self was beautiful, yet not boastful….as if it were possible. Shamefully, Sarah was reminded of all the wealthy people she and her father had conned. They always had houses similar to this particular one. Sarah had to admit….it was gorgeous. And with a beach view….it was picturesque.

The house was a simple, two story house. There was no butler waiting at the door, or helicopter pad on the roof….as far as she knew. Maybe she'd assumed a bit too much.

"You live here alone?" Sarah asked gently, as he unlocked the door and hit a few random buttons on the security code, turning the system off.

"Morgan lives here too." He replied with a smile, nodding his head towards the upper story. "I guess you could say it's our bachelor pad." He grinned. "How about a quick tour?" he asked.

"Sounds nice." Sarah replied, watching him.

"So, this….this is the entrance….obviously…" he babbled under her stare, until she broke into a soft, angelic laugh.

"Relax, Chuck." She offered advice she herself needed at that moment. Concealing her anxiety regarding the possibility of getting caught, she gave him a genuine smile.

"Okay…" he took a deep breath, showing her the spacious kitchen, and living room.

"This…..is my sanctuary." He gave her a playful grin, opening the door to his personal gaming and tech room, filled with paper, comic books, comic posters, movie posters, pictures of him and several celebrities, and other valuables.

Sarah raised her eyebrows as she took in the view. "Chuck…it looks like your life's work is in this room." She commented.

"I guess you could say that." He laughed, shutting the door. He showed her the beautiful guest bedroom and where his and Morgan's were as well, in case she needed anything. Glancing at his watch, he shook his head. "Hmm….It's only nine….would you care for some wine?" he asked in a faux romantic voice.

Genuinely laughing, Sarah gave him a smile. He made her forget her worries and troubles. "Sounds great, Chuck…" she told him, following him.

Pouring two glasses of wine, he ushered Sarah out on the balcony, to witness the beautiful moonlit ocean in the distance, as she sat in a chair beside him comfortably.

"This is probably very sudden…..and very very awkward for you." He told her understandingly.

"Oh…..um, it's really not that bad…." She tried, but he was having none of it.

"And I know it's totally embarrassing to be seen on the cover of some magazine with me…..talking about marriage and things on our first damn date…." He spoke resentfully, as if his gift of fame and fortune were a curse.

"Chuck, I have to draw the line there…..that's not true at all." Sarah insisted. "It's romantic…..and the news…..well, that just adds adventure in to the mix." She tried to be kind about the whole debacle….it was out of his hands anyway. She'd deal with the fallout one way or another.

Chuck gave her the most thankful, adorable smile she'd ever seen…..her stomach did little twists and flips, and her heart found itself racing.

"Sarah…..thank you." Chuck sighed, glancing out at the water, then back to her. "You're the first girl to really give me a chance….without being all fame and money hungry…" he insisted. "I really appreciate that….." he gently took her hand as a sign of gratefulness.

Sarah sighed. Glancing down, she bit her lip hesitantly.

"Sarah?" Chuck asked gently. "What's the matter….?"

"Chuck." Sarah took a deep breath, guilt over riding her. "There's something I need to tell you…please don't freak out."

A/N: Looks like a decent place to leave it…..Anyway, I look forward to reading all your reviews and PM's letting me know what you think! Happy Memorial Day every one, special thank you to those who served; a higher breed of men and women. See you soon guys, as always, have a good one.

-LLC