Tiana was amazed by the beauty of the historic Benjamin House. As a little girl, her father had told her stories of how beautiful it was whenever he was hired as head chef at gatherings, but finally seeing it for herself was astonishing.

Her long pearl necklace swayed from side to side as she walked around the mansion, drinking in the lively atmosphere that she had missed for almost two years. There were butlers, plenty of open bars, and even the show girls caught her attention as they strutted around in their skimpy outfits with their huge feathers.

There were hundreds of men in attendance, with the exception of a handful of women that were invited as well. She wondered where Naveen could be.

"The Charleston is far easier to dance than the Lindy Hop." said Naveen as he tuned up his ukulele.

"Says the man who can dance his ass off!" said Robert "I would kill for your moves."

"You have to be blessed by God Himself to dance like Naveen." Vincent said as he waved a butler over to serve them champagne. "Naveen drink up! The night is yours, twenty marks two decades of living. Live them well!"

"I will toast to that!" exclaimed Walter

"Here, here!" the men exclaimed as they clinked their champagne flutes and laughed in merriment

"I'll go check on why it's taking these peasants so long to bring out the extra entertainment." complained Vincent as he left to use the phone.

"Let's see some moves, big boy." said a brunette woman in a beaded costume

Naveen was amused by the woman's attention and immediately began to strum his ukulele while naturally flowing to the beat. A crowd quickly formed around him as he moved effortlessly across the room.

As he did a quick spin, he noticed a familiar woman walk down the grand staircase. He stopped dancing when he realized it was the beauty from the phonograph store.

"Tiana?" he said under his breath

She stopped at the end of the steps when she saw that it was Naveen that was dancing. She felt like a giddy schoolgirl all over again as he made his way over to her.

"Happy birthday." said Tiana

He gently took her gloved hand and kissed it looking into her eyes "I'm glad that you came."

"I'm happy that I was invited." she replied as she took back her hand "What a lovely location."

Naveen smiled at that "Yes, I agree this place is very ornate yes? You are stunning by the way."

He watched as she looked down at her feet. She was so cute at how modest she was in taking a complement. Naveen loved how her skin radiated underneath her dress and how her long tresses were curled to make it appear shorter.

"You don't look too bad yourself." she complemented. And boy, he looked great in his tailored black slacks and white smoking jacket with matching bow tie. His hazel orbs appeared to be dancing at the sight of her in that daring flapper dress. Too bad she belonged to someone else.

"Your fiancé wasn't able to make it?" he asked as he waved off a butler holding a tray filled with hot hors

"No, he is quite busy." she partly lied. She could admit that she couldn't communicate with Vincent without starting an argument.

"Well that's too bad." he was happy to know that this man didn't show up. "Would you like a drink?"

Tiana shook her head "No thanks, but I don't-."

Just then a lively tune blasted into the air, causing everyone to break into dancing. Naveen shouted "Achidonza!"

Tiana immediately felt out of place as she watched the guests around them dance their lives away. She wanted to sit down.

"Let's dance, yes?" he brought he hand out for Tiana to take it. She was hesitant, but she couldn't let the man down especially since he had invited her after all.

She took his hand "I'm a little rusty, you see… I have two left feet and I haven't-ahh!" she exclaimed as he instantly spun her around as he cut the Charleston.

Tiana didn't know how to react, she hadn't danced since her father passed away and even back then she wasn't a very experienced dancer. "Just let it flow through you!" shouted Naveen as he went faster with his moves.

She watched how the dance was repetitive and quickly mirrored the steps until she finally felt comfortable enough to let it flow naturally through her. Naveen grabbed her hand and they began to dance with fluidity together on the marbled floor.

"You're a natural!" he said as he spun her around. Tiana was laughing uncontrollably as she danced around him and she almost screamed when he lifted her into the air. A crowd began to form around the dancing pair as they cheered for the man of honor dancing with a familiar looking woman.

Everyone was watching them dance with the men focusing especially on Tiana. "Naveen always charms the ladies I see." said Ian mesmerized by her moves.

"He's definitely going to get lucky tonight. The chemistry that they have is amazing." Robert said sipping on a glass of brandy

Walter squinted his eyes and noticed that it was Tiana on the floor. He nudged Robert. "Hey, isn't that Vincent's girl?" recognized that the woman was indeed Tiana and decided to act on it.

He walked over to the banquet hall where Vincent was mouthing off someone about getting his money back for the late burlesque dancers.

"If I don't get my money back by tonight, I will sue your company for so much money that even your pets will feel your poverty!" he yelled into the phone

"Vincent I think that you should come back into the ballroom." Walter influenced

"Don't you see that I'm busy?"

"It is rather important."

Vincent groaned "What is more important than what I'm handing right now? I have hundreds of dollars on the line."

Walter scratched his head "Follow me, you have to see this for yourself."

"I want my money by tonight or you'll come up missing." He hung up the phone "What is it? This better be good."

He followed his friend into the balcony of the jazz filled ballroom where he witnessed guest crowding around Naveen and a woman dancing lively.

"You brought me in here to see a prince dance with a woman? This is foolish even for you Walter." he shot as she turned to leave

"Vincent, that woman is Tiana."

Vincent turned back around to glance once again and it was indeed his fiancée. Anger began to boil inside of him as he ran down the staircase. "That slut…"

He pushed his way through the crowd knocking down guests. When he finally made it to the pair he charged towards Tiana and grabbed her by her arm his nails digging into her skin.

"What in the hell do you think you're doing?" Vincent raged

Tiana couldn't breathe as she realized that it was the most horrid man she knew standing before her. Her eyes widened as she tried making sense out of the situation.

"I-I" Tiana stuttered as her heart was beating rapidly in her chest.

"Vincent what are you doing?" Naveen questioned confused as to why his friend was handling her so roughly. "Do you know her?"

Tiana raised an eyebrow at Naveen saying his name. Did they know each other?

Vincent let out a dark chuckle "What am I doing? I could ask your princely ass the same thing!"

"Let her go." said Naveen he was two seconds away from punching Vincent square in the jaw

"You can't tell me what to do with my fiancée!" stated the flaxen haired man. He pulled Tiana closer to him squeezing the living daylights out her side causing her to squirm.

"Fiancee?" Naveen uttered aloud

Tiana looked away feeling ashamed and embarrassed that she even came to this party let alone that the two men knew each other. She just wanted to disappear forever.

"Yes, we are engaged. Of course Tiana didn't mention that to you." he pinched her arm

"Ouch!" Tiana rubbed her arm

"Tell him how we are already practically married, Tiana." said Vincent

But she was silent.

"Do it!"

"Yes, we are engaged Naveen." she said with watery eyes she tried to wipe them away but her long satin gloves smudged her make up all over her face

"I see." Naveen looked at her and wanted to pull her back into his arms. But he didn't want to put Tiana in more pain than she was at that moment.

"Damn right. You may be my friend, but go anywhere near my woman again you will be dealt with." Vincent cursed. "Haven't you learned anything in your twenty years of life?"

"I think you need to calm your tone." Naveen warned

Tiana wanted to crawl into a hole and die. This was all too much. "Vincent…"

"Go wait in the car." he snapped shoving Tiana away from him. She walked away fighting not to look back at the handsome foreign man, she felt so humiliated. For once she was happy to oblige, she didn't want Naveen to see her like this any longer.

"How dare you push a woman…" Naveen watched as Tiana made her way to the exit, then at his friend square in the eyes. Although Naveen was younger than Vincent, he was six inches taller than him making him appear more masculine. He never knew Vincent to be the abusive type. He wasn't going to stand for it, especially towards someone like Tiana.

"She's my woman. What are you going to do about it?" the blue eyed man challenged

Naveen was silent still looking at the man in the eyes; he didn't want to start any trouble. At least not right at that moment.

"Smart choice. Happy birthday." Vincent said as he walked off towards the foyer.

Naveen narrowed his eyes in disappointment. The live band started the music back up, but Naveen just couldn't dance anymore.

"Asshole." He said as he knocked back a glass of scotch

Tiana curled up in the queen sized bed with a face covered in dried tears. She refused to sleep, still reviving Naveen's face in her mind when Vincent pulled her from the dance floor. The bruises that he left on her arms and chest were throbbing viscously even after Betty nursed them with alcohol. Although in pain, she was rejoicing internally that Vincent had decided to travel back to Baton Rouge that night. He had gotten his revenge in the car on the way home so staying overnight wasn't necessary.

She turned on her side facing a picture of her and Vincent that stood on the nightstand. It was the day they had went to Dauphin Island near Mobile, Alabama a week after they met. Tiana was dressed in a white swimsuit with her hair blowing in the breeze riding on Vincent's back, both were caught in a laughing moment.

"My mama is gonna kill me when she notices that I'm gone." said an unsure Tiana

"You worry too much, we'll just explain ourselves when we get back to Louisiana." He reassured her "Let's get in the water."

Tiana smiled as he kissed her passionately on the lips making her feel better about the situation. "You're right."

"Am I always?" he agreed "Now hop on."

She jumped on his back and he instantly spun around as fast as he could until they became dizzy. By the time he stopped Tiana was laughing loudly, catching a freelance photgraphers attention.

"A free photo for the happiest couple in Dauphin?" the photographer asked

They both nodded their heads in agreement and he took the photo. "Another one for the collection. Thanks!"

Tiana jumped down from her boyfriend's back. Vincent pulled her to him.

"I love you." he said

She blushed. "I know."

"I love you. Tiana, I will never hurt you." He repeated as he kissed her…

Tiana remembered that moment so vividly. It hurt even worse that she actually believed what he told her. How could she be so naïve? Fresh tears formed in her eyes as she picked up the picture frame and threw it against the wall, shattering the glass into a million pieces.

A week flew by with no sign of Vincent in sight. He had come by the next morning after the party to get the rest of his things and to scare Tiana in the house with threats until the wedding while he did business in Baton Rouge. For the past week she did the same routine: Ate, slept and prepare for her death sentence (the wedding). She felt it was weird that he didn't call her to tell her where he was, but she was glad he didn't. She hoped that he would cancel the wedding altogether and leave her alone, but she knew that was too far-fetched.

"Did Mr. Reynaud telephone the house this morning?" asked Betty as she served Tiana her morning tea

"I wouldn't know." she flatly replied

"Aren't you concerned?"

"Not really." Tiana bit into her toast

"Mr. Reynaud really just wants what's best for you."

Tiana rolled her eyes. "I'll have my tea out in the sun room Betty, thank you."

She walked into the screened room and sat amongst the pots of hydrangeas and lilies. The atmosphere quickly eased her tension as she inhaled the summer air. She decided to walk through the wide backyard, something that she hadn't done in months.

Barefoot, she dwindled underneath the hot sun when she noticed that the bird feeder was empty. She walked towards the shed to retrieve a bag of seed when something pulled her inside. She let out a short scream when she felt a hand cover her mouth. She kicked and flung her arms frantically trying to get free.

"Calm down! Do you want us to get caught?" said a familiar voice

She turned on the small light. It couldn't be who she thought it was. "Naveen?"

He was sharply dressed in a salmon pink three piece suit with his signature straw boat hat. He looked delicious.

"In the flesh." he replied

"What are you doing here?" her heart was lightly thumping in her chest. "How did you get in here?"

"I was in the neighborhood…I normally don't hide in sheds but…"

Tiana raised an eyebrow "But today was just the perfect day huh?" she punched him in the chest "Leave!"

He frowned rubbing his chest "Hey, I thought that you might want to get some fresh air. It isn't healthy to be inside all of the time."

"Please go. Betty will be looking for me any minute." She harshly whispered

"Who's that?"

"My housekeeper." She carefully peaked out to see if Betty was in the sun room. She wasn't.

"And you're worried about what your housekeeper will say? Yeah, you need to get away." He said as he gently pulled her out of the shed.

Tiana ran back inside of the large shed. "Let me at least get dressed first." She said referring to her silk nightgown and robe

He glanced at her attire. "No time, I'll figure something out."

Naveen walked out the back door of the shed, and onto the cobblestone pathway that led to the street where he parked. "When you're done being afraid, meet me out front."

Tiana stood in the middle of the floor completely bewildered that this man was so bold. And here she was, truly considering on the decision of following him. Had she gone completely mad?

Tiana looked at the empty sun room once again before she closed the double doors to the shed and quickly ran down the pathway towards a shiny red car.

Naveen opened the door for her to get in and he instantly drove off down the street. Her nerves were growing as she watched her home fade away as they drove on.

"What a lovely nightgown." He smirked looking down at Tiana's toned legs.

She noticed that he was peeking so she hurriedly closed her robe, which didn't hide much.

"Keep your eyes on the road, jack." she countered back

Naveen tried to hold a laugh in as he continued to drive down the streets of New Orleans.

"This place is spacious!" Tiana said as she glanced around Naveen's condo.

The place was large enough to host the best of parties. There were plush couches, several fireplaces, a huge kitchen, six bedrooms each with their own bathrooms, and a parlor room. It was definitely fit for a king.

"It should be that way, I rented out the entire seventh floor." He explained as he removed his hat and placed it on the kitchen counter

She raised an eyebrow "Why do you need this much space?"

Naveen shrugged his shoulders "Why not?"

Tiana walked out on the balcony "A full view of Bourbon Street and the entire French Quarter? It must be good to be you."

He opened a bottle of white wine "Would you like a drink?"

"I don't drink."

"It's just wine, Tiana. Not even the heavy stuff."

She rolled her eyes "Alright, just one glass."

After they made a silent toast, both downed their wine in a quick gulp. "Mmm" Tiana mumbled

"Damn good isn't it?" asked Naveen

"It is." she agreed

"I hate that I am hungry now." he said pouring another glass

"What do you mean?" she asked

"I have to eat something after I drink, it's strange."

"Perhaps we can find a restaurant for lunch…" Tiana suggested "There are several good bistros…"

Naveen shook his head. "I'd rather you cook."

Tiana looked up at him "What?"

"I ate the entire dish that you brought me for my birthday, now I'm hooked." he smiled

"My Grandmere's quiche?" he actually ate it? She thought "You liked it?"

"Loved it." He held her hand "I don't eat many dishes like that back home."

Tiana removed her hand "Where exactly are you from?"

"Maldonia."

She didn't know exactly where that country was located and she certainly didn't want to pursue anymore questions from him right now. Except one more.

"You asked me to come with you just to cook for you?"

"No, I actually…"

She narrowed her eyes at him, furious. "Goodbye Naveen." She attempted to walk out of the building

"Tiana, wait." He stood in front of the door "Look in the kitchen cabinet."

"Please move Naveen." She asked, tired of feeling used

"Just do it please." He countered "The one beside the sink."

Grudengly, she walked over to the white wooden cabinet and opened it. Her eyes lit up when she spotted a crimson red pot with a yellow bow tied around it. Her face instantly broke into a smile.

"A gumbo pot?" she placed it on the counter "From that day in front of the…"

"…Phonograph store." He finished for her

"You remembered."

"I'm a man of my word." He said in a serious tone "Do you like it?"

She happily nodded her head "It's perfect! I can't wait to use it."

Naveen lit the gas stove. "How about now?" he flashed a pearly white smile

She smiled back. She couldn't say no to that face. "Let's get started."

Tiana whisked the roux and peeled the vegetables for the gumbo. Naveen walked in obviously wanting a part in helping prepare the meal. Tiana noticed and decided to give him a job to do.

"Mince this onion." she handed him the vegetable as she moved on the other side of the kitchen to begin making the hush puppies

Naveen just simply stared at the vegetable on the counter. "What do you want me to do with this onion?"

"Mince it." she said not looking up as she was measuring out flour

Naveen picked up the knife and attempted to chop the white vegetable, when his finger was right in the blade's way. His finger instantly bled.

"Merde!" he shouted

Tiana quickly ran over to his side and rushed his hand over the cool tap water. "Don't you know how to chop an onion?"

He shamefully shook his head "No."

"So that means you don't know how to mince?"

"No."

"Dice?"

"No."

"Julienne?"

"I've never done anything like this before. I grew up with hired help all off my life." he explained

That explained why his hands were so perfect. There wasn't a scratch or bruise to be seen. He must be

Tiana smiled "Well it's never too late to learn." she stood behind him "Pick up the knife."

"I don't think I can…"

She raised an eyebrow "If I can dance, you can mince."

He did as he was told as she guided him through the steps, he quickly caught on and eventually chopped all of the veggies needed in the soup.

"Now that wasn't too bad at all huh?" she teased

"Not at all." he agreed looking into her chestnut brown eyes with love

Tiana was trapped in his glaze for a moment until she smelled something on the verge of burning. "The roux!"

She hurried over and stirred water into the pot before it was ruined. "That was a close one."

After four large bowls of gumbo, Naveen was officially stuffed. "That was delicious." He said patting his abs even after all of that food he showed no sign of a pot belly.

"Glad you enjoyed it." Tiana said as she stood up to wash the dishes "Even without the hush puppies…"

Naveen stood to help her out with the mess "Oh you're still mad that I didn't eat them?" he chuckled

"Everyone loves my hush puppies, and you didn't even give them a try!" she was somewhat hurt about that

"Did I crush an inspiring chef's ego here?" he drew closer to her with their noses almost touching

Tiana felt her temperature rise in places she hadn't felt in a while. They barely knew each other and here she was in his kitchen cooking, still in her nightgown, and yet so close to each other. Her hands became like soft clay as she dropped a wine glass onto the floor.

"Shoot." she said as she walked away from him to retrieve the broom

"Let me help you with that." he bent down to floor with her with the dustpan

After the glass was cleaned up, Naveen took her hand. "Look at me."

Their faces grew closer to each other as their lips met into a gentle kiss. Tiana was practically on her tip toes trying to each him. Their kiss became more heated when Naveen lifted her onto the kitchen island to get her on his eye level.

He opened her mouth with his tongue, deepening their osculation. Tiana wrapped her arms around his shoulders as he began to kiss along her neck, causing her to moan. "Naveen…"

In a flash, he carried her onto the living room couch with him sitting and her in his lap. With her still dressed in her nightgown and robe, he slipped his hand underneath massaging her soft mounds. Tiana shivered at the delicate touches happy that she didn't change into a dress after all; she never had a man show love to that part of her body before.

Tiana began to unbutton his shirt but he stopped her, by kissing her stomach all the way up to her neck. He finally removed the peach silk nightie revealing all of her as he stared in awe. "What's wrong?" she asked

He quickly flipped their positions as he climbed on top of her, eagerly ripping his shirt off. "You drive me crazy." He breathed heavily as Tiana opened her legs for him

Just then, the front door opened. "Sire, I couldn't find the-"

Tiana shrieked underneath the prince as she desperately tried to cover her body with her thin silk robe. Naveen turned to see his overweight valet in front of the door with a bewildered look on his face.

"LAWRENCE." Naveen yelled "For fucks sake!"

Tiana rolled off of the couch and ran into an empty bedroom

"Your majesty I'm terribly sorry but-"

"Leave fat man!"

Lawrence, in a panic, exited right back out the door into the hallway.

Naveen groaned in embarrassment for Tiana. "Tiana?" he walked into the long hallway and into the room she was hiding in.

"It's time for me to leave." she said as she tied her robe closed

"Please don't feel embarrassed, it was just my valet."

"I don't care who he was Naveen! He walked in on us almost…almost…" she couldn't bear to say it. She wasn't a woman who sleeps with a man she just met.

"What? Have sex?" he finished for her "Tiana were both adults…"

"And I'm an adult who happens to be engaged!" she fired back "I'm not this type of woman…"

Naveen attempted to grab her hand, but she moved away from him. "I'm not even supposed to be here right now."

"Tiana..."

"Please take me home Naveen."