A/N – Thanks to everyone who is reading my story! I have more ideas and creations in the works so look out for those in the near future! I would love more comments because they make me really happy and inspire me to write faster!

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Chapter 7 – Like A Dream

Johnny paced the docks relentlessly. He had wanted to pick Lulu up, but she had insisted on meeting him for the launch to Wyndamere. The entire idea of meeting Lulu's brother had Johnny nervous enough. Lulu being late was not helping matters.

He heard a noise behind him and smiled. He could feel her presence with him. He turned slowly to take her in completely. Beautiful and breathtaking did not begin to describe the way she looked. He admired her from head to toe. Her hair was pinned up only allowing a few loose strands to frame her face. Her makeup, which he believed to be unnecessary, was flawless. His eyes traveled down the length of her body. Her floor length, strapless lavender gown clung tightly to all of the curves he appreciated so much. He swept his eyes upward again and met her stare. She was blushing slightly, but not enough to look away as his eyes devoured her.

"Well?" Lulu asked expectantly.

Johnny had no words for her beauty. Perfection no longer covered it. He stepped close to her and took her in his arms. Lulu's arms wrapped around his neck and she studied his face. He pressed a soft kiss to her lips and leaned his forehead against hers. Johnny didn't know what he had done to be lucky enough to get to that moment, but he was grateful.

"I will be the envy of everyone at that party," Johnny began. "Because my girlfriend is the most beautiful woman in the world. And she's all mine."

"You don't want to share?" Lulu asked teasingly.

"Did I ever tell you I used to get in trouble as a little boy for not sharing?" Johnny laughed. "I haven't changed yet and I don't plan on starting tonight."

Lulu laughed and kissed Johnny's cheek. The two climbed aboard the launch and rode to Wyndamere in silence. Johnny was amazed by how comfortable he was with Lulu. Since his mother had died, every relationship had been forced. Even his friendship with Spinelli was difficult for Johnny at times. He was so closed off, but not with Lulu. She opened him up without even trying.

When they reached Wyndamere they entered through the front doors and were escorted to the ballroom where everyone was. Johnny took in his surroundings. He thought of his home which suddenly seemed warm and inviting in comparison. Lulu smiled up at him and all of his thoughts disappeared. If she was happy, so was he. She tugged on his hand and led him over to a dark-headed man who seemed to be playing host. After a few seconds, the man turned his attention to Johnny and Lulu.

"Lu, I'm so glad you came," the man, who Johnny realized was Lulu's brother, greeted her with a hug.

"Of course I came," Lulu answered stepping back. "Nikolas, this is Johnny Zacchara. Johnny is my boyfriend."

Johnny shook Nikolas's hand but was really basking in the amazing way it sounded to hear Lulu call him her boyfriend. It was funny how such a trivial thing could make his heart beat a little faster. He realized he was grinning like an idiot and still shaking Nikolas's hand so he pulled back and tried to compose himself.

"It's nice to meet you," Johnny said quietly.

"You too," Nikolas agreed. "Lulu has said some great things about you. That is when I've heard from her. She seems to spend most of her time with you."

"Nikolas," Lulu interjected. "Don't put him on the spot."

"He didn't," Johnny replied turning his attention to Nikolas and unconsciously grabbing Lulu's hand. "We do spend a lot of time together. I wouldn't want it any other way. I care about your sister very much."

"That's good to know," Nikolas smiled and gave Johnny a half-hug so he could whisper in his ear. "My last name is Cassadine and if that doesn't mean anything to you yet, hurt my sister and see what happens to you."

Johnny smiled and nodded so Lulu would be unaware of the threat that Nikolas had just made. Nikolas left to greet other guests and Lulu beamed up at Johnny.

"I'm so glad you two are going to get along," Lulu said excitedly. "I just wish Lucky didn't have to work tonight."

"Who?" Johnny asked.

"My other brother, Lucky, the police officer," Lulu answered. "He had some high profile stakeout tonight that he couldn't miss. Don't worry, you will meet him soon."

"Okay," Johnny responded. "Hey beautiful?"

"Yes," Lulu replied.

"Dance with me?" Johnny requested.

"Of course," Lulu said smiling.

Johnny led her to the dance floor filled with people he had never seen before. They all turned to look at the happy young couple, but Johnny paid no attention to them. He was focused on the blonde goddess in his arms. They danced to a slow song at first, lazily swaying back and forth. When the music switched to a waltz Johnny nervously glanced at Lulu who was smirking at him. They had talked about his lack of dancing abilities and apparently she was planning on making him prove to her that he could not waltz. Johnny just laughed and pulled her off the dance floor.

"Why did you do that?" Lulu pouted.

"Two reasons," Johnny began. "Number one being I honestly cannot waltz and I didn't want to embarrass you or me in front of all those people."

"Number two better be better than number one," Lulu warned.

"I wanted to be alone with you," Johnny said simply. "Walk with me?"

"Anywhere," Lulu answered, taking his hand and walking outside.

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Lulu was lost in thought. She and Johnny had been walking for about fifteen minutes in silence. Their hands were laced together and it was as if that was the only communication they needed. She was still on cloud nine from his words on the docks. Johnny calling her his girlfriend had made her deliriously happy. She stole a glance at Johnny and found him watching her.

"What are you thinking about?" Lulu wondered.

"If it would ruin tonight to tell you something," Johnny answered seriously.

"That depends on what it is," Lulu replied.

"It's nothing good," Johnny said sadly.

"Tell me," Lulu begged. "I will decide how bad it is."

Johnny nodded but didn't speak. Lulu could tell that whatever was going through his mind was something he had difficulty dealing with. She wanted to make it easier for him. She stopped walking and held both of his hands within hers. She squeezed them softly and captured his gaze giving him a reassuring look. He nodded again, but this time spoke softly.

"Remember when I told you that my mother died when I was young?" Johnny asked and Lulu nodded. "Well what I didn't tell you was how. My father shot her. Right in front of me. A shot that was actually intended for me. My father's love for my mother became an obsession. One night she chose me over him. To prevent that from ever happening again, he tried to kill me. My mom took the bullet for me."

Lulu was in shock. She didn't know how to respond to what Johnny had told her. She could see the pain in his eyes and she wanted to make it go away, but she had no idea if she could ever do that. She had a thought on how to reduce the pain at least.

"I'm glad you told me," Lulu said quietly. "Learning about you and your past does not ruin the evening for me. It makes it better. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for you to tell me that, but also can't help but wonder why you felt the need to suddenly."

"Good question," Johnny said with a small laugh. "I guess I've just been feeling different lately. A good different. I feel free in some way. A way I haven't felt since before my mom died and feeling this way has made me think of her. I want you to know more about her. Not just how she died, but also how she lived. How she could make me laugh and comfort me without saying a word. Kind of like you. You're the one who has made me feel different again. I feel like I'm living in a dream because in the real world, at least the one I've known, happiness like this doesn't exist. This happiness you give me means everything. I guess I told you about my mom to tell you that. That you, Lulu Spencer, make me happy," Johnny finished.

Lulu's eyes instantly filled with tears as Johnny spoke. No one had ever said anything so beautiful to her before. No one had even come close. She had no response in the form of words, so she chose actions. She grabbed his face with both hands and pulled him in for a searing kiss. The kiss deepened and Lulu could feel Johnny's fingers in her hair. She pushed her body closer to his and his passion intensified. He pulled away for air, but she refused to let go of his face, desperately wanting to keep him close.

"Let's go somewhere," she suggested, trying to catch her breath.

"Somewhere, where?" Johnny asked also breathing heavily.

"Somewhere where no one can happen upon us," Lulu answered.

"Are you sure?" Johnny questioned, knowing what Lulu wanted.

"Yes, I'm very sure," Lulu replied leading Johnny back toward Wyndamere.

Johnny stopped and Lulu looked at him, afraid he might refuse her again. That wasn't it though. He was hesitating for another reason. Lulu smiled as realization washed over her.

"Johnny, there are over a hundred bedrooms in Wyndamere. Nikolas will never know," she assured him.

Johnny smiled and followed her willingly inside and up the back staircase.

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Johnny smiled as Lulu led him inside a simple bedroom and closed the door behind them. He looked at her up and down again the way he had done on the docks. This time, however, his glance was full of desire. Lulu blushed under his powerful gaze and stepped towards him. She ran her hands up his chest and underneath his jacket. She pushed the jacket off his shoulders and pulled it off before throwing it to the side. She looked up and he was watching her with such emotion in his eyes. She removed his tie and tossed it on top of his coat.

Johnny grabbed Lulu's hands that were beginning to unbutton his shirt. He turned her around and pressed her into the door, needing to have his lips on her body. He kissed her lips first and then trailed down her jaw and neck. Her hands were on his back now and he felt her grip tighten as his teeth lightly grazed her shoulder.

Lulu pushed him back and further into the room, not wanting to lose control to him just yet. All of the passion she had for Johnny was building and she knew she wouldn't be able to stop herself from completely getting lost in him for much longer. She reached for the buttons of his shirt again and he looked on with a heart melting stare as she undid each button and placed soft kisses on his neck. When she completed her task, she raised her lips to his. The fiery kiss was her last gesture. Now she was his object of desire. She was ready to give herself to him for anything he wanted to do to her. She broke the kiss and stared at him with hungry eyes.

Johnny licked his lips as he stared at Lulu who was now motionless. It was his turn. He waned to make her feel everything that he had felt in the moments before. And more. He wanted her to feel more than she had ever felt with anyone. More passion, more pleasure and more trust. Lulu had told him of her past problems with relationships and how many men had betrayed her trust. He wanted her to know without a doubt that would never happen with him.

Johnny ran his fingers across her face and neck, caressing her skin softly. He bent down and kissed her gently. His hands ran across her back and found the zipper of her dress. He unzipped the lavender garment and watched it cascade down her body, revealing her perfect skin to him. He caught her lips again and swept her up into his arms. He laid her gently on the bed, placing a chaste kiss on her forehead before stepping back.

Lulu watched Johnny, slightly fearful he had changed his mind. He stepped back from the bed and she locked her eyes with his. He pulled his belt out of his pants and undid the button and zipper. He stepped out of his pants and boxers and stood before her. Lulu's need grew and she reached her hand to him so he would join her in the bed. He granted her request and immediately kissed her with no abandon. She felt his hands caress her body and she sighed. She scraped her nails lightly up his back as he removed the last of her clothing. She gasped as they became one.

Johnny held the moment of the initial connection with Lulu. She groaned his name and he smiled, knowing she wanted more. He gave her everything he had. Johnny kissed Lulu everywhere as he made love to her. He showed her every feeling he had ever had for her. She whispered his name into his neck as he gently pulled away from her.

Lulu snuggled against his chest, completely exhausted but completely content. Johnny's arms wrapped around her and she let out a sleepy sigh. Laying in Johnny's arms was the greatest feeling she had ever experienced. She felt safe and she knew that whatever happened with Johnny, he would never hurt her the way she had been hurt before. She trusted him with her life, with her happiness and most importantly her heart. She glanced up to see him already sleeping peacefully. She pressed a soft kiss to his chest before laying her head over his heart and falling asleep to the gentle sound of his heartbeat.