I've been neglecting you all! Sorry- I have been SO busy. Hope you enjoy- this is one of my favorite chapters!


On Valentine's Day, Puck had been secretive. Rachel knew he had something up his sleeve, but chose to act oblivious and play along. She had a few surprises of her own. First off, she'd spent the entire week painstakingly searching for the perfect dress for the charity dinner. Rachel wanted to look sexy, gorgeous, and tasteful (yes, all three) and none of the sales associates could help (meaning they eventually stopped listening to her). She finally found a smoking hot strapless red dress that hit right above her knee. The second surprise she had for Puck was the matching bra/panty set she'd have on under the dress. It went well with her third surprise—the gift of Rachel Berry herself.

Rachel had had enough. She was horny and she wanted to make love (and also have wild, dirty sex) with her boyfriend. It was natural—especially after the dry spell she'd been having. Seeing Puck walk around without shirts or in his boxers was driving her insane. And Rachel knew herself well. If Puck impressed her at the charity dinner, like she thought he would, there was no way she could ignore it. Something about Puck being a professional turned her on.

Because it was "Saturday Daddy Day," Rachel had time to do a lot more things to prepare. She got a manicure and pedicure, along with her hair washed and trimmed. With time to spare and a little daringness running through her veins, Rachel stepped into her usual waxing salon (sometimes her eyebrows got out of control) and requested the unusual: a full Brazilian wax, except for a star-shaped patch of hair. Despite the pain, Rachel found it honestly hilarious. She knew that Puck would either fall out laughing or be incredibly turned on—or both.

By the time Rachel got back home, it was already going on three and she was tired and hungry. She hadn't been so excited about dressing up for an event since prom! While she fixed herself a light lunch, she called to see what Puck and Eli were doing.

"Hello Mommy!" Eli answered.

"Hi sweet boy. What are you doing?"

"Daddy got me a—a basketball!" Eli exclaimed. Rachel heard the phone drop and Eli's voice fade away.

"We've got to get him into sports as soon as he's old enough. You should see the way he handles a basketball Rach." Puck sounded amazed. Rachel knew that if Eli tried to kick a basketball like a soccer ball, Noah would still be impressed.

"That's excellent. We really should." Rachel agreed, as long as Eli would have extracurricular activities relating to the arts as well. "What time will you be here before we take Eli to the babysitter? I'd like to meet her."

"Well she lives on the other side of town, so I'll just pick you up afterward."

"That's no problem. I'll just get dressed and come to your house. What time will I need to be there?"

"No, I'm picking you up. And Lizzie's a good girl. Eli will be fine with her."

"Noah, I have no worries about Eli being with her. I just want to meet her, that's all." Rachel was getting frustrated. She knew this had something to do with Noah's plans, but she wanted to at least meet the babysitter before she left her son with him.

"Babe, just trust my judgment on this one. You will meet Lizzie afterwards, but before would be—"

"Okay Noah. I trust your judgment." And she really did. Noah was just as overprotective of Eli as Rachel was. She knew he'd never put him in harm's way or leave him with anyone less than competent.

"I appreciate that. I've gotta go, but I'm picking you up at 6:30. Don't forget your overnight bag either—you promised to stay over tonight."

"I'm not sure this is a good idea. I don't want you to have any expectations just because it's Valentine's Day." Rachel smiled at Noah's groan.

"You're gonna make me spend Valentine's night alone? I've been abiding by your above the belt rule, but you can't do this to me. It isn't fair!"

"Fine Noah." Rachel said, faking exasperation.

"Thanks babe. You'll enjoy tonight. See you soon!" Puck hung up before Rachel could ask any questions about what he meant. She didn't know what he had planned, but she would enjoy her night indeed.

Rachel had less than two hours before Puck arrived, so she moved around her apartment quickly. She laid out her dress, along with the nude heels she'd be wearing and her accessories. Seeing everything together gave Rachel an instant burst of confidence. Rachel packed her overnight bag and then hopped in the shower to shave and sponge off. While she applied her makeup, Rachel added some hot rollers to her hair just to add a little curl. At 6, Rachel was slipping on her dress and stepping into her heels.

When she looked in the mirror at the final product, Rachel grinned. Successfully sexy, gorgeous, and tasteful. She was thankful for Santana at that moment as she snapped a mirror picture with her phone. That's what women did, right- send pictures of themselves for their girlfriend's approval? It wasn't even a minute before Santana was calling her phone.

"Vavavoom Berry! Normally, you're like an underrated hot, but you look fucking awesome tonight! Puckerman isn't going to let you leave though." Rachel's mood instantly took a nosedive. Noah wouldn't like her ensemble?

"Chill, I can practically imagine you with the sad eyes. I mean he's going to fuck you out of that dress before you're able to step out the door. You're that hot right now." Santana had a point. Rachel had invested a lot of time and money in her look for that evening and Noah's uncontrollable hormones would not ruin it for her.

"It's him calling now. I'll talk to you Tuesday!" Rachel said and switched calls. "Hey hon."

"Hon? It's rare that I hear a pet name come out your mouth."

"I just thought 'hon' would be appropriate on Valentine's Day? Are you outside? I'll meet you downstairs."

"Not yet, but that's exactly what I was calling you for. I'll let you know when to come downstairs. See you soon." Rachel finally snapped out of staring at herself in the mirror and sat in the living room. The quietness of the apartment sent Rachel's thoughts into overdrive. She wasn't nervous, but she certainly was anxious. Before she could think too deeply, Puck called and asked her to come downstairs.

Rachel peeked out the window, knowing he'd call before he actually got on the street. All she saw was a white limo (probably for Mr. & Mrs. Hargrove, Rachel's upstairs neighbors)—no Land Rover. She figured he just called ahead so she'd have time to get downstairs. Rachel slipped on her peacoat, cut off the lights and locked the door behind her. When she made it to the lobby, Noah was leaning against the wall with his signature smirk and one rose in his hand.

"Noah, you look absolutely dashing." He astounded Rachel dressed in his tuxedo. She was really glad Noah didn't come upstairs because it may have been her fault for the sex that could have occurred.

"Thanks babe. You look great and I haven't even seen what you have on under that coat." Puck hugged her and kissed the top of her head. Rachel took her time unbuttoning her coat and when she looked up, Puck's mouth was wide open.

"Wo—wha—damn it Rachel! Are you seriously expecting me not to fuck you senseless tonight?" These were the looks Rachel was used to. Puck looked like he would take her right in the lobby.

"Do I look alright? It's not too—"

"It's fucking PERFECT babe. And your rack looks perfect. God, I can just imagine how great your ass will look after you take off that jacket. I'm seriously gonna nut in my pants if I look at you longer than a minute at a time." Rachel rolled her eyes.

"That's a little crude, even for your tastes. And quit exaggerating."

"I'm so fucking serious Rach. Fuck the dinner, please let's go back upstairs." He pulled her close, rubbing his arms up and down her back.

"Absolutely not Noah. Besides, we're on a sex hiatus, remember? I didn't get this dressed up to stay cooped up in the house. We'll have a great time tonight, come on." Rachel teased. Puck let out a groan and finally remembered the rose in his hand.

"Shit, I popped it when I saw your dress." The stem on the rose was bent and Rachel giggled. She knew the sex later that night would be out of this world. Puck held the door open for her and Rachel looked around for his truck.

"Where's the—"

"Your dress caught me so off-guard that I forgot about this. Your limo awaits Miss Berry." Puck made a grand motion with his hand and the driver opened the door. It was time for Rachel's mouth to drop.

"Oh Noah!" Rachel exclaimed. She could already feel the tears pricking at the eyes. Puck rolled her eyes at him.

"Sexy lady, it's cold outside. No time for tears babe, get in." Rachel climbed in, as instructed, and Puck slid in after her.

"Noah, a limo wasn't necessary." Rachel could only imagine how much it was to reserve a limo on Valentine's Day.

"Yes it was. It's our first Valentine's Day back together. This is the kind of stuff you deserve, being a future star and all babe." Rachel grinned, thinking of the star she'd surprise him with later.

"You've honestly made me so happy already Noah. Is this what you were being all stealthy about all week? Why I couldn't ride with you to take Eli?" Puck narrowed his eyes at her, probably thinking that she didn't notice anything.

"No more questions from you woman. What you can do is crawl over here and make out with me before we make it downtown."

"We can't make out! I'll get lipstick all over you and then I'd have to reapply and—Noah!" Puck ignored her excuses and slid her over to him, lifted her on his lap, and firmly planted his lips onto hers. They spent the first 15-minutes making out and the last five trying to refresh their looks.

"That lipstick tastes gross. It looks really kissable though, fucking deceiving." Puck complained.

"Well, no one told you to attack me. Maybe that'll teach you to keep your lips to yourself next time." Rachel fussed. Puck grunted.

"Didn't hear you complaining Berry. And I hope you know that when this little celibacy timer is up, I'm fucking you for days on end. You will not be walking right for a while." Puck fixed his bowtie as the driver pulled up in front of the hotel where the dinner was held.

"I certainly hope that's a promise." Rachel replied with a wink. Puck sent her a smoldering look and she was relieved the driver opened the door before she could completely give into him. She locked arms with him and walked inside, speechless because of the beautiful décor. She couldn't even imagine how much it would cost to spend a night there.

"Rach, this is gonna be pretty lame. I can already tell." Puck said, once they descended the stairs. Rachel looked around the room and saw everyone in beautiful gowns and tuxedos, the music sounded fantastic coming from the live band, and waiters were walking around with all types of appetizers and champagne. Rachel didn't know what Puck was looking at—the evening looked like it'd be absolutely amazing.

Puck must have realized how quiet Rachel was being, because he looked down at her and squeezed her hand. Rachel looked up at Puck, her eyes reflecting how excited she was.

"How'd I know you'd be stoked about this? Shit—don't look now, here's comes this douchebag." A guy walked over and roughly patted Puck on the shoulder. Puck, in turn, tightened his grip on Rachel.

"Whew Puckerman! Where are you hiding these hot women? The blonde was smoking, but this one right here—" Rachel knew she had to interrupt before Puck exploded.

"I'm Rachel Berry. Pleasure to meet you." Rachel said, extending her hand.

"I'm Harvey. And the pleasure is all mines." Harvey kissed Rachel's hand and she groaned internally. Rachel could feel Puck fuming next to her.

"Noah, let's get a glass of champagne. Nice meeting you Harris." Rachel said, leading Puck away. "God, he was a douchebag." Noah smirked at Rachel using normal language.

Puck spent the next couple of minutes introducing Rachel to the people that he actually liked, including his work friends: Alan and Victor. Puck had graduated with them from OSU and even though they didn't talk at school, they became friends at work. She and Puck sat with the two men and their dates.

"Rachel, I saw you met Harvey." Alan commented.

"Is he always so—" Rachel started, not wanting to say anything too derogatory.

"So gross? Absolutely. Everytime I meet Vic for lunch he's always staring at me. He looked pretty annoyed when you two walked away though—what'd you say to him?" Alex, Victor's girlfriend asked Rachel.

"I called him Harris. I could tell by the way he introduced himself that he's the kind of guy that really likes his own name." Rachel said. The table laughed and Alex gave her a high five. Puck winked at her.

As dinner began and went on, the table conversation was nonstop. Rachel really adored Alex. She was funny and smart and full of conversation topics. Alan's date Katie was nice, but too reserved Rachel's liking. Alex even invited Rachel out for a movie the next week. She gladly agreed, ecstatic that she'd have her first real friend in Columbus. Rachel looked at Puck, who was beaming at her.

"What are you smiling at?" Rachel leaned into him and whispered. He kissed the side of her head.

"Just you. You're—" Puck stopped speaking and looked up when he heard Alan coughing. It was the obvious "hey man, something's about to happen" cough. Rachel looked up and saw a woman heading straight in Puck's direction, glaring at Rachel the entire way.

"Fucking Madison." Puck said under his breath. So, this must have been one of the desperate secretaries he mentioned. Rachel took a deep breath.

"Should I be alarmed?"

"No, I'm a black belt in karate." Alex whispered. Rachel forced a light smile at her new friend then turned to her boyfriend, seriously awaiting a response.

"Of course not Rach. She's just frickin obsessed. I mean, I know I'm hot but this chick is batshit crazy. And I'm not talking about my Broadway star brand of crazy either. Like, obsessive stalker shit." Puck whispered.

"It's true." Victor chimed in. Alan nodded in agreement.

"Good evening Alan, Victor. Hello, Noah." Madison said. The way she was looking at Puck made Rachel's blood boil, but she refused to play the insecure girlfriend role.

"Hey Madison. Rachel babe, meet my coworker Madison. Madison, this is my girlfriend Rachel. Eli's mom." The poor girl looked devastated. Rachel was glad Puck had done all the work for her. Instead of a full on introduction, Rachel just smiled politely. Soon Madison was gone and the table laughed about the potential catastrophic possibilities that could have happened.

After dessert was served, Rachel had a flashback to the many formal dinners she attended with her fathers. She and Noah needed to dance, right then.

"Honestly Rach, no one's dancing." Puck whispered. He didn't want to dance at all, let alone be the first on the floor.

"Trust me Noah. I'll explain it out there. Now, will you make me stand up first and extend my hand to you?" Puck groaned, stood up, and escorted Rachel to the dance floor. He was thankful for all of Rachel's random dance lessons in glee because he actually knew what he was doing.

"Rachel, everyone—I mean everyone in this damn room is looking at us." Rachel smiled at him.

"Absolutely. I've been to plenty of these types of dinners as a little girl. Everyone always stalls around, waiting for the first couple to go out on the floor. We're the first couple, so that makes you look like a leader. Additionally, you're an excellent dancer. See how the board of directors are looking at you? They're impressed."

"Berry, you're insane."

"I just wish there was some way you could sing for them too. Then they'd be double surprised. People love to know that you're well rounded."

"Innnnnsaaaane." Rachel rolled her eyes at her boyfriend.

"Insane, and yet look who's heading our way with his wife. Do my eyes deceive me or is that Mr. Charles Daniels of Daniels & Moore Architectural Firm. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure you work for that company and your very superior boss will be next to us in 3 seconds." Rachel whispered in Puck's ear.

"You two are amazing dancers. Reminds me of Charlie and me when we were your age." Mrs. Daniels commented. Rachel flashed one of her brilliant smiles.

"Oh thank you so much Mrs. Daniels. It's always nerve-wracking to be the first out on the dance floor, but Noah is an excellent dancer." Rachel gushed.

"Are you a natural Puckerman or have you taken lessons?" Mr. Daniels asked.

"I'm a natural learner. But, a certain woman in a red dress, ahem, has been forcing her personal lessons on me over the years." Puck said, glancing at Rachel.

"Same here Puckerman. Gladys has taught me everything from a simple waltz to the tango." Mr. Daniels explained.

"I'm afraid Noah and I have you beat. We know the chicken dance." Rachel joked. She had no idea where it came from, but it made the Daniels laugh hysterically.

"Well it seems I will be challenging you and your lovely date to a chicken dance duel in a few. Watch out Puckerman."

"Charlie, let Noah and—" Mrs. Daniels paused for Rachel's name.

"Rachel." She replied sweetly.

"Right, Noah and Rachel enjoy their Valentine's Day dance. Take care lovelies." Mrs. Daniels said and led her husband away. By then, the dance floor was packed with other couples. Rachel batted her eyes at Puck, who looked at her in awe.

"I haven't spoken to Mr. Daniels since my interview. I didn't even think he knew my name." Puck almost sounded starstruck.

"He probably didn't until he asked someone who had the nerve to dance first. And now look, he'll probably never forget you. Especially if he actually does challenge us to a chicken danceoff."

"I love you Rachel Berry." Puck said and kissed Rachel lightly.

"I love you too Noah Puckerman."

Mr. Daniels never challenged them, but he did approach their table. While most of the guests were dancing and mingling, he pulled up a chair to talk. A few people glanced over (including Harvey, who was staring), so Rachel knew his presence was a big deal.

"Rachel, my wife is flagging me down trying to get you over to her. Please, if you don't mind, see what the old woman has to know." Mr. Daniels said.

"Oh of course, Mr. Daniels." Even though Rachel was anxious to see what Mrs. Daniels wanted, she also wanted to stay and see what he'd be talking about.

"Rachel dear, please have a seat." Rachel followed directions and sat down next to Mrs. Daniels. There were three other women at the table, all of them in their 50s. Rachel had no idea what they wanted, but older adults were her crowd. She could sit and charm them all day.

"Good evening." Rachel said politely.

"We were just sitting, talking and wondering why you seem so familiar." One of the other women said. Rachel had no idea who any of those women were and had never seen them before that night.

"Do you work here at the firm too?" another woman asked.

"Oh no ma'am. I'm actually still a student at OSU. I'm a theatre major there, finishing up my final semester."

"Right! Rachel, you're the girl who played in that play a few years ago. My goodness, your voice is phenomenal. How come you didn't try to go straight to Broadway?" Mrs. Daniels asked. Rachel told a condensed story of her circumstances, including her dad's cancer and Eli. She didn't know how the women would react to her being a young mother, but Rachel didn't detect any negative judgment.

"Well, good luck to you Rachel! I don't want to keep you from your handsome and talented boyfriend any longer." Rachel said goodbye and went back to the table, where Mr. Daniels was just leaving.

"My wife's awfully infatuated with you Miss Rachel. You're spunky, just like she was at your age. I'm sure she'll be sending a fruitcake your way very soon." Mr. Daniels said, shaking Rachel's hand.

"Mrs. Daniels is absolutely lovely. It was great meeting her and the ladies tonight." When Rachel sat back down at the table, everyone looked at her.

"So seriously, can I attend your class on how to impress the hell out of company heads and practically secure promotions for my boyfriend and his friends? Because that's what you just did." Alex said. Rachel looked around the table at the three guys, who were practically in shock.

"Did something happen?" Rachel asked.

"Uh, only if you count the head of the company joining us at our table, asking Puckerman to help with a project he's been working on, and Puckerman agreeing to help with our help. You're still an asshole, but you're a dependable asshole Puckerman." Alan explained. Rachel turned to Puck, wide eyed and in shock. Puck was loyal and he made sure his friends would get their hard work noticed too. When he let his goodhearted character show, Rachel absolutely adored the man next to her.

"I doubt any of this would have happened if Rachel didn't charm the hell out of Mrs. Daniels." Puck said, smiling down at Rachel. It was a mix of his bedroom eyes and awe. Either way, Rachel was feeling the same thing for him.

"If you don't marry her, I will. No offense, honey." Victor said to Puck, then to Alex.

"Not if I marry her first babe. Can you come to my office party and talk to my boss? I'm just an intern, maybe he'd give me a real job." Alex joked. Puck took Rachel's hand in his.

"She's all mine and I'm not sharing. Now that the excitement's over, I think we're going to blow this joint. See you ladies later and see you guys Monday." Puck got up, helping Rachel put her coat on. She couldn't be any more ready herself. Rachel just hoped that Eli was sleeping and ready to stay that way for the rest of the evening. She and Noah had some serious celebrating and catching up to do.

They walked out the ballroom, hand in hand. Rachel smiled up at Puck, completely turned on by how handsome he looked that night.

"Tonight calls for a celebration Rach. Can we please pause the no sex rule, just for one night?" Noah whined.

"Noah, no. Be fair, okay?" He still had no idea what Rachel had up her sleeve. His pout looked so pathetic that she almost spilled the beans.

"Well, can't I just give you a little below the belt thank you for tonight? You're so amazing. Everyone seriously loves you."

"Everyone does not love me. But your friends and their dates were great people. I really like Alex. And as far as the project with Mr. Daniels—Noah, I couldn't have secured that for you. Obviously, Mr. Daniels knows of your work. I just used a little trick to put you out there, that's all." Rachel said. Noah squeezed her hand and smiled down at her. Rachel finally realized that they weren't walking in the direction of the front door.

"Where are we going Noah?" Rachel pulled them to a stop.

"You trust me?" Puck asked, loosening his bowtie. Rachel rolled her eyes at him, as an "of course". Puck took his bowtie and wrapped it around Rachel's eyes.

"Noah, I can keep my eyes closed. I'm not you." In the past, Rachel was the one who had to wrap Puck's eyes closed. He guided her down the hall, they made a right, and then they stopped. Rachel heard a door open and close. She instantly smelled roses and knew exactly what Puck had done.

"Noah, absolutely not. This must have cost a fortune."

"Rachel, if you take that blindfold off I will be really upset. Say hi to Lizzie while you're at it."

"Hi Mrs. Puckerman." Rachel didn't bother to correct the young babysitter while her head wrapped around Noah's many surprises. First off, Eli was never across town. He was inside the hotel with her the entire time. Then, Noah had actually gotten them a room for the night.

"Thanks so much Lizzie. See you next time." Puck said. Rachel heard the door open and close again.

"Can I take this makeshift blindfold off now? Where's Eli?"

"He's asleep. Taste this." Rachel opened her mouth without question and bit into a chocolate covered strawberry. So, Noah was pulling all the tricks in the book that night?

"Chocolate covered Berry is my favorite." Puck whispered in Rachel's ear, taking it into his mouth afterward. Rachel shuddered, but she refused to have her own surprise ruined.

"Noah, I can't." Rachel said, taking off the bowtie blindfold. Seeing the room was almost like an assault on her senses. The room itself was gorgeously decorated. The floor was covered in rose petals. The lights were dim and the balcony gave the perfect view of the city. Rachel looked over at the table. Along with the chocolate dipped strawberries, there was a bottle of champagne with two flutes.

"I love you." Rachel blurted out.

"I know. I love you too. Can I pleeeeease show you how much I love you tonight?"

"You've shown me a lot today Noah. The limo, the hotel room, the decorations. This has all been the most amazing Valentine's Day ever. You don't have to show me anything else."

"I know I don't. But Rach—God I feel like such a perv practically begging you for sex." Puck said and sat down on the pull out bed that Eli was sleeping on. He pulled Rachel down next to him.

"I know you think I'm sex-crazed or something—which I am, but this is different. When we're having sex, it's like we're connecting on an entirely different level. Honestly, this is the first time I've ever said this crap out loud, but Rachel I feel like our souls connect. I've had a lot of sex in my lifetime, that's no secret. But there's no sex like sex with you, sex with the woman I love. Sex with you gave me the most important person in my life. I swear, if I had just boring old missionary sex with you for the rest of my life I'd be fucking satisfied." Rachel was holding onto her willpower by a string.

"No sex Noah. But, if you can promise to an innocent bath together, we can do that." Rachel said. Puck looked disappointed, but at that point, he was going to take what he could get.

"Okay. I'll call you when the bath is ready." Noah said dejectedly and walked into the bathroom in the suite. Rachel turned off the lights in the main room (she was thrilled to see that Puck even brought Eli's nightlight to the hotel room) and rushed into the suite to strip off her dress and heels. She cut off the lights and lay in the middle of the bed, with her matching red bra and panties.

"Rach did you—holy shit." Puck came out the bathroom to turn the lights back on and was shocked to see Rachel on the bed.

"Happy Valentine's Day Noah Puckerman. Come unwrap your gift." Rachel said seductively. Puck practically flew on the bed and attacked her lips while his hands roamed her body. Besides his grunts and moans, Rachel didn't hear a word from Puck. He had her arms pinned at the head of the bed and slowly kissed up and down her body. Rachel tried to wiggle free so that she could participate.

"Stop." It was the first word he'd uttered since they began. His voice was deep and throaty and Rachel became even more turned on.

"I just—" Puck cut her off by attaching his lips to hers. He reached under Rachel and unhooked her strapless bra. Finally, she stopped trying to fight him and let him run the show—at least for that moment. Puck locked eyes with Rachel grinning seductively as he peeled off her thong. He kept eye contact as he ran his fingers from her belly button down to her core. Rachel saw the shock on his face when he felt her star patch. Puck looked down and then back up at Rachel. She couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"I have got the best fucking girlfriend in the world. Where the hell did you get this shit done? When?" Puck asked through his laughter.

"I got it done today on an impulse. I thought it'd be a nice surprise." Puck worked his fingers in between her legs and Rachel knew all talking was over for the night. Four orgasms later, Rachel collapsed backwards onto the mattress gasping for air.

"Well, I've worked up an appetite. I'm going to bring in those strawberries and champagne. Rest up for orgasm five." Puck warned.