Merry Christmas. Yep, another Elle/Grayer chapter for all of you fine people. I love you, too. .

Please don't through stones, I happen to love Grayer.

Now, I have up to Chapter 15 written in this handy notebook on my hap, but I have to go to the local library and spend 30 minutes at a time typing and posting, so forgive my delays.


Elle released her final lock of hair from her curling iron and looked up into the mirror. Her perfect ringlets fell around her face and traced her shoulders. She added a bit more lip glass and smiled. Tonight was going to be fun.

She slipped into a light pink halter dress and heeled sandals, and admired her reflection in her full-length mirror.

Perfect, she thought. Who said that she couldn't be happy and superficial at the same time? Ignorance was bliss, after all.

The doorbell rang from down stairs, and Bruiser stood up on his pillow. Elle kissed him goodbye and grabbed her clutch before heading to the door.

Grayer stood in the doorway, impeccably dressed. His tight Ralf Lauren tee showed off his muscular frame, although was toped by a brick-red track jacket. His three-figure designer jeans looked worn and faded, although it was obvious that they were brand new.

"Elle," he said, when she opened the door, "you look wonderful."

"As do you," she mused, reaching up to play with his gelled blonde spikes. "Nice product," she complimented with a laugh.

The young man held out his arm, and his date took it. "The night is young, and so are we," he said, leading her out to his cherry red Cadillac.

They arrived to an already full throttle party, but when they walked through the door, everyone stopped and cheered.

"Forget about Elle and Warner, these two are unstoppable!" cheered a current Delta Nu girl, obviously already tipsy.

Elle blushed, and squeezed Grayer's arm. He nodded, and led her down the corridor to the lounge. A DJ played the latest tunes while a mass danced to the beat. A woman walked by with a tray of drinks, and Grayer handed Elle a pink glass with a tiny umbrella, taking a gin for himself. They silently toasted and clinked glasses.

To a new life, the girl thought.

The danced together for what felt like hours, making playful conversation and gazing into each others' blue eyes. She loved having him close and in his strong arms, she felt safe.

Grayer led her off to the side of the room, and out onto the pool deck. The water was luminous blue, and the stars shone bright overhead.

"Elle," he said at long last, lacing his fingers through hers and pulling her clo9se, "you truly are incredible."

He leaned down and kissed her full on the mouth. As his perfect lips pressed against hers, she felt a smile spread across her face. He was a much better kisser than Warner had ever been, that was for sure. She couldn't help wonder, however, how this kiss would compare to—

No! she scolded herself. I'm here with Grayer, not with…anyone else.

Grayer pulled back, and Elle grinned before slowly opening her eyes.

"Wow," she whispered. Although it hadn't held her undivided attention, it was a great kiss.

Annoyed with herself for having drudged up the not-so-distant past, she wanted to re-try the kiss. She reached up and held the back of his neck, leading his face back down towards hers.

Maybe coming home wasn't such a bad idea after all.