A/N: Another long chapter for my lovely readers. I hope you like it! Things will be getting intense soon :)

Previously…

"Draco?"

"Hmm?" he closed eyes as she brought her lips to his ear.

"I think… I think I'm falling in love with you."

He pulled his head away from her and looked into her eyes. They were shining despite the dark that surrounded them. He knew looking into them that she didn't require or expect a response. Just saying it was enough for her.

When Draco opened his mouth, he thought for sure no sound would escape, but his response was clear and strong.

"I've already fallen, Cat. I've fallen so hard."

He bent to kiss her then and, as their lips met, he slid inside of her. She was wet and warm and oh so welcoming. Despite his early warning to stay as quiet as possible, her moans filled his ears and the room around him, but he didn't care. Hell, he wouldn't care if her screams echoed through the halls of the museum and the janitors came running.

She was here and she was his.

Chapter 11

Draco woke up Friday morning thinking yet again about the night he and Catelyn had spent in his office at the Museum of Modern Art. A smile spread across his lips as he thought about her words.

I think I'm falling in love with you.

He couldn't believe she had said them. He also was surprised he had admitted to falling for her as well. His whole life Draco had struggled with accepting himself for who he was, especially after the war-after the things that he and his family had done. Someone actually accepting him and choosing to love him-

The pit of his stomach twisted as he realized this wasn't necessarily true. How much did Cat really know about him. He had hinted that his life before moving to New York was less than ideal, that he had things he wanted to leave behind. He had also revealed last night that his father was in jail and though she hadn't asked why, he felt like he was keeping something relationship altering from her.

How could she ever understand the mental and physical abuse he and his mother had dealt with from his father. The unhealthy expectations that were thrust upon him. The weakness that allowed him to crumple to those expectations and hurt so many innocent people. Bile rose in Draco's throat as he imagined the look of fear that would come over her if he explained just a fraction of the things he was involved with during Voldemort's second rise to power.

Draco left his room and turned on the shower water, making it as hot as possible. He stripped from his pajama bottoms and boxers and stepped into the already steaming shower. Closing his eyes, he let the water wash over him. He tried to steady his breathing and get his thoughts under control.

He would tell her. After the party tonight he would tell her, and if she didn't believe him then he would show her. His wand lay tucked away in the bottom drawer of his dresser. He didn't want to use it, but if it took a little lumos to make her believe the truth then it was worth it. She would probably run away frightened, or look for a reasonable explanation to what was happening, call him crazy, and leave, but at least he wouldn't be hiding things from her. At least she would know the truth. If she was going to truly love him, honesty was important. He just hoped that she could handle what he told her. Draco let the hot water run down his shoulders and back, the heat reminding him of the phoenix sitting on his desk at work. He wished that he could burn everything away and be reborn, but he knew that was just a dream.

When he finally stepped out of the shower and back into his bedroom, he saw the text that he knew he would be getting from Caitlyn this morning. It was a picture of an opened box, a mass of brilliant green fabric inside.

Catelyn: I can't accept this! It's too much...

Draco chuckled and shook his head. When was this girl going to realize that he wasn't going to stop going out of his way for her?

The night at the MoMA when he had invited her to tonight's gala, he had told her not to worry about what she would wear. He would take care of it.

The following day, he had contacted Freda- his personal shopper- and had given her specifics before sending her off to find the perfect dress. She had returned with a beautiful emerald evening gown. The chiffon flowed loosely from the high waistline and the fabric up top gathered into a eye catching keyhole neckline. He thanked Freda, knowing that Catelyn would look stunning in it. Before having it delivered, he tore the price tag from it. She was already going to think he had overdone things. Seeing that might make her refuse his gift.

Draco knew he had been right to take this precaution as he read her text. Despite her protests, she would never imagine how much the dress had actually cost him. This and this alone was the reason he was sure that he could convince her that it hadn't been a big deal.

Draco: It's not too much. You're going to look beautiful. I'll pick you up around 5:30. The gala starts at 6.

Excitement to see Catelyn again and dread at the conversation he knew he had to have with her swirled around in the pit of his stomach. He willed himself to breath and made his way to the kitchen to pour himself a drink.

At 5:30 sharp, the limousine pulled up the the shabby brick apartment. Draco told the driver that he would be just a few minutes and to keep the car running. Stepping out of the car, Draco adjusted his tie and tugged on the sleeves of his suit jacket. He felt as though he was a teenager picking up a girl for a first date as his heart rate picked up and he made his way to her door.

Unlike the last time he had knocked on her door, he did not hear frantic rushing around or calls to wait a minute. In fact, the door swung open before Draco's fist had completely pulled away, almost as if she had been waiting just beyond.

Draco had to physically remind himself to keep breathing when he saw her standing in the doorway. Her wavy hair was loosely braided along both sides of her head, back and into a low bun and simple diamond earrings hung from her ears. The emerald green fabric of her gown contrasted beautifully with her flawless skin. Draco found his eyes drawn to the simple keyhole neckline and the tasteful- and damn unsatisfying- curve of her breasts that it hinted at.

Once Draco was able to catch his breath, he gently took Catelyn's hand and kissed her fingertips gently.

"You look stunning."

She smiled shyly.

"So do you."

"I have a limo waiting outside. Are you ready to go?" At his mention of the limo, Draco could see uncertainty cross her features. She had already made it clear that this was not something she was used to. Draco pulled her into him and kissed her. "It's going to be fine. I promise."

When the couple arrived, the Sculpture Garden was already full of laughter and music. Draco helped Catelyn from the back of the limo and linked his arm into hers as they stepped into what seemed like another word. Cream colored tents had been erected throughout the garden and lights were strung throughout the foliage. Familiar faces passed Draco at every turn. He shook hands with co-workers and donors, introducing each to the lovely woman at his side.

When Draco spotted Grant McCary sitting at a table with a drink in his hand, he turned to Catelyn uncertainly.

"So... I want to introduce you to a friend of mine," he started. She smiled and he could tell his sudden nerves amused her. "Sometimes he can come on kinda strong."

Catelyn giggled.

"I would love to meet your friend, Draco." she reassured him, kissing him lightly on the cheek. He smiled down at her before stopping a waiter as he passed and grabbed two flutes of champagne and handed one to Cat. "You might need this if you are going to put up with him much more than a couple minutes."

Catelyn took the glass from him.

"I'm sure he can't be that bad if he's your best friend."

"You wouldn't be saying that if you knew him," Draco joked.

Pulling Catelyn through the crowd of guests, Draco caught Grant's attention as they approached his table.

"Draco!" McCary greeted. "And Catelyn, I presume?"

McCary extended his hand in greeting and Katelyn shook it.

"It's nice to meet you," Catelyn offered as Draco pulled out a chair for her and sat down beside her.

"Same to you. I'm sure Draco here has told you all good things about me?" His tone implied that he didn't believe a word of what he was saying, and Catelyn's surprised laugh as she sipped her champagne confirmed his suspicions. "As I thought, Draco has already poisoned you against me."

Had Catelyn not picked up on the lighthearted way he said this, she would have been mortified. However, it seemed as though this may have been a joke between the two friends so she laughed amiably.

"Oh only good things," Catelyn reassured sarcastically, looking over at Draco with obvious exaggeration for "approval."

"You warned her about me, didn't you?"

"Only a little bit," Draco admitted.

"You know," Grant said turning to Catelyn. "Draco originally said he wasn't going to introduce you to me. He was obviously afraid that you would find me so attractive and funny that you would go home with me at the end of the night."

Draco brought his hand to the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. "Here we go," he said sarcastically.

"He's very insecure, this one. You know, I had to convince him to buy you that bottle of wine the night we were at Bonne Nourriture. He was scared shitless to even say anything to you."

"Bollocks!" Draco interjected. "That is such rubbish. Don't listen to a word this man says."

Catelyn laughed at their friendly banter and took another sip of the drink in front of her. Just then an older gentleman approached their table and bent to speak with Draco.

"I hate to interrupt the fun," he started. "But Devon Myers is here to speak with you about backing the exhibit for two additional months. He wants it to run until at least the end of the year."

"That's what I'm here for," Draco responded before he turned to McCary. "Can I trust you to be alone with my date for awhile I take care of this?"

"Scout's honor," Grant responded with a hand gesture that was nothing close to anything related to the boyscouts.

Draco shook his head and sighed.

"Are you going to be ok with this idiot for a little while?"

"I'll be fine," Catlyn promised. "Go do your job."

"I'll come find you guys in a bit. I'll try not to make it too long."

With that Draco leaned to kiss her and was off, following the man who had approached them.

"Well, I guess it's just the two of us," Grant said with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

"I'm starting to see why Draco didn't want you to meet me," Catelyn teased.

"No. I'm harmless. I'm promise," Grant conceded. He finished his drink and rose to his feet. "Let me show you around the museum for a little while. Knowing our gracious donors, Draco could be quite a bit longer than he hopes."

"Ok." Catelyn took one last sip and sat her glass on the table before standing to join Grant.

Catlyn spent the next half hour being led from one exhibit to another with Draco's best friend as her guide. Despite his sarcastic and crass demeanor, Catelyn was surprised to find that he was an excellent guide and knew quite a bit about art.

When Catelyn stopped to admire a vibrant and mesmerizing series of paintings, Grant preceded to explain the artist's intentions when creating the pieces.

"This is actually one of the many pieces that we owe to Draco. He has quite a knack for raising funds to get some pretty amazing traveling exhibits into the area. The rain room has to be one of the best things that he's raised money to bring, though."

Catelyn's eyes widened.

"That's his doing?"

"He didn't tell you? He's been working on getting the board of trustees and donors on board for over a year now. This whole gala and bringing the exhibit here in the first place- all him."

"I had no idea.."

"I'm not surprised. Draco's not one to make big deal about things like this. He's actually quite reserved about things he really cares about."

Catelyn shifted uncomfortably as Grant's gaze fell on her as he said this. She was sure from the way he looked at her that she was one of the things that Draco was most reserved about.

"He doesn't open up to a lot of people," Grant continued. "In all the time he has been here, I've only known him to be close to one person and that person is me. When we came into Bonne Nourriture that night, he couldn't keep his eyes off of you. When he didn't want to spill every detail, I knew you meant a lot to him."

Catelyn couldn't believe the serious conversation that Grant was initiating, especially after the lighthearted jokes he had told all night.

"He means a lot to me, too."

"Good," Grant said with a smile. "As much of an ass as I can be, I try to be a good friend. He deserves to be happy."

Before Catelyn could respond, she heard a familiar voice and felt a set of arms wrap themselves around her.

"There you are!" Draco spun her around and kissed her lightly. "Sorry it took me so long."

"It's fine," she responded, kissing him back.

"How did things go," he asked, turning to Grant.

"Good," He responded. "You were right being afraid to introduce me to Cat. I might just steal her away."

"Great-" Draco rolled his eyes.

"What?! You don't think I could with these good looks? Tell him, Cat."

"Oh yes!" She played along. "Good thing you got here when you did. I was just about to go riding off into the sunset with your best friend."

"We'll I'm glad the two of you are getting along," Draco said. "We should probably be getting back to the garden. They'll want to start speeches and dinner now that cocktail hour is over. Hopefully they'll let me sit down and eat for a few minutes."

Draco's last statement was bitter, and Catelyn could tell that he was annoyed that he had been pulled away for so long. As they made their way back outside, she took his hand and drew circles on his skin with her thumb.

"Hey, don't worry about it if someone needs you tonight, ok?" she reassured him. "This is a big night for you. I understand."

"I know," he grumbled. "I just hate getting pulled away from you. I know how uncomfortable you were about coming."

"I'm having a great time. I promise."

After speeches were given by the President of the museum, Draco, and the curator of the exhibit, dinner was served. Draco, Catelyn, and Grant were joined by the older man who had talked with Draco earlier and his wife. The man turned out to be on the board of trustees. As everyone at the table finished their meals, conversation turned to the topic of Draco's guest.

"My wife and I were very happy when Draco mentioned that he would be bringing someone," the man said. "Now we just have to find someone for McCary to bring to the next event!"

"I don't think so, Dave. I'm enjoying bachelorhood. Besides there are too many lovely ladies in this city to pick just one."

"I thought that at one time," Dave said, clasping his wife's hand lovingly. "Some day your perspective will change. Am I right, Draco?"

Draco turned to Catelyn and smiled.

"Well hopefully not too soon," Grant said. "I've got a lot of wild oats left to sow."

Everyone at the table laughed. It was then that a group of men shifted some of the center tables to make room for the dance floor.

"That's our cue." Dave said. "See you boys on the dance floor."

He took his wife's hand and led her into the mass of people as the string quartet began a waltz.

"You better join them," Grant said to the couple beside him as they were already willingly rising. "I know. You're worried about leaving me behind. But don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Lonely but fine..."

He was still talking when Draco led Cat to the middle of the clear space and placed his hands on her slender hips.

"So what do you think about Grant?" he asked as they started to dance.

"He's lovely!"

"He's a sodding ass."

Catelyn giggled at his reply.

"Well yes, but he's nice. Plus he really cares about you."

"He's a good friend," Draco admitted with a smile. "I'm glad you like him."

The two danced in comfortable silence through the next three songs. Catelyn rested her head on Draco's chest and breathed in, letting out a deep sigh.

"Tired?"

"A little," Catelyn admitted. "It's been quite a night."

He knew she could probably feel his heart quicken against her as he asked his next question.

"I was thinking," he started. "Do you just want to come home with me tonight?"

Catelyn looked up at him and nodded.

"Sure. I would like that."

"Me, too," he said with a smile.

Catelyn laid her head on his chest again and they continued to move slowly across the dance floor beneath the artificial lights flickering in the trees. Draco felt elated that she had agreed to spend the night with him, but in the back of his mind the truth he knew he needed to reveal to her tonight kept nagging at him, keeping the moment from being absolutely perfect.

A/N: Well I hope you enjoyed! Review and tell me what you think. Also, I have been wondering what you would like to see Catelyn and Draco do in their relationship. I have the story all planned out but I need some cute ideas for some filler chapters. What do you hope to see happen? Comment and let me know!

I was also thinking about making Grant a larger character in the story because he is starting to really grow on me. What do you think?

Until next time… Happy Reading!