I do not own any of the songs used in this chapter - also i apologise about the layout/font change it wouldnt correct itself for me! Enjoy! I am likely to update later this evening too!

Chapter 11 – Hotter than Hell

Friday December 17th had approached, it was the last day of term for 3 weeks and also the night of the Christmas works party. Henry and Elizabeth had been together exactly 2 months today, they hadn't told anyone at work or distant friends about their relationship as they were just enjoying the peace and tranquillity of one another. Henry had come around to Elizabeth's after they finished work that day, they were getting ready for the party together and they planned for Henry to spend the night, before Elizabeth flew home to England tomorrow afternoon, and Henry Pittsburgh. Henry had spent a few nights and Elizabeth's and her at his, none of them planned more of a 'we got carried away' moment which led to them needed rest afterwards.

Elizabeth was in the shower whilst Henry was cooking them some food. She came down wrapped in her towel and bounced on her feet into the kitchen.

'Hmm I could get used to having a muscular, fit man in my kitchen cooking me food' she mocked running her hands over his biceps

'Hmm, well it's a good job I enjoy cooking otherwise I am sure you would starve babe'. He laughed and dished up

'Here, let's enjoy before we head out, Pasta al a McCord' Elizabeth clapped her hands in excitement, food always made her happy.

'Henry this is delicious, thank you' she was thankful he was looking out for her; she was really bad with her eating habits.

'You're welcome, are you finished' he asked as she nodded, he cleared the dishes

'Oh don't worry about the dishes I will clean the tomorrow' she stated

'yeah ok, babe no offence but I've seen your cleanliness' he mocked looking around the living room which was scattered with throws unfolded, and various clothes such as jumpers that she had come home in and just thrown around the room

'Well what can I say McCord, I cannot be talented and tidy, it's too much pressure' she mocked

'I need to start getting dressed' she stood up planted kiss on his cheek and walked up stairs

'I'll be up in a bit to get ready' he called after her.

Not long later he took to the stairs with 2 glasses of red wine in his hand; he knocked on the door before entering.

Elizabeth was sat at her dressing table in a black thong and a strapless bra. Henry found himself unable to speak

'Oh, urm sorry I, urm' he managed causing Elizabeth to laugh and walk over to him

'Henry it's fine, you've seen my naked and in my underwear many of times, I'm not shy' she winked and took a glass of wine off him

'Oh I see, were in comfortable territory now are we' he joked back at her and she flashed him a cheeky smile

'I am comfortable with you Henry, that's why I don't care about work knowing about our relationship' she reasoned, she had always been such a private person but she didn't care anymore, Henry made her feel safe.

'Good, because I want to walk in with you on my arm'

'What so James knows you got the girl' she looked at him

'No, because I am proud of you, I swear if James tries anything tonight I will put him in his place' Henry warned. James had been coming onto Elizabeth quite strongly for the last few weeks, and Henry was not only jealous but concerned as he didn't want Elizabeth in danger.

'Henry, he won't because my arms will be holding you all night' she kissed him softly

'Now go and shower, we need to leave soon' she turned on him and he playfully smacked her behind

'Henry' she shrieked but secretly she liked it.

Henry had showered and was getting dressed as was Elizabeth.

'Babe I'm done' Henry called and she popped her head out of her wardrobe dresser and bit her lip. He was stood in her bedroom; he had a dark bottle green suit on with a fresh white shirt and brown brogues. His aftershave melted Elizabeth's senses as always.

'Henry, you're looking very handsome, Dr McCord I am not sure if I can keep my hands off you' She walked to wards him, he put his hands on her shoulders and turned her around

'Noooo, babe get dressed' he laughed as he walked Elizabeth back into her dresser

'I am all yours tonight, your hands are welcome to my body' he whispered in her ear and she let out a soft moan.

She came back out moments later all dressed up. She had her hair pinned up for a change, an off the shoulder black crop top matched with a high waist flowing metallic rose gold skirt, which fell just above her ankles. She paired this with simple black strap shoes and a black clutch bag.

'So what do you think?' she asked leaning her hip towards the door and posing.

'You look..' He couldn't find the words to say, he just stared at her; her top and skirt didn't quite meet so she had a line of tanned and toned tummy showing, all Henry could envisage is the times he's probably kissed every inch of skin showing

'Do I look hot' she winked at him,

'Hotter than hell' he smirked he leant in to kiss her, he went to deepen the kiss but she pulled back

'Nooo McCord, we have to get going' She mimicked him from earlier and he groaned in frustration before following her out the front door.

They arrived at the hotel where the Christmas party was being held, Henry took Elizabeth's shawl off her before hanging it up and walked over to place a hand on the small of her back

'Babe I am going to go to the toilet then I'll grab us a drink, would you like a red wine?' he asked and she nodded

'Please'

Elizabeth was stood talking to some colleagues when Emma came bouncing over, clearly already drunk.

'Wow liizzzziiee, you look amazing' she shrieked

'Thanks Emma so do you' She smiled being polite, but really she wanted Henry to hurry up. She glanced around the room and looked towards the bar but couldn't see him, so she assumed he was still in the toilets.

'It's Elizabeth Emma hasn't she already told you that' James stated walking over

'But yes, you do look amazing' he smirked at her, but rather than flatter her it just made her feel uncomfortable.

'Hi James' she gritted her teeth begging for Henry to arrive. James leant in closer to her, so close she could feel his breath on her neck, she attempted to step back but he put his hand on her arm and held her in position

'You look rather sexy, the things I would like to do to you' he whispered in her ear and Elizabeth squirmed. James pulled back and addressed the group

'Shall we dance ladies, gents?' he said winking at Elizabeth and walking into the party room.

Elizabeth stayed put waiting for Henry. Just then he came back over and seen the worried look on her face

'What's wrong?' he immediately asked passing her a glass of wine. She took a big gulp before looking at him

'Just James, he-'

'He what' Henry cut across getting angry already

'Henry calm down please, he just said something to me that I rather he didn't, let's not let it ruin the night' She smiled and gestured for them to walk into the room

'I want to know what he said' Henry argued

'Yes I know, and I will tell you, but let's just enjoy some of the evening first' she reasoned and he agreed, only because he knew how stubborn she can be and that she wouldn't tell him until she was ready.

''Wow Henry is here' Emma shouted pulling Henry away from Elizabeth's side.

'Yes, yes I am here' he laughed as more of his colleagues teased him. Henry kept trying to get back to Elizabeth but other professors were talking to him, and ex colleagues who had previously worked for the team and joined them tonight.

The music was playing and the drinks were flowing everyone was enjoying the night, Elizabeth was sat down she just got herself and Henry some more drinks but she couldn't see him in the room. She huffed, she really wasn't enjoying the night as much as she hoped, and Henry was so popular he kept getting pulled away. She was brought out of her thoughts by Emma..Again...

'Come on you let's dance' Emma said pulling her to her feet and dragging her into the dance floor. Normally she would object but she'd had a few drinks and needed to kill the time before Henry returned.

Robin Thicke – Blurred lines came over the DJ's speakers.

'OOO I love this one' Emma called out and went a little crazy on the dance floor causing Elizabeth to laugh a little. Elizabeth continued to dance with her and some of the other girls

OK now he was close, tried to domesticate you, but you're an animal, baby, it's in your nature
just let me liberate you, Hey, hey, hey

Elizabeth felt eyes on her body, she turned to see James was staring at her, as soon as he seen her looking he started walking towards her...

I know you want it, I know you want it, you're a good girl, the way you grab me, Must wanna get nasty

Elizabeth swallowed hard, and looked desperately for Henry. James came and placed his hands on her hips, he began dancing up on her. She was trying to push him off 'James no'. She pleaded.

You the hottest bitch in this place, I feel so lucky, hey, hey, hey, you wanna hug me, what rhymes with hug me?

'James I said no' 'Get your hands off me' she struggled as he gripped her harder. 'Come on sweet cheeks, I know you want me'. Elizabeth didn't get chance to respond as Henry came charging into the dance floor, grabbed James by his collar and dragged him outside. Henry was angry. He could only see red. Elizabeth didn't have time to compose herself she followed Henry out and got there just as Henry landed a punch on James's nose.

'She said get off her you jerk' He shouted

'Alright mate, Jesus Christ, what is your problem' James stated as he stumbled to his feet.

'Henry' Elizabeth called out and looked at Henry, pleading her him to be at her side. He hadn't even thought about Elizabeth, she was stood there with tears in her eyes.

'Leave her alone' Henry hissed

'Babe are you ok' he asked walking over to her and pulling her into a hug.

'What you two?' James snapped

'Yes, now keep your hands off her, and any other unwilling women or man for that matter James' Henry snapped back. He then looked at the security outside the hotel

'He's going home guys' Henry didn't need to say anymore the guards had worked out what happened and threw James out of the hotel

'What did he say to you earlier babe' Henry asked

'Urm, it was something along the lines of 'you look rather sexy, and oh the things I would like to do to you' she said tears threatening to fall

'I'll never let anyone hurt you ok' Henry grabbed her face desperately

'I know, I was looking for you Henry, I didn't want his hands on me I promise I-'

'Shh, I know, its ok' He soothed her

'Come on, let's go home' He started to say

'No, I don't want him to ruin our night Henry, I want to dance with you' she smiled, and followed it with a kiss

'I am fine, I promise, Just don't leave my side' she chuckled

'Come on then' He took her hand and led her back into the room. By now the chat was flowing and it was clear to everyone that Elizabeth and Henry were a couple. Elizabeth didn't care; in fact it meant she could hold his hand or kiss him when she wanted to tonight now.

They took to the dance floor just as the DJ spoke:

'Ok now ladies and gents, it's time to slow it down a little, grab the one you love, the one who means the most to you and dance to this classic from Whitney Houston.

Henry pulled Elizabeth in closer, his arms wrapped around her waist and places softly upon the small of her back, Elizabeth's hands were resting on his biceps. They were lost in each other as the music began to fill the hall...

Elizabeth locked her gaze with Henrys, she was listening to the lyrics and could help put identify with the words being sung.

I know that when you look at me, There's so much that you just don't see, But if you would only take the time, I know in my heart you'd find, A girl who's scared sometimes, Who isn't always strong

Henry held Elizabeth a little tighter, as if he knew she was thinking about the words. They continued to sway side to side, locked in each other's arms, as the chorus played Elizabeth closed the gap a little and placed her head on his chest. He moved his arms around her frame in a protective manor and held her close.

I wanna run to you (oooh), I wanna run to you (oooh), Won't you hold me in your arms
And keep me safe from harm, I want to run to you (oooh), But if I come to you (oooh)
Tell me, will you stay or will you run away

'Thank you for the perfect night Henry'

'It's not over yet babe' he smiled and kissed the top of her head. She pulled back and looked at him

I need you here; I need you here to wipe away my tears, to kiss away my fears,

'I do need you hear Henry, my life makes so much more sense, I feel so much more complete having you around, having you in my arms'. She stated, again thinking of the song lyrics in her head.

I want to run to you (oooh), But if I come to you (oooh), Tell me, will you stay or will you run away.

'You can always run to me Elizabeth; I am always here for you'. He lingered his lips just above hers before pulling her in and entering her mouth. Elizabeth's hands came up around his neck and started to play with his hair.

'Take me home Henry' she purred and with that they made an exit.