A/N: I think you're going to enjoy this one guys, I know I loved writing it Eeeek…prepare for a CARTWILLS OVERLOAD!
Chapter Twenty One – History is made at Night
"Jesus Christ, this dress is ridiculous!" she said to herself in annoyance. Karen was running late, it was a bad trait of hers. She couldn't help being easily distracted!
It was Christmas Eve, she was home alone as Ana and Jimmy had left in the early hours of the morning to fly out to Chicago to get to Ana's parents' home ready for the holiday celebrations to begin. Karen would be flying out to join them tomorrow, she didn't mind travelling on Christmas Day too much but knew it was bound to be chaos at the airport.
Karen had broken the news to her two best friends that she would have to join them in the Windy City later than they had originally planned. The two said it was no problem and that they were glad she planned to join them at all. Jimmy and Ana had started to worry that Karen was going to back out and spend Christmas Day alone or working.
It was 7:55pm, Derek would be arriving at her apartment any minute if he was his usual punctual self and the young actress was still getting herself ready to go. Ana had dragged Karen out shopping the very morning after Derek had informed her of the party they would be attending. It was last minute that was for sure, and absolute chaos due to the frantic swarms of Christmas shoppers, but they're trip had been a success.
Karen had at first been worried her clothing decision was a bit too risqué, something which shocked her because she never normally worried about flashing a bit of flesh. Ana though had assured her best friend that though the dress was daring, it was elegant and classy. The smaller girl thought the outfit suited Karen down to a tee. She'd said it also did a good job of portraying the style of the actors and actresses on HitList, they weren't you're everyday theatre stars, they were fresh and new and prepared to be outrageous. Their show had a dark edge and so did its stars. Karen had laughed at that analysis, but it did make her feel better. So, she had bought the dress and was getting quite excited for the event itself. Right now though, she was damning all her friends for exiting the city on Christmas Eve and leaving her to fend for herself because this freaking dress was not easy to do up alone.
Karen was wearing smoky eye makeup with her hair curled with heated rollers into big flowing ringlets. Her locks were half up and pulled back from her face but fell softly down her back. The dress she was desperately trying to fasten was midnight blue and dropped in flows of sheer material to the floor. The front was dangerously low cut but fitted tightly to her form, the back left her shoulders exposed and fastened with a number of tiny fiddly buttons from midway down her back to just below the curve of her bum. It also consisted of a lengthy slit up one side, revealing a flash of leg when she walked.
Karen had paired the stunning dress, which she definitely shouldn't have bought and could not afford, with a simple pair of black stilettos. She needed the height of the shoes to combat the flowing material of the dress. She did love how the outfit made her look, and inside she was a mess of nerves and anticipation of Derek's reaction to her appearance.
She'd managed to button up half of the fiddly little buggers up her back but couldn't quite reach the last few which reached the middle of her spine. Deciding the act was impossible alone, Karen abandoned the task and instead searched for her deep red lipstick and compact mirror to place in her black clutch bag. She was just searching for her cell phone when the intercom phone buzzed. She headed to the hallway and grabbed it from the wall near the door assuming it must be Derek, not that she'd actually informed him of her address. The director had not asked for her details so she assumed he had his own means of tracking her down. Hearing his voice on the other end she buzzed him up before dashing back to her bedroom to grab her purse. She was still rooting for her phone in the mess of clothes on her bed when she heard him knock on her front door.
"Hi, come in, I'm almost ready to go," Karen greeted Derek as she swung the door open. He didn't immediately follow her instructions to enter, instead he just hovered in the doorway staring at her.
Finally he moved, "Evening, thanks," Derek said as he came in and closed the door behind him, he was glancing all around the apartment and avoiding looking directly at the beautiful creature in front of him while she fussed around gathering the last of her necessities for the night.
She retrieved a long black coat from the closet near him and then turned to face the director. He could look away no more. Karen Cartwright had him flabbergasted. She was divine. The colour of the floaty, yet fitted dress flattered her porcelain skin and set off her dark locks and deep brown eyes in a way that meant Derek got lost in her. He couldn't stop staring at every inch of her body. And god, when she sashayed towards him the flash of toned creamy thigh he caught had him struggling for breath.
Then there was the obvious distraction for him. That dress left her chest bare but covered what he most wanted to see. Its style had the stunning blue material clinging to her body but its fit left just enough to the imagination. Derek, a man of great restraint, really didn't know how the hell he was going to keep his hands off of her tonight. Or more importantly keep all other hands off of her!
"Karen," he gulped as she approached, he saw the smirk across her lips and knew then that she was immensely enjoying his reaction. The little vixen recognised exactly what she was doing to him. But the fox was playing with fire, and he didn't think she could handle the flames that might ensue. Derek managed to regain some composure, straightening his maroon coloured tie as he spoke, "You my dear look stunning, but you know that don't you," he accused playfully.
She smiled in response and thanked him, she was standing very close to him now her coat draped of one arm and her handbag in her hand.
"You don't scrub up so bad yourself Mr Wills," Karen replied, taking in his fitted black suit complete with bright white shirt, tie and matching pocket square. She was glad he'd informed her it was a formal affair and had been hoping she wouldn't be over-dressed. His reception to her appearance dispersed her earlier qualms, but also made her feel giddy and enticing. "I actually need a small favour from you before we leave for the party…" Karen started.
"And what might this small request be?" Derek countered.
Karen turned her back to him and Derek took in her supple, pale flesh, defined shoulders and slender figure from behind. "Do me up?" she asked coyly, keeping eye contact with him over her shoulder.
"Of course," was all Derek could stutter out in response. She was toying with him, but worse he was thoroughly relishing it. The girl made his blood pump faster through his veins, he felt warm and eager to reach out and touch her flesh.
Slowly, painfully slowly Derek trailed his fingers down her exposed back, he fastened the tiny buttons she hadn't managed to reach before stroking gently back up her spine. He played with a delicate curl of hair, standing now as close to her as possible. She could feel his breath on her neck and in turn her breathing became slightly laboured. The urge to spin in his arms and pull his lips to hers shook through her whole body. She was fighting, pushing down her desires, and refusing to act first. All she could think about though was the first time they had been alone together...
"All done," he said quietly in her ear before leaning in to place a soft kiss on her exposed neck. He reached around her and the action made Karen stop breathing all together. She thought she was going to explode with the frantic yearning she felt for this man. He took her coat from her arm and stepped back determinedly. "We should make a move," he said, in a husky voice that made it clear he wanted to do quite the opposite.
Karen let him help her into her coat, she was facing him again now and he rubbed his hands down her sleeves. Karen was first to retreat, she felt one of them needed to make an actual move for the door or they were never going to leave. She reached for the door handle but he beat her to it, pulling the door open and guiding her out with his hand on the small of her back.
"Thank you," she said, before locking the door behind them and allowing him to guide her out and into the waiting town car. It was only once they were seated in the car that she remembered not finding her phone. She didn't need the device, all her friends were off celebrating Christmas Eve, but she'd have to remember to text Ana, Jimmy and Kyle 'Merry Christmas' as soon as she got home.
The Empire was extravagant. They arrived to several flashing cameras and as Karen exited the car taking Derek's outstretched hand she suddenly felt incredibly exposed. Her director didn't release his hold on her small hand though, he instead swept his other arm around her waist and pulled her close as they both smiled and posed for the paparazzi. The walked slowly up to the grand glass doors that announced the entrance to the elegant and elaborate hotel lobby.
They dropped their coats in the cloak room and Derek got to take in the full glamour of her dress once more. They made their way through the lobby, stopping again for photos being taking by the invited press members. He pulled Karen close to his side as they posed together. She was stunning and though many members of the press probably didn't know who she was before tonight, he knew damn well her picture would be all of the arts sections in the morning. After breaking away from the crowd of journalists, Derek led them across the marble floor towards a stunning ballroom area which was already buzzing with party guests.
Karen was in awe of everything, it was at this point that she felt like such a Broadway virgin. This party in all its glitz and glamour was something she'd never before experienced from the inside. She was incredibly glad Ana had talked her in the floor length gown she had on. The room was full of beautiful women of various ages in stunning garments. They wore bright colours, dramatic jewellery and excessive head wear.
The music was drifting to her from a group of string musicians, they played beautifully and Karen recognised the song as an unusual cover of Katy Perry's Firework. It was sort of a contradiction but played so well it made her wish Derek would take her out on to the modestly populated dance floor and swing her around in circles.
Karen realised that many eyes were turning to her as she and Derek made their way into the throng. She grasped now how it must look, them arriving together, his arm wound tightly around her waist. But she decided she didn't care what people thought. Right now, in this moment she felt like a star and it was a feeling she could get used to and a moment she wanted shared with the man beside her.
The majority of onlookers didn't know her face, didn't recognise her immediately – but they all knew Derek. Those who were staring more openly were probably piecing together the articles that had ran across numerous magazines since their night together on Brooklyn Bridge. Of course Karen and Jimmy had seen a fair bit of publicity since the Fringe, but Karen and Derek had avoided doing any interviews or press affairs together.
They were also probably speculating about whether rumours Derek and Daisy's relationship was on the rocks may not be so baseless. Karen was just about to pull away from Derek and create a little space between their bodies when he stopped at a group of people conversing and stepped away from her himself.
Derek introduced Karen to a number of important Broadway faces and showed her off. It took all his will power to allow her to stand away from him, as she was attracting quite a crowd of overly enthusiastic males. He left his hand ghosting at her lower back ready to snatch her away if necessary. The director knew he was thinking like a Neolithic jackass but he couldn't stand the thought of anyone else getting to pull her close, getting to touch that silky skin. It pained him already that Karen was gleefully laughing and innocently flirting with those she was near. She was a natural in a throng of strangers and had the men around her hanging on her every word.
To keep himself in check Derek had taken to leading Karen away with him whenever he need to mingle with others or retrieve them drinks. He knew she was more than capable of looking after herself – she'd proven that to him the first time they met – but he just didn't want to be away from her presence. She was enticing and stunning and he was increasingly suffering in his attempts to resist her. "Would you care for another drink?" he asked her when they were alone for a moment.
"Please," she replied looking up to his face. "I'm getting a bit nervous about singing now," she admitted to him. "This room is full of everyone who is anyone on Broadway right now and this hall is huge!" Karen rambled, starting to feel the panic rising. It was then that Julia found the two of her colleagues.
She greeted them both with Christmas wishes, kissing Derek's cheek and pulling Karen into a hug. "Karen you look simply gorgeous, a true belle of the ball," Julia gushed before introducing Karen to her partner Michael.
Derek and Michael left the girls to chat while they fetched drinks and Karen was glad of the distraction of company. Derek handed her a glass of sparkling wine upon his return and the four of them talked and mingled. Then it was time for Karen to make her way onto the stage. A few other performers had graced the stage before her and she was the last of the evening to perform before a band would play and dancing would ensue. It was quite late, around 11pm, encroaching slowly of Christmas Day. The announcer made a brief speech about HitList, reciting its list of creators including Derek and Julia, and fresh new talent Jimmy Collins and Kyle Bishop, before introducing Karen to step up to the mic.
The music began and her heart pounded, before she had left Derek's side he had whispered three words in her ear, "You're a star". She could hear them over and over in her head and let his faith in her fill her up and push her to perform with a fierce passion and energy. She closed her eyes at the bridge of the song, caught up in the music and the atmosphere. When she opened them again she sought him out in the crown and sang to him.
The audience cheered when she finished the final note and Karen took a swift bow before leaving the stage. She was stopped numerous times during her path back to Julia and Derek with people admiring her voice and asking her questions about the show. She loved every minute of it.
Later in the evening Karen was alone in the garden area separated from the ballroom by a huge wall of glass doors. The outdoor space was adorned with twinkling lights and glorious winter flowers. She had needed some air and had been drawn to the mostly vacant garden terrace excusing herself with the justification of going to the ladies room. She was staring up at the perfectly still, dark night sky, admiring the glistening stars and city lights when she felt a presence behind her. Then a jacket was placed gently over her bare shoulders. The wonderful oaky and delicious smell that engulfed her told her exactly who was there. She inhaled deeply burrowing down into the suit jacket.
"I'm pretty sure I've told you already tonight, but you truly are a sight to behold," Derek said in a low voice. Karen turned now to face him, smiling up at him. Derek continued, "Thank you my dear, for accompanying me." He slowly reached out and swept a piece of hair that had fallen from the clip she wore out of her face and behind her ear. Then he repeated the movement stroking her cheek instead.
"Merry Christmas beautiful," he whispered to her before kissing her cheek. Karen was a natural beauty, any man or woman for that matter could see that, but that wasnt what enticed Derek so desperately he was willing to throw his whole life up in the air for her. Karen was so full of life, she was wild and percular at times yet she had something inside of her that glowed. The warmth of her spirit had the ability to capture even the jaded mind of Derek Wills. He yearned to be near to her.
Karen's breath had hitched in her throat when he'd drawn in closer and the delicate kiss he placed on her cheek drove her crazy. He was too close, he couldn't be that close right now. But she didn't want him to move away either.
She couldn't pull her eyes away from his soft lips, and absent-mindedly she licked her bottom lip. She wanted to taste him, needed this man desperately to grasp her make her feel like he had that first night. Karen decided it was now or never, and all sense of reason was leaving her body. The many glasses of wine she'd drank throughout the evening fuelled her need and hunger. He was so close.
"Merry Christmas Derek," she replied before daringly leaning up and placing her lips firmly on his before pulling away.
He looked at her with shock and she began to panic. It was a mistake, she'd gone too far. They couldn't do that, shouldn't do that. Especially not here. Then just as she'd made up her mind to flee the scene Derek's strong hands grasped her wrist and twisted her body back into his. He kissed her roughly, and her skin was on fire. She ran her hands up through his hair, tugging lightly at his locks.
Within seconds his hand was around her waist pulling her in tightly and his tongue swept her lips begging for permission to enter. She granted his demands and kissed him deeply. He tasted delicious and she needed more of him. She wanted his hands everywhere all at once; the craving for his touch that ran through her was like no other feeling. His caress empowered her and left her thrilled and begging for more.
He pulled back but rested his forehead down on hers, the pair of them panting slightly from the force and passion of their actions. Neither of them were paying much attention to the world around them, they were too caught up in each other. That was dangerous state to be in, especially in their current location.
"I think maybe it would be best if we got out of here," Karen spoken first.
Derek held her eyes testing the meaning behind her words, but the look on her face mirrored his own growing covetousness. He knew he was about to make a ginormous, epic mistake – but he said the words anyway, "let's go."
A/N: Annnnd I'm gonna leave it there. Feel free to hate me for this breaking point right now hehe. But let me know how much in reviews! As always thanks for reading guys. Xx Sparks