Title: A Twist of Fate

Author: cookie_dough

Email: angeliccordy@yahoo.co.uk

Spoilers: None, AU

Rating: PG-13

Distribution: Just ask, I'll probably say yes

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, or the show, they belong to Joss, David, and anyone else I've forgotten to mention, I'm just borrowing them.

Summary: I suck at summaries, so here goes, completely AU, what if Angel and Cordy were to meet under different circumstances than how they met in Sunnydale?

AN: Okay, this is totally AU, 100%, so any characters that I've used in this chapter or any chapter, that are on the show, have a completely different history in my story, just so there's no confusion. As ever, feedback is loved.

Thank you once again to everyone who sent feedback. You guys are the best!

AN2: Once again guys, sorry for the delay. College has been hectic and it's just finding time to sit and write, hopefully the next chapter won't take as long, thanks for staying with me on this one, and a thank you in advance to everyone who is gonna press that magic little button at the bottom of the page and leave a review.

Chapter 11

They had opened their doors at 12noon and the local press had arrived along with the first customers. By two o'clock that afternoon the hotel was full of people, milling around the lobby. It had been a busy start to the day, nearly all of the hotel rooms had been occupied, some people had booked in advance wanting to arrive at the opening late. The type of people who wouldn't be seen dead arriving early to any party, however, booking so as they could tell their friends at the country club that they were the first to stay in the hotel.

Angel had mingled with the guests and the press alike, wanting the grand opening to go as smoothly as possible. Kissing ass wherever it call for, once again this usually lied with the country club guests, having to grit his teeth and bare it, he thought of the money. He was standing with a group of said country club members, listening to them ramble on about where they would summer this year, glancing around the room trying to get the attention of anyone who could save him. Where was Cordelia when he needed her? One minute she had been sitting with Lindsey, Anne and the kids and the next she was gone. At that moment he felt an arm snake around his waist.

'There you are.' Cordelia said pulling Angel closer to her. 'I've been looking for you everywhere.'

'He was telling us about this fabulous hotel, your husband is quiet the entrepreneur.' One woman smiled at her.

'Well I'm sorry to interrupt, but I'm going to have to steal him away for myself.' She smiled as she led him away from the group.

'I love you.' he said relief flooding him.

'Glad I could help, anyway my husband runs the hotel didn't you know.' she smiled and they found a quiet place to sit and talk.

'So, it's almost 8pm, and I have yet to see any surprises.' he said turning to her.

'Surprises?' she asked completely clueless.

'Yes, I distinctly remember you promising me a surprise, apart from you being here, it's the only other thing that has gotten me through the day.' he replied with a smile on his face. 'Well, it's a secret, so I'll have to whisper it to you.' she said motioning him to come closer.

Swallowing the nervous feeling within, he leaned towards her. He could feel her soft breath against his neck and the subtle smell of Cordelia mixed with her perfume filled his senses, he stored it away for safe keeping.

She leaned in to whisper in his ear, enjoying the closeness between them, his aftershave and the slightly scented hair gel he used in the mornings made her feel safe and comforted.

She placed her hand on his shoulder and his hand found it's way to her back, where he gently rested it, afraid that she would pull away, but she didn't. She brought her other hand up to her face, covering her mouth as she began to whisper in his ear. Shivers ran up and down his spine, sending him to another world.

'Look out in the garden.' was all she said as she reluctantly eased away.

Looking bemused, he slowly stood up and walked towards the glass double doors, leading to the garden. Cordelia followed, and as he stopped at the doors and pulled them open, she flicked a switch, lighting hundreds of fairy lights, that illuminated the garden, and the orchestra who had set up stage. Upon seeing Angel and Cordelia at the door they began to play.

'Surprise.' she said.

'This is....wow...this is amazing, this must of cost a fortune.'

'Not really, I managed to make some contacts and got a pretty good deal on the orchestra.'

Upon hearing the music, guest made their way out into the garden and started to dance with their partners.

'May I have this dance?' he asked bowing his head, as he held out a hand.

'Why yes kind sir.' she replied as she bowed, and he led her onto the dance floor. 'So.' he asked as he whirled her around the dance floor, brining her back to him as they continued to dance. 'How long have you been planning all this?'

'Oh not that long.' she replied looking up at him.

'Well, thank you, it was a lovely surprise.' 'Your welcome. Say your pretty good at this.' she said as they glided across the dance floor in each other's arms.

'Well, I try.' He said mock modestly.

'Well then I guess we have something to do on Saturday nights then.'

'Dancing?'

'That is if you don't mind, I'm sure we could get someone to watch Lily.'

'Dancing would be great.' He said as they smiled at each other. Cordelia laid her head against his chest as they continued to dance the night away. Both completely content.

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AN: Okay guys, what did you think. Feedback, Please.