A/N: HERE'S CHAPTER EIGHT. WOOHOO! IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO WRITE IT BECAUSE I MOMENTARILY LACKED INSPIRATION BUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WHILE I LACKED SLEEP AND ENERGY, I FINALLY GOT MY MUSE BACK. FUNNY ISN'T IT? INSPIRATION COMES AT THE STRANGEST TIMES. WELL, I HOPE YOU LIKE IT. I HAD TO REWRITE THE FIRST HALF OF THIHIS CHAPTER FIVE TIMES UNTIL I WAS FINALLY CONVINCED THAT IT WAS GOOD ENOUGH. AS FOR THE REST, WELL YOU'LL FIND OUT.

FAIR WARNING THOUGH: I DIVIDED THIS CHAPTER THE WAY IT IS SO THAT YOU COULD SEE WHAT IS GOING ON IN EACH SCENE. FOR EXAMPLE, INSIDE KAY'S OFFICE AND THEN OUTSIDE. YOU'LL GET WHAT I MEAN.

ENJOY.

~*~

Jessica Bennett wrung her hands nervously as she crossed and uncrossed her legs. She had been sitting on the rather uncomfortable chair beside her friend and half brother for almost two hours now.

She realized that the P.A. position was highly wanted as she glanced at four other people around her, not counting the ones she knew. So far, at least ten had gone in and out the office.

One girl came out sobbing hysterically, another was on the verge of tears and a man reappeared cursing furiously like someone had killed his pet dog.

This was not good at all.

The sight of Fox appearing ever so often to call in the next person was not reassuring either. She wondered what his relationship was with the Callaway woman.

Jessica glanced at her half brother John who seemed most relaxed out of the three of them. Of the far end, Simone was sitting quietly, her forehead creased into a frown.

She had been like that since she saw Fox.

Jessica suspected it had everything to do with the old history between Fox and her family. The Russells and basically everyone in Harmony did blame Fox for the devastating ruin of Simone's family.

"I better get this damn job." Jessica muttered as she shot a worried look to John and Simone.

John shrugged. "Cursing is not going to impress her or anyone else for that matter." He told her calmly and Jessica shot him an unimpressed look.

"Simone, are you alright?"

The other girl looked up, as if she had just been snapped out of a daydream. "I'm fine." She replied distractedly.

Simone was itching to tell John and Jess the truth but for the life of her, she couldn't. When she saw Fox appear through the doorway, she knew. She knew that in that office was Kay, just waiting.

She desperately wanted to leave and never look back but somehow she was compelled to stay.

Her heart pounded against her chest as she tried to calm down.

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Kay groaned as she threw another application into the trash nearby. She wasn't in a good mood at all from having to bear about two torturous hours on boring interviews after another. Knowing that three people she knew and did not want to see were just behind those doors did not help either.

Fox walked behind her and began to massage her shoulders. She relaxed leaning back into her chair. "I'm sick of all these perfectionist overachievers." She muttered.

Fox chuckled softly. "That last girl was a pretty good candidate. Didn't she just graduate from Harvard Law and was valedictorian to top it all?"

She rolled her eyes wondering if the girl's somewhat short skirt was affecting his judgment. "If I was ever sued and I wanted a lawyer, sure." Kay enunciated derisively knowing that if she was sued, Kay would not hire the girl then.

Fox sighed. "You have four people left outside, three of them you know."

Kay groaned again. She wanted them thrown out just for the sheer pleasure of it but she knew that was against policy to refuse to see someone without reasonable grounds. They would have grounds to sue her. And the last thing Kay needed right now was a lawsuit that could ruin her reputation in Callaway Industries and taint the company name.

"Send the other person in next. I'll leave the three stooges for last." She announced.

"Are you sure?" He asked he walked over to the door.

Kay nodded, not looking any happier.

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The last man before them came and went just as quickly. Jessica was looking hopeful by then noting that no one who had gone through those doors looked happy like they've gotten the job.

She wanted this job so badly, she could taste it.

John was finally becoming edgy, knowing that his turn would soon come.

Simone wanted to hurl but she was pinned in her seat.

Fox finally appeared through the doorway not at all pleased to see them still there. Somehow, for Kay's sake, he had hoped that they became impatient and left.

Apparently, hoping didn't work.

"John Hastings." He said looking down at the clipboard where the names of the candidates were written.

Kay had been meticulous about how she wanted this to go for the day. Fox had insisted to stay with her during the day since he had nothing particularly important to do anyway. Just before the interviews began, Kay decided that Fox needed to be useful so she appointed him the job of temporary P.A. for the day which meant holding a clipboard with people's names written in no particular order. He was also told to call them out as soon as she was ready.

To a regular person, it didn't seem like much work but to Fox who barely lifted a finger all his life, it was arduous labor.

He was not a happy camper.

John immediately stood up, looking somewhat nervous. Fox gave him a nod before leading him into Kay's office. He wondered what would happen next.

************************************************************************

Kay heart was pounding and when Fox came into the office with John in tow, she felt like she was going to faint.

She was expecting John to see her, realize who she was and rant his head off about how irresponsible and selfish she was for leaving years ago. But by some miracle, John Hastings didn't recognize her one bit.

He smiled genuinely at her, offering his hand to shake hers. "Hello, Ms. Callaway. I'm John Hastings." He greeted politely.

Kay was somewhat taken aback. She offered him a seat and he gladly took it. "I apologize for the long wait, Mr. Hastings." She said falling back into step.

She could do this.

He waved it off. "It's part of the job or part of trying to get a job." John declared.

Kay nodded, suddenly realizing what a nice person John was although she had always considered him as dense.

By the leather furniture, Fox was watching in utter silence, taking every detail of the exchange.

"Tell me, why do you want this job and why should I hire you?" She asked going straight to the point. Fox realized that she was in business mode at the moment and whatever personal vendetta she had on her family and the Hastings was put aside.

John let out a sigh as he thought it through. "Ms. Callaway, I'm going to be honest, I know nothing about being anybody's personal assistant. I want this job because I need the money and the opportunity to explore other fields in the job industry. I don't know the first thing about it but I can promise you that if I am given this job, I will be as professional as possible and I will try to meet the requirements."

That's the first honest answer I've gotten, Kay mused. Too bad I'm going to ruin your father and you in the process.

She smiled at him. "Thank you very much, Mr. Hastings. I appreciate your sincere response." Kay stood up and shook his hand. John looked disappointed.

"Tell Ms. Russell that I'd like to see her next." She told him and he looked somewhat surprised that she knew who Simone was.

Shrugging it off, John nodded wondering if Simone would get the job.

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"You can leave now, Fox." Kay declared tensely. "It's about to get ugly."

He shook is head. "You're not getting rid of me now. I endured over two hours of agonizingly tedious interviews. I'm not leaving just because it's about to get more rough."

She shrugged. "Suit yourself and by the way, you only helped a little. You didn't have to listen to the boring interviews."

"Too late now." He retorted.

Simone walked through the door, looking about ready to attack her. Kay's gaze softened.

"Hi, Simone." Kay said as she offered her friend a seat.

Simone remained standing, as if she was defying Kay's wishes. "What do you want?" She demanded snappily.

Kay sighed. She expected this hostility. "I wanted to say sorry."

"About?"

"Your family." Kay replied softly knowing full well that this was her only chance to apologize to Simone about her misfortune. It was now or never.

Simone scoffed as she folded her arms over her chest. "It had nothing to do with you but if you really cared about my family, you wouldn't be with this bastard." She gave Fox a murderous look.

He just shrugged it off which infuriated her even more.

"This has nothing to do with Fox."

Simone proceeded to glare at Kay. "This has everything to do with Fox! He ruined my family and now you've team up with him. If you were ever my friend, you would not do this!"

Kay gritted her teeth as she looked at the other girl squarely. "My association with Fox has nothing to do with my previous friendship with you or the downfall of family." She said firmly, her eyes filled with determination.

"He ruined my family!"

"I beg to differ." Kay replied determinedly.

Simone heaved. "I don't even know why I'm here."

"As I recall, you were looking for a job." Kay reminded her casually.

Simone scowled. "Well, I changed my mind."

Kay scoffed indignantly. "As if I was going to hire you. You're not exactly the greatest candidate for this job."

The other girl looked insulted and somewhat hurt. "Now I know why we stopped being friends."

Kay raised an eyebrow. "You were too busy spying on Whitney and a boy whose name I won't mention, for your sake." She reminded Simone.

"I hate you."

Kay glared at the other girl and sighed sharply. "I think you hate yourself more because your family has fallen apart and now you're the last strong person standing but there is nothing you can do." She declared boldly and when Simone flinched and became teary, Kay new she hit a nerve.

"Go to hell." She muttered and with that said, Simone Russell stalked out of the room, slamming the door after her.

"Been there." Kay retorted icily. "Tell John he got the job."

Outside, Jessica and John looked startled.

"Are you-?"

"That bitch. I can't believe she had the nerve!" Simone exclaimed furiously without stopping.

Jessica glanced back at the door leading to Kay's office wondering what on earth just happened.

"I'll go after her." John said and Jessica nodded as she headed straight the other way. She pulled the door to the office and walked in uninvited. When she saw her long lost sister standing by the desk, talking to Fox like nothing had happened, pure fury had taken over Jessica.

Before Kay could react, Jessica crossed the room, raised her hand and slapped Kay across the room.

Fox watched in pure shock.

Kay slapped Jessica just as hard if not more. "If you ever lay your hand on me again, Jessica Bennett, I'll tear you limb by limb and I'll make sure you're alive for it." She hissed dangerously as shoved her sister back.

Fox smirked. Good girl, he thought.

Jessica looked the least bit intimidated. "You bitch." She spat. "You had no right to come back here and bring trouble back. You've done enough damage while you were gone. You should have stayed the hell away!"

Kay folded her arms. "Not that you should care but I didn't come here for any of you." She replied just as angrily.

Jessica scoffed, her eyes darkening as her mood became worse. "Don't try to fool me, Kay. That thing with Theresa and the newspaper was your doing. I bet you were responsible for Antonio and Sheridan's break up as well. I could smell your filth all over it."

"If they can't handle the truth then that's just too bad."

Jessica narrowed her eyes at her sister. "You're back to try to steal Miguel aren't you?

"Listen here, cupcake." Kay said sarcastically. "What I do or don't do is none of your fucking business. I don't need to justify myself or my actions to you or anyone else in this god forsaken town. And as for that self righteous Ricky Martin wannabe that some of you like to call Miguel, well, let's just say he's old history."

"Your schemes won't work this time, Kay. You are the worst thing to ever happen to us." Jessica hissed.

Kay grinned evilly. "You haven't seen the worst of it. Watch out, little sister. You never know what evil plan I'm hatching right now."

"Am I supposed to be afraid by your petty threats?"

Kay rolled her eyes as she shifted her weight from one foot to another. "You better damn well be afraid because they're hardly petty and I fully intend to deliver without mercy."

Jessica was fuming. "I pray to God something horrible happens to you like slow agonizing death. You deserve that at least after everything that you've done."

Kay laughed. "You're pathetic. Now get out."

"I hate you!" Jessica yelled angrily.

"Likewise." Kay rebutted just as the door slammed after her sister.

Fox remained still and silent in his spot as if waiting for Kay to let that tears she's held back go. If not that, he was expecting her to throw something. But Kay remained perfectly calm as she turned to face him.

He waited for her to say something but instead she shook her head in consternation and walked over to him.

Fox gladly pulled Kay to him so that she would be sitting on his lap. She pouted as she rested her head on his shoulder. "I hate them." She whispered.

"I know." He said wrapping his arms around her waist.

"I'm going to make them wish they were never born." Kay declared angrily.

Fox smiled. "That's my girl and whatever you give them, we both know that they deserve it."

She nodded. "When I'm through with them, I'll leave and I won't ever look back."

Fox frowned, looking disappointed. "You'll leave?" He asked sounding surprised and somewhat disappointed. He actually liked the idea of having her around.

She nodded against his chest. "I never planned on staying. Once I'm done ruining everyone's lives and with the work here at the office, I'm gone. Sayonara freak town."

"That's it? Just like that?"

Kay shifted on his lap so that she could look at him. "Just like that."

"Alright." He nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. A part of him a gotten used to her. She was exciting and fun. "Let's go out to dinner tonight. My treat." He said kissing her softly on the lips.

She smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "What's the occasion?"

Fox shrugged as he bore his eyes in hers. "I don't know. I just thought it's about time we went on a proper date." He smiled. He knew that it might be his last chance to take her somewhere fancy. Fox had a feeling that her dearly devoted Jason was coming back into the picture and with the possibility of Kay leaving Harmony soon, their time together was running out.

"A date. It sounds so-" Kay frowned slightly as she twitched her lips.

Fox raised an eyebrow. "Unlike us?"

She nodded. "And this has nothing to do with what just happened with Simone and Jessica?"

Fox shook his head firmly. "Not at all."

She kissed him back. "Alright."

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The doorbell rang and Kay walked to the door, quickly peeking at the mirror in the hallway.

For some odd reason, she was nervous and wasn't quite sure of herself. It had been a long and eventful day and Kay hoped the dinner with Fox would make her feel better.

Although it did not show, Kay was slightly shaken by the confrontation earlier in the office.

She pulled the door open pushing angry thoughts about her former friends and family away.

"Hi." Kay smiled at Fox as she stepped aside to let him inside her apartment.

He kissed her on the lips and then stepped back to admire her.

Kay was wearing a long black strapless dress that clung to her like second skin. Her dark hair was pulled back into a chignon revealing a pair of teardrop diamond earrings.

"Too much?" She asked unsurely. Fox had told her earlier to dress fancy.

He shook his head. "No, just perfect. You look delicious."

She smiled at him. "You too." Kay answered as she eyed him appreciatively. He was dressed in an Armani suit; a dark blue shirt with a matching tie underneath.

"One thing is missing though." He stated and she looked worried. Fox pulled out a red velvet box and opened it for her to see.

Kay gasped. "You're kidding."

Fox kissed her again. "I thought roses were too old fashioned. Turn around." He said and Kay complied.

Cold diamonds rested against Kay's skin as Fox placed the necklace around her neck. She shivered.

"It's too much." She beamed at him as she admired herself in the hallway mirror, Fox beside her.

Perfect, Kay thought but she pushed the idea away and turned to him.

"It's yours to keep. I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't think so." He declared as she grabbed her purse and they walked out.

"You even brought a limousine. I can't believe you went all out on this." She said, surprised that he put so much effort into their evening. The chauffeur opened the door and the slipped inside.

"You only deserve the best. Now put this on."

"A blindfold?" She asked curiously.

He grinned. "It's a surprise."

Kay raised an eyebrow. "But my hair and makeup will be ruined." She protested.

"Nonsense. If you came in a robe with your hair messed up, you would still look beautiful." Fox declared. "Humor me."

She sighed. "Since you're being incredibly wonderful, I'll do it."

He gently wrapped the blindfold over her eyes and took her hand into his. "There you go. Now all you have to do is wait."

"Can I at least know where you're taking me?"

He chuckled. "That would spoil the surprise."

A few minutes later, the limousine came to a stop and Fox helped Kay out. "Kay I look now?" She asked with a small giggle.

"No. I'm going to carry you. Just relax." He announced casually.

"Why?" She asked worriedly.

"Because I can't have you tripping all over the place." Fox explained as he lifted Kay off her feet.

Her arms tightened around her neck. "This is highly unorthodox for a date."

Fox scoffed. "Since when have we ever followed rules and traditions?"

"Good point."

When they reached their destination, Fox set her down and took the blindfold off. Kay brought her hands to her lips as she was rendered speechless.

In front of was a large courtyard with a table set for two in the middle. White Christmas lights were weaved into the surrounding hedges to give the illusion of tiny fireflies.

Pink and red rose petals were scattered on the ground while four violinists stood nearby, playing soft melancholy music.

"Surprise." Fox said as his arms slipped around her waist.

Kay faced him, her eyes glassy with tears. "This is beautiful. You're amazing."

"I know." Fox whispered as he leaned in and kissed her. "But you're even better."

He led her to her seat and took his across from her. A three course meal was served and Fox lavished her with expensive wine and beautiful music.

"I have good news." He told her. She looked at him curiously. "I managed to convince Father and Grandfather to let me handle an account."

"That's wonderful."

He nodded, agreeing. "They said that if I screw up, they'll take my inheritance away."

Kay laughed, hardly believing that Alistair would disinherit Fox. The Crane patriarch would not do it no matter Fox did since Kay knew all too well that the next in line was a girl.

And having Crane daughters as heir and head of power over the family and business was unacceptable. "You'll do a great job."

"I'm sure." He smiled. "But let's not talk about business. It ruins the mood."

Later, they danced and Kay could hardly believe how perfect he was.

But somehow, it wasn't so surprising that Nicholas Foxworth Crane was real gentleman and charmer.

"Thank you." She whispered in between kisses. Kay was sitting on Fox's lap for the second time in day. And he was sitting by the enormous fountain.

The violinists had long gone; their table had been cleared except for the dessert and wine.

They were completely alone.

"My pleasure." He chuckled and she titled her head so that Fox could kiss her neck.

Kay shivered under his touch and he smiled, pleased that this was affecting her as much as it did him.

Their kisses became hungry and fervent and before either of them knew it, they were both in Fox's room.

Kay's fingers fumbled at his shirt as Fox reached for the back of her dress and unzipped it. It fell around her feet on the floor.

"You're perfect." He whispered huskily as he watched her in the dim light of the room.

He eased her on the bed, his body aching for every inch of her. If Kay stopped now and made an excuse to leave, he didn't know what he would do.

But luckily she didn't. She shed whatever clothing was left on her body, Fox doing the same. Their skin felt hot to the touch and Kay whimpered as his hands roamed her body.

He kissed her feverishly. Her body begged him without words and Fox looked in her eyes. "Are you sure?" He whispered.

Kay nodded, her kisses pleading him. "I'm sure."

~*~

A/N: THEY DID IT. YAY!! BEFORE I GET INTO THAT, LET ME EXPLAIN A FEW THINGS FIRST.

ONE: YOU DIDN'T READ WRONG. AND IT WAS NOT A TYPO. KAY DID HIRE JOHN AS HER P.A. THERE'S AN EXPLANATION FOR THAT IN THE NEXT CHAPTER OR SO.

TWO: THAT LITTLE PART WHERE FOX MENTIONS FINALLY BEING ALLOWED TO HANDLE AN ACCOUNT IN THE BUSINESS WAS JUST TO INCLUDE THEIR EARLIER DEAL. IF YOU DON'T REMEMBER IT WAS WHEN FOX ASKED KAY TO HELP HIM TAKE OVER THE FAMILY COMPANY.

THREE: THEIR DATE IS IN THE COURTYARD IN THE BACK OF THE CRANE MANSION. THAT'S HOW THEY GOT INTO FOX'S ROOM SO QUICKLY.

FOUR: THEY HAD SEX. IT WASN'T PART OF THE ORIGINAL PLAN BUT WHAT THEY HECK. THEY HAVE SO MUCH SEXUAL TENSION; IT WAS LIKELY THEY WOULD END UP IN BED.

I DIDN'T GO INTO DETAIL WITH THE SEX SCENE SINCE FF.NET HAS A POLICY AGAINST SMUT. AND I DIDN'T WANT THIS CHAPTER TO TURN INTO THAT ANYWAY.

ONE THING I HAVE TO POINT OUT IS THAT WHEN THEY SLEEP TOGETHER, KAY ISN'T DRUNK. SHE'S PERFECTLY SOBER. THERE'S A WHOLE PURPOSE FOR THIS AND I HAVE A PERSONAL REASON FOR WRITING IT THIS WAY.

THANKS FOR READING.

DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW.