Kidnapped
By: Moon Baby
Rating: PG
E-mail: MoonBabyGirl16@yahoo.com
Authors Note: Two hour later. They'er still on the road. In northern Louissiana real close to Arkansas. Still in silence. There is a lot of thinking going on in the first part of this chapter. Serena's trying to make sure this is the right thing to do.
Disclaimer: Same old same old........I don't own Sailor Moon.......yada yada.....blah blah.....you know the deal.
Chapter 2
Darien saw a small store and gas station. He said, "We're a little past the half way point of our trip. Do you want a cold drink or a snack?"
"That sounds great."
He put pn the turn signal, adn glanced at the review mirror as he did so. A pickup that was right on his back bumper, followed by a green soccer-mom van put on their turn signals. No big surprise sincee there wasn't a gas station for several miles.
His tank wa smore than half full, so he drove into the only parking available on the side of the small store. As he turned off the emgine Darien felt a small chill go down his spine. he learned a long time ago to trust feelings like that. When he opened the door he glanced around the shadows. Everything looked normal. There were a few older-model cars, several mud covered pickup trucks, and the soccer-mom van that was parked at one of the gas pumbs. Serena looked at him suspusously, "Are you suposse to be my bodygaurd, too"
He wipped his head around, his crystal blue eyes narrowing, "I'm not a bodygaurd. Why would you ask that?"
"Well, the way you checked around the area. It's like what the Hollywood version of a secret service agent." She chuckled.
He frowned and asked, "Do you want to go in or not?"
She reached for the door and said, "I'll go in."
Darien kept close to her side as they walked through the shadows. When they entered the store Serena looked over at him and pointed to the restroom. "If your'll excuse me, I'll be back in a few minutes."
Darien nodded and watch her walk to the restrooms. When she was gone from his sight he turned to the coolers with the sodas. (AN: I dont know what they're really called sorry.) But his gaze traveled to the restrooms. 'Why am I so antsy all of the sudden. I guess all this is a little weird. Andrew should really be herewith her. If only there wasn't that trrouble in New York he would be. But there was and he asked me to make sure Serena got there safe and sound. At least in a couple of hours Andrew would take over and I could go home and go back to my work.' He couldn't understand why he got a sinking feeling at the thought.
Serena joined him then and got out a diet cola and he got a regular cola. When they reached the register Serena started to get come money when Darien said "I got it."
'I shouldn't let him pay for me.' But the he gave her kept her from voicing that thought. He paid for the drinks and walked outside. A cloud passed in front of the sun. Putting the parking lot in more shadow, and making the breeze around them colder. Again Darien found himself moving closer to Serena and looking around the lot suspisously.
Serena looked at himcuriously, "Is something wrong? Why are you all tense and alert again?"
'I'm being foolish. This wasn't one of the rare time I have to watch every step I take and watch the shadows. Or think everyone is trying to get me. I'm babysitting Andrew's girlfriend till he gets here. Not something I really want to do but it's not dangerous. I should really relax. I might take a vacation.' They got into the car and left.
*****************************************
Serena kept catching herself looking at Darien. She was a little upset that he put on the dark sunglasses. 'His face was hard to read before now it is near impossible. He would be happy if we kept the remainder of this trip in silence. He had tried small talk and wasn't very good at it.' She closed her eyes for a moment and thought, 'I shouldn't take it personally. I bet he is like this with everybody. I do find it hard to believe, though, that charming, congrenial Andrew Falcon's closest friend has the personality of granit. I never had any trouble talking with Andrew. In fact, it seemslike we are old friends from the very first time we met.' To her Andrew felt more like an old friend more than a lover or later husband.
'I'm hoping to get over it this week. I mena he is hamdsome, intelligant, amusing, and attentive. Everything a woman could want. I'm hoping once we are awat from the publics eye our relationship will progress to more. Remember I'm not looking for blazing passion. I gave up on that years ago. I knowe I'm not desperately in love, nor blindingly adored in return. I can be happy with muteral respect and affection, plus most of all children. God I want to have a baby so bad. And Andrew wants the samething. I can't understand why Mina os so disapproving. I mean I'm getting everything I ever wanted, right? As for Darien,' she turned to look at him again, 'He made his feelings abouthtis well known. Did he really think I'm some gold digger, or is he like Mina, completely turned off by the arrangement that we are coming up with? He thinks Andrew is the one being used. If that is true I won't waste my time trying to change his opinion.'
"How much farther is it to the house?"
"About an hour."
Serena nodded and adjustedd herself in her seat. "Is Andrew going to be therewhen we get there?"
"He might. He wants to get there when we do or an hour or so after if he gets held up again."
"Will you be staying there, ,too?"
He looked at her from the courner of his eye. "Don't worry I won't ruin your get away. As soon as you and Amdrew get seattled in I'm leaving."
She turned away embarresed by what he said and had no clue why. 'She looks so cute with that little bit of pink in her checks. Wait what am I thinking.'
'I shouldn't be embarressed by what he said. I'm a mature adult. I don't owe Darien, Mina, or anyone eles an explaination for my actions. This week was for talking only. There will be nothing really serious going on. That was the main reason for this retreat. But Mina's convinced that he is going to pressure me into sleeping with him. I know Andrew is not like that, he is a good man.
***Flashback***
"Serena he is just using you and whe he gets tired he'll leave you."
"Andrew is not like that. He is a better man than that peice of shit Ken."
"He might and then he might not be. I think it is just a scam to get what he wants from you then move on for a big boobed starlet."
"I know he is not like that."
***End Of Flashback***
'I bet Darien thinks the same thing except that I'm the one using Andrew.' She was glad to be distracted from her thoughts when Darien turned off the highway to a winding lane that he said led to Andrew's Table Rock Lake vacation home. (AN: The geography my be a little off sorry about that.) 'The sooner this uncomfortable ride was oer the better.' Serena thought looking out her window. 'I think I prefer Andrew's easy-to-talk-to charm than Darien's brooding dissapproval.
Darien made several more winding turns. it looked like he traveled several miles from anywhere. 'I'm being very trust worthy with this man. I'm going into no man's land with some one I haven't met before today. But Andrew said with Darien and I trust Andrew or I wounld be here, would I.'
Serena expected Andrew's to be nice but nothing like what she saw. Looking like a lodge, the sprawling structure was builtof rock and redwood. Big windowsand roomy decks allowed for enjoying the surroundings. Thick woods rolling hills, and the glistening lake that is by behind the beautiful house, which was atop a tall bluff. Though it was tasteful and inviting there was no question that this placecd belonged to some one rich.
"Looks like we arrived before Andrew," Darien says looking around and parcking. "He should be here soon. I'll help ypu get seattled."
'Now that I'm here I'm a little nervous. Maybe it's because the is so much bigger than what I thought it would be that is making me nervous. Or maybe it was all the hours in the car with silent Darien. Or maybe it is the realizatiom at what I'm doing? This is not a dinner and a movie this is seven days and...nights. What am I thinking, nothing is going to happen. We are just talking about our future together.' All of Mina's lectures are coming back to her in full force. It wasn't Mina's bad warnings about Andrew not being sericous that was bothering her. It was that he might really be serious that is scaring her.
"Something wrong?"
She swallowed hard and said, "No, nothing's wrong."
'Except that I want to go home. Now! As much as I want children, and as many times as I told myself that there are more sensible reasons to get married that love and passion.'
Darien was studying her threw his dark glasses. "Change your mind about this week?"
Serena lifted her chin and reached for the door handle. "Of course I haven't. I was just enjoying the beautiful view."
He made a weird sound like he didn't believe her. Before she changed her mind she opened her door and got out. 'I hadn't comitted to Andrew yet and he promices not to pressure ma and I trust him. Who knows. Maybe I will fall in love int the next couple of days. Stranger things have happen.'
'Serena isn't doing a good at hiding her surprise to Andrew's vacation home.' Darien was aware of the irony in his observation. 'This is the woman trying to dupe his friend into a marriage-for-money. I guess I was wrong or she sucks at acting.' Carrying her bags inside he saw her face as she took in the expencive decor. The luxurious guest suite Andrew had selected was at the farthest end from Andre's master suite. 'Andrew told me him and Serena planned to spend the week talking about the future. But I doubt that she'll remain in this room the whole week.
"Is, um, something wrong?"
Serena's voice made Darien realize that he was frozen in the doorway with his eyebrows lowed into in a heavy scowl.
"Just wanted to make sure this room's okay with you before I put your stuff down."
Serena looked around and gave him a shacky smile. "This is perfect."
'She didn't look to happy about that.' "I'll just out these by the, um, bed."
Serena nodded and held on tight to her tote bag. Darien put her things down and walked to the door and turned, "I'll leave you to get seattled."
Darien went down stairsand got a drink out of the fidge. He downed a third of it when the phone rang. Out of habit he answered it. "Darien Cross."
Without identifying homself Andrew asked, "I wasn't sure you made it yet. I called your cell but got no answer. Did you forget to turn it on?"
He reached for his belt and smiled sheepishly. "I left it in the car."
"Did you have any trouble getting there? Is the weather good?"
'It's not like him to babble. Somethings wrong.' "Where are you, Andrew? How long will you be?"
Andrew cleared his throat but didn't say anything. "Andrew? What's wrong?"
"Something's come up, D.C......I'm not going to make it there today."
"Damn it, your still in New York, aren't you?"
"Ya, but D.C. the deal started to come undone. I have my handsful trying to keep it togther. This is the only time I could get away to call you. I'm hoping to slip away by early tomorrow evening."
"What am I suppose to do with your girlfriend till oyu get here, leave her by herself?"
"Do you think that's a good idea? I don't."
Darien shock his head and sighed, "Damn it, Andrew."
"D.C. I know you have things you'd rather do...."
"Things I need to do. Work. Drew, isn't there anyway you can leave tonight and I could go there and take care of things?"
"Sorry D.C. this isn't my choice. I would rather be there with Serena than here with Swift. I feel like a real heel for not being there. I hope she won't be mad at me."
"I'm sure she'll get over it." Darien muttered. 'Andrew had a way of making women forgive him. Who am I kidding? He can even get me to forgive him. I should be pissed at being stuck and babysitting his girlfriend. But I can't be mad at him, damn him.'
"So what ya think? Isn't she everything I told you she would be?"
"Yeah, she's cool."
Those words seemed to have echoed. It was several moments before Andrew spoke. "You have a problem with her?"
"No, of couse I don't."
"Okay spill it! I know something is up your butt. What is it?"
'He knows me to well.' "Nothing is 'up my butt' as you put it. I was just wondering how I'm suppose to entertain her till you get here? She came here to see you not me."
"Just be nice to her. Take her down to the lake, takw a boat ride, grill a couple of steaks, watch a DVD, or read a book. There are games you guys can play. I know you're not much of a board gane guy there are a lot of things to keep ya'll entertained."
With a loud sigh Dairen gave in and said, "We'll find something to do."
"I know you will. Despite yopur rough personaliy, you'll see what a thrill Serena is. She might have been nervous in the ride, knowing you. But once she getsused to you, you'll she how wonderfull she is. But remember she's mine."
"Don't worry I won't ry anything with her. She's not my type anyways." 'I haven't forgotten for one minute that Serena was to marry my best friend and boss.'
"I guess I better tell Serena I won't be there tonight."
"She is seattling in her room. I'll get her for you."
"Thanks D.C. I owe you."
"Oh ya, you do," Darien said putting down the phone, "Big time."
He walked up the stairs to Serena's room.
Serena looked up when there was a knock at the door. "Yes?"
"Andrew is on the phone in the kitchen. He wants to talk to you."
"I'll be right out."
"Okay, I'll be in my room if you need me." He walked down the hall.
Serena walked down the stair to the kitchen and picked up the phone. "Hey Andrew."
"Hey Sere. I have something to tell you."
"Let me guess. You can't make it. It's okay."
"I'm hoping to get there by tomorrow evening. I'll get therewhen I can, okay hon."
Serena sighed and closed her eye. "Okay be nice to Darien till I get there." Andrew said with a chuckle.
"I promise I will be nice." Serena said on a laugh.
"I have to go. I'll call you when I can, okay."
"Ya bye."
"Bye Sere." Andrew said and hung up the phone.
**********************************
'I should have listen to Mina.' Wearing a soft pink short nightgown and matching robe. Serena stood outside ont the balcony of her room and looked out over the lake. 'It is such a beautiful night crystal clear, bright stars shining, and so is the nearly full moon. It's so pretty.' Her breath hung as she leaned against the railing and gazed in wonderment at the landscape. It was a night for romance. 'Here is this beautiful night and I'm alone. I wish I was home Mina warned me this was a bad. Iguess she was right. This seems like a bad idea. I hoped I would haev felt different about Andrew but he still feels like a friend.' Serena sighed.
"Dreaming about anyone?" said a deep gruff voice making her jump.
She looked over the balcony. "Darien?"
Below her Darien stepped out from the shadows and into the light of the moon. He was in a black sweatshirt and tight black jeans, he looked like he prefured darkness to light.
"What are you doing outsided?" 'I didn't know he was outside. I thought he was asleep in one of the bedrooms.'
"Just walking around the grounds."
"So security gaurd is in your job description,too?"
He shrugged and changed the subject. "Couldn't sleep, could you?"
She looked down at him leaning against the railing. "I guess I'm not that tired."
"Want to take a walk?" he asked.
She smiled and said, "Entertaining me isn't in your job descirptionm but thanks."
"Ya it is. Andrew made me promise no to let you get bored till he gets here." 'I know with you here I'm entertained. Cross, stop thinking like that she is Andrew's.'
Serena replied coolly and said, "I'm not bored at all." 'Andrew told me Darien took his job seriousely. I guess I'm his assignment.'
"I think I'll go to bed now," she said moving away from the rail. "Night, see you in the morning."
He nodded. "Night, call if you need something."
"I'll be fine." 'I can't imagine needing something from him.' She went into her room and locked the balcony door. 'I should have listen to Mina.'
Darien didn't need much sleep, but he got even less than usual tonight. He kept thid feeling that something was amiss, or that he should do something. Because his instincts were always right he tested the locks, potrolled the grounds, and found nothing wrong. 'I guess I'm just overreacting to the evening. I'll sure be glad when Andrew gets here. I should be glad but I'm not. After spending so much time with Serena I understand why Andrew is so attracted ti her. If Andrew hadn't claimed her I would make a move on her. But Andrew did have claim and I will never cross that line. And this marriage plan.....well I don't like it. Now I don't thinks she is marrying for money, but I really don't think she had deep feelings for Andrew. When she was talking about Andrew as if he was an old friend and not someone she is going to marry.'
He didn't know wha ther motives were for marrying Andew. Money, security, or social connection. Whatever it was it sure wasn't for love. Andrew my say he wasn't looking for that sort of thing. Just like him, he was not falling for a woman.
Shifting in the bed Darien usual uses when he is here. 'I should really mind mine own business when it comes to Andrew's matirmonial plans. What do I know about marriage anyway. My own parents thought they were in love when they married then they devorced and Andrew's parents can't stand each other. But they are still together and have an arrangement where they don't see eack other. If Andrew wanted something like that then I won't stop him. And he wouldn't let me.'
Darien rolled over. 'Go to sleep and stop worrying about things I can't change.' Then he found himself thinking about how pretty Serena looked standing on the balcony. He feel asleep thinking about Serena.
Finally. I'm done. This chapter. That was awhile. Well, lets review. Darien and Serena are attracted to each other, but don't want to do anything about it. Andrew is held up in New York. What will happen next. Review and find out. Moon Baby. E-mail comments
Authors Note: Two hour later. They'er still on the road. In northern Louissiana real close to Arkansas. Still in silence. There is a lot of thinking going on in the first part of this chapter. Serena's trying to make sure this is the right thing to do.
Disclaimer: Same old same old........I don't own Sailor Moon.......yada yada.....blah blah.....you know the deal.
Chapter 2
Darien saw a small store and gas station. He said, "We're a little past the half way point of our trip. Do you want a cold drink or a snack?"
"That sounds great."
He put pn the turn signal, adn glanced at the review mirror as he did so. A pickup that was right on his back bumper, followed by a green soccer-mom van put on their turn signals. No big surprise sincee there wasn't a gas station for several miles.
His tank wa smore than half full, so he drove into the only parking available on the side of the small store. As he turned off the emgine Darien felt a small chill go down his spine. he learned a long time ago to trust feelings like that. When he opened the door he glanced around the shadows. Everything looked normal. There were a few older-model cars, several mud covered pickup trucks, and the soccer-mom van that was parked at one of the gas pumbs. Serena looked at him suspusously, "Are you suposse to be my bodygaurd, too"
He wipped his head around, his crystal blue eyes narrowing, "I'm not a bodygaurd. Why would you ask that?"
"Well, the way you checked around the area. It's like what the Hollywood version of a secret service agent." She chuckled.
He frowned and asked, "Do you want to go in or not?"
She reached for the door and said, "I'll go in."
Darien kept close to her side as they walked through the shadows. When they entered the store Serena looked over at him and pointed to the restroom. "If your'll excuse me, I'll be back in a few minutes."
Darien nodded and watch her walk to the restrooms. When she was gone from his sight he turned to the coolers with the sodas. (AN: I dont know what they're really called sorry.) But his gaze traveled to the restrooms. 'Why am I so antsy all of the sudden. I guess all this is a little weird. Andrew should really be herewith her. If only there wasn't that trrouble in New York he would be. But there was and he asked me to make sure Serena got there safe and sound. At least in a couple of hours Andrew would take over and I could go home and go back to my work.' He couldn't understand why he got a sinking feeling at the thought.
Serena joined him then and got out a diet cola and he got a regular cola. When they reached the register Serena started to get come money when Darien said "I got it."
'I shouldn't let him pay for me.' But the he gave her kept her from voicing that thought. He paid for the drinks and walked outside. A cloud passed in front of the sun. Putting the parking lot in more shadow, and making the breeze around them colder. Again Darien found himself moving closer to Serena and looking around the lot suspisously.
Serena looked at himcuriously, "Is something wrong? Why are you all tense and alert again?"
'I'm being foolish. This wasn't one of the rare time I have to watch every step I take and watch the shadows. Or think everyone is trying to get me. I'm babysitting Andrew's girlfriend till he gets here. Not something I really want to do but it's not dangerous. I should really relax. I might take a vacation.' They got into the car and left.
*****************************************
Serena kept catching herself looking at Darien. She was a little upset that he put on the dark sunglasses. 'His face was hard to read before now it is near impossible. He would be happy if we kept the remainder of this trip in silence. He had tried small talk and wasn't very good at it.' She closed her eyes for a moment and thought, 'I shouldn't take it personally. I bet he is like this with everybody. I do find it hard to believe, though, that charming, congrenial Andrew Falcon's closest friend has the personality of granit. I never had any trouble talking with Andrew. In fact, it seemslike we are old friends from the very first time we met.' To her Andrew felt more like an old friend more than a lover or later husband.
'I'm hoping to get over it this week. I mena he is hamdsome, intelligant, amusing, and attentive. Everything a woman could want. I'm hoping once we are awat from the publics eye our relationship will progress to more. Remember I'm not looking for blazing passion. I gave up on that years ago. I knowe I'm not desperately in love, nor blindingly adored in return. I can be happy with muteral respect and affection, plus most of all children. God I want to have a baby so bad. And Andrew wants the samething. I can't understand why Mina os so disapproving. I mean I'm getting everything I ever wanted, right? As for Darien,' she turned to look at him again, 'He made his feelings abouthtis well known. Did he really think I'm some gold digger, or is he like Mina, completely turned off by the arrangement that we are coming up with? He thinks Andrew is the one being used. If that is true I won't waste my time trying to change his opinion.'
"How much farther is it to the house?"
"About an hour."
Serena nodded and adjustedd herself in her seat. "Is Andrew going to be therewhen we get there?"
"He might. He wants to get there when we do or an hour or so after if he gets held up again."
"Will you be staying there, ,too?"
He looked at her from the courner of his eye. "Don't worry I won't ruin your get away. As soon as you and Amdrew get seattled in I'm leaving."
She turned away embarresed by what he said and had no clue why. 'She looks so cute with that little bit of pink in her checks. Wait what am I thinking.'
'I shouldn't be embarressed by what he said. I'm a mature adult. I don't owe Darien, Mina, or anyone eles an explaination for my actions. This week was for talking only. There will be nothing really serious going on. That was the main reason for this retreat. But Mina's convinced that he is going to pressure me into sleeping with him. I know Andrew is not like that, he is a good man.
***Flashback***
"Serena he is just using you and whe he gets tired he'll leave you."
"Andrew is not like that. He is a better man than that peice of shit Ken."
"He might and then he might not be. I think it is just a scam to get what he wants from you then move on for a big boobed starlet."
"I know he is not like that."
***End Of Flashback***
'I bet Darien thinks the same thing except that I'm the one using Andrew.' She was glad to be distracted from her thoughts when Darien turned off the highway to a winding lane that he said led to Andrew's Table Rock Lake vacation home. (AN: The geography my be a little off sorry about that.) 'The sooner this uncomfortable ride was oer the better.' Serena thought looking out her window. 'I think I prefer Andrew's easy-to-talk-to charm than Darien's brooding dissapproval.
Darien made several more winding turns. it looked like he traveled several miles from anywhere. 'I'm being very trust worthy with this man. I'm going into no man's land with some one I haven't met before today. But Andrew said with Darien and I trust Andrew or I wounld be here, would I.'
Serena expected Andrew's to be nice but nothing like what she saw. Looking like a lodge, the sprawling structure was builtof rock and redwood. Big windowsand roomy decks allowed for enjoying the surroundings. Thick woods rolling hills, and the glistening lake that is by behind the beautiful house, which was atop a tall bluff. Though it was tasteful and inviting there was no question that this placecd belonged to some one rich.
"Looks like we arrived before Andrew," Darien says looking around and parcking. "He should be here soon. I'll help ypu get seattled."
'Now that I'm here I'm a little nervous. Maybe it's because the is so much bigger than what I thought it would be that is making me nervous. Or maybe it was all the hours in the car with silent Darien. Or maybe it is the realizatiom at what I'm doing? This is not a dinner and a movie this is seven days and...nights. What am I thinking, nothing is going to happen. We are just talking about our future together.' All of Mina's lectures are coming back to her in full force. It wasn't Mina's bad warnings about Andrew not being sericous that was bothering her. It was that he might really be serious that is scaring her.
"Something wrong?"
She swallowed hard and said, "No, nothing's wrong."
'Except that I want to go home. Now! As much as I want children, and as many times as I told myself that there are more sensible reasons to get married that love and passion.'
Darien was studying her threw his dark glasses. "Change your mind about this week?"
Serena lifted her chin and reached for the door handle. "Of course I haven't. I was just enjoying the beautiful view."
He made a weird sound like he didn't believe her. Before she changed her mind she opened her door and got out. 'I hadn't comitted to Andrew yet and he promices not to pressure ma and I trust him. Who knows. Maybe I will fall in love int the next couple of days. Stranger things have happen.'
'Serena isn't doing a good at hiding her surprise to Andrew's vacation home.' Darien was aware of the irony in his observation. 'This is the woman trying to dupe his friend into a marriage-for-money. I guess I was wrong or she sucks at acting.' Carrying her bags inside he saw her face as she took in the expencive decor. The luxurious guest suite Andrew had selected was at the farthest end from Andre's master suite. 'Andrew told me him and Serena planned to spend the week talking about the future. But I doubt that she'll remain in this room the whole week.
"Is, um, something wrong?"
Serena's voice made Darien realize that he was frozen in the doorway with his eyebrows lowed into in a heavy scowl.
"Just wanted to make sure this room's okay with you before I put your stuff down."
Serena looked around and gave him a shacky smile. "This is perfect."
'She didn't look to happy about that.' "I'll just out these by the, um, bed."
Serena nodded and held on tight to her tote bag. Darien put her things down and walked to the door and turned, "I'll leave you to get seattled."
Darien went down stairsand got a drink out of the fidge. He downed a third of it when the phone rang. Out of habit he answered it. "Darien Cross."
Without identifying homself Andrew asked, "I wasn't sure you made it yet. I called your cell but got no answer. Did you forget to turn it on?"
He reached for his belt and smiled sheepishly. "I left it in the car."
"Did you have any trouble getting there? Is the weather good?"
'It's not like him to babble. Somethings wrong.' "Where are you, Andrew? How long will you be?"
Andrew cleared his throat but didn't say anything. "Andrew? What's wrong?"
"Something's come up, D.C......I'm not going to make it there today."
"Damn it, your still in New York, aren't you?"
"Ya, but D.C. the deal started to come undone. I have my handsful trying to keep it togther. This is the only time I could get away to call you. I'm hoping to slip away by early tomorrow evening."
"What am I suppose to do with your girlfriend till oyu get here, leave her by herself?"
"Do you think that's a good idea? I don't."
Darien shock his head and sighed, "Damn it, Andrew."
"D.C. I know you have things you'd rather do...."
"Things I need to do. Work. Drew, isn't there anyway you can leave tonight and I could go there and take care of things?"
"Sorry D.C. this isn't my choice. I would rather be there with Serena than here with Swift. I feel like a real heel for not being there. I hope she won't be mad at me."
"I'm sure she'll get over it." Darien muttered. 'Andrew had a way of making women forgive him. Who am I kidding? He can even get me to forgive him. I should be pissed at being stuck and babysitting his girlfriend. But I can't be mad at him, damn him.'
"So what ya think? Isn't she everything I told you she would be?"
"Yeah, she's cool."
Those words seemed to have echoed. It was several moments before Andrew spoke. "You have a problem with her?"
"No, of couse I don't."
"Okay spill it! I know something is up your butt. What is it?"
'He knows me to well.' "Nothing is 'up my butt' as you put it. I was just wondering how I'm suppose to entertain her till you get here? She came here to see you not me."
"Just be nice to her. Take her down to the lake, takw a boat ride, grill a couple of steaks, watch a DVD, or read a book. There are games you guys can play. I know you're not much of a board gane guy there are a lot of things to keep ya'll entertained."
With a loud sigh Dairen gave in and said, "We'll find something to do."
"I know you will. Despite yopur rough personaliy, you'll see what a thrill Serena is. She might have been nervous in the ride, knowing you. But once she getsused to you, you'll she how wonderfull she is. But remember she's mine."
"Don't worry I won't ry anything with her. She's not my type anyways." 'I haven't forgotten for one minute that Serena was to marry my best friend and boss.'
"I guess I better tell Serena I won't be there tonight."
"She is seattling in her room. I'll get her for you."
"Thanks D.C. I owe you."
"Oh ya, you do," Darien said putting down the phone, "Big time."
He walked up the stairs to Serena's room.
Serena looked up when there was a knock at the door. "Yes?"
"Andrew is on the phone in the kitchen. He wants to talk to you."
"I'll be right out."
"Okay, I'll be in my room if you need me." He walked down the hall.
Serena walked down the stair to the kitchen and picked up the phone. "Hey Andrew."
"Hey Sere. I have something to tell you."
"Let me guess. You can't make it. It's okay."
"I'm hoping to get there by tomorrow evening. I'll get therewhen I can, okay hon."
Serena sighed and closed her eye. "Okay be nice to Darien till I get there." Andrew said with a chuckle.
"I promise I will be nice." Serena said on a laugh.
"I have to go. I'll call you when I can, okay."
"Ya bye."
"Bye Sere." Andrew said and hung up the phone.
**********************************
'I should have listen to Mina.' Wearing a soft pink short nightgown and matching robe. Serena stood outside ont the balcony of her room and looked out over the lake. 'It is such a beautiful night crystal clear, bright stars shining, and so is the nearly full moon. It's so pretty.' Her breath hung as she leaned against the railing and gazed in wonderment at the landscape. It was a night for romance. 'Here is this beautiful night and I'm alone. I wish I was home Mina warned me this was a bad. Iguess she was right. This seems like a bad idea. I hoped I would haev felt different about Andrew but he still feels like a friend.' Serena sighed.
"Dreaming about anyone?" said a deep gruff voice making her jump.
She looked over the balcony. "Darien?"
Below her Darien stepped out from the shadows and into the light of the moon. He was in a black sweatshirt and tight black jeans, he looked like he prefured darkness to light.
"What are you doing outsided?" 'I didn't know he was outside. I thought he was asleep in one of the bedrooms.'
"Just walking around the grounds."
"So security gaurd is in your job description,too?"
He shrugged and changed the subject. "Couldn't sleep, could you?"
She looked down at him leaning against the railing. "I guess I'm not that tired."
"Want to take a walk?" he asked.
She smiled and said, "Entertaining me isn't in your job descirptionm but thanks."
"Ya it is. Andrew made me promise no to let you get bored till he gets here." 'I know with you here I'm entertained. Cross, stop thinking like that she is Andrew's.'
Serena replied coolly and said, "I'm not bored at all." 'Andrew told me Darien took his job seriousely. I guess I'm his assignment.'
"I think I'll go to bed now," she said moving away from the rail. "Night, see you in the morning."
He nodded. "Night, call if you need something."
"I'll be fine." 'I can't imagine needing something from him.' She went into her room and locked the balcony door. 'I should have listen to Mina.'
Darien didn't need much sleep, but he got even less than usual tonight. He kept thid feeling that something was amiss, or that he should do something. Because his instincts were always right he tested the locks, potrolled the grounds, and found nothing wrong. 'I guess I'm just overreacting to the evening. I'll sure be glad when Andrew gets here. I should be glad but I'm not. After spending so much time with Serena I understand why Andrew is so attracted ti her. If Andrew hadn't claimed her I would make a move on her. But Andrew did have claim and I will never cross that line. And this marriage plan.....well I don't like it. Now I don't thinks she is marrying for money, but I really don't think she had deep feelings for Andrew. When she was talking about Andrew as if he was an old friend and not someone she is going to marry.'
He didn't know wha ther motives were for marrying Andew. Money, security, or social connection. Whatever it was it sure wasn't for love. Andrew my say he wasn't looking for that sort of thing. Just like him, he was not falling for a woman.
Shifting in the bed Darien usual uses when he is here. 'I should really mind mine own business when it comes to Andrew's matirmonial plans. What do I know about marriage anyway. My own parents thought they were in love when they married then they devorced and Andrew's parents can't stand each other. But they are still together and have an arrangement where they don't see eack other. If Andrew wanted something like that then I won't stop him. And he wouldn't let me.'
Darien rolled over. 'Go to sleep and stop worrying about things I can't change.' Then he found himself thinking about how pretty Serena looked standing on the balcony. He feel asleep thinking about Serena.
Finally. I'm done. This chapter. That was awhile. Well, lets review. Darien and Serena are attracted to each other, but don't want to do anything about it. Andrew is held up in New York. What will happen next. Review and find out. Moon Baby. E-mail comments