Loveology Chapter 9: The Mall, a sailor moon fanfic

Summary: Serena's and Darien's professional careers cross paths. The more they work together, the closer they become. Will they give in to their desires or remain stubborn and distant? Modern day, no senshi, UM love story.

Disclaimer: Naoko Takeuchi owns Sailor Moon. I claim no ownership of it! Only of this story, which is all mine! This is my first attempt at fanfiction! Enjoy!

Author's Note: This Chapter is Rated M! Read at your own risk! This should be a cute chapter for fans of Loveology! Still dragging, I'm afraid. Makes it more realistic, in my opinion. This update came much faster! Yay! I will be starting on the next chapter, but it will probably take some time for it to get out. I essentially have to write it, since I have nothing down yet. Only what I want to happen. It will be titled, "The Dinner." ;)

As always, thank you to all the fans of this story who are following, have reviewed, sent messages, and made a favorite! I really appreciate it all and look forward to many, many more chapters for this story!

Enjoy! =)

Loveology

Chapter 9: The Mall

Golden afternoon light was blanketing the horizon. The setting sun was shining on her face, her large sunglasses blocking the UV rays from reaching her eyes. Her eyes were probably closed as she opened her arms, welcoming the sun with its warmth and the cool breeze of the rushing wind. The braid of her hair was floating around her, dancing with wisps of stray strands that framed her face. Her stretching brought his attention to the generous curve of her breasts peeking from her top, her flat stomach that was covered with the thin white jersey material. A giant blue Dallas Star was positioned perfectly on her hip closest to him. From there his eyes traveled to her tight shorts that he remembered quite well how nicely showcased her shapely ass and elongated her incredibly long legs.

A patting noise broke him of his visual enjoyment. He had started drifting over the audible lines on the side of the highway. 'Pay attention, dumbass or you'll get us both killed.' His inner voice warned. Darien shook his head at himself. He really needed to get it together. The way things were going, this woman was going to be the death of him! Serena turned to glance at him when she heard the noise, but Darien just smiled and mouthed, "Sorry."

She smiled back and turned in her seat so she was facing him. He noticed her repositioning herself, but refused to look at her. He knew how her curves would be displayed in a way that would sexually stimulate him, making it impossible to hide his erection and relieve it without the release he assumed only she could give him. He had a strong feeling she was doing it on purpose. She probably felt his eyes undressing her while she was enjoying the ride… car ride. Damn his dirty thoughts. She knew exactly what caused him to veer off the road. Little minx.

Serena smirked at his stubbornness. Now it was her turn to take in her fill of him. How she wanted to do that in more ways than one.

She observed how the wind tousled his hair. How the sun shone directly on him, almost as if the sun itself was worshiping the god-like embodiment bestowed upon this world. He wore a white Buccaneers jersey, undoubtedly because he knew of the high Florida temperature that was probably record-breaking today. She followed the length down his torso and to his midsection, where his jersey bunched up, concealing his well endowed package. She sighed thinking about that particular part of his anatomy. Would she ever get to experience the thrill of that ride? All her attempts to lure him to her failed. Maybe the alone time tonight that they would have could help in that department. His arm switched gears expertly, shifting her mind to thoughts of his powerful arms lifting her and molding her to his form and using his fingers to caress and pleasure her in a hundred different wicked ways. She let out a frustrated groan.

Earlier, when Serena mentioned she hadn't any clothes for the following day, Darien thought it the perfect time to stop by the mall on their way home. Not only did she need clothes, but he could pick up the gifts his family had made for his mother's birthday. And maybe he could put in another custom order while he was at it.

They stopped at the Mall of Millenia, a high-end fashion retail giant. Darien parked at the Neiman Marcus department store so they could find Serena a few outfits first. With it being a Sunday, the mall would close at 7pm. The Tiffany & Co. jewelry store just happened to be right across from there, so he could easily pick up his mother's gifts. Victoria's Secret was also in the vicinity, in case Serena needed to pick up a few things from there, while teasing and torturing him some more.

He escorted Serena into the store and followed her to the women's section. She looked at some pencil skirts, which he was beginning to love seeing her in, some colorful silk blouses, and a few cashmere sweaters. Her fashion choices were sophisticated, elegant, classy, and modest, so unlike the women he usually surrounded himself with. Serena would ask him his opinion and he honestly loved every choice she picked. He helped her find her sizes, something he notated for later.

When she brought her selection to the counter, an older woman helped ring her up. She was a sweet lady who cooed the whole time about how Serena had such a loving husband helping the deary pick out charming outfits. Then mentioned something about how young people were dressing and how back in her days, such behavior was unheard of. Neither of them had the heart to tell the woman they weren't together like that. Serena also felt thankful that Darien lent her his windbreaker, otherwise this conversation could be going completely different with what Serena was wearing.

Serena tried paying for the clothes herself, but Darien refused. He provided his Amex black card to the woman, telling Serena, "I want to provide these for you, darling," while wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her forehead tenderly, continuing the ruse for the sweet old lady. Serena smiled sweetly and the woman just gushed at the 'love they had for each other.'

After purchasing the clothes, they headed across the way to Tiffany's. Darien needed to use this time to test his ringer volume, making it appear as if he was receiving a call. He had silenced his phone this morning before they left. He wasn't going to have anyone interrupting their time together. Now though, he needed to make a special phone call.

There was a security officer at the door, opening it for them when they approached. Using the ringer at this point, he motioned for Serena to go on ahead in the Tiffany store so he could 'take the call.' Serena obeyed, never having been in this world-renowned jewelry store in her life and wanting to see what the hype was all about, leaving Darien to his call.

Darien was standing outside of Tiffany's, watching Serena take in all the glass display cases. It looked pretty busy in there. No one had approached her yet. He saw, Eliza, his Tiffany's representative. Hopefully he could reach her. Using his phone, he searched for her in his contact list and found her number. He sent her a quick text that read: "Answer the store phone when it rings, please."

He saw how she checked her watch a few seconds after he sent her the text. She probably had an Apple Watch, knowing she couldn't take calls or answer texts on her cell phone during store hours. Eliza promptly excused herself from the couple she was currently helping and went straight to the store phone. Darien smiled at her compliance. He shopped here often enough and always only used Eliza, essentially writing her paychecks with the amount of commission she received from his purchases. She would be rewarded handsomely for her assistance in this matter.

Darien quickly searched for the phone number and hit the call button. It began to ring.

The shrill of the phone excited Eliza and you could hear it in her tone when she answered. "Thank you for calling Tiffany & Co, this is Eliza. How may I help you?"

"Eliza! It's Darien Shields! Please don't say my name out loud." Her smile dropped and she frowned into the phone as he continued. "A beautiful blonde just walked in, wearing a black jacket." He was watching as Serena moved from one glass case to the next. It seemed busy, so no one was helping her just yet. Eliza spotted her immediately and nodded her head as he spoke. "I need you to magically get her ring size, take note of anything that interests her, and find out anything you can that she would want that isn't displayed at your store. Please."

Eliza had been Darien's Tiffany representative for as long as she could remember. What was it, fifteen years now? She was older than the rest of the girls who worked with her. They seemed to move on after college, none of them interested in gemology or jewelry technology. No, they worked here to meet the rich guys in hopes of scoring one of them. If Eliza had a diamond for each time one of the girls scored, she, her children, and her grandchildren wouldn't need to work another day of their lives. And did those girls ever want Darien. Try they did too. He would politely refuse them and beeline straight for Eliza. He made sure to call in advance to make sure Eliza was there so that there was no misconstrued messages or behavior. Today was an exception, not knowing until just recently that he would be here, but luckily enough for him, she was working today. "Of course, sir. Right away, Mr. Sh...sir."

"Thanks, Eliza. See you in a few." The phone line disconnected.

Eliza dropped everything she was doing, bypassing the indecisive couple she had been helping earlier and went straight to Serena surreptitiously.

Serena was currently looking at a case that usually only 'older' women looked at. It was full of antique jewelry that was one-of-a-kind. Original pieces that were vintage with a circa of early 1900s.

Eliza approached Serena calmly, wanting to make her feel comfortable and relaxed, while making sure to be there if she needed anything and gathering as much information for Mr. Shields as she could. "Good evening, Miss. Please, let me know if I can be of any assistance."

Serena smiled warmly to the kind woman. She started to ask Eliza questions about some of the rings. Eliza was surprised with the atypical questions she asked.

Having worked in this business for 30 plus years, Eliza had a pretty good idea what ring size Serena was. Just to be safe though, she asked if Serena wanted to try one of the rings on. She wouldn't be doing her due diligence if she didn't get the exact size for Mr. Shields.

Not long after Darien hung up with Eliza, did his phone start buzzing. His caller ID revealed it to be Andrew. Continuing to look into the store window and watching Serena, Darien answered his phone.

"Hey, 'Drew, what's up?"

"Hey, Doc! Sorry for interrupting - hope the game was enjoyable! Anyway, I was calling to see if you were still coming to Mal's birthday celebration this week? With Serena and all, I wasn't sure if you were still interested…"

Darien was surprised he forgot about one of his best friend's birthdays. His mind was occupied only on Serena it seemed. Did he want to go? He knew what it would entail. There were a lot of factors now and he wasn't sure Serena would be up for that...scene. Did he want Serena to go with him?

"Does he still want to do it? I mean with Mina in the picture now…" Malachite seemed "tethered" himself with Mina.

"Surprisingly, yes. He asked Mina and she seemed excited about the idea. You know how some girls are…"

Darien smirked. There were a few women he could think of. "I don't know yet, 'Drew. Let me mention it to Serena and see… do you think Mina would ask her?" Fear sank in for a brief moment. Not that Darien was ashamed of his actions. He was who he was and if Serena didn't understand or like it… Who was he kidding? He would change his whole world if she wanted him to. He was learning that more and more every second of the day and it scared the shit out of him. What the hell was he going to do? It only reminded him of how he needed to figure everything out and get his shit together. Tonight, he would enjoy with her and face reality tomorrow. That was all he was asking.

"Maybe. Listen, if you're worried about my girls, don't sweat it. I will keep them out and just have our room opened to his guests only."

That assured Darien some. "Thanks, man. Let me mention it to her and I will get back with you."

"Alright, sounds good! Later!" Andrew disconnected after that. Darien changed with Serena and Andrew saw it. It's why he called. Darien seemed so happy with Serena around. He hoped it would work out for them. They looked perfect together and she made Darien an even more respectable man as a one-woman man. 'Don't fuck this up, Doc.' Andrew thought. Darien would be miserable without her, he just knew it.

Darien finally allowed the security officer to let him in. Eliza noticed him come in and just gave a polite smile. She figured Darien didn't want this beautiful blonde to know he frequented the place. Hopefully the other girls would stay away too. Darien never brought a woman with him before so this was uncharacteristic of him. Hopefully the other representatives would take the hint and stay away. Eliza could step in and play Warden if she had to.

"Good evening, sir." Eliza said as Darien made his way to Serena's side, wrapping his long arm around her waist and resting his hand on her hip. He gave her a nod in return with a wink. Serena turned to smile at him and pointed out the bracelet Eliza clasped around her tiny wrist.

"It's beautiful, Sere. Would you like it?" He asked her sincerely.

She promptly shook her head. "No, thank you. It is beautiful, but it isn't really 'me.'" She explained as she started to take it off.

Hearing the word, 'no,' was a little foreign to him. Usually his women were materialistic and wanted everything he offered them. Well, they typically asked things of him, not him doing the asking. "Let me know if you do see something you like, okay, baby?"

"Darien, you are too kind, but I could never ask you such a thing." With the bracelet now off, she set it nicely in Eliza's hand who was now wide-eyed at Serena's answer. Never had she ever heard a woman decline a gift or the possibility of getting a Tiffany's piece! Darien gave Eliza a grin.

"Well, if you change your mind…" He placed a quick kiss to her temple before asking Eliza if she could check to see if the gifts for his mother were ready.

Serena wrapped both her arms around Darien's narrow waist, causing the swishing sound of the jacket to rustle rather loudly. Neither of them minding one bit. Darien rested one hand on her head as it rested above his heart, placing a soft kiss on the crown of her head, the other hand holding her tightly around her waist. His heartbeat was rather calm, Serena noticed. Eliza emerged shortly after she left with three different sized light medium Robin egg blue colored boxes. She hated to break up the moment between the two, but Darien spotted her right away and motioned with his head for her to come.

The first and smallest box contained blue Sapphire and diamond teardrop earrings that Rei had made for their mother. The second was an elongated box that held a pear-shaped blue Sapphire and diamond frame pendant necklace that Mr. Shields had made for his wife's birthday. Then the last box was a rectangle that held a pear-shaped blue Sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet that Darien wanted made to conclude the matching set.

Serena sucked in a breath. "Oh, Darien, they are exquisite! Callista will just adore them!" She gushed as she inspected each piece so tenderly.

Darien and Eliza both noticed how she mentioned his mother's first name and didn't use 'Mrs. Shields.' He loved it and hoped some day it would be a common way she would address and speak of her. The smile Darien was sporting continued the entire visit, Eliza observed. The two seemed a perfect couple. Everything they did together came so natural to them. How wonderful for Darien, she thought, that he found someone so special.

Not wanting to keep the two long, Eliza explained she already charged Darien's account with his card that was on file and that she just needed to wrap the gifts. She did so quickly and after thanking the two and saying what a pleasure it was, she bid them goodnight. Darien understood her haste and was actually thankful. He somehow managed to signal that he would call her later and thanked her for all her help.

When they left Tiffany's, Serena was the one who said they should stop by Victoria's Secret really quick. He was all too eager in his agreeance. Her laugh expressed her approval of his willingness and she hooked her arm through his as they walked in that direction.

Once in the store, the clerks greeted them with a warm welcome and asked them to let them know if they needed any help finding anything.

Serena thanked them and made her way around the store until she found something she thought Darien might like that was classically sexy: silk, satins, and lace sets. She easily could have found bras and panties at Neiman Marcus's, but she thought it would be fun to entice Darien with perhaps a little risque lingerie modeling.

"Which color do you think looks best on me?" His choices were an off-white, silky babydoll with a peek-a-boo lacey bustier, a royal blue ultra-plunge mesh and satin teddy, or a black ruffled tulle corset with a matching garter belt.

He looked at her incredulously after he eyed the scantily revealing pieces. Did she honestly think he could actually choose? 'That would be all of them!'

"Yeah, you're going to have to try them all on in order for me to choose!"

She smirked and gave him a big smooch on his cheek. 'Exactly what I had in mind!'

They both made their way to the fitting room area. There were multiple rooms on the left and right with full body tri-fold dressing mirrors at the end of each row of rooms on both sides. In front of the tri-fold mirrors were podiums with track lighting spotlighting the model, if she so chose to showcase her wondrous body for any to see. Plush seats were scattered about for the anxiously awaiting viewers. Darien selected a seat closest to the tri-fold mirror, which also just so happened to be next to the dressing room Serena went into.

He was giddy and oh so excited for this to be happening to him right now! But he still maintained his cool. No one was around. Then he wondered if she would let him take pictures? Eh, he thought better of it. That could possibly ruin the night. Oh, but what if she was just as excited as him? What if she was doing this to get something out of it? He knew she was baiting him. This whole weekend in fact. He wanted-needed it too… How would he ever get himself out-

A foot, followed with a long, tanned leg poked out from between the curtains. Instantaneously it was as if a sexy saxophone song started playing as soon as she emerged from the curtain. Holy hell was he ever in trouble.

Serena smiled sinfully at him with her hands on her hips, elbows coming forward in that sexy Marilyn Monroe way. She even winked as she brought her right hand up to her lips to blow him a kiss. She turned slowly, revealing everything that the little thong was doing nothing of covering. She arched on her tippy toes one at a time to give the oh-so-perfect bounce of her ass before she strutted up the podium to get a better look of herself in the babydoll. She watched his reflection in the mirror as she posed salaciously.

Darien would swear to anyone that his jaw was on the floor. She was a sex kitten if he ever saw one - exhibiting this sexually provocative attractiveness that just made Darien's mind turn to mush. It took such amazingly strong willpower and the use of crossing his legs with that of the chair's legs to refrain him from jumping up and tempestuously ravishing her.

She watched through the mirror as his eyes looked her over with this carnal craving, displaying a blissfully lascivious grin.

"What do you think of this color?"

His knuckles were turning white with how hard he was holding the bags and himself back from her. His animalistic growl made a soft moan escape her parted lips.

"Oh, my..." She whispered. This was only outfit one of three! She wasn't sure she could do this anymore without acting out this fantasy of hers. What the hell did she get herself into? It was working though! Now, if only he would make a move!

She sauntered down from the podium and slowly made it back into her curtained room. He put his head down and shook it. Fucking lust at it's primitive form. Sexually irresistible she was. He was going mad! The most brutal case of blue balls he has ever experienced and he was purposely doing it to himself. What the fuck was the matter with him? Was his career really worth this masochistic way of living?

When she emerged again, he about hit the floor from almost falling out of his chair. He was biting his tongue to inflict pain so as not to give in to his desire of pulling her onto his lap and thrusting into her. He felt his erection throb painfully and his breath quickened.

Her heart was thudding so hard as she made her way onto the podium again. Her intentions couldn't be any more clearer. She gathered her loose hair that she unbraided in the room, pulled it up softly so that her positioning accentuated her deliciously uncovered back, curving her lower back to push her chest forward, displaying the plunging neckline's creamy attraction.

"Gorgeous. You are wonderfully gorgeous, Serena." The words came out in a hiss.

Her cheeks tinted pink and she demurely allowed her hair to fall around her, covering her assets. "Thank you." She smiled sweetly in response.

On her way back to her room, she glided behind him, running her fingers across his broad shoulders as she passed, looking over her shoulder as she did. Such restraint this man had! She would be impressed if it weren't for her sexual frustration causing her such agony.

The last outfit took a little more time to put on, with the laces of the corset being in the back. Serena suddenly had an idea. "Oh, Darien…"

She walked out quickly and went straight to him, turning so her cheeky bottoms were pleasantly displayed before him.

"Would you mind helping me lace this up?"

Delirious torture. He would help alleviate some of this pent up vexation while playing fire with fire. It would be his doom, he knew.

Slowly, Darien started at her ass, cupping it lightly then trailing his fingers up her smooth back as he caressed, leaving flames in his wake that licked at her senses.

At the top, he started lacing the corset for her by crisscrossing the ribbon and tying it in a perfect bow that perched neatly above the curve of her ass. When he finished, he spun her so he could see the push-up effect that wasn't needed for her natural D cup size. He pulled her towards him, forcing her to straddle him, surprising her in a glorious way. His hands grabbed her ass and rocked her so that she started grinding him. She placed her hands on his shoulders, digging in with her nails as she threw her head back, moaning quietly. His teeth sought out her perked nipples that teased him tantalizing through the tulle material. Her back arched for better access causing sensational tremors.

As much as he wanted to continue this, he knew they couldn't. For a multitude of reasons. He picked her up to place her back down on her feet, but she wrapped her legs around him instead. He shook his head no at her and kissed her passionately.

"We can't, love. Not here."

She nodded her head in agreement and slid her way down his body. Grasping him by the biceps, she held on for a while longer, locking gazes with him. Hoping one of them would change their mind and continue where they left off.

A loud rumbling noise started them.

"Guess we should eat next." Was concluded when Darien realized it was Serena's hungry stomach telling her it needed to be fed.

Laughing, she turned and slid her hair to the side so he could undo his earlier work. No tempting touches this time. When he finished, she ran back into the room to change.

"Can we order take out and eat it at your place?" Her lingerie was folded over her left arm as she browsed the rotating display case with her right hand, while waiting in line to pay.

He checked his watch. "Yeah, it's getting late and this place will be closing soon."

"What are you in the mood for?" Darien asked, looking at the items she was picking up to inspect.

"What's close by to your house?" Her head turned to look at him as they moved up in the line.

He thought about it for a second. "There's Pizza Hut, Olive Garden, Taziki's, … this Indian cuisine place, … China Hut…"

"Chinese! Let's do that!" They made it to the counter and Serena gave her selections to the woman.

"Okay, what do you like from there?"

"Surprise me. I love it all!" She beamed.

He nodded and smiled, pulling his wallet out and grabbed his black card. "Here, take this," he indicated the card as he held it out for her. She shook her head no, but he gave her a pointed look. "I like to spoil you, babe."

She reluctantly took it, not wanting to argue with him right here and now.

"And I will call ahead so we can pick it up on the way home." His phone was at his ear immediately. She nodded as he moved away to make the call.

The woman behind the counter had noticed how well the couple interacted.

"How long have the two of you been together?" The items were already scanned, security tags removed, if any.

Serena looked at her, then Darien, and back to her. "Oh, we aren't together. Like that."

"You could've fooled me." The woman began as she wrapped the lingerie in tissue paper.

"What do you mean? Why do you say that?" Serena genuinely looked perplexed.

"I...it's just that I thought the two of you were together. I don't think you're aware of how you look at each other."

"How do we look at each other?"

"With love. That man is crazy about you."

She gave an incredulous look. "...I don't think so..."

"And you seem crazy about him, too."

"Now that, yes, I can honestly say yes to!" Serena laughed and so did the woman.

"You may not see it now, but it is definitely there. You should not let that one go!" She said with a wink.

He walked up and Serena looped her arm through Darien's. "If that's the case, then I definitely need to hold on tight." Darien grabbed the bag before looking at her and smiling.

At China Hut, he ran in to pick up their order. Serena stayed in the car as he did. Darien used the time to quickly respond to Eliza. She sent him an email with pictures. He skipped the greeting and pleasantries and got to the important part:

"She loves the antique look. Thin bands for rings in preferably white gold, though she loves rose and yellow gold too. She is a size 5 in rings, prefers 14" chain necklaces with a single diamond pendant, or 18" necklaces in general.

Pearls are her favorite, but diamonds are a close second. There once was a pearl bracelet she fell in love with in a Sundance catalog and a sea star watch from Zenith that she wanted but never found the time to get.

I am including photos of the items I think she may be referring to and also of our new shipment of pearls that are coming in tomorrow. Let me know if you want me to place any of the items on hold for you."

It was amazing how fast and how much she was able to find out from Serena in such a short period of time! He quickly went through the photos and nodded in agreement of her choices. They definitely screamed 'Serena' to him. There was a pearl bracelet that caught his eye that he had to get for Serena. The rest he would go through later when Serena wasn't around.

Darien replied back to her with his selection and added that he wanted Eliza to pick out something for herself as a thank you for all her hard work. He trusted her and knew she would be minimalistic in her choice since she felt like she was using him, even though she wasn't and he was the one offering. She would just charge it to his card on file.

Soon they were home and both were drained. He decided to set up dinner in his living room. It was casual with easy cleanup.

After showering and putting on one of Darien's t-shirts and a pair of his sweatpants, Serena plopped down on the oversized couch. Darien loved the way she looked in his clothes. It only brought his mind to undressing her though.

"Wanna watch a movie?" He asked as he turned the TV on.

"Sure." She answered him as she curled herself on the couch and used a throw blanket to cover her legs.

"Let's see what's playing." Darien sat down with the remote, flipping through the channels. He opted to sit at the end of the giant loveseat so he could rest his arm on the armrest. Serena was almost touching him with her toes. The urge to pull her close was there, but he fought it. He felt weak from exhaustion.

The movie, Hitch, was playing on one of the major broadcasting network channels. Serena asked him to leave it there.

Both ate their Chinese food quietly with a laugh every now and then. When they finished, Darien removed the cartons from the living room and threw them out in the trash can located in the garage. He hated the smell of leftover food and decided to store his trash away as to not stink up the house.

Soon after dinner, forgoing teeth brushing due to tiredness, neither of them could resist the pull of sleep.

Resting his feet on the ottoman and having his head resting on the plushiness of the couch pillows, Darien could no longer keep his eyes opened. 'I just need to rest my eyes...for five minutes…'

Stretching and covering her mouth with a hand to smother a yawn, she closed her eyes. The couch was so comfy and relaxing. She couldn't help but allow Perle to help guide her to the world of dreams.

Before bed, Serena's mom stalked hers and Mina's facebook page as she did every night. Mina had a photo of a sexy silver fox of a man and herself snorkeling under the water with Mina holding up a peace sign with her index and middle finger while he had both thumbs up.

"Aww, Mina looks so happy! And that looks like a lot of fun they're having. I wonder where that is? It just says Shields Springs. Somewhere near Orlando, it looks like from the map." She observed after clicking on the link Mina provided in her 'checked-in' location.

"Oh yeah, so it does." Responded Serena and Mina's dad with a smile as he looked at the photo and map that were angled in his direction for him to see.

Their mom brought the tablet back to her lap as she searched for Serena's page. The photo she saw was the one Serena was tagged in and it appeared to be at a football game Serena was attending.

"Oh look, dear." She handed the tablet over to her husband who was sitting in bed next to her reading a book. He took the tablet and looked at the photo. "Serena looks like she is having fun with a handsome fellow."

Both of her daughters seemed to be dating. Dating very attractive men. At least the man Mina was with had a very delightful body and the man Serena was with had a gorgeous face. Neither of them had mentioned these gentlemen in their recent conversations with her. It almost made her sad that they hadn't told her about them. They had some explaining to do!

"That she does. Though, I can't help but think I know this young man…" Serena's dad observed, running the name Darien Shields through his mind. He clicked on his profile. It was private, but some photos were public that Darien was tagged in.

One photo was from an online newspaper article that was captioned, "Central Florida's former most eligible bachelor, recipient of prestigious award." The photo was of Darien and Serena posing elegantly together with Darien's arm wrapped securely around Serena's waist, as Serena was turned into his embrace, her hand resting comfortably over his heart. It was taken early in the evening at the awards banquet.

The article went on to talk about all of Darien's achievements in his career at Florida Hospital. It briefly touched on Darien's escapades with socialites before it questioned who the lovely blonde was in attendance with him that evening and if she was the one who was finally able to tame the wild bull.

"Sweetheart, I think we should visit the girls. It's time to head home for a bit." He decided as he turned off the tablet and set it down on his bedside table.

Their mom smiled, turning off the light on her bedside table. "I couldn't agree more, dear."