Chapter 17 – Bliss

An: Wow, thank you very much for the reviews that I got for the last chapter. Before, it used to be that I would get around 5 reviews per chapter, maybe less. Now, I get on average thirty reviews per chapter. You have no idea how happy that makes me!

Well, my exams are going as good as exams can go. I have five more left. Then, on Friday, I have a quick visit to the hospital the next day (nothing serious; my mom is just concerned I'm too pale and wants to talk to a specialist) and yeah.

But anyway, here's the next chapter!

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Bright sunlight streamed through my bedroom window. I groaned, blinking my eyes open. I turned to roll over onto my side, but felt a light weight on my shoulder. Looking down, I smiled.

Gabriella's nude body was gently resting against mine, molding into my body perfectly; head lying on my chest, her breath tickling my chest.

I reached my hand, brushing her hair out of her face, memorizing every inch of her face. She had a natural beauty, not like those girls who have plastic and makeup covering half of their faces. Her long, curly hair rested against her bare back, added to the delicacy that is Gabriella Montez. Her hypnotic brown eyes that intoxicated me every time I looked into them.

I thought back to the girls I had been with before. Blonde; superficial; boring; they were always the same. They were with me for one reason, and that was to get access to my money.

Gabriella was different.

She was appreciative, encouraging, and loving. She is an incredible mother to her daughter, kind and caring to every person that she meets, and a stunning person to be around. Her smile lights up the room, beaming and glowing with energy, happiness radiating from her body.

Yet, at the same time, she was seductive, passionate and alluring. She enchanted me with every move she made, completely bewitching me and putting me under her spell without ever realizing it. She was charming, endearing and entrancing.

She was everything that I had ever dreamed of in a woman.

Gabriella stirred slightly, nuzzling her head deeper into my chest as she slept. I smiled gently at her, kissing her lightly on the head as I continued to tenderly stoke her hair.

I was smitten with her. I was infatuated with her.

I was in love with her.

Watching her sleep, her steady breaths lulling me into a peaceful trance, I thought back to last few weeks that I had spent with Gabriella. Back to that day on the cliff, where our feelings were finally expressed out in the open, the day that had become one of the happiest of my lifetime. Back to the day when I first heart Gabriella's angelic voice.

Back to the day that I was first enchanted by Gabriella.

Lying on the bed, Gabriella by my side, I felt complete. I felt like I was where I needed to be, and that my life was finally perfect. Last night had been an important step in our relationship, and I just hoped that she felt the same was as I did.

The morning-after awkwardness. It was always something that most people feared after spending the first time with somebody that intimately. Did the regret their actions of the previous night? Did they want you to forget about it and wish it never happened? Did they think it was a mistake?

These thoughts replaced my happy ones as I thought. Would Gabriella regret what we had done last night?

I shifted, looking at the clock on my bedside table. The glowing red numbers indicated that it was already past ten in the afternoon. Luckily, April was taking Isabella out early in the morning for a special 'aunt-niece' day, and wouldn't be home until late.

As I leaned back against the headboard, I felt Gabriella's breathing get heavier. Then, her body shifted, arm wrapped subconsciously around my waist. Her other hand went up to her face, gently rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Finally, she looked up, her vibrant brown orbs meeting my cerulean ones.

"Hey." I whispered.

"Hey."

"Are you okay?" she nodded, spooning her body closer into mine.

"Yeah. Just tired."

"You want to sleep some more?"

"Nah." She replied, lifting her head off my chest and rolling onto my body, lying flatly against me. "I wouldn't fall back asleep." I sighed in relief. At least she wasn't feeling awkward about last night.

Now did she regret it?

"You hungry?" I asked.

"A bit, but I really don't want to get out of bed right now." She said, her irresistibly luscious lips pressing gently against mine. We broke apart, and I stared at her intently.

"So, you have no regrets?"

"None." I smiled.

"Really?"

"Why, were you worried that I would regret last night? That I would think it was a mistake and wish that it never happened?"

"Um…no?" She giggled, the sound bringing joy to my ears.

"You're silly Troy. Why would I ever regret what happened last night?"

"Well, you might think we were moving to fast?"

"Troy, remember what we talked about on the cliff? The spark?" I nodded. "You are the person I'm meant to be with, I just know it. I don't regret anything that happened, and I never will." I wrapped my arms around her, the warmth of her body pressing against mine.

"I love you." I whispered. I felt Gabriella's body freeze for a second, before she relaxed.

"I love you too." I began gently gliding my hand up the small of her back, grinning, as tiny goosebumps appeared wherever I touched.

"I never though I'd be here, beautiful woman in my arms, telling her that I loved her. If you had told me a year ago that this would be happening, I wouldn't of believed you."

"Me neither."

"I guess life changes when you least expect it."

"I guess so." We lay in the bed, serenity filling the room. The room was magical. Finally, I heard Gabriella's stomach rumble lightly.

"Still hungry, I see." I said laughing.

"Yeah. I guess my stomach doesn't know when to shut up." She responded with a giggle.

"Well then, my lady, I think it would be a wise idea to head down to the kitchen and whip up a fresh batch of Troy Bolton's famous chocolate-chip pancakes."

"Famous, you say? I guess we'll have to test out that theory."

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Twenty minutes later I was standing by the stove, flipping pancakes, as Gabriella giggled from her spot on the countertop. Already I had batter splattered on my neck and nose, when the mixing spoon 'accidentally' slipped from Gabriella's hand.

"Mmm…smells heavenly." Gabriella said, closing her eyes and savoring the smell coming from the stove.

"It'll taste even better. Would you mind just getting out the plates and cutlery?"

"Sure." Gabriella hopped off the counter and headed to the drawers. I concentrated on flipping the pancake one last time before putting it on top of the pile on the plate. I placed it gently on the counter, and headed to the fridge to grab the whip-cream and chocolate syrup. I turned around just as Gabriella was setting up the plates. Placing the syrup and whip-cream on the counter, I slid my arms around Gabriella's waist, placing my head on her shoulder.

"Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?" I whispered.

"No." she replied, a slight smirk tugging at her lips.

"No? I could have sworn I would have told a stunning lady such as yourself how absolutely gorgeous you are."

"Nope." She replied, emphasizing the 'p'.

"Well, that's not right." I spun her around to face me, and kissed her gently on the nose. "You're beautiful."

"Thank you, kind sir. Now… what do you say we enjoy of healthy feast of chocolate-chip pancakes covered in whip-cream and drenched in chocolate sauce."

"I like how you think, my lady." Giggling, Gabriella spun around and sat at the counter, already reaching for a pancake. I took the seat across from her, mimicking her actions. Gabriella took a bite out of her pancakes, and sighed in pleasure.

"These are delicious!"

"Thank you."

"Seriously Troy, you should become a chef." She paused, and thought about she just said. She looked at me, and we both burst out laughing.

"Nice one."

"Sorry! I have having a…well…"

"Sharpay moment?"

"You get those?" she asked.

"All the time." We both laughed again.

"So, what do you want to do today? You sister has Bella, so we have the day to ourselves."

"I can think of a few things." I said, raising my eyebrows seductively. Gabriella reached across the counter and smacked me.

"Troy!"

"What!" I said defensively. "Guys only have a one track mine." Gabriella sighed.

"It's so true."

"You know you didn't have to agree with me." I complained.

"I know, but it's amusing."

"I feel loved."

"You are loved." She countered. I smiled at her.

"So are you."

We finished eating and enjoying each other's company. After we finished, I washed the dishes as Gabriella picked out a movie for us to watch. We cuddled on the coach as we watched the film, me occasionally stealing a kiss or two from her.

The rest of the day was complete bliss.

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AN: So, what do you guys think. I know that this chapter was REALLY fluffy, and I hope that you guys enjoyed that.

Now, I have a question for you guys.

What do you want to happen with Troy and Gabriella?

I am curious with what you want to happen now. Depending on what you guys respond will tell me how long the story is going to be, what is going to happen, and how it is going to end. Your input is very important.

So please, answer the question and tell me what you think.

Review for the next chapter!!!!!

Xoxo,

Lar