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Rehearsals continued on as usual, but things with Derek and Karen were heating up. Derek would go out of his way to teach her new dance moves, getting as close as he possibly could and touching her in ways that were driving her crazy. Nobody noticed anything out of the ordinary, but anytime there were within inches of each other Karen and Derek could feel that unique energy. Their glances and touches were subtle, but had intense effects.

To Karen, even the most feather light touch from Derek was like searing heat on her body. She couldn't really describe the way he made her feel, but she was letting him call the shots. The tension had been slowly building for the both of them, so she assumed it was only a matter of time before they would both snap. She admitted it was fun driving each other crazy. It was like a game with several unwritten rules. They never talked about exactly what they were doing, but she assumed since he hadn't called on her for anything more that he was into the teasing. She should play it up more, but it wasn't always easy with everyone around. She had a plan though and it was perfect for tonight. They were having a Gatsby party at swanky bar downtown for press people and investors. There would of course be an after party, created by the cast last minute. She had to convince Derek to stay, even though he didn't usually need much convincing. Then she would unleash her plan from there.

-LATER THAT NIGHT-

Karen showed up to the party in an amazing dress as usual that scooped in back and stopped just short of her butt. It had a silver sheen and was short enough to show off her long legs. She looked stunning and was wearing the perfect pair of insane heels to complete her outfit. If this didn't help men throw money at this production, nothing would.

When Karen walked in the room kind of froze for a second, she was the definition of a show stopper. When Derek saw her he literally stopped what he was saying and said "Oh my God." The two men he was talking to turned to see what he was looking at and they were equally taken back. "And that gentlemen is my star…of the show of course," Derek said trying to recover his composure. They both turned back to Derek and said "We're in," simultaneously.

Karen pretended not to notice how Derek's jaw almost dropped to the ground when she entered but she saw it. It was the exact reaction she was hoping for from him. These nights became easier for Karen now that she had experience with them. Look gorgeous, talk to the men, flirt a little and move on to the next one. It was like a dance and she was becoming a pro. Derek did the same, except he would focus on business and only flirt with the women of course. They made their way toward each other by talking to people in their path, always keeping an eye on one another. Finally Derek was able to catch Karen at the bar while she was ordering another drink.

"Karen, you wearing that dress is just not fair," Derek said teasing her.

"I was hoping you would approve," Karen smiled up at him.

He leaned over and whispered in her ear, "I do, in fact I wish I could have my way with you right up against this bar."

Karen swallowed hard, he definitely got her with that one because she wanted nothing more than Derek Wills to have his way with her.

"I'm ready when you are," Karen said taking her drink and walking away, lightly brushing her hand against his thigh as she walked past him.

The rest of the soirée went well and they all created a great buzz for Gatsby. Despite their challenges in the past, Tom, Julia, Eileen and Derek had become an unstoppable, in sync team. Everyone was excited, so of course the cast quickly organized an after party. It was Friday night after all. They went to a less fancy bar a few blocks down. Eric kindly escorted Karen by the arm, but she made sure Derek was coming along too. She didn't even have to ask him.

She got there and leaned up against the bar. Not two seconds later, she felt a hand on her bare back and she knew it was Derek from the heat of the touch. "Let me get your drink Ms. Cartwright," he said with his thick accent, reluctantly pulling his hand away.

"I won't argue. I know I didn't say it earlier but you look pretty handsome yourself. You look good in green, makes your eyes look even more intense." She said giving him an honest compliment on his dark green button up.

"Thank you darling, I'm just trying to keep up with you. It's nearly impossible." Derek told her as they got their drinks.

"Cheers to whatever comes next." Karen said holding her drink up to his.

They mingled and drank with the cast. Derek was actually pleasant and he was fun. Friendly wasn't the right word, but he was being social and bonding with the cast. He even bought them shots and they thought it was the best thing ever. After what Karen decided was a decent amount of time she came up to Derek at the bar. "Meet me at this club in half an hour," she slipped a card into his pocket with the address written on it as she whispered in low tone. "I'm going to leave first, then you leave shortly after me. It'll be fun, just trust me. Oh and don't bring anyone else."