Searching for Paradise

Chapter Five

Elizabeth blinked trying to regain her eyesight after being blinded by the photographer's flash. She wasn't exactly sure why they had became so trigger happy when Will stepped out of the car but she put it down to him being ridiculously handsome. 'He is certainly sexy in a suit' she thought to herself as she attempted to fight the blush that was creeping across her cheeks.

"Smile gorgeous!" One of the photographers exclaimed, and she found herself once again bedazzled by the intense flash of light.

"Mister Turner! Over here!" Another photographer yelled at Will from her left and Elizabeth found herself envying his ability to stay calm in such a frenzy of noise and light. She was also grateful for the firm grip he had on her arm and the strength she was able to draw from it as he guided her into the building.

"I wasn't aware that they were going to make such a fuss" Elizabeth whispered as they entered the grand lobby of the function venue.

"Sorry about that" Will whispered, "James decided it would be funny if he entered me into one of those 'Most Eligible Bachelor' contests and the media haven't left me alone since"

Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh, "You must have won" She stated not considering her meaning until a red tinge flushed his cheeks. "I mean…" She stammered feeling her own face heating, "You wouldn't attract that much attention if you didn't would you…" She reasoned. Will gave her a dashing smile before rummaging through his coat for their invitations and handing them to the usher at the door.

As another photographer dashed in front of her and Will to get one last shot of them she thanked her lucky stars that her neighbor had great taste in clothing and that she didn't seem to care about running herself into debt to get what she wanted. 'And that she consented to let me borrow this' Elizabeth thought as her eyes drank up the sight of the gorgeous dress she was wearing. It was a long, soft pink strapless dress which clung to her upper body before floating to the ground in gentle waves. Decorated with crystals that shimmered in the bright lights and a pink sash around her waist the dress was both flattering and stunning.

As they walked in the ballroom Elizabeth smiled at the ease she was feeling. She knew it had to do with the familiarity of the scene around her, but she also had a fleeting notion that it had a lot to do with the man that stood beside her. After all he carried himself with such calm it was hard not to feel comfortable.

However the initial comfort dissipated as the evening progressed in what seemed a blur. She found herself flabbergasted by the number of people Will seemed to know, and even more so by his ability to remember not only their names, but the names of their family and their current comings and goings. Amongst the dancing, wine and conversation she found she really couldn't keep up and was almost glad to see the night drawing to an end. 'Almost' she thought as her eyes fell upon the man who had not left her side all evening. As her eyes roamed the body of her date she failed to realize that a ghost from her past was currently introducing himself to Will.

"Mr. Turner" A familiar voice said coolly as he shook hands with Will. Elizabeth felt a shiver run down her spine as she shifted her gaze to the new comer.

"Its nice to finally meet you Lord Beckett, your generous donations have been partly responsible for getting us to where we are now" Will said smiling at her ex-betrothed. The older man seemed to force a smile at her date before turning to Elizabeth.

He looked just as she remembered. Graying hair, hard features and dark hollow eyes that carried the same dark look that had always made her cower.

"Miss Elizabeth, it has been a while" He said with the same cool tone he had used when talking to Will. She felt herself stiffen but managed to force a smile.

"It has" She agreed mimicking his cool tone. Her statement was followed by an uncomfortable silence. One which Will must have noticed because the young man politely excused them from the conversation muttering something about needing to see another guest before they left for the evening.

Elizabeth let Will lead her away lost in her thoughts. 'Damn, damn, damn' She cursed inwardly as she considered the brief conversation that Will and Lord Beckett had shared. 'What interest would he have in an old boat anyway!!' She moaned to herself.

Suddenly feeling as though she was being watched, she turned to face Will who was looking at her with concern written on his features. "I take it that you know Lord Beckett" He said quietly as he ushered her through the departing guests and out onto the balcony.

"In a manner of speaking" She stated coldly. Will frowned at her tone but did not press the issue which she was thankful for. "It's been a beautiful evening; I really don't want to spoil it further, thank you so much for a wonderful time." She said with a gentle smile.

Will grinned back at her making her heart race. "I'm glad, I was afraid that the scene would be a bit overwhelming, you handled it really well. A lot better than I did my first time" He said looking slightly embarrassed at his admission.

"What happened?" Elizabeth asked, curious.

"Well let's just say I compensated for my lack of composure with far too much wine and now the stories are infamous amongst my friends." He explained. "I honestly don't remember singing Gloria Gaynor's 'I Will Survive' in front of the crowd however."

Elizabeth laughed causing Will to blush slightly, although his face told her he also found the humor in the situation, even if it was at his expense. 'Finally, it's his turn to blush!' She celebrated quietly. However it didn't last long because not seconds after had she had the though she found herself in his arms as he danced her around the balcony with the same skill and rhythm that he had demonstrated all night. She smiled as she fell into step with the soft music that played inside.

"I hope Lord Beckett hasn't put too much of a dampener on your evening" Will whispered into his ear as he pulled Elizabeth closer.

Elizabeth met Will's gentle gaze with a smile. "How could he?" She asked "When I have such a wonderful date". She smiled inwardly proud that she managed to flirt with him without stumbling over her words or blushing. 'Finally' she thought.

He grinned before leaning in and crushing his lips against hers. She melted into the kiss wondering how it was possible for anything to feel so amazing. Parting her mouth he slowly deepened the kiss. Her hands pressed against the muscular chest that she could feel through the light dress shirt he was wearing while each of his stayed carefully placed on her waist and cheek. As he gently ended the kiss she found herself going over the events that had led to the moment.

'This only happens in Disney movies' she thought silently as she stared at the amazing, wonderful, sexy, intelligent man in front of her.

"Would it," He paused trying to find the right words to say, "Would it be all right to do that again?" He asked with a shyness she had not seen in him before.

Elizabeth grinned and nodded before melting into the arms of a man that she hardly knew, but was fast falling in love with.

* * * * *

Later…

Will collapsed onto his bed feeling strangely content and relaxed. He didn't know where he had found the willpower to tear himself away from her at her apartment but he was glad that he did. 'This is moving fast enough' Thinking that it was only a week ago that he had been pulled over by the officer outside of her building. He didn't want her thinking that he was that sort of guy, especially when he felt so deeply for her. Letting himself sink into the comfortable mattress he closed his eyes letting himself remember everything about her. They way she looked, the way she smelt, the way she had felt in his arms, it had all been nothing short of amazing.

"And that kiss" He muttered to no one.

"Wha' kiss" Someone slurred causing Will to jump a foot into the air. Landing awkwardly he stared at his guardian and so called mentor who was standing in the entrance to his room with a bottle of rum in his hand.

"Jack you scared the hell out of me!" Will exclaimed

"'ho were you talking to then kid?" He asked eyeing Will carefully, "You ain't going nutty on me are you?"

Will rolled his eyes, "I'm going to choose not to answer that" He stated before looking up confused, "How did you get in here?"

"Not my fault you ain't learned how to lock a door" Jack said too quickly for Will's liking. "It don't matter anyways you woulda let me in if I'd knocked, I wanted to know how your big night went"

"It was a great night Jack, good food, wine and company as usual" He said getting up and pulling of his jacket and shirt and heading into the bathroom.

"No, I meant…" Jack started but Will cut him off.

"I know what you meant Jack, but I'm not telling you what happened with Elizabeth because it really isn't any of your business. Anyway shouldn't you be at the Black Pearl? Won't Scarlett have your neck?"

"Don't mention 'er!" Jack cried indignantly "Bloody woman hid the rum, had to come over here and get one out of my stash…" He trailed of as he looked at Will who was regarding him with disapproval. "Oh damn…"

"You broke in again didn't you, you bloody pirate!" Will cried. "Didn't you learn last time when you got caught by the police? Did you really want to spend another night in lock-up?"

"Well you ain't given me keys 'ave you!" Jack exclaimed "And you call youself me sun!"

Will shook his head. "What am I going to do with you, you old fool"

Jack's top lip quivered, "I ain't old boy" he told Will looking offended by the comment

"You ain't young either" Will said mimicking Jack's voice while taking the rum off his guardian and taking a swig. He looked at the bottle, "You've gone up a class Jack, this isn't half bad" He said while he pushed Jack back towards the front door.

"Yea I… ahhhhhhh!" Jack cried as Will pushed him through the front door, grinning as he locked it with the bottle of rum in his hand. "Bloody ingrates" Will heard Jack mutter from behind the door

"Goodnight Jack" Will said with a laugh "And thanks for the rum".

Author's Notes: Thank you to everyone who reviewed before and during my absence. I am so sorry it has taken so long.