Brief Encounter

Summary: Can anything good come from a mix-up?

Disclaimer: High School Musical and all of its characters belong to Disney, I just have them on secondment.

A/N: Here's the next instalment slightly earlier than planned because Alexia over at fan forum wanted something spicy for Christmas. I hope this satisfies. Merry Christmas to everybody, I hope you all get what you wish for. Unfortunately, Zac will only be available in one stocking and we all know the lucky recipient lol!

As in the words of her song, Falling

it looks like Ms Montez is indeed misbehaving.

Steam

"Bastards! Have they got nothing better to do than speculate and spread false rumours? Since when is it wrong to go out with friends for dinner?" Gabriella paced up and down, biting her lip as she tried to dampen her anger. "Next thing you know, I'll be having a phantom pregnancy with Ryan as the father." Caroline looked at her with sympathetic eyes until she uttered her last remark then burst out laughing.

"Now that would be a miracle baby," she teased trying to lighten the situation and Gabriella's present mood. Gabriella looked at her manager and giggled.

"Ugh! It's just so farcical. All I want to do is write and perform music, is that so wrong?" moaned Gabriella. Caroline shook her head sadly.

"No, but you knew all this shit would come with the territory, it's part and parcel unfortunately," consoled Caroline. "Take a piece of your own advice, don't let the bastards get you down."

"Oh don't worry, they won't. Now what shall we do after breakfast? A spot of retail therapy?"

"I thought you'd never ask," grinned Caroline.

Gabriella spoke to Ryan before leaving the hotel who confirmed he had seen the stupid article. Apparently Kelsi had found it highly amusing which eased Gabriella's mind somewhat. She couldn't speak to Troy because he was in transit to Utah but she left a message on his cell phone warning him and promising to speak to him later.

Dodging the waiting paparazzi, they slipped out a service door at the back of the hotel and into a waiting car Caroline had arranged for them through the hotel. They spent the rest of the morning doing what they did best, shop, until their aching feet could take no more and they slipped into a restaurant for lunch. They arrived back at the hotel around 3pm, arms weighted down with numerous bags, giggling like a couple of schoolgirls' as they slipped through the foyer from the back, seeing the paparazzi still hanging around the front door looking disgruntled that they hadn't got their shots. Gabriella took a long soak in the tub before getting ready for her final performance in New York. Tomorrow they'd be flying off to Boston, starting the next frenetic leg of her scheduled stops.

It wasn't until after her concert that Gabriella finally got to speak to Troy but apparently Sharpay had already warned him, stating that it was all over the gossip columns on the internet. "Trust her to spot that. Why am I not surprised," thought Gabriella. Fortunately, Troy had escaped most of the circus by being in Salt Lake City and with any luck by the time he got back later that week after playing their two away games the furore would have died down; like Troy joked, maybe Paris would have flashed her panties or Britney run over another paparazzi by then, taking the heat off them. Gabriella had laughed, not really wishing that fate on either of the said girls but she hoped that something would take the spotlight off them. They finished the phone call as usual, each refusing to be the first to hang up but Gabriella lost the battle that night, succumbing to the sandman first.

From Boston to Portland then north of the border to Montreal and Toronto, down to Detroit and Cleveland, the Montez bandwagon rolled on, each city passing in a blur for Gabriella as she ate, slept, rehearsed, interviewed and performed at each one before moving on to the next stop. Two weeks later she found herself in the Windy City, Chicago, rolling up on the Friday afternoon feeling tired but exhilarated too. The Lakers had beat the Jazz 4-2, negating the need for the final game of seven and it meant that Troy got a few extra days free which in turn meant he was flying into O'Hare airport sometime today. She was like a kid in a sweet shop, pacing around the hotel suite, sitting down then standing up again within the space of five minutes; amusing Caroline no end.

"Will you stop smirking?" growled Gabriella, her radiant smile belying her tone. Caroline arched an eyebrow teasingly.

"Will you stop pacing around like a caged tiger. We'll be getting a bill for a worn out carpet," Caroline tossed back.

"I can't help it, I'm excited," replied Gabriella.

"I think this is where I leave you to it cos when he gets here you'll only jump him and that I don't want to witness. I don't want my hair grey before it's time," she teased collecting her purse and standing up. "If he's late and you want dinner, give me a call."

"But...but don't you want to eat with us?" asked Gabriella in a shocked tone. Caroline gave her a level look that had Gabriella blushing.

"I want dinner to be dinner and not some midnight feast. Besides, I might get lucky and tap up the tasty waiter." Gabriella rolled her eyes then burst out laughing.

"Knowing your history with waiters you'll need plenty of luck."

"Gee, thanks for that vote of confidence, Gabi," pouted Caroline walking towards the door. "Don't forget you have that radio interview in the morning. I...er...I'll give you a ring beforehand to see if it's safe to enter. Wouldn't want to catch Troy in the buff...or maybe I do." Caroline revised her statement, laughing when Gabriella glared at her until she spotted the teasing glint in her eye. "Ciao". With a wave Caroline left her in peace.

Gabriella grinned and put the phone to her ear.

"Hey, it's me." Gabriella giggled and rolled her eyes.

"Who's me?" she teased. Troy growled down the phone.

"Ha! Ha! Very funny. Which room are you in?"

"The Grand Terrace Suite, why? Where are you?" she asked worriedly thinking his flight had been delayed.

"In the foyer, be up in five," Troy promised and she could hear the smile in his voice.

"Hurry up." She put down the phone and walked to the door, unable to sit and wait for him, and looked down the corridor towards the elevators. Troy walked out of the elevator to a squeal of delight and running feet, dropping his holdall on the floor a second before she launched herself at him. Gabriella wound her arms around his neck, crashing her lips on him in desperate need while Troy wrapped his around her waist lifting her clear off the ground. Gabriella wrapped her denim clad legs around his waist, determined to get as close as possible to him. Troy smiled at her when they finally came up for air.

"What if it hadn't been me in there but some balding middle aged guy? You'd have given him a heart attack."

"Don't be silly, I was aiming for the balding middle aged guy," she teased her eyes brimming with mischief. Troy glared at her, "Oh okay, maybe not middle aged," she amended with a giggle, her hand running through his hair, "You really need to get that spot looked at." Troy growled, picking up his bag with her still attached to his hip and carried them both into the suite.

"Oh god, I've missed you," he groaned, flinging his bag to the floor, pushing his heel back to shut the door as he slammed his lips on hers, his hands curving around her butt to hold her against his instantly hard groin. Gabriella pushed his jacket off his shoulders, quickly working his shirt buttons free until her hands touched his torso. Troy let out a guttural groan, twisting round to push her against the wall to hold her in place while his hands feverishly divested her of her top, letting it fall to the floor to be followed by her bra, his hands instantly replacing it. Gabriella moaned, letting her head fall back against the wall to allow him wider access to her neck while unhooking her legs to allow her hands to divest him of his jeans. Within minutes they were naked, making frenzied love against the wall; the culmination of a month of abstinence spilled forth in wild passionate lovemaking leaving them dazed and weak.

"Am I really going bald?" Troy queried with a frown patting his hair, when they finally made it to the bedroom. Gabriella giggled, shaking her head only to shriek when he jumped on her, pinning her to the bed while he tickled her mercilessly. Gabriella wriggled beneath him, her body touching his tender body parts causing his cock to harden once more.

"I'm sorry," she gasped through stifled giggles. Troy smirked, changing tactics he held her hands tight above her head with one hand while the other started a methodical sensual attack on her body, his lips kissing every inch of her face apart from her lips before sliding down her neck, unerringly finding her sweet spot, forcing a moan from her lips as she writhed beneath him while trying to escape from the velvet shackles that held her hands fast.

"Uh-uh! You...(kiss)...need...(kiss)...punishing," he declared moving down to her breasts to slowly lick and suckle each one, nipping each hardened nub gently with his teeth, his eyes dancing with merriment as her eyes darkened with desire, her mouth parted as she tried to gulp in air to help her erratic breathing.

"Troooy!"

"Uh huh." Troy uttered absently while he concentrated on wringing every ounce of painful pleasure from her, a smile playing around his mouth as he kissed his way down her abdomen. Gabriella's nerves were wrung to the maximum, as sensation after sensation swam around her body and she gave off an involuntary jerk when his lips touched her clitoris, his tongue in her vagina forced his name through her suddenly parched lips as shards of white light flashed across her eyes, tremors shook her as he rubbed her clit with his thumb, his tongue pushing her towards an unbelievable orgasm. Gabriella licked her parched lips as she came back down to earth and Troy groaned moving back up her body to drink from her oasis, theirs tongues encircling, touching, caressing as he nudged her legs apart to slide into her, his mouth catching her mew of contentment as he pushed to the hilt embedding himself deep inside, grunting in satisfaction when her legs enclosed his waist as her hips rose to meet him, thrust for thrust as they worshipped each other, taking and giving as they rode the roller coaster of desire.

"Can you punish me more often," she said huskily as she lay spooned against him, his arm draped over her stomach.

"Hmm, I don't know, Gabi, not sure if you could call that punishment, I think you enjoyed it way too much," he whispered against her ear. She turned to look soulfully at him.

"I didn't, honestly I didn't," she pouted causing him to smile and kiss her pout.

"You lie so badly, Montez." Troy pulled her against him, throwing the cover over them as they drifted into a post coital snooze.

They went out to dinner with Caroline despite her protestations; Gabriella felt guilty leaving her to her own devices, insisting she go with them to sample the delights that Chicago had to offer. On the recommendation of the hotel manager they managed to secure a table at Brazzaz, a Brazilian style steakhouse offering a wide selection of foods to satisfy any palette, from rack of lamb to filet Mignon, from chicken to lobster, their boasts did not fall short and it was three very stuffed patrons that rolled out of there some two hours later. They caught a cab back to the hotel, walking into the hotel only for Troy to pause, making Gabriella and Caroline stop in their tracks.

"So, you know when you said you haven't had chance to see any of the cities you've visited since New York?"

"Uh huh."

"We should rectify that while we're here," Troy said with a smile, "and I know the perfect way." Gabriella looked mystified.

"Count me out, guys. I'm going to call it a night," informed Caroline with a yawn. "Thanks for dinner, Troy."

"You're welcome," smiled Troy watching as Gabriella hugged her friend before pulling her back through the door to have a quick word with the concierge who nodded his head and turned, giving a shrill whistle and a horse drawn carriage pulled up outside the door. Gabriella smiled, gripping Troy's hand in excitement before he helped her into the carriage. Once seated the driver placed a blanket over their legs to keep out the cool night breeze before climbing aboard and the carriage slowly meandered it's way down to the lake side. Troy slung his arm around Gabriella pulling her flush against his body and she snuggled up to his warmth, lifting her head to kiss his lips as they interlinked their hands on the blanket.

"I thought the idea was for you to look around the views of the city?" chuckled Troy when they parted.

"I like this view just fine," replied Gabriella dreamily placing her lips back on his briefly before turning her head to look out over the lake. She was happy; wrapped within the arms of the man she loved, travelling around an exciting, vibrant city in a vehicle as old as time. She didn't want it to end. Troy pointed out various landmarks, enjoying the sparkle and the wonder in her eyes, her gasps of astonishment drew his gaze to her parted lips and he couldn't resist the temptation, leaning down to capture them. Gabriella was in a wicked mood as she slipped her hand beneath the blanket, stroking his thigh, feeling his muscles tighten, giggling when Troy jerked his leg in reflex, swallowing his groan with her mouth.

"That's playing dirty, Montez," he whispered against her mouth. Gabriella shook her head in refute.

"No. This is playing dirty, Bolton." She moved her hand, brushing against the growing bulge in his pants. Troy hissed through his teeth. His eyes flew to their driver in consternation only to find him oblivious to the goings on in his carriage. Gabriella smirked squeezing her tiny hand under his waistband to stroke his skin. Troy jerked again, kinking his eyebrow at her before stretching his legs to help her in her quest, his eyes daring her to continue. Bad call. Gabriella was in a playfully lustful mood, moving her hand deeper inside to take hold of his tool, her hand stroked up and down, her lips twitched as she watched his eyes darken with lust. Unable to resist, she ran her tongue across his lips, teasing a response from him.

"You are so for it," he promised through gritted teeth as her hand grew bolder, her thumb sliding across his tip.

"I don't think so, I do believe this is called getting my own back," she stated picking speed up as she nipped his ear lobe.

"Kiss me," he ordered his eyes begging. Gabriella debated his request. "Please, kiss me, Gabi or the whole of Chicago will hear me cum." Gabriella gasped, her eyes widening as she did his bidding, catching his groan when he stiffened beside her seconds later, coating her hand with his juices.

"I can't believe you just did that. We could get arrested for indecent exposure," he berated sternly in a low voice when his breathing let him.

"Highly unlikely, Troy. You weren't indecent," she whispered logically, rolling her twinkling eyes.

"Not me. You!" Gabriella grinned at him unabashed.

"Sorry, I won't do it again." She blinked her puppy dog eyes at him, feigning remorse.

"Oh hell, you'd better," returned Troy with a grin, crushing her giggle beneath his lips. Troy released her, bending forward to tap the driver on the shoulder requesting him to take them back to the hotel.

Troy jumped out of the carriage as soon as it pulled up outside the hotel, turning to help her down when a flash blinded him. Cursing he quickly paid the driver, put a protective arm around Gabriella who was busily staring at the floor before guiding her inside the hotel. Maybe he was being paranoid as it was only one solitary flash, it could have just been a tourist for all he knew taking a picture of the horse and carriage, but then again maybe not. It only needed one lucky shutterbug to pull in the swarm and he wasn't prepared to take that chance.

"Do you think it was the paparazzi," asked Gabriella worriedly, already chewing on her bottom lip. Troy shrugged.

"Hard to say. I hope not. I want you all to myself, not share you with the world," he replied as they exited the elevator, linking hands with her as they walked to their room.

"Me too," she said softly as he opened the door. "You'll have to share me with Chicago tomorrow, I'm afraid. I have a radio interview at Kiss FM in the morning. I'll be back for lunch but then I'll have to go to the Arena mid afternoon."

"I understand that, Gabi, that's work," he commented. "I'm looking forward to that, I can't wait to see you in action."

"Can you hold on a few minutes, I need a shower, my hands are still sticky," she said straight-faced. Troy chuckled, shaking his head.

"You're insatiable."

"And don't you just love it," she replied with a laugh as she walked into the bedroom. Troy wandered over to the window, only to find a terrace beyond. Pulling open the door he wandered outside to take in the breathtaking view of the city. It was a small oasis amidst the jungle of concrete, a secret world with sofa's and cabanas, parasols and even a dining table already laid out with a crisp white tablecloth, soft lighting enhanced the air of seclusion. Troy smiled, a plan forming in his head. He strolled back into the bedroom, closing the door to the terrace behind him before pulling off his shoes and socks, stripping away his soiled trousers and boxer shorts and walking into the bathroom with just his shirt on. He paused, enjoying the outline of his girlfriend through the steamy glass. Gabriella was singing in the shower oblivious to the hand that reached in turning the switch to cold. Gabriella screamed as the icy spray hit her.

"What the fuck! Troy, it's freezing."

"Hmmm...I can see that," he chuckled looking with interest at her hardened twin peaks. Gabriella jumped out of the way of the spray, glaring at him with narrowed eyes for them only to widen when she noticed the state of his undress.

"Why?" she whined. Troy grinned, stripping away his shirt as he stepped into the enclosure, turning the tap back round to hot before pulling her to him, his head ducking to suckle his prize. "Saves me a job," he chuckled against her nipple. "Want me to warm you up?" he offered his eyes brimming with laughter when he lifted his head at her gasp. Gabriella replied by slamming her lips on his, her hands snaking around his neck.

"Guess that's a yes," he murmured against her ear, gurgles and whimpers filled the enclosure as the glass steamed up.