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. 'Need to be next to you' written by Diane Warren and released by Leigh Nash is not mine unfortunately, I've just borrowed the wonderful lyrics.
A/N: I'm so excited Zac took Vanessa to the Golden Globes. They looked adorable together as usual and her dress was stunning.
"Guess that's a yes," he murmured against her ear, gurgles and whimpers filled the enclosure as the glass steamed up.
Scared
Troy stretched luxuriously beneath the cooling sheets, a yawn catching him unaware as he roused from a blissful slumber. Extending an arm, he frowned, expecting to find the warm body of his girlfriend curled up beside him but all he got was an empty space. Rubbing a hand over his eyelids he opened one eye to glare at the vacant spot only for the sun to blind him as it slid into the room from the large picture window. Muttering a curse, he turned over, letting his eyes grow accustomed to the bright light of morning as he looked around the room only to be met by silence. He reached for his watch to find it was already 10.00am and he smiled at his girlfriend's thoughtfulness in letting him sleep while she went to work. He swivelled onto his stomach, his hand reaching for the knob to switch on the radio built into the headboard on the bed, his smile growing broader when he heard 'Sunshine' fill the room.
"That was 'Sunshine', the latest single from the top selling album by my guest this morning, Gabriella Montez,"the DJ informed his listeners as the track came to an end. Gabriella's sexy giggle sounded over the airwaves and Troy grinned automatically.
"It's good to have you with us this morning, Gabriella."
"Thank you, it's good to be here."
"Congratulations, Gabriella,'Sunshine' is still holding the number 1 slot. What made you choose that particular track as your single?"
"It has a special place in my heart, Kyle. It was written especially for me by a very close friendand I knew when I first heard it that it would be a hit."
"You're not wrong there, we get requests for it all the time. Now I know you're in the middle of a state wide tour. How is that going?"
"It's going really well, Kyle. We're having fun, it's a lot of hard work but fun too. I've been amazed how many people have come to see my performances.
"Surely not. Top selling single and album in the billboard 100 is no mean achievement," gushed the interviewer.
"I guess I've been lucky and it helps having some great people behind me." Troy visualised the self-depreciating shrug Gabriella would have made and shook his head. He'd be having words with his girlfriend when she came back. When would she learn to accept the amazing talent she had?
"Hmm, I see Ryan Evans was your producer on this album. Is there any truth in those pictures that appeared in the newspapers a couple of weeks ago?" Troy growled in his throat. Dumbass!
"Ryan is a good friend and a very talented producer, I was lucky to work with him."
"He obviously knows talent when he sees it," complimented the DJ unruffled by her non-committal answer.
"Thank you," she giggled again and Troy knew she was blushing.
"Have you had chance to see any of our beautiful city while you've been here or is it all work, work, work?
"Well I have been working hard in rehearsals, getting ready for my concert tonight."
"Cute plug, Gabriella," the DJ said laughingly, "If anyone hasn't got tickets for Gabriella's concert tonight, you're going to be out of luck cos they've sold out however we at KISS FM are offering two lucky listeners the chance to go to the concert. Tune in after the break to find out how." A string of commercials filtered through the room and Troy grimaced at the tried and tested format of radio shows – leave the listeners hanging on while they got their bread and butter ads in then back to the entertainment.
"Welcome back. This is Kyle Davis at KISS FM and we have a very special guest with us this morning, Gabriella Montez. Now before the break I know I promised we at KISS FM have got tickets to give away to two lucky listeners, all I need you to do is call in and tell me when Gabriella's birthday is. No! Don't say it." Kyle chuckled, Gabriella giggled and Troy rolled his eyes at the feeble joke.
"Here is the song that started it all for Gabriella – 'Falling'." Troy climbed out of bed, walked to the other side of the room and took a bottle of Evian from the mini bar before going back and sliding between the sheets, letting the ice cold water slide down his throat as her voice filled his ears and he recalled the night in Equinox when he first heard it. It seemed so long ago now, they'd come so far with their relationship since then and yet he could remember every moment with startling clarity.
"Wow! Would you look at that, the lights on our console are flashing wildly with hopeful winners. Gabriella, pick a number between 1 and 10 then we'll see who's on the end of that line."
"Uhm, eight."
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeek!" A voice screeched down the airwaves.
"Now there's one excited fan. Hello, who am I speaking to?" Kyle chuckled.
"Hiiiiii! I'm Kellie from Avondale," came the excited voice.
"Well, hello Kellie from Avondale. Thanks for calling KISS FM. So you're a fan of Gabriella and you think you know the answer?"
"I'm her biggest fan, Kyle and yeah I do, it's 14th December."
"Excellent Kellie, you've sure proved that. Now hold on the line while my producer gives you details of where to pick up those two tickets for the concert tonight."
"Congratulations Kellie, I hope you enjoy the concert," interjected Gabriella. "Who are you bringing with you?"
"My mom, she's dancing around the kitchen at this moment." Gabriella and Kyle burst out laughing.
"Okay, well that's one very excited girl and it sounds like an even more excited mom. Now Gabriella, there's still two tickets up for grabs to another lucky listener. Pick another number between 10 and 20."
"14."
"Well that didn't need much thought and I think I can guess why," Kyle chuckled knowingly and Troy thought he detected a gasp from Gabriella. "Hello, caller on line 14, who am I speaking to?"
"Hi, this is Steve from Englewood."
"Hi Steve, so you're a Gabriella fan."
"Uh-huh! She's hot, Kyle."
"She sure is," agreed Kyle with a chuckle. Troy just knew that Gabriella would be blushing like mad. "Now do you know when her birthday is, Steve?"
"Sure do, Kyle, it's December 14th."
"Congratulations, Steve. I hope you enjoy the show. Who are you taking with you?" asked Gabriella.
"Hi Gabriella, I sure will. My girlfriend is going to be made up, it's our anniversary today."
"Aw, that's so sweet, Steve. What's her name?"
"Mya."
"Well Mya is a very lucky girl to have a boyfriend like you."
"Steve, hold on the line and my producer will give you instructions how to collect the tickets."
"Sure thing and thanks."
"Now that sounds like one happy winner. We'll take a short break and be back with Gabriella Montez." More adverts punctured the air and Troy sighed. He hated commercial radio for this. Gone were the days of non-stop play lists.
"This is Kyle Davis at KISS FM and if you haven't been with us all morning you've missed listening to the gorgeous Gabriella Montez who has popped into the studio to chat about her album and current tour. How are you finding Chicago, Gabriella?"
"It's a beautiful city from what I've seen, Kyle. The people are very friendly and welcoming."
"Not just the natives from what I heard this morning. So what's you're affinity to the no.14 or do I really need to ask? Can it have anything to do with a certain basketball player from the LA Lakers?" The mouthful of water Troy had just taken spurted all over the bedspread and he choked on the dribble that had already started going down his throat. He leapt from the bed cursing, pulling the bedspread down to the bottom. What the fuck! What had he heard this morning?
"I have a few friends who play for the Lakers," Gabriella replied coolly, "I'm just sorry I can't watch as many games as I would like because of the tour."
"That's a real shame, they are in the conference finals now so I can imagine LA is a sea of purple and gold."
"Oh it will be," Gabriella proudly confirmed.
"It's been a real pleasure having you on the show, Gabriella. I know the fans will enjoy your concert tonight and please come back again."
"I'd love to, thank you, Kyle."
No sooner had the interview ended then he received first a call from Sharpay and then as he managed to pry himself away from her chatter, Chad, both telling him the word was out he was in Chicago. Sharpay had seen a picture of him helping Gabriella down from a carriage of some sort on her favourite gossip site, Just Jared. Chad rang to tell him he'd made the gossip column of the LA Times.
"Hey Dude, I expect to see you on the back page not in the gossip column." Troy groaned in frustration.
"Ha! Ha! Very funny, Chad. Anyway since when do you read the gossip pages or is this one of your secret foibles that I'm only just learning about?"
"Dude!" Chad huffed down the line. "Tay saw it actually."
"Uh-huh!" Troy rolled his eyes in disbelief.
"I thought you two could live on love alone and would be too busy to go out?" Chad chuckled.
"Nah, that's a myth. We do have to eat sometime you know. Anyway thanks for the warning but Shar beat you to it."
"Damn! She always steals my thunder," Chad moaned, "So how is the Windy City?"
"Windy." Chad chuckled again.
"Aw! Don't tell me your flatulence problem has returned," teased Chad. "I did warn you to leave off the sprouts." Troy groaned and Chad guffawed down the phone. "Let me talk to Gabi, it's been too long and I'm missing her."
"No can do, Chad. She's at a radio interview at the moment."
"Damn! That girl works too hard. Give her my love and I'll see you tomorrow."
"Will do and thanks for the warning. Looks like we'll be holed up here all day until her performance tonight."
"Oh yeah, sounds like a real hardship for you two. Hope the bed springs hold out man."
"Goodbye, Chad," Troy said dryly refusing to be drawn before hanging up on his best friend. He took a quick shower then perused the room service menu, ordering lunch to be brought up to the suite for when Gabriella arrived back.
Gabriella looked harassed when she and Caroline walked into the suite and Troy knew why. She walked into his waiting arms and he hugged her close, kissing her temple.
"I heard your interview. Nosy bastard." Gabriella giggled dispelling some of the angst she rode up the elevator with.
"He's not as bad as Ryan Seacrest, Troy, so I guess I got off lightly."
"You handled it very well," praised Caroline.
"You looked upset when you came in, is it really bad downstairs?" Troy asked and Caroline replied.
"Er...yeah, pretty bad. They've camped out in front of the main doors and the front desk staff were looking ticked off with them when we came in."
"I'm sure they're used to it," drawled Troy.
"I guess we'll have to use one of the service doors again," sighed Gabriella looking at Caroline.
"Leave it with me, Gabi, I'll speak to the manager and arrange something," promised Caroline turning to leave.
"Hey, Caroline, don't you want to stay for lunch?" Troy asked with an inviting smile. Caroline returned his smile but shook her head.
"Don't worry about me, Troy. I have some calls to make and I have some things to deal with for tonight. I'll grab a club sandwich in my room."
"If you're sure?" he questioned.
"I'm sure. Gabi, I'll pick you up at 4.45pm. We'll need to do a quick sound check before the masses pile in."
"Okay Caro. See you later."
"Lunch is all ready if you're hungry," Troy informed her when the door closed behind Caroline. Gabriella looked up at him and smiled wickedly.
"I'm ravenous but lunch can wait awhile." Troy grinned broadly as she took off her jacket, slipped off her shoes and unzipped her dress simultaneously, letting it fall to the floor before she wrapped her around his neck, pressing teasing kisses against his mouth. "I'm hungry for something else entirely, the question is can you deliver?" she taunted only to giggle when he lifted her off the ground, carrying her through to the bedroom.
"Only if the tips are good," he responded as he dropped her in the middle of the mattress to leer over her, "and they're looking extremely promising from where I stand." Gabriella's responding giggle was cut off as his lips slammed against hers.
It was like a full scale military operation getting to and from the concert hall but they managed it by blind siding the waiting paparazzi, slipping in and out a back entrance and into a waiting van with darkened windows. Troy watched with interest all the frantic activity and work that was required behind the scenes before the performance and had to keep reassuring Gabriella that he wasn't in the least bored but found it all riveting. Troy was amazed by the swell of support that Gabriella received from her fans and he beamed with pride when she walked off stage after a second encore. What really stole his heart was when she dedicated a song from her album to Mya, Steve's girlfriend from that morning's radio interview.
"I want to dedicate this next song to a special lady called Mya who with her boyfriend Steve is celebrating their anniversary today. Congratulations to you both."
Been running from this feeling for so long
Telling my heart I didn't need it
Pretending I was better off alone
But I know that it's just a lie
So afraid to take a chance again
So afraid of what I feel inside
But I need to be next to you
Oh I, oh I
I need to share every breath with you
Oh I, oh I
I need to know I can see you smile each morning
Look into your eyes each night for the rest of my life
Here with you, near with you, oh I
I need to be next to you
Need to be next to you
Right here with you is right where I belong
I lose my mind if I can't see you
Without you there's nothing in this life
That would make life worth living for
I can't bear the thought of you not there
I can't fight what I feel any more
Cause I need to be next to you
Oh I, oh I
I need to share every breath with you
Oh I, oh I
I need to know I can see you smile each morning
Look into your eyes each night for the rest of my life
Here with you, near with you, oh I
I need to be next to you
I need to have your heart next to mine for all the time
Holding for all my life
I need to be next to you
I need to be next to you
Oh I, oh I
Need to be, need to be next to you
Share every breath with you
I need to feel you in my arms, baby, in my arms baby
I need to be next to you
Gabriella bounced off the stage perspiring profusely, a wide satisfied smile on her face, her eyes sparkling with achievement, adrenalin pumping through her veins, driven by the standing ovation from the crowd who were even now shouting for another song. Caroline shook her head, telling Gabriella she had given more than enough when she saw her hesitation but then she saw Troy standing beside Caroline with a broad grin on his face, a proud glint in his eyes, clapping vigorously and she couldn't resist running into his arms that were suddenly wide open inviting her silently into his safe harbour. They hugged tightly before Troy walked her back to the dressing room to collect her things before high-tailing it out of the auditorium and into the waiting van.
After sneaking through the service entrance they slipped upstairs unnoticed by the crowd at the front door, leaving Caroline to go to her own room after refusing Troy's invitation to dinner, insisting they needed time to themselves tonight with it being their last night before Troy went back to LA and Gabriella moved on to Minneapolis. Troy and Gabriella didn't put up much of an argument, knowing the time they had was precious and they wanted to enjoy every second of their remaining time together. Gabriella left him to change out of her costume and shower, collecting clean underwear and a long halter neck dress in white with splashes of turquoise and green. Troy took the opportunity to ring down to the reception to set his surprise for her in motion.
Gabriella called his name as she walked back into a dark bedroom, a frown marring her perfect features when there was no sign of her hunky boyfriend. Puzzled she walked into the lounge area only to be met with the same. Spying the patio door ajar, a soothing sound of jazz filtering softly into the room, she stepped onto the terrace that she had noticed the first morning but had consequently forgotten about, her focus solely on Troy from the minute he appeared. She gasped when she spotted a pristine white cloth covered table, settings already in place together with a flower arrangement in the center, a waiter hovered beside it holding a bottle of champagne as he began pouring the sparkling liquid into flute shaped glasses, the muted lighting around the terrace came from strategically placed candles flickering slightly in the gentle breeze giving the terrace a romantic atmosphere. Gabriella's eyes scanned the terrace, coming to rest on the familiar shape of Troy who was stood at the railing staring out across the city skyline. She smiled, strolling over to stand beside him.
"I'd forgotten this was here," she admitted when he turned catching her hand in his, interlocking their fingers as he pulled her close to press a tender kiss on her lips.
"How could you, it's an amazing view," he replied in a shocked voice when he released her lips. Gabriella giggled.
"I was too occupied looking at a more enthralling view," she answered huskily, only to receive another kiss as a reward.
"And who could blame you," he responded brazenly, a smirk whipping up the corners of his mouth. Gabriella thumped him playful. "Hey, watch the arm, it still has some work to do."
"I know and you can put it to the test later," she promised with a wicked gleam in her eye.
"Food first, Montez. I'm sure you must be hungry, you hardly ate anything at lunch."
"You didn't leave me a lot of time for food." Troy frowned. "Not that I'm complaining," she tacked on hurriedly. "Food wasn't on the top of my list at the time." Troy smirked at her.
"Mine either." Troy lead her to the table, made sure she was seated comfortably before sitting opposite. Once seated, the waiter appeared carrying the first course of Lan Chi sea bass marinated in garlic and chilli that was cooked to perfection. Troy waited until they were alone before picking up his glass, staring deeply into her eyes he clinked his against hers. "To you. You were perfection tonight." Gabriella smiled lovingly at him.
"Of course I was, you were there. You always make it perfect for me." Troy smiled wryly, his girlfriend was too modest for her own good.
"When are you going to accept that you are just incredible?" Gabriella shrugged.
"I don't know. I love what I do but it's still hard to believe that all this is actually happening. I keep wanting to pinch myself to check if it's all a dream or not."
"Well stop it. If there's any pinching to be done I'll do it." Gabriella burst out laughing before they settled into a catch up of news from home. Sharpay was still working on her wedding plans, driving Zeke quietly crazy with her madcap ideas, the latest was releasing pink balloons when the wedding service ended. Gabriella giggled as the waiter appeared, collecting the plates before returning with an array of tapas dishes from which they fed each other with their fingers, the erotic gestures setting the mood for later. Once the food was eaten they collected their refilled glasses, allowing the staff chance to clear the table unhindered and carried them over to a lounge area consisting of a wide cabana style couch under a wide umbrella giving shelter from the breeze beside a lit patio heater. Troy took her glass from her, placing it on a coffee table before pulling her into his arms.
"Dance with me," he whispered in her ear. Gabriella giggled but acquiesced, wrapping her arms around his neck as they moved slowly around the terrace.
"I think you're improving, I still have my feet intact," she teased sometime later. Troy grinned.
"I'll let you into a secret, Tay's been coaching me." Gabriella looked wide-eyed at him then burst out laughing.
"No way! And you're still alive?"
"Just about," he said dryly, "it was touch and go for a while, the air was blue on occasion but I persevered because I was determined that come Sharpay's wedding, I want to dance with my super sexy girlfriend and not show her up."
"Super sexy huh?"
"Extremely so," he concurred pulling her hard against him, his lips unerringly finding hers. Gabriella wrapped her hands around his neck, anchoring him in place as she lost herself to the kiss she felt right to her toes. Unwittingly she was unaware that Troy manoeuvred her backwards until she felt something hard at the back of her calves a moment before she toppled backwards onto the couch. Troy smirked as he knelt on the edge between her legs, allowing his eyes to travel up the delectable dish before him, noting the riotous curls that had been buffeted by the breeze, her dark pools filled with passion, her parted lips that glistened invitingly, the rapid pulse that beat at the base of her throat, the increased breathing that drew his eyes to the rise and fall of her pert mounds. Unable to resist anymore he leant forward to capture her lips once more, one hand cupping her cheek while the other supported his weight on the couch. His lips teased and tantalised, his tongue darted into her mouth, tasting her sweetness, stroking her tongue until Gabriella let out a groan that he quickly swallowed, his eyes shooting a concerned look towards the table only to find them quite alone on the terrace. Heaving a thankful sigh, he inched his other knee onto the couch, pushing her legs further apart and in the process pushing the hem of her dress further up until it bunched on her thighs. Satisfied with his balance he freed the support hand to slide it up her legs, smirking when he heard the hitch in her throat as they traversed the inner side of her upper leg, trying not to laugh at the panicky look in her widened eyes as she broke off the kiss, twisting her head to also look towards the table.
"Shit, Bolton, you're taking a risk." Troy smiled innocently at her.
"Scared, Montez?" he challenged as his fingers inched further up towards the incredible heat emanating from the apex of her thighs. Her eyes narrowed as they locked with his seemingly innocent brilliant blue orbs.
"Hell no, if you're game so am I," she stated as she casually reached down, finding and swiftly sliding down his zipper, her slim fingers slipping inside only for her to gasp as skin met skin. Troy jerked involuntarily but smirked when her mouth formed an 'O'. She smiled mischievously. "Hmm, primed and ready too," she murmured as her fingers slid along his hard shaft. Troy grunted and it was her turn to smirk. "Too cold?" she questioned silkily.
"Uh-uh," he managed to get out in a raspy breath before slamming his lips on hers. Gabriella linked her free arm around his neck pulling him further into her body while her other continued to play with her toy only to gasp when she felt her bodice sliding down her chest followed closely by an inquisitive hand. She felt like she was on fire as his lips and hands caressed, teased, demanded a response from her suddenly aching body that cried out for fulfilment. His lips slid down her neck, nipping and sucking a trail of white hot heat down to her breasts where he paused to play with his toys, coaxing an involuntary response as her back arched into his lips. Gabriella moaned as the fires built in the pit of her stomach. Whilst there was still an ounce of control left in her mind, she snapped open the button at his waistband, pushing his pants over his hips to allow her easier access his hidden bounty. Troy felt the coolness of the night breeze touch his skin and he paused, suddenly aware that they could be visible from surrounding buildings. In one swift move he switched their positions placing Gabriella on his lap, her legs on either side of him, letting the folds of her dress slide down over her rump to brush against the floor. Easing her thong to one side he lifted her slightly only to bring her back down onto his throbbing shaft, impaling her with one swift thrust. Gabriella gasped at the sudden change but Troy put a hand on the back of her head bringing her down to capture her lips, his other supporting her back. Gabriella rocked on him feeling him sink even deeper into her wet channel. Troy groaned against her lips, loving the feel of her encasing him, the throb below grew in intensity as she continued to rock against him, forcing him to meet her halfway, stimulating them both to a point where the earth tilted and a myriad of stars seemed to flash across the sky as they reached the ultimate goal. Gabriella slid forward resting her heavy head against his shoulder while she fought to get her breath back under control.
"That...was...unbelievable," she managed to gasp out minutes later.
"I aim to please," he said cockily.
"Oh you pleased," she confirmed with a grin.
"Good, but the night is still young. Are you up for round two?" Gabriella giggled.
"Give me a minute and I'll be up for round three and four," she confessed.
"FOUR!" Troy squeaked. She giggled again.
"Uh huh! Scared, Bolton?" she taunted saucily firing his challenge back at him. He looked at her in silence as if pondering the question.
"Hmm, with the right incentives I could be persuaded," he said thoughtfully. Gabriella whispered in his ear, nipping his lobe as she finished only to shriek when he stood up with her in his arms and strode determinedly across the terrace and into the darkened bedroom to lower her on the bed. "Now show me what you had in mind."