Well thanks again to my regulars (you know who you are), it's nice to hear from you guys. To Justanotherfiveminutes I'm pretty sure Klaus would have signed the hire car excess waiver, he's pretty smart (well most of the time) and kickassfu where do you think I got the inspiration from? Me! I'm not a fan of birds at all!

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 3: Baby It's Cold Outside

December 24 2014 11:29am: Thorntown, Indiana

"Where are you?"

"I'm in Thorntown."

"What and where is that exactly?"

"It's a quaint little town of about 1500 people, somewhere between Indianapolis and Chicago. Since when did you become so interested in geography Katherine? Didn't you fail that in High School?'

"I did not fail geography." She snapped.

"Well you would have until you sweet talked Mr Bailey." Caroline was using the pay phone on Thorntown's main street, right next to the cute, historic post office.

"So it may be an obvious question but how the hell did you end up in a little town in the middle of Indiana on Christmas Eve?" She asked without taking a breath. "I do recall putting you in a cab to JFK last night."

"Let's just say it was a joint effort between Mother Nature and some smug guy who can't drive. And don't even get me started on the extremely cold weather or the chickens."

"We've been talking for at least a couple of minutes and you only just mention some guy." Caroline just shook her head, trust Katherine Pierce to hone in on the only male aspect of the story.

"Calm down he's just the person I have the misfortune to be travelling with and before you ask it is a very long story."

"I hope it involved some hot sex at least." Caroline felt her face flush as the memories from her dream the previous night came flooding back. She had never experienced something so vivid not to mention extremely hot. It took her at least twenty minutes to contain her arousal after she woke seeing the cold shower did absolutely nothing. Running into Klaus that morning at Avis had only stirred up the memories again.

"Ah no Katherine I've only known him for about twelve hours."

"But you wanted to didn't you?"

"Excuse me? Didn't I say we'd just met? We can't all be fast movers like you Kitty Kat."

"Oh come on you are the worst liar Forbes." She drawled. "One because your voice gets all high pitched and squeaky like that and then you move into defensive mode."

"And you got that all from being on the other end of the phone line?"

"Well we have known each other forever." She replied and Caroline could tell her best friend was rolling her eyes.

They had known each other since Junior High when Katherine moved to Chicago. Katherine was wild even back then and Caroline knew it was due to her upbringing. Katherine was what she affectionately liked to call an army brat, travelling extensively for her dad's job. She had lived in too many places to count in her short life.

Unfortunately it was her dad's job that took her away from Chicago and to Boston at the beginning of senior year but the girls had kept in touch and both moved to New York to further their education at Colombia University.

They hadn't left the City since, Caroline working her way up the journalism ranks to be one of the up and coming fashion writers at Vogue and Katherine through law school to working at one of the most elite private law firms. They were following their dreams in the city that never sleeps together and couldn't have been happier.

Well except for their love lives, Katherine insisted that she liked to play the field and keep things fresh, as she liked to call it. Caroline was pretty sure it had something to do with her ever-changing childhood, not to mention the fact she was a divorce lawyer and had seen enough broken marriages to not want to venture into that territory.

Caroline was more partial to a long term relationship but she'd had her heart broken by a cheating bastard and she'd be lying if it hadn't dented her confidence. That's why Sam had been a welcome distraction because she never really liked him enough to let herself get hurt.

"Yes and I think you've been talking about sex since then."

"That sounds about right." She laughed. "So what's wrong with him exactly? Is he ugly or dumb or what?'

"He's not exactly ugly or dumb." She faltered trying to decide how to explain him because not only was he gorgeous he was also intelligent, even if he was extremely arrogant.

"You're really painting a great picture for me here Care."

"How about ambitious, witty, smart and sexy?" A voice whispered in her ear causing her to jump in fright dropping the phone by accident.

"Has anyone told you that you have this habit of just butting in when you're not wanted?" She scowled hoping the blush he'd caused had at least begun to fade.

"Oh come on now I thought we got past this love." He smiled cheekily picking up the phone. "This is the not really dumb or ugly guy speaking."

Caroline tried to grab the phone from him but he was much taller not to mention stronger than her. She gave up realising it was hopeless. They chatted for what seemed like ages only infuriating Caroline more.

"So Katherine is a pretty name." She rolled her eyes at his pathetic attempt to flirt with her best friend.

"I'm Niklaus but I'll let you call me Klaus sweetheart." He replied winking in her direction. Caroline felt a strange pain in her chest upset that he was not only using endearments he was also using recycled lines.

"No I promise I'm not some crazed maniac and will get your friend safely to Chicago as long as she doesn't kill me on the way from all the nagging." He smiled widely in her direction. "Nice talking to you too Katherine." He gave her the phone and she snatched it away angrily. Why did he have to insert himself into her life like that, they barely knew each other.

"Caroline!" She heard shouting from the receiver.

"Oh sorry Kat." She replied distractedly.

"You failed to mention that sexy British accent Care." She giggled.

"Did I happen to mention he's full of himself?"

"A few times but he sounds like a yummy full of himself. If you're stuck in some small town I think the least you can do is have some fun before the Christmas drama begins in Chicago."

"Don't remind me" She groaned thinking about having to face two-timing Tyler at the Christmas table. "And whose side are you on, this guy has done nothing but cause me grief. If it wasn't for him and his dodgy driving we'd probably be in Chicago by now."

"Yeah with two-timing Tyler." Katherine shot back reading her mind. "You deserve to live a little after this past year and what better way to do that than with a hot British guy you'll probably never see again."

"I am not going to have sex with him Kat." She groaned realising he was still close enough to eavesdrop. "I have to go to the garage and check on the car that someone crashed into a paddock, but I'll call you later when you get to Boston."

"I expect all the dirty details then." She chirped disconnecting. Katherine was going home to Boston for Christmas and Caroline had to admit she missed her already. She wasn't sure how she was going to get through the next few days without her best friend.

"So Katherine seems like a nice girl."

"Or a sweetheart as you just called her?"

"Is someone jealous?" he asked cocking his left eyebrow, she didn't answer just started to walk up the street. He chased after striding in step beside her. "You are! Oh come on love don't be like that."

"Do you ever stop being so…"

"Handsome, cheeky, loveable? It's a curse but you know someone has to be perfect."

"Oh please, the sooner I get away from you the better." She growled. "Your arrogance is actually doing my head in." She stalked off in the direction of the garage, funnily enough named Grumpy's. Caroline thought it was fitting for her mood.

"Caroline?"

"What?" She spun around on her heel not realising just how close he was. He leaned in and placed his hand on her head running his fingers slowly through her golden waves. Caroline thought she might faint the feeling of his touch was that arousing.

"You have a feather in your hair." He murmured pulling it out softly his blue eyes never leaving hers. Caroline inhaled sharply knowing she had to snap out of it and get her act together.

"Damn chickens." She muttered stepping away so she could get some breathing space.

71 minutes earlier….

"See this isn't so bad love." Klaus yelled over the noise, the cold air blowing his blonde curls around in the breeze.

"Speak for yourself." She groaned trying not to look in the beady eyes of one very persistent chicken that seemed to have taken a liking to her in particular.

"Just close your eyes, block them out and just enjoy the fresh air."

"Fresh is right it's bloody freezing." She shivered uncontrollably her teeth chattering loudly. Caroline really wasn't doing well with appropriate attire so far on this trip. She may have looked good but it was doing nothing to block out the chill.

"Come here." He muttered pulling her towards him, she was uncomfortable at first mainly because it was the closest they'd ever been and she was scared of what she might want to do but for some reason she didn't care she was that cold.

After a minute Caroline realised she'd be quite happy to stay there. He was warm and his chest firm then there was the irresistible smell of his spicy aftershave which was filling her nostrils and making Caroline dizzy. She closed her eyes and let herself melt into him forgetting all about their co-passengers.

"You did remarkably well." He commented breaking her from her flashback. "Who knows you might have actually overcome your fear of chickens."

"I wouldn't go that far." She said knowing it was all him and had nothing to do with conquering her fear. "Uh we better get back to the mechanic and see how it's going."

"I already spoke to Grumpy." He said smiling at the name. "Tells me that he needs to replace the thingamajig and tune the whatchumacallit and it will take him a little bit more time."

"Wow that's very technical and detailed."

"Oh come on if I'd told you the actual names would you have even known what I was talking about?"

"Of course I would, I have extensive knowledge of mechanics I'll have you know."

"Sure you do." He grinned nudging her playfully. "Now how about some food because I'm starving."

"You and me both." She said her stomach grumbling. "I saw a diner just down the street."

"As long as there's food I'm happy." They walked along the picturesque main street which was dotted with cute historic buildings and adorned festively with bright Christmas decorations.

"As long as it's warm I'm happy." Caroline murmured pulling her coat around her chest.

The diner was warm and bright with black and white tiles and red vinyl booths and as they entered the silver bell on the top of the door signalled their arrival. Everyone at the counter looked up from their coffee with interest at the out-of-towners.

"I think they're looking at you." She mumbled to Klaus as they found a nearby booth. She had to admit the man could dress, he was wearing fitted jeans, a charcoal skivvy, woollen scarf and black coat.

"No I think that would be you and your outfit princess." He slid into the seat opposite looking at her outfit closely.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" She asked self-consciously looking at her cream cashmere sweater and her favourite Burberry wool coat. "I am wearing jeans you know."

"Yeah designer jeans not to mention the rest of your ensemble." He noted. "I think your idea of casual is very different to theirs." She looked down again feeling very much like the odd one out. Klaus obviously noticed her prolonged silence.

"I didn't mean you look bad I don't even think that's possible." He stuttered. She looked at him curiously as a slight blush crossed his face. "What I mean is that you work at Vogue I imagine part of your job is, you know, looking good." He mumbled the last part.

"Well thanks I think." She said enjoying watching him squirm after all the bluster he'd given her since they met.

She perused the menu the list of delicious but very high calorie delicacies making her mouth water. "I'm having a cheeseburger, onion rings, hot chocolate oh and it has to be apple pie for dessert." Klaus looked over at her in surprise.

"So that's a lot of food for such a little girl." He said raising his eyebrows.

"Hey don't judge. All this drama you've put me through not to mention the cold has made me hungry."

"Oh so it's my fault that you're going to pig out."

"Exactly." She smiled gesturing the waitress over to take her order. "I might even give you a bite of my pie if you ask nicely."

"Mmmm I'd love to have a bite of your pie." He murmured suggestively making her flustered. "Hey you said it love, maybe you need to think about things before you speak. Oh hang on that's not your style." The waitress had come over and was watching their exchange with interest.

"Oh says the guy who speaks just to hear the sound of his own voice."

"I do not."

"There you go again." She laughed. "Trust me it doesn't sound nearly as good as you think."

"Uh hem." The waitress interrupted. "Any chance you'd actually like to order some food?"

"Yes Gloria." Caroline smiled sweetly looking at her name badge pinned onto her red gingham dress. "I'll have a cheeseburger, onion rings, hot chocolate…"

"And she wants some apple pie." Klaus interjected giving her a knowing look. "I'll just have a cheeseburger, coke and fries."

"No pie for you?" Gloria asked trying not to laugh after overhearing their conversation.

"I'll have some of hers." He laughed making Caroline blush profusely.

"No he can have his own or go without Gloria, I have no intention of sharing with someone so obnoxious."

"I couldn't agree more. How about I bring you some cherry pie." Gloria gave Klaus an unamused look. "And yours is on the house sweetie."

"Thank you Gloria."

"Well on that note I'm going to the little boy's room." Klaus muttered trying to get away from all the oestrogen.

"Us girls have to stick together." Gloria said taking a seat and making herself comfortable. Caroline wasn't sure when she'd actually get fed at this rate. "So I'm sensing some tension between you two, what did the idiot do? Let me guess he forgot to get you a Christmas present, my Earl has done that a few times over the years."

"Oh we're not together." Caroline explained trying to clarify the situation.

"Mmmm yeah sure you're not honey."

"No honestly Gloria, we're not together." She rambled. "I only met him twelve hours ago because our flight was cancelled and he's done nothing but rub me the wrong way. Well that and crash our hire car into a paddock and make me ride on a truck with chickens."

"Chickens?"

"Don't ask."

"Well you might have just met but I'm telling you a guy doesn't look at someone like he was looking at you if he wants to be just friends."

"I don't think so."

"Oh I know so but you're not exactly innocent." She said peering through her thick glasses at Caroline who looked back in surprise. "Why are you still together, you know given the annoying behaviour, the crash and the chickens?" Caroline looked at her wondering exactly why she was still there.

"I have no choice."

"Everyone has a choice darling." She said knowingly.

"Well it looks like we're not going to eat until dinner." Klaus mumbled approaching the table.

"You've got yourself a charmer there." Gloria drawled standing up and walking toward the kitchen to finally place their order.

"I take it I didn't miss anything good?"

"No not really." She trailed off thinking about what Gloria had said. Why was she entertaining this scenario? Maybe because it was a hell of a lot better than her current love life, which really wasn't saying much.

"So what happens when we get to Chicago?" He asked quietly a few minutes later almost like he was reading her mind.

"I have Christmas dinner with my family and the dreaded ex and you have work."

"Yeah." He murmured. Caroline suddenly felt empty at the prospect; even though she barely knew Klaus he'd been a great distraction and she wasn't sure if she was ready to let that go yet.

"Well we've still got a few hours." She smiled secretly happy it wasn't over just yet. "If I don't kill you before then."

"You mean if I don't kill you before then love."

"I'm so hungry right now I could eat a..."

"Chicken?" He teased. "What too soon?" Klaus produced a red and white striped candy cane from his pocket and placed it in front of Caroline on the table, she looked at him curiously.

"I stopped by the general store before and picked this up for you. Don't say I never gave you anything." He murmured. "Hopefully this will tie you over until your three course meal arrives." Caroline shook her head just when she thought she had him figured out Klaus had to go and surprise her again.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So the car is fixed?" Caroline asked looking at Grumpy with his motor oil stained grey overalls and red trucker hat. She had to admit he looked anything but with a placid smile plastered on his face.

"Yeah she's ready. I replaced the..."

"Thingamajig?" She laughed thinking back to Klaus and his interesting description.

"And you tuned the whatchamacallit?" Klaus added grinning at Caroline.

"You city folk." He replied shaking his head. "Anyway long story short it's fine to drive kids, just stay out of paddocks and you should be okay."

"Oh that won't be happening Grumpy because I'm driving to Chicago." Caroline said taking the keys from his outstretched hand.

"There's no way I'm letting a woman drive." Klaus objected trying to snatch the keys from her.

"What is this, the 1950s?"

"I didn't mean that I meant…" He stuttered looking to Grumpy for some assistance.

"You are on your own son." Grumpy laughed. "I can tell you've never been married because if marriage teaches you one thing it's how to avoid arguments." He looked back at Caroline who now had her hands on her hips waiting for a plausible response.

"Well there have been some studies done that say…"

"Say what?" She asked narrowing her eyes at Klaus.

"And also when to shut up when you're backed into a corner." Grumpy added enjoying the spark they had brought to the town.

"Okay fine you can drive." He conceded as Grumpy nodded approvingly.

"Gee thanks Klaus that's so kind of you."

Caroline looked at her watch realising she'd forgotten the time with all the drama. It was 2pm and if everything ran smoothly she would just make dinner, not that she was even looking forward to it. Her mother hadn't been happy when she'd called about the delay but there wasn't much she could do. "We better get going."

Klaus went to the office to sort the bill with Grumpy and Caroline busied herself adjusting the car seat to her requirements. She nearly hit her head on the roof when his phone began to ring loudly scaring her slightly. When they'd arrived in Thorntown cell reception had been sporadic at best which is why Caroline had used the pay phone. She grabbed it planning on passing it to Klaus but not before she saw the name Rebekah flash up on the screen.

She felt her chest constrict again wondering what the hell was going on. She didn't even know Klaus and it wasn't such a surprise that he might have someone or a few someone's including this woman. Suddenly she didn't like this Rebekah that much.

"Is that my phone?" He asked sitting in the front passenger seat and taking it from her hand. He shook his head briefly before silencing it and putting it in his pocket.

"One of your many conquests?" She asked unable to help herself.

"Have you been screening my calls love?"

"No." She spluttered wondering where the hell that outburst came from. "I have better things to do with my time." She pulled out into main street watching the small town inch away into the distance.

"Yeah sure you do." He laughed. "Now just watch out for cows, oh and by the way I'm choosing the music."