Sorry for the delay all, I have been pretty busy. Thanks again for your lovely reviews. Hope my French readers are okay (including my dear Ms Cindz) at the moment, given the recent events. I'm thinking of you.

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 19: A Hazy Shade of Winter

January 18 2015 Vail, Colorado: 8:14am

"You've started talking in your sleep since we last shared a bed I see." Klaus said lazily rolling over in bed as he heard her stir.

Caroline's eyes popped open as soon as she heard him speak remembering just where she was and who she was in bed with, not that she was complaining.

"What a great way to wake up, good morning to you too." She shot back yawning and wondering if he was just trying to bait her as usual. She couldn't help herself and continued. "So what did I say exactly?"

Klaus perched himself up on the pillow his hand on his head. His hair was messy and his deep blue eyes still hazy with sleep but he couldn't have looked more delicious. Sharing a bed for the next four nights was going to be tough that's for sure.

"You said how hot you thought I was and that you wanted me bad."

"Yes I'm sure that's what I said." She shook her head knowing he was teasing her but at the time knowing it was pretty much true, not that she'd ever admit that to him.

"Oh I'm pretty sure that's what I heard, it's okay you can admit you want me love."

"Yes because that modesty of yours is so attractive right now." She groaned pulling back the covers and attempting to get out of the warm bed. Being this close to him wasn't going to end well and the longer she stayed there the worse her chances were of getting out alive.

The chalet itself was beautifully situated atop a mountain in a cute ski village with the chair lift to the bottom of the hill conveniently located nearby. The interior was luxurious and immaculate with its high wooden ceilings, cosy fireplace and spacious rooms. Their bedroom didn't disappoint either with its large four poster bed and huge window overlooking the snow laden fields below.

When they'd arrived in Vail late the night before they'd had a quick night cap with the Taylors and went straight to bed, Caroline dreading just how close they were going to have to get. Having him in such close proximity was so tempting.

She'd woken up at some point to find his arm draped across her and his breath tickling her neck. Even though it was wrong and probably by accident she didn't bother moving because for some reason it felt so comfortable, she didn't want it to end just yet.

Caroline knew that sounded sad but also knew her feelings were growing by the day and hoped he felt the same. After their searing kiss at midnight on New Year's and their excursion through the city in the early hours of the morning she couldn't help but think there was more to this than just an act.

Having those few weeks apart with minimal communication had been tough and she had to admit the warmth that spread across her entire body when they reunited at JFK hadn't been a coincidence.

She wanted him bad and wasn't sure if or when that was ever going away. Caroline finally got out of bed about to go into the adjoining bathroom when she heard some scuffling from the door.

"I'm going to take a guess and say that isn't a ghost." Klaus laughed gesturing towards the door.

"I think that sounds suspiciously like a brown bear, well-known to these parts of Colorado." She joked, sounding like someone from a wildlife documentary as she crept to the door.

"Well what are we going to do about it?" Klaus asked playing along.

"I don't know I've heard they like honey, maybe I'll feed it some." She laughed opening the door at once and watching the three Taylor kids who had been leaning against it spill into the room. "Now you three don't look like a brown bear."

"We're not bears silly." Lucy giggled.

"Although we can be pretty ferocious when we want to be." James replied his chest puffed out.

"Oh really?" Caroline asked her eyes lighting up.

"Grrrrrrr." He cried and she pretending to jump back in fear.

"Don't scare Caroline." Georgia said hitting her brother on the arm warningly. "She won't come skiing with us if you do that."

"So you guys want to go skiing?" Caroline asked a smile tugging at her lips.

"We do or we could maybe build a snowman."

"Well I'll have you know Lucy that Caroline is a pretty good snowman maker." Klaus said appearing at the door. Caroline had to stop herself from drooling he looked that handsome all dishevelled from sleep in his boxer shorts and grey t shirt smiling sweetly at the kids. Why did he have to be so damn adorable?

"Well I'm pretty good too." James shot back, almost challenging her to a competition.

"Interesting." Klaus murmured. "Maybe we need to have a competition and settle this today - boys against girls."

"You're just asking to be beaten." Caroline laughed looking at them. "What do you say girls?"

"We're going to beat you." Georgia sang at her brother as Lucy joined in the chant.

"I've got Klaus on my team, you girls have no chance."

"So can we go now then?" Lucy asked impatiently before Jen appeared at the door sending them an apologetic glance.

"I'm so sorry. I wondered where these three had gone and here I find them annoying you two while you're trying to sleep.

"Not at all, in fact we've been discussing the big snowman competition today." Caroline said winking at Lucy. "Oh and by the way the girls have this in the bag."

"Now who's modest?" Klaus teased.

"Can we please go now mum?" James pleaded.

"How about you let these two get changed and have some breakfast first, you know to build up their strength?" The kids looked at their mum obviously unimpressed they had to wait before rushing away.

"They are adorable." Caroline said sincerely.

"I'm sorry they bothered you so early. I think they like having someone new in the chalet, mum and dad aren't so special anymore."

"Not a problem." Klaus smiled. "I'm actually looking forward to beating Caroline anyway; we sort of have this snowman rivalry already."

"Well I'm more than happy to join the girls' team, anything to help you Caroline."

"Excuse me where's your allegiance to me Jen?"

"Last time I checked I'm female Klaus and I always like to back a winner. No hard feelings of course but you, Ben and James are on your own."

"Fine, just the way we like it." He smiled placing his hands around her shoulders and pulling her closer. Caroline had to stop herself from losing all composure from his touch.

"So breakfast is waiting downstairs once you're both ready." Jen smiled before walking down the hallway.

"I can't believe you challenged me to a snowman making competition." She said turning around to face him not realising just how close he was.

"Why?" He baulked. "I seem to recall making a fine snowman Christmas Day, even Nanna loved it if you recall."

"That's because it was all me." She spluttered. "You didn't even know what to do."

"Oh please. It may have been my first snowman but I have a real artistic sense Caroline, you know this sort of thing just comes naturally to me."

"You tell yourself that if it makes you think you're going to win today." She joked walking towards the bathroom.

"Do you need a hand in there love? You know I'm an excellent hair washer."

"You wish." She groaned thinking just how good a joint shower would be right now. "Maybe you should be studying up on your snowman skills."

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"Ours is definitely the best." James boasted looking at their creation with pride. They had ventured into the front yard of the chalet to create their masterpieces. Frosty mark one was perfectly straight decorated with a striped scarf, top hat and pebbles for his nose and eyes.

"Someone needs a reality check." Georgia replied rolling her eyes. Caroline had to stop herself from laughing she was that cute. Frosty mark two was slightly crooked, his props consisting of a carrot nose and a winter beanie.

"How exactly are we going to judge this?" Jen asked curiously. "I mean none of us are going to be impartial."

"Well I have a friend that's a photographer and would know how to judge a great snowman, how about I send her a photo?" She asked the kids who nodded eagerly as she produced her cell and began to take pictures.

"Oh because Bonnie is not going to be biased at all." Klaus argued. "How about my brother, he's been known to have a creative streak."

"Elijah?"

"Hell no, Kol."

"Well I definitely would have gone with Elijah on that one. How about we ask Kat, Elijah, Lexi, Kol and Bonnie too?"

"Fine, but given the ratio I'm not confident the boys will prevail."

"Just for that you're sending it to Rebekah as well." She teased.

"And you're sending it to Stefan."

After sending some photos of both snowmen and waiting for a response the results were in. Elijah, Rebekah and Bonnie all opted for his snowman while Lexi, Katherine and Kol all chose Caroline's. Stefan hadn't replied yet which was typical she thought.

"So it's a tie. That's the last time I ask Lexi or Kol for their opinion."

"Well same goes for Bonnie, and here I thought we were friends."

"Okay it's a tie." Jen declared cheerfully. "This way everyone wins right?"

"That's no fun." James pouted.

"I'm with you James." Klaus grinned tousling his hair. "Next time we'll win don't worry."

Caroline couldn't help but smile at him with the young boy, inadvertently thinking what a great dad he would make. She assumed given his up-bringing that he might be a little closed off emotionally but after seeing him with the Taylors Caroline knew he could be warm and affectionate. She shook her head trying to remove the thoughts that were invading her mind, even if Klaus was good father material it shouldn't mean anything to her.

"Caroline?" Klaus asked looking deeply into her eyes. "You were a million miles away love."

"I was uh just thinking." She stuttered.

"About me?" He grinned childishly. "That's okay, I know I'm amazing." She whacked him on the arm; he was very attractive but his lack of modesty left a lot to be desired.

"What were you saying?"

"I was saying that everyone's heading down for some hot cocoa at the bottom of the hill." He smiled gesturing to the Taylors her arms around her daughters protectively.

"I'm going to take Lucy and Georgia on the chair lift. The boys are going to ski down, did you want to join us Caroline?"

"Yeah sure." She smiled thinking she would have preferred to ski but that maybe they needed some time together to talk about work.

"Is someone chicken?" Klaus asked cocking his left eyebrow.

"Excuse me?"

"You know chicken." He reiterated his crimson lips curving into a smile, James gave his best chicken impersonation making them all laugh.

"I'm not one to step away from a challenge." She insisted poking her tongue out at James.

"Great." He grinned. "You know I think a little wager might be in order."

"Things suddenly got very interesting." Ben commented. "What are the terms?"

"What do you think James? What should Caroline have to do when I win?" Klaus asked sending her his cheekiest smile as she stood hands on hips in defiance. He was so smug, she was looking forward to wiping that look off his face.

"How about this." He suggested before whispering in his ear as Klaus nodded eagerly.

"When I win you have to cook my favourite dinner, all three courses."

"What is this the 1950s?" She muttered before continuing. "That's fine because I'm not going to lose, what do you think girls?" After a moment of consultation she replied. "When I win you have to clean the whole house."

"Well like I said I'm going to win." Caroline shook her head as she attached her skis.

"So what are we waiting for?" She grinned pushing off before Klaus could comment any further.

The cold air stung her face as she barrelled down the hill watching the impressive scenery rushing past.

When she told Ben she'd skied a few times over the years she was being modest. One of the things her family liked to do most was get away to the mountains and as a result she was quite an accomplished skier. Something she'd conveniently forgotten to tell Klaus given his arrogant behaviour. She couldn't help but smile thinking how she left him in her dust, or snow in this case.

"I think someone might know how to ski." He yelled out gaining on her tail.

"What tipped you off?" She laughed taking in the alpine air, determined to keep focused so she could beat him to the bottom.

"I think I've been played. " He growled coming up next to her obviously trying to distract her from the race.

"You deserved it after that smug display back there." She laughed refusing to look directly at him and concentrating on the snow ahead.

"Oh really?"

"Yes really." She shot back. "Now stop trying to distract me because it won't work Mikaelson."

"Oh I don't know, what if I was to say do this?" He asked moving in closer.

"I'd say that's cheating."

"So starting without me isn't cheating love? I mean what kind of lessons are you teaching those poor children."

"But teaching them to gamble is much more responsible?"

"Yes it teaches them that they need to win at all costs because then they'll be rewarded, like with a nice dinner."

"Or get someone to clean the house. You know I think someone's worried they are going to lose."

"Oh please honey, I've got this."

"So why do you feel the need to cheat?"

"That's for my enjoyment more than anything else." He chuckled moving closer his eyes trained on her and not what was ahead. She couldn't look away any longer her eyes staring into his. She gulped loudly trying to reclaim her composure.

Caroline wasn't too sure how it happened but one minute they were devouring each other with their eyes and the next they were lying in a fresh pile of snow, their skis locked together and their bodies intertwined. After getting over the initial shock Caroline raised her head slowly looking through the thick haze of snow at Klaus who was equally confused.

"Well that serves you right for cheating mister." She groaned rubbing her head which was throbbing from the fall. She could taste the snow she'd managed to swallow during the fall slowly beginning to dissolve in her mouth.

"That was all you love, I wasn't the one that was distracted." He fought back finally lifting his head and glaring at her while he brushed the snow from his jacket.

"What is it with you, me and falling over in snow?" She asked as the tension slowly dissipated and she began to giggle. His face broke into a smile and he joined in, their laughs intermingling with each other.

"I don't know but this was definitely our best yet." He said gesturing to their interlocked skis. "We may just have to stay together forever now." Caroline knew he was joking but the thought of staying together forever certainly sounded appealing.

"We need to get up." She moaned thinking she could have stayed there if it wasn't so damn cold.

"I don't know I kind of like it here." He murmured circling his arm around her back and pulling her closer so they were only inches apart. With his other hand Klaus slowly caressed her cold face his thumb tracing a path along her cheekbone before dipping his head and capturing his lips with hers.

Caroline felt immediate relief as the pent up tension that had been building since New Year's slowly ebbed away. She leaned in closer and attacked his lips greedily desperate to taste him again. The bitter cold she once felt had been replaced by burning warmth rushing through her icy flesh.

His tongue delved deeper inside sucking the remaining ice crystals from her mouth and she knew right then and there she wanted every last drop of him. Every muscle in Caroline's body was melting with longing making her moan softly at the back of her throat pressing herself flush against his broad chest.

She felt his hand slide upwards from her thighs and across her breasts teasing the tips of her already erect nipples through her jacket. They had never been this intimate before and Caroline realised just what she'd been missing. She ran her hands through his hair pulling him closer if that was even possible nipping at his lips playfully before feathering kisses along his jawline and then starting to suck his neck slowly.

Klaus let out a loud groan and she grinned liking that her touch was evoking the same raw lust she was feeling. She could feel his bulging erection straining through his ski pants and knew he was just as turned on as her. His hands continued their exploration over her taut stomach moving dangerously close to her already hot centre. All reason flew out the window and she couldn't be responsible for what she was about to do.

"Ew girl germs." James exclaimed breaking them out of their sexual haze. Caroline felt herself blush embarrassed they'd been caught having an intense make-out session by a little boy.

"And here we were worried about you." Ben laughed a knowing twinkle in his eyes. "We can uh leave you to it if you like?"

"No, uh we need to get to the bottom and uh meet Jen and the girls." Caroline mumbled trying to free herself from a very amused Klaus. Why did he never get embarrassed? "Are you going to keep doing that or help untangle these skis?"

Klaus moved reluctantly and with Ben's help they managed to break free. Caroline wasn't too sure she was happy with that outcome but it was probably for the best. She couldn't believe she was considering having sex in the snow; Klaus certainly had an interesting effect on her.

She stood up shakily hoping her blush was finally beginning to fade. James gave her a disapproving look obviously still thinking about her horrible girl germs.

"So let's get going." She said still flustered. Klaus hadn't said a word the amused look still firmly etched on his face. Damn him for doing this to her.

"So who wins the bet now?" James asked curiously. Caroline had to admit that was the furthest thing from her mind.

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"Snowmen and hot cocoa? Nice to see nothing has changed since Chicago Care." Stefan said through the phone.

"Yes a snowman you were supposed to judge so I could win the competition." He'd just seen her photo and decided to call instead.

"Always so competitive Care." He teased. "I'm not sure you'd want to know my answer."

"You'd sell out your best friend like that?" She gasped in shock.

"Hey you know how finicky I can be when it comes to symmetry, Frosty was too crooked for my liking."

"It was supposed to be artistic." She argued thinking that wasn't actually the case but what you got when you had a three and a five year old helping.

"Anyway it all sounds pretty cosy to me."

"It is not cosy, it's an act Stef." She drawled knowing that wasn't entirely true. Their earlier kiss wasn't for anyone but themselves that much she knew. They had come back to the chalet earlier and she was lying on their bed talking to Stefan before dinner.

"There's that same denial from Chicago too."

Caroline felt bad lying to Stefan, he was her best friend after all but she knew if she told him about the kiss then he'd jump to conclusions. Try as she might Caroline had no idea what to make of this and the fact they'd ignored it wasn't helping her understand it any better.

No one had been around and he'd instigated the kiss. Caroline knew he was attracted to her, she could feel it emanating from every pore in his body. What she didn't know was whether this was just a passing thing or if he wanted more

"Why are we friends again?" She said trying to deflect the conversation from them.

"Funny." He shot back. "I just thought that since we parted ways about three weeks ago you two would have made some sort of progress."

"Well he's definitely made progress towards his promotion if that's what you mean."

"You know that's not what I mean." He muttered. "I meant about you two getting together in what is known as a healthy relationship."

"Well that's not going to happen Stefan because it's…"

"All an act." He groaned. "Do you ever get sick of pretending there's nothing going on between you two?" It was like he could read her mind.

"There isn't." She replied stubbornly refusing to admit to her growing feelings for this guy.

"Trust me there is and not just from what I witnessed in Chicago either."

"What does that mean?"

"It means Katherine and I had a little chat and she told me about your little New Year's performance."

"You two are such gossips, anyway that was purely for his boss Stef."

"Do you really think his boss wants to see you making out Care?" She blushed self-consciously thinking about getting caught by him again earlier.

"You know what I mean." She said through clenched teeth. "We have to make it look real."

"So your little make out session at his work party wasn't enough to seal the deal?"

"Shut up." She said sick of trying to deny her feelings.

"When you get defensive like that I know I'm right."

"Fine." She conceded sick of keeping up the false bravado. "Maybe there's something there but we're kind of busy trying to get him this promotion right now."

"You are so stubborn, maybe I need to come to New York and sort you both out."

"What does that mean exactly?"

"It means I've been thinking about how much I miss my bestie and have decided to move to be closer to her." She grinned thinking how much she wanted him around. She squealed in excitement making him groan in the process. "I think you've deafened me."

"Oh shut up you big baby." She teased. "When are you coming, where are you going to live, what about work?" She rambled thinking of all the possibilities.

"Woah slow down Care." He laughed. "My partner is going to run the company in my absence and someone is coming to look at my place to rent tomorrow. The rest will all fall into place I'm sure."

"Well let me know if you need a place to stay temporarily, Kat and I would love to have you."

"Not sure I could handle your lumpy couch and all those girlie nights."

"Ha, you secretly love those nights, I remember you tearing up during the Notebook that time."

"I told you Caroline, I had something in my eye." Caroline chuckled not surprised by the same excuse he'd been using since.

"Yeah whatever tough guy. I better get to dinner, but keep me posted."

"Will do and you keep me posted on this supposedly fake relationship." He disconnected before she could bite back.

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"What a day." Caroline said exhaling loudly as they returned to their bedroom after dinner with the Taylors. She was extremely nervous about being alone with him, especially in such close proximity.

"Yeah it was." He grinned and she knew exactly what he was thinking about, the same thing that had been plaguing her for the last few hours. She had to do all she could to keep her concentration at dinner.

"I'm going to take a shower." He said beginning to remove his shirt, she watched almost in a trance as he undid each button and licked her lips wishing she was one of those buttons. Caroline shook her head trying to remove the explicit images from her mind.

"Alright love?"

"Fine." She snapped the sexual tension driving her crazy. Her final shreds of willpower were slowly melting away.

"You don't seem it." He joked. Finally she'd had enough and decided to talk about the elephant in the room

"What was that before by the way?"

"What was what?"

"Stop being a smartarse." She groaned in frustration. "You know what I'm talking about, the little incident before where you kissed me in the snow."

"No I think you kissed me."

"We both know you started it." Caroline growled throwing herself onto the bed.

"Hey last time I checked you seemed to enjoy it, can't say the same about James though." He chuckled.

"Yes because that was me groaning that loudly."

"Hey I enjoyed every moment; at least I'm man enough to admit it." She didn't respond, just continued to stare not quite sure how to handle that comment. "Oh come on Caroline you and I both know there's never been any doubt about the sexual attraction between us."

"You infuriate me." She crossed her arms over her chest suddenly wishing she hadn't brought it up at all. Yes she knew all about the sexual attraction for some reason though she was hoping he'd admit to more but Caroline knew that wasn't going to happen. He was in one of his stubborn, know-it-all moods.

"Yes but you still want to kiss me." He laughed. "It's okay love I can't help that I have this effect on women, it's just a talent I guess."

"Well so do you." She answered like a petulant child thinking what a terrible comeback that was and how much he was annoying her.

What the hell was she doing with her life? Ever since he'd arrived he'd turned her organised world upside down. Caroline Forbes liked to think she was a person with purpose and a plan but he'd completely blindsided her and she had no idea how to act. Her emotions were all over the place and his arrogant attitude wasn't helping.

"Yes I do, in fact why don't you join me in the shower and we can pick up where we left off today love?" That smug bastard she thought. There was no way she was going to succumb to his charms now and let him have the upper hand, she'd play Klaus at his own game.

"Why not? I mean what else is there to do?" She whispered softly removing her blue top and jeans leaving her standing in front of him clad only in only her favourite Calvin Klein black, lacy lingerie. Klaus was open mouthed obviously shocked by her willingness to participate.

Caroline winked at him and motioned towards the bathroom, wiggling her hips slowly knowing he was watching every move. She turned around her hands holding onto the door frame watching him devour her creamy skin and curves in all the right places.

Klaus stalked over impatiently but before he could take her in his arms she placed her hand on his chest. He looked at her expectantly.

"Not if we were the last two people on the planet Mikaelson." Klaus was taken aback obviously confused by what was happening. "I'm going to have a shower, don't stay up on my account."

She shut the door in his face and leaned her back against it impressed by her strategy, not to mention her ability to resist him even though the intense burning between her legs was telling her otherwise. Her smile faded thinking about having to sleep in the same bed together and not touch him for the next four nights; this was going to be punishing.

"You know you want me love, it's only a matter of time." Klaus teased through the door reading her thoughts. Damn him for being so irresistible.