Arthur's stomach grumbled as Gwen hustled around her pale green kitchen decorated with shiny appliances. Arthur was intrigued by a tangy smell of brown sugar, pork and tomato. She hummed loudly as she slammed lids and squealed in delight. Arthur looked at pictures adorning her walls. It was mostly Guinevere and her father. Bunches of Gwen and a blonde that he assumed was her cousin Vivian.

"Arthur, go wash your hands. It's ready."

Guinevere's flat is very homey. Actually, it's not too far from my flat. Usually, I hate flowers and prints. The soft grey and yellow match her personality. I can imagine her staring up into a star filled night.

Arthur explored until he found a loo. He didn't mind the lavender hand soap. It seemed to calm his nerves. He dated women. He was a pro at it. Gwen made him feel like a novice. She was like rash under his skin.

Arthur strolled back to her dining room. He hoped that he looked cool, but he felt really silly. He didn't know what was wrong with him.

"It smells wonderful."

Arthur didn't know what to think when she beamed at him. It was always his birthday or a winning football kick when she was with him. Arthur slide into a chair next to Gwen.

"Are you hungry?"

"Yes, I eat a lot."

Gwen grinned. "I cooked a lot." Gwen slow cooked a few pounds of pork loin. She whipped together her Grandmommy's homemade barbecue sauce. She spoke to her mother to get the recipe. Her attachment to Arthur dawned on her. She had to spend an hour listening to her mother cajoling her about supporting her efforts against Aunt Maggie. Gwen used the waste hour to slice and shred cabbage as her mother stole minutes away from her life, maybe damaged her eardrums. She made homemade mashed potatoes with a bit of cheese and garlic. She was proud of her fluffy biscuits, not cookies. In the kitchen, her Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting waited for Arthur.

Arthur watched in amazement when Gwen heaped food on a plate, and placed it in front of him.

"Is it enough?'

Arthur had perfectly prepared food given to him all for his life. Yet, it made him feel giddy that she prepared his food. It was so homey.

"Yes, it looks great."

Arthur enjoyed his dinner immensely; Gwen was an amazing cook. Gwen watched in amazement as Arthur devoured pork, cole slaw, and mashed potatoes. He proclaimed that her Red Velvet cake was moist and delicious. Gwen enjoyed watching him eat. It made her feel proud. Lance was a vegan. She could never cook for him, or anything. She did make him a fruit salad. He couldn't eat her favorite mashed potatoes because of the butter and cheese.

Gwen was surprised that they had a few things in common such as music and the love of theater. She stared at him from under her eyelashes during dinner. She didn't really know what to think of his constant praise.

"I need another favor."

"Gee, you ask a lot," Arthur joked.

"I have tickets to a movie, and I need you to go with me."

"Okay, done. I need a favor."

"Done."

"I didn't ask."

"I'll go."

"Okay a cocktail party with my father and his cronies."

"Done."

"Maybe, one day, Arthur you could go to Texas for a state fair," Gwen asked hesitantly.

Arthur raised his eyebrows. "Is that an offer?"

Gwen's face felt hot. "Maybe."

"Maybe, I'll go."

Arthur's penetrating gaze unnerved Gwen. Maybe, we shouldn't make plans for the future. TEXAS. What would I say to Grandmommy and Aunt Maggie? Gee, I didn't even think of Shelly. That would mean that we are dating and serious. I don't if Arthur is ready to meet my family in all of their glory. Then again, he's thinking long term. He said maybe.

Arthur didn't like that she appeared nervous. Maybe, I should have kept my mouth shut. I'm moving too fast for her. She's lovely to me. I just want to kiss and spend all of my time with her. She can cook. Nobody has offered cook for just me. She baked me a cake…

"Guinevere, let me explain your trust before it gets too late.

"Perfect."

They were both a bit relived. They wanted to break the serious spell hanging over them. Gwen slide from her chair to hurry into her living area.

8888

Arthur was quite patient with Gwen as he answered her questions about her options regarding the family company. He was thankful that Uther had full confidence in his children, and he would never draft such a mean spirited trust. Uther would organize a trust for his grandchildren; Arthur didn't doubt it. However, Randolph Thomason used his trust to stick it to his daughters in death. Gwen's Aunt Maggie control 20% of the family shares. Each of her sisters were given 15 percent. The old man was devious in how he divided the grandchildren's shares. Of the remaining 50% of family owned shares, Gwen and Vivian were given 18 %, and the remaining grandchildren received 7% each, Elena and Elyan. Arthur didn't know what Elena and Elyan did to annoy the old man. Basically, control Gwen and Vivian, and the company was yours. Randolph gave Maggie control of the shares until the youngest grandchild turned twenty –five, Gwen. Gwen turned twenty five over the summer. The battle raged on in various financial outlets. Maggie was excellent choice to lead the company. She was quick and savvy. She appeared to care for her child, nephew, and nieces. He didn't know much about Gwen's mother and Aunt except they were beautiful and silly.

"I don't know that we, Viv and I, had more shares. I wonder why."

Arthur leaned back into her comfy sofa. "You were his favorites?'

"No, not at all. We were good. Elyan caused a bit of a fuss. Elena is Elena. I won't say anything bad about a family member. Even, if she steals boyfriend. I would never let her meet you, glad that she's married."

Gwen's eyes popped. Oh dear, I just indirectly called him my boyfriend. He's going to run.

Arthur decided that an air punch would be a bad idea. She almost called me her boyfriend. Awesome.

"What are you going to do, Guinevere," Arthur asked. He didn't want to see her squirm as she looked at him with her soft brown eyes.

"I love my Aunt Maggie. She yelled at her own child; Elena after that awful summer. She supported me before the trust. So, I know it was sincere. She held my hand at Granddaddy's funeral."

Arthur had one burning question. "Why doesn't your Grandmommy have any shares?"

Gwen shook her head. "In his will, he wrote that she would do something stupid with her shares. He gave her cash."

Arthur chuckled. "That must been a very interesting Will reading."

"Oh, it was. Lots of hurt feeling and shouting. An iron clad rule that nobody could contest it. We were each given a letter to explain the Will and why."

"What did your letter say?"

"I never opened it. I really wasn't listening. I felt sick that Elena dabbed her eyes as Lancelot rubbed her belly.

"Oh."

"Oh. Is right. Any suggestions."

"Maggie is the best person to back. She's smart and tough. Your mother and other aunt aren't experience. She has your best interest in heart "

"Thanks."

Arthur didn't really want to leave her.

"What about a movie?'

Gwen tapped her finger on her forehead. "Of course, we can watch the new version of the Thing. I watched the old one as a kid."

Arthur didn't know what to say. She likes horror and Science Fiction. Gwen has so many layers. He wondered if he could ever get to her depths.

"Let's connect your laptop to the Telly, and we can download it from the iStore.

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Arthur blamed it on her layers when Gwen grabbed a fraying white blanket trimmed in pink. He didn't say a word when she tossed the blanket over her head.

"I'm ready."

"Yes, I can see that, but are you ready for?"

"To watch the movie. I have Blankie, and I'm good. Blankie will hide my eyes from the scary parts."

"What…"

"I don't like scary movies. "

"You said you used to watch The Thing."

"I did, and it scared me."

Arthur counted to ten in his mind. "We can watch something else."

"Nope, I have blanket and you're here. What else do I need?"

Arthur felt like smoothing his feather. Guinevere knows how to stroke my ego.

"Okay."

Arthur didn't say a word when Gwen managed to scoot into his arms. She snuggled on his chest covered in her blanket.

"Is it safe?'

Arthur looked at the screen. He suspected the alien would have a meaty snack in two minutes.

"Hide for a bit more."

"This is sure better than the original."

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Arthur froze when Gwen pressed a few pieces of popcorn into his mouth. She was sweet and seductive at the same time. He knew that she didn't get it. She cuddled on his chest as he sat watching a cartoon.

Gwen listened into Arthur's heartbeat. My favorite spot.

Morded, mouth all mighty, sat frozen in his chair. Sophia offered him popcorn. Numbly, he munched on it. Arthur waited until Gwen was deeply engrossed in the movie. Turning his head, Arthur whispered," Sophia, it's a new age. Don't wait for him. Make the first move. He's shy."

Sophia nodded. Arthur almost choked on a piece of popcorn when she draped her arm across Morded's chair.

Arthur stood waiting for Gwen to do her girl things in the Loo.

"Arthur."

Why am I punished? Why Gawain of all people?

Turning on his heal, Arthur smiled at the gang all of them, Merlin, Gawain, Leon, and Percy.

"What are you doing here?"

"Catching a flick. And you," Gawain questioned.

"Me too."

"What did you see?'

Arthur felt sweat bead on his face. "I saw…

"He saw a ridiculous action movie with lots of killing and booms," Gwen answered softly.

His mates gawked at Gwen as she walked around them to wrap arm around Arthur's waist. "It was just ghastly."

Arthur drew her closer. That's my girl!

"I'm Gwen."

"Percy, nice to meet you," Percy murmured shyly.

"Leon, it's pleasure," Leon muttered as his face flushed.

"It's good to say you again, Gwen," Merlin grinned

"Irish does it better, and I'm Gawain," Gawain flirted as he kissed her hand. It took everything in Arthur not to punch him.

Gwen smiled at his friends. "It's a pleasure. I hope to see you again. We need to get going. Bye." Gwen tugged Arthur toward the exit.

"Somebody has it bad."

"Yeah, which one."

"Both."

Arthur stood outside Gwen's flat's door. Gwen rested her hands on his muscular chest as she stared into his eyes.

"I had a good time, Guinevere."

"Me too."

"Guinevere, I heard this song. It's called Just a kiss by Lady Antebellum… It's perfect for us…just a kiss."

Gwen blushed. "Okay."

Gwen froze when Arthur's fingertips touched her chin, tilting her face upward. His lips caressed hers gently as her eyes fluttered close.

Raising his head, Arthur smiled at Gwen. Her lips tingled as she attempted to gaze at Arthur. His hands trembled a bit. It was such a simple kiss, and it told him everything.

"Sleep tight."

"What?"

"Have a good rest."

Call me when you get home."

"Okay."

Arthur watched Gwen hop into her flat.

"What's wrong with you," he heard a shrill girlyvoice."

888

"So, I'm going to meet your Father tonight. Will he like me?"

Arthur smiled down at Gwen. He spun her around to see her royal blue dress swished around her shapely legs. Her unruly curls were contained in a loose bun.

"I like you. He'll love you."

Gwen beamed at Arthur. "You like me?"

"Very much."

"You know how to make a girl blush," Gwen whispered.

"Just you."

Arthur was deeply impressed with his little lady. Guinevere knows how to work this stuffy crowd of aristocrats and snobs. She was utterly charming. She smiled, and listen to people discuss silly thing. She knew how to work Dad's cocktail party. Arthur stood watching his girl chat with his sister.

"Marry her," Uther order. "I'm not saying because she owns part of an oil company. She's lovely and sweet."

Arthur stood dumbfound at his Father. "How did you know?'

"I remember the picture of your Gwen with a devastated look on her face clinging to a blonde at Randolph's funeral. They released it again last week. I would like her without the money and breeding. She's sweet. I never use the world sweet. Well done."

"It was an accident

"Love is always is an accident. I stepped on your Mother's foot. She was engaged to a man named Gorlois. I'm not proud of myself. I couldn't help it"

Arthur wrapped his arm around Gwen's waist as they stood talking to his mates. They were so well behaved that Arthur almost believed that they were pod people. Gawain didn't attempt to charm Gwen with his phony Irish charm. Percy spoke to Gwen about perhaps volunteering at the park. Leon asked Gwen how to make Smores. She laughed and charmed everyone. Arthur thought his snobby friends would scare her away from him. Gwen could hold her own.

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Merlin snuggled in his bed. He felt something kick him.

"Merlin," Morgana hissed. "Someone's knocking."

"It's a bad dream, Morgy. Go back to sleep."

Morgana whacked Merlin with a pillow. "Go, check the door."

She adored Merlin. He was everything that she needed. But, he was lazy.

Grunting, Merlin stomped out of his bedroom, rubbing his head. He squealed when he hit his foot on a table or wall. Morgana wouldn't kiss his booboo. His mom would fawn over him tomorrow when she arrived.

"Who is it," Merlin breathed into the door.

"Arthur, Let me in."

"It's not business hours."

"Open the door."

Merlin swung open the door to view a frantic looking Arthur. His shirt was undone. His blonde hair was messy, not artfully done. He was wrinkled and mismatched.

"I'm in love with Guinevere. Like she's the one love. I'm scared."

"I said to call, not come over when you realized that you're in love."