A/N: Wow. You guys really love this one. I wanted to really thank you all for the very personal, kind reviews. They always encourage me to write more and more, and get it out sooner. The funny thing is that I started this story terribly. People hated it, so I was determined to throw it out and write others. For whatever reason, I decided to re write it, and about three people commented on it, so I was under the impression people hated it. Now, it seems to be everyone's favorite story! So, thanks for always reading and reviewing, because it always makes a difference! I also noticed that some of you are slightly confused about the Charah aspect. Just to clear things up, they are on the verge of becoming real partners, but to the public, they already are. Sorry for the long note. Enjoy.

Chapter Seven:

Sarah was about to make a very important decision. Well, it was important to her, anyway. After several hours of unpacking her entirely new set of clothes into her wardrobe, she had to decide which dress she'd wear to the formal dinner. Said dinner would be a test in front of Chuck, his sister, her fiancée, and many cameras. The pressure was bound to hit her at some point.

Scanning the multitude of dresses, Sarah found one that really caught her eye. It was a gorgeous, expensive black dress. It was tight, Sarah remembered, and very flattering. Ellie recommended it for a formal night, saying it looked perfect on Sarah. Sarah tried it on; making sure it wasn't too revealing….she didn't want to give Chuck the wrong impression. Checking herself in the mirror, after a thorough inspection, she deemed it perfect for the formal occasion.

Turning towards the makeup that was spread across her bathroom counter, she smirked. She owed Ellie big time.

-0-

Chuck was actually nervous. He was a millionaire, with the world at his finger tips. There were girls lining up to meet him on some days. He was the most suitable bachelor there was. And yet, he still feared that he couldn't impress the goddess in the room down the hall. Sarah Walker may have been some sort of criminal before. He didn't believe it was by choice. She was smart, funny, athletic, and polite; not to mention the sexiest, most gorgeous woman he'd ever met. She made every model or actress look like dirt. He was completely gone.

Chuck tried his best to straighten his slightly crooked tie, wearing the cologne he'd had when he'd first met Sarah. He looked like he was about to step into a photo shoot. Coming down the hall, he found Sarah's room, the door closed. Knocking gently, he heard her smooth voice answer. "Coming…" she came to the door, opening it up all the way.

The two were caught in an almost comedic looking scene. Both were staring at each other, Chuck's jaw practically unhinging upon seeing her. Sarah's heart was racing, and she struggled to breathe quite correctly upon seeing him in his suit.

Chuck blinked, taking a good look at his dinner date. She was clad in a tight, beautiful and elegant black dress. Her hair was at her sides, and her makeup was perfect. Chuck couldn't find words to describe her. She was truly a work of art.

"Sarah….." he began, slowly. Sarah was already burning red, smiling her flawless smile up at him. "My god…..I can't even…..you…..you look….Woah." he tried, grinning.

"Very dapper yourself, Mr. Bartowski." She replied, leaning forward to fix his tie, using a sultry voice. She leaned against him on purpose, fixing his tie. Chuck's breath hitched at the close proximity.

She gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek, as Chuck smiled, gently taking her hand. "Well, due to the lack of engagement ring, I'm assuming the media will soon learn we're only dating…" he commented, giving her hand a soft kiss that sent shivers throughout her entire body.

"I hate to disappoint…." Sarah teased.

Chuck smirked, gently pulling her back to him. "We can give them something to talk about…." He grazed his lips ever so gently against her neck. She bit her lip to keep from making noise, enjoying every second of it.

They were interrupted by Chuck's phone, which beeped loudly with a text message, sending the two about an inch apart in surprise.

Pulling his phone out, Chuck glanced down with a smile. "It's El. She says it's time to leave…."

Holding his arm out, he linked it with Sarah's. "Our chariot awaits…." He teased. Sarah actually felt like a real life princess.

-0-

Word had gotten out that Chuck was bringing his new mystery girl to dinner at his favorite restaurant, accompanied by his sister and her fiancée as well. The camera men and reporters were flocking.

Chuck walked proudly, just like always, though ever since Sarah was with him…..he was much happier, more content. As they came in through the bustling front way, Sarah was sure she saw a thousand flashes go off.

Chuck walked comfortably, hand in hand with the angelic figure that was Sarah. She smiled like he did, completely photogenic knowing that she was safe from harm.

"Chuck! Give us some tips on how you-"

"What's the model's name, Charles?"

"Who designed that dress?"

"They're not actually engaged!"

Shouts from the interviewers and reporters could be heard, everyone trying to get their attention.

"Alright…." Chuck finally gave in with an amused, charming smile. "I'll clear a few things up."

The cameramen fought over a close position to catch what he was about to say. Chuck knew he had to choose his words carefully.

"This is Sarah Walker." He stated, giving Sarah's hand a subtle, relaxing squeeze. "She's my girlfriend." He finished. Sarah felt her heart flutter as soon as he mentioned her name. And now, the whole country would know. This had to be a dream.

"Kiss! Kiss!" They all cheered, like teenagers at a party.

Chuck just laughed amusedly, not wanting to take advantage of Sarah in front of so many people. Sarah, however, initiated it. Turning towards him slightly, she gently reached up and gave him a soft, tender kiss. Chuck smiled happily against her lips. It was the most romantic sight any of them had ever seen.

Chuck gently pulled her into the restaurant, as they were personally escorted by the owner to the private table with a view of the lighted city, where Ellie and Devon were sitting.

Once Sarah was formally introduced to Devon, they all sat comfortably.

"Woah, they really love you Sarah!" Ellie cheered supportively. "I can't blame them…"

Sarah smiled graciously. "Thanks Ellie….It's just so…natural with Chuck anyway." She replied honestly.

Chuck watched the two converse comfortably, as if they were best friends. Devon seized the opportunity to confront him in a low voice, as the girls went off in a fit of compliments.

"She's…..awesome, bro." Devon grinned, watching as the girls spoke obliviously. "She handles the media like a pro."

Chuck nodded with a relaxed smile, sipping his drink. "I know…."

"So…..what's your deal, man?" he asked, as the ladies excused themselves to the restroom, giggling like old friends. "Are you two…..for real?"

Chuck sighed, swirling the wine in his glass. "I guess so….I mean….we're pretty comfortable with each other….we've kissed…." He confessed.

Devon nodded, urging him to continue.

"That's it….." Chuck told him, knowing what was coming next.

"Dude, you're made of steel! How have you not messed around with a girl like that?" he asked, his burning question finally out.

Chuck watched with an amused smile. "That's just not how our relationship is, Captain."

Devon shook his head, smiling. Chuck really was some sort of saint.

"What about….." Devon began, suddenly lowering his voice as if he were bringing up some taboo word. "….Jill?"

Chuck suddenly stiffened, as if he'd taken a slap to the face. "What about her?" He asked, a little too quickly than he'd liked.

"She's always coming back with more ways to ruin things for you, especially after that last public burn…." He reminded, sagely if anything. "I'd watch out now that Sarah's name is out there in the books….just be careful…." He warned, watching as the girls made their way back to the table, each taking their seat across from their respective dates.

Chuck nodded silently to Devon's final words, changing his demeanor entirely as they got seated.

"What have you girls been talking about?" Devon asked playfully, sparking some sort of conversation. Sarah observed the tall, handsome, fit blonde. She glanced at Ellie, who had an amused gleam in her eyes, as if the two shared their own secret conversations with stairs. Chuck gently grazed her hand with his over the table, snapping her back to lovely reality.

"Huh…..Oh, nothing. Boring girl talk…." Sarah smirked. Ellie seemed to catch her drift, nodding as well.

"Yeah, you guys wouldn't be interested." She chimed happily, laughing at the flashes of worry that crossed the guys' faces. "We were just talking about getting Sarah a job around here…." Ellie informed them.

Chuck immediately joined politely. "Oh, Sarah, that's totally not necessary…."

Sarah refused to let him finish. "It is Chuck…Plus, you'll have to return to your normal work schedule at some point…..I'll need something to do, anyway." She reminded.

Chuck nodded. "Well, there's an open managing position at the company if you're interested?"

Sarah smiled. One half of her wanted nothing more than to work beside Chuck all day, learning more about his world. Another half decided it was finally time she started making her own income. She hated relying on Chuck for everything. Not because she was too proud….she felt like she was intruding.

"That sounds nice….." Sarah began.

Chuck immediately noticed the uneasiness in her answer. "Don't worry. There's plenty of time to figure things out. For now….let's just enjoy a beautiful night, with my wonderful family…." He smiled; Devon and Ellie doing the same. Sarah listened, taking her wine freely now. She deserved some fun, after all.

-0-

"I love your family, Chuck…." Sarah declared with a grin as they entered his house, Chuck shutting the door behind him. The lights were off. Chuck flipped them on, noting Morgan's absence.

"Hmm, I guess Morgan may have gotten lucky with Alex….." he laughed. Sarah turned to him, a mischievous gleam in her eye. Smirking, she led Chuck to his room, as he followed, clueless.

"Chuck…" she began, sitting beside him on his bed. "I can't begin to thank you…."

"Sarah, when I say the pleasure is all mine….I mean every single word." He promised, as the two gently leaned in, lips meeting. The shock was immediately there. Sarah felt a burning desire in the pit of her stomach. Forgetting where they were, she immediately threw her arms around his neck. He fell backwards, as she went on top, though their lips never parted.

Chuck, however, knew where this was going, all too well. "Sarah…." He breathed, lips only inches away from hers. "Are…are you sure you want this?" he whispered. Even in this state, he chose to respect her and her wishes.

"Chuck…..I've been waiting for this longer than you think." Came her confident, lustful reply as she closed the minor gap between them.

The two wouldn't be up early enough to see it, but they'd yet again made the front covers, this time, sharing a tender kiss.

-UNKNOWN LOCATION: THE NEXT MORNING-

The man held up the paper, struggling to read the fine print without his glasses. He felt some sort of shock, like a good slap in the face.

Throwing the paper down, he glanced out his window at the bustling city below. "Who does this damn schnook think he is?"

A/N: Okay, so hopefully this was longer, and up to par with your expectations? Sorry to say it, but I'll be pretty busy this upcoming week, so maybe no more updates for another week or so. Please let me know how you liked it, I look forward to hearing your thoughts! Thanks a million for reading, reviewing, and PMing. As always, have a good one, guys.

-LLC