A/N: Okay guys, here is the next chapter. Sorry I didn't post it as quickly as I wanted too but I'm still working on the next chapter and it would have meant you waiting much longer for it if I'd posted this straight away. Thank you to mingsmommy for the beta and encouragement. Well, I think this may be what you have been waiting for, well the start of it *chuckles*.

Enjoy!

Chapter 33

Grissom shimmied through the crowd in a flash and when he reached Sara she was still trying to pull her hand from the grasp of the man sat with her.

"Will, you please let me go?" she said in almost a whisper, obviously wanting to avoid a scene.

"Oh, come on, sweetheart, you know you want to dance with me…"

The rancher clenched his fists together and battled for control as he stepped right up to them. "Do we have a problem here?" He fought the gravel in his voice as he attempted to remain calm.

When Sara's glance shifted to him the look that appeared on her face was one of sheer relief. The gentleman who sat by her side stood quickly and faced his interrupter without even thinking but when he saw the look of fire blazing in the larger man's eyes, he quickly took a step back.

"Oh…um…er…" The younger man stumbled on his words as Grissom glared at him, cringing as the smell of his alcohol soaked breath drifted towards him. His nostrils flared in a mixture of anger and disgust.

"No, no problem at all, I was just…" he pointed across the garden, "…leaving. Excuse me." He nodded his head in an attempt to seem respectful and quickly dashed away. Grissom watched him with narrow, piercing eyes until he disappeared. He returned his attention to Sara.

"Sara, are you alright?" His concern was very evident as her distressed eyes looked up at him. As soon as their eyes locked though, he noticed how she seemed to relax.

"I'm fine," she replied quickly, all too quickly for his liking.

"Are you sure?"

Placing her now free hands onto her lap she smiled. "I'm sure. He was just a little…too persistent for my liking and didn't seem to want to take no for an answer."

Frowning deeply Grissom turned his attention back to the crowd of people. "Maybe I should go find him and…"

"Don't be silly," she interjected on a snort.

Returning his full attention to her, he sighed heavily. "I'm sorry I was gone for so long, I just lost track of time and…"

"Its fine," she cut in. "You were obviously enjoying yourself and to be honest I think I was doing alright until…" she nodded towards the crowd, "…our friend decided to be a little forceful."

"I gather you didn't want to dance with him?"

Scoffing loudly, the young heiress rolled her eyes. "Whatever gave you that idea?"

After all what had just happened she still made him smile with her banter. "Well…" holding out his hand to the beauty sitting before him, his smile broadened, "…as the last man didn't work out so well, would you like to dance with me?"

There.

He asked her.

And, as he held his hand out awaiting a response he couldn't quite believe that fact. He'd actually asked her if she wanted to dance with him.

Suddenly, he witnessed Sara's face blossom with the brightest smile he was sure he'd ever seen and it made him weak at the knees.

"I would like that," she replied gently and without hesitation, took his hand.

When her soft palm slid into his, he felt his chest swell with an enormous amount of pride that he was about to lead this stunning young woman around the dance floor. Well, not quite a dance floor, but close enough.

As he led her towards the dancing group, he suddenly felt very, very nervous as the partygoers spun around and around enjoying the liveliness of the Polka which the band had just commenced. Laughter and the occasional cheer filled the air and reality dawned upon him that he hadn't actually danced for a long, long time. Could he even remember how to or was he about to considerably embarrass himself?

"I know what you're thinking, you know?" Sara's voice broke his thought and their eyes clashed. "This isn't a competition, Grissom, it's about enjoying yourself and I'm sure you're a much better dancer than you give yourself credit for."

With a sharp nod and an audible swallow, he pulled on her hand so that she faced him and she laughed as she slid her left arm around his waist and took his right hand in hers. His face was just full of total uncertainty.

"Relax," she urged and as he felt her squeeze his hand he felt some of the nervous weight shift from his shoulders and he tried to do as requested.

"Right," he sighed on half a smile.

Chuckling once more, Sara pulled herself a little closer. "Should I lead?" she joked as they still stood static.

Now he smiled. "That won't be necessary."

And it wasn't. Grissom moved and Sara followed his lead; they joined the group and began dancing.

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Grissom came to the conclusion after a good five minutes of energetic movement that the Polka was fun. The fact that he was actually doing it with Sara more than likely aided his enjoyment for this particular dance but right now he couldn't think of any other place he would rather be. She, too, seemed to be enjoying herself, her laughter gave that away and every time a happy giggle fell from her lips it made him feel alive, more alive than he had ever felt before.

After several dances, their gazes locked and their smiles replicated each other's. Sara licked her lips and leaned into him. "I'm a little thirsty…" she half shouted over the noise of the music and its accompanying cheers and whoops from the guests, "…shall we have a little break?"

"Whatever the lady desires," he replied causing her to grin at him and realizing what he said, he found himself grinning back, although he probably shouldn't have.

Taking her hand, he led her away from the dancing area and they found a table. Almost immediately a servant appeared and asked them if they were in need of anything to drink. They both took a glass of champagne and sipped happily from their glasses.

"You are actually a very good dancer," Sara commented as she placed her glass on the table. "You really should have more confidence in yourself and I thank you for the partnership."

"My pleasure." He smiled back at her and again sipped from his glass.

They hadn't been seated for long when Teri appeared with her father. "Well, hello again, you two," she began, "do you mind if we join you?"

"Not at all," Grissom responded, standing, pulling out a chair for his friend.

"Thank you," she smiled, slipping into the seat.

"So, are you having a good time?" Taylor asked, looking to each of his guests in turn.

"Very much so," Sara replied with a hearty smile. "It's a wonderful party."

"How about you, Gil?" The older man looked to his friend. "Have you finally learnt how to relax and have a good time?" He grinned as Grissom rolled his eyes.

"I know how to relax," he returned, shuffling in his seat. His eyes flicked to Sara as she scoffed but she quickly covered her mouth with her hand when he narrowed his eyes.

Then, there was an awkward tension as the entire table went silent until, all of a sudden the four party goers burst into laughter.

"Sorry, Gil," Teri giggled. "You are just so easy to tease."

"Thanks," he mocked, finishing his drink and placing the now empty glass onto the table.

"But I saw you dancing away out there," she continued. "I didn't know you could move so well."

Sara's eyes floated to her teacher as his expression remained neutral. Shrugging his shoulders, "Neither did I," he replied.

She picked up her glass and grinned into the rim as she sipped.

"Well…" Teri stood and the two gentlemen at the table quickly followed, "…maybe you could teach me your ways of wisdom?" She held out her hand and looked in the direction of the dancers.

Unsure why but his first reaction to the request was to look to Sara. Did his inner self feel it needed her permission? Thankfully she smiled at him. "Go ahead," she instructed, "I can wait here."

"Or…" Taylor cut in, now holding out his own hand, "…you could do me the honor of a dance?"

With her smile broadening, she took his hand. "Why not?" she asked as he pulled her up. Grissom took Teri's hand and the group of four casually strolled towards the dancing area.

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And so the night continued as did the dancing, the drinking and the conversation, usually in that order, and the circle began again.

Teri inquired as to what Grissom was actually doing now, as well as asking Sara about herself. She also couldn't hold in her obvious need to know what had happened to Grissom's face, a question which she had evidently managed to keep inside until the drink allowed her curiosity to get the better of her.

The rancher presented her with the same answer he had given to everyone else and quickly changed the subject. It had been an amazing evening so far and he wished it to stay that way. He didn't want to become all sullen thinking about events back at The Grove. Sara and Teri were getting on well and that he was thankful for. After their first meeting yesterday he was delighted things hadn't continued the way they began.

Now, it was getting late and Grissom looked at his watch as they once again sat and chatted.

"Thinking about leaving?" Teri asked, looking around the garden. "Although I can see you're not the only one." Her words were true as people were slowly filtering out of the party, thanking Taylor who was now across the garden bidding his farewells.

"Probably a good idea," he responded looking to Sara who was smiling at him. She had certainly had her fill of alcohol and he wasn't sure it was such a good idea to stay much longer and allow her to become intoxicated beyond what he felt acceptable. She was still his responsibility. "I still have things to do before we leave."

"When exactly do you leave?"

Thinking for a moment he looked back to Teri. "I'm not entirely sure, sometime in the next couple of days."

"Well, try and say goodbye before you leave, alright?"

"I'm sure we can manage that," he said with a smile. "Sara, are you ready to go?" he asked.

She failed to answer and looked back over to the dancing area. There were still a few people enjoying themselves.

"Sara?"

Her head slowly turned and her gaze fell to him. "One last dance?" she asked before smiling shyly. "It's not often I get such freedom in whom I chose to dance with."

Grinning at her new friend's question, Teri stood before Grissom had the chance to offer a response. "I will hopefully see you before you leave, Gil. It was nice to become properly acquainted with you, Sara." She leaned into Grissom and kissed him on the cheek. "And…" she whispered "…give the lady what she wants, you know you want too." That said, she slipped away without another word, leaving Grissom to his decision.

It didn't take him long to decide. He moved around the table until he was in front of Sara and held out his hand.

Instantly, she beamed a smile and swiftly slipped her hand into his. He, too, smiled as he led her back towards the band and the now small group of dancers. However, as they reached the floor his smile faltered when the music changed and the sound of a slow Waltz filled the air.

Their eyes locked and the rancher swallowed hard, his entire posture tensing. Could he even consider doing the Waltz with Sara? Anything else would have been fine but the Waltz? Could he be that close to her without losing control?

"Hey…" her soft voice broke him from his thoughts, "…we don't have to dance, if you've changed your mind. We can just go, if you…"

He didn't give her the opportunity to finish her sentence. If she wanted to dance, then so she would. Pulling on her hand, he tugged her solidly against him and as her body pressed into his, he slipped his hand to the small of her back. He sighed deep within as her warmth radiated through him.

Their eyes remained locked together as he took her other hand in his and she slid her free hand up his back to come to rest on his shoulder.

No words were spoken, none were needed and he began to move, taking her with him. Their movements were slow and graceful and Grissom found he couldn't pull his gaze away from the delightful brown eyes searing into his very soul. She moved perfectly with him; every step he took she matched with elegance and the most perfect of timing. Every now and again, she would close her eyes for a moment and her breath would hitch slightly. Her cool, champagne scented breath then floated onto him. But each time her eyes fluttered open, they would instantly meet his again and her lips would twitch.

She was so beautiful and he knew at that very point in time, as he struggled to forbid the lustful urges from his mind and body that he was in trouble. Serious, serious trouble.

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The couple had said their goodbyes at the party and enjoyed a leisurely buggy ride back to the house. Taylor had hired on several carriages for transportation home should anyone require it. Grissom placed his jacket over Sara's shoulders as the night air had become rather cool and she thanked him for the gesture. In fact, it was the coolest night they had experienced since arriving but considering the energetic entertainment earlier they had only just begun to feel how cold it was.

They didn't say much during the ride. Both seemed content in just looking up at the stars, inhaling the refreshing air and enjoying the quiet. It had been a rather noisy evening so the peace was actually nice. Every now and then they would look at each other and their eyes would lock before Sara would look away with a bashful smile creeping onto her face.

It didn't take long for the buggy to reach the Grissom estate and the driver pulled it to a stop just before the house. "There, you go, sir," he announced their arrival with a smile.

Hoping down, Grissom thanked the driver before helping Sara from their transportation. The old man at the reins tipped his hat before pulling away and heading back down the road.

They looked at each other and a heavy silence seemed to overcome them for a moment.

"We should…" Grissom hesitated, clearing his throat before pointing to the house, "…it's late so…"

With an almost nonexistent nod Sara offered her agreement and they walked towards the house, stopping just by the porch steps and again taking in each other's expressions.

"I would like to thank you for accompanying me this evening, Sara," the rancher began. "I had a wonderful time." He offered a genuine show of appreciation but he didn't quite expect Sara to do what she did afterwards.

She stepped forward; right up to him and without any warning kissed him softly on the lips. He should have stopped her but for some reason, more than likely the fact he didn't expect it, he found himself rooted to the spot and unable to move. Pulling back, she gnawed gently on her bottom lip as her eyes wandered over his face.

"So did I," she whispered, her soft breath tickling his skin.

He swallowed hard and as her hand suddenly reached out in an attempt to touch his cheek he acted with lightening speed this time, softly grabbing her hand and halting her attentions.

"Why are you being like this?" she whimpered, pulling her hand back.

"Sara….."

"No, damn it! What is wrong with you? Or is it me? You kiss me, then you run away. We get close again and…" she clenched her fists "…again you want to retreat. Am I just some kind of game to you? Is it fun to play with my feelings? Is it? Do you have any idea how I feel about you?"

Opening his mouth to respond he fell short, unable to immediately find the words he sought so desperately.

"I...just…don't…" He fumbled on his words. "…we can't…Sara...don't you understand the implications of…" he trailed off on a sigh, his chest tightening, "…I can't…I am not good enough for you, Sara. Can you not see that?"

"Why?" she demanded swiftly. "Why do you feel that? Have I ever given you any reason to make you feel that way?"

"It…" he stuttered "…just isn't right for me to…I have no right to…we are not…"

Cutting in, she stopped him. "Do you not feel for me?"

Working his jaw from left to right, Grissom fought his emotions, until she stepped closer, this time her body brushed solidly against his. As he looked into her eyes, he battled to control his breathing as the scent of her captivated his senses. He failed to find an answer.

"Tell me right now that you…" she edged closer, breaking his gaze, her lips almost upon his neck now "…do not wish me in your bed. That you don't crave, to feel me under you." Her breath ghosted over his skin and he shuddered. "Tell me now and I'll leave and never be of bother again."

Pulling back on a heavy swallow, he captured her eyes in his once again. His hands, although shaking, slowly rose to cup her face. Tenderly, he ran the tips of his thumbs over her elegant, smooth, cheek bones.

"I cannot tell you that, because it would untrue," he spoke quietly. "I crave you more…" he took in a deep breath "…more than you could possibly know, but, it is not my place…we are not…we can not…"

Quickly, she raised her finger to his lips and ran the tip softly over his bottom lip. He silenced and removed his hands from her face.

Mimicking his previous action, this time, her hands fell upon his face where she softly ran them smoothly over his finely trimmed beard. Slowly, one hand reached around to the back of his neck where her fingers roamed for a few seconds before she pulled his head towards her and his lips approached hers.

He couldn't fight it anymore. He just, could not, no matter how much his conscience told him he should. The very feel of her against him and the delicate aroma she exuded drove him to the brink of insanity and when their lips brushed together he hesitated no more and his arms swiftly encircled her, pulling her tightly against his body. Their lips now crashed together with deliberate intensity and the rancher found it a complete impossibility to resist this gorgeous woman for one second longer.

As her hands slid up his back, she moaned into his mouth as his tongue slipped over hers. He felt as if his entire body was on fire. Without warning, he swept her from the ground and into his arms. She gasped in surprise but with their lips still locked together he engulfed the sound from her mouth and swallowed it whole.

After an extremely lengthy and toe curling kiss, their lips finally parted, both heiress and rancher desperate for an intake of air. As they stood, her slender and graceful frame clinging to his, the couple's eyes explored each others for a moment then, without a word he carried her up the porch steps, kicked open the door to his home and took her inside.

A/N: Ugh, it has begun! Lol. I am trying very, very hard to get the next chapter finished but it has become quite a challenge for me but I'm getting there. I will have it up as soon as I can. Thank you for all the reviews and support, you are all amazing and this story wouldn't be what it is without the readers :)