She leaned back onto the doorframe of her hotel room, her thumb lightly brushing Derek's hand. "Why don't you come in?"

"Alex, I really should..." He took a step away from her, and their arms stretched to their limits. He stood still as she moved to him. Her fingers reached out and tenderly swept the curl off his forehead. "Do you have any idea how much I want to kiss you?"

His eyes blazed as she leaned forward, and her mouth slowly covered his. He didn't move until her tongue teased his lips, then it seemed as if something burst within him. His arms wrapped tightly around her, and he returned her passionate kiss. What control she had now was fading quickly. She pulled him into the room, then pressed him against the door to close it.

The touch of his lips on her neck sent ripples of desire through her body as he fumbled with the buttons on her dress. She backed up closer to the bed, hoping that the maid had turned down the covering. She stole a quick look in the illumination of the two small lamps that she had left on earlier. No� Well, at least they wouldn't fall over the furniture in the semi-darkness.

She uttered soft grunts as she nipped at his earlobe while her hands moved to his jacket. She wrenched it off him, then tugged at the high, stiff Edwardian collar. He was more adept at unfastening buttons than she was. Her pulse pounded in her ears as she tried to concentrate on the tiny buttons of his shirt. Her fingers were shaking and her vision blurred, but she managed to undo several of them. His warm, gentle hands slipped the top of her dress off her, and she trembled as his mouth pressed hot kisses to her bare shoulders. She tried to stifle the groan that rose in her as her dress fell to the floor.

He stepped back and grinned. "Wait a minute. Did Edwardian women really wear those?"

She giggled. "Probably not," she admitted. She did a slow, elaborate turn, her arms over her head, to better display the cream-colored lace bra and panties she wore. Desire flared in his eyes, and she smiled as she draped her arms around him. "Do you like them?"

"You are a beautiful woman," he whispered before his lips sought hers. He unhooked her bra, and it joined the dress on the floor. She fought to control her breathing and the hammering of her heart as his tongue caressed hers.

They stumbled nearer to the bed, with Alex still struggling to remove his shirt. She finally managed to tear it off him before she moved on to his pants. It was harder to concentrate on that at the moment with his nimble fingers slipping beneath her panties. She whimpered as he gently stroked the delicate flesh between her thighs. She bit her lip, praying that she wouldn�t come before she had even gotten his pants off.

She pushed him onto the bedspread, and his hands pulled away the hair band. Soft curls cascaded around her face as she bent down and kissed him. He laughed and flipped her onto her back. Alex's hands reached out to steady him. "Whoa, watch out, the world is spinning." Chuckling, he nuzzled into her neck before his mouth found hers once more. He pressed numerous kisses from her chin to her breasts as her arms stretched over her head. His lips tickled her nipple, causing sensations within her that left her quivering and wanting more. She gasped as his lips moved lower.

Awareness returned and her mouth hunted for his generous one. His tongue teased hers, their lips enticing and tantalizing as they moved on the bed. The intoxicating taste of him threatened to send her into a frenzy. She lay beneath him, her arms around his neck, kissing any part of him that she could reach. Her breathing stopped as he pulled away from her. No, he wasn't...

A knot formed in her throat as he got out of the bed. She would die right now if... But her fears dissolved as she watched him remove the last of his clothing. The sight of his naked body made the blood surge through her veins as he returned to her. He grinned as his hands slipped once more beneath the waistband of her panties. Anticipation rippled through her.

Wet kisses seared her abdomen as he slowly inched them down her legs, his mouth and tongue marking the trail of his exquisite torture. Her back arched in response and he pulled the garment off, but the want for him became almost unbearable. As she slid down to him, their eyes locked and hers implored him for release.

His hands began to lightly massage the soft skin of her hips. She writhed under his touch as his fingers skimmed her sensitive, moist tissue. He opened her and his body gently molded to hers. She gasped as their bodies united, and the feel of his skin on hers made her ache even more for him. Pressing her need, his body yielded to her desire, and she was drowned in an indescribable joy.

A delicious shudder vibrated through her, and she cried out from the sweet agony of him. Her breath was drawn in short gasps as her mouth sought his once more. He trembled and she wrapped her legs around him to hold him deep inside her as he came. She rubbed her fingers across his shoulders, wanting to give him some of the pleasure that he had given her. Sighing deeply, her mouth brushed against his neck as he released inside her.

Derek murmured something as his arms curled around her. A smile of incomparable satisfaction lit her face as he then nuzzled into her, their bodies still joined. Was there possibly a word that existed in this universe that could express the incredible emotion she was feeling, lying in this bed with the man she loved? Yes, she loved him, and she had for some time. She wasn't sure she could pinpoint the day when her feelings changed from lust to love, she only knew that they had.

She bit her lip to suppress the giggle. Maybe it was the day that his hair curl wouldn't remain with the rest of the hair on his forehead. He had looked so cute, running his hand through those strands as he tried to discipline them. Didn't Prince Charming have such a curl in the middle of his forehead? Ah, but Cinderella also didn't end up in bed with her prince after the ball, did she?

"But I did," she said softly in contented exhaustion. Her fingers played with the bright, yellow-flowered spread. She'd remember this hideous thing forever --and this unforgettable night. "All because of you." She smiled as she gazed at him. "You're going to think I'm being silly, but..." Her hands pushed aside the damp hair from his forehead. "I love you, Derek." Even his back was gorgeous with the way...

"I love you, Serena..."

An icy, brittle shiver inched down her back as he groaned and was still. Who was... No, she didn't hear... Her imagination... No, he couldn't have thought...

"Serena..." He nestled into her, murmuring something more against her skin.

No... no, please... Derek... Did he really think...? She tried to move away from him; she had to think. He slid out of her, but he shifted and his arms tightened around her, his head once more resting on her breasts. A mistake... She couldn't have heard... As she fingered the lovely ruby necklace, she knew the truth. Her dream of his desiring her shattered. How could he...

A bitter tear fell as her eyes filled. Was it only a short time ago that she had relished the feel of those arms as they slipped under her back and drew her closer to him... But what could have changed...?

The woman at the party... Alex saw with new understanding how upset Derek had been, the pain she had seen flash on his face as he had looked away... The woman had told Derek something upsetting about this Serena... That's why he had wanted to leave... And there she was ready and willing...

Moonlight dimly filtered in through the curtains as she reviewed the once-magical night in the dreadful light of reality. That stunning rose dress... Had she put on rose-colored glasses to match? What was the true purpose of his invitation to the gala? Was he only showing her off as his prize prot�g�? No, more like his... prize filly! There was nothing more to it than that. It was a wonder she wasn't asked to open her mouth and display her teeth! What an utter fool she had been...

He stirred and his eyes opened. She tried not to look at him as she removed his arms from around her body. "Wha..."

She fought to remain furious with him, but her heart broke at the amazing dreaminess of his eyes, his tousled hair... The same tousled hair that her fingers played with only hours earlier. How did he manage to be so handsome... and so cruel. She brushed away a tear.

His eyes brightened as realization came to them. "Alex..." He flushed faintly when his eyes met hers, and her heart constricted. Damn him for looking so...

"Good morning." He smiled and his hand played with several strands of her hair, but she pulled away. "Are you all right?" His face softened. "Last night was wonderful."

"That depends on who you were," she whispered as she looked over his head.

"I'm sorry?" She stared at him. He had no idea what he did. How could she have given herself to this man?

"Could you just get dressed and leave, please?" She struggled for control, not wanting to break down in front of him. "I have to catch a plane."

"I can take you to the airport." His hand reached for hers but she drew it back. "Alex, what's wrong? We should talk about this..." His voice faded at the expression on her face. He dressed in silence as she clenched her fists, holding the sheet to her neck.

Why should she sit here? She'd be damned if his last vision of her would be her passively sitting in the bed they shared. Besides, she really did have a plane to catch. She got up and tossed on the bathrobe that she had left on the chair as she dressed for the party. Was it only 12 hours ago?

She pulled several items out of the drawers and tossed them in her suitcase as he dressed on the other side of the room. He might as well be on the other side of the world to her...

He stood at the door as he prepared to leave. "I'm... I'm sorry, Alex. I know it was completely inappropriate behavior on my part, and I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship. I would sincerely hate for that to happen." He turned to gaze at her, and she felt herself starting to collapse under his stare. "I regret it if I hurt you. I truly never intended that."

"Just go, Derek," was all she could manage to say. "Please."

He hesitated, then closed the door behind him. She released the gasp in her throat as she tried to catch her breath. Her fist went to her mouth as her legs went out from under her.

She was unsure how long she sat on the floor and cried before she dragged herself to the bathroom. The hot water helped to warm her, and she scrubbed herself raw in an effort to get rid of the touch and feel of him. How could she have been so stupid...

Did he mean anything he said last night? He was proud of her, but only because he was her professor and she was his best student. Did he really think she was beautiful in that dress, or was he only saying it to make her feel relaxed at his precious party. Her head throbbed, trying to make it all fit into this terrible, new day.

She dressed and quickly tossed the remainder of her things into the suitcases. Her lovely cream-colored lace bra and panties would be burned as soon as she got home so she wouldn't have to see the damn things again and be reminded of what happened. But what to do with the outfit she wore to the party? She snorted. Her Cinderella dress... She folded the exquisite rose gown and carefully placed it in the box. Manners told her that she should pay for the cleaning, but she wanted it put away and out of her sight. The hair band and jewelry were put away into their boxes as well. Now for a couple of phone calls.

"This is Alex Moreau in Room 1734. I'm checking out." She took a quick gulp of air, fighting to keep her voice level. "Could you send someone up for my bags, please?" She made another call to the number on Derek's note to alert the Luna Foundation that their boxes were ready as well.

As she waited, she took another look around the room, trying to concentrate on what she left behind. Well, other than her shattered heart and broken soul. She tried to see beyond the image of the two of them in her bed to see if she had left a piece of jewelry or her watch. No, that was on her wrist. A knock of the door startled her, and she clenched her fists.

"I'm coming," she called out and opened the door. It wasn't the bellman but another hotel employee carrying a huge bouquet of flowers.

"A delivery for you, miss," the young man smiled as he carried them in and placed them on the desk.

"I'm sorry, I don't..."

"No need to worry, miss. Everything's taken care of." He gave her a short bow. "Have a good day."

"You too," she said faintly. Who could these be from? Who else. He was feeling guilty enough to send her flowers. She wasn't sure that she could bear reading the card, but her curiosity won out. He probably had some assistant take care of that for him too. Have a safe flight home. Hope you had a great time� She tore open the envelope and her breath caught as she recognized his handwriting. All right, so he didn't order them by phone�

Steeling herself, she focused on the words. "Alexandra, my deepest, heartfelt apologies for my inexcusable behavior of last night. I've darkened the world if I've broken such a beautiful heart. Please forgive me. Derek." A tear rolled down her face and she crushed the card. Her nails dug into her palms as she struggled to control her emotions. She didn't have time for this... There was another knock at her door. She closed her eyes and steadied herself before she opened it.

"Your bags, ma'am?" The bellman wheeled the cart into the room.

"They're over here." She pointed to them, then pretended to be fussing over the flowers. They were gorgeous�

"What about these?" He pointed to the boxes.

"Someone from the Luna Foundation will be arriving shortly to pick those up," she told him before she turned and walked into the bathroom to try to compose herself. "I'll meet you downstairs," she called out to the man.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied before she heard the door close.

God, she wished she was home. She wanted to feel her grandmother's arms around her, telling her that everything was going to be all right. Gramma Rose would know immediately that something was wrong; she wouldn't be able to hide this from her. How could she tell her that yet another man had broken her heart? This one would not be the messy relationship that the other had become, however. She'd make sure of that.

She needed to figure out why she kept doing this. Was she searching for a father figure? She had to leave the other one because she feared she'd be lost in him. Why the hell did she go and fall for another where the same thing could happen? Only this Prince Charming changed into a toad first...

Her midnight had come after all. She was no longer the princess but a simple girl from Louisiana. And it was time to leave. After putting cold water on her eyes, she strolled into the other room and gazed out the window at the city beyond. "Goodbye, San Francisco." As she passed the flowers, she reached out to touch one of the roses. "Goodbye, Derek," she whispered.

She hesitated for a moment before she picked up the bouquet and placed it in the nearby trash basket. She picked up her jacket and purse and opened the door. Taking a couple of steps, she stopped and turned back into the room.

"Just so I'll never forget what you did to me..." She fished the card out of the trash, then slipped it in her purse before she walked out of the room.

"I managed to get a standby seat on the next flight home," Alex told Rachel as her eyes once more focused on the view outside. "A month later, I got into a rebound affair to try to forget him, and that made my life a bigger mess." She laughed bitterly. "Elisa saw it. I just go too deep and get lost in them."

"Elisa? I'm a little confused but..." Rachel came up behind Alex and put her arms around her shoulders. "I am so sorry, sweetie."

"When I allowed myself to think back on that evening later, the rose-colored glasses were off. He hadn't chosen the dress; some assistant did. He probably saw it for the first time when he saw me." She snickered. "It was likely the only one that would fit me."

"That must have been when Serena married Spencer Croft," the blonde said.

Alex pulled away and shrugged. "Don't know, don't care. I was damn grateful that I didn't end up pregnant."

"Pregnant?" She almost laughed at how wide Rachel's eyes became. "Don't tell me that you didn't..."

"We were too busy ripping each other's clothes off. I don't think we even turned down the bed." She scratched her upper lip to hide the grin as the other woman flushed. Her smile vanished. "It was pretty foolish for those times. Maybe he only wanted to give me a night to remember... the problem is that he did."

"And then when Spencer..." Alex held up her hands. She certainly didn't want to hear about that again.

"Listen, can we not..." She walked away from the blonde. "I think I'm going to finish my dinner and go to bed early." Alex hoped the woman would get the message. "My head is throbbing."

"Get some rest, honey." Rachel gave her a quick hug and headed for the door. "I'll just say one thing before I go. If you want an intimate relationship with Derek, you two need to discuss that night. You need to face your past if you're to have a future." She left, closing the door behind her.

Alex wrapped her arms around herself as she headed out onto the balcony for some fresh air. She poured another glass of Merlot and raised it in a toast. She got what she wanted that night -- Derek Rayne in her bed. If she ever wanted him back in it, they would have to talk about that night. She would need to find a way to tell him the part she played in it if she wanted any sort of future with him. And why that night was about so much more than sleeping with him...

End part 24