Author - perfect goddess E-mail - perfect_goddess@start.com.au Title - Only You Chapter - 4 Disclaimer - <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Darien arranged for a meeting with Serena the next day. He looked at his watch and found, that for the first time in his life, he was running late. Stuffing the papers into his briefcase, Darien rushed out the door, stopping briefly at the receptionists desk. "How do I look?" he asked the shocked secretary, brushing his ebony hair across his forehead, in a attempt to smooth it down. "Very handsome, sir." She replied as Darien began to get impatient, becoming all starry-eyed, but he hardly noticed. Not that Darien would notice on a normal day, but he was in such of a hurry, he ran through the door without a second glance. Darien reached the restaurant to find an irritated blond drumming perfect nails on the table, looking at her watch. He walked over behind her and kissed her on the cheek. "Hello, Serena." He said, giving her a no#1 smile. She scowled at him, a pretty blush staining her cheeks. "What was that for?" she asked, frowning at him. "What?" he asked innocently. "That!" she fumed, pointing at her cheek. "Oh, well, we are in public, and I thought, well, we are supposed to be a couple, so...." he smiled at her again, flashing his pearly whites. "Don't do it again. Okay?" "Yes sir!" "And don't call me that either!" "What? Would you prefer, meatb-" "Don't say it!" she screeched, shaking a tiny fist at him. "Look, if you want this to work, mister, you are going to have to find some manners." "Fine!" Serena sat back in her chair, still gazing at Darien. The nerve of this man! Still, the more she looked at him...His smile was dazzling, and although she didn't like to admit it, especially to herself, Serena was extremely attracted to this man. *Stop it Serena! Get a grip!*. She forced a scowl at Darien, as he looked up to find her staring. "What is it, Darling? Can't get enough of me?" he grinned. "Ugh. Oh yeah that's exactly it." She said sarcastically. "look, lets just get some things straight. One, no kissing." Darien smirked, "Two, don't call me names! I haven't been 'meatball head' for ten years, so lets not dig that one up now, shall we?" "I dunno, I kind of like meatba-" "Darien!" "Okay!" he smiled at her again. Serena felt herself practically melt into the floor. "Umm..." she stuttered. *get a grip!*, she told herself. Darien drew a white envelope out of his coat pocket. "This is our invitation to the Charity Ball. I'll pick you up at seven." "What? 'Our' invitation?" "Yes, if you read the fine print, it says, 'Mr Lord and partner'" he said, pointing to the writing. "I know." She said crossly. "I happen to have my own invitation. And what kind of invitation is that?" "Fine." He said, getting down on one knee. "Serena, I would be honored if you would join me at the Charity Ball this Sunday, I shall pick you up at seven o'clock, if that pleases you." "Stop it!" she whispered. "You're making a scene!" Grumbling something about not being able to females, Darien resumed his seat. "So?" "Alright. I'll go." Serena said finally. "But I'll need a dress." She smiled wickedly. "What? And you expect *me* to pay for this?" he asked incredulously. "Well, we are supposed to be a couple, milord." Smiling as he frowned. "Alright." He conceded. "But on one condition. I get to help pick it out." "What?" Now it was Serena's turn to stare in shock. "I said, I get to- " "I heard what you said!" she scowled, but he just smiled at her, and she felt herself melt a little more. "Good, now that that's settled, lets eat. I'll take you after lunch." He picked up the menu and began to read. "But I have clients!" she spluttered, aghast at this mans attitude. "Ring ahead and cancel." He said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world to do. "But-" she began, but stopped, obviously defeated. They passed lunch with polite conversation, finding our different things about each other. Serena found Darien to be arrogant, yet charming and handsome. Dariens plan was well underway. He found out more than enough about what she liked, and what she disliked, in preparation for the rest of his plan. With his charming smile and witty comments, it was easy to miss the cold personality hidden beneath the surface. Serena proved to be a very good shopper. She dragged Darien to many different shops and tried on twice as many dresses, each one easily dismissed by her shopping companion. Darien found the dress he was looking for, just as Serena was ready to give up. It was a long white gown, with an overlay of shimmering chiffon, woven into with beads and silken thread. It had a line of small white flowers embroidered just below the bust, and thin spaghetti straps. Serena chose matching white high heeled shoes, and Darien paid for the whole ensemble, complete with stole and handbag. "Thankyou." Said Serena sincerely, when they finally left the shop, laden down with many bags. "My pleasure." He said, smiling down at her, and taking her hand in his. To any observant person noticing them pass in the crowded mall, Darien and Serena looked like a happy couple, tired from an afternoon of hectic shopping. In spite of herself, Serena felt herself relax into Dariens grip, and move closer to him for support. This was exactly the desired effect. Darien smirked to himself, watching the pretty blond next to him. This was going to be easy. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Serena paraded around the lounge room in her new outfit, her girlfriends 'oohing' and 'aahing' at the gorgeous dress. "He has excellent taste, Serena" commented Mina, admiring the stole, and feeling the soft fabric. "I know," she said, twirling to show off the fanning skirt. "Much better than I expected from that cold hearted arrogant chief executive." Mina and Raye exchanged glances. "What was that for?" asked Serena suspiciously, seeing the looks the four girls gave each other. "You don't think-" "Well, you do seem to be having an awfully good time with him." Said Amy, tying up her blue streaked hair. "What? I do not like Darien Lord!" she screeched, but inside, she knew this was a lie. However, Serena was the last person to admit that, even to herself. "Stop it!" said Lita, separating Mina and Serena, as they prepared to fight each other with obliging pillows. "You sound like a bunch of teenagers. Fighting over some guy!" "Even if he is drop-dead gorgeous." Added Mina, as she received a glare from Serena. "Well, if anything happens tomorrow night, we'll be sure to see." Said Raye, handing Serena back the white shoes. "Yes. We're all coming to the ball too!" squealed Amy. "Yes, and I'm sure that Greg is too." Said Mina slyly, as Amy blushed a pretty pink color. "I bet $10 that Darien kisses Serena." Said Raye, putting her money on the glass table. "I bet $5 that," Lita paused, "He confesses his undying love for her." She finished, fluttering her eyelids, melodramatically. "Now your betting on my love life?" said Serena incredulously. "Love life?" said Mina curiously, "I thought it was all fake?" "You know what I mean!" said Serena angrily, as she felt her face betray her and turn red. "Of course Serena." She said, as Lita pulled them apart to stop another pillow fight from breaking out. "You'll see," said Serena. "Nothing is between us." "Sure." Smirked Mina. "Sure." <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> @}--->----