Title: Drawn To You
Author: Angelic Devils (Mrs O-Town and Insane1)
Posted: 02-23-2003
Email: devils_with_a_cause@hotmail.com
Rating: PG13
Category: AU, Drama, Humour
Content: A/C, Fed/Lorne/Wesley
Summary: Cordelia and Angel meet while on holiday and strike up a relationship. But Cordelia is hiding something.
Spoilers:
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Fanfiction.net
Notes: Joint fic between Mrs O-Town and Insane1 (Anita and Tejal).
Feedback: Leave a review…please?Part 1
She stared across the table into his big, beautiful eyes. Somehow, she knew exactly what he was about to say. He leant forward and took her perfectly manicured hand in his, carefully avoiding the lone candle sitting between them.
She stored the moment in her mind, making sure she took into account every perfect detail. After all, this would be something that she would cherish forever.
A shy smile played across his striking features, the flickering light from the candle illuminating his spiky brown hair. He rubbed her hand tenderly. She glanced down at the romantic gesture for only a second, bringing her eyes back up to view his. She loved looking into those eyes. Nobody else had eyes like his. They were so...soulful.
"Cordelia," He began softly, delicately pronouncing her name as only he could. It sent the same shivers down her spine each time he said it and she had met him a year ago. One year exactly this evening, as it happened.
She smiled her 1000-watt smile back at him. "Yes?" She never was the type of girl to beat around the bush. With all her wealth, beauty and prestige she didn't have to act coy. And now, she had finally found a man that loved her, for who she really was, not the plasticated image she presented when flirting with boys when she was in high school. He understood that she didn't play the 'Damsel in distress' act to secure her relationship. He had, on many an occasion, told her how much he admired her strength, courage and will power. She was his princess. She ruled his world.
Hell, she was *Queen C* for god's sake! Always had been and always would be. But, contrary to popular opinion, she was more than a cold, heartless bitch. She was emotional and, at the moment, she was *almost* certain she was falling in love with the man in front of her. (She knew that she cared more than deeply for him, in any case.) But, she was also reserved and cautious.
The last time she had opened her heart to someone was back in high school. Xander Harris had been her love interest back then and she had given everything that had ever mattered to her up just to be with him. Things had been going great for them...at least she thought they had. Turned out that Xander had had other ideas, realising too late that he had feelings for his best friend. Poor Cordelia had been crushed.
But, being the strong, self-efficient and independent woman that she was, Cordelia Chase had pulled herself out of that rut and moved on in her life. Now she had finally found this wonderful man and he loved her more than anyone else ever had - Tonight was testament to that.
He had set up an elaborate candlelight dinner for two with champagne and romantic music...The whole enchilada. Of course, this wasn't the first time, But it was different.
Cordy watched as he bit his lip nervously, her radiant smile encouraging him as he tried to find the right words to say. She knew that he loved her more than anything. She knew that he would give her whatever she asked for without blinking. She also knew that she could trust him with her life. But tonight he was going to tread where no man had ever stepped foot before.
"Cordelia," He repeated her name, looking into her stunning hazel eyes. "I love you."
"I know you do." She replied, catching her breath dramatically as he swept himself around the small circular table to kneel before her on bended knee, clutching her hand to his chest delicately.
"I've been wanting for the longest time to say this to you," He said, his loving gaze never wandering from hers. "I would love for you to be my wife." Before she could respond, he let go of her hand and pulled out a small velvet box from his jacket pocket. Opening it and offering the diamond encrusted ring to her he asked, "Will you marry me, Cordelia Chase?"
"Yes." She breathed, tears of joy forming in her eyes. "I will marry you, Roger Gregory."
She held her hand out and allowed her fiancé to slip the giant rock...er...*engagement ring* onto her slender finger. Once this was completed, she threw her arms around his neck and met his perfect lips with her own, melting into a kiss so fused with romance and sexual tension a chainsaw couldn't even carve through the atmosphere. This would probably one of the happiest moments of her life.
When she had met Roger "Groo" Gregory, she had been on one of her family's frequent vacations to Tuscany. They had bumped into each other on the beach and clicked instantly. When it dawned on her that he owned a gorgeous apartment in LA, only a few hours drive from her elegant family mansion in Sunnydale, she knew it was a match made in heaven.
This man was perfect for her! Not only did he have a perfectly toned and muscled body to die for, his personality was just as beautiful. This man was gentle, loving, caring, concerned whenever she got those damned migraines of hers...and to top it all off, was completely selfless.
This man was also so alluring that he had earned the nickname Gruesome from his friends, which then became shortened to 'Groo'. She really loved calling him that. It was unique. It was special. And it was her man's nickname. He was nobody else's...just hers. She sighed. Tonight was perfect. It was exactly the way she'd wanted tonight to be.
*~*~*Meanwhile at a Club in LA*~*~*
“So…you wanna go back to my place. It’s a bit more…uh…private.” The blonde batted her eyes at him, running her hand up his trouser leg.
“But we just met…oh, I don’t know…” He looked at his watch. “3 seconds ago.”
She leant forward, her nose inches from his, staring into his big brown eyes, a hint of mischief in hers. “What’s the matter? You don’t wanna play?”
Liam was getting sick of this. This was definitely *not* the way he'd wanted tonight to be. In the past 5…count ‘em… 5 minutes he’d been propositioned *10* times. “Look,” He informed her sternly, losing any evidence of tact. “I’ll tell you what I’ve told the last 9 girls. I’m not interested. Thanks but no thanks.”
This girl, however, wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Her hand managed to find its way even further up his thigh as she grinned at him. “Pretty please? I promise you won’t regret it.”
He sighed. This was going to be a long night. “You’re right. I won’t regret it.” He said, smiling his patented smile back at her. He could pinpoint the exact moment her heart melted. Liam wasn’t going to deny it, he was a womaniser. The girls really fell for the tall, dark and handsome thing and he played it for so many things. But he *really* hadn’t been looking for an easy lay tonight. He leant even closer to the young woman in front of him and watched as she smiled in conquest. “Do you know why?” He whispered seductively.
She swallowed and breathed “Why?” Closing her eyes, just waiting for confirmation. Willing those luscious lips of his to meet with her own.
“Because…” He said softly, gently prying her hand from his thigh and placing it on her knee, leaving his on top, forcing her to note his power over her. Leaning further forward so that when he spoke, his lips would brush lightly over hers, he finished “…Because I’m not going to take you up on that offer. End of story.”
Her eyes batted open the second she heard the word ‘not’. She stared into the determination maintained in his gaze. She saw the glint in his eyes as he spoke, that told her he was enjoying stirring her up. He was every bit a sexual predator as she was and she didn’t like it.
Liam watched her eyes open abruptly. He hated doing stuff like this...it brought back so many memories. Ones that he really wanted to forget. But this girl had seriously asked for it.
“You asshole.” She said, pulling herself from him and storming away from the bar in a huff.
Liam half-smiled to himself. Mission Accomplished.
“Another happy customer, then?” A familiar voice joked behind him.
Liam turned to face his friend. “Lorne…Long time no see.” He stood and the two shared a manly hug, thumping each other on the back as only men do.
The owner of the club laughed as they pulled apart. “Too long if you ask me…I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about me.”
“I’ve been busy…doing odd jobs here and there, visiting family, wanting to tear my father to pieces…the usual.” Liam smiled and decided to change the subject before his friend could badger him about his issues once again. “Looks like business has picked up again.” He looked around and motioned at the large crowd on the dance floor.
“Angelcakes,” his friend replied, knowing how much he hated the name. “You have no idea. It couldn’t get any better.”
“I thought I told you to *never* call me that.”
“Must have slipped my mind. Want a drink? Its on the house.”
“That’d be great.”
Lorne signaled the bartender and before too long, Liam had a beer in his hand. The two began to catch up on each other’s lives, making jokes at their past. Liam ‘Angel’ O’Malley had missed these bonding sessions. His detective agency was going nowhere with all the pro-bono 'hero' work he was doing, but he was determined not to give up. He had a once in a lifetime chance of meeting with a really high paying prospective client in a week or so. If he got that right, proper business was sure to pick up. His other career as a talented artist had been put on hold, even though his artwork was bound to rake in more money than this ‘helping the helpless’ thing he’d cooked up.
Ah yes…the helping the helpless thing. Liam sighed once more as he thought about it. He was 27 now, and had a lot to make up for. For as long as he could remember he’d been a wild child; going out all night partying, drinking, smoking and sleeping around. He’d learnt early on in life that he was extremely good looking and worked out that he could use that to get *anything* he wanted from a girl. He’d also learnt that it was a hell of a lot easier to be the jerk that never calls the morning after, instead of sticking around and wasting time with idle chitchat. Liam had been a world-class chauvinist and asshole.
Unfortunately, he’d also enjoyed it.
Anyhow, he’d been a huge disappointment to his father, a strict Irishman with incredibly strong Catholic beliefs. The two never got along and the more his father told him that he was a failure, the more Liam would rebel.
When Liam had finally been kicked out of home he’d met a girl that wasn’t like any of the other girls he’d encountered. Darla. Now he shuddered at just the thought of her name. She was just as cruel and ruthless as he used to be. She’d see a man she liked, lead him on, practically leech the hope and life out of him to get what she wanted, discard him and repeated the process with another. She was just like the woman he’d encountered tonight.
Liam and Darla had clicked immediately and she turned him into a full-blown sexual predator, much like herself. It sickened Liam to look back on this. Once he’d enjoyed teaming up with Darla to break people apart, both emotionally and relationship wise. Even though he was known amongst the woman as ‘the one with the Angelic face’ (and viola nickname!), he was evil. He wouldn’t have admitted it back then, but he’d also been in serious need of psychological help. One day, though, Angel ‘woke up’.
Somehow, he’d realised that what they were doing was wrong and Darla had thrown him out on his ass for growing a conscience. So, once again, Liam was out on his own, and he'd met Buffy. From the beginning he'd known they weren't right for each other. For starters she'd seemed too young at the time. She'd still only been in high school and he'd been...older. 6 years in fact. And that was a lot when he wanted to go out to clubs and stuff and she was still a minor...but they'd tried and he'd loved her all the same...until he figured out that they really weren't going to work.
He'd ended the relationship and she'd been heartbroken. But, little did she know that she had taught him a lot of things about himself and now he knew what he had to do. He knew that he had to atone for his sins. He was set on a path of redemption.
After setting up AI (Angel Investigations) he started helping people out, ridding them of stalkers and the like, without asking for any monetary payback. He was actually trying to live up to his nickname and his company's motto: 'Angel Investigations...We help the helpless.'
"Angel" His friend's voice shook him from his thoughts.
"Yeah?" He replied, his eyes glued firmly to his beer. He didn't need counseling right now. He needed to get drunk. *Very* drunk. But, he knew that wasn't an option. He'd promised himself that he'd prove his father wrong even if it was the death of him.
"What's been going on with you? You're putting out a severe Grizzly Bear vibe." Lorne prodded.
Angel shrugged, knowing that he would eventually have to tell his friend. With a sigh he relayed his current woes. The torment. The anguish. The guilt. His anger at his father from their last clash. It had all gotten worse after he left Buffy. All the bad memories of his past flooded him and he couldn't escape them. "...And so I’m stuck in this dead-end job atoning for my past. It's pissing me off more than you can imagine." He finished, downing the last of his drink.
"That's it." Lorne instructed, pulling out a cell phone. "You've got to get over this brooding thing. I've got no other choice. I'm calling in the guys."
Angel laughed. 'The guys' were a bunch of his best friends. They always managed to pull him out of these funks. Of course they always managed to get him into a lot of sticky situations...but they were a great bunch. So, maybe tonight was going to be better after all.
*~*~*Cordy*~*~*
Telling her parents had been easy; her father was good friends with Groo’s father and knew of Groo’s impending plans of marriage. Her mother wasted no time in calling everybody at her bridge club to let them know of the engagement. Cordelia went to bed, with her 1000-watt smile still plastered on her face and her heart pacing a thousand times a minute in excitement. She could get used to the attention.
*~*~*Angel*~*~*
Well...that had been fun. Angel thought, pulling himself up the stairs to his apartment. Of course, he'd had a *little* bit too much to drink as he usually did when those guys were involved...but it wasn't in a bad way. They'd partied and socialised...and now he was tired. He crashed onto his bed, a contented smile stuck on his angelic face.
*~*~*The Next Week*~*~*
*~*~*Cordy*~*~*
Cordelia downed another two aspirins. Her migraines seemed to be getting worse, especially with all the hubbub. All day for the past week, the conversations revolved around the wedding and Cordelia was sick of it. All people asked was ‘What sort of wedding was it going to be?’ ‘Was it going to be big or small?’ ‘What colour were the napkins going to be?’ and they hadn’t even set a date yet! She was seeing less and less of her fiancé Groo, which is why it was so hard to set a date for the wedding. Finally, she managed to have a few minutes alone with him.
“Groo?” she asked him as he wrapped his arms around her as she stood next to him.
“Hi, honey. I haven’t seen you all day,” he said kissing her cheek.
“All week, actually,” she mumbled, “When do you think the wedding should be? We really should set a date,” she said. Groo moaned.
“Yeah, well I thought you were taking care of all that. I don’t really know. You set a date and arrange everything and I’ll be there,” he said, turning his attention back to his laptop.
“Oh-kay…” Cordelia said. She looked at the calendar on the wall. “How about July 25th?” she suggested.
“What? Oh, honey, I’m sorry, I have a big meeting that day. Why don’t you choose another one? Now, I really have to get back to work okay?” He said, losing interest in the conversation.
Dejected, Cordelia nodded and left.
“Groo?” she said again when she got to the door. She got a mumble as a reply. “I love you,”
“Huh? Oh, yeah. Me too,” Groo replied, not even looking up at her.
*
Cordelia lay on her bed, sick of all this when her little sister came in and lay next to her. Cordelia smiled at the 16 year old mini-her. She couldn’t believe how much her sister was growing up. She’d always been her baby sis…now she was more like a best friend, for which Cordy was glad…especially at times like these, when she *really* needed someone to talk to.
“You ok?” Her sister asked.
Cordelia shook her head. “This is getting so tedious,” She answered. Her sister hugged her. “I just wish I could get away. Have a break or something and then come back. When we got engaged, everything seemed so surreal. I needed time to let it sink in, but so far, it hasn’t,” Cordelia continued, looking at the floor.
“You should.”
“Should what?” Cordelia asked, not really knowing what her little sister was getting at.
“Go on vacation. I’m sure no one will mind. It’ll give us a break too,”
“Oh, Mel…I can’t do that,”
Mel nodded, her perfect brown hair swishing around her shoulders elegantly. “Sure you can. If you’re not happy, then I’m not happy. And if I’m not happy-”
“-Nobody’s happy,” Cordelia finished off with a chuckle, “Are you sure no one will mind?” She became serious, but worried. Mel shook her head, to which Cordelia asked, “Where do you suggest?” now satisfied with Mel’s approval.
“Tenerife?" Mel replied, holding up a holiday brochure, which had been on the bed.
Cordelia had been looking at possible honeymoon destinations. She’d really liked this one and for some strange reason, felt drawn to it. Her heart fluttered, as if willing her to jump at the opportunity. She smiled wanting to follow her intuition. “Yeah…Tenerife.”
*~*~*Angel*~*~*
“Tenerife?” Angel asked his friends. They nodded eagerly. “I’m not sure…” he began as he held the brochure, scanning over the hotel they had picked.
“What’s not to be sure about? The sun, the sand, the sea…the girls…” His best friend made sure he stretched out the last word.
Girls? Angel thought to himself, running his hand through his gelled brown hair. “Girls?” he repeated aloud.
They nodded again. “Yeah, they really dig that destination. Maybe you could find another cheerleader there.”
Angel chuckled and took a long sip of his beer. “Why the sudden need to go on holiday?” he asked suspiciously. The three men shrugged.
“It’s winter here. All the chicks are covering up. We all *know* that’s not really your style…” Lorne joked. The others nodded and chuckled along.
Angel sighed in submission and rolled his eyes. “When do you lot wanna go?” He found himself asking, taking another sip.
“Tomorrow,”
Angel’s beer flew from his mouth. “TOMORROW?” he repeated, wiping his chin.
They nodded. “Yeah, we sort of already booked it and we didn’t know how to tell you, especially with that Buffy chick you broke up with last month or whenever it was. Man, she really hated your guts after that.” His best friend commented.
“I can’t go tomorrow,” Angel complained.
“Why?” they demanded.
“I have a job interview,”
“Skip it,” his friend, Charles Gunn, said almost immediately.
Angel shook his head. “Gunn, You know I can’t do that. I need this job, I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for as long as I can remember…”
“Come later,” The young black man pleaded. He was *not* going to let Angel become Mr. Doom and Gloom again.
“What?” Angel said, as if it was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard
“Get a later flight out.”
“Please?” The others whined in unison. Angel swore they were worse than 5 year olds.
He sighed again. This time pointedly. “Fine,” he said, calling the travel agency. After a couple of minutes, he turned to them. “The next available flight out is in three days,”
“Take it. We’ll meet you there,” Wes, the third member of his little gang, instructed. His British accent crisp and resolved. There was no arguing with them and Angel knew it.
“I’ll take it,” Angel informed the travel agent as his friends cheered and chugged down their beer. He looked at them, shook his head and laughed.
*~*~*Cordelia’s house*~*~*
“It’s booked. I’m flying out in three days time,” Cordelia said. Her parents and Groo sat in front of her, not too pleased.
“I wish you had asked us,” her mother said simply, crossing her arms.
“Please? It’s only for two weeks. She’ll be back happy *and* tanned.” Mel argued.
“You’re going alone? Are you sure you don’t want Groo or anyone to come?” Her father asked.
“Dad, all I’ve heard since the engagement is wedding talk. If I go alone, I won’t have to think about it and when I come back, I’ll be ready,” Cordelia insisted.
“I don’t want you to get hurt…or…you know…meet anyone.”
“Dad!” Cordelia warned. “I can look after myself,” Groo sat in silence, still glued in front of his laptop. “Groo, honey, are you sure *you* don’t mind?” Cordelia asked him, kneeling at his side.
“I’m sure. I have a lot of work to get on with anyway,” he said, kissing her for the first time all week.
“Are you sure you’re cool about it?” She asked again. Her parents thought for about a minute and then nodded. Mel and Cordelia shrieked in excitement.
“Great, so I guess I’m going to Tenerife,” Cordelia said, beaming.
Part 2
*~*~*Three Days Later*~*~*
*~*~*Cordy*~*~*
Cordelia pulled the zip harder but it still wouldn’t budge. She grunted, tucked her hair behind her ears and tried again. Mel entered her sister’s room and her jaw dropped.
She looked around at the clothes strewn all over the place. “What happened here?” The young brunette asked, carefully stepping over the clothes. Cordelia snapped her eyes at her sibling.
“I’m…trying…to…pack…my…things,” she rationed carefully. Mel mouthed a sarcastic ‘Oh-Kay’ and looked at the bursting suitcases.
“The stupid thing won’t shut!” Cordelia shouted at the currently problematic suitcase in exasperation, hitting it as if the one desperate action could solve all her problems.
Mel sat on the edge of the bed where there weren’t any clothes. “I don’t think that’ll work,” The teen informed her sister. Cordelia smiled sardonically and went back to work on her luggage. Mel rolled her eyes. “Cordy, you’re only going for a fortnight. There’s no need for all this,” She motioned at the four suitcases that were scattered around the room, “What happened to just ‘packing the basics’?”
Cordy stood up again to survey the scene and sighed, looking at her sister as if she had lost her marbles. “Mel, honey,” She informed her baby sister. “These *are* the basics.” Cordelia rubbed her hands together and pointed to the remaining case. ‘The *evil* remaining case.’ Cordy thought. “So, are you gonna help me close this thing, or what?”
Reluctantly, the youngest Chase got up and moved to help. Once completely satisfied, Cordelia put her hands over her delicate hips.
“Now, all we have to do is get these downstairs and I’m set,” she said grabbing her passport, her ticket, wallet and car keys from the nightstand and putting them in her handbag.
Mel looked at Cordelia, and then the bags and back to Cordelia. Her eyes widened in horror as realisation dawned on her.
“Oh, no *way* am I going to carry one of *those* down the stairs. It’s a death wish!” She protested. Cordelia raised her eyebrows and shot her one of those ‘you’d-better-do-as-I-say-or-I’ll-tell-mom-how-you-*really*-got- that-‘bruise’-on-your-neck’ looks.
Defeated, Mel stalked over to the luggage and started with the smallest case. She made a point of dragging it down the hall rather than carrying it, all the while muttering obscenities under her breath.
*~*~*Angel*~*~*
“Man, it’s empty in here,” Angel said to himself. Gunn, his roommate, had left a couple of days ago with Wes and Lorne and Angel was all alone. Without his friends, Angel found that going out to the clubs was as fun as watching paint dry and even his favourite TV sitcom was dreary.
At least the job interview had been a success. He had been employed as one of the private detectives at Gregory Enterprises, a highly respected law firm. Although Liam wasn’t really the law-school yuppie type, this job was perfect for him. All he had to do is chase up dirt for the lawyers. Easy.
Plus, there wasn’t really that much Lawyer-Private Eye interaction, so that was a bonus. It wasn’t that he had anything against lawyers; he had just never met one that he liked. Although…there *had* been that one at the interview…
Angel smiled to himself. She’d been quite the vixen…Yeah…he could get used to interacting with her…What was her name again? Lily? Lilac? Lilah? Yeah! That’s the one. Lilah Morgan. Maybe she might ask him for some…er…research sometime.
Angel shook his head to clear his thoughts. Looked like there were some things he couldn’t change about himself after all. Talk about a one-track mind…
The job started in 2 weeks, which was great. Angel could enjoy this vacation and come back to a definite paying job all refreshed. The thought of leaving AI to Gunn and Wes fluttered through his mind and he smiled woefully. It was a bitter-sweet thing, this new job. It promised to pay well and provide him with endless opportunities… but he wouldn’t get to do the casework with his best buddies and enjoy chugging down a beer after work while laughing about cases. Okay…so maybe he could still do the chugging and laughing thing…but it wouldn’t be the same.
It wasn’t definite though. He wasn’t leaving AI yet. The best part about this new job was the fact he could still work from his office at AI if he chose to. He’d be on call 24/7 for the damn corporate moguls…but he could still run his little detective agency if he wanted. So long as the 2 jobs never collided, everything would work out fine for him. Angel had made the choice to stay with AI…but a tiny little voice in his head told him that it wouldn’t stay like that forever and sooner or later he’d wind up in a tiny little cubicle pushing papers like all the other mindless drones.
“No.” Angel voiced aloud. “I’m going on vacation now. I’ll deal with all the work related decisions when I get back. The only decision I want to make right now is whether I want the chicken or the fish.” He looked around, suddenly realising what he was doing. “I *really* need this trip. I’m going insane here…talking to myself and everything.”
‘At least you haven’t answered yourself yet.’ The voice in his head chided. Angel wisely ignored it and made his way to the door, luggage in hand. He was going to have a good time and *nothing* was going to get in his way.
Checking he had the tickets, passport, keys and his credit card, Angel left his luggage at the front door of his apartment to give the place the once- over. He checked to make sure all the windows were shut, that the back door was locked and that his answering machine was on. As Angel saw the glint of the yellow cab pull up on the curb, the phone rang.
‘The machine’ll get that’ He thought as he carried his suitcases into the hall of the apartment complex and locked the door.
Inside the phone clicked into answer mode.
“Liam and Charles aren’t in right now so leave a message and we’ll get back to you.” Angel’s voice said, followed by Gunn’s “God Man! Could you be anymore boring?” Angel’s voice became exasperated. “Gunn…can’t you see I’m recording the message here? Oh…right…still recording…Umm…Where was I? Oh well, you know the drill. There’ll be a beep. You talk.”
Angel hadn’t really liked the end result, but Gunn had insisted that they leave it saying that it was comical and impromptu…It portrayed them for who they really were, not just a voice on a machine. He’d gone on and on like that about it so much that Angel had just shrugged and given up. He knew it was a lost cause when Gunn was arguing with him.
A confused and slightly amused voice started after the shrill ‘beep’.
“Liam O’Malley? This is Roger Gregory of Gregory Enterprises. I want to talk to you about your new job. Call me back when you can. You’ve got the number. Bye.”
*~*~*The Airport*~*~*
“Last call for flight 169, destination Tenerife, now leaving Gate 54,” The voice hailed over the loudspeaker.
She rushed from the Baggage Inspection. There was *no* way she was missing this flight. She’d worked too hard to get her suitcases closed and she’d just bought the perfect little gold bikini…She *needed* this vacation.
He rushed from the Passport Inspection. There was *no* way he was missing this flight. He’d paid for the ticket and there were no refunds. Plus, if he didn’t get out of this damn city he was going to go insane…He *needed* this vacation.
They ran full speed, neither paying attention to where they were going…and the inevitable happened. They collided. Tickets, passports and luggage went flying.
“Watch where you’re going!” The young woman screeched.
The good-looking man held up his hands. “Look lady, it wasn’t completely my fault…”
“That’s gotta be embarrassing.” Angel chuckled from his position in the queue. He’d seen the entire scene play out. In fact, all the people waiting to board the plane had. There were quite a few people heading for Tenerife, he noted. The young lady in front of him turned around and smiled. ‘Wow…’ Angel thought to himself. He’d *never* seen a smile like that before. It was intoxicating and beautiful. ‘This one’s a keeper.’
“Yeah…” She agreed. “I’m glad it’s not me.”
‘Huh?’ Angel thought, before realising she was referring to his statement. He smiled back at her. “Me too.” He stuck out his hand. “Liam…But everyone calls me Angel. Kinda a long story.”
She took his hand and shook it. “Its nice to meet you. I’m Cordelia, by the way.” She couldn’t help noticing this man’s good looks. And his biceps… And that smile… ‘Stop it Cordy.’ Her head scolded. ‘You’re *engaged*…Remember? To a guy that’s not him.’ She remembered to release the stranger’s hand and tried to maintain conversation, her heart fluttering around like a thousand butterflies. Apparently it hadn’t heard her head’s order. “So…*Angel*…ever been to Tenerife before?”
*~*~*The Plane*~*~*
As luck would have it, Angel and Cordy found themselves seated next to each other. Angel had been booked at the window seat but, being the gentleman …okay…okay…*womaniser* that he was, he gladly swapped seats with the beauty that was Cordelia, accepting the isle. It didn’t bother him in the least. As far as he could tell the view he was getting was much better than the one from the window.
This one had a smile that could light up a darkened mansion in a second, leaving no crevice in shadow. It had eyes that sparkled with life and beauty. And…wow…when did he get all poetic?
Cordelia couldn’t believe it. Not only was this guy completely gorgeous with a totally cute sense of humour…he was also a complete gentleman. He’d given up his window seat for her. Groo hadn’t even done that when they’d gone vacationing together. ‘No. Groo loves you. You’re *engaged* to Groo.’ Her head kept arguing. ‘For all you know, this guy’s just trying to get into your pants. And, NO…you’re not even gonna go there.’ Cordy cleared her thoughts and turned to beam at Liam…er…Angel.
“So…you’re a Private Investigator, huh?” He nodded, his big brown eyes glistening. She smiled and continued, careful not to sound desperate to have a conversation, yet interesting enough to keep *some* chatter going. And, No, Cordelia Chase was *not* on the prowl. She was just…making friends with the hunky guy. “What sort of cases do you get?”
Angel let a half smile drift across his features. This woman was quite intriguing. She had the whole ‘Barbie’ thing going for her…but at the same time she was…more in-depth. She was extremely charismatic with an air about her that told Angel that she was intelligent as well. And then there was that smile… Angel cleared his throat. He still had to answer her question. “Oh…well, my agency gets a variety of cases. Some are the usual ‘track down my cheating ex’ thing and others are more like ‘I have a stalker, please help me’…There’s more than that…but those two seem to be the most popular in LA.” He chuckled. “Only in LA.” Suddenly, he felt compelled to know more about her. “So…What is it you do exactly?”
“Aww…come on…” She prodded playfully. “You’re the detective. You *detect* it. Show me your nasty little detective tricks and work it out like detectives do. I wanna see what you got. Search me for clues and everything.” She paused and grimaced at her choice of phrasing. “That was really supposed to be a lot cleaner than it sounded.”
Angel couldn’t help laughing. “Awww…Now, see…I was getting all excited.” Now it was his turn to grimace. “That’s *not* what I meant.”
“Sure it wasn’t.” The brunette responded sarcastically.
A huge grin made its way onto Angel’s face. “Okay…okay…It *is* what I meant. I’m only human after all.”
The two chuckled for a while and Angel set about working out the mystery that was Cordelia. “Okay…you’re rich, have stunning good looks, a figure that most women would die for and enjoy flying to paradise islands. You’re also really charismatic and have a certain way with people.” He said aloud, not really to her, but more just so she could catch onto his train of thought.
Cordelia found herself nodding and smiling. “Very good. You know that much about me. You know the obvious.” She had a playful edge to her voice, making sure he *knew* she wasn’t completely vain. “But,” She grinned wickedly and reached for her glass of complimentary champagne
(So they were flying First Class. Let’s just say Angel’s friends helped pay for his ticket. ^_^) “You still haven’t worked out what I do for a living.”
Angel had to hold his tongue. He had *sooo* many snarky remarks for that…but he let them go…hesitantly, yes…but he let them go all the same. He nodded smugly in response, her wicked grin becoming infectious. “Hmmm? You’re also quite confident and have a good choice in champagne.” He raised his glass in a mock toast and clinked it into hers. “Cheers” He brought it to his lips and took a sip. Then it dawned on him. “AH-HA!” he exclaimed. “I got it!”
“Oh really?” She asked, her tone suggesting her disbelief. “Go on then.”
“You’re an actress.” Angel informed her, proud of his deduction.
“Alright. You got me.” She chuckled. “How’d you finally work it out?”
He smiled triumphantly. “Ah…Well…That’s a secret. A good Private detective never reveals his source…or techniques. But I will tell you that I am very good at what I do. That and my good friend, the TV over there, just informed me.”
She rolled her eyes and then caught a glimpse of the TV. Sure enough, there was the ad she had filmed last month. The one with the incredibly skanky bikini top. The one that she felt so degraded in. Suddenly, Cordelia didn’t feel so good. “Oh no.” She said, her voice suddenly serious.
Angel immediately lost his sense of humour. “What’s wrong?” He asked.
“That ad…it was awful. I look soo…slutty in it. I mean…I don’t look like a respectable actress…I look like a god-damn porn star. I can’t believe that thing’s still being aired.” Her head fell into her hands and her shoulder length brown hair fell forward as she hid in shame, sobbing silently into her hands.
Angel didn’t know what to do. He’d never really been that good around crying women. He was usually what caused the crying anyhow…Not what tried to stop it. Slowly, very cautiously, he placed his hand on her shoulder.
“Cordelia? Please…you don’t look slutty…you look…” His mind raced for the right word. Slip up now and he’d have the wrath of an emotional woman bearing down on him. “…alluring.”
She raised her head slightly and cocked it to one side. “That, in male terminology, is just another word for slutty.” She informed him.
Angel couldn’t help but laugh, Cordelia playfully jabbed him in the ribs, which made him laugh even harder. Cordelia noted that there were several people now looking at them, some looked quite annoyed. Cordelia tried her hardest to calm him down, but one look at him got her wrapped up in laughs too.
It wasn’t long before a stewardess came up to them, threatening to have them removed. (Insane1: How does one get *removed* from an airplane in flight?…lol…^_^ Sorry…now I have images of Cordy being thrown out of the plane halfway across the ocean…lol…its funny really…oh look…now Angel’s joining her…lol ^_^. Mrs O-Town: I don’t know! Although it is a funny thought! ^_^ Look out below! ^_^ ) Cordelia and Angel, who had tears of laughter streaming down their faces, calmed down a little bit. Cordelia cleared her throat and stifled another giggle. Angel took deep breaths to calm himself down and get his breath back.
“Oh my god!” Cordelia could only manage a whisper. Angel looked around.
“What was so funny anyway?” she asked. Angel shrugged before remembering and chuckling.
“Don’t answer that question!” Cordelia quickly said before Angel could start laughing again. She sighed and then recoiled, holding onto her stomach.
“Are you okay?” Angel asked, his tone turning urgent. Cordelia winced and nodded.
“I’ve got a stitch,” she explained. It was a historical fact that whenever Cordelia laughed too much, she got pains in her stomach. Angel reached his hand out to touch her abdomen…he wanted to try to make the pain go away. Cordelia looked at him, surprised at his action
“What are you doing?” she asked, Angel looked up and immediately pulled his hand away. He hastily apologised, going a nice shade of scarlet.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”
“It’s fine,” Cordelia interrupted as she got up and tried to move out falling over Angel’s outstretched legs as she did so. Angel, who had surprisingly quick reflexes, managed to catch her before she ungracefully fell. However, he couldn’t prevent her from jabbing her elbow into his thigh.
“Ow!” he exclaimed receiving an apology from an embarrassed Cordelia. “Any further up my leg and I think I might have been neutered.”
Cordelia pulled herself up, visibly reddened, and giggled. She clamped her perfectly manicured hand to her mouth to prevent a repeat. “Sorry,” she snickered and tried to *climb* over Angel this time.
“Where are you going?” He asked.
Cordelia motioned to the bathroom, “I need to freshen up,” she explained.
Angel gave her one of his smiles. “Well, don’t be too long,” he said as she flashed him a grin and disappeared.
Cordelia closed the lock and silently giggled, remembering the events that had occurred. Angel was no doubt a funny guy. She hadn’t had this much fun since…well; she hadn’t had this much fun in a *long* time. Cordelia opened the tap and cold, soft water gushed out. She washed her face and dried it, looking at herself in the mirror. She gasped a little as she caught the glint of her ring in the reflection.
‘What the hell are you doing?” she scolded her herself. ‘You’ve just got engaged to the man who you’ve been in a loving relationship with for over a year and you’re the happiest you’ve ever been in your whole life, but you haven’t even been apart for a *day* and you are in a flirting match with a guy you’ve only just met! Okay, so Angel is a gorgeous guy with the most captivating brown eyes in the universe, and *maybe* he can get you all hot and bothered…especially when he gives you one of those sexy smiles… And maybe you *have* talked to him more in the last few hours than you have spoken to Groo in the last *week!*…but you’re not exactly being fair here.’
‘Groo…’ she mused as she watched the lights glimmer off the ring, which seemed to be weighing her down ‘Keep thinking of Groo. Not Angel!’ she mentally pleaded with herself before a frown crossed her face.
“Screw it!” she said aloud, pulling the ring from her finger and almost throwing it down on the edge of the sink. “I took this vacation to *stop* thinking about Groo and the wedding…” Her finger seemed to be relieved of the weight and Cordelia started to feel better. “For the year I’ve remained totally faithful. I used to have guys falling over each other just to be *seen* with me. I may have always wanted to settle down and start a family, but I miss the single life. It’s about time I had some fun!” Cordelia smiled at her reflection. “Go on…Enjoy yourself.” She instructed it.
“For the next two weeks, I am single and I’m free and I’m going to enjoy myself…starting with Angel. I may not even see him again after the flight so I may as well have some fun now…” she said, convincing herself that flirting with this guy couldn’t do any harm.
Her head had the grace to add, ‘Anyway, what Groo doesn’t know, can’t hurt him, right?’
She finished her thoughts and checked her make-up, her hair and straightened out her outfit before putting the ring in her purse.
‘Watch out boys, here I come!’ Cordelia thought as she exited the bathroom and went back to her seat. Angel saw her approaching and dutifully got up, allowing her to get in. She thanked him by smiling her especially reserved 1000-watt smile and gently touching his forearm. ‘Queen C’s still got it.’ She grinned at the look on his face.
Angel observed the gesture, which sent shock waves throughout his body. No girl had ever done that to him before, not even Buffy or Darla. This was too good to be true. *She* was too good to be true! What the hell was he missing here? There had to be something…
And he called himself a detective.
“So, Angel,” Cordelia smirked as she sat back down, “We’ve talked about almost everything, except why you’re going to Tenerife,” she said. Angel sat down and shifted a bit to get comfortable.
“Well, I just felt like a vacation. Things at home got a bit stressful and I needed to get out of the house.”
Cordelia nodded. “I know what you mean. Things just became…too much for me.”
Angel smiled. “I probably wouldn’t be here if my friends hadn’t persuaded me to come.” He watched Cordelia look around, as if she had missed something. He shook his head and explained. “They got an earlier flight out.”
She looked at him quizzically. “How come?”
“I had a job interview I couldn’t miss and…plus… if I had flown out with them, I wouldn’t have met you.” Cordelia blushed and took a sip of her champagne to try and calm herself down. She felt Angel’s eyes on her, and it pierced through her heart. ‘Wow, could this guy *be* any hotter?’ she asked herself.
Angel couldn’t believe what had just come out of his mouth. He was turning into the smooth-talking, womanising creature that lived beneath his skin…and he couldn’t control it. But the difference this time was that she was a rich actress who probably drove a red convertible while he was the owner of a small detective agency who could only just make ends meet. He had no chance. Looks could only get you so far with a woman that had everything. He knew that. Didn’t stop him from trying though. He was almost disgusted with himself. *Almost*.
“Thanks,” Cordelia said, Angel smiled at her again, which made her blush even more.
“How about you? Meeting anyone out there? Family, friends?” Angel dreaded the response ‘Fiancé…boyfriend…husband…significant other.’ He deliberately failed to touch on the subject.
Cordelia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “I…er…I’m on my own. I just needed to get away from everything…everyone,” she explained.
He felt his heart do a summersault and almost whooped for joy. So far, this girl was fair game. Keeping his excitement hidden, he coolly replied, “I’m the same… except I have to share a hotel room with the three stooges who I spend far too much time with anyway!” He’d already said that…hadn’t he? He inwardly rolled his eyes at himself. No woman had ever made him feel soo clumsy in flirting. Come to think of it…no woman had ever made his heart summersault before…What was going on with him?
Cordelia nudged him and shook him out of his thoughts. “I’m sure they’re not *that* bad!”
“You wanna make a bet? I bet the minute they see me, they’ll be dragging me off to the first club they see.” He paused “…Not that that’s a bad thing…” He smiled and shook his head. “I just find it gets a little repetitive sometimes.”
Cordelia nodded. “Uh-huh. I used to love the socialising…but when I-“ She cut herself short. She couldn’t believe she was about to say ‘When I met Groo…’ She had to think quickly. Hey, she was an actress. Improv came naturally. “-When I became an actress…I started going to the more sophisticated parties and functions.”
“That’s understandable.” Angel replied. “I’ve actually been undercover at social functions and stuff…totally different atmosphere.”
He wanted to hit himself upside the head. ‘Smooth one Angel…Remind her once again of the difference in calibre between the two of you. While she gets *invited* as a *guest* you *sneak* in as a…well…as a sneaky thing.’
He decided to change the conversation. “So…Which part of Tenerife are you going to?” Angel asked.
“Playa de la Americas.” She seemed oblivious to the immediate change of subject.
‘Good.’ His mind heaved a sigh of relief. ‘Hang on…did she just say what I think she just said? She did…she did.’ Angel took the final sip of his champagne and smiled confidently. “Really? Me too. The guys booked it. Apparently it’s the best place to go to for clubbing.”
“Well…I’ve been looking at-“ Again she found herself slipping. This time she almost said ‘Honeymoon destinations’. “- I’ve been looking at different holiday locations and it just stood out. Once again…I might refrain from the clubbing scene…I think I’ll spend most of my time sunbathing, getting massages and in the sauna.”
Angel grinned. “Sounds like a plan.”
Part 3 (a)
*~*~*The Hotel*~*~*
They’d caught a cab together and split the difference, it seemed the best thing to do since they discovered that they were both staying in the same hotel, Hotel Bouganville Angel still kept up being a gentleman, by helping her with all her bags and opening and closing doors for her.
Cordy walked into the lobby of the stunning hotel and knew that she was in her element here, especially when she had caught sight of that beautiful, marble fountain outside. Angel gave a low whistle. The hotel was beautiful. And they’d only made it to the lobby.
They surveyed the scene. The hard, cold marble floor reflected the light of the chandeliers and made everything seem…heavenly. The marble was a soft colour and the flowers that were scattered around the room accentuated at how posh the hotel really was.
Cordelia couldn’t believe how alluring the place really was. ‘Wow’ She thought to herself. ‘If heaven is *half* as dazzling as this…Wow…’ She stalked over to reception, her heels clicking quite loudly against the marble floor. Cordelia only hoped that it wouldn’t ruin the finish as she passed the bellboy struggling with her luggage. A pretty young woman with a twinkle in her eyes smiled up at her.
“Hi!” She chirped in what Cordelia noted was ‘overly practised speech’ voice, “Welcome to Hotel Bouganville, are you two together?” Cordelia and Angel looked at each other, and shook their heads both amused; yet slightly embarrassed.
“No, we’re not…together,” Angel said the last word as if it was a sin. Inside he cursed himself. ‘Could I *sound* any more pathetic? Pull yourself together O’Malley. You’ve been with pretty ladies in far more…er…*compromising* positions and walked away without so much as a sheepish grin. What is it about this one that’s making you turn into a pre-pubescent teen all of a sudden?’ He shook his head and decided to turn on the charm as he stole another glance of his newest acquaintance.
Smiling the patented womanising smile he added, “Unfortunately.” In a tone that was halfway between playfully flirting and incredibly seductive. Both women crooned. Angel’s smile broadened. ‘I still got it.’ He inwardly crowed.
Cordelia looked at him and blushed a little. This man was so…so…what was the word he’d used on the plane? Alluring. Yes…that’s the one. He was also pretty damn sexy. ‘Of course I meet him *after* I get engaged.’ She thought to herself. ‘Where the hell was he a year ago?’
She realised that she was starting to stare and… ‘Oh My God! Am I *drooling*? No. No way. Cordelia Chase doesn’t drool over guys. They drool over her.’ She smiled back at him, suddenly gaining the upper hand in this flirt fest. He’d made her drool…on purpose. This guy *had* to have known what that smile of his did to women. This meant war! And Queen C may have lost a battle or two…but she never, *ever* lost the war. He was going to pay.
Cordelia placed her hand on his upper arm, knowing full well the effect it would have on him. She’d kinda noticed on the plane the first time and now she had a weapon. “So,” She batted her eyelids at him and watched as he gulped a little. She smiled in victory. “Are you gonna check in…or am I?”
Angel was left speechless. He couldn’t believe the character of this girl. She was very confident…but not like the girls in the bar the other week. Although her proposition was very, very subtle and refined…it was still there, and it still packed the same punch. He just couldn’t pull her up on it. Damn! She had him right where she wanted him. They both knew it.
He swallowed and fought to keep himself in check, smiling and motioning for her to go ahead. “Ladies first.” He replied suavely. He knew what she was doing. She’d turned their innocent flirting into a flirt war and he still had a few cards up his sleeve. He put the smile back on and she faltered again. His keen womanising senses from the bad ol’ days picked up on it, where an ordinary man wouldn’t have. As another clerk came to serve him, he whispered into her ear, “I trust I’ll be seeing you around.”
Cordelia smiled back brightly at Angel, inwardly cussing at him. The ball was back in his court and he knew it. And that cologne of his…She shook her head and turned back to the girl. “Hi. Thanks…” She glanced at the girl’s nametag. “…Susana. I made a reservation under the name Chase. Cordelia Chase.”
From his position at the other end of the small desk, Angel just stared at Cordelia. She had run through everything as if it was a common occurrence for her. Well, duh! Cordelia was a rich, attractive woman who travelled a lot. What did he expect?
Cordelia watched as the receptionist typed a bunch of letters into her computer. “Okay Ms Chase,” She began. Cordelia hoped that Angel hadn’t picked up on the use of the word ‘Ms’…he didn’t need to know that she was engaged. Actually, *she* didn’t need him to know. “You’re in room 109. That’s on the third floor,” Susana passed her two key cards, one for the door and the other for the electricity, and hailed the bellboy over. “This is Ramón.” She gestured at the young man.
‘And *that* my friend is what you classify as a cutie…’ Cordy’s mind rambled. She took in his slightly ruffled brown hair, his chocolate eyes and his slim, yet muscular, tanned frame and inwardly sighed. Getting married to Groo seemed more and more like a chore as this day progressed. Especially in the dating and drooling section of life. No more Angels or Ramóns ever again.
Just Groo.
She should be rejoicing…She was getting to live her dream life. The one with the white picket fence, cute little cottage, gorgeous (rich) husband and 2.3 children. But she was giving up the *fun*. She was giving up the *zest*. She was giving up the *dating* and the wining and dining. Wordlessly, she debated with herself whether she had made the right decision. Groo loved her… She knew that. But did she love him *that* much? Could she be the perfect wife like he wanted? She was shaken from her silent reverie by Susana’s voice.
“He’ll be showing you to your room. Is there anything you require? Complimentary chocolate on your pillow?” Susana asked. Cordelia shook her head.
“No, thank you. I just need to get some rest,” Cordelia sighed acknowledging the sudden jet lag that came over her.
“Sure. Dinner is at eight at the restaurant. If you’d rather stay in your room, there is room service available. You’ll find the menu on the dressing table.” Susana continued.
Cordelia nodded again, replying with a monosyllable “Thanks,” and prepared to leave, following the bellhop to the elevator. She cast a look at Angel who had just checked in, obtained eye contact and gave him a wave. “I’ll see you around,” She called. The doors closed before he could reply. “Hah!” She said aloud, forgetting the bellboy that was in her presence. “Take that Mr Flirty!”
TBC