5 comments/ 43206 views/ 21 favorites Desiree's Star Ch. 02 By: HotSprings22 Thanks for all the comments I really appreciate it. ~Hotsprings * Desiree woke slowly, happy to feel her soft pillows cradling her head and her warm sheets wrapped securely around her body. As she began to blink sleep away she could feel a small pressure building in her head. Trying to put the growing headache out of her mind she rolled herself off the bed and stood taking time to stretch before setting off to the bathroom to pee. With her eyes still half closed, she shuffled her feet through the thick carpet down the hall to the bathroom. "Oh geez Scott, you spend more time in the bathroom than I do," Desiree shouted at the door after trying the lock. She knew it wouldn't open; Scott always locked the door when he went to the bathroom and she guessed it was because of times like this. Now she could hear the water running. "Well at least you're washing your hands," she spoke into the door. The urge to pee was slowly growing in intensity as Desiree closed her eyes and leaned up against the wall trying to take her mind off getting into the bathroom. Too bad the downstairs toilet is broken she thought to herself. She sank to the floor still feeling too tired to stand and squeezed her legs together as if that would prevent her from making a large mess in the hallway. "Desiree, what are you doing on the floor?" Desiree nearly peed on herself as the too familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. "Enjoying the view," she said sarcastically without turning to look at him. "Don't you ever go home?" Gabriel chuckled. "Well I'm not sure what view you're enjoyin' but the one I've got from up here is spectacular." Desiree's eyes snapped to Gabriel's as he stood leaning against the doorframe. His size seemed ten fold because she was sitting on the floor looking up at him as he watched her chest. From where he was standing, he could see right down the front of her tank top to her firm round breasts. Desiree felt her nipples harden against the flimsy material and Gabriel smiled obviously noticing it too. "You are such a pervert. Get out of the way before I pee all over you." She hissed angrily. Gabriel just chuckled as she stood and tried to brush past him, but he wouldn't let her through. She saw his features harden when she faced him. "I know its early, but I know I don't look that bad," she said angrily as she folded her arms across her chest. "Oh Dessie," he said in a hushed voice, "Donnie really did a number on you." All at once last night's events came flooding back. The bonfire, the beer, the stars, and Donnie. Her face blanched as she remembered Donnie hitting her in the face with an iron fist. She realized now that the pressure in her head when she woke was coming from the side of her face where a nice bruise had formed. "Does it hurt?" Gabriel asked as he raised a hand to gently push her hair behind her ear. It was such an intimate gesture that Desiree was taken aback and forgot he asked a question. "Dessie, does it hurt?" She nodded yes into the hand that was now cupping the side of her cheek. His hand was so gentle, barely touching her face. All too suddenly she was aware of how close she stood to him and how large he seemed as he towered over her. She could feel his heat starting to envelope her and his scent flood her senses. She glanced up into his eyes expecting find a teasing light, but there was none. Instead it was replaced by something else she couldn't quite place, but it made her stomach flutter and her juices began to flow. For the first time she noticed that his eyes weren't just green, but more like a mixture of blue and gray with brown flecks around the outside. She knew he had a very intense gaze, especially when he was mad at her, but this was ridiculous. He was making her knees shake and he was barely toughing her. "Desiree," he started in a husky voice. He stepped closer to lessen the gap between them. Desiree could feel her heart beating in her throat as she waited for what he had to tell her. Her lips involuntarily parted and her chest began to heave with the effort it was taking her to remain calm. He leaned in a little closer while stroking her cheek and Desiree took the final step toward him to close the gap between them. She could feel her pebbled nipples barely touching his hard chest. Her hands came to rest on the powerful arms that had just last night lifted a man and thrown him into a lake. "Yes," she finally answered nearly out of breath. She could feel her bare thighs touch the rough material of his jeans and all she could think about was how to get closer to him. "I think you spilled something on your shirt." For a moment, Desiree didn't react, not sure she had heard him right. She glanced up into his eyes and sure enough, the smoldering emotion that was there a moment ago was replaced by the ever-present laughter that was always in his eyes when he looked at her. She felt her cheeks grow hot with shame as she swatted his hand away from her cheek. His little game had worked and he knew it. He had completely succeeded in making Desiree his for those few moments. Grunting in frustration, she pushed past him into the bathroom as the urge to pee came flooding back. "Nice try Romeo, but it looks like the little guy wanted to make an appearance. I think your little performance may have earned you a standing ovation," she said looking down at his crotch just before slamming the door in his face. As she relieved her self she thought, "That will never happen again," and tried to figure out how to ignore the burning need that was growing in between her legs. ~*~*~ Gabriel hadn't intended things to go as far as they did with Desiree, but they did and he needed to put an end to it and fast. It seemed his plan had worked because it had been fifteen minutes and Desiree hadn't come downstairs yet. At least he wasn't the only one his little game affected. He didn't realize that standing so close to her would have such an intoxicating affect on him. She had no idea how beautiful she looked with her long brown hair all messed up from sleeping and her bright brown eyes dreamily looking about. He also didn't know that the scent of her arousal would be like a drug that was still keeping his mind on her heaving chest and her puffy pink lips. She wasn't lying when she said his cock was about to make an appearance, despite the fact she called it little. He sat on the living room couch with Scott trying to pay attention to the show they were watching, but he had no desire. "Oh no," he thought. "Desire sounds like Desiree and Desiree is upstairs right now probably stripping off those tight boy shorts and that flimsy tank top and getting dressed." Gabriel felt his cock twitch. Now Gabriel couldn't stop thinking about how good his best friend's little sister looked in her tight underwear. He loved boy shorts; just enough to show what was to offer, but it left something to the imagination. And now his imagination was running wild with the thoughts of a 20-year-old girl. "She's too young for me. And there is that little fact that I've made her hate me after years of torment," he thought. "Besides, Scott would kill me if he knew I wanted to go upstairs and ram my fucking cock into her tight pussy." Lost deep in thought, Gabriel didn't even hear himself moan as his cock started to grow. "Gabe?" Scott called when he heard his friend moan. "What?" Gabriel answered defensively as if Scott could read his mind. "You're not paying any attention to this show are you?" "Ah no, not really man, I've kinda got other stuff on my mind." "Yea I bet." Scott said to his friend making sure that the meaning wasn't lost on him. "Listen, I'm gonna go to check out my apartment. I wanna make sure that Candy didn't take anything that doesn't belong to her." He said as he rose from the couch and headed for the hallway. "Could you do me a favor and stay with Dessie for the day? I've got some other shit to do and I just don't want her to get to lonely. Ya know, with what happened last night and all." Gabriel nodded yes and tried to figure out how he could so easily be roped into babysitting Desiree. "Aren't you going to say bye to her?" Gabriel asked as Scott opened the front door and began to head out. "Nah I'm sure she won't be as mad at me for leaving her as she will be with you for staying." Scott let out a hearty laugh as he shut the front door and walked to his car. Scott is up to something Gabriel thought. He just needed to get Desiree out of his mind long enough to figure out what it was. ~*~*~ Gabriel peeled himself from the couch and glanced at his watch. For the last 33 minutes he had been having very pleasant dreams and naughty dreams about his best friend's little sister. He looked down to notice that his hard on hadn't subsided one bit. He groaned as he shifted it around so it wouldn't be so noticeable. Gabriel looked around the living room and realized he hadn't heard from Desiree since their meeting in the hallway. His thoughts were interrupted when he heard his stomach growl. He couldn't remember the last thing he ate. Thinking it was time to face the music, Gabriel started to climb the stairs toward Desiree's room. If he was going to spend the entire day with her, the least they could do is get something to eat. "Desiree," he shouted, making sure he didn't get any more surprises. No answer. Gabriel was about to call her again when the doorbell rang. "Who the hell could that be?" he said out loud as he made his way to the front door. Without looking through the peephole Gabriel swung open the heavy oak door. "Who the fuck are you?" Gabriel snarled as he eyed the guy standing in front of him. "He's with me." Gabriel turned around to see Desiree bouncing down the stairs in the shortest skirt he had ever seen. He didn't even know she owned a skirt. His eyes were immediately drawn to all the smooth skin she had on display. "You are not going anywhere," Gabriel said as he tried to contain his anger. He slammed the door in the guys face. "Whatever Gabe. Get outta my way." Desiree didn't try to step around him this time; she knew better. She stood her ground and crossed her arms defensively. "Like I said Desiree, you are not going anywhere." It was getting harder for Gabriel to keep the calm in his voice. "Oh geez. You gonna beat up everybody I wanna talk to now?" She watched as the flash of anger spread across Gabriel's face and then it disappeared. "Maybe I shouldn't have said that," she thought. She watched as Gabriel stood glaring at her trying to figure out what to do next. Ignoring her question he said, "Where do you think you're going dressed like a slut?" Desiree smiled. "A slut? Is that what you call all the girls you date? You don't have any problem with them wearing short skirts or tank tops." "I can't see their fucking underwear." He hissed. She smiled realizing that her choice of clothes was a good one. Desiree never wore skirts, but she had this one because it was apart of a Halloween costume; her and her friend Jessica were Charlie's Angles once. "I think Todd will like it," she said as she twirled in a circle. Again she watched as Gabriel's expressions darkened. She made a move for the door and he blocked her path. "Don't be rude Gabriel, Todd is still outside waiting for me. Now move so I can leave." Desiree was surprised when Gabriel stepped to the side and grabbed the doorknob and swung the door open. "If you don't get the fuck out of here right now, I will rip your tongue out of your mouth and stick it up your ass." Gabriel didn't wait to see the startled look on Todd's face before he slammed the door shut. Desiree threw up her arms in frustration. "Why are you so violent?" "Go change your clothes. We are going to get food." "What, I can't go anywhere with anyone but you? You don't own me." Gabriel took a step closer. "Keep it up Desiree and you are gonna get what's coming to ya." "And what is that?" Desiree asked as she folded her arms in front of her again. She watched as a smile crept into the corners of his mouth. She hoped she hadn't gotten herself into something she couldn't get out of. "Go change your clothes." "No." "Fine then lets go. I don't have all day to fuck around with you. I'm hungry." Desiree smiled as she picked up her purse and marched past Gabriel. She was smiling because she thought she won. ~*~*~ Gabriel fought to keep his eyes on the road as he drove to get food. When she was coming down the stairs, he knew she was wearing another pair of boy shorts under her skirt, and it was driving him insane. He didn't consider himself a panty man, but things were getting out of hand. They pulled up in front of McDonalds and Desiree laughed. "Wallet a little light Tiger?" she mocked as he pulled his truck into the drive-thru. "My date's not worth much more Sweet-cheeks." Desiree didn't have a response for that one. Gabriel let down his window and took the liberty of ordering them chicken sandwiches, french fries and two large sodas. As he pulled back into traffic, he ripped open the sandwich wrapper and began to eat. "You eat like a monkey," Desiree commented looking disgusted. He didn't say anything. "It's getting harder and harder to get a rise outta him," she thought to herself. After a while of him just driving and eating, she finally asked where they were going. "To the movies," Gabriel said cryptically. He wasn't so sure that he should be sitting alone with her in the dark, but he knew that he didn't want anyone looking her legs, and if they went anywhere else, that's exactly what would happen. "What are we going to see?" "Are you dense?" Desiree narrowed her eyes. "A movie." "You are an asshole. Its no wonder you are always at my house. My brother is the only one that can stand you." "Amanda likes me," he replied. When he stopped at the red light, he turned to look at her and could tell that wasn't the answer she was expecting. "Amanda has a major character flaw. There's nothing in the space between her ears." "You only met her once." "First impressions can tell you a lot about a person." Gabriel smiled as the light turned green. He gave his truck some gas thinking Desiree was very perceptive. "Where is she anyway?" "Who?" "Amanda." Gabriel didn't feel like admitting that he didn't like Amanda as much as she did, so he ignored her question. They rode in silence until he parked the car in the theatre parking lot. He got out and shut the door, and Desiree did the same. It hadn't really occurred to Desiree just how short the skirt was until she got out of the car. She knew that it was short enough to give Gabriel the view if he chose to look. But as he was driving, she was disappointed not to see him trying to look. It was like she wasn't even there. As she pulled her skirt down as low as it would go, she resolved to try a little harder. ~*~*~ Gabriel bought the tickets for their movie, thinking that a scary movie would be best just incase Desiree decided she needed to jump in his lap if she got scared. He laughed at himself for such a stupid thought. He reminded himself that she was only doing this to get back at him for that morning. "You want snacks?" he asked her as he walked to where she stood waiting for him. She glanced around the lobby and checked to see how many people would see what she was about to do. There were two guys and a girl at the concession stand, an old guy taking the tickets and some kids playing the arcade games in the corner. "Yea," she said as she twirled a stand of hair around her finger. She felt the butterflies flutter in her stomach, but she pushed them aside knowing that she couldn't back down now. She glanced down at his crotch before sauntering to the concession stand. Gabriel watched as she bent from the waist and put her forearms on the counter. His breath caught in his throat. From here he could see clear up her skirt to where her underwear had bunched in the crack of her ass. He felt the blood rush to his cock. He looked around to see if anyone could see her little display and smiled as he realized she was doing this all for him. He slowly walked forward and watched as she shifted her weight so her skirt fluttered giving him an even better view. The closer he got to her the harder it became to contain himself. There wasn't much stopping him from running up behind her, pulling down her panties and ramming his cock into her tight pussy. But this wasn't the time or the place, and he had a better idea. He smiled as he realized that was the second time he wanted to take her today. ~*~*~ "Oh gosh," Desiree thought. "What the hell am I doing? Until this morning I hadn't put on a skirt in more than 11 months. Now I'm bent over with my ass hanging out in front of my brother's best friend." She was about to stand up when she felt Gabriel's hand on her hip. She felt him slowly ease himself up against her ass. It was her turn for her breath to catch in her throat as she felt him press his now raging hard on in to the crack of her ass. As if moving on its own, her hips began to move in small circles on Gabriel's cock. She started to rub harder until Gabriel let out a grunt, snapping her back to reality. She stood slowly and turned to face him. The butterflies in her stomach felt as if they would fly out of her mouth if she opened it, but she had to. "I'm not impressed with the snack selection." She said, as she looked him in the eye. "I've had bigger and better snacks on a worse day." Deliberately looking down at his crotch and winking, she turned and walked towards the theatre to leave Gabriel standing in the lobby with his dick about to break the zipper on his pants. Gabriel took a minute to compose himself before he followed her into the theatre. Before he wasn't sure if it was a good idea to be alone with her in the dark, now he knew it wasn't a good idea. As he stepped into the dark theatre he had to wait a minute to let his eyes adjust. He found the seat where Desiree was sitting and started to make his way to the centre of the theater. The lights dimmed further as the 'Feature Presentation' screen came up. He sat heavily in the seat next to Desiree and with his eyes on the screen he leaned into her and whispered, "You are playing with fire darling, if you keep it up you are gonna get burned." He made sure he kept his eyes glued to the screen. "And what are you gonna do about it, Tiger?" "I'm gonna spank you. That's what I'm gonna do. Then I'm gonna make you wish you never started this little game." Desiree laughed; not because she thought it was funny but because she knew he was a man of his word. Suddenly visions of her pressed flat across his lap rubbing against his prick popped into her mind. "I'm not playin' games." She didn't mean to say it, it just kinda popped out. Now she knew she would have to take this as far as he was willing to go. As the movie played and got more involved she forgot Gabriel was sitting next to her, and Gabriel was thankful that in the dark she couldn't see that his erection hadn't gone down at all. He watched her out of the corner of his eye as she got more and more into the movie. She jumped a few times but nothing too serious. He laughed at himself as he prayed she got scared enough to jump into his lap. He kept trying to tell himself that she was just a kid and this was all in good fun, but that excuse was reaching its limit. Gabriel's heart hammered in his chest when he looked down and realized that Desiree's skirt had ridden completely up. She was unconsciously shaking her legs as she watched the movie, and it left her completely exposed. Gabriel wasn't sure how long he stared at the material that was separating him form her pussy, but she suddenly jumped startling him from his thoughts. His eyes traveled up her body and stopped on her rock hard nipples. For the first time he realized how cold it was in the theater and he thanked his lucky stars. Desiree's Star Ch. 02 He watched her face as she concentrated on the screen. Seeing this as his opportunity, he reached his arm around her shoulders, pulled her closer and began to rub her am to warm her up. She turned to look at him as she felt his hand moving slowly up and down her arm. She watched as the light from the screen danced over his face. She felt her stomach tighten at the way he was looking at her. She needed to get out of there and she needed to get out of there fast. "I'm going to the bathroom," she said. Realizing that the only exit was on the other side of Gabriel, she stood and tried to step over him but Gabriel wasn't going to let her off that easily. Gabriel let her stand and watched as the turned her back toward him so she could get by. He waited until she was in between his legs and he grabbed her firmly by the hips and sat her on his still raging hard on. All the air left Desiree's lungs when she realized that she had done that to him and he was grinding his hard and nails cock into her ass in a movie theatre. Finally loosing all the self-control he had left, he dug his fingers into Desiree's flesh and dry fucked her ass. He bounced her up and down on his lap only to speed up when he heard her moan. He took his hands from her hips and decided to let her do the work, and she didn't disappoint. She leaned forward on the seat in front of her and ground he hips into his pelvis with reckless abandon. She could feel him pulsing underneath her. She didn't even realize that Gabriel wasn't guiding her hips anymore. Gabriel reached around the front of her skirt and found her swollen clit and rubbed it through her panties. Now she was moaning loudly as she felt her climax slowly creeping up from her toes. "You are so fuckin' wet Dessie," he hissed into her ear. She moaned in response. Smiling to himself and noting that he had just won this round too; he pushed her off of him. Desiree turned and looked at him with wild eyes. "I thought you had to go to the bathroom." Gabriel said with a smug smile on his face, and right then, she knew he had succeeded just like he did that morning. As Desiree started to stand in the seat, Gabriel grabbed her arm. "Don't get lost. I wouldn't wanna finish without you." "Don't fucking touch me," she said as she tried to rip her arm from his grasp, but he was too strong. "You're playing with fire little one, and you are gonna get burned." Desiree ripped her arm from him and marched out of the theatre as big hot tears started to sting her eyes. Desiree's Star Ch. 03 Thanks for the comments and feedback, it definitely keeps me motivated to write. Keep it up :D ~Hotsprings * "Take me home," Desiree said before Gabriel's massive frame reached her. She was amazed at how much he grew when he was angry with her. "I paid for this movie and we are going to watch it." Gabriel was fuming now. He had spent the better part of 25 minutes worrying where Desiree had disappeared to. He could think of a million places she could be and things she could be doing, or having done to her; especially in that skirt. When he marched out of the theater, he hadn't expected her to be standing in the lobby with her arms folded in front of her. He guessed she didn't want to sit down. "Get back in the theater, now." Desiree didn't move. "Did you hear what I said?" Desiree took a step back. "You are really starting to get on my last fucking nerve Desiree." "If you don't take me home, I'll walk." Gabriel laughed. "If you think for one second that I'm going to keep playing this game with you. You are wrong." Gabriel was in her face now, his hot breath tickling her skin. "Take me home," Desiree said sounding a little more confident than she felt. For the second time that day she began to feel his warmth start to envelope her. His heaving chest so close to her was starting have its affect on her. Gabriel stood his ground and Desiree turned from him and walked out the door toward Gabriel's truck. She could hear Gabriel's labored breathing behind her as he struggled to keep his cool. "I don't even know why you're mad." Desiree stopped cold in her tracks, her fists balling up. "You started it, and now you're just mad because I'm better at this game than you are." "A game? A fucking game? You are such an asshole. Everything is not about you," Desiree spat as she spun around to face him. Now she could feel her anger building inside her and it was so intense, it was making her nauseous, and she wasn't even sure why she was so mad. "Now how could you say this isn't about me? I'm pretty sure you don't let your ass hang out for anyone else. You've practically turned into a common slut for me, haven't you Desiree?" Gabriel said as he stepped closer to her, closing the already small gap between them. Desiree wasn't thinking when her hand flew from her side and collided with his face. She instantly regretted it, but she wasn't backing down now. "Don't ever do that to me again, or you will regret it." "Take me home." Gabriel said nothing as he hit the unlock button on his keys and walked around to the driver side of the truck. They rode in complete silence the entire ride home; the radio wasn't even playing. Before Gabriel could completely stop the truck in the driveway, Desiree jumped from the truck as soon as it was safe. Gabriel let out a little sigh of relief to finally get away from her. Of course he was annoyed, but it was much harder sitting so close to her with her skirt so short and not being able to touch her. Desiree didn't realize that her skirt was a little higher on her thighs than it would have been if she were paying attention. She spent the entire ride with her head pressed against the window and didn't notice the show she was giving Gabriel. Gabriel was happy to see Scott's car in the driveway; at least now there would be some kind of buffer between him and Desiree. He parked the truck and hopped out. Taking a deep breath, and rubbing his hands across his face, he walked into the house. He set his keys on the hallway table just as Scott was coming down the stairs. "What the fuck did you do to her?" Scott barked as he walked up to Gabriel. "I didn't do anything to her, she's acting like a baby." "Aren't you a little too old for this shit, Gabe?" Gabriel raised his hands in surrender and shook his head. "I didn't do anything wrong." "I don't give a shit what happened. Fix it. She's not gonna be walking around here pissed all weekend because of something you did. And I'm not even gonna ask what she was doing in that skirt. At least my parents weren't home to see that. Did you put her up to it?" "No," Gabriel snapped a little too quickly. "I didn't even know she owned a skirt." "It was for a Halloween costume," Scott said before grabbing his keys off the hallway table. "Where are you going? You're not leaving me here with her. I'm leaving too, and where the hell are your mom and dad?" "They are at my Aunt's for the weekend. Don't change the subject; you are not leaving this house until whatever the hell is wrong is fixed. And I don't care if you didn't do anything wrong. I'll be right back. I have to go return the movies I rented before it's too late." Scott didn't bother to wait for a response from Gabriel. Scott thought he knew what had happened between them even though neither of them would tell him what happened. 'It doesn't matter' Scott thought. 'It's a good thing I love Gabriel as a brother because if I didn't I'd fuckin kill him for messin' with Desiree the way he does.' But he knew that sooner or later they would figure things out, they just needed a push in the right direction. ~*~*~ Gabriel stood at the bottom of the steps contemplating whether or not to ascend the stairs. If he left and Scott found out, Scott would kill him. If he stayed, he wasn't sure how much longer he could control himself around Desiree. Not to mention the fact that he had no idea why she was so pissed. Gabriel shrugged his shoulders and turned toward the kitchen. He swung open the fridge and got three beers. He popped the first one and drained it, opened the second and drank it a little more slowly. He left the third on the counter knowing that he would need it later. Going back to the stairs, he looked up at his impending doom. He wasn't exactly sure what he was worried about, but he knew Desiree was very upset and it was because of him. The only difference between this and all the other times she got mad at him was something he couldn't put his finger on, and that's exactly what was troubling him. "I'm coming up," he yelled before he got to the top stair. The last thing he needed to do was surprise her. "Don't bother," she said as she opened her bedroom door and rushed past him with her head down. She rushed toward the stairs and took them two at a time. Gabriel wasn't even sure that was possible without falling on your face. "Wait, what's wrong?" "Nothing," Desiree said quietly as she reached for the doorknob. As she twisted it and pulled it open, Gabriel's hand slammed it shut. "Get off the door." She wasn't in the mood for this right now. The last thing Desiree wanted was to be in such a small space with Gabriel pressed up against her. "Talk to me." Gabriel was now standing directly behind her, so close that he could smell the strawberry scent that came from her shampoo. She'd changed out of her skirt and put on a pair of sweat pants. 'She looks even hotter in sweat pants,' he thought, 'as if that's possible.' "You can't keep trying to lock me in my own house." Desiree didn't bother to turn around because the last thing she wanted to see were Gabriel's eyes laughing at her. She wasn't sure she could take too much more of it. "I'm not trying to, I just want you to tell me what's wrong." "What's wrong? What's wrong?" she yelled finally loosing her composure and her voice rising to a hysterical pitch. She spun around so he could see how serious she was. "What's wrong is I'm nothing but a joke to you. What's wrong is you're a freakin asshole. What's wrong is I'm sick of you standing so close to me and pretending it doesn't matter," Desiree stopped short realizing that she just said the wrong thing. The shocked look on Gabriel's face said he thought so too. Desiree turned back toward to door and turned the doorknob. "Let go." Gabriel grabbed her lightly by the elbow and spun her back around. "Desiree, you're not a joke to me, but you are just a kid." "You just don't know when to quit do you?" she yelled before he could finish. Gone were all the things that she was feeling for him that morning. Well not all the feelings; having him stand so close to her body was causing her to heat from more than just anger. And what was it she was feeling for him this morning? Her own thoughts caught her off guard and suddenly the residual anger from childhood was back tenfold. And it seemed like he was doing it all on purpose. Gabriel winced when he said the last thing, but there was nothing else to be said. She was his best friend's kid sister. He practically felt like she was his little sister. It shouldn't have made such a big deal to him, but it did and for some reason he just couldn't get past it. Gabriel was distracted when Desiree swatted his hand away from the door and rushed through it. "Desiree! Desiree," he shouted, but she had already started her truck and was backing out of the driveway. Gabriel sat down on the front steps and ran over the day's events in his mind. 'When had things gone from playful to serious, and why was Scott always trying to leave them alone?' Gabriel couldn't think but now all he could worry about was where Desiree went. He knew she would be fine, but that did nothing to make him feel any better. She could more or less take care of herself, but still, he wasn't feeling any more at ease. For the first time in a long time was he was really feeling bad about how he was making Desiree feel. He thought about her little outburst just before and played it over and over in his head. Jumping as if being shocked, Gabriel ran for his truck, he had to find Desiree. He wasn't sure why he was so compelled, but he just knew that he had to. ~*~*~ Desiree didn't care where she was going as long as she was getting away from Gabriel. He was the last person that she wanted, or needed to be around. She drove around for about a half an hour, watching as the sky started to darken. She drove far enough with the windows down to smell the salt water drifting off the ocean, and she decided that was exactly where she needed to be. ~*~*~ Gabriel had been driving in circles for nearly an hour and was growing tired of being stopped at every red light he came across. It seemed like no matter which lane he got in, or how quickly he accelerated, he was stuck behind some schmuck driving 12 miles an hour. 'Whenever you really wanna go somewhere, it always seems like the universe is working against you,' Gabriel thought cynically. And then his heart dropped. So is that what this was all about? Why was he rushing about trying to find his best friends little sister? Was it because he really wanted to be with her? Hadn't he seen this coming? Didn't he want this to happen? Gabriel turned on the radio, and turned it up loud as if to drown out his thoughts. He rolled down the windows of his truck as he sat at another red light and let the sea breeze drift from the ocean and fill the car, and he got an idea. At this point, he had been driving for about an hour and a half, longer than he'd ever looked for anyone, and was content with not knowing where Desiree was for the moment. The light turned green and Gabriel took off as if on autopilot weaving and maneuvering through streets. He hadn't noticed where he was until he was sitting in the parking lot on the ocean's front. 'This is the most beautiful place,' he thought to himself as he climbed from his car. He walked until he reached the sand, took off his shoes and socks and began walking barefoot to the water. He glanced around him absently as the moon lit up the night sky and illuminated the silky surface of the ocean. There were a few people laying about randomly, talking, or walking along the water. Gabriel hadn't felt like sitting down, so he began to wander along the water's edge, savoring the feel of the icy cold water against his hot skin not caring that the water was wetting the bottoms of his pants. 'What's the point if you never get wet,' he thought to himself. His mind shifted and he moaned. 'Desiree was wet this afternoon in the movie theater,' and he felt a stirring in his groin as he began to remember how free she had been with him. How open. He could read her thoughts in her eyes, and she wanted it as much as he did. He began to wonder if he had been just as open. His heart skipped a beat. He finally realized why she was so angry; she had been embarrassed that she had been so openly brazen with him, and he regarded it as a game. Gabriel sighed heavily as he came to the conclusion that he would never be able to understand girls. He roughly ran his fingers through his hair as he continued his walk down the beach. He walked for a while watching his feet as they sunk into the sand and thought of Desiree. 'I guess she has every right to be pissed,' he couldn't help but feel like a schoolboy who had a crush on a girl that didn't like him anymore. He kept trying to tell himself he was too old for her, but even he didn't believe it anymore. He lifted his face into the breeze, letting it blow his hair from his face. He turned back toward the beach to see how far he had walked, and he could have sworn he saw Desiree lying on her back looking up at the stars. He laughed out loud completely aware that he had just lost his mind. His laughter caused the stranger to sit up. "Holy shit," Gabriel said out loud. ~*~*~ Desiree was just about to drift off to sleep when she heard some guy laughing. She sat up and didn't know how to react. Gabriel really doesn't know how to give up. She sat there for a moment contemplating whether or not to get up and run back to her truck. It was a silly idea, but she was absolutely sure that she didn't need to be alone with him. Her breath caught in her throat when she realized he wasn't going to keep walking along the shore as he came walking toward her. Desiree watched as Gabriel cautiously approached as if asking her permission. When she didn't protest, he sat down next to her. They didn't say anything at first because it seemed like they didn't have to. The fact that Gabriel was there meant enough to Desiree. Desiree tried to hold Gabriel's gaze, but it was too intense. So she placed her hands behind her head and lay back in the sand and watched as the stars twinkled overhead. Not wanting to ruin the peaceful moment they had going, Gabriel set his shoes in the sand beside him, and did the same. They lay there for some time, not talking, just watching the stars twinkle in the night sky. Gabriel wasn't sure how much time had passed, but he knew that he had to say something. He had to. "Dessie," he rushed before she could cut him off. "I'm not sure what happened today, and I don't act like this all the time," he wasn't sure what 'all the time' meant, but it sounded like the right thing to say so he continued. "Whenever I'm around you, things change. I don't know how but they do." Gabriel sighed loudly in frustration. He knew the words weren't coming out right. He tore his eyes away from the stars to try and gauge her reaction. Desiree was still fixed on the sky above. "What do you mean things change?" she whispered so softly it was almost as if she didn't want to be heard. "Its not like it was when we were little. That's what I mean. I look at you and I don't see Scott's little sister...well not anymore, but it was kinda strange for me to reach that point." Desiree turned her head to look him in the eye. She had nearly convinced herself that he was serious, because he never apologized for anything and although he hadn't said I'm sorry, he was pretty damn close. Warmth and happiness was starting to spread in Desiree's chest when she looked into Gabriel's eyes and could see his sincerity. She sat up slowly as a smile spread across her face. "Let's go for a walk," she said as she stood and brushed the sand off her backside. She watched as the corners of Gabriel's mouth began to turn upwards. He gathered his shoes in one hand and rose to his full height beside her. Desiree had waited until Gabriel stood before she began to turn to walk away, but Gabriel grabbed her arm before she could take a step. "Where do you think you are goin'?" he asked as he pulled her into him. Her breath caught in her throat as she felt his entire body pressed tightly to her for the first time. Desiree just smiled and tried to squirm away, but Gabriel just grabbed her tighter. With one hand still wrapped firmly around her waist, he brushed the loose tendrils of hair from her forehead that the wind had blown loose. Desiree could feel her cheeks redden, and at that moment she knew he was going to kiss her. Gabriel dropped his shoes in the sand behind her and used both hands to cradle Desiree's head. As Desiree's arms snaked around Gabriel's taught back, she couldn't help but think that this was the last place she thought she'd be when she woke up this morning. Gabriel was breathing hard now, trying to control himself. He knew Desiree could feel his growing erection against her stomach, but he had to stay focused. Desiree's mouth parted slightly and Gabriel leaned forward looking into Desiree's eyes. He could feel her heart hammering in her chest, and he knew just how badly she wanted it. She closed her eyes as she leaned in slightly, encouraging him to come the rest of the way. Gabriel was lost in the moment, ready to devour Desiree with everything he had. He was determined to prove to her how he really felt. "Gabriel!" a shrill voice rang out. Desiree and Gabriel jumped apart as if they were just caught by their parents kissing in the basement. "Where have you been honey? I've been calling and calling, why haven't you returned my calls? After the other night, I was sure you'd be back." Desiree recognized the voice and the fake tits immediately. It was Amanda. Amanda rushed to Gabriel and shoved Desiree aside throwing herself into Gabriel's arms. She mashed her face into his as if to prove her ownership. Gabriel pulled Amanda from him and tried to approach Desiree, but she wouldn't have it. Again, Desiree turned to walk away. "Desiree, where are you going?" Desiree stopped walking and turned back to glare Gabriel. "It seems like you and Amanda have a lot to catch up on, I don't want to intrude. Please, have fun. I'm sure it will be just as good as 'the other night'," she spat. Desiree could see the hurt in Gabriel's face, but she didn't care, she was exhausted. He could have told Amanda that it was over between them, but instead he said nothing. Instead he just looked guilty that he had been caught holding Desiree in his arms. 'Well," Desiree thought as she stalked back to her truck, 'he wont have to worry about it again, because it will never happen again.' Desiree's Star Ch. 04 It had been 9 days, four hours and 37 minutes since that night on the beach with Gabriel, not that Desiree was counting or anything. She had spent the better part of the last nine days away from Gabriel and her brother, and with her best friend Jessica. She tried telling herself that she really missed Jessica's company, which she did, but she knew she was spending so much time with her to avoid Gabriel. She felt a little guilty for using Jessica like this, but isn't that what friends are for? Desiree watched as Jessica sat on the floor in her room painting her toenails. "Yea so," Jessica continued, "I know you wanted to hang here, but we definitely can't. My parents have been acting retarded." Jessica added the final clear coat to her toes. "Why don't we just sleep at your house for a change? I haven't been there in weeks." Desiree groaned inwardly as she thought about going back to her house. Images of the bathroom door flashed through her mind and she shook her head to clear them away. "Because I don't want to be at my house. Now that my brother and Candy have broken up, he spends all his free time at the house, and its getting annoying." Jessica just gave Desiree a look, and Desiree knew that Jessica probably didn't buy the story, but like a good friend she said nothing about it. "Well we can't stay here." Jessica stood and walked awkwardly to the bed so she wouldn't smudge the polish on her toes. Desiree didn't tell Jessica exactly what had happened between her and Gabriel; she just mentioned that she was more annoyed with him than ever, and that she had no desire to talk to him. When Jessica pressed for details, Desiree clammed up. She had no desire to relive her humiliation with her best friend too. It was bad enough she couldn't get the whole thing out of her mind anyway. "Fine, but we are spending the whole time in my room. I'm serious." Jessica nodded her approval as she flopped down on the bed and waited for her toes to dry. ~*~*~ True to her word, Desiree made sure that she and Jessica spent the whole time in her room. They had spent the better part of the last three hours talking and watching movies on the TV in Desiree's room. Desiree turned on her side to look at the clock. She watched as it changed from 1:32am to 1:47am. Desiree needed a distraction from Jessica's snoring. She turned back and watched as Jessica's chest rose and fell under her tank top. It wasn't a big deal that the two girls shared a bed together; it just would have been better if Desiree could get some sleep. 'I wish I had boobs like that,' Desiree thought to herself as she studied Jessica's body. Desiree sat up quietly being careful not to wake her friend, and took inventory of her own chest. She was a little jealous that Jessica had such full breasts, but Desiree knew she had the better butt. She watched as the moon illuminated Jessica's face and torso. She could just make out the outline of Jessica's nipples through her shirt. Desiree let her eyes follow the lines of Jessica's stomach, down her flat belly to the tops of her pajama shorts, that didn't leave much to the imagination. For the first time Desiree could really see why her sister liked women. 'I wonder if she still waxes," Desiree wondered catching herself off guard with the thought. Desiree lay back down and began to think about the first time they had both gotten a Brazilian Bikini Wax together. It was the first and only time for Desiree, but she didn't know about Jessica. Desiree sat up again trying not to make any noise as she glanced at the outline of Jessica's mound in her shorts. Desiree knew her friend wasn't wearing any underwear because she had been in the room when Jessica put the shorts on. Desiree smiled to her self as she thought that Jessica had no problems with modesty. As Desiree's thoughts began to drift and travel, she found herself wondering what it would be like to feel another woman's slit. What it would be like to take a woman's clit between her teeth and gently suck on it. Still staring at her best friends mound, Desiree began to moan at the arousal her thoughts were bringing her. 'I gotta get outta here." Desiree jumped from the bed and left the room. The last thing she needed was for her best friend to smell the arousal that was leaking from between her legs. She padded quietly down the hall to her brothers old room, taking care to step over all the creaky parts of the floor so she didn't wake her parents down the hall. Her mother was a ridiculously light sleeper. Desiree lightly pressed her ear to her brother's door to make sure that he hadn't snuck a girl in there like he had done so many times when he had lived there. She could hear the TV going and she decided to crack the door open and see if he was awake. She wasn't sure what she wanted from him, she just wanted to be away from Jessica for a little while. "Scott?" she whispered as she closed his door behind her. "What?" he said putting the TV on mute. "Nothing. Can I sleep in here? I forgot how annoying Jessica's snoring can be." Desiree didn't wait for an answer as she walked across Scott's room and pulled back the top sheet so she could get under. "Where are your clothes?" Desiree's face heated. She had forgotten that she had only gone to bed in a wife-beater and her boy shorts. "Shut up, nothing you haven't seen before." Desiree turned on her side and wasn't awake long enough to be surprised at how fast she fell asleep. Scott smiled to himself as he thought Desiree should be on the living room couch with Gabriel, not sleeping in his bed next to him. ~*~*~ Gabriel sat on Scotts living room couch with his head in his hands. He hadn't turned on the TV, and he hadn't even taken off his pants yet to go to sleep. He wasn't sure how long he had been sitting there, but he suddenly began to feel sorry for himself. Here he was 25 sitting on his friends couch like he did when they were little. He would have gone home by now, but he had had too much to drink that night, and he loved his truck too much to chance it. He also couldn't let himself forget that he was hoping for a chance to talk to Desiree. She hadn't spoken to him since that night on the beach, and although he found her actions childish, he couldn't completely blame her. Amanda had shown up and ruined a nearly perfect moment for the two just because she was jealous. He sighed out loud as thought about how she wouldn't even make eye contact with him. Gabriel had all but begged Scott to talk to his sister for him, but Scott wouldn't do it. Gabriel leaned back on the sofa and ran his rough hands through his hair. He knew nothing good would be on TV at this hour, so he didn't bother. He began to get antsy as he thought that Desiree was in her room right now, half dressed all alone, with all her defenses down. She probably didn't even know that he was sitting on her couch in the dark. Gabriel closed his eyes and tried to let sleep take him, but instead his thoughts just moved to Desiree and that short skirt, and the day in the movie theater. He rubbed his growing erection as he remembered what it felt like when Desiree's hot pussy was grinding into it. He shouldn't have stopped there. She should have dry fucked her right in the middle of the movie theater until she came. He was positive things would have gone much better between them. Gabriel stood and walked to the kitchen in the dark to get another beer. He knew he didn't need one, but he also didn't need the now raging hard on that he had in his friends kitchen. He stood with his back to the counter thinking about how to handle the situation. After his third beer, he had made up his mind. He was going to talk to her whether she liked it or not. ~*~*~ Gabriel took the stairs one at a time careful to step over the old and noisy stairs. He got to the top of the staircase and listened to the sound of his heart hammering in his chest. He took a deep stilling breath and realized he smelled like alcohol. For an instant he thought about turning around and going back downstairs, but quickly dismissed the idea. If he didn't do it now, he wouldn't do it at all. He took three steps toward Desiree's door and his heart quickened when he realized it was already open. He stood in the doorframe and watched as her chest rose and fell. He couldn't help following the lines of her body with his eyes until he reached her mound, and his breath caught in his throat and his cock grew to full attention. From the door, he could see where her pajama bottoms had ridden into the crack of her ass, and where her bald pussy lips peaked through. He couldn't leave now if he wanted to. Without realizing what he was doing, he stepped into her room and shut the door. He stood absolutely still making sure that his presence didn't wake her. When she didn't stir, he walked to the edge of the bed and kneeled down. Her legs were spread enough for him to get a clear view of her ass and mound, and he leaned in closer to get a better look. His heart was all he could hear hammering in his ears, and he prayed that the noise didn't wake her, or anyone else in the house. Gone were all the thoughts of him being too old for her and of her being his best friends little sister. He wasn't sure if it was because of the alcohol, but he knew he didn't want it to end. Gabriel raised himself up on the bed careful not to shake the bed and wake her up. With his right hand, he reached out tentatively and touched her thigh. When she didn't stir, he slowly moved his hand closer and closer to her mound. The heat that was coming from her sex made him moan as he imagined finally being deep inside her. He cupped her mound with his large hand and lightly squeezed. Unable to resist any longer, he slowly reached his hands to the inside of her thighs and spread her legs further apart. He watched as the material of her pajama shorts disappeared deeper between her legs. He smiled to himself when he heard her let out a light snore. Gently running his hands on the insides of her thighs he slowly moved his hands closer and closer to her sex. He watched as his index finger traced her slit from top to bottom, and then he did it again, this time stopping at her clit. He rubbed her through her shorts until her heard a moan escape her sleeping lips. He licked his index finger and slowly reached under the side of her shorts and found her clit, wet and waiting. His cock was straining so hard against his jeans, it was starting to hurt, but he ignored it to keep teasing her. He was determined to let her know that he didn't see her as a joke. That he had seen her as much more for a long time, he just hadn't realized it. He added his middle finger and traced her slit again, this time sinking both fingers deep into her wet and waiting hole. A loud groan escaped his lips as he felt how hot and velvety she was. It was like she was perfect for him. Under the cover of darkness, Gabriel leaned into her and began to plant kisses on her inner thighs as he continued to sink his fingers deep into her. He slowly kissed his way closer and closer to her leaking pussy. He smiled as he thought she would be surprised to wake up with his in-between her legs. Feeling bolder now, Gabriel gently snaked his hands around the top of her pajama bottoms and began to slide them down her hips. He threw the only thing that was separating his face from her sex on the floor, licked his lips, and started to snake his tongue up and down her slit. He could hear her moaning in her sleep and it made his lick faster. Now her hips were bucking against his face as he tried to bury himself further in her sweet juices. Gabriel took her puffy clit between his teeth and began to gently suck on it as he undid his pants with hands. Her breath was coming quickly and he could tell she was close. Finally getting his pants free and his underwear down, he moved to that his hot cock was touching the inside of her leg. "Desiree," he whispered. He wanted to make sure she was awake to feel how perfectly they fit together the first time he rammed his cock into her waiting cunt. "Dessie, wake up." Gabriel couldn't see her face, but he knew that by the way her breathing had changed she was waking up. Gabriel kissed around her neck and chin, encouraging her to open her eyes. He rubbed his cock against her wet pussy getting it wet with her juices. He smiled again when it made her moan. "C'mon Desiree. I want you to be awake when you feel every inch of my pulsing cock deep inside of you. You feel that baby," he asked as he continued to grind his cock against her pussy. "That's how fucking hard you make me. I should have finished this in the movie theatre." Gabriel looked down at his cock poised right above her entrance. His cock was pulsing and he couldn't hold back any longer. He lined up his raging erection and was about to ram it to home when she shrieked. Startled, he looked up and her face, and for the first time realized he couldn't see her in the dark. "Gabriel what the fuck are you doing?" Gabriel's head began to swim. That voice sounded nothing like Desiree's. He wasn't sure if it was the alcohol, but he knew something was wrong. "Desiree?" No answer. "Desiree?" he asked a little louder. "Its Jessica," she said in a hushed voice. "Desiree's not in here, but please don't stop." Gabriel couldn't believe that he had been so stupid; he had just assumed that it was Desiree sleeping in the bed. He had totally forgotten that she and Jessica were even friends. Gabriel wanted nothing more than to oblige her request, but he knew Desiree would hate him for it. Especially if he fucked her best friend in her own bed, but Gabriel didn't move right away. Instead he sat back on his heels and thought about how he just ate Desiree's friend nearly to orgasm and was seconds away from ripping her in two. "I can't," he whispered shocking himself with the amount of self-control he had. Gabriel ran his hands through his hair and moved to pull his pants back up, but a gasp coming from the doorway stopped him. He turned around already knowing what was waiting for him. He looked into the tearing eyes of Desiree as she took in the scene before her. His cock, now flaccid, was still exposed ready and willing to say hi to anyone that wanted a look. Desiree looked from Gabriel's naked penis to Jessica's glistening cunt. From where she was standing, it looked like they had just finished a serious fuck. Gabriel stood and pulled up his pants. "I thought she was you," he said quietly. He was afraid to speak any louder because he was afraid she would start yelling. Desiree took two steps back and walked into the doorframe. "We didn't have sex, I started to, but then I realized it wasn't you." Desiree shook her head from side to side, trying not to let loose the swell of tears that were waiting to burst free. Desiree watched in silence as Jessica moved to pick up her pajama bottoms. "Nothing happened Dessie, I was asleep and he thought I was you. He stopped as soon as he realized I wasn't you." "Get the fuck out," Desiree said between clenched teeth. "Desiree. Seriously nothing happened," Jessica pleaded as she stood next to Gabriel with her arms covering herself. "Fine, don't leave. I don't give a shit. You two can fuck in here all you want, just make sure you change the sheets before you leave." Desiree turned on her heels and made a beeline for her brother's door. She had only gotten up because she had to go to the bathroom. As she closed her brother's door behind her, she finally let the tears fall. ~*~*~ Gabriel fastened his pants and sat down on the edge of Desiree's bed. He watched as Jessica got the things she had brought with her and headed out the door. He didn't bother to ask her where she was going because he didn't care. He threw himself back on the bed and beat the mattress several times with his fists. If he didn't know any better, he would think that this wasn't meant to be. He closed his eyes as he tried to think if anything else could possibly go wrong. Desiree's Star Ch. 05 Desiree only cried harder when she heard a car in the driveway start, thinking that Gabriel was driving Jessica home. In her mind she could picture them fucking everywhere; in the car, at every stoplight, in Jessica's room. She had totally forgotten that Jessica had driven her own car back to Desiree's house. She sat on the floor with her head in her hands trying to figure out what the hell was happening to her. Things between her and Gabriel were going from bad to worse, and now they just turned into a disaster. Desiree cried until her eyes were puffy and hurt from all the strain and a dull headache started to form. When she couldn't physically cry anymore, she began to get angry. Angry with herself for starting to like someone like Gabriel who had always been emotionally unavailable to everyone except her brother. 'Maybe he's gay' she thought and a smile started to form on her lips. But that idea was quickly squashed when she pictured him practically on top of her best friend in her bedroom. She could see his penis in her mind, wet with Jessica's juices, and her fists balled up in her lap. She forgot about Gabriel for a second and suddenly couldn't ever see herself talking to Jessica again. She sat on the floor for a long time thinking about how suddenly things had changed, and she was glad the she had refrained from waking her brother when she first stumbled into his room. He would have freaked, which would have woken everyone in the house. She would have had to explain why Gabriel was fucking her best friend in her room, and why she was crying about it. Desiree couldn't even imagine sleeping in her own bed anymore. Her breath was coming in ragged breaths as she saw Jessica and Gabriel again in her minds eye fucking away on her bed. There was no way that Gabriel could tell her he didn't think of her as a joke. Desiree closed her eyes and counted to ten, and then she did it again. As her breathing started to return to normal, she remembered why she had gotten up in the first place; she had to go to the bathroom. Peeling herself from Scott's carpet, she crept out of his room and down the hall towards the bathroom. She couldn't help but think that all her problems with Gabriel started because she had to go to the bathroom. She maneuvered through the dark with her eyes closed, liking the feeling of being certain of where she was headed. She knew her house like the back of her eyelids, and she took comfort in the fact that something she knew so well remained unchanged. She turned the knob to the bathroom door and stepped in not bothering to turn the light on. The last thing she wanted to do was see her puffy face. After relieving herself, she shuffled to the sink and splashed cold water on her face. It felt good; the cold water slightly shocking her from her stupor. She dried her face on her towel that was hanging on the rack and stepped back into the hallway. She stood in the darkness for a moment trying to figure out if she really wanted to sleep in her room or her brother's. The only thing she wanted was so be alone, and she figured no matter where she slept, she would still be haunted by the images she'd seen. She couldn't help but see Gabriel's cock in her mind again and marvel at how thick it looked. She was getting more pissed at Jessica for getting the chance to have him deep inside of her. Desiree's thoughts were interrupted when she heard mumbling coming from her room. Her heart raced as she began to wonder if she had actually heard a car start in her driveway, or if it was one of the neighbors. Her anger flared as she imagined Gabriel in her room whispering sweet nothings in Jessica's ear while they both thought she was in her brothers room crying, but as she got closer, she only heard one voice. 'How could I be so fucking stupid?' Gabriel was whispering to himself. Desiree smiled at the little habit he had since he was a kid. If you paid attention to him when he wasn't looking, sometimes you could catch his lips moving as he spoke to himself. 'How could I not check to make sure it was her? I finally thought I had it right, and there I go again fucking everything up.' Her face tightened as she realized it wasn't her he was after it was Jessica. He was more upset about Jessica leaving than he was about Desiree finding them. Emotionally exhausted, Desiree stepped into her room. She didn't wait to here the rest; she just wanted her room back. "I thought you would have left by now." She said as she stepped into her room startling Gabriel from his thoughts. He sat up on the bed and she could see his face heating in the darkness. When Gabriel didn't say anything, she told him to get out, but he still didn't move. She stood staring at him sitting on her bed, and if looks could kill she was sure he wouldn't have a pulse. She took a step back as he rose from the bed and moved toward her. "Listen to me. I am only going to tell you this once." Desiree rolled her eyes and tried to step past him, but he saw that coming and moved in front of her. "Jessica and I did not have sex. I thought she was you." "So now you are trying to tell me what I saw didn't happen? Huh? Are you trying to tell me that I imagined your dick hanging out in front of my best friends wet pussy? Huh?" Her pitch was starting to rise and she had to remind herself that her parents were sleeping down the hall. She half expected her mother to come and interrupt them at any moment. "What you saw was me realizing that Jessica was sleeping in your bed. Now how the fuck was I supposed to know that?" Now Gabriel was getting angry. He was trying to his damnest to keep his calm, but she was pushing it. "You are an asshole. Don't ever talk to me again." Desiree could barely contain herself she was shaking so hard with anger now. He had a valid point, but that still did nothing to calm her nerves. "Desiree," he said trying to step closer to her, but she backed up. He tired to grab a hold of her arm but he swatted it away. "Get out of my life." Desiree nearly shouted. Gabriel took a deep breath. He didn't mind being blamed for something he did, but he didn't have sex with Jessica. He exercised way too much self-control to be given such a hard time. He wasn't going to let this go. "No." he said flatly as if she were a little kid he was dismissing. Startled by his determination, Desiree's shoved both hands hard into his chest trying to force him toward the door. She knew he probably wouldn't budge, but that wasn't going to stop her from trying. When he didn't move or show any signs of it, she began to beat her fists on his chest. "Just leave me alone." "Damn it Desiree, just stop for a second." When she only tried to hit him harder, her grabbed her wrists and forced her backwards. Her knees hit the edge of the bed and she tumbled backwards with him on top of her. She struggled in vain to get him off of her, but his muscular thighs were straddling her hips. "Get off," she spat. "Not until you listen to me." Desiree nearly forgot why she was so angry. He was hovering over her now, his face inches from hers. She could feel his hot breath tickling her face as he took in ragged breaths. He had her arms pinned above her head and he was sitting on her stomach. He surrounded her and she could feel his manly heat beckoning her to him. "Look me in the eye." When she didn't turn her head, he roughly grabbed her chin and did it for her. "Do you really think I would purposely fuck your best friend in your bed after what I said to you the other night at the beach?" "Yea, yea I do. You can't keep your fucking dick in your pants. It was Amanda that night, and Jessica tonight. How many other women are you fucking?" "Why the fuck are you being so impossible?" he said as he pounded the mattress next to her head. She squirmed away from his hand, because it came awfully close to hitting her. He would never hit a woman, but she knew she was pushing it. As if suddenly thinking she could push him off her, she bucked her hips and tried to throw her weight. She prayed it would work because she couldn't be so close to him for much longer. Instead, she only succeeded in feeling what she thought was his erection. She stilled immediately, not knowing what to do. He stopped moving too and looked into her eyes. "I just came to apologize." Gabriel whispered. Desiree held her breath as her mind raced. He never apologized, and it caught her so off guard she forgot to be alarmed as his face slowly moved toward hers. ------ ~Sorry this one was so short, I'm trying to write faster. And please, don't forget to vote!~ Thanks, Hotsprings Desiree's Star Ch. 06 Chapter 6 ~*~*~ Desiree slightly tensed as Gabriel's face moved closer and closer to hers. She couldn't help but hope that Gabriel would kiss her, and her stomach filled with butterflies with the prospect. She nervously licked her lips and watched as he slowly closed the gap. Desiree closed her eyes, slightly parted her lips and arched her back as she waited for what she hoped would be the best kiss of her life. She was startled when she felt his hot breath on her ear. "Are you still mad at me?" Desiree couldn't even remember what they had been talking about. Her heart was racing, and her head was swimming as she tried not to feel every inch of her body pressed against his. Desiree slowly shook her head yes. "I said I was sorry didn't I? Gabriel snaked his tongue across Desiree's ear lobe, making her gasp. "I just couldn't wait to see you." He slowly took her earlobe into his mouth and gently massaged it with his tongue. "Get off me." Desiree tried to sound in control, but they both knew she was fighting a loosing battle. Gabriel wasn't sure if now was the time to show Desiree how he was feeling about her, but he was sure she had already felt his excitement pressing against her stomach. When she walked into the room, he hadn't intended to end up on top of her like this. He looked down at her face as she looked up at him with confused and anxious eyes. She had no idea how beautiful she is, he thought. "C'mon, we both know the last thing you want is for me to get off you." "There was a reason I have been avoiding you Gabe. Or have you been too busy fucking everything with legs to notice?" "I noticed, and I think you should be punished for what you put me through." Gabriel pressed a little harder into her wrists. "Oh please, is big bad Gabriel going to spank me?" The words were out of her mouth before she could remember that he had promised he'd do just that. "I know you want it." "I don't want you touching me." Desiree watched as a smile slowly spread across Gabriel's face as he sat staring at her. "What?" she asked feeling self-conscious. His eyes dropped to her chest and his smile got wider. "That's not what your nipples are saying." Even though it was still dark in the room, Desiree knew that Gabriel could see her face changing colors. She mentally kicked herself for not changing her shirt after her brother had said something. Gabriel's heart was pounding in his chest as he stared at her rock hard nipples poking trough the thin material of her wife-beater. "I think," he began as he lowered himself onto her, "that you need to be punished for walking around in such a revealing shirt. What if someone had seen you? Or is that what you wanted?" When Desiree didn't say anything, he continued talking. "Can you feel that?" Gabriel slowly ground his pelvis into her. Desiree could barely breathe, forget about answer him. "That's what you're doing to me." Desiree still didn't answer. Gabriel continued to ground himself into Desiree. He moved in slow calculated circles, pressing his bulge against her clit. He waited until she had closed her eyes and started humping back. He could hear her breath catching in her throat as she tried to rub against him faster and harder. She was lightly struggling now, trying to get her hands free from Gabriel's massive grip. "Stop trying to distract me, Gabe," Desiree said breathlessly. "You fucked my best friend." Desiree was surprised when Gabriel jumped off her. "What are you doing?" as much as she was pretending to hate him, she didn't want him to leave. "Its obvious that you are never going to believe me when I tell you that I didn't fuck your best friend, so I'm going somewhere where I am appreciated. I'm sure Amanda would love to have me in her bed tonight. The ladies always do." Gabriel wasn't really going to Amanda's, he was going to his car to jerk off because he probably wasn't going to make it home, but Desiree didn't need to know that. "I hate you," Desiree shrieked as she lunged from the bed and took a swing at Gabriel. When her fist missed the mark on his jaw, she wished for an instant that she hadn't done it. Gabriel's face darkened when he caught her hand. In one swift movement Gabriel had twisted Desiree so her back was facing him. "I told you that what would happen if you ever tried to hit me again didn't I?" Desiree stopped struggling as she remembered the words clearly. Gabriel yanked her backwards while holding her arms behind her back. He sat down on the bed and waited for Desiree to assume the position they both knew she wanted to be in. When she didn't move, Gabriel told her to lay across his lap in a very hushed voice. "You can't be serious." She said although she was praying he was. "As a fuckin heart attack sweetheart." Gabriel didn't ask her to move this time, he just grabbed her arms forced her down over his lap. He made sure she could feel his pulsing cock against her stomach. Gabriel kept his left hand firmly placed against the small of Desiree's back. With his right hand, he began to trace the edge of her underwear. He used his right index finger to lightly touch her goose-bumping skin. He could feel her body tense as he moved closer and closer to the wet spot that was growing in between her legs. Desiree held her breath as she waited for Gabriel to discover just how much she liked his teasing. Slowly he ran his index finger over the wet spot on Desiree's boy-shorts. Desiree's body was on fire, and Gabriel was barely touching her. She tried to ease the thumping of her heart, but she knew Gabriel could feel it hammering against his leg. "Someone is very excited," Gabriel said. "I could say the same thing about you," Desiree said barely able to contain the lust that was hanging in her voice. Gabriel smiled to himself as he grabbed a handful of her underwear and pulled hard, making sure to trap Desiree's clit in between the material. He knew he got it right when he heard her moan. He let the material go and rubbed his hand over the newly exposed flesh. "Do you like it when I do this?" Gabriel said in a ragged voice just before he raised his hand and brought it down on Desiree's round ass. Desiree was shocked at how hard he hit her, but she wasn't going to tell him she liked it. "I asked you a question." Still Desiree refused to answer, knowing they both wanted this to continue. Gabriel brought his hand down a little harder this time, and smiled when he felt her flinch. "Oh, does that make you uncomfortable?" Desiree could barely breathe, her heart was beating so fast, but she was determined to not let Gabriel know how much she needed it. Gabriel slipped his hand down the crack of Desiree's round plump ass and roughly cupped her mound. He could feel her body shaking under him, but she still wouldn't say a word. 'This will make her scream,' Gabriel thought at he roughly smashed Desiree's clit between his thumb and forefinger. Desiree was hit by little lightening strikes all over her body as Gabriel continued to rub her to orgasm. "Oh shit, oh shit," she said humping his hand, "Don't stop. Holy shit don't stop, I'm cuming. I'm cuming!" Gabriel could feel Desiree's juices leaking out of her swollen pussy and onto his hand as her body went rigid. Gabriel smiled happily as he lifted his fingers to his mouth and licked his fingers clean. Desiree lay across Gabriel's lap wondering what the hell just happened. He'd already given her an orgasm, and they hadn't even kissed yet. Panic started to set in as she regained her senses and realized just how different things were going to be from now on. Suddenly Desiree was wondering if this was what she really wanted, and if this is what Gabriel really wanted. Desiree jumped up and backed toward the door, shaking her head. "What?" Gabriel asked looking alarmed. "I'm not a joke Gabriel, and I don't do this with everybody. So if this isn't something you are seriously considering, I think you should leave before things go any further." Desiree's insides were churning and she wasn't sure if it was a good thing. Her heart was pounding nervously in her ears as she waited for Gabriel's answer. Gabriel took a deep breath and stood, tying to ignore the now painful erection that was threatening to rip its way out of the front of his pants. 'Girls are impossible,' he thought as he walked toward Desiree and trapped her in between the door and his massive frame. "There is nothing that I have ever wanted more, than I want this." Gabriel gently grabbed Desiree's hand and pulled her back to the bed. He sat down and guided Desiree down onto his lap. "I don't know any other way to tell you that this is what I want." Gabriel wrapped his hands around Desiree's waist to emphasize his point. "I want your lips, your breasts, that plump ass of yours," he said as he pawed her bottom. "I want your sense of humor, your sweetness, your anger. I want it all. I want you getting mad at me; I want you to tell me when I'm being an asshole. Dessie, I want it all. I wasn't bullshitting when I told you things I did that night on the beach." Desiree didn't say anything as she straddled Gabriel's lap. She looked into his eyes still half expecting the ever-present teasing light to be there, but it wasn't. She slowly smiled back at him as he waited for her to make up her mind about whatever she was thinking. "I think I want it more," she said in a hushed voice. Gabriel lovingly grabbed the sides of Desiree's face and crushed his lips to hers. He knew that the time for teasing and pretending was over. Their kiss was tentative and exploring at first, until Gabriel couldn't hold back any longer. He coaxed Desiree's mouth open and used his tongue to taste her. The kiss grew in intensity as they both let the barriers crumble. Gabriel sucked on Desiree's bottom lip and she began to grind her hips into him. Gabriel pulled Desiree back on the bed and flipped her over so he was on top. Quickly loosing self-control, he roughly pulled Desiree's shirt from her and tossed it into the corner. He slid down her body and concentrated on the rock hard nipples that had been teasing him from afar. He took one into his mouth and lightly bit down making Desiree moan. He sucked and licked his way to the other nipple and flicked it back and forth in his mouth with his tongue. He quickly unbuttoned his pants and pushed them down. He slid back up Desiree's body so she could feel the heat of his pulsing erection against her leg. "Are you ready?" Gabriel asked as he rubbed the outside of Desiree's swollen pussy lips with his cock. Gabriel didn't wait for a response. Before Desiree could open her mouth, Gabriel slammed into her with everything he had. Gabriel stilled when he heard her scream. His face blanched and tried his best to stay completely still. "Dessie, I didn't know." He looked at her face and could see the pain etched in her eyes. He had no idea she probably hadn't had sex. Trying his best not to move, he feathered kisses around her throat and chin. After a moment, she started to moan, and Gabriel started to pull out. He looked in between them as he slid slowly into her wetness. He could hear her breath coming in short gasps as he picked up the pace. "Faster. Harder." Desiree choked out in-between breaths. Gabriel hunched his back and grunted as his thickness was being driven into her hot wet hole. Desiree looked up and could see the pleasure written on Gabriel's face. His chiseled features were clenched as he tried his best to maintain control. Through slitted eyes Desiree watched as sweat started to form on his knitted brow. "Cum for me Desiree." Desiree could feel the intensity of Gabriel's gaze on her as she moved her hips to meet his thrusts. Each time Gabriel thrust, she could feel him stretching and rubbing against her insides, and it the heat of her orgasm was starting to build. Gabriel moved a hand in between them and rubbed Desiree's clit desperately trying to make her cum before he did. He felt Desiree's legs tremble and he body go rigid as she moaned in intense pleasure. Gabriel slammed into her three more times before she felt his hot seed being sprayed deep inside her. Gabriel's sweaty body slid off of her and onto the bed. Desiree turned and looked at Gabriel's content face. "So," she said not sure what to say now. "Don't ever think another man is going to touch you, 'cause I will fucking kill them." Desiree smiled as she realized things weren't going to change that much. "What are you going to tell my brother?" "That you're mine." Gabriel rolled onto his elbow to look at Desiree, but he stopped and stared at the door. "What?" Desiree asked seeing that his attention had been diverted. "Nothing." He kissed Desiree on her forehead and pulled her in close. He couldn't help but think that the door had been closed, and it wasn't now. He closed his eyes and sleep quickly took him as he reminded himself that he needed to be out before her parents woke up. Desiree's Star Ch. 07 Desiree smiled to herself as she felt Gabriel slowly remove the sheet that was covering her naked body. She opened her eyes and moaned as he slowly kissed his way down her stomach, and stopped to dip his tongue into her sweet belly button. Her eyes were met with the total darkness of her room, and she smiled to herself knowing that Gabriel just couldn't wait to get his hands on her one more time. She felt his rough and calloused hands trail their way down her stomach and spread her thighs. The dull ache from earlier was still present, but Desiree couldn't be more ready and willing to give herself to Gabriel again. Slowly he spread her pink lips apart and darted his stiff tongue in and out of her hole. Her toes curled as she felt her juices drip out of her and coat her puckered rose bud. She could feel Gabriel's labored breathing as he pressed his flattened tongue against her clit. Desiree's hips humped Gabriel's face as he clamped down and captured her clit in between her teeth. She reached down with both hands and grabbed Gabriel's hair forcing him further into her. Desiree couldn't hold in her moan as Gabriel used two fingers to slowly pump in and out of her as he continued the onslaught on her clit. Desiree's body bucked wildly and her body began to shake as she felt her climax intensifying. "Oh, I'm so close, don't stop baby. Don't stop." Gabriel waited until he felt her insides clench his fingers before he shoved three fingers into her tight hole and one into her virgin asshole. The unexpected stimulation of him sticking a finger in her asshole caused her to let out a gut-wrenching scream, and she was sure she had woken everyone up on the block. Tiny spasms rocked her body as she came down from one of the best orgasms she ever had. Gabriel slowly kissed up her body stopping just under the swell of her breasts to leave a wet trail of kisses. Desiree flipped Gabriel onto his back, which no doubt caught him by surprise and slid down his boxers. Desiree heard Gabriel gasp when she reached her hand around him to free him of his boxers. She was glad it was still dark so he couldn't see the heat rising from her face and she marveled at how he felt in her hands. Tentatively she took the enlarged head into her mouth and began to lick it like a lollipop tasting the tangy precum that it was continuously leaking. "Oh, Dessie, you don't have to," Gabriel said a little huskier than he had before. "I want to." Desiree tried to swallow the entire head and gagged a little. She tried to use every technique she read about online and in magazines. Ever so slowly she licked the underside of the sensitive head before taking as much of him as she could. She sucked harder as she moved her head faster and faster over his cock. What she didn't have in experience, she made up for with enthusiasm and he really liked it. Gabriel's moans fueled her on to suck harder and faster. She was hoping he wouldn't be able to tell that this was the first time she had ever had a cock in her mouth. Just when she felt his body tense, he grabbed her hair and ripped her mouth from around his cock. His crushed his lips to hers and he rolled her onto his back and slammed into her in one fluid motion. Desiree's breathe caught in her throat and she felt Gabriel's cock stretching her so deliciously. It was different than before, this time he was fucking her like that was his only goal in life. She could swear that his dick was a lot thicker than before, but she couldn't get her thoughts straight as she started to feel another orgasm approaching. "Harder, harder," she gasped in between breaths, and Gabriel obliged. She felt him swell and twitch inside of her just as her pussy walls clamped down onto his cock. She could feel every inch of him as he unloaded his hot cum deep inside of her. Gabriel collapsed beside her and pulled her in close, loving the feel of her ass cheeks pressed against his softening cock. Desiree turned on her side and snuggled into her pillow, with a happy grin on her face. She reached up to move a wet piece of hair from her forehead when she felt something on her pillow. Sitting up on one elbow, she clicked the light on next to her bed and flipped open the piece of paper that was perched on her pillow. Dessie, Don't think I wanted to leave you, I just thought I would be better this way. If I fell asleep again, I'm sure your parents would have found me ass naked next to you in the morning. Don't hate me; I will be back in the morning. ~ Gabe Desiree's stomach tightened as she read and re-read the note she was holding in her hand. If Gabriel already left, then who the hell just fucked her silly in her own bed? She turned slowly to look at the face of the man lying next to her and an acid taste filled her mouth. She lay staring at the familiar face next to her and couldn't help but think that she really needed to stop having sex with the lights off. Desiree's Star Ch. 08 I finally decided how I wanted to finish this story, and there are still a few chapters to come. I hope you enjoy them. ~Hotsprings ~*~ Chapter 8 Desiree's eyes snapped open as she bolted upright. She tired to see through the night but her eyes were met by nothing but blackness. Her heart hammered in her chest as she desperately felt under her pillow for Gabriel's note. A bead of sweat made its way down the small of her back as she could feel herself starting to hyperventilate. She tried to calm herself by taking a few deep breaths but that seemed to only add to her building hysteria. Desiree shifted in the bed and tried to make out the shape of the body next to her but couldn't. Cautiously she extended a hand expecting it to eventually touch something other than her sheets. When it didn't, she wasn't sure if she should be happy or alarmed. Slowly she reached for her lamp and flooded her room with light. She shielded her eyes for a second trying to get used to the light. When she could finally see, Desiree scanned her room for signs of someone else. There was no one in the bed next to her, there were no men's jeans on the floor, there were no socks or shirts. There was nothing that indicated who had just been in her bed. Desiree sat with her back pressed against the headboard and arms folded across her chest. She ran a trembling hand through her hair trying to convince herself that it was all a dream. But which part? The soreness between her legs told her that something had happened, but what? The sound of her door creaking open interrupted her thoughts. "What?" Gabriel said as he shut the door behind him. "You look like you've just seen a ghost." Denver let out a relieved sigh. "Where did you go? I woke up and you weren't here..." Gabriel smiled. "You missed me already?" "No," she said with an attitude. "I just had this dream that's all." Desiree waited a couple beats before asking, "At some point you didn't leave me a note did you?" Gabriel raised his eyebrows as he made his way to the bed. "Would you humor me please," she asked as she watched him lay down beside her. "No, I didn't leave you a note. I left you alone for like two seconds while I went to the bathroom." "So that was the only time you left me?" "Yea," he said with a confused grin. "What's wrong?" Gabriel pulled Desiree to him and wrapped her in his strong embrace. "I had a dream that you left..." Gabriel kissed the top of her head. "I'm not goin' anywhere." Desiree smiled and snuggled into his chest hoping he meant what he said. She closed her eyes relieved that her dream was just that -- a dream. But it seemed even creepier that she had sex with her brother in her head...what did that mean? ~*~ When Desiree woke the next morning, she expected to be alone and she was, and she was also relieved to see that there was no note. She grabbed her clothes and padded barefoot down the hall to the bathroom hoping it was emptry so she could take her shower. She lucked out and it was. Desiree could feel the nervousness building as she quickly washed. She couldn't wait to get downstairs and find Gabriel. Like any girl with the prospect of having a new boyfriend, her mind went wild with scenarios. She could see them walking hand in hand down the street, watching the sunset on the beach - without Amanda interrupting this time. She pictured them laughing and going to parties, celebrating their anniversary over a candle lit dinner. Her imagination was running away from her, and she didn't catch up to it until she heard three sharp raps on the bathroom door. "You gonna be in there all day?" Desiree huffed, rinsed off one last time and stepped out of the shower. She pulled on her clothes as she yelled at her brother to stop knocking on the door. "Don't you have an apartment?" she yelled through the door. "No hot water," her brother shouted back. "I'll be out in a minute!" Scott continued to pound on the door testing Desiree's patience, but at the moment, she was looking forward to seeing Gabriel. She smiled because two weeks ago, she would have killed herself for having that thought. Desiree opened the bathroom door with a smile on her face. "What's gotten into you?" Desiree smiled and kept walking. She wasn't giving up details that easily. Desiree bounced down the stairs trying to hide some of the excitement that was threatening to bubble out of her. She landed at the foot of the stairs and scanned the living room. She'd half expected Gabe to be lounging on the couch watching TV trying to pretend like nothing happened. Desiree continued into the kitchen convinced he'd be standing in front of the fridge stuffing his face. Her heart sank when he wasn't. She stood in the center of the kitchen, her smile gone, thinking that he had to still be somewhere, and he wouldn't just leave her like that. Desiree walked to the front door and glanced out the window just knowing she'd see his truck still parked on the street. She counted the cars twice thinking that even Gabriel couldn't be this cruel. Desiree turned back to the living room feeling deflated and dejected. She hadn't even realized her legs had carried her back up the stairs until she bumped into her brother coming out of the bathroom. Scott stood in the hallway holding his towel securely around his waist as his still dripping body made small dark circles in the carpet. The smell of his skin toyed with her senses as Desiree stood staring at her brother. Visions from last nights dream came flooding back and she wondered if he looked as good under that towel as he had in her dream. Desiree dragged her eyes from her brother's wet chest and met his gaze as he stood staring back at her. "What?" he asked looking slightly alarmed. He didn't like the way his sister was looking at him, it was making him uncomfortable. "Nothing," Desiree said physically trying to shake the images from her head. "Well then move so I can get to my room." Desiree continued down the hall to her room. She shut her door and pressed her forehead against the cool wood. When she heard the sound of her brother's bedroom door closing, she forced herself to sit down. Desiree threw herself back onto her bed and the scent of her and Gabriel's arousal pushed all thoughts of Scott from her head. She remembered with vivid detail the events of last night. He'd been gentle yet forceful and insistent at the same time. Desiree's fist clenched around her sheets as the familiar flutter in her stomach started. She thought about how he looked, how he acted, and as quickly as the butterflies began to flap their wings, they ceased. She tried to calm herself saying that there was no reason to get upset, but she wasn't so upset so much as disappointed. She was hoping that today would be the start of something different. But there could be a million reasons why he left without saying anything -- she was acting ridiculous. She got up and ripped the sheets off her bed. She couldn't sit around all day moping, she had things to do. ~*~*~ Desiree had been keeping herself occupied for four days now, trying not to think about Gabriel, when her phone chimed. After day five she stopped compulsively glancing at it to see if she had any missed calls, so it almost came as a surprise that it was chirping now. She flipped her phone open and pressed the green button asking her if she wanted to read the text message. Her heart jumped in her throat when she saw it was from Gabe. "Hey sry I dnt call. Been real busy. Talk to you later." Been real busy? Talk to you later? Desiree stood in her bedroom staring at her phone trying to comprehend what this text message actually meant. She took a breath trying to determine if she was overreacting. Her heart was hammering in her chest, and she was pretty sure she was seeing red. She sat down on her bed, trying not to think about how awful she felt. Gabriel had taken her virginity in this very room with her family sleeping down the hall, and this was the first thing he said to her in days. Was he kidding? Then it hit her. He wasn't kidding, he was completely serious. Suddenly she was wondering if this was how he got rid of all his other sexual conquests and immediately she got madder. He had said everything she wanted to hear, and it worked, because he fucked her. Tears of anger were blurring her vision as she willed herself not to cry. This was just a lesson to be learned right? She angrily swiped the tears from her eyes threw her phone across the room. Things wouldn't change, and it was stupid to think they would. Gabriel was always a horndog and poor virgin Desiree couldn't change that. Desiree left her room and marched down the stairs to the kitchen heading straight for the freezer. Ice cream would hit the spot right about now. Desiree said nothing to her mother as she stood at the sink washing dishes. She watched her work and wondered if she ever had these problems with her father. Her father seemed stubborn and hardheaded, but not when it came to the family. Most feared him, but those close to him knew he was a push over. Especially for his wife. "Just give it time Desiree." Her mother said never looking up from the sink. Desiree stopped the spoon midair. "What?" "He'll come around." "I don't know what you're talking about," Desiree said stiffening. "Only a man has the ability to drive a woman this crazy. You've been moping around for weeks now, and you've finally escalated to ice cream, so I'm guessing it must be serious." "How do you know it's a man?" Desiree tried a stab at comic relief. She knew pretending that it could possibly be a woman would make her upset. Her sister was a lesbian and it drover her mother nuts. "Gabriel is just as stubborn as you are. He'll come around." Am I really that transparent? Desiree thought. "What if I don't care?" she said raising her chin in defiance her mother couldn't see because she was still focused on the dishes. "Then put the ice cream away and start acting like it." Desiree stared down at the half-gallon carton of ice cream sitting on the table. She didn't realize how much of it she'd all ready eaten. She put the top back on the ice cream and put it in the freezer. She walked out of the kitchen wondering how her mother always knew what was going on. Despite the 'he'll come around' part, she had pretty much hit the nail on the head. Desiree went back to her room to change. It was Friday and it was movie night with Scott. She wasn't too upset that she was spending all her free time with her brother. When she went back to school, things would return to normal. ~*~*~ Tonight was the first time Desiree had been in her brother's apartment since his breakup with Candy, and it looked completely different. Gone was everything pink and all the throw pillows and stuffed animals. She looked around and was happy to see that her brother's apartment was officially a bachelor pad again. She set the movies down on the kitchen table and walked to the fridge to grab them both a beer. She sat down on the couch and waited for him to come out the bedroom. She aimlessly flipped through the channels looking for nothing in particular. "Will you do me a favor?" he asked as he emerged from the bedroom. "Depends what it is," Desiree replied without taking her eyes off the TV. "You'll have to get dressed up." "Not interested." "It's for charity," he said standing in front of the television. When she didn't say anything, he kept talking. "It's a charity dinner at the end of the month, and I was supposed to go with Candy and now I don't have a date. Please...." He said trying to give her his puppy dog eyes. "You're paying for my dress. And my shoes." He stood staring at his sister trying to determine how much he wanted her to go. "Fine." Desiree held her hand out waiting for him to hand her a credit card. "Try not to break me okay?" Desiree smiled and put the card in her pocket. Her brother stood in front of her looking like there was something else he wanted to say. "What?" she asked. She had a feeling it was about Gabe, but her brother said nothing and sat down. All this time that Gabriel wasn't talking to Desiree, he still hung out with her brother. Until one of them chose to talk Scott about what was going on between them, he pretended like it was business as usual. Desiree refused to ask about Gabriel, because she didn't want her brother to know just how much Gabriel had gotten to her. They both settled into their positions on the couch and Desiree handed her brother his beer. "You okay?" he asked as he popped open his beer. "Yep." Desiree kept flipping through the channels. She was happy when he let the subject drop. They settled into a comfortable silence as they settled on a movie on TV. Her brother was first to drift off to sleep around 11:04, and Desiree was thinking of doing the same when she heard the doorknob jingle. She was about to wake her brother, but she had a good guess as to who it was. Desiree sat staring at the door and watched as Gabriel walked in and went straight to the fridge. She watched his back with her heart hammering in her chest. If she hurried, she could make it out the door before he turned around. If she was fast enough, she could get down the hall and to the stairs before he had a real chance to come after her. Then she scolded herself for thinking he would follow. She stood from the couch as quietly as she could, grabbed her bag and took a step towards the door. She probably would have made it if she hadn't stubbed her toe on the coffee table. Her brother snorted and resumed sleeping, but Gabriel turned toward the noise. He looked like a deer caught in headlights. Desiree watched as he stood in front of the refrigerator beer in hand. She could feel the anger starting to boil up inside her just like every time she thought about him. She tried to breath through it, but all she wanted to do was hit him. They stared at each other for a few awkward moments until the rage inside Desiree forced her feet to move toward the door. As if breaking some spell, Gabriel moved too, walking after her. Desiree made it out the door and down the hall. She was almost at the stairs when she heard Gabriel call her name. Hot tears of humiliation began to blur her vision as she tried to move faster. She was furious with herself for reacting like this. She'd hoped she could have kept it together long enough to get away from him, but it didn't work. She was almost at the stairs when she felt Gabriel's steely grip on her arm. "Wait." He said not really sounding like he wanted her to. "Let me go," she said through clenched teeth as she tried of wriggle from his grasp. "I wanna talk to you, Dessie." "Now you wanna talk? Now? What makes you think I wanna talk to you?" Desiree was still trying to get away from him when he pushed her back up against the wall and pinned her with his body. She couldn't meet his gaze because she didn't want him to see the tears, so she looked at the floor. "I've been real busy at work and with family and stuff. Didn't you get my text message?" "Your text message?!" she said her head snapping up to lock onto his gaze. "Your fucking text message? Yea I got it. You fuck me and all I get is a text message. Next time spare me." "So, there's gonna be a next time?" he asked, the corners of his mouth turning upward. "Eat shit," Desiree grunted. Desiree watched as the lines around his eyes creased and his mouth formed a tight straight line. He looked older, and tired. He had a five o'clock shadow and his dress shirt was wrinkled and rolled up at the sleeves. He must have just come from work...or another woman's house. "C'mon, let me explain." Desiree shook her head "You don't have to explain anything to me, I'm not you're girl." Desiree tried to inch past Gabriel, but he moved to block her path. "Don't be mad at me, Dessie," he said changing tactics. He slowly and seductively ran his fingers along the side of her arm trying to make her forget why she was mad at him. "Please," he said in a hushed voice as he moved his face toward hers breathing in the scent of her shampoo. "lets go somewhere and talk." "No." Desiree said it with a resounding confidence she didn't feel. Her knees were turning to Jell-O and it felt like the bottom in her stomach dropped out. She felt ashamed at how easily he could get a rise out of her, and she wondered if she would ever be normal again. "You don't mean it," Gabriel said looking her in the eye. She wondered if he could tell she really didn't. "You-" but Desiree didn't get to finish. Gabriel pressed his mouth to hers, silencing any protest she was about to voice. Taken by surprise, she was amazed at how eagerly he was assaulting her lips. She willed herself not to respond. If she didn't respond, he would stop, but her body wasn't listening to her brain. The screaming voice in her head that was telling her to get away from him was slowly being silenced by the invasion of his tongue. Instead of it telling her to kick him in the shin, it was telling her what a great kisser he was. She could feel the heat rising in her body as he plunged his tongue deeper into her mouth and pressed his body up against hers. His hands moved to the side of her face and his fingers lightly traced the line of her chin. She was kissing him back now and despite herself her hands moved to his waist to pull him closer. She could feel his hips crushing into her and he began to grind his growing erection into her stomach letting her know exactly what he was feeling. Guttural moans escaped Desiree's throat as Gabriel kissed his way down the side of her face and sucked on her neck. Her breath came faster as he lightly licked the edge of her ear. Her hips were moving of their own accord now, trying to feel every inch of him through her clothes. The voice in her head had been silenced long ago by the steady booming of her heartbeat pulsing in her ears. As her toes bunched in her shoes, Gabriel could feel the struggle leaving her body. Quickly he moved his hands from her face to her hips. In one swift movement, he grasped two handfuls of her ass cheeks and lifted her off the ground. He guided her legs around his waist so he could crudely grind his cock into the pussy he knew was waiting for him. Desiree's arms snaked around his neck as he sought her lips and pulled her trembling bottom lip into his mouth. Gabriel could feel Desiree's very hard and very erect nipples pressing into his chest, and his mouth watered at the memory of tasting her sweet flesh. The spellbound couple nearly jumped out of the skin when the phone attached to Gabriel's hip chimed. For a second, their gazes locked, and Desiree watched his eyes. The desire that was there a moment ago was replaced with dread. In that moment, she wished she could help him. In his eyes, he looked so lost, so alone. Sensing that the moment was gone, the pair untangled their limbs as the phone chirped again. The friction of their bodies rubbing together as Desiree slid back to the floor seemed so out of place now. It was no longer passionate. It seemed to reverberate what the voice in Desiree's head was allowed to say again. They shouldn't be together. This shouldn't be happening. Desiree watched as Gabriel unclipped the phone from his hip. He turned his back when he answered the phone and she watched as the muscles in his neck tensed. She felt the need to comfort him and was about to wrap her arms around him when she heard him say something that sounded like baby. Desiree took a few steps closer and tried to hear what he was saying. "Can it wait?" he asked into the phone. "Ok, ok, just gimmie a minute Hun. I'll be right there." Desiree's stomach flipped as her mind went reeling. She let out an angry grunt as she realized what just happened. Desiree's Star Ch. 08 She just let Gabriel maul her in the hallway of her brother's apartment building, and he was calling some other woman hunnie. He never called her hunnie. As far as she was concerned she didn't even know the word hunnie was in his vocabulary. Desiree stared at Gabriel's back willing him to drop dead. No one had ever made her feel as used and humiliated as he had in the last few weeks. Her stomach continued to churn as she thought he would have taken her in the hallway if they hadn't been interrupted, and his "hunnie" would have been none the wiser as she waited for him to come home. Bile rose in Desiree's throat as she thought about how easy she had made it for him. In retrospect, she barely put up a fight, and was putty in his hands. For a moment, she thought of her brother and prayed that he wasn't as sadistic with women as his best friend was. She prayed that her brother had a little more respect for them. If Gabriel could play these games with his best friend's little sister, Desiree couldn't imagine what he was capable of doing to a woman he just met. As she picked her bag up off the floor, she watched as a fresh tear splashed the tiled floor. No one had ever provoked this much emotion from Desiree, and as she turned her back to Gabriel, she promised herself that no one else ever would. This was exhausting. Desiree stalked off down the hall leaving Gabriel still talking to his "hunnie". Desiree's Star Ch. 09 Thanks for all the feedback! * Desiree had been keeping busy. Gabriel called four or five times, but she never answered. She deleted his messages before hearing them, and considered this a step in the right direction. She'd even started talking to Jessica again although neither mentioned the night in Desiree's room. The end of the month had snuck up on Desiree but she was happy to finally have something to do. The company her brother worked for was hosting an AIDS awareness charity dinner and it was tonight. She told her brother she'd go with him since his ex-broke up with him and he didn't have a date. The tickets were too expensive for him to ask a woman he'd just met, so he had asked his sister. Desiree spent an entire week looking for the perfect dress and shoes. She wasn't one to dress up often, but when she did, she wanted to look amazing. Tonight she planned on wearing a black slinky form fitting dress. She just hoped it wasn't too revealing. Desiree held the dress up in front of her and watched herself in the mirror. The neckline dipped in a low V that would display a teasing amount of cleavage. The back of the dress dipped dangerously low down the small of her back showing off her smooth tanned skin. She placed the dress back on her bed and sat down. She glanced at the clock noting she only had about 45 more minutes to get ready before her brother was coming to pick her up. She grabbed a bottle of lotion and began to massage it into her smooth shapely legs. She rubbed lotion into her arms and stood slipping into her black stiletto heels. She walked toward her mirror and surveyed how the heels made her calf muscles flex. Desiree drank in her appearance as she stood in her matching black thong and bra and thought for the first time, she looked sexy. She grabbed her earrings from her dresser and slipped them on. She began to finger the soft curls she'd put in her long brown hair and she flopped back down on the bed. She was ready to go now but was waiting until the last possible to put on her dress because she didn't want it to get anymore wrinkled than it had to. Finally Desiree heard her brother's car pull into the driveway and she jumped up to finish getting ready. She really hoped he would like the dress and shoes that he paid for. ~*~ Scott got to his parent's a little earlier than he was expecting to, so when he walked in the front door and caught sight of his little sister coming down the stairs, his jaw nearly hit the floor. He hadn't enough time to mentally prepare himself for the sight that was before him. His sister was timidly standing at the top of the stairs watching his expressions. When she took another step towards the stairs, and a long shapely leg peaked out from the thigh high slit in her dress, Scott felt a familiar stirring in his groin, and forced himself to sing the Star Spangled Banner in his head. "Do I look ok?" Desiree asked as she spun in a circle. Scott thought she looked more than okay. The dress was like a second skin, hugging her in all the right places. "You look amazing, Dessie" he said as he shook his head. He never thought a woman could look so good with her clothes on. "Are you sure?" she asked glancing down at her chest. "I'm not too...exposed?" Because of the back of the dress, Desiree couldn't wear a bra and she felt self conscious about her breasts being able to sway any which way they wanted. Scott had noticed she wasn't wearing a bra and was trying with all his might to look her in the face as he shook his head. She beamed and told him that he looked very handsome. He was wearing a rented tux because he was sure he couldn't afford one after the money Desiree had spent on the dress and shoes. And now seeing her in the outfit he paid for, he would have gladly gone in a potato sack to see his little sister look this good. "Are you ready?" he asked still trying to focus on her face. "Yep." Desiree grabbed her beaded bag off the table and led the way out of the house. The entire car ride, Scott tried to focus on the road and not the sinful amount of skin his sister was showing. On any other woman, it may have seemed trashy, but it was the fact that Desiree wasn't purposely trying to show of her curves, the dress was doing it for her, and she looked fantastic. They drove in a comfortable silence for most of the ride until Scott decided it was time to tell Desiree there was a chance Gabriel could be there. He wanted to make sure he was far enough away from the house so that she wouldn't curse him and tell him to drive her home. "Umm, there's a chance that --" he began. "I know," Desiree said in a quiet voice cutting him off. "He might be there." Scott cringed. She wasn't even calling him by name anymore. "How did you know?" "Where ever one of you is, the other isn't far behind." "And there is also a chance -- " "That he's gonna be there with his hunnie, right?" she said with distain. "You know about her?" Desiree was a little taken aback by her brother's tone. It seemed like he was relieved to hear that she'd heard about his hunnie -- like that should explain something. "Yea I know about her." Her brother took an audible breath. "Well I'm glad you two finally talked. Gabe won't say anything to me about what's going on between you two, and I'm kinda glad." "We didn't talk," she said as the images of Gabriel kissing her in the hallway of her brother's apartment complex came flooding back. There was definitely no talking involved. "I overheard him on the phone with her." Desiree folded her arms. Her brother smiled and Desiree couldn't help but think that was something she wasn't getting. "Why didn't you tell me about her?" "It wasn't my business. Whatever is going on between you and Gabe is between you and Gabe. I'm not gonna be the middleman between you two. If I start now, it'll never stop." Desiree turned to look out the window. She was kinda pissed that her brother wouldn't tell her his best friend was juggling more than one woman. The sky was dark when they arrived at the hotel where the charity dinner was being held. Scott ushered his sister in the door and was happy to note that she was probably the most beautiful woman there. He smiled and told her she looked gorgeous. He was happy she smiled back. They spent the first hour or so milling about the crowd saying hi and making small talk. Nearly every man there wanted to know whom the beautiful woman attached to his arm was. When he replied it was his sister, many seemed shocked until he explained his breakup situation. Then the men felt better about letting their eyes linger on Desiree's body. Desiree was pleased with the attention, but her emotions were hollow when she realized that none of their gazes made her feel the way Gabriel's had. Scott was convinced his sister was having a good time until he felt her grip his arm. The tips of her fingers dug through the layers of his clothing and he could feel them pinching his skin. He looked at her face and followed her gaze to where Gabriel was standing. On his arm was a beautiful tall blond woman with bright blue eyes. Scott wrapped an arm around his little sister and told her to relax. ~*~*~ Gabriel had spotted Desiree the second he stepped into the dining hall. For a moment, he was stopped in his tracks as he watched her mill about with her brother. He had been watching her now for almost an hour when she finally spotted him. His heart leapt then sank when from across the room he could feel her gaze turn cold. Despite the coldness in her eyes, she looked stunning, and if it hadn't been directed at him, he would have said she looked perfect. He almost couldn't believe that she looked as amazing with her clothes on as she did with them off. He also noticed that all the other men at the dinner seemed to find her just as desirable as he did, and it made his blood boil. He didn't want any of those other men drinking in her curves and the softness of her hair and skin. Suddenly he felt the undeniable urge to get closer to her. Gabriel hadn't spoken to her since that night at her brother's apartment when she stormed off before they got a chance to talk to each other. That was his intention when he went after her that night, but just like always, she caused him to loose control. Instead of talking, he'd pinned her up against a wall and practically mauled her. He tried calling her, knowing that sending a text message wasn't an option, but she never answered the phone. Gabriel hoped she wasn't too disgusted with him to stop talking to him forever, there were still a few things they needed to get straight. He watched her now and was mesmerized by how her clothes seemed to slide over her body. He watched as she smiled and laughed at the jokes different men were telling her, and how their dates looked on jealously. Desiree had an intoxicating effect on everyone around her, and she didn't even know it. He was trying to determine how to approach her so as not to cause a scene when he saw her move toward one of the patio doors that lined the dining hall. Gabriel politely excused himself from his date and followed Desiree's steps as quietly as he could. The last thing he wanted her to do was see him and scream. When she slipped out the doors, he was certain she knew he was following her. He waited for a moment trying to compose his thoughts before he walked outside. The last thing he wanted to do was end up mauling her like he had the last time he planned on just talking to her. ~*~*~ Desiree had slipped outside and waited for Gabriel to follow. She had seen when he excused himself from his beautiful date and followed her. She stood at the edge of the patio watching as the stars blinked in the sky as if trying to send her a message. The stars were like diamonds that had been tossed into the sky. Desiree closed her eyes as she waited for Gabriel to come, and she couldn't help but picture how beautiful his date was. She was thin, blonde and perfect with big boobs. In some ways she resembled Amanda, a girl that Gabriel was seeing a while ago, and that only served to remind Desiree that she wasn't Gabriel's type. After what felt like an eternity, she heard the doors to the patio open. Light spilled out into the darkness and a shadow stepped into the night. Desiree didn't bother to turn around, she knew who it was. Gabriel stepped up behind her not exactly sure how to begin. As if sensing he was about to say something, Desiree said don't. "Don't what?" he asking confused. "Don't lie to me, don't tell me a half truth. You said a lot of things to me that you obviously didn't mean, and I don't want to hear it anymore." Despite himself, his eyes moved down the curve of her bareback and rested on the swell of her ass. His eyes traveled up her shoulders and he smiled as he noticed that even in stiletto heels, she barely reached his nose. "Desiree," he finally said, "I meant everything I said to you." "Meant it enough to fuck me, right?" Gabriel took a step closer resisting the urge to touch her. "No. I meant what I said. And I also meant what I said when I told you I was busy." Desiree huffed and began to walk away. "Don't walk away from me," he said angrily as he moved up behind her. "Or what?" she said spinning around. The venom in her eyes was palpable. His gaze softened when he realized she wasn't mad so much as hurt. Seeing the change in his expression, Desiree thought she was winning their little argument. "So, who's the blond bombshell?" Desiree stood hand on hip trying not to look like she was drinking in his features. He had on a tuxedo that had to have been specially made for him, because it hung from his body perfectly. His hair was still a mess, but this time it made him look dangerous instead of his usual boyish cute. There was nothing cute about Gabriel tonight. He stood at his full height, still towering over Desiree even in her heels. The corners of his mouth turned upwards. "Jealous?" Despite himself, he couldn't resist taunting her. "You are never gonna change, Gabe." "Baby, you'd be surprised," he said looking down into her face. He took a step closer trying to lessen the gap between them. He took it as a good sign when she didn't move away. A strong gust of wind swirled around them picking Desiree's hair off her shoulders and twirling it around her face. She didn't bother to move it. He watched as the front of her dress began to tent as her nipples hardened. "I'm not your baby." "I want you to be." Desiree definitely wasn't expecting that. "I'm not impressed." Gabriel smiled. She was doing a very good job of acting like she didn't want him. If he hadn't known any better, he may have almost believed her charade. "You look amazing, Desiree." She said nothing. "I mean it. Every man in here had his eyes glued to your body, including me." Gabriel took another step closer to and she could feel his heat warming her body. It was like she was standing next to a fire. "I'd be lying if I told you it's taking everything in me right now to not rip off that dress and fuck you silly on this patio for everyone to see." Gabriel took another step closer to Desiree and she could feel the dampness between her legs begin to soak through her thong. She prayed a strong gust of wind didn't come along and reveal how aroused she was. "You are never gonna fuck me again." The statement surprised Desiree as much as it did Gabriel. "And why is that?" he asked as he ran a fingertip down the side of her arm. He felt like his flesh was on fire. "Because blondie is in there waiting for you." Gabriel tipped his head back and let out a hearty laugh. Desiree tried to side step him, but he pulled her into his arms. "Dessie, we really do need to talk, and some of it has to do with blondie in there." "Let me go." Gabriel tightened his grip around her waist, and he was pretty sure she could feel his growing erection. It seemed like every time he was around her, his cock was very happy to see her. "Let me go," she said again. The last thing she wanted to do was talk about the beautiful blond he had hanging from his arm. Gabriel smiled at her like a hungry wolf smiling at the innocent sheep he was about to eat. "What's so funny?" Desiree questioned. Gabriel watched as the color of her eyes darkened. "You're so beautiful when you're mad," he said teasingly. "I'm not mad, Gabe," she said with an icy smile. "Kiss me and prove it." Gabriel lowered his face to his to hers and stopped inches from her face. They stood toe to toe with her breasts rubbing his chest and their warm breath tickling each other's faces. Gabriel watched her eyes as he moved his face closer to hers. He was surprised when Desiree moved her lips away. Gabriel raised a questioning eyebrow. "Its not your lips I wanna kiss, Tiger." Gabriel's chest heaved as his mind tried to wrap around what she'd just said. He'd never felt Desiree's hot wet mouth on his cock, and his erection was twitching with anticipation. Desiree watched the shock register on Gabriel's face when she reached for his belt buckle. Looking him in the eye the entire time, she slowly lowered his zipper, the sound slicing through the night. She could see the lust register in his gaze as she snaked a hand inside his pants. Desiree gasped when her hand finally made contact with his pulsing flesh. She rubbed the length of Gabriel's cock inside his pants trying to memorize its feel in the darkness. She watched as his eyes fluttered closed and his head tipped back. His hands rested on Desiree's shoulders as his fingertips wrapped in her hair. She pulled Gabriel's steel rod out of his pants and introduced it to the night. She was watching his face when she pressed the pad of her thumb on the slit at the top of his cock's angry purple head. He let out a groan as she started to move her thumb in small circles spreading the precum that was leaking from cock. She smiled wickedly in the dark and she wrapped her small hand around his pulsing shaft. She moved her hand slowly up and down relishing in the feel of his burning skin in her hand. "Do you like it baby?" she said in a soft cooing voice. "Oh yea," he grunted as his hips began to move faster in her hand. "Not so fast, Tiger. I wanna make this last." Gabriel couldn't believe his luck. I guess she's not mad anymore, he thought to himself. With her other hand, Desiree cupped and massaged one of his balls drawing another moan from Gabriel's throat. She never thought that being the sexual aggressor could be so empowering. It felt amazing to know she possessed the power to make him come if she wanted to. She wondered if this was how Gabriel felt every time he had her pinned against a wall and made her juices flow. Gently she traced the veins up his shaft as she began to pump him harder and harder. She bent down and blew a cool breath on the head of his cock. She felt his knees weaken. She kept teasing him with her moist breath until she could feel his orgasm approaching. "Are you close baby?" "Yea. Yea. Kiss it for me Desiree. Go ahead lick it. Oh baby, I want you to suck my cock." His breath was coming in shallow gasps now. "Are you sure baby? You want me to suck your cock?" "Oh God yes. Suck it Dessie. Do it." Desiree moved closer to the head of his cock, enthralled at the way it seemed to be pulsing and twitching on its own. "Like this?" she said as she snaked her tongue out of her mouth and tasted the angry swollen head. Gabriel's knees buckled. Desiree had pushed him all the way to the edge. She could feel it now. Desiree knew that if she put her mouth on his cock again, it would explode in her face. "Are you gonna cum baby?" she said as she continued to pump his cock in her fist. "I'm almost there. Oh shit, I'm almost there." "Good." Gabriel's eyes flew open when he felt Desiree's hand leave his burning member. He watched as she started walking away. "Where the fuck are you going!" he shouted after her, his cock swinging lewdly in the night. "Oh, I figured it's about time to get back. We've been gone long enough and I bet you wanna get back to your blond bombshell." Desiree smiled her shit-eating grin at the look of bewilderment Gabe had on his face. Desiree opened the patio doors and light flooded the half naked man standing on the patio with his hard cock pointing after her. Desiree smiled even wider. That'll teach him. Score: Desiree 1, Gabriel 0. It felt nice to win for a change. ~*~*~ Scott saw his sister when she entered the dining hall from the patio. What he wasn't expecting was the grin she was sporting. He guessed she and Gabe had finally worked things out. He smiled at her as she took her seat next to him. "Everything ok?" he asked happily when she finally settled down. "Yep." Scott was glad that everything was finally good between them. He was sick of being stuck in the middle. The smile faded when Scott saw Gabe enter the dining hall with a murderous look on his face. He walked hunch-backed to his table and sat down, his cheeks crimson. Scott looked open mouthed at his sister, but she shrugged and smiled innocently. "What did you do to him?" "Not as much as he would have liked," she said with a grin. Scott stared disbelievingly at his sister. "Impossible." He said with a shake of his head. Desiree didn't attempt to make eye contact with Gabriel the rest of the evening so she wasn't sure exactly how pissed he was. But she didn't care. She was gonna remember the look on his face for the rest of her life. The dinner was finally over and Desiree was exhausted and her feet hurt. She stood outside with her shoes in hand waiting for the valet to bring her brother's car around. Scott had disappeared a few minutes ago claiming he had to go to the bathroom, but she feared it was because of less noble intentions. Any minute now she expected Gabriel to show up and harass her for leaving him like that. Desiree's Star Ch. 09 Desiree waited a few minutes more and he didn't disappoint. She didn't have to turn around to know it was him that stepped up behind her, she could smell his aftershave. "It doesn't have to be like this Desiree." "Like what?" she asked innocently. "Seriously. If you would just talk to me. Like a real conversation, you would see that a lot of this is just a big misunderstanding." Misunderstanding? Desiree thought. She thought she understood what was going on perfectly well. "We are talking." Gabriel sighed jamming his hands in his pockets. He was getting very frustrated with her. "Lets go some where else and talk ok?" "I'm staying at my brother's tonight. You can call me if you want to." Gabriel's face brightened, as he nodded his head ok. Desiree finally turned toward Gabriel under the guise of looking for her brother. "Blondie is waiting for you. You should probably get going," she said in a quiet voice. She looked Gabriel in the eye and he looked like he wanted to tell her something but instead closed his mouth. He would have enough time to talk to her tonight. She'd never seen him looking so...different. She wondered if it was because of what she did to him outside or if there was something else going on. She reasoned she would figure out when he called her...if he called her. The valet pulled the car around just as Scott emerged from inside. She was certain he had been standing there watching the two of them because his timing was too perfect. He said nothing as they both got in the car and drove off. ~*~*~ "Scotty, I need some clothes," Desiree said when they stepped into the apartment. It was the first thing she'd said since they left the charity dinner and Scott was glad they were finally talking again. "Go get them," he said as he shed his tuxedo jacket and loosened his bowtie. He kicked off his shoes and watched as his sister padded barefoot down the hall toward his bedroom. Images of his sister in his bedroom stripping off that tight dress flashed in his mind. He grabbed a beer from the fridge and sat down on the couch pushing the images from his mind. She came out a couple minutes later wearing his old college t-shirt and a pair of his boxers. She grabbed herself a beer, grabbed her cell phone and walked toward the couch. "Uh Dessie," he said, his throat drying. "I think you should roll those boxers up a little more." "Why?" she asked looking down at her crotch. "Because those are men's boxers and there's an opening in the crotch." He didn't wanna tell her that he could see her smooth mound from where he was sitting, but judging by the way her face heated, he guessed he didn't have to. "Oh..." she put her beer down and rolled the boxers up tighter. Now they showed off the bottoms of her ass cheeks, but she'd rather have that than show her brother her pussy. She sat down next to her brother on the couch as he started channel surfing. "Aren't you gonna change?" "Not yet," he said." When I change I'm goin to bed." Desiree nodded and they both continued to watch TV. Desiree tried not to make a show of glancing at her cell phone so often, but she couldn't help but think Gabriel wasn't going to call. She chided herself for thinking he would. The clock was flashing 2:37am when her brother finally said goodnight. He left Desiree sitting on the couch illuminated by only the television. Desiree sat clutching her phone in her palm flicking it open and closed while staring blank faced at the TV. She sat like that for almost an hour when she decided to go to sleep. She flicked off the TV and stretched out on the couch trying to convince herself that Gabriel would call. "Scotty, are you awake?" "Yes." She knew he wasn't but was happy he didn't tell her to go away. "Can I sleep in here with you?" He moved to one side of his bed and told her to get in. "I only sleep in boxers." He said rubbing his eyes. He looked so cute, Desiree thought. Just like he did when they were little. He looked so innocent when he slept. "I usually only sleep in a t-shirt." Desiree didn't take off her brother's boxers, which he was pleased with. He wasn't sure he'd be able to contain himself if she had. She lay in bed next to him, and he felt she might talk to him under the cover of darkness. "Do you wanna talk about it?" he asked quietly. When she didn't respond, he thought she'd already drifted off to sleep. "He told me he'd call," she said quietly into her pillow. "Something probably came up." "Like his dick, he's probably fucking blondie right about now." "That's not fair. He wouldn't do that." "How do you know," she asked hurt. "Because he's my best friend and despite how things look, he's trying to do the right thing." "What are you talking about?" "Just give it time Desiree and you'll see he's not as bad as you think he is." "Why is everyone sticking up for him?" she asked, her voice rising. "I hate him." "No you don't," he said as he pulled her closer. "Just give him a chance and everything will be fine." "You must think I'm pathetic." "Not at all," he said giving her a squeeze. Desiree snuggled into her brother's bare chest. "Then why wont you tell me what's goin on?" "Because its not mine to tell." Desiree sighed and ran her fingers along his chest. Scott stiffened under her touch trying not to do anything that would cause his already throbbing penis to jump. He willed it not to grow, because he was sure that if it did, it would touch his sister, and that was definitely not what she needed right now. Desiree got closer by putting a leg over his as she continued to run her nails along his chest. She stopped when she heard him gasp and asked him what was wrong. "Uh, you're gonna have to stop doing that," he said shyly. "What?" she asked leaning up to look at his face. His face heated further. "The finger thing." First she looked confused, then when it registered, she looked embarrassed. "Sorry," she said snatching her hand back. "I didn't realize." "Its okay," he laughed. "The same thing would happen to any warm blooded male." He felt some of the tension leave his body when she smiled and asked if she could still sleep with him. Scott said of course. Desiree turned on her side and slid to the very edge of the bed. Scott pulled her back to him, telling her she didn't have to run from him and he spooned against her back. He kissed her hair and said goodnight. Desiree's Star Ch. 10 Desiree woke the next morning to the sound of pots banging and the smell of bacon frying. She stretched in the bed and stumbled to the bathroom before going into the kitchen. She refused to look at her cell phone. When she was finished in the bathroom, she shuffled into the kitchen where she watched her brother cook. She sat down at the table and thought how amazing Scott was. Candy, his ex, was missing out on a lot. The woman her brother decided to marry would be the happiest woman on the planet. When he finally turned around, he brought a plate of bacon, eggs and toast to the table. "What's the date?" she asked as she chomped down on a piece of bacon. "The 23rd." "Your birthday is next weekend isn't it?" This has been a really busy month Desiree thought. "Don't remind me. I'm old. It's the big 2-6." Desiree laughed. "You don't look so old. Maybe you can hang on for a couple more years before things really start to go down hill. What are you doin for your birthday?" Scott threw a piece of toast at his sister and told her he just wanted to go to the bar and have a few drinks. "We can only go to Murphy's though, because they are the only place that doesn't card." "I don't have to be there. You can go someplace else with your friends and then we could do something else another time." It was times like this when Desiree wanted to grow up, otherwise she'd be 20 forever. Plus she didn't want to admit to sitting this one out because she didn't want to see Gabe. Scott huffed and told her to shut up. He had already made up his mind, so that's where they were going. He knew he didn't have to say that Gabe was gonna be there too, because he was sure she already guessed it. ~*~*~ In between getting things ready to go back to school, Desiree managed to find her brother the perfect birthday gift. She was in her room putting the finishing touches on it when she heard his car pull into the driveway. She listened from the stairs as her parents wished her brother a happy birthday and gave him their gifts. She waited until hearing her parents leave before descending the stairs. She didn't want her parent to see the gift that she'd gotten her older brother. Desiree walked into the kitchen to find her Scott trying on the new watch her parents gave him. She stood in the doorway waiting for him to look up. "What's with the basket?" he asked when he finally noticed her standing there. "Happy birthday big brother," she said grinning like the Cheshire cat as she handed him the basket. "Where'd you get the money to buy me a gift?" "I retuned the dress you bought me," she said matter-of-factly. She smiled at the shocked look on his face. "Just kidding. Open it." Desiree watched as Scott peeled her letter off the front of the basket and proceeded to read it aloud. 6 Special Things for my Very Special Brother on His 26th Birthday 1. Penthouse Magazine -- you never did have an imagination 2. Personal Ads -- you need all the help you can get 3. Blowup Doll -- trying to help with the dry spell (don't worry, she's a cheap date) 4. Tequila -- to help coax your next victim into bed 5. My Friend's Numbers and Pictures -- there are still plenty of women out there that want your hot bod (although I have no idea why...) 6. Last but not least -- a can of nuts...since Candy took yours when she left. Desiree was pleased when her brother laughed out loud and pulled her into a bear hug. He was still smiling when he asked her if she was ready to go. Desiree ran upstairs, grabbed her wallet and keys and headed out the door. She made sure to leave her cell phone behind. Gabe hadn't called, and she didn't care if he did. ~*~*~ Cheers erupted when Scott and Desiree entered Murphy's. Desiree watched as her brother was swept up in the crowd and surrounded by friends clapping him on the back and wishing him a happy birthday. Desiree faded into the pack and said her own hellos to friends that were still waiting to say hi to her brother. Desiree's eyes swept the bar looking for signs of Gabe. Her heart sank a little when she couldn't find him, then she chided herself for getting that excited. Desiree gravitated toward the bar and ordered a beer. She stood with her back against the bar as she watched her brother bask in the center of attention. Most of the people in there, she knew, and the ones she didn't, she guessed where from Scott's job. Murphy's had been a local hangout for college kids, and when the college kids grew up, it was a bar for the locals. Most of the patrons that came to Murphy's were between the ages of 22 and 35, and that suited Desiree just fine. If she didn't know someone personally, she knew of them. If she didn't know of them, she knew someone who did. That was one of the joys of living in a small town. Desiree continued to watch as her brother received gifts and more handshakes. She looked on as a tall leggy woman walked up to her brother and gave him a peck on the cheek. Scott caught Desiree's eye and she gave him a thumbs up. Scott smiled and motioned her closer. Scott picked two shots up off the table and handed one to his sister. She beamed at him as all his friends toasted to her brother and downed the shot. The warm liquid lit a fire in Desiree's belly and she knew it was going to be a good night. She lifted her beer and took a healthy swig. She looked around, found some people she knew and went to chat. Desiree had been in the bar for about an hour when she finally settled at the bar. She sat with her elbows resting on the sticky surface of the bar as she sipped on her beer. She twisted the bottle in her fingers enjoying the coolness her fingers were absorbing. Staring at the condensation sliding down the bottle, she began to think about Gabriel. She wasn't sure why, his face just popped into her head. She pictured his face in her mind, and she almost began to ache with need. She wanted to see him, she wanted to talk to him, but he never came through for her. Wasn't that the story of her life? She was getting angry with herself all over again for trusting him with her feelings when a very deep, very masculine voice pulled her from her thoughts. "What are you thankin about sweet thang?" clearly, this guy was not from around here. "Why men think its okay to call a woman he doesn't know 'sweet thang'," she said imitating his accent. The man chuckled. "I didn't mean to intrude, but baby, you're too fine to frettin over a man." Desiree's head snapped up. It was just a lucky guess right? "Who said I was thinking about a man?" "Only thang I ever seen that could make a woman scowl like that, baby," he called her baby like he'd been doing it for years. "I'm not your baby," Desiree said coldly. She had enough problems with the men in her life; she didn't need to add another. Her face tightened when he smiled at her. It was a smile like he knew what her game was, and he was better at it. "C'mon now, don't be like that." "Can't help it." The stranger smiled again. It was a scary smile -- like he could talk a woman into doing things she swore she'd never do. His eyes were piercing and Desiree felt like she was under the scrutiny of a microscope, and he noticed it was making her squirm in her seat. "Makin you nervous?" "Not at all," she said raising her chin a notch. "Wanna make me tha happiest man in here and dance with me baby?" "There you go with that baby bullshit again. I don't dance." "Don't worry, I'll teach ya." "I didn't say I didn't know how, I just said I didn't dance." Desiree watched as the stranger's smile reached his eyes. He had this disarming and confident air about him. She took a cautious glance down at his left hand. No ring. That's always a plus, she thought. She drank in his dark hair and light eyes, a combination she usually found irresistible. His hair was cut close to his scalp, and she longed to run her fingers along the scratchy surface of his head. Desiree finished off her beer and signaled to the bar tender to bring another. She turned her back on the bar and scanned the crowd for her brother. She finally spotted him in a corner booth huddled up with the leggy woman. Maybe he wouldn't need that blowup doll after all, she thought with a smile. "Thankin bout me, sweet thang?" his southern drawl was intoxicating. This guy doesn't quit Desiree thought, but the more he talked to her, the more she wanted to hear his voice. The sound felt like dark red satin drawing across her bare skin under the cover of darkness. It had the same effect too. She was starting to get goose bumps. She needed to get away from him -- now. Desiree pushed herself away from the bar and stood on slightly wobbly legs. "What's your name beautiful?" he said as he snaked as strong arm around her waist. Desiree would have been upset with the intrusion of her personal space if the alcohol hadn't clouded her judgment. By no means was Desiree drunk, and she wasn't a lightweight, the alcohol just helped her loosen up. So what if she talked to a stranger for a little while? Hell, would the world end? Standing this close to him, Desiree could see that the stranger looked older -- much older than her 20. He had a look in his eye like he knew what he wanted and exactly how to get it. Her stomach fluttered appreciating that she was on the receiving end of this attention. It felt good to be desired. For a fleeting moment, she thought of Gabe again and got angry. Was she that unappealing to Gabriel? Suddenly she didn't care if this guy was a stranger, she just wanted him to make her feel something other than the pain in her stomach she got when she thought about Gabe. This stranger looked like he could distract a woman from anything. Desiree shook her head at the man. "You tell me yours, and I'll tell you mine." "My name is Christian," he said leading her to the dance floor. "Well then lets dance Christian." The music reverberated off the four walls of the small bar and pounded its way through Desiree's flesh allowing her to move and sway with the beats. She was surprised how comfortable Christian was with dancing. He moved right along with her like they'd been partners for years. When the music finally slowed Desiree was pulled to her dancing stranger with steely arms. "You never told me your name sugar," he breathed into her ear so he could be heard over the music. "Desiree," she said into his neck as he pulled her closer. "Hmm, baby I like that." Desiree could feel his heart thumping trough his chest, and as they moved together as one, she could feel the corded muscles threading his strong back as he swayed and stepped with her. It seemed it was all too soon when the song ended and the loudness returned to the bar. She pulled herself away asking if he wanted another drink from the bar. He told her no, and that he would be waiting at a table in the corner for her. Desiree smiled politely and walked off. She scanned the bar once again for her brother, and noted that he was still huddled up in the booth with the leggy woman. She was happy for him. He hadn't been out much since the breakup, and she was glad he still had his moves. Desiree ordered another beer from the bartender, and couldn't help but think that she was having a good time. She was absent-mindedly shaking her head to the music when she could feel someone watching her. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she turned and came face to face with Gabriel. Gabriel had watched her grinding on the dance floor with that excuse for a man. Gabriel had been sizing him up for the last few minutes and he decided that if push came to shove, he could take the guy. The man looked lean and strong, but Gabe was full of brute force, not to mention he was fueled by jealousy. This was the last thing Gabriel had expected to see when he walked into Murphy's with Hunnie. Tonight was supposed to be the night he was going to explain everything to Desiree. Tonight was supposed to be the night everything was going to be made right -- and then he saw this. He stood at the other end of the bar watching her. He felt ridiculous. He had never been in this situation before and it was unnerving. A few weeks ago, everything was normal and now she'd turned his world upside down. Gabriel couldn't believe Desiree would let herself be so completely free and intimate with someone other than him in public. His blood was boiling and he could hear it pulsing in his ears. The woman Gabriel brought with him tried to talk sense into him. She tried to do the right thing and pull him back, but Gabriel wasn't having any of it. He'd marched right over to Desiree and towered over her until she turned around. Desiree stood for a moment staring into murderous dark eyes. Her heart was hammering in her chest at the sudden appearance of Gabriel. Any lesser woman would have crumbled under his disapproving gaze; luckily Desiree had just convinced herself she was over him. Not to mention the alcohol was keeping her rooted in place. "What do you think you are doing?" Gabriel said it with such venom Desiree felt physically hurt. "Having a good time." "You call that a good time?" she could see the veins twitching in his neck. Desiree stood her ground and didn't respond. "Look at you," he spat, as he looked her up and down making her feel naked. Desiree resisted the urge to look down at herself and appraise her appearance. She left her house wearing her favorite pair of ripped jeans and a red wife beater. Instead she stared back into Gabriel's cold dark eyes. "I don't have time for this, someone is waiting for me." Desiree made a move to walk past Gabriel and he slammed both hands down on the bar locking her in place. Desiree glanced around nervously and noted that people were starting to stare. "I don't give a shit if they are staring," he said reading her mind. "You didn't care that people were staring when you were dry fucking that guy on the dance floor." Now it was Desiree's turn to let her anger flash. "You've got some nerve you arrogant asshole." The alcohol was talking for her now. "What gives you the right criticize me, for anything? Get the fuck outta my way." Gabriel didn't move an inch. Desiree continued to stare into his eyes, and it seemed like they were changing. The coldness was still there, but so was something else. Was it hurt? Desiree laughed in his face. "You -- you didn't think I was gonna spend the rest of my life wondering when you were gonna call did you?" she laughed again. "I didn't even bring my phone." She watched as Gabriel's emotions clearly etched themselves on his handsome face. She was glad she could hurt him in some way. But somehow, it didn't feel like it was enough. "You did, didn't you?" she could almost see it in his face. "You can't keep injecting yourself into my life whenever you think it's convenient. Now move." Gabriel stood stock still trying to control his anger. He tried to reason with himself by saying she was drunk and didn't mean it, but she was testing his patience. "You are playing with fire Desiree," he tried to warn her. "Barely even a flame," she said dismissing him. "Now get the fuck outta my way." Gabriel was about to open his mouth when another interrupted them. "Is everythang all right Desiree?" Christian said in his thick southern drawl. Somehow in this light, he'd changed. He looked bigger, tougher, stronger. Maybe he was trying to prove that Gabe didn't intimidate him, and that was no small feat. Gabriel's intense gaze could melt steel. "Stay outta this," Gabriel said turning his attention back to Desiree. Things were not supposed to go like this tonight Gabriel thought heavily. Desiree took a deep breath and tried to regain the filter between her brain and mouth she always looses when she drinks. She looked around Gabe's massive frame trying to spot her brother. He had his back to her now and she couldn't catch his attention. That's when Desiree spotted her -- it was the same beautiful blond Gabriel brought with him to the charity event. Desiree's eyes snapped back to Gabriel as she pushed him hard in the chest. Catching him off guard, her took a few steps backward. "You fucker! You brought her to my bar? And you wanna criticize me? You've got some set of balls on you." Desiree was aware that more than a few people were staring now. "Its not what you think," Gabriel felt desperate now, like he was grasping at straws. If he let her leave now, he'd never get her back. Desiree shook her head and started to move past him. Thinking of nothing else he could do he grabbed onto her arm. "Let me go," Gabe hated the way she was looking at him. "I thank the lady wants to be left alone, buddy," Christian said laying his own hand on Gabe's arm. Desiree's eyes grew wide as she witnessed the man's mistake. As if acting on impulse, Gabriel turned and swung at Christian connecting with his jaw. Desiree groaned now as a crowd had formed and surrounded them. She didn't shout for them to stop, she just looked on like everyone else and watched as the two men began to tear each other to pieces. Desiree shouldered her way out of the crowd and found her way to the front door. The atmosphere in there was stifling and she couldn't breathe. She could hear the fight being broken up mostly by friends, and knew someone was going to be pushed out the door any second. True to form, Gabriel was shoved out the front door a couple seconds later and was held from going back in. Desiree listened as his friends congratulated him on beating the shit outta 'the other guy'. Her brother came out a few seconds later, followed by Gabriel's Blondie. "What the fuck is goin on?" Scott shouted, looking from Desiree to Gabriel. He was met with silence. "Its my fuckin birthday guys. Damnit! Grow the fuck up, both of you," Scott yelled and marched back inside. Desiree turned around and watched as Gabriel's Blondie walked over to check his wounds. His shirt was ripped and his face was bleeding. Desiree didn't care. Gabriel stood slowly with a grimace on his face, and watched Desiree studying him. Desiree was barely breathing as she watched Gabriel tell Blondie to go back inside and to go to the hotel when she was ready to leave. He told her that Scott would give her a lift if she asked. Desiree's stomach dropped when she realized Scott knew who the blond was the entire time and hadn't told her. She stood at the edge of the sidewalk willing herself not to cry. Too many emotions were running through her mind as she stood with her back to Gabriel listening to his labored breathing. She felt exhausted and emotionally drained. She didn't even protest when he touched her arm and guided her towards his truck. ~*~*~ Desiree never asked where they were going, but a few minutes into the ride, she realized they were going back to his apartment. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been there. As they rode, neither spoke, afraid they might say something they'd regret. Desiree couldn't wrap her mind around the fact that minutes ago Gabriel had beaten the piss out of a complete stranger for talking to her. She couldn't figure out what was going on in that head of his, and hoped this trip would clear it up. Desiree lowered her window and leaned into the rushing air wishing it could wipe everything away. She glanced up at the stars and thinking that no matter what, things would go back to normal when she returned to school. Wordlessly, Gabriel got out of the truck and headed for his apartment. Desiree waited a few beats in the truck and watched as he left the doors open for her. With a sigh, she got out and followed him. Desiree caught up with Gabriel in the hallway, as he was about to open the door. He unlocked the door and stepped into the darkness, the silence between them magnified by the fact that they were both blinded with night. Finally, Gabe's fingers found he light switch and flooded his apartment with light. Desiree's Star Ch. 10 Desiree let out a frustrated groan as she looked around the apartment. Boxes were stacked everywhere the eye could see. The contents of each box had been neatly written on their side. Clearly, someone was moving. Desiree slammed the door, shoved past Gabriel and headed straight for the kitchen. "All the alcohols been packed," Gabriel, said reading her thoughts. She stopped and turned towards him, not sure what to say. "Movin' in with Blondie?" Desiree couldn't help herself. "I'm moving in with a woman, but it's not her." Desiree threw her arms up in the air thinking the hits just keep on commin. Desiree watched as Gabriel gingerly made his way to the couch and sat down. Gabe may have won the scuffle at the bar but Christian had gotten in some good licks. She disappeared into the kitchen and Gabriel could hear her rummaging through drawers and prayed she wasn't looking for a steak knife. He was relieved when she came back a few minutes later with ice in a bag and a wet dishcloth. "There's blood on your face," she as she handed the cloth to him. Gabriel tried to read her expression but couldn't. He figured he should get right to the point. He took a deep breath and ran the damp cloth across his face. He could feel the encrusted blood slowly working its way loose from his skin. Gabriel chanced another glance at Desiree. She wouldn't even look at him. "Desiree," he began. "Who are you moving in with Gabe?" Gabriel took a deep breath and released it with a humorless laugh. "My mother." he watched as shock registered on Desiree's face. This wasn't the way he wanted to tell her, but beggars can't be choosers. At least she was talking to him. "Remember how she had cancer a few years back?" Desiree nodded not liking where this was going. "Well they thought they got it all and they didn't. The cancers back and its terminal. She's decided not to fight it this time. She said she's sick of fighting," he remembered with a sad smile. Desiree didn't know what to say, so she said nothing. "That woman who you keep seeing with me, Blondie, that's my cousin Hannah. Everyone calls her Hunnie because she's so sweet." Gabriel looked up to see Desiree's face and could see the wheels turning in her head. Now she knew who it was on the phone that night in the hallway at her brother's apartment. Her face flushed in shame as he continued. "My cousin is staying at a hotel until I move out of here. She's gonna sublet this place while I move in with mom." Desiree's heart was breaking. She hated the heaviness in Gabriel's voice. She stood and looked down at the defeated figure sitting before her and hated herself for jumping to conclusions. This entire time, she'd been so worried about him being with another woman, and she'd forgotten to be a friend. "Why didn't you tell me Gabe?" she said in a hushed voice trying to hold back her tears. The last thing he'd want is to think she'd pitied him. "Not something I like talking about." Desiree watched as he slumped over and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and his hands holding his head. She crossed the room and stood in between his legs. She gently ran her fingers through his hair and lightly massaged his scalp with her fingers. Her breath left her as he silently wrapped his arms around her waist crushing her to him. "Your brother knows," he continued as he hugged himself into her stomach. "So does your mom. She spends time with my mom sometimes during the afternoon while I'm at work. Don't be mad at them be mad at me. I didn't want them to tell you. I didn't want you to look at me like everyone else does and feel sorry for me." Desiree smiled into his hair. "I don't feel sorry for you Gabriel," she said honestly. "I feel like an asshole for making this whole situation about me." "It was about you," he said wickedly as he looked up at her. "I'm flattered to know you've been thinking about me so much." Desiree pinched his arm. "Ouch," he said pulling her down onto his lap. His strong hands wrapped around her thighs and pulled her legs onto either side of his body. "That night," he started seriously. Desiree tried to shush him and tell him it didn't matter, but he kept talking. "That night I didn't mean to leave you. I meant what I said to you when I woke up, but that's when the hospital called and said they had my mother. She'd called 911 while I was with you. That's why I left," he said after a beat. "That's the only reason why I left." The vulnerability in Gabriel's eyes was melting Desiree's heart. In that moment nothing else mattered but them. She felt lost in the expanse of his gaze thinking that she didn't like feeling this helpless. He took her face in his hands and kissed her. It was slow and deep and full of emotion. Desiree's breath caught in her throat when she felt his hips wantonly grinding into hers. Her fingers twirled in his hair, as his hands began to explore her sides. He ignored the screaming pain in his body as he stood and lifted her with him. "Stand up," he said huskily. Desiree untangled her legs from around his waist and sensuously slid down his body as her feet searched for the floor. She stood still and watched as Gabriel reached for the bottom of her wife beater and began to expose her soft flesh. He dropped down to his knees with a wince and kissed and licked his way to the valley between her breasts. He pulled her shirt over her head and twisted her arms in the material so she couldn't get free. He smiled wickedly at her as panic flashed in her eyes. "It's my turn to have fun, little one." Desiree's eyes widened. She should have known he was going to get her back for the stunt she pulled at the charity dinner. Completely helpless, Desiree watched as Gabriel turned his attention to her jeans. He tugged her belt loose, popped the buttons and slid the zipper down. He peeled her jeans from her hips and kissed the trembling flesh of her belly. He could smell her arousal, and felt himself grow harder in his pants. He removed her shoes and socks and stood to tower over her. He gawked as her breasts heaved up and down with each raspy breath she took. She stood now clad only in her red bra and black panties, her body trembling with anticipation before him. Gabriel grasped onto her shoulders roughly and spun her around. He smiled as a gasp escaped Desiree's lips as he pushed firmly on her back and bent her over the side of the couch. He couldn't imagine a woman looking better in any other position. Gabriel stepped up behind her and roughly kneaded the firm mounds of her ass. He traced his fingers along the outside of her panties and smiled as she wiggled her ass, trying to make him touch more. He kicked her feet apart and lightly drew his fingertips along the insides of her thighs, stopping before her apex. "Do you want this?" he growled into her ear as he roughly massaged her mound, mashing her clit through her panties. He got his answer when she shoved her ass against his hand and grunted. He traced her slit with his fingers making sure her panties were completely soaked with her juices. Gabriel was enjoying this very much. Desiree was breathing heavily when he ripped her panties off her body and kissed the red marks he made on her butt. He pulled her pussy lips apart and blew on her shining pearl, rousing a moan from her throat. Gabriel licked the length of her slit, refusing to touch her clit, knowing it was going to drive her crazy. He dipped two fingers into her hot channel and found the small spot that made her legs shake. He continued his ministrations until he could feel her walls starting to clench his fingers and he clamped her clit between his lips and furiously flicked it with his tongue. He spotted the bag of ice she'd brought him for his face and got a nasty idea. Without removing his fingers, he grabbed an ice cube with his free hand and slipped it into his mouth. He sucked on the ice for a second making sure his tongue was nice and cold. With a sensuous grin, he pulled his fingers out Desiree, and before she had time to protest, he pressed his cold tongue flat against her clit. Gabriel had to hold onto her legs as her hips began to buck and shake. He was actually surprised at how loud she screamed, but he didn't stop. He prided himself on his abilities to pleasure a woman, and Desiree's screams assured him it was a job well done. He stood over her shaking form and finally unzipped his pants. He was so hard it physically hurt. Gabriel stepped up behind Desiree, the rough material of his jeans tickling her sensitive skin. He rubbed the head of his swollen cock against her pussy lips gathering wetness as he leaned over her body and freed her breasts from her bra. He twisted and pinched her rigid nipples as he ground his pelvis into hers. Desiree's body was moving on its own accord now. Her legs were shaking with the effort to keep her hips moving in time with Gabriel's. Her heart was beating so hard she thought it was about to pop out of her chest. If this were the way she was going to die, she'd die happy. Moans were escaping her throat she didn't know she was capable of making. Gabriel kissed her back as he continued to grind into her ass crack. "Now," she said breathlessly. "Now what little one?" he asked teasingly. "Fuck me. Please. Just do it." Gabriel smiled and obliged. He slammed into her with one fluid hard motion. Having only been penetrated once, she was still impossibly tight, and Gabriel had to concentrate as to not to cum too soon. He pumped slowly at first, trying to memorize every sensation and grip her pussy was making around his cock. He watched as the sweat beaded on her back and rolled down her sides. Her hands were still bound behind her back, when he grabbed a handful of her long brown hair. The arch in her back made her tighter, and Gabriel had slow down to keep from exploding inside her. Desiree was moaning loudly, and she could feel the beginnings of her orgasm approaching. Her toes were curling as the tingling sensation started in her feet and slowly worked its way up her legs. Her stomach was clenching and her breath was coming in gasps. She could see little white dots starting to dance in front of her eyes, and she feared she was going to pass out -- she didn't want to miss a thing. She lifted her hips to meet Gabriel's thrusts and changed the angle at which he was penetrating her. She could feel him bottoming out now, and she knew she was going to be sore in the morning. Gabriel could feel himself beginning to loose control. He pounded her harder and faster, the sounds of their love making filling the room. He let go of her hair and put both hands on her hips and closed his eyes as he pounded into her. He could feel her walls starting to grip him again and tried to hold off until she came. Desiree jerked her hips, setting Gabriel off. Rope after rope of Gabriel's thick hot cum pumped into Desiree's pussy, setting off her own orgasm. They were both breathing heavily now as Gabriel lay on top of Desiree's back kissing her neck. When he felt his legs would support him, he stood and untied Desiree's arms. He pulled her up off the couch and turned her around. Desiree immediately burst into giggles. "What's so funny?" he asked concerned. That's not usually the reaction he got after fucking a woman. Desiree laughed harder. "What? What is it?" "I'm exhausted," she said between gasps, "and you still have all your clothes on." In his haste to fuck her, Gabriel hadn't bothered to take off his clothes. He smiled back at her as her laughter caught on. "I've never had a woman laugh at me after sex," he finally managed, as he pulled her into his chest. "She must have been doing it behind your back," she said with a grin. "I can remember this one time, in my room, this total stud fucked my brains out. I never saw him again though. He left before I woke up. If you find him, can you tell him I'm available?" Gabriel narrowed his eyes as he pinched her bottom. "Ouch!" she said laughing. "On the other hand, you might do." "Oh thanks," he said rolling his eyes. Desiree slipped away from him and headed for his bedroom. He watched her ass sway as she walked. "I'm assuming your bed isn't packed right?" she asked breaking him from his thoughts. "What do you have in mind?" Gabriel said as he followed her down the hall. "Sleep. I'm tired." He watched as she retreated into his bedroom. For the first time in a long time, he wanted a woman to spend the entire night in his bed. Usually he fucked them at their place so he could slip out in the middle of the night. But now, he wanted this beauty in his bed. Possibly forever. Gabriel followed her into the room and watched as this freshly fucked beauty climbed into his bed. She looked like a goddess with her hair spilled out on the pillow below her. As he shed his clothing, he watched her eyes roaming over his body. They took in his muscled chest, the bruises forming on his face and ribs, his flat stomach, his strong arms and his semi-erect cock. He climbed into the bed next to Desiree and smiled when she snuggled up to him. "Now what?" she asked in a small voice. "Now we sleep, little one." He knew that wasn't what she was asking, but he was tired. Desiree closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep knowing he avoided answering her question, but didn't care at the moment. She didn't want to ruin what just happened between them. "In the morning," she said to herself as she drifted off to sleep. "Everything will be fine in the morning..." Desiree's Star Ch. 11 In the morning, everything was not fine. Desiree's mouth felt like she'd swallowed a handful of cotton balls, her eyes felt like they were expanding in her head, her shoulders were sore, and she could feel the start of a dull ache in her sex. She rolled over and gazed at Gabriel as he slept. He had a cut under his eye and a fist sized bruise on his ribs. Despite the aching between her legs, she felt herself getting aroused just looking at him. It seemed ludicrous that she had slept with him -- twice. Not wanting to wake him, Desiree removed the sheet covering his groin. She licked her lips in anticipation of what she was about to do. Moving quietly she grabbed his semi-erect cock and lifted it off his stomach. As if her touch made it come to life, it doubled in size. She felt its weight in her hand and played with the skin stretching over the head. She watched, enthralled as it began to twitch on its own. Making an 'O' with her thumb and forefinger she squeezed and began to move her hand slowly up and down its length. In his sleep hushed moans were escaping his dreams. Desiree smiled. It seemed almost sinful the amount of power she could display over a man undoubtedly twice her size. She climbed between his legs being careful not to wake him. She blew her hot breath on his swollen purple head. Her mouth watered at the thought of taking him deep in her mouth. He'd tasted her twice, and she had yet to sample his flavor. Slowly she lowered her head to his cock. She snaked her tongue out of her mouth and tasted the head. Engulfing the entire head and sucking it like a lollipop she could faintly taste herself on him. She moaned deep in her throat as Gabriel's eyes flew open. "Oh fuck," was all he could manage. Desiree smiled around his cock and tried to take him deeper. She'd never had a cock in her mouth, but she'd read and heard enough from friends to know the moaning he was doing was a good thing. She took him as deep as she could without choking and used one hand to massage his balls. "Oh yea, suck my cock." She could feel him grabbing onto her head as he fucked her mouth, thrusting his hips towards his face. Surprising for Desiree, her pussy was dripping too. "Oh god, I'm gonna cum Dessie," he shouted. Desiree increased the suction and began to pump harder. She couldn't wait for him to spew his hot cum against the back of her throat. "Ungh," was the only intelligible sound coming from him as Desiree felt the cum rising from his balls. "Fuckin swallow it Desiree! Swallow it all!" he shouted as he pumped rope after rope of cum down her throat. Desiree was surprised it didn't taste all that bad. Gabriel's head fell against the pillow as Desiree continued to suck him. She sat up and smiled as she watched his chest heave. "This whole smiling thing after sex isn't gonna work," he said. "Works for me," she shrugged smiling. "How bout I wipe that smile off your face," Gabriel taunted as he grabbed her and pulled her beneath him. "No don't, I'm sore." "No one said anything about fucking your pussy, little one." "Oh no," she said wiggling beneath him. "You're not putting that monster in my ass." "Maybe not today..." he said smiling. He leaned down and kissed her cheeks then moved to chew on her bottom lip. She'd already been on edge when she sucked him off, so when he clamped on a hard nipple, and eased three fingers into her wet channel, she came almost immediately. Gabriel kissed her glowing face and looked into her eyes. Six months ago, who would have imagined he'd be fucking Desiree and liking it? "What now?" "Now we get dressed and eat," he said rolling off her. "But you ripped my underwear," Desire said an annoyed tone. "You don't need them anyway." ~*~*~ They took turns showering and dressing, Desiree without underwear. When Desiree emerged from the bathroom, she caught sight of Gabriel standing over the kitchen sink munching on a piece of toast and smiled. As if sensing her gaze, he turned and returned her friendly smile. "That shirt looks good on you." Desiree beamed. She hoped he wouldn't mind her taking one of his shirts. "You don't look so bad yourself," she said as she neared him. Gabriel was standing in front of the sink freshly scrubbed in his favorite pair of jeans. His hair was still wet and standing on end, and he hadn't bothered to shave, and his stubble was alarmingly sexy. She stepped closer and breathed in his scent, and she was sure her knees buckled. She didn't know a smell could have this effect on a person. He pushed the last of the toast in his mouth and brushed the crumbs off his chest. He stood looking at Desiree as if he wanted to say something but the sound of his cell phone chirping interrupted him. He looked at the display, and with a heavy sigh he answered the phone and walked into the living room. Left standing in the kitchen, Desiree wasn't sure what to do. She grabbed a piece of bread out of the bag, balled it up and popped it into her mouth. She heard him say goodbye and hang up the phone. "So..." she said as she entered the living room. "I don't have my truck -- " "So you wanna go home?" he asked without looking up from the box he was rifling through. "I didn't say that, I just wanna know what's on the agenda for today." "I have some errands to run and then I'll take you home," he said in an irritated voice. What crawled up his ass? Desiree thought as she set about finding her shoes. Gabriel ushered her out of the apartment as soon as she found them. She wanted to ask him what was wrong but the look on his face told her to keep her mouth shut. They sat in silence as he navigated the busy streets. When he finally pulled into the parking lot of the local pharmacy, she could guess why he didn't want to talk. She waited as he jogged across the parking lot and entered the pharmacy. A few minutes later he emerged and went next door to the deli. Desire drummed her fingers on the windowsill wondering if he'd picked up medication for his mom. If that's who was on the phone, it was no wonder he wouldn't talk. She watched as he came out of the deli with his purchase. She was surprised he got in the truck with a smile on his face. The smell of tomato soup was creeping out of the deli bag and it was making Desiree's mouth water. Gabriel started the car without a word. "Meds for your mom?" she asked pointing to the pharmacy bag. She couldn't stand the silence between them. "Condoms." Desiree's eyebrows shot skyward. "Not for her," he said laughing. "She gets the soup. The condoms are for us." "Now you think about condoms?" she asked amused. "Well," he said stealing sideways glances at her. "Each time it happened -- I just wanted to talk to you." "Well that was one hell of a conversation," she said smiling. "Don't worry, I'm on the pill." She thought she could hear Gabe's sigh of relief. "Shoulda just asked." Desiree felt the tension between them melt as Gabriel wrapped a strong arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. ~*~*~ Desiree tried not to let her trepidation show as Gabriel parked his truck in front of his mother's house. As Desiree slid out of the truck, she noted with a smile that nothing changed. The lawn was immaculate, the rocking chair and two-person swing was in pristine condition on the porch. Desiree remembered fondly how much Gabriel's father loved to tend to the outside of the house, leaving everything inside for his wife to take care of. The only thing he truly seemed to care about was the appearance of the yard. Desiree's stomach tightened at the thought of Gabe's father. He was a drunk, and didn't apologize for it, least of all to the wife and son he beat. Gabe's father was still around. Where, Desiree had no idea, he left Gabriel and his mother when Gabe was 13. He showed up unannounced when he needed something, but that was pretty much all anyone heard of him, and Gabriel never talked about him. Desiree wondered if he even knew his ex-wife was dying. As if re-discovering the contents of an old box hidden in the attic for almost a decade, Desiree suddenly remembered the bruises and cuts Gabriel seemed to always have. She never understood why, and she used to tease him about being clumsy. She could remember that he was always skinny and lanky. His physical appearance now seemed almost startling to her. He wasn't the small frail kid she remembered. Somewhere along the line, he'd become a man. She looked at him as he walked around the car, and was sad to see that it seemed as though he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. In that moment Desiree wanted to grab him and tell him everything would be okay. She wanted to tell him he didn't have to shoulder all this alone. That no matter what happened she'd be there for him. She wanted to tell him not to worry, but the moment quickly passed as he motioned her towards the front door. Desiree held her breath as Gabriel opened the front door. She wasn't sure what to expect and tried to steel herself because she knew seeing Gabe's mother's deteriorating health would bring tears to her eyes. She smiled at Gabe as he turned toward her silently asking if she was ready. Gabriel opened the door, and Desiree followed. The house looked just as it did when she was little. Immediately she was catapulted back to the days when her brother allowed her to accompany her to his best friend's house. She could remember standing by the basement door and begging to be allowed down to play with the boys. Gabriel had made it a point to make sure she knew no girls were allowed. She smiled to herself as she thought about how much things had changed. Sounds of laughter floated from the television in the living room, and Desiree guessed that's where Mary, Gabriel's mother, was sitting. "Hey ma," Gabriel yelled as he shut the front door and made his way to the living room. "Hey Gabe," she tried to yell back, but couldn't and ended up coughing. Gabriel refused to look at Desiree as he led her into the living room. "Someone's here to see you," Gabriel said as he rounded the recliner his mother was sitting in. "Gabe, you know I hate company," she said trying to smooth down her hair. Desiree said nothing as she stepped around the front of the chair so Mary could see her. Desiree was surprised how delicate and small Mary looked sitting in her chair. Confusion than recognition fluttered across Mary's face as she gazed upon Desiree. "My God, Desiree," she said reaching out to her. "Look at how you've grown. You are so beautiful." Desiree beamed and blushed at the compliment. "I've heard so much about you," she said, "But Gabriel didn't tell me what a beautiful young woman you've turned into." Gabriel chose that moment to jam him hands in his pockets and march towards the kitchen. Mary motioned for Desiree to sit down on the couch to her right, as she handed Desiree a thick heavy book. "I know this is silly, but I can't stop thinking that I should have done better with Gabriel. He's such a good boy, but he's trying to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. Sometimes I think he blames himself for my cancer coming back," Mary sighed and looked into Desiree's eyes. "Give him time honey," she said gripping Desiree's arm. "He's as stubborn as his father, but give him time. Just be patient," she said after a pause. Desiree shook her head politely. She was going to tell Mary that there was nothing going on between her and her son, but Mary silenced her with a knowing smile. "That's Gabriel's favorite shirt, and it looks good on you." Desiree's face heated as she tried to figure out how moms always knew. As if on cue, Gabriel returned to the living room holding the bowl of warm tomato soup he'd gotten for his mother. The rest of the afternoon passed without incident. By the time the pair left the house, the sun had set low into the horizon and as warming the sky with its vibrant orange color. As Gabriel and Desiree walked to the truck hand in hand, neither wanted to voice how much time Gabe's mother had. Desiree could imagine the pain Gabriel was feeling as he watched his mother dying before his eyes. They held hands as Gabe navigated the streets towards Desiree's home. When they pulled up in front, Desiree was prepared to get out and not look back. She still wasn't completely sure what was going on between her and Gabe, but she didn't feel now was the time to ask about it. She was surprised when she felt his grip tighten on her hand as she turned to hop out of his truck. Desiree turned back to him with questioning eyes. "Thanks," he said bringing her hand to his lips. "I'd kiss you, but I can see your mother staring at us from the living room window. I don't think she's ready for that." Desiree smiled and said you're welcome as she climbed down from his truck. She walked toward the house forcing herself not to look back. Before she could touch her hand to the knob, her mother swung the front door open and was staring at her with a smug smile on her face. "So..." her mother asked her, arms folded across her chest. "What happened?" Desiree sidestepped her mother asking, "Why didn't you tell me about Mary?" "Gabriel asked me not to...and that sort of thing is up to him," she said following Desiree into the kitchen. "How much time does she have?" Desiree asked not meeting her mother's gaze. "Any day now," her mother said in a hushed voice. Neither said anything for a while, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. "So, are you gonna tell me what happened between you and Gabe?" her mother asked finally breaking the silence between them. Desiree turned from the sink and grinned. "No." Her mother threw the dishcloth she was toying with at her daughter and smiled. "His shirt looks good on you." Desiree threw her arms in the air and marched up the stairs to change the shirt. The last thing she wanted was for her brother to comment about it too. ~*~*~ The next few weeks flew by as Gabriel and Desiree were consumed with taking care of their affairs. With the passing of Gabriel's mother and Desiree's inevitable return to school, neither bothered discussing what the future held. Desiree stood by Gabriel in silent support as he shook hands with relatives, family friends and people he didn't know. She watched, as he seemed to shoulder more of the family responsibility as becoming the "head" of the family now that his father was certainly out of the picture. The man hadn't even bothered to show up to his ex-wife's funeral. Desiree was amazed at how large Gabriel's family was. It was dizzying and it must have been for Gabriel too because everyone seemed to look at him for the answers. He'd shrug his shoulders and tell everyone he was working on it. More than one family member had been bold enough to ask Desiree what her place was in his life, and she smiled and said she was a friend. The female relatives looked at her with disgust -- no doubt because they were all aware of Gabriel's philandering, and the male relatives looked at her as if amazed Gabriel was capable of bagging someone with a brain. The lines in Gabriel's face seemed to deepen with the passing of his mother and he seemed to have lost the heart to tease her like he used to. Suddenly, Desiree realized she was slowly being squeezed out of his life and she wasn't exactly sure if she wanted to stop it. She would sit in her room asking herself if being with Gabe was what she really wanted and she couldn't come up with an answer. Deep down she knew she couldn't bear it if when she returned back to school, Gabriel didn't care. She was just a kid anyway right? He'd said it plenty of times himself. Desiree stood in her room packing her clothes and the essentials for her trip back to school convincing herself she didn't want to be emotionally tied to someone that wasn't available for her. She didn't blame Gabriel, but the timing couldn't have been more wrong. Gabe was still immersed in his work, and she was going back to school an hour away. They talked on the phone just about everyday, they had dinner together a couple times a week, but it just seemed like they were becoming best friends instead of lovers. The gentle caresses stopped, the innocent kisses were no more, and much to Desiree's surprise, they hadn't had sex since the night she'd found out his mother was sick. Desiree mentally slapped herself for being so childish -- she understood the man's mother just died, but she felt like she was a placeholder in his life. Like he was with her, and she defined the term "with" very loosely, because he felt obligated to. What they shared -- however brief -- was special and she'd always love him in some way, but she was chalking their experience to the convenience of summer love. Desiree closed the last box she had to pack and picked it up to bring to her truck. Desiree cursed herself for making the boxes so heavy. She nearly toppled down the stairs twice before her toes finally found the hard landing at the bottom of the stairs. She shifted the weight of the box trying to see around it as she tried to make her way to the front door. Where was her brother when she needed him? She'd thought she'd lost her grip on the box as the weight was easily removed from her hands. The box was removed from in font of her face and she was greeted with Gabriel's teasing grin she'd missed so much. "Looked like you were having a little trouble there, little one," he said as he held with box with one arm wrapped around it. "Show off," she said sticking her tongue out at him. "You look cute," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "How would you know?" she asked wiping the sweat from her brow. "You never even looked." She watched as a sly grin spread across his face. "I didn't have to. You always look good." Desiree wasn't sure how to take the first compliment he'd given her in weeks, so she rolled her eyes and headed back up the stairs. "Can you put that in the truck? I'm gonna go get another box," she shouted over her shoulder. "How much stuff are you bringing?" "Only the essentials," she said as she jogged the rest of the way up the stairs. As Desiree bent down to grab another box, she caught her reflection in the mirror. She huffed and picked up the box thinking there was no way Gabriel could have looked at her, and liked what he saw. She was sweaty and her hair was a mess. Desiree stepped outside and looked around for Gabriel half hoping he'd be there to take the next box from her. There was still a pile of stuff in her room she still to fit into her truck, and it would be easier with his help. She made her way across the driveway and managed to open the tailgate of her truck while balancing the box on her knee. She dropped the box onto the bed of the truck and bent over trying to push the box as far back onto the bed as it would go. Her body stiffened as she felt the weight of someone else's body pressing up against hers from behind. She felt rough hands slide up her back and curl over her shoulders. "You know this is my favorite position, don't you?" she felt Gabriel whisper into her ear. Her stomach knotted at the sudden and unexpected sexual advance, and she immediately felt herself grow wet. "This must be your favorite position too, little one. You always seem to be bending over in front of me, and you have no idea how hot it makes me." Desiree inhaled sharply as she could feel the length of Gabriel's growing erection pushing into her ass. She tired to move fearing discovery but Gabriel's hips held her firmly in place. "Gabriel don't," she said pushing herself against him trying to get away. "Anyone could see us." "That's half the fun, baby." Gabriel said making sure she could feel his erection pressing against her ass. Desiree's Star Ch. 11 "No, seriously Gabe lets go inside. Anyone could walk along and see us." Gabriel laughed in her ear as he leaned forward and planted gentle kisses on her neck and ear. He could feel the tension leaving her body, and he knew that no matter what she said, she wanted this. Her body was telling him so. He heard a moan escape her lips as he pushed her hair to the side and continued to kiss along the base of her neck and breathe in her scent. Just when Desiree thought he was satisfied with kissing her, she felt a hand start to make its way lower and lower down her waist. He slid a rough hand under her shirt and palmed her smooth skin, relishing in how soft she was. Gabriel quickly popped the button on her jeans and Desiree's hips bucked involuntarily at the sudden and unexpected intrusion into her pants. She didn't even have enough time to protest before she felt his fingers dancing inside her pants. She groaned as he discovered just how excited she was to have his body mashed up against her. The fact that they were standing in plain sight had been forgotten by both of them, now only focused on Desiree's pleasure. Gabriel grinned as he felt Desiree's juices flood his hand. He hadn't been this aroused in a long time. The sight of her struggling to hold the box with her messy hair and exasperated expression was the sexiest sight Gabriel had ever seen. Seeing her bent over the bed of the truck was just the push he needed to let his lust take over. His middle and ring finger spread her wetness around as he ground the heel of his hand into her clit. He felt her shudder as he applied the right amount of pressure to the swollen nub. "C'mon baby," he coaxed. "Cum for me Dessie." Gabriel heard her whimper as her body started to clench around his fingers. He swirled two fingers inside her while massaging her clit and could tell by her ragged breathing that she was loving it. "Now baby. Make me happy. Cum for me." Gabriel removed his fingers from her hot tunnel and concentrated on her clit. Rubbing harder and harder now, Gabriel could see the flush beginning to rise in the back of her neck and he rubbed her as fast as the confinement of her pants would allow. Gabriel held onto her shoulders as he felt her body begin to quake and shiver. Desiree came with several loud grunts as she flooded Gabriel's hand with her cum. She slumped over the bed of her truck trying to catch her breath. Mini convulsions wracked her body as Gabriel buttoned her pants back like nothing happened. He brought his fingers to mouth and licked them clean. "Tasty for now, but I may need the entrée a little later. Wadda you say, baby? Up for more?" Desiree could barely muster a response as she nodded her head. "Good, now lets go get the rest of those boxes. ~*~*~ "So," Desiree asked as she plopped down on the foot of her bed. "I know you didn't come here to help move boxes, so what did you want?" "You," Gabriel replied as he stretched himself out on her bed. Desiree flashed him a warning glare. "What's on your mind?" "When are you leaving for school?" Desiree's stomach tightened. She'd been dreading this conversation and she wasn't sure if she was in the right mind to deal with it. "A few days." Gabriel nodded, and she wasn't sure what that meant. "What are we doing tonight?" All the air left Desiree's lungs. She wasn't sure if it was because she'd predicted this, or if was because she was disappointed. "I don't care," she said getting up from her bed. The last place she wanted to be with him was the bed where he took her virginity. As much as she had prepared herself for this, she still felt betrayed. "I feel like pizza," he said shifting himself on her bed. "Whatever, lets just go." Gabriel sensed the shift in Desiree's mood and knew it was because of him, but how was that conversation supposed to end? For someone who had so much experience talking to women, his mouth and brain always seemed to fail him around Desiree. Reluctantly he got off the bed and followed her out the room. They sat across from each other munching on their pizza in relative silence, until Gabriel couldn't stand it anymore. "What's wrong with you?" "Nothing." He knew that was the wrong thing to say the moment the words left his lips. If she didn't want him to know, he'd never get it out of her. "When do you graduate?" "May." Great, Gabriel thought. They were at the one-word responses. "What are you doing after school?" "Dunno." "Are you moving back home?" "Dunno." Gabriel was starting to get frustrated. Desiree watched as Gabriel's jaw tightened she knew she was being ridiculous, but she didn't care. She was getting something other than a sexual response out of him, and it felt wonderful. "You have class everyday of the week?" "Monday through Friday." "Can I come visit you on the weekends?" He thought he saw relief flash in her eyes, but it was gone too soon for him to really tell. "If you want to." Desiree nodded because she wasn't sure what else to say. They finished their pizza and left without a word. Gabriel drover her home, and before he'd brought the car to a complete stop she had the door open and was ready to hop out. He stopped short, thinking she'd jump out while the car was still moving, and she hit the pavement running. "Talk to you later," she said over her shoulder and she jogged up to the front door. Before he could process what happened she disappeared through the front door. Gabriel shook his head and drove off. ~*~*~ Desiree stood in her driveway with all her stuff packed on the back of her truck. She kissed her parents and promised she'd call them when she got to school. She turned to her brother promised she'd scout the sororities for fresh meat for him. As she said her last goodbyes she looked around hoping to see Gabriel's truck rolling down the street. When she didn't, she climbed into her truck and backed out the driveway. If he wasn't going to show up, he shouldn't have told her he would of. She shook her head as she jumped on the interstate heading for her school. Concentrating on the road had finally pushed Gabriel from her mind when her phone chimed. She clicked it open and saw she had a new text message from Gabe. She contemplating not reading it, but curiosity got the best of her. She read the text three times to be sure what it said and clicked it shut. 'Have fun at school, I'm still at work," was all it said. "Whatever," she said out loud to no one. She shook Gabriel from her head and pressed harder on the accelerator. The faster she got to school, the faster she could forget all about him. ~*~*~ Gabriel sat at his desk literally drowning in paper work. Another large and important project had materialized out of thin air, and as usual he was appointed the front runner. There was no way he could leave now, and he probably should have called Desiree and explained that to her, but figured a text would hold her over until he got a minute to make the phone call. Too many people were trampling in and out of his office for the conversation he was finally ready to have with her. He glanced at the clock, took a deep breath and dove into the mounds of work that needed to be finished in the shortest amount of time possible, the flowers and gift he'd bought for Desiree forgotten in the corner. Desiree's Star Ch. 12 "Scotty, I don't feel well," Desiree whined into her phone from the comfort of under her blanket. "What's wrong?" he asked not sounding all that concerned. Desiree's brother Scott had called to find out the status of the girls on campus and instead was instead being given the run down of his sister's health. "I think I'm coming down with something." "No shit, what's wrong?" he asked again. "I'm cold, I cant breathe, and my head hurts." "Sounds like a bad hangover." "Bring me soup." "No way, you're an hour away." "I'm your baby sister, and you love me. Please bring me soup. Chicken Noodle with a big spoon. Please." "No," Scott said with a smile. His sister was always pitiful when she got sick. "Go to the campus cafeteria and buy some soup." "Scotty...please." She heard him sigh, and she knew she had him. "You are such a pain in the ass, Desiree. Are you still gonna want it after about 9pm?" Desiree smiled and pulled the blanket tighter around her. "Yes I will." "Fine. See you later." "Thanks, Scotty. Love you." She got the words out two seconds before she heard her brother disconnect. She snuggled down in her bed and closed her eyes. She didn't really need the soup, but she wanted it, and plus she hadn't seen her brother in the two weeks she'd been at school and she missed him. She wasn't going to admit to herself that she probably missed Gabriel more than she missed her brother, but she would be grateful for her brother's company. She closed her eyes and tried to force the image of Gabriel from popping up on the inside of her eyelids. She hadn't talked to him since he sent her the text message, and she wasn't expecting to. Finally Desiree felt herself slowly being pulled toward sleep. ~*~*~ The three sharp raps on Desiree's apartment door pulled her from her fitful sleep. "Who is it?" "Soup!" Desiree smiled as she shuffled to the door. She truly loved her brother. "You do love me," she said without glancing through the peephole as she swung the door open. "You're damn right I do." Desiree's heart just about jumped out her chest. Gabriel stood at his full height smiling sheepishly at her, enjoying her shocked expression, with a dozen roses in one hand and her soup in the other. This was certainly the last thing she expected when she rolled out of bed. She ignored his statement and asked where her brother was. "He's sitting on his ass in his apartment watching television." Desiree raised her eyebrows. "Well what are you doing here?" she asked. Obviously she had an idea, but she figured it best not to jump to any conclusions considering she hadn't spoken to him in two weeks. "You gonna make me stand out in this hall all night?" Desiree wanted to tell him she didn't give a damn where he stayed, but she held her tongue and backed out of the doorway. She waited for him to step through the door trying not to get swept up in his manly scent. She shut the door behind him and felt a sense of panic rise in her. What was she supposed to do now? The man doesn't call, doesn't text – which she hates anyway – and then just expects that he can bring her soup and everything is okay? What is wrong with him? What's wrong with me, she thought as quickly tried to assess how the night had gone from hanging out with her brother to Gabriel standing in her foyer. "You didn't answer my question," she said hands on hips. "I wanted to see you," Gabriel said as he handed her the roses. Desiree took the roses and walked into the kitchen to find a vase for them. She tried to hide her shock, and she was sure she wasn't doing a very good job. And did he tell her he loved her when she opened the door? Technically 'no', right? She did say it first, so that doesn't count. And it really doesn't count because she thought it was her brother. "You wanted to see me, huh?" she truly was at a loss for words. They both knew the reason she kept letting him in, but she was still mystified as to the reason he kept coming back. Gabriel walked up behind her and set the soup down on the counter and placed the big spoon on top of the container. "Yes Desiree, I wanted to see you." "I have to go to the bathroom," Desiree chimed, thinking of the only thing that could get her out of this situation and away from Gabriel's gravitational pull. "No you don't," he said holding onto her waist and pinning her against the counter. "Seriously, thanks for the soup, the flowers were a nice touch, but isn't this scenario getting old?" Desiree turned to face him, startled by how handsome he looked. He was in jeans and a ripped sweatshirt. He couldn't have looked better if he'd tried. Gabriel raised a questioning eyebrow and Desiree sighed. "This whole," she said waving her hands through the air. "Ignore me for two weeks then seduce me when you decide you need a sexual fix. Don't look at me like that. It's your MO, and you're becoming predictable." "Its not ignoring if you don't want to talk me." Desiree crossed her arms over her chest and waited for him to finish. "Last time we were together, you storm out of your bedroom, then don't talk to me during dinner and you run when I get you back to your house. If I knew any better, I'd say you were trying to ignore me." He watched Desiree's jaw clench and knew he struck a nerve. "I have to go to the bathroom," she said again. "No. I want you to tell me why you've been acting so schizophrenic around me." "I'm sick, and I'll cough on you." "Real mature, and real nice try, but I wouldn't mind having your germs." Gabriel waited several beats expecting her to say something. When she didn't he stepped closer pressing his chest against her folded arms. "Why don't you tell me what you want." Desiree narrowed her eyes at him. She was beginning to feel a dull ache in the back of her brain, and she was sure if he weren't standing so close to her, she'd be able to think straight. "I want you to move so I can go to the bathroom." Gabriel stepped out of her way and watched as she made her way to the bathroom. Everything always has to be so difficult with her, he thought as he put her soup in the microwave. Desiree locked the bathroom door and pressed her head against the cool wood of the door. Was she being crazy? Probably, but what did he expect from her? She moved over the sink and stared in horror at her reflection. Her hair was sticking up at odd angles and her face was flushed and devoid of its usual color. Why'd he always have to see her at her worst? Desiree splashed water on her face noting that she probably had a fever. She re-did her ponytail and was prepared to thank Gabriel for everything, but tonight was not the night for confrontation. Desiree opened the door the door and watched as Gabriel took her soup out of the microwave and set it on the table. "Um, thanks," she said. She sat down and took several sips of her soup before realizing she didn't have an appetite. "I liked your hair better the other way," he commented as he studied her. "Yea well if I wanted to turn you to stone, I would have left it that way." "Ahh, so you do like me." Gabriel smiled. "Don't push your luck, I'm sick and delirious." Gabriel continued to study her for a few more moments as she played with her soup. "Desiree, you're shaking." "Just the chills. I'm fine." "Maybe we should get you to bed. I didn't mean like that," he said raising his hands in defense to her glare. "All I meant is that you should probably rest. You don't look so good." Suddenly feeling as though all her energy had been sucked out of her, Desiree let Gabriel lead her to her bed and watched him with weary eyes as he tucked her blankets around her. Desiree would have been taken aback by the concerned look on his face if she hadn't had so much trouble trying to stop shaking. Desiree half expected Gabriel to climb into bed with her, but he didn't. He perched himself on the edge of the bed, flicked on the TV and prepared to spend the entire night right there. She watched him wondering where this person had come from. Certainly this gaberial was an alien because the Gabriel she knew couldn't and wouldn't spend the night with a woman if there was no promise of sex. The fact that he was willing to watch TV while she slept was a little unsettling. "What are you really doing here?' Desiree couldn't help but ask again. "You must be sick and delirious. I already told you." "Indulge me." "I wanted to see you," he said turning towards her. "Well now you've seen me, so you can leave." "I don't want to." Desiree was amazed. Desiree felt Gabe lie back on the bed on top of the covers. She was shaking so badly he could feel the bed shaking. "Are you warm yet?" he asked. "No," she said wishing she'd got warm enough to stop shaking. Desiree closed her eyes trying to concentrate on getting warm when she felt the bed shift as Gabriel moved up the bed. Gently, Gabriel wrapped both arms around her trying to add to her warmth. Desiree couldn't remember a time when she'd felt more comforted. "Did you ever figure out what you're doing after school?" "No." Desiree waited for him to respond. When he didn't, she asked him why. "Just wondering if you've got your life all figured out. That's all." "I'm three months from graduation and I have no idea what I'm gonna do for the rest of my life." "I'm sure something will come up. You'll figure it out." Desiree wanted to believe him. He sounded so sure, but instead of contemplating her future, she closed her eyes and thought about how warm Gabriel was making her. ~*~*~ Desiree shifting her weight in the bed slowly pulled Gabriel from his sleep. He continued to hold her throughout the night although she'd stop shaking a long time ago. He watched her as she slept, her lips slightly curled in a grin. He was hoping she was dreaming about him, but he didn't want to get his hopes up. He was glad Scott called him and told him Desiree wasn't feeling well. Scott knew how busy he'd been at work lately, and this would probably be the only time he'd have to come see Desiree for a while. Gabriel was a little ashamed to admit that he'd jumped at the chance to see her. He could have picked up the phone and called her, but he was sure she wouldn't answer. And if she did, he'd end up ruining the conversation like he always did and it would result in her slamming down the phone. So the best thing to do was just show up right? He considered not bringing the flowers, but that's always a nice touch when trying to get back on a woman's good side, and it must have worked because he was still sleeping in her bed, which was way more than he expected when he thought about all the ways last night could have ended. He half expected her to slam the door in his face after snatching the soup from him, but she didn't. It was probably because in a round about way he told her he loved her. He'd never done that before, and he didn't mean to, it just popped out. With a smile, he wished he'd had a camera to catch the surprised look on her face when he said it. He pulled his right arm out from underneath her and tried as quietly as he could to get to the bathroom. He wanted to stay in bed with her until she woke, but he couldn't hold it anymore. "You're still here," Desiree said as he made his way back into her room after relieving himself. Gabriel shrugged his shoulders and told her he just wanted to be with her. While he was standing in the bathroom, he'd gone over the things he wanted to say while he was in front of the mirror. If he didn't act now, his plan would be shot to shit and she'd kick him out. Desiree raised a questioning eyebrow but said nothing else. She was studying his body language, which was telling her he had something to tell her. She was half hoping he'd tell her that after tonight he wanted nothing to with her – at least she would finally be capable of moving on. Desiree sat up in bed and watched as he moved to the chair in the corner and sat down. She marveled at how his long legs seemed to extend themselves across the room. "Sorry I haven't called, I've been real busy at work. We are in the middle of transition, and I've really had to step up to the plate as of late." Desiree shrugged trying to pretend like her heart wasn't beating so loudly in her ears she could barely hear him. "Doesn't matter." "What kind of response was that?" "A truthful one." This was not going the way he wanted it to. She was already mad at him and wasn't afraid to make sure he knew it. "Are you seeing anyone here yet?" he asked changing tactics. "Does it matter?" Gabriel ground his teeth. She was not going to make this easy on him. "Yes." Gabriel answered tersely. "Why?" she seemed indifferent to him, and it was making him nervous. Had she already found someone else? He was an idiot to think she wouldn't. Desiree flipped her blankets back and marched out of the room. She really only did it because she knew walking away in the middle of a conversation would drive Gabriel nuts, and predictably it did. "Don't walk away from me," he said stalking after her. "You're in my apartment," she said as she continued to walk towards the kitchen. "I will do as I damn well please." "Answer the question," he told her when he caught up with her. "I want to know why it matters so much." Desiree opened the door to the refrigerator just to give herself something to do. She knew damn well she didn't have an appetite. Gabriel took a deep breath. He had to regain control of the situation. He was about to open his mouth when she tired to brush pass him and leave the kitchen. Before he knew it, he'd grabbed hold of her arms and pushed her up against the wall pinning her down. Now she had to listen to him. In the calmest voice she could muster, she told him to let her go. She didn't like being this close to him. "Because I don't want you seeing anyone else." He watched as Desiree's eyebrows shot up in surprise then creased in anger. "Let me finish," he commanded in a stern voice. He was mildly amused when she didn't say anything. "We should have had this conversation a long time ago," he said with a sigh. Desiree's heart was beating so hard she was sure he could see her shirt moving. "I wanna know that you are not gonna be with anyone else while you're here. I don't even want you interested in someone else while you're here. I'm everything you need. Granted I don't call when I should, rest assured I'm still thinking about you. Lord knows I'm not perfect. I don't call when I should, I will forget your birthday, I'll spend Sunday watching football, I wont always listen when you talk. I'm a man." he shrugged as if not apologizing for anything. "But I will never forget to tell you how much I want you. Have you any idea the self control I had to exercise to sleep with you in my arms all night and not try anything?" He leaned his body into hers and stared at her lips. "So smartass, are you seeing anyone?" Desiree felt her knees weaken, but she was going to try her damnest not to let him know it. "Maybe." Now she was just pressing his buttons and she knew it. She wasn't sure how to respond. She done so much preparation waiting for him to tell her it was over, that she didn't really know how to process him saying he wanted her all to himself. "What about you, tiger? You seeing anyone?" "I'm looking at her. Now answer my question." Gabriel could feel himself coming unraveled. He watched her lips waiting for them to form the words he was dreading to hear. If she told him she'd found someone else, he march out the door without looking back, but he knew she wouldn't. He just needed to hear the words out loud. Desiree felt his growing erection pressing against her abdomen. She wanted to keep him guessing but she knew if she kept talking her lips would betray her and tell him everything he wanted to hear. Instead she watched Gabriel as he watched her, slowly getting aroused by the way he was looking at her. "Answer the question, baby." The sound of him calling her baby was enough to coax a no from her lips. Gabriel smiled like a kid at Christmas and pressed his lips to hers. She could feel how excited he was that she wasn't seeing anyone. Kissing her like it was the first time, he gently explored her mouth with his. His hands moved from her arms to the side of her face so he could hold her in place while he kissed her. Gabriel felt her small hands wrap around his waist and pull him closer to her. He chewed on her bottom lip, drawing a deep moan from her throat. He slid his hands down her body and rested them on her thighs. They were both breathing harder now, and kissing more frantically. Desiree gripped at the bottom of his sweatshirt pulling it and his shirt off in one motion. While Gabriel tried to get her shirt over her head, she fumbled with his belt. Desiree undid Gabriel's belt and unsnapped his pants and they hit the kitchen floor with a thud. Gabriel lifted her shirt over her breasts and began to greedily suck on her exposed taut nipples. He grabbed her legs and lifted her from the floor and she wrapped her legs around him. She began to grind her moistening shorts into his erection as he continued to milk her breasts. With a moan she arched her back and offered herself to him while running her fingers through his hair. Neither could speak as both were so consumed with being with each other. They both now knew how they felt about each other and were eager to demonstrate it. Desiree's heart pounded as her bare back pressed against the cool kitchen wall and her front pressed against Gabriel's hard body. She continued to moan and writhe against him as he moved his wet kisses from her sensitive chest to her neck. He licked and bit and sucked on her neck, marking her as his for everyone to see, and by the noise she was making, she loved it. "Is this what you want, baby?" he asked as he crudely ground his cock into the junction between her legs. "Tell me. Tell me this is what you want." Gabriel continued to slide is cock up and down her slit and she moved in time with his hips. "Oh yea, Gabe. I want it," she panted. Gabriel didn't hesitate. He slid her shorts to one side with his hand, and in one motion impaled Desiree on his cock. Gabriel groaned in pleasure as her hot wet tunnel enveloped him, and it took everything in him to try and not explode inside her. He felt right at home. Desiree panted as her mind tried to comprehend the intense pleasure she was feeling from having the man of her dreams balls deep inside her. She could feel every inch of him pulsing and moving inside her. She was dripping wet, and was sure she was leaving a mess on the floor beneath them. "Oh baby, you feel so good." Gabriel felt his knees begin to weaken so he carried Desiree to the kitchen table. He set her down on the table and told her to lie back. He grabbed each leg and raised them towards her head giving him unfettered access to her body. The change in angle caused him to rub against new spots in her snatch making her say his name out loud. He watched as tiny beads of perspiration on Desiree's body shook with each thrust and he could feel Desiree's body begin to clench around him. He licked his fingers and moved his hand to her clit. As he slowed down his thrusts, he sped up his fingers as they teased her swollen nub. He took her to the edge then stopped moving completely drawing frustrated moans from Desiree. Cruelly he continued this manipulation of her body. He'd push himself into her as hard and fast as he could, only to slow down and play with her clit until she was begging for him to let her cum. He loved the way she begged him to make her cum, and he told her so. "I am the only man that is gonna make you cum, isn't that right baby?" Desiree's Star Ch. 12 When Desire found the strength to moan yes, he ground his hips into hers. He grabbed her swollen pearl and rolled it between his fingers loving the way it made her body respond. Her head was thrown back in ecstasy and she was screaming his name. Gabriel slammed into Desiree as hard and fast as he could removing his hand so his pelvic bone would mash her clit each time their hips met. He could feel his orgasm rising now and this time, he didn't want to wait. Gabriel grunted and told her he was going to cum. She met his thrusts with her hips and they fucked like they'd been doing it for years. Knowing how sensitive her nipples were, he rested her legs on his shoulders, and just before he was about to cum, he grabbed a nipple with each hand and twisted. He wanted to make sure she came at the same time he did. Gabriel was handsomely rewarded as her pussy began squeeze, milking him for his own cum. With several erratic thrusts, and a loud grunt, he felt the cum begin to rise from his balls. He buried himself deep inside Desiree as rope after rope of his hot sticky cum shot inside her. He leaned forward and rested his head on her chest and wrapped his arms around her. He couldn't help but think this was the only place he wanted to be. They both lay on the kitchen table basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Desiree smiled to herself as she thought this all started because she wanted soup. As Gabriel's softening cock slipped out of her, he scooped her up off the table and carried her back to the bedroom. Gently, he lay her down and climbed into bed next to her. He took care in sliding her shorts down her hips, and pulling her shirt over her head and discarded them in a pile across the room. He rolled onto his side, and pulled Desiree's naked body against his as they both fell asleep in her bed. That afternoon they made love three more times, each time more passionate. They were both covered in markings from the other. Desiree had bruises and bite marks on her neck; Gabriel had scratch marks down his back and arms. They each took turns controlling the others pleasure. Sometimes it was Desiree on top using Gabriel for only her satisfaction, her head thrown back, mouth and eyes opened wide. Other times it was Gabriel sliding into her from behind as he played with her clit while she moaned into her pillow. She'd woken up for their third round of love making with Gabriel's twitching cock nestled between pussy lips as they both slept. If she hadn't been there to experience it, she wouldn't have thought two people could have such intense sex three times in one day. As the sun was finally setting, they realized they had to separate so Gabriel could get back home. As he pulled on his clothes and ran his fingers through his hair, he told her he'd call her. She smiled and believed he had every intention of doing it, but probably wouldn't get around to it for another week or so. She shrugged her shoulders and didn't really mind. Now that they both knew where they stood, a phone call didn't seem all that important. Gabriel gave Desiree a long goodbye kiss, as he stood halfway out the front door of her apartment. He was very happy he'd come...and in more ways than one. Gabriel got to his truck and pulled away feeling very satisfied with himself. ~*~*~ "You're coming home for your mothers birthday right?" Gabriel asked several weeks later as he tried to balance the phone between his ear and his shoulder. "Of course, what kind of daughter would I be if I didn't? Besides, I'm thinking of bringing some laundry too." Gabriel laughed. "You won't need clothes if you stay with me." Now it was Desiree's turn to laugh. "Is that all I'm good for?" she asked. "Believe me, my girlfriend is good for more than that. She makes a mean grilled cheese." "Ha. Ha," she said without humor. He was forever making fun of her non-existent cooking skills. "I should be there in about an hour and a half." "Good, I can't wait to see you. I'm gonna try to sneak out of the office a little early, so I should see you there." "Maybe I should pay a visit to your office and you can put in for over time. I've always wanted to do it on your desk." Gabriel felt his pants tighten. "Don't start something you aren't prepared to finish. I need to stay focused." Desiree chuckled and told him she'd see him later, and they disconnected. ~*~*~*~ Despite the fact that it was her mother's birthday, Desiree's mom was eagerly awaiting Desiree at the front door to hear the details of her daughters new relationship. She beamed with happiness as she let her daughter into the house. "So," she said when her daughter didn't immediately offer up any details. "Happy Birthday!" Desiree exclaimed, knowing that changing the subject wasn't going to work. "Thank you sweetie, but you know what I mean. How is it with you and Gabe?" Desiree exhaled and smiled. She knew this was coming, and strangely she was excited to tell her mother all about it. "Well, it's amazing. Who knew?" her mother smiled like she did. "Its like he's a different person now." "He's in love." Desiree scoffed. "Love is a bit strong, isn't it mother?" Her mother smiled like she knew something Desiree didn't, but said nothing else. It was strange to have the family seated around the dining room table for dinner with Gabriel's arm draped around Desiree. Desiree's father acknowledged their relationship, but didn't make eye contact with anyone to convey how he felt about it. He kept his face planted in his plate so he could focus on his food. Desiree guessed his silence was approval. Scott sat next to Desiree grinning like a fool. Each time he'd see Gabriel's hand drawing lazy circles on her shoulder, he'd poke her in the ribs with his elbow and grin. She guessed Scott was happy they'd finally settled their differences and stopped fighting. "So Desiree, did you figure out what you want to do after school?" Gabriel asked after dinner and cake was eaten and gifts were given. "Why do you keep asking me? I still have 2 months left of school. I don't know." She was getting frustrated that he kept asking her. Everyone was still sitting around the table, and suddenly everyone became very quiet. "Well," he started. "I wanted to know if you would come with me." "Where?" Desiree was confused. "Well, the company is promoting me. I'll be making more money, but I have to move to Georgeton." Desiree just looked at him with surprise. "And I want you to come with me." Georgeton was better than 200 miles away. Desiree was stunned. "And I'm only asking you now because I want you to think about it. I was gonna postpone the move until you graduated." Desiree looked around and saw everyone's eyes glued on her; everyone eagerly awaiting her response. "Really?" she asked amazed. "You want me to come with you?" Gabriel grinned his sly smile. "I'd need somebody to pick on," he said as he pulled her hair. "What would I do?" "Anything you wanted. It doesn't matter, we've got the rest of our lives to figure it out." Desiree's heart thumped in her chest as she looked around at her family members waiting in anticipation for her answer. "You all knew didn't you?" With big grins, they all smiled, even her father. "Of course we knew," her mother chimed in. "You don't have to answer now, but I need an answer sometime soon. I need to tell them whether I'm moving or taking a pay cut to stay here." Desiree beamed. "Of course I'd go with you!" She said throwing her arms around him. She'd never been so happy. Gabriel tugged on her hair and kissed her lightly on the lips. As if the final matter of the day had been settled, the conversation turned back to light chatter about when the two were moving and where they going to move. The pair sat next to each other beaming. Finally, things were falling into place. As the family got up from the table and moved to the living room, the telephone rang. "I'll get it," Desiree said as she made her way to the kitchen to get the phone. "Hello?" "Dessie, its Sissy. I'm coming home." ~*~*~ "Well, it looks like the house wont be so empty after all." Everyone stopped talking to look at Desiree, each trying to figure out why a phone call had changed her mind on moving with Gabriel. "I'm still moving," she said with a wide grin. She thought she heard an audible sigh of relief from Gabriel. "But Sissy is coming home. She broke up with Tammy, her lesbian lover, and Tammy threw her out." Desiree's mother clutched her chest. She loved her daughter with all her heart, but couldn't for the life of her understand her lifestyle. "Well," her mother said, "things should certainly get more interesting around here." THE END Thanks for all the encouragement, and I hope that you all enjoyed the story. It took me forever to finish, but it finally done, and thanks for sticking with me this long. ~Hotsprings