Will You Be My Valentine?

[JULIE BRADY]

Julie was finding it harder and harder to keep Remy at bay. It had been a little over a month since their first kiss but it felt like forever ago. They’d kissed many more times since then. Behind his office door, behind her office door, leaned against his desk, outside a bar, inside his car…Every time Remy got closer to his goal of getting into her panties. It was strange, though—most of the time she stopped him from going too far but sometimes he stopped himself. They were both struggling with doubt, it seemed. Julie liked Remy a lot and she genuinely liked his conversation, learning something new about him every day. But he was still her boss and their relationship was no longer professional. On top of that, she always worried what would happen if Remy finally got into her pants. She knew what happened to other girls—they were cast aside and forgotten, replaced with the next one a week or so later. Why should it be any different for her? She wanted to say he felt differently about her, but she couldn’t speak to that. The only evidence she had of that was what he’d said in his office that day after the benefit when he told her she was different from the other girls. Nowhere in his statements did he say he would treat her any differently, though. So even though she wanted to give in, throw caution to the wind, she remained guarded.

That was until the Valentine’s Day benefit rolled around. With all the prepping and arranging the two of them were doing (led mostly by Julie), she hadn’t really thought of the two of them going together officially. Like at New Year’s, she just assumed they would be together most of the night. Then a week out while the two of them were going back to their offices from updating his mother on their plans for the event, Remy actually asked her to be his date. No bringing Sophia this time! She wondered if maybe she’d been underestimating how much he liked her. Or maybe this way just another try at getting into her panties. Either way, she couldn’t deny she was looking forward to the night or that the whole thing got her thinking. In the end she decided to just enjoy it—her biggest problem was how much she overanalyzed everything and she didn’t want to ruin her bit of fun with thinking too far into it.

The night of the benefit, Julie drove herself when she was ready, her stomach squirming a little. She supposed this counted as her and Remy’s first date. Or was it? Just because she was his date didn’t mean they were on a date. If she didn’t stop thinking so hard about everything, she was going to have a headache by the end of the night. Her black hair was pinned up above the halter strap of her dress[/u] and the beaded necklace she wore over it. There was a slight train to her dress and even though she worried she would trip on it or someone might step on it during the night, it was so flattering on her that she had to wear it. Her shoes were silver high heels, hard to drive in but not impossible. Overall, she was satisfied with the elegant look and she just hoped she wouldn’t ruin it with her clumsiness. “All of that over Remy Graham? Who are you and what have you done with my daughter?” Her mother had been just as shocked by her and Remy’s new relationship as Sophia and Julie herself had been. Unlike Sophia who saw this as a good thing, her mother was very reluctant at the idea of Julie and Remy together. It was understandable that her mother would worry about the man using her, but Julie was insistent she could look out for herself and she had it under control—she wouldn’t let him hurt her. Now if only she could stay true to that promise…

As she made her way into the hotel, she passed several couples rushing in out of the cold rain outside. Julie checked her coat before making her way into the reception hall, giving a little sigh of relief that everything was exactly as she pictured it. It was still early but there were already several couples grouped together in the hall beneath the soft lighting. Live music was playing since they’d gotten such positive feedback on it from the last benefit and Julie let her eyes roam for her date. Maybe they should have appointed a meeting place…

[REMY GRAHAM]

Remy had never been disturbed by a budding relationship before. In the past it was easy to cast women aside and he knew that. He would promise the world and then spoil the girl for a week before breaking his promise. And that was just with the girls he actually liked. Dating wasn't in his repertoire. This was precisely why the whole Julie thing was starting to get to him. He wanted in her pants but he wasn't bold enough to actually go there. He pushed his own boundary lines repeatedly though, kissing her until he was nearly ready to rip her clothes off and his own, but stopping himself before he could get to that point. Sometimes it was Julie who laid on the breaks which pissed him off, but in the end relieved him some since he wouldn't have to. He wanted her, and the tension was getting him. Which was exactly what Chessie was for.

Remy had met the girl at a bar several weeks ago and had taken her number. He'd toyed with the idea of fooling around with her but then he and Julie started getting heated and it was difficult to think of anyone else in his bed, but tonight.. Remy knew it would be too hard for him not to insist she come back upstairs with him after the Valentine's benefit and he was tired of his severe blue balls. He arranged to meet the girl from the bar during his lunch break at a motel just past the city limits. He'd been late coming back to work, but a forty five minute fucking spree was exactly what he needed to get his hormones under control. He couldn't take Julie to bed, so he needed to do something before his junk shriveled up and died. Naturally he didn't utter a word of this to anyone, not that he normally discussed his rendezvous with anyone. All in all he felt better, more relieved, like he didn't need to take Julie upstairs to have a good night. Maybe he'd even call Chessie again. The girl was a good lay.

Remy took great care getting himself ready for the benefit. He was clean shaven once more and his hair was neatly parted and styled to the side. He smelled of expensive cologne and his tuxedo was an eye catching deep silver. He got a few looks of approval as he made his way down to the benefit from his suite, smiling an nodding when appropriate and expecting to find his date. The only reason he even asked Julie was so that she wouldn't feel the need to try and invite someone else. Really, neither of them needed dates for these functions, but she'd felt the need to invite Sophia to the last one and he wasn't in the mood for competing for Julie's attention with the Latino chef.

It took Remy a while to spot Julie. He'd arrived first, and when she entered he didn't recognize her, not right away. In fact he had to take a double look at his date who was stunning in a beaded, pearl evening gown. She was stunning, as was her dress, like something off of a runway. He was suddenly glad he'd had his afternoon delight with the girl from the bar, otherwise he surely wouldn't last the evening. She was far too tempting.

"Now you're being unfair." He sad softly into her ear as he came from behind, holding two glasses of champagne. There was a mischievous edge to his voice as he came around offering a glass, his eyes never leaving hers once they made contact. "How do you expect me to behave when you come looking like that? You're trouble, Brady." He took a sip of his champagne and looked over the crowd. She was easily the most gorgeous woman there. How long could he hold out?

[JULIE BRADY]

Julie took the opportunity searching at the entrance to the room to greet a few of the guests she recognized. A couple more people passed her, one woman with bright red hair passing by her in a stunning dress that Julie just had to admire. Her date looked very nice too and together they made a good-looking couple, though she didn’t recognize either of them. While she was admiring the woman’s dress she didn’t even hear Remy come up behind her, but his sudden voice in her ear did catch her attention. “Now you’re being unfair.” Her eyes widened and she jumped slightly as his nearness made her heart skip. She turned to look at him and make sure it was really Remy before she let out a breath with a smile and pressed her hand to her chest to slow her heart. “Jesus, you scared me,” she said under her breath, taking her glass of champagne as he offered it. The look in his eyes made her heart skip again and she flushed gently with his unwavering gaze. “How do you expect me to behave when you come looking like that? You’re trouble, Brady.” She smiled wide, taking her turn to look him over. He looked extremely handsome himself in his deep silver suit and she knew it would be hard to resist him this evening. “Who said I expected you to behave?” she asked with mock innocence, giving a flirtatious grin and tilt of her head. “You could be the devil with how handsome you look.” Her smile widened a little in slight amusement as she reached out and pinched the lapel of his jacket gently between her fingers. “I wouldn’t have pegged you for a shiny suit kind of guy, but it works well for you.” Her eyes came back to his, genuinely complimenting him but thinking that perhaps her goal for tonight would be to continue causing him trouble when he looked at her like he was now.

She tore her eyes away from his to take a sip of her champagne, letting her eyes wander back to the crowd momentarily. There were a couple people moving onto the dance floor, getting over their shyness as the room filled up gradually. “Looks like an interesting crowd. No Mrs. Lagniers hanging around at least.” She grinned back up at Remy remembering the meddling old woman at the New Year’s benefit who had assumed they were an item. Funny how it had flustered Julie so much the last time and now they actually had come as an item. “Shall we mingle?” Before he answered, Julie began moving towards the small groups of people while giving Remy an expectant smile. It would be rude of them to just hang out on the sidelines all night thinking about when they could slip away for some time alone. He eventually took up stride beside her and while she was tempted to link her arm in his or hold on to his elbow, she didn’t want to call that much attention to them. It was already habit to hide their relationship from his mother who was roaming around there somewhere.

“Remy! Julie!”[/b] And there she was. Julie turned toward the sound of Caroline’s voice and she smiled at the sight of the woman. She was wearing a red dress dotted with tasteful crystals and it was as eye-catching as her son’s suit and very fitting for the occasion. “Hello Caroline!” Julie greeted kindly, instinctively feeling nervous being in both her presence and Remy’s at the same time. Mother and son kissed on the cheek for greeting before Caroline pulled her into a gentle hug that Julie returned a little awkwardly. “That dress is beautiful!” Julie said as she pulled back, admiring the way it glittered in the soft lightly. The older woman waved her hand. “Please, it’s nothing compared to yours. You look absolutely stunning.”[/b] Julie blushed lightly, giving a bashful laugh. “Thank you…” she said softly. As always, she didn’t take compliments very gracefully. “Did you two mean to match? You look so well together.”[/b] Julie felt her heart thump hard, not sure how to answer the question. Did she know they’d come as each other’s dates this evening? Probably not but she wasn’t sure. She looked to Remy nervously, hoping he would answer the question.

[REMY GRAHAM]

“Who said I expected you to behave?” Her grin was flirty and he cocked a brow. He was glad more than ever that he'd taken a woman to bed before the benefit. There's no way he'd have made it through the night otherwise. As it was he wanted to take her upstairs. “You could be the devil with how handsome you look.” She pinched his lapel and his smirk became mischievous and cocky. “I wouldn’t have pegged you for a shiny suit kind of guy, but it works well for you.” He let out a gruff sort of chuckle. "It was a recommendation, one I was reluctant about at first, but it works, doesn't it?" He asked rhetorically as he sipped his champagne. He was glad she liked it, though. Glad she was thinking about how good he looked. The feeling was definitely mutual.

The dance floor was beginning to really fill up and Remy eyed the guests up. It was a younger seeming crowd than their last benefit and there were a few women that caught his eye. If Julie wasn't there with him, he might consider approaching some of the others. “Looks like an interesting crowd. No Mrs. Lagniers hanging around at least.” "Well that's a relief. Wouldn't want anyone else thinking we're a couple." He teased with a smirk. “Shall we mingle?” Julie didn't give him the opportunity to say anything before moving forward. "Why yes, that sounds like a lovely idea." He muttered to himself following along.

“Remy! Julie!” They had gotten all of three yards into the room when the familiar sound of his mothers voice rang clear in his ears. He inwardly groaned and then turned to the woman who created him. "Mother." He greeted. his tone impish as he watched her come closer. “Hello Caroline!” He wanted to tease her for being a brown noser. No way she was that excited to see his mom! But he kept his comment to himself. “That dress is beautiful!” He tried hard not to snort and nodded, bowing his head to conceal the laughing smirk on his lips. “Please, it’s nothing compared to yours. You look absolutely stunning.” Were they going to seriously compliment each other all night about how good they looked? “Thank you…” “Did you two mean to match? You look so well together.” Remy looked at Julie and then himself before sliding an arm around her bare shoulder and pulling her close. "We do look good together, don't we?" He teased, smirking and looked over at Julie before giving her shoulder a little squeeze and pulling back. His mother cocked a brow at them, looking almost suspicious and then he rolled his eyes. "No, we didn't coordinate. We both simply have similarly phenomenal taste. Besides, Julie would much rather coordinate with someone else. She tends to like bakers, and we both know I'm retarded in the kitchen." His mother scowled gently. "Don't talk that way, Remy, it's rude." She scolded. "Anyway, I have to go see Marcus about something. I'll meet up with you two later." Remy nodded and watched as his mother scurried away and then turned to Julie. "It's true though, so you know. I can't cook worth shit."

[JULIE BRADY]

Of course Remy had to make things more difficult. Julie tensed completely as she felt his arm slide around her bare shoulders, her face flushing deep red. He pulled her into him and she couldn’t even smile her heart was hammering so hard. Was she going to have to fess up tonight? Was now the time to start bracing herself against Caroline’s judgment? Shouldn’t Remy haven’t consulted her on coming out to his mother before they actually did it? “We do look good together, don’t we?” He sounded so damn proud of herself and she swallowed hard as she glanced up at him. Still, she was flattered by the remark and she couldn’t deny she liked being so close to him. His hand squeezing her shoulder made her heart throb and she continued to keep her lips tightly shut. She glanced up at Caroline and saw the way she looked suspiciously at them. If his intention wasn’t to alert her to their newfound relationship, he was about to give them away anyway! Finally he released her and she breathed again. “No, we didn’t coordinate. We both simply have similarly phenomenal taste. Besides, Julie would much rather coordinate with someone else. She tends to like bakers, and we both know I’m retarded in the kitchen.” Julie gave him an exasperated look, but couldn’t help the small amused smile from coming to her lips at his discreet reference to Sophia. His mother didn’t seem amused by the comment at all. “Don’t talk that way, Remy, it’s rude. Anyway, I have to go see Marcus about something. I’ll meet up with you two later.”[/b] Julie gave a shy smile and a nod before Caroline scurried away.

When his mother was out of earshot Remy turned to her and she turned back to him. “It’s true though, so you know. I can’t cook worth shit.” Julie put on a mockingly scolding face. “Don’t talk that way, Remy, it’s rude.” Her mimicking his mother was meant to sound serious but she could barely keep back her amused smile which gave away her tease. “But I guess it’s a good thing I do know how to cook. Plus there’s always Sophia. No need for the lesbian joke.” Before he could make one she started their wandering again, smiling at people as she passed them. “And by the way, good job almost blowing our cover back there. I think she’s onto us now.” Her look of disappointment was bordering on playful, but she truthfully wasn’t ready for his mom to know anything. Julie didn’t know if she ever wanted his mom to know something was up. She still wasn’t sure she could have a real relationship with Remy and she only wanted Caroline to know if it became serious between them. Of course Remy had his ways of assuring her his mom knew nothing about them and she was resigned to let her panic go for the moment.

They were nearing the dance floor as they meandered and she wondered how badly she would trip up tonight. At least Remy knew how to dance and could teach her a trick or two. Before they could reach the dance floor, however, she heard her name and turned to look. There was an old familiar face she hadn’t seen in nearly seven years. A big smile came across her face as she moved toward the man with wide eyes. “Oh my God, Dean? Is that you?” The man was also wearing a big smile as he moved closer to her. “In the flesh.”[/b] She gave a soft giggle and then put her arms around his shoulders as he leaned down to embrace her tight—that made her laugh. It wasn’t a long hug and it was nothing more than friendly and when they pulled back she just grinned up at him in shock. “I can’t believe you’re here!” “Yeah, I work for the university now. I’m a biology professor over there.”[/b] “That’s great!” Dean looked her over and shook his head as if he couldn’t believe she was really there either. “I see you’re still here. And man, you look great!”[/b] Julie gave a bashful smile but nodded. “Thank you! So do you! Yeah, I’m actually the operations manager here. I arranged this benefit with my partner.” Dean’s eyes shifted behind her and she looked over her shoulder just as Remy was coming up beside her, which made her smile more. “And here he is. You remember Remy, right? Remy, I don’t know if you remember Dean. We dated for a couple years in high school. He used to come by the hotel while I was working.” She could tell Dean remembered him by the way his face fell a little at the sight of him. Remy had pissed Dean off plenty of times when Julie would tell about Remy’s latest advances that had pissed her off. She just couldn’t tell if Remy remembered Dean as well. Suddenly she had a bad feeling about this. She tried to tell herself she was wrong when Dean extended a hand to Remy, though. “Hey Remy, it’s been a while. How are you?”[/b] Well at least he was being cordial.

[REMY GRAHAM]

“Don’t talk that way, Remy, it’s rude.” He smirked at her coy tone and the teasing grin on her face. "My apologies." He told her softly in his own teasing voice. “But I guess it’s a good thing I do know how to cook. Plus there’s always Sophia. No need for the lesbian joke.” He rolled his shoulders, not thinking much on the gay jokes. It was funny to him at least. “And by the way, good job almost blowing our cover back there. I think she’s onto us now.” Remy rolled his eyes. "Please, my mother knows as much as you'd like her to. She knows I'm a cocky, arrogant, son of a bitch, and she's proud to be that bitch, but she also knows you're a good, smart, sensible girl who would know better than to get mixed up with the likes of me. She knows I fuck with you, she just thinks you're still strong enough to shoot down my advances." His smirk held a certain darkness to it, though it was clear he was joking. At least to some level. She hadn't given herself up to him yet. She would, though

Remy had intentionally started steering them towards the dance floor, intent on making her dance with him. They were nearly there and he was plotting some cute way to pester her into a dance when someone called Julie's name and stole her attention. “Oh my God, Dean? Is that you?” He suddenly felt annoyed at the smile she was giving the guy. Dean.. why did that name sound so familiar? “In the flesh.” The pair hugged and Remy felt suddenly tense and anxious at the guys intrusion. Why was she giggling like that? “I can’t believe you’re here!” “Yeah, I work for the university now. I’m a biology professor over there.” “That’s great!”“I see you’re still here. And man, you look great!”“Thank you! So do you! Yeah, I’m actually the operations manager here. I arranged this benefit with my partner.” And suddenly Remy existed again, now slightly more annoyed than he'd been before they began talking. “And here he is. You remember Remy, right? Remy, I don’t know if you remember Dean. We dated for a couple years in high school. He used to come by the hotel while I was working.” And there it was. He was the ex.

Remy thought back on his time when Julie was newer. She was small and young, real young, and scrawny. She was still scrawny but not like she had been. At least she had some curves now, but back in the day she was gorgeous and gawky, and she always shot him down. She loved teasing her about it, being a young coed himself, frisky and not shy about showing off for the ladies he brought back with him. He'd noticed Dean hanging around her a few times back then. In fact he used to mope around quite a bit if memory served him, and Remy recalled telling Jules on more than one occasion to dump the dead weight and have a little fun with him. He'd even encouraged her to do so without dumping the dead weight. She'd been smart to set herself free of those shackles.

“Hey Remy, it’s been a while. How are you?” He asked, extending his hand to Remy, who took it politely and gave a firm handshake. "Wonderful." He said coolly giving Dean a hard look as he took his hand back. He pushed himself a little closer to Julie and folded his hands in front of him curtly. "What brings you to the benefit?" He asked curiously, raising a brow. Was his intention to try and woo Julie back? He suddenly felt the need to make sure that never happened.

[JULIE BRADY]

Julie watched as Dean[/u] and Remy shook hands, the tension between them palpable even with their small, forced smiles. Dean had never liked Remy. He’d told Julie on numerous occasions how much he would like to knock Remy off his pedestal and instill in him some humility. Of course he never did, but he’d gotten pretty close a few times when Julie told him how Remy had hit on her so aggressively at work. Even if Dean had voiced his threats, Remy would have just given him that infuriating cocky smirk of his. Tonight was different, though. Tonight Remy was being very cool and not in a cocky way. “Wonderful.”[/b] Was Remy getting territorial? His moving closer to her confirmed her suspicions and she had to fight from smiling. How did the tables end up flipping between them where Remy was guarding her from Dean? Maybe she shouldn’t have found it funny but she did. Even funnier was that he felt the need to be possessive of her. “What brings you to the benefit?”[/b] Julie turned her eyes from Remy and looked up at Dean who seemed to be studying their closeness suspiciously. With her eyes on him though, he gave another terse smile. “I work for the university so I was invited. I’ve actually been nominated for best teacher in the biology department, so I kind of had to come.” Dean looked shy as he said it but Julie grinned wide. “Really? Congratulations, Dean!” He gave her a lopsided smile in return, scratching the back of his neck nervously and nodding. “Yeah…and I had a date so I figured why not?” Julie looked a little surprised, but not unpleasantly so. He brought along a girl, huh? Where was she?

“Dean, you have to try this cookie! It’s like crack!” The woman’s voice drew Julie’s wide eyes as she came up beside Dean with a big smile before looking at Remy and Julie as if she was just noticing them. “Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to come barging in.” She had a sweet smile. Dean smiled down at her before placing a hand on her back and looking at Julie and Remy again. “This is my girlfriend Lindsay[/u]. Lindsay, this is Remy and Julie, an old friend of mine.”[/i] Lindsay smiled brightly at the two of them and reached out her hand, first taking Remy’s and then Julie’s in an easy handshake. “It’s nice to meet you both! Julie, how do you and Dean know each other?” Julie looked up at Dean uncertainly and then gave a big smile and shook her head a little. “Uh, we dated for a couple years back in high school. Feels like forever ago.” Lindsay’s eyebrows rose in recognition, but she smiled wider, so she couldn’t have been upset. “Ohhh, so you grew up around here too?” Julie nodded, suddenly feeling relieved. Dean had his girlfriend here, who was gorgeous, and she was sweet enough to not be the least bit jealous of Julie—at least from what she could tell. Maybe the tension could finally ease up, though you still couldn’t tell from the way Remy and Dean looked at each other. “And do you two know each other?” Lindsay asked as she pointed between the two men. “Not very well, but he and Julie have worked together since we were in high school.” From the cool smile Dean gave Remy, it seemed like Lindsay was picking up on the tension too. She looked between them and then at Julie almost suspiciously. Obviously the wheels were turning in that pretty little head and Julie was certain she would ask Dean about it as soon as they walked away. Julie felt this was a good time to slink away before the guys started an argument.

“Well, we were just about to see how the band is doing. It was good to see you again, Dean. And it was wonderful to meet you, Lindsay. And I agree, Dean should totally try the cookies!” She gave both of them a big smile and Lindsay grinned wide. “We’re going to go do that now! It was wonderful to meet you!” Her eyes landed on Dean who was giving her something of a sad smile. It made Julie feel strangely guilty. “It was good to see you, Jules.” She hadn’t forgotten that he used to call her that, but she didn’t realize he would call her that in front of Remy. It was like she could feel Remy bristling even though the nickname between her and Dean had a completely different connotation than it did between her and Remy. She had never minded Dean calling her Jules, but she was actually starting to enjoy Remy’s insistence on calling her that. Her eyes lifted to Remy’s face uncertainly before she slid her hand to the crook of his arm, silently assuring she wasn’t about to go running off with her ex-boyfriend and it was just subtle enough not to call too much attention to them. “Do you know how many times he threatened to punch you when we were in high school? He hated your guts for how much you used to mess with me. I think you’re lucky you don’t have a black eye right now, though I’m sure you’re perfectly capable of defending yourself.” She smiled wide, obviously teasing him and wanting to brighten the mood. After all, he would have won a fight with Dean anyway because Julie would have taken care of his wounds, not Dean’s.

[REMY GRAHAM]

“I work for the university so I was invited. I’ve actually been nominated for best teacher in the biology department, so I kind of had to come.” Remy didn't buy the modest look he offered and smiled in return, swallowing the sneer that threatened to come out instead. “Really? Congratulations, Dean!” Of course Julie was excited and it was all Remy could do not to roll his eyes at the boy. “Yeah…and I had a date so I figured why not?” Relief washed through him, glad he wouldn't need to fight the idiot all night for Julie's arm, but when he looked at his own date he noticed the air of surprise coming off her. Did she wish he'd been single?

“Dean, you have to try this cookie! It’s like crack!” Remy looked at the thin brunette who came beside Dean and he didn't bother hiding the fact that he was checking her out a little. She was a beautiful girl, curvier than Julie with some serious sex appeal. If he wasn't with Julie already he would certainly try and snatch her from her idiot dates arm. “Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to come barging in.” Her smile was sweet and he got the feeling that maybe she wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed. How he would love to fuck her if only to get to Dean. “This is my girlfriend Lindsay. Lindsay, this is Remy and Julie, an old friend of mine.” Remy gladly took her hand as she offered it. “It’s nice to meet you both! Julie, how do you and Dean know each other?” Julie looked at Dean and Remy looked at Julie, wondering if she would offer the truth. “Uh, we dated for a couple years back in high school. Feels like forever ago.” He was glad she wasn't going to hid anything, or he would be forced to say something. Recognition set in on the other girls face. “Ohhh, so you grew up around here too?” Julie gave a nod and he wondered if the girl was onto Julie's secret. His eyes narrowed slightly at Dean. “And do you two know each other?” Remy's eyes stayed on Dean as he looked almost uncomfortable. “Not very well, but he and Julie have worked together since we were in high school.” Dean offered a cool smile and Remy returned it with a hard look. Was he hinting at something? “Well, we were just about to see how the band is doing. It was good to see you again, Dean. And it was wonderful to meet you, Lindsay. And I agree, Dean should totally try the cookies!” Julie seemed interested in separating the mean, and he couldn't really blame her. They were likely going to pull rulers out soon if she didn't break up the party. “We’re going to go do that now! It was wonderful to meet you!” Remy grinned mischievously. "Likewise." He offered coolly. “It was good to see you, Jules.” Remy bristled at the nickname, looking at Julie. He was allowed to call her Jules? Julie's gaze met his and it was all too clear what he was thinking as she offered that apologetic look. Julie slid her arm into his and tugged him away.

“Do you know how many times he threatened to punch you when we were in high school? He hated your guts for how much you used to mess with me." He snorted. Dean could have tried to punch him all he wanted back then, it would have ended in a fight. It probably would have banned him from the hotel premises permanently and it might have even gotten Julie fired considering it was her boyfriend. "I think you’re lucky you don’t have a black eye right now, though I’m sure you’re perfectly capable of defending yourself.” Remy stopped and gave her a harsh look. "I'm lucky your idiot ex-boyfriend didn't punch me?" He all but snarled, his voice low. "What makes you think he would have thrown a successful punch? I'm not some pathetic lightweight who can't stand up for himself Jules." He growled her name with contempt and looked away. "I suppose I'm the only one who's not allowed to call you that." He grumbled, looking away from her as he tried to calm down, suddenly not as interested in being around her. Maybe he should go try and bring Lindsay up to his suite. Give her a private tour of the facility, show her the ins and outs and then get her sloppy drunk.. "Maybe I'll check the kitchens while you do the band." He suggested, obviously sour now as he practically pouted like a little boy who hadn't gotten his way.

[JULIE BRADY]

When Remy stopped, his eyes glaring and cold, Julie’s smile immediately faded and her brow creased worriedly. “I’m lucky your idiot ex-boyfriend didn’t punch me?” She didn’t like his tone at all and her look became a mix of concern and anger. "What makes you think he would have thrown a successful punch? I'm not some pathetic lightweight who can't stand up for himself Jules.” The anger was bubbling up in her stomach but she also felt her heart clench at the way he said her name. He’d never said it with such contempt and it made her feel sick with panic. "I suppose I'm the only one who's not allowed to call you that." Was he serious? It made perfect sense why she didn’t want him calling her that! There was nothing professional about the name Jules! That being said, she needed to straighten up how she really felt about him calling her that. "Maybe I'll check the kitchens while you do the band." And now he was pouting! He was sulking like a petulant child! She could just imagine him being six years old and doing this because he wasn’t allowed to play out in the rain. If he wanted to act like a six year old, she would treat him like one.

In one swift motion she reached out and grabbed his arm firmly again, tugging just enough that he would get the picture to look at her. She didn’t want to cause a scene so her voice stayed soft but her eyes were ablaze with irritation. “Stop it, Remy!” she all but hissed. “You’re not allowed to call me Jules in front of clients because it’s unprofessional and you know that. Having said that, I actually like it when you call me Jules and it’s just us.” She flushed a little, feeling a little hesitant to admit that. “Which is more than I can say for anyone else. Everyone else who calls me that, I don’t mind that they do. With you I actually like it.” Her eyes flitted away for a moment, letting his arm go as she cleared her throat to try and get the blush out of her cheeks. When she looked at him again, her eyes were scolding once more. “I’m sorry I offended you—I didn’t mean to. I was trying to make a joke, but I guess it was a bad one. That doesn’t mean you get to bite my head off. If you want to pout because my ex-boyfriend is here, fine, but it should be pretty obvious by the way I just split you two up that I’d rather enjoy a night with you than relive high school with him. I’ve moved on and you should probably follow my lead.” Her arms crossed over her chest as she huffed and looked away, gazing at the dance floor. Why on earth would she go back to Dean? She had moved on ages ago and there was a reason they didn’t work out in the first place. She genuinely hoped he was happy with Lindsay now.

When she looked back at him, Remy still looked sour but maybe not quite as much. “Don’t make me kiss you in front of all these people just to prove I like you more. That would be very unprofessional.” The small smile that tugged at her lips showed she was teasing but that she was trying to get him out of his stupid funk. She gave another soft sigh as her arms dropped away from her chest and she let go of her irritation for now. “So are you going to ask me to dance or what? Don’t think I didn’t notice the way you were steering us to the dance floor before Dean interrupted.”

[REMY GRAHAM]

Julie grabbed his arm and he scowled at her. What could she possibly have to add to that? He'd hit it all right on the nose and she knew it. He saw the irritation in her eyes and he returned it with his lips pressed tight together. “Stop it, Remy!” she growled at him and he snorted, trying not to roll his eyes. “You’re not allowed to call me Jules in front of clients because it’s unprofessional and you know that." He did know that, but how many times had she told him not to call her that before their little business relationship started? "Having said that, I actually like it when you call me Jules and it’s just us.” Well that was news. Her cheeks flushed and he knew what she meant when she said she liked it. “Which is more than I can say for anyone else. Everyone else who calls me that, I don’t mind that they do. With you I actually like it.” He felt his chest puff slightly, but all wasn't forgiven yet. He still didn't like that Dean got to say it all so freely. Her arm left his and she looked away momentarily before giving him another hard look. “I’m sorry I offended you—I didn’t mean to. I was trying to make a joke, but I guess it was a bad one. That doesn’t mean you get to bite my head off. If you want to pout because my ex-boyfriend is here, fine, but it should be pretty obvious by the way I just split you two up that I’d rather enjoy a night with you than relive high school with him. I’ve moved on and you should probably follow my lead.” He had moved on, but that didn't mean he didn't feel a little threatened by the loser hanging around boasting about being teacher of the year or whatever bullshit title some idiot gave him. Either way he liked the way she folded her arms over her chest and huffed. It was sexy and cute and he had the sudden urge to drag her to the elevator..

“Don’t make me kiss you in front of all these people just to prove I like you more. That would be very unprofessional.” Her words nearly sealed her fate and Remy had to fight himself not to take her up on her ridiculous offer, reminding himself his mother was afoot. She sighed and he arms dropped from her chest and he was able to see the gently mounds she'd been covering once more “So are you going to ask me to dance or what? Don’t think I didn’t notice the way you were steering us to the dance floor before Dean interrupted.” It's true he'd been doing just that, but dancing with her wasn't the top thing on his mind. "Don't forget we're here to work, Brady." He reminded in a firm tone giving her a hard look. "Work first, dancing later. Your old flame took up some free time. Come on." He turned away, sliding an arm out and encouraging her towards the kitchens with his hand at her back and once she was moving on her own he let go. He led her to the double doors leading into the kitchen are and opened one, ushering her through before letting it swing shut behind her. What he did next wasn't lead her through the kitchens.

Once the door was shut Remy grabbed her arm and hauled her to the utility closet just off to the side of the kitchen entry where the brooms, mops and cleaning agents were kept. He flicked the light on and pushed her inside before shutting the door and turning on her. In one swift motion he had her in there pinned against the wall with his hands cradling her face and his lips mashed tight against hers. It was a deep, passionate kiss and he hungrily explored her mouth, his body pressed just hard enough against hers to not let her move away, not that she was even trying. His hands relaxed, his thumbs placed gently in front of her ears, his hands curled around towards her neck. "Do you have any idea how badly I'd like to fuck you?" He said in a hoarse whisper against her mouth, pulling back enough to look into those crystal clear blue eyes. "I know I'm not suppose to say things like that, but I'm not supposed to do things like this either." He reminded as his lips found hers once more. His hands slid down her shoulders and then her sides until they were on her hips, pulling her gently into him. He groaned and his mouth left hers once more, his forehead leaning to press into hers as he fought his urges. This was bad news..

[JULIE BRADY]

Apparently Remy was still trying to be a hard ass and Julie was about to huff again when he spoke. “Don’t forget we’re here to work, Brady. Work first, dancing later. Your old flame took up some free time. Come on.” She rolled her eyes and then followed his hand’s instruction, trying to ignore how nice it felt pressed into her back. He was ushering her towards the kitchens and she supposed he was serious about the working thing. The guy was such a brat sometimes. Eventually his hand fell away, but he held the door open for her as they made their way back to the kitchens. At least she would get to see Sophia for a second. The door swung shut and she was just about resigned to her fate of actually working when Remy suddenly grabbed her arm. She gasped in surprise, nearly tripping over her dress as he steered her toward a utility closet quickly. What was he doing?! “Hey! What are you--?” She was cut off by suddenly being forced into the dimly lighted closet without so much as an explanation. Why was he putting her in the closet? When she spun around she found he was shutting himself in there with her and her heart jumped into her throat at the hungry look in his eyes. She barely had time to react before he was on her.

He pinned her to a wall with his body, his hands pulling her face closer to his and no sooner had she shut her eyes than she felt his mouth on hers. It was such a hard, deep kiss that she felt her breath being sucked right out of her. With a soft sigh through her nose, she cupped his face too, one hand sliding back into his coal black hair slowly. Her face was flushed as her heart pounded loudly in her chest and her tongue moved smoothly against his. His hands were surprisingly gentle as they rested against her neck, a perfect contrast to the mouth so hungrily exploring hers. How did he make her so weak by just kissing her? She was left panting when he pulled back just enough to look in her half-lidded eyes. "Do you have any idea how badly I'd like to fuck you?” Adrenaline surged through her straight to her groin as she swallowed hard. With how wet just those words got her, it was pretty obvious to her how badly she wanted him to. Her wide-eyed gaze bore into his and she could see the fire burning there. What had she done to deserve such desire from Remy? “I know I’m not supposed to say things like that, but I’m not supposed to do things like this either.” His lips came back to hers and she whimpered at the needy kiss, her hands both curling into his hair. Who cared what they were supposed to do or not supposed to do when this just felt so good?

His hands slid down her body, making her breath hitch again and goosebumps erupt on her arms as she kissed him deeply. Now more than ever she wanted his hands all over her. She hardly cared that they were in a utility closet near the kitchens. His groan vibrated through her leaving her even more breathless and wanting, a whimper escaping her in return. He pulled his lips away, but the feel of his forehead pressed to hers let her know he couldn’t go far. It was obvious to her now how much he wanted her with their bodies so close together. She didn’t want him to hesitate—she was tired of hesitating. Her hands rested on his cheeks as her big eyes looked up into his. “Do you have any idea how badly I want you to?” The feel of her stomach clenching in sheer lust almost made the question stick in her throat, and even though it was softly spoken, she meant it. Her lips found his again in a deep kiss that made her hands grip his hair again and a moan shuddered through her. She pulled back just enough so she could speak panting against his lips one more time. “I want you to fuck me.” Even in her sweet voice the words were dripping with lust. She’d never wanted anything so badly before. Her eyes opened again to his so he would be able to see just how serious she was. There wasn’t even a shred of fear in her eyes.

[REMY GRAHAM]

She lifted his face lightly so his eyes could meet hers, and Remy's throat suddenly felt very dry. “Do you have any idea how badly I want you to?” A soft, whimpering groan rumbled in his throat at her words. Why was she making this so difficult on him? Why had he drug her back there? She kissed him and he wasn't able to deny her or himself, hungrily devouring her lips as he pulled her hips tight to his again, letting her feel what she did to him, quite literally. She pulled back this time, panting and he found he himself was doing the same. “I want you to fuck me.” His stomach and dick both gave a lurch and he groaned loudly. "Jesus, Jules.." He moaned as his mouth came to hers again, pressing her roughly against the wall as his hands took a mind of their own, tugging and pulling at the expensive fabric of her dress, trying to pull it up over her hips, intent on taking her right there, but a part of him made him stop once more. This was all wrong.. Not only because he shouldn't be having relations with her, but because they were in a disgusting utility close off the kitchen. Of course that was part of what made it so exciting, but Remy reminded himself he couldn't be that guy anymore; that guy who screwed random chicks in random places just because he could. Julie wasn't a random chick and if he was going to do this, and that was a big if, he needed to do it properly.

"No." His voice was hoarse and gruff and he let go of her dress, taking a step back and turning away from her. The tent in his pants was more than a little obvious and he would need to excuse himself for a little while somehow before returning to the party out there. He was sure he wouldn't need long to take care of his little problem given the current circumstances and how riled up she'd gotten him. All he'd have to do was think of the way she'd just begged him to fuck her.

"Not in here." He said firmly, turning back on her, his hand sliding over his face while the other sat rigidly on his waist. Just looking at her burned a need in him that he wasn't sure he could satiate. "You.. you need to go back out the party." He told her firmly, his mouth dry once more as he pointed an accusing finger at her, but anger wasn't written on his face. If anything he was pleading with her, giving her control of this entire damn situation. His eyes roamed over her chest and he shook his head, his eyes shutting tight. "We can't do this in here. Not now.. not ever, really." He practically stammered, peaking at her again and licking his lips. He was losing self control and quickly. "Tonight. After the party.." He suggested, his voice sounding almost raw and carnal, filled with need. "Come upstairs. To my room." He said in a soft command though there was a pleading undertone. If she insisted it be now he wasn't sure he could stop her. The service elevator was on the other end of the kitchen and it wouldn't be hard to whisk her away for a private ren de vous, especially since they both had keys to the service elevator.

[JULIE BRADY]

Remy’s loud groan made Julie’s stomach lurch, knowing she’d woken something inside him with her words. “Jesus, Jules…” She loved it when he said her name like that, like he needed her more than air. His mouth on hers made her moan with him, her heart skipping at the way he pressed her into the wall. There was no question about how excited he was, not with the raging boner pressing into her and the way his hands clawed at her dress. She moaned desperately as he attempted to hike her dress up, her face flushed and her heart about to throb out of her chest with excitement. Her knees were barely able to support her with the adrenaline blazing through her veins. Thank God she shaved. When he paused, though, her brow furrowed and she barely had time to wonder why when his mouth pulled away from hers. “No.” She opened her eyes to his worriedly, wondering if she’d done something wrong. He let go of her dress and immediately her loins began to cool once more, panting as she watched him step back and turn away from her. Another hesitation…she didn’t want him to hesitate! She wanted him to take her any god damned way he pleased until they couldn’t anymore!

“Not in here.” With several blinks, she looked around and remembered they were in the utility closet. Oh…right…they probably shouldn’t do it in there. But…did that mean they would do it somewhere else? Her stomach lurched into her throat as she thought about going up to his suite and doing it proper. She swallowed hard at how exciting that thought was. Still trying to catch her breath, she watched him with flushed cheeks and wide blue eyes as his hand ran over his face and he looked at her like a hungry thing. She felt like she was paralyzed with need. “You…you need to go back to the party.” Though his face was firm and his finger accusing, the look on his face looked more desperate than anything. He could lose control so easily with other women—why was it so hard with her? She frowned at his words, afraid he would cast her aside permanently. Judging by the sizeable lump in his pants, it would be easy to convince him otherwise. His eyes wandered lower and she knew he still wanted her and bad. Still he was denying himself. “We can’t do this in here. Not now…not ever, really.” She looked sadly downward, wondering if he would cut them off now. They worked together, and she knew it wasn’t right, but she didn’t care at all for once. She just wanted him.

“Tonight. After the party…” Her eyes lifted to his once more, hopeful again and her heart jumping at the raw, carnal need in his voice. “Come upstairs. To my room.” And now her stomach clenched and she could feel butterflies all the way down into her groin. His room…after all of the times she’d said no to going to his suite for this very reason, she was finally going to give in. She could hardly wait. Part of her wanted to insist they go now, forget about the party, but she wanted plenty of time to savor this. She didn’t want to rush to get back into her dress and look presentable so she could close out the party and manage the cleanup. No, she wanted to take her time with Remy, possibly sneak out around dawn if she was lucky. The thought made her insides squirm with excitement and she nodded. “Okay. After the party.” And so the agreement was made with those simple softly spoken words. She was nervous but even more so excited. The fallout didn’t matter now—she just wanted to get Remy in between the sheets. She was so tired of denying how much she wanted him.

Finally she forced herself to move, pushing off the wall and closing the small space between them again. Without a word she reached up and pulled his face to hers once more. Their lips were hungry, devouring, silently communicating how much they both wanted the night to finish quicker. It would be difficult to leave that closet, particularly when she found herself pressed against the door. One hand rested against his neck, the other gripping at his hair once more as their kisses heated like they’d never pulled apart. This time it was Julie to separate them, however, nudging him back gently and gasping for breath as her nose brushed against his lightly. “I’ll go back to the party.” Another brief kiss made her hesitate. “See you in a few minutes.” One more kiss and she forced herself to vacate the closet before she insisted on going to the service elevator and finding his room.

Outside the closet the air was cooler and she took a moment to fix her hair and her dress, the full body flush cooling while she caught her breath. It was time to face the music again. With a small sigh she made her way to the double doors and walked back into the ballroom casually. Inside she wasn’t nearly as calm and collected—inside she was a quivering mass of lust. It was worse knowing what was taking Remy so long, knowing how much she’d excited him. She was obviously distracted, but she managed to smile and make small talk with people she passed, meandering close to the dance floor. If only she could fast forward the evening.

[REMY GRAHAM]

How many times had remy asked her to his suite? More than he could count on both hands and feet several times over. He was sure she would tell him no, that he had missed the opportunity to have her, but he also knew that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. "Okay. After the party." his groin throbbed with anticipation, looking her over. Was she seriously saying yes? That meant he was going to get laid. Again. This time by the girl he'd been fantasizing about for a decade. Maybe not seriously fantasizing. Screwing her had always been a joke in a way. She was an unattainable goal and he'd long since accepted that, but not anymore.. now she was something he had to have.

With the promise looming in the air, Remy didn't know what to do next. Maybe they should go before they changed their minds. Julie was the one to make the next move, coming at him and closing the gap between them. Her hands slipped to his face and pulled it to hers once more and he had no choice but to oblige her silent command, not that there was anything else he would rather be doing. He had very little problem with her taking the lead, surprisingly. The kiss was as hot and deep as the others had been but maybe a little less desperate. Unease blossomed in his gut knowing what was happening tonight and knowing he shouldn't be doing to her what he intended to, but she was making it harder to resist her with ever second that passed. Where the hell had this Julie been all these years?

Finally she pulled away and Remy simply looked at her, breathing hard from the intense moment they were sharing. How he wanted to tell her to fuck the party and come upstairs now, but his mother would be furious and suspicious at their disappearance and neither was interested in her knowing what was going on. "I'll go back to the party." she said, and in turn he said nothing, accepting her kiss. "See you in a few minutes.". Remy watched her leave and stood in the closet for a long moment, running through the last five minutes and making sure what just happened had actually just happened. They had made real plans to go upstairs and fuck after the party. A quick look at his watch made his stomach sink. Too many hours ahead without her naked body pressed to his. The thought reminded him that he needed to take care of the raging hardon in his pants first.

It was about fifteen minutes before Remy reamerged. He'd needed to take care of business and then go fix his hair since someone had gone and messed it up. It was easy to spot his date, but he decided to wander around first. He got a drink and drained it immediately, getting another to take its place. Then he helped himself to some shrimp cocktail before making his way to Julie. He slid a hand lightly on her shoulder, the fire in his loins burning bright once more. "I'll take that dance now, Ms. Brady." He said softly, looking down into her eyes when she cast them in his direction. "If you've finished your work, that is." He teased with a playful smile, though the temperature between them had turned up since the last time they had been on the dance floor. Dancing would prove to be difficult now, but he was up for the challenge.

[JULIE BRADY]

Julie nibbled on some hors d’oeuvres while she waited for Remy to resurface and the longer he was out of sight, the longer she had to cool her blood. She was still catching her breathe after fifteen minutes, but pretty much back to her businesslike self. There were a few professors she recognized from past years and one got her sucked into a discussion on his research on Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poetry. It wasn’t a long discussion, but it helped her get her mind off Remy and the inevitable events for later on in the evening. She couldn’t believe she’d said yes to going to his suite later on, but she didn’t regret it. That wasn’t to say she wasn’t nervous, though. Every time she happened to let her mind wander during her discussion, her stomach gave a hard clench and reminded her she wasn’t dreaming. She downed a glass of champagne in her time away from Remy which helped her relax a little. Her mind started to wonder how Sophia was going to react to all of this. How was her mom going to react to all of this? No, her mom definitely couldn’t know. Not now, anyway…

She had just placed her empty glass on a server’s empty tray when a hand on her shoulder made her stomach lurch and her head turn quickly. The sight of Remy looking much less disheveled and calmer than before made her heart start to race and her cheeks flush a little. She was going to have sex with him tonight…From the look in his bright blue eyes, it was obvious he hadn’t been quick to forget their plans either. “I’ll take that dance now, Ms. Brady. If you’ve finished your work, that is.” His playful smile made her smile in return and she took a glance around the room in her own playful way. Though she was nervous and the air between them was filled with electricity, it was best to remain as cool as possible on the outside. His mother could come over at any moment and she wanted to avoid showing Remy how much she was spazzing out on the inside. “I suppose I’ve finished my work for now.” Her eyes met his with a flirty tilt of her head and a small smile. “Are your toes ready to be crushed again?” One dancing lesson did not a dancer make and Remy was going to have to ease Julie out of her two left shoes once more. She followed him onto the dance floor while the stringed quartet played an upbeat tune she didn’t recognize and she had to force her heart to calm down again.

His hand didn’t rest at her waist this time, instead finding the small of her back and keeping her closer than the first time they’d danced. Her own rested a little closer to his neck, not nearly as stiff as that first dance, and her hand was relaxed in his. Even with her relaxed body language, though, she could feel the sexual tension between them. Their bodies were close, his lips not terribly far away and she found herself contemplating the feel of his bare skin against hers while she let her eyes drop to his lips momentarily. It felt like this benefit would last an eternity. Why did they have to run so late anyway? When her eyes flitted back to his again, she was sure he was thinking the same thing she was. She hadn’t really been paying attention to the steps before then, but she suddenly stepped on her own skirt which made her trip a little into him. At first she let out a little gasp but then she laughed quietly, readjusting. “You’re distracting.” Her voice was soft but playful as she gave him a flirtatiously accusing look and let him take the lead again.