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Dedication: Thesleepymallow for being the first person to vote on the last update! Thank you!

Recap:

"Really?" I squealed, a little embarrassed how excited I felt to spend some one-on-one time with my best friend.

"Really," he smiled. "Hamburgers?"

"Hamburgers." I agreed.

He got to his feet and I grinned as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

I had missed spending time, outside of school, with Harvey.

Things were looking up and finally, I felt free.

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Grace's Dress:

Hayden:

"So you guys are going on a date night?"

"It's more like, I'm going to an award ceremony for my mum and bringing Hayden along kind of thing," I explain, taking a bite of my salad wrap.

"Is this the part where I'm meant to snap at you and say Friday nights are our nights?" Harvey teases and I roll my eyes at him.

"Get over it already, I had a moment."

"So cute," he grins, poking me in the cheek. "Is it a black-tie event?"

"It is formal," I nod. Pulling my phone out, not bothering to check for teachers, I go into my photo library. "Do you like my dress?"

"Yeah, that looks nice. You'll look good in that."

"Aw thanks," I smile. "Where's Caitlyn?"

"Studying for a test this afternoon. She'll be out at half-time."

I had just finished my wrap when I feel two hands on my shoulders.

"Afternoon," Hayden greets and Harvey looks up at him, giving him a brief wave. "Mind if I steal her for a little bit?"

"I guess not," Harvey replies, getting to his feet. "I'll go see if Caitlyn is finished. Have fun tonight."

I smile at him as he lopes away. Rolling my head back, I peer up at Hayden, who smirks down at me.

"Hi."

"Hi," I reply.

"What are you doing?"

"Not a lot."

"I have something I want to show you."

Quirking my eyebrow curiously, I follow him out of the courtyard and into the hall. He waits until we are in a secluded part, lined against the lockers. Considering it is a warm day, most people are enjoying their lunch out in the sunshine.

Gently pressing on my shoulders, he pushes me so that my back is against the lockers. Instinctively, I flinch, waiting for the cool metal to touch me, momentarily forgetting that I have my blazer on.

"I'm excited for tonight."

"I didn't think dressing up and going to an award show for people you don't even know, would be your thing," I tease with a playful smile.

"You'll be there," he replies simply, making my heart swell.

Slowly, he lowers his head and his lips briefly met mine. I don't think I will ever get sick of kissing him. I love his taste, his scent, the feel as his lips moving expertly with mine as if they are made for each other.

"What did you have to show me?" I ask, a dreamy smile on my face as he steps back, the left corner of his mouth curving upwards.

Sliding his bag off his shoulder, he reaches into it and withdraws a box.

"Little early to be proposing, don't you think?"

"Shut up," he laughs. "Open it."

Biting my lip, I take the jewelry box from him and opened it. A shiny, pearl pendant sits in there, gleaming brightly under the sun up at me. It is stunning.

"Wow," I breathe. "Hayden, this is too much."

"I bought it for my mum before the accident and she never got to wear it. She never goes out anywhere nice so it's just been sitting there. I thought... Maybe... You'd like it? If you don't, it's cool, I'll just-"

Looping my arms around his neck, I crush my lips to his, before hugging him tightly. His hard chest presses against me as I hold him.

"I love it. Thank you," I beam, feeling extremely delighted that he is so thoughtful. If someone showed me this scene a few months ago, I would definitely have laughed, thinking it was a weird joke. "I'll wear it tonight."

He smiles down at me, his dimples appearing. "What time do you want me to come over?"

"5:30? It starts at 6. I'll be ready so we can go straight away."

"Great," he smiles.

Looking back down at the pearl pendant, I lightly trace my finger over it.

Who knew Hayden Cameron could be so sweet?

***

I felt short of breath as I stare at Hayden.

I knew he would look good in a suit but damn he looks hot. My lips part as he leans against the wooden pole on my porch, a lazy smile on his face. His tall frame fitted the tailored suit almost too well. He fiddles with his cuff as he looks up at me, wearing his gorgeous, dimpled smile.

"Wow," I say slowly, admiring him. "You look so good."

He grins slowly. "Thanks. You look really pretty. That dress suits you."

I flick my eyes down to my navy dress, to see the sparkle of the pearl pendent Hayden gave me, resting against my dark skin. It works well with my dress.

"Thank you."

Taking my hand in his, he walks me to his car, opening the door for me.

"How chivalrous of you," I smirk, gathering up my dress before sliding in.

"Gotta' do what you gotta' do."

With Hayden's driving, we got to the hall in a matter of minutes. We enter the hall and my mouth opens in awe, my eyes travelling across the basic, community hall that had been transformed into something far beyond that.

Classic chandeliers hang from the ceiling. Silver and gold lights sparkle from the high roof, the lights running down the walls. The place looks amazing. Whoever designed the layout is very talented.

Seeing a photographer set up, I drag an unwilling Hayden towards it. After getting three photos, a nice one, one of me sticking my tongue, and the other with Hayden kissing my cheek, I was satisfied.

"Grace!"

Turning, a grin lights up my face as I see my mother. She is dressed in an elegant black gown that falls to the floor, capturing her petite, slender frame. She looks absolutely stunning. It is so strange not seeing her in her usual, boring clothes or scrubs.

She wraps her thin arms around me tightly, before giving a Hayden a quick kiss on the cheek.

"I'm so glad you guys could make it."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, mum." I smile, meaning every word. "Where are we sitting?"

"Over there," she points to a table near the back of the room. "But go get something to eat before it starts, otherwise you'll be hungry."

"Yes ma'am," I laugh, she knows me too well.

"I'm going to run to the men's room," Hayden tells me as we both begin to walk to the food table. "I'll meet you back here?"

"Okay."

I grab a plate and pile up food. Feeling eyes on me, I slowly lifted my own, meeting a strikingly dark pair, looking straight at me. I give him a polite, sheepish smile, a little embarrassed at how much food I had squirreled. Realising he was still staring after a few moments later, I look up again.

"Can I help you, sir?"

"I'm sorry," he apologises. "It's just... You look so much like my daughter. It just spun me out a little."

"I must have one of those faces," I reply with a smile, meanwhile I want to scream. I'm sick of being the girl who looks like someone else. It's beyond frustrating. I literally can't escape it, whether it be at school, Hayden's house, and now even an award ceremony for my mother? 

After a few moments, Hayden re-appears by my side. "Oh yum," he says, picking up one of the fruits I put on his plate, before popping it into his mouth.

"Hayden?" the man that has been staring at me, asks in surprise.

Hayden freezes, his eyes latching onto the man. He doesnn't reply as they gaze at each other. I curiously flicker my eyes between the two, waiting for one of them to speak. Apparently, they just want to stare at each other.

"Do you know each other?" I ask, breaking the awkward tension.

"This is Carrie's father," Hayden explains in a low voice, his eyes still not leaving the man's face.

"Oh," I say, gripping my plate a little too tightly. "Small world."

"Oh there you are!" I hear my mum said. "You two have already met! I was trying to find you. Grace, as you probably just worked out, this is Justin, my partner."

The plate slipped from my hands as my mum voices the worst possible news.

My mother is dating Carrie's father.

***

Sitting like a frozen statue throughout the entire award ceremony, I keep replaying the scene over and over again.

Justin. Carrie. My mother.

Why can't I escape this girl?

Hayden has explained that when Carrie moved, she had gone to live with her mum as she and Justin were separated. Great, now he's latched onto my mum. If they get married, I'm going to be stuck being Carrie's step sister...

This could not be any more awkward and I haven't even met the girl yet.

I hardly felt any joy when my mother's name was called for her award. Her speech was well-manicured and professional. I clapped and I smiled but on the inside, I felt numb.

This was all some sick joke, right? Why is this happening to me?

"Are you okay?" Hayden asks for the third time in the last ten minutes. "You haven't said a word all night."

"I just want to get home, honestly," I sigh.

"Let's go then."

"It's not finished."

"So? We're here for your mum and she got her award."

I cock my head to the side. This was true. With a nod, I let Hayden help me up as I gather my dress train in my hand.

I can't see mum to say bye but I'm sure she'll understand.

The trip back is silent. Hayden holds my hand tightly, even after he have parked the car.

"Do you want me to come in?"

"Please," I beg. "I don't want to be alone with my thoughts right now."

He nods, unzipping his seatbelt. As we enter my house, I let out a sigh, glad to be away from everything and back in the comfort of my own home.

"This doesn't change anything with us, does it?"

"Of course not," he replies with a reassuring smile. "I honestly don't give a fuck about Carrie."

"Wow, that's a savage thing to say."

"It's true. You're my only concern." He slides his fingers in between mine. "Come on, let's go upstairs."

I let him lead me to my room. I slide out of my heels, glad that they didn't rub. I place them at the bottom of my closet.

Hayden has removed his suit jacket and lays it on my desk. He leans against it, looking mighty fine as he does.

"Do you want me to stay?"

I nod. I did not want to be alone tonight. That's one thing I hate--being alone and I am all the time.

"Can you unzip me?"

Pushing off the desk, in two strides, he meets me. As he unzips the back of my dress, his fingers delicately ran down my bare back. I suck in a breath of surprise. I grip the dress and step out of it, holding it up to my chest.

"Thanks."

I walk over to my closet and hang it up, feeling Hayden's eyes on me. I've just hooked it around the coat hanger when I feel his warm breath hit the back of my neck.

WARNING: The rest of this chapter contains a sex scene and it begins here. If you do not feel comfortable, please stop reading (you won't miss anything important for the story line). :-)

Goosebumps scatter across my skin as I feel the hair on my arms stand.

Swallowing, I turn, lifting my eyes to meet his. They meet for one brief second, before he shoves me backward, pressing his warm lips to mine. The kiss is hungry and impatient as his lips claim mine in a way no lips have claimed them before.

My heart is hammering as his hands run down my bare skin. The kiss deepens as Hayden effortlessly hooks my legs around his waist. The kiss was maddening--twisting into something passionate, hot, and a little wild. He throws me down onto the bed, pushing himself on top of me, his strong arms caging me in like he is a lion and I am his prey. The kiss we share is almost aggressive as I run my fingers through his hair, the hair twisting around my fingers as I pull.

I arch my back as his lips move from mine and down to my neck, where he performs a series of licks, bites, and sucks, all causing me to gasp, moan and beg for more.

Unclipping my strapless bra with a jerk of his fingers, he tosses it to the side, before palming my exposed breasts with his warm hands. My breath is coming out in short, fast pants as I push myself into him, loving his sensual touch.

I was so distracted by his hands, I hadn't even noticed his lips moved down to my chest. His warm mouth enclosed around my right breast and I let out a whimper as his teeth grazes my sensitive skin. He sucks hard, almost so hard that is is painful. A hot, fiery sensation flares through me, causing my body to yearn for more.

His tongue expertly slithered down my stomach, causing me to suck in. My eyes rolled back into my head as his tongue went lower and lower.

I cried out in pleasure as Hayden continued. My fingers gripped my bed sheets, my toes curling. I threw my head back, unable to control the soft cries leaving my mouth.

I have never felt so vulnerable, so exposed, in my life. I was out of control, my emotions running wild.

My chest is heaving as he moves his mouth back up my body, leaving a soft, wet trail of delicate kisses up my skin.

A growl-like sound emerges from somewhere deep in his throat as he shoves his lips back onto mine. I wrap my legs tighter around his body, addicted to the feeling of his skin against mine.

I began to moan his name over and over again as his mouth moves, exploring my body. When he moves back up to eye level with me, I reach out, touching him. He lets out a hiss as I begin to rub, his muscles tensing.

"Fuck," he groans.

Kissing his lips, his chin, across his jaw and down his neck, all the while unbuttoning his shirt. I slide it off his shoulders, hearing the soft material fall to the ground.

He pushes to his knees and unbuttons his dress pants, before quickly removing them.

A devilish grin spreads across his face as he slides his briefs down his legs. I suck in a breath as I stare at him. The light is dim but I can still make out the outline of his perfectly sculptured body.

Despite the smirk, the gleam in his eyes, the swollen lips... I can see the longing in his eyes. The tenderness. The adoration. I can feel it when he kisses me. I can see it when he looks at me.

At this moment, I feel something I have never felt before.

I think... I'm falling in love with this boy.

The feelings I feel have come on so fast and hard, but it is undeniable. I have well and truly fallen for this boy and I might, possibly, maybe, love him? Am I crazy? A few months ago we hated each other. I couldn't stand him now and, I can hardly go a few minutes without thinking about him. I crave his presence, his touch, his kisses, his hands on my body...

He caresses my thighs, his gentle, yet firm hands bringing me back to the present. He steps back and I hear a packet rip. He looks up at me as if giving me one last out.

I nod at him, telling him I am sure. He lowers himself onto me again and enters. I let out a yelp of a mixture of pain and pleasure. It has been months and months since I had slept with anyone--it is almost like my first time.

I wish this was my first time.

"Okay?" he whispers as he begins to move.

There is a pain but the feel of him against me overrules it.

"Yes," I whisper as he continues to slide in and out.

I cling to him, my nails digging into his back as he begins to move harder and faster. I bite his shoulder to stop my cries as he buries himself in me. My hand slips on his back due to the sweat but I love the feel of it.

The smell of him is intoxicating. It surrounds me. Covers me.

I begin to move my hips to meet his and he groans loudly. I feel something inside my stomach stir and build as he continues. The faster he moves, the faster I feel myself slipping what very little control I am holding onto.

His lips latch onto mine and I can taste the salty sweat as our tongues brush. My nails dig into his skin as I feel a moan building in my throat. I bite his shoulder roughly as he cries out, both of us releasing at the same time.

"Fuck," he groans breathlessly, collapsing on top of me.

"Fuck," I agree, hardly able to catch my breath.

"Grace," he whimpers softly, his fingers tenderly running up and down my arm as if that is all he has the energy for.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for asking me to stay."

I breathe a soft laugh as I close my eyes, my body sagging with exhaustion.

His fingers touch my face and I re-open my eyes. He moves so that his eyes meet mine. I smile at him, before kissing him softly. I place my hand against his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat thumping underneath my touch, his skin hotter than fire.

"I'm glad you're staying, too."

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True to my word, the second update for today! Thoughts on Justin? Carrie? Her mother?

Omg this is my first proper sex scene that I've written lmao. I hope I did okay and didn't disappoint!

The Grayden ship has sailed - who's on board? ;)

SERIOUS QUESTION: Do you like intimate scenes or do you just want their first time to be detailed and not hear details of any other times they sleep together? I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable that's all. :-)

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