DISCLAIMER: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" is copyrighted to Warner Brothers and Mutant Enemy Productions. I retain rights to the plot, but not the characters. This story is meant for enjoyment purposes only. No infringement is intended.

AUTHOR: Katrina

SYNOPSIS: AU: All Human. A heated encounter with cynical stranger, William Saunders, on a winter's night gives sensible, Elizabeth Summers a chance to act out of character and leaves her with memories she'll treasure forever. But then, he unexpectedly reappears in her life and wants to pick up where they left off...


ONE SPECIAL NIGHT

CHAPTER 1 - A Chilly Start

Elizabeth Summers frowned as the clouds that had gathered ominously all afternoon began to shed their heavy load about four hours into her journey back home. Light at first, the flurries of snow soon began to thicken until she'd been forced to slow her car down to a crawl.

Seeing that traffic was bad on the motorway, she chose to take an alternative route along less used roads and was now beginning to regret her decision. Now only an hour from home and with darkness falling, she appeared to be the only one on the road. As the snow began to fall even more thickly, she feared that if anything happened, she'd be stuck until the snowplough arrived and it wasn't a pleasant prospect.

Letting out an annoyed huff, she knew she only had herself to blame for leaving her parents house a few days later than she'd intended. As it was, she'd left her Uncle Rupert at a critical stage in his book and she knew he'd be desperate to get working on it again.

Naturally, when she'd explained this to her parents, they'd shared a wry smile and turned their mystified gazes to her, clearly not comprehending the appeal of returning to her uncle's home. Rupert was her father's elder brother, a confirmed bachelor who was more interested in books and the university he worked for than anything else.

Much as they loved her, she knew her parents just didn't understand her at all and although she thought she was used to it by now, their lack of understanding still managed to hurt. She often thought that they must wonder where on earth she'd come from; their reserved, diminutive daughter who preferred living a quiet life in rural Hertfordshire to travelling around the globe in search of adventure like them.

What they didn't realise was that, after spending most of her youth moving from state to state within America, all she really wanted to do was settle down in one place. Was that really so wrong?

Okay, maybe in this day and age, the fact that a female wanted nothing more than to have a home, a husband and a couple of kids was a little out of the ordinary, but not that weird surely?

She sighed. Maybe her unusual melancholy was because her younger sister, Dawn, had been home this time with her American fiancé, Connor, in tow. Both had been glowing with happiness and so clearly in love that it had made her heart ache, bringing back painful memories.

Once upon a time, she'd thought herself in love with a boy named Parker. It had been her last year of college when they lived in Sunnydale, California. They'd just moved...again...and she was feeling out of place and even more insecure than usual.

So, it shouldn't really have been of any surprise that she fallen so quickly and easily for Parker's charming ways. He was attentive from the first, his adoring interest and loving words reaching out and wrapping her up in their warm embrace until she was certain she'd found, 'The One'. Of course, it had all been a lie and she still remembered the day she'd found out his deception as if it were yesterday.

They'd been kissing in her dorm room and it had become more heated than usual. Feeling his hand slip under her blouse and creep slowly up to her chest, she'd pulled back and asked him to stop. Instead of the usual sheepish smile and apology she'd been expecting, however, Parker had stunned her by losing his temper.

"For Christ's sake Elizabeth! Do you want to be a virgin all your life?" he'd demanded angrily. "I mean, you should consider yourself lucky that I'm willing to overlook the fact that you've got no experience and don't seem to have any idea how to turn a man on or make yourself look anything near attractive."

Her hand had automatically gone to her carefully, but severely, plaited hair self-consciously and she'd swallowed hard past the lump in her throat, desperately holding back her tears.

"Look at you," he'd continued derisively as his eyes had raked over her baggy sweater and jeans contemptuously. "Did you honestly think I'd go to all this trouble because I actually wanted to fuck that frigid body of yours? Like hell! I was just..."

He'd stopped and looked away then leaving Elizabeth in no doubt that there was more to what he was going to say. "You might as well tell me everything because I'm never going to sleep with you, Parker," she'd told him quietly.

And then it had all come tumbling out. How getting her to have sex with him was merely in answer to a challenge from his friends that had quickly turned into a bet. A bet he'd invested heavily in himself, being so sure of his own charms. It had sickened her to hear the things he'd said but she'd mustered what was left of her dignity and reached for her cheque book before calmly asking how much he was owed.

He'd stated an amount and she'd written out a cheque and handed it over to him. He'd snatched it from her grasp and told her that compensating him was the least she could do and if she ever felt the urge to lose her virginal status, he'd be happy to oblige for a similar amount.

Her tears had started as soon as he'd left the room. The shocking realisation that she'd been thinking of engagements and marriage to a man who didn't even have the decency to appear ashamed of his own despicable actions, made her want to heave.

It had shaken her to the core that she was so gullible and she'd shunned any attempts from the opposite sex to get her to date for the rest of the time she was at college. All she wanted to do was get through her final exams in one piece and leave Sunnyhell as far behind as she could.

That's when Rupert had written and explained that he was going to take up a post at Cambridge University and asked if she wished to spend her year out after finals, staying with him and exploring England.

Her parents had been keen for her to spend the year travelling but Elizabeth had grabbed her uncle's offer with both hands, the thought of going to a different country where no-one knew her, appealing.

And so, she'd left and gone to stay at her uncle's old rambling home that stood just outside Cambridge. As time went on, she'd realised that she'd come to love the place and her Uncle Rupert so much that she decided to stay. Surprisingly, her parents had followed her over just a couple of years later and now resided in the Lake District near Windermere. They still travelled regularly and Dawn was definitely a girl after their own hearts, enjoying the thrill of visiting new and exciting places as much as she could.

Shortly after her parents moved, Rupert had started working on writing a book about the Occult and its effect on modern society. Elizabeth had offered to type up his notes and from there on out they'd become a winning combination as she'd surprisingly found that she had a talent in making her uncle's bland notes extremely readable.

At least, that's what her uncle's editor had told her when they'd spoke on the phone only a month before. Liam Connell was a friendly young man who had taken over his father's publishing firm and was determined to improve business. He flattered her non-stop over the phone, even going so far as to requesting that she call him by his nickname, Angel. He'd explained that his mother had called him that as a child and because he liked it, he wanted all his friends to use it, especially when he was positive they would become very good friends when they finally met.

Elizabeth wasn't so sure, but humoured him anyway. There was no way on earth she'd return the compliment, however. Her nickname was awful. Buffy. Just thinking it made her cringe. It sounded far too frivolous for someone as grounded as her and she constantly asked her parents to stop calling her it, but to no avail.

Dawn had started the whole thing off when she was a baby. Unable to pronounce Elizabeth properly, her younger sister had come up with what she, in her toddler mind, considered the nearest thing. Elizabeth's parents had loved it and had taken to calling her it as well. And now, years later, she was stuck with it.

At least her uncle didn't call her it though. He was aware of her dislike and refrained from using anything other than Elizabeth. Thinking about her uncle brought her mind back to the book and Angel. He'd made such an effort to be nice to her; she was sure he thought she might stop helping her uncle and therefore leave him without a finished book. Truth was, she didn't need buttering up. She was thoroughly enjoying her work and often stayed up late to finish up a chapter, especially the one's on the modern day witches, or Wiccan's, as they were more commonly called nowadays. She found those especially fascinating.

A bump in the road brought her out of her musings with a jolt and she blinked a couple of times at the sudden brightness that was directed straight at her. With a gasp, she realised that an oncoming vehicle was heading directly for her and immediately braked as she automatically turned the steering wheel in order to avoid a crash.

With a dawning horror, she felt the car slide and go into a spin before leaving the side of the road and going straight into a ditch. Hitting the bottom, it came to a stop jolting her forward so that she hit her head against the steering wheel. "Ow," she groused, touching her hand delicately to the bump that was now forming. "Just great!"

Unclasping her seatbelt, Elizabeth opened the car door and was immediately buffeted by the wind and snow that was eddying all around. Gripping her coat around herself tighter, she gingerly got out and surveyed the damage to her car. With a sinking feeling, she realised that it was well and truly stuck. Only a tow-truck was going to be able to pull it out now.

With a sigh of resignation, she mentally ran through what supplies she had in her car, thankful that her mother had insisted upon making her a flask of coffee and some sandwiches. Add to that a warm car rug and the fact that the road seemed to be deserted, Elizabeth was faced with the unwelcome reality that she'd have to spend the night in the car.

Just as she was about to open the boot to retrieve the rug, the distant sound of a car engine reached her ears and she turned back to the road. Squinting, she saw twin headlights heading her way and discerned the shape of a large 4 x 4 vehicle in the swirling mass of white. Without thinking, she stepped out into the road, belatedly realising that the sudden sight of her would probably cause the driver to brake and possibly end up in the same predicament as herself.

The driver obviously thought the same and glared at her as he pulled to a halt, mouthing something she was sure was less than complimentary in her direction. He got out and slammed the door then stalked around the front of his car and came to a stop directly in front of her, allowing Elizabeth to get her first good look at the person who, she hoped, would be her saviour.

He was taller than her by a few inches and, from what she could tell under the thick sweater and long leather coat he wore, was of average build. His overlong hair was curly and if the dark rooted, white tipped strands were any indication, growing out of a bleach job. The lower part of his face sported a scraggly beard of more than a few days growth making it impossible to judge his features properly, but if his eyes were anything to go by then he was gorgeous. Bluer than anything she'd ever seen, his eyes felt as if they pierced her through to her very soul and she gave a small, involuntary gasp at the chill that ran up her spine. Dragging her gaze away, she noted that snug black jeans and sturdy boots finished his ensemble, giving him an air of 'bad boy', but to her relieved eyes, he looked like an angel. A scruffy one, but an angel nonetheless and she was certain that, for all his image, he would be helpful.

"Next time you decide to do something as bleedin' brainless as walking out in front of an oncoming car in a soddin' blizzard, I'll bloody run you over!" his deep voice suddenly ground out, the harshness of his tone causing her to wince slightly.

Or maybe not.

 

CHAPTER TWO - Into The Storm

"Just what the bloody hell were you trying to do? Kill us both?" the ticked off man continued accusingly as he wiped the snow from his face and took another step closer to her.

The sudden move into Elizabeth's personal space, made her instinctively step back and she felt irritation flare up at his aggressive attitude. "Now, just a minute…" she began, ready to deliver a scathing retort, but he started speaking again, cutting off whatever she was going to say.

"You youngsters are all the flippin' same…not one lick of common sense within a hundred mile radius!"

Elizabeth stared at him in shock, his comments rendering her momentarily speechless. Just how old did he think she was for heaven's sake?! Despite appearances, she guessed he was around the thirty mark and she was twenty-four…hardly a massive difference.

"I mean, look at what you're wearing for Christ's sake," he said, waving a hand up and down in front of her to gesture her clothes. "Haven't you heard of a coat? You'll freeze in that ridiculous get-up and give the rescue services a nice cold present for their trouble when they waste their valuable resources on an idiot that didn't know when to stay at home."

Elizabeth was fuming. Her coat was still in the car, its padded bulkiness not conducive to driving. When she'd crashed, she'd automatically got out to check on the car. It was a natural thing to do. She was going to put it on before she got back in, but then he'd come along and distracted her. And as for her clothes…she glanced down and frowned slightly…they weren't that bad. Her jeans were soaking, but practical and her sweatshirt was warm and sensible. Okay, so it was borrowed from her sister after she'd run out of clean things and therefore was a little big for her, and yeah, it did have the dubious lettering, "If you're loaded, I'm single," written on the front in sparkly print, but still…

A muttered curse roused her from her self absorption and she looked up to see the man checking around her car and shaking his head.

"There's no way that's coming out without a pick-up," he told her curtly as he walked back over. His features hardened even further as he stared down at her and let out a heavy sigh. "I'm tempted to just leave you here to get a little taste of what happens when you ignore storm warnings but, I have a feeling that if I do tell you stay put, you'll probably just ignore that too and cause some other poor sod to crash." He gave another long-suffering sigh. "So, I suppose you'd better get your stuff and come with me."

The urge to tell him just where he could stick his offer rose in her throat almost immediately and she had to bite her tongue to keep from uttering a sound. Truth was, she didn't relish staying in her car overnight and the opportunity to avoid it was more compelling than her need to argue with the insufferable man in front of her. There would be plenty of time to tell him exactly what she thought of him once he dropped her off at the nearest town. As coldly as she could, she drew herself up to her full five foot three and announced that she would just get some things from her car.

His answer was a derisive snort and a muttering about women and their inability to go anywhere without make-up. Buffy bit back another retort, telling herself that she only had to put up with his company for a short time and then never see him again. Small price to pay for keeping warm and safe.

Turning away, she grabbed her coat and put it on, then retrieved the food and coffee and finally opened the trunk to retrieve the rug. Mentally ticking off that she'd got all the essentials, she then turned around and ploughed her way over to join him by his car, slightly miffed that he hadn't even bothered to offer his help. 'Some gentleman, he is,' she silently fumed as she took in his form leaning nonchalantly against the door, cigarette dangling from the fingers on his left hand.

Yuck! A smoker. Yet another reason to dislike the man.

With a quick flick of his wrist, the half-smoked cigarette flew through the air to land in the snow by her feet, the iced water extinguishing the lit end with a sizzle. As she looked back up at him, she saw him eye the items in her arms with a frown and shake his head, apparently finding more fault. "Typical student. Planning to sleep in the car, were you?"

"Look…" she began, determined to set him straight on that and few other things as well, but he once more disregarded her attempts to speak and introduced himself curtly.

"William Saunders," he said, gesturing to himself. "Friends call me, Spike."

"Mr. Saunders," Elizabeth acknowledged coldly, letting him know that she didn't consider him anything near a friend. Then, for the life of her, she didn't know why, she coolly added, "My name's Buffy."

Ignoring her pointed jibe by talking to him formally, his eyebrows then raised at hearing hers.

"It's a family name," she explained not untruthfully, then bristled in annoyance as she heard his mumbled, "It'd have to be," under his breath as he turned away and yanked open the door to his vehicle.

Turning back, he looked her up and down and then looked back at the height of the passenger door off the ground. The next thing she knew, his hands were on her waist and he was lifting her up. Surprise held her immobile as a riot of sensation hit her all at once. The feel of his hands on her body, the warmth of his breath grazing her cheek, the spicy aroma of whatever aftershave he was wearing, permeating the cold scent of the icy night. Then, as quick as the sensations had hit, they were over leaving her breathless as he dumped her unceremoniously on the seat and took her belongings from her unresisting hands.

Apparently unaware of her inner turmoil, William slammed her door shut, then walked around the front of the car and got into the driver's seat. "Where were you going?" he asked as he started up the engine. "To meet your boyfriend, no doubt. Well, if he's got any sense, he'd have stayed at home. Women." His last comment was uttered with such distaste that Elizabeth was left under no illusion that William Saunders had an extremely low opinion of her sex.

Deciding it was best just to try and ignore the man, Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder into the back and saw that there weren't any rear seats. Instead, there was a large backpack and a rolled up sleeping bag, along with her few possessions. Guessing he was probably into hiking or climbing, she turned back to look out of the front screen noting that the snow seemed to be falling heavier.

Secure in the knowledge that she'd soon be at the next town, she relaxed back into the seat and wondered at how she felt so comfortable with a stranger. Usually men intimidated her, but maybe his apparent aversion to females had encouraged her to let her guard down. She thought it was amusing that he believed she was so young, but found that she rather liked the false image…perhaps that's why she gave him her nickname instead. It somehow completed the whole surreal evening.

With a soft sigh, she felt her eyelids begin to droop and it wasn't long before the rhythmic sound of the wipers combined with the warmth generated from the heaters lulled her into a deep sleep.
Xxxxxxxxxx
William glanced over at the sleeping female next to him then turned his concentration back to the hazardous conditions he was negotiating with a disapproving frown. He knew he'd made a mistake leaving the Pennines later than he'd planned. It was just that with the appointment he had to attend the next day, he knew that it would be his last chance to do some hiking for a while and so he took advantage.

Of course, he was paying for it now by having to pick up that stupid female. He glanced over again. She was such a tiny little thing, so young and innocent looking…well, apart from that ridiculous top and its dubious invite.

Still, women were good at pretending to be something they weren't. His ex-fiancée, Drusilla, had shown him that when he'd found her in bed with another man three days before their wedding day. He'd thought she loved him. She'd certainly acted as if she had. Took him in completely. And when she'd begged and pleaded with him to take her back, he'd been so tempted, God help him…until he found out that she was only interested in his money.

He gave a derisive snort. Buffy's sweatshirt would have been put to better use being worn by Dru. At least it would give other poor unsuspecting sods a less than subtle warning. Not that many men would resist her, they couldn't. She was just too captivating.

His mother, God rest her, had said that twenty-two was far too young to tie himself down anyway and that gold-diggers were the price you had to pay for having money. Well, that was one cost he certainly didn't want to fork out for again, the whole experience had put him off relationships for good.

Oh, there had been women of course, especially at first, but never a committed relationship. No, he'd favoured the no strings attached kind of airhead bimbo's that would give him pleasure when he wanted it and disappear when he didn't. It wasn't a time he was particularly proud of and he'd soon found that his emotionally detached attitude to life was ultimately unfulfilling, not to mention incredibly boring.

So, for the past few years, there'd been no-one as he'd thrown himself whole-heartedly into his work. And he was happy with that.

Until now.

For some reason, the young woman, with the rather doubtful name of Buffy, who was sleeping so trustingly next to him, was uncomfortably reminding him that he was in fact a man and not a monk.

When he'd held her, his hands had fitted around her waist so easily making her seem so fragile. When he picked her up, the scent of vanilla had wafted over him, reaching out and tugging on his senses, enticing him to bring her closer. When her breath had caressed his cheek it had felt like pure silk against his skin and when he'd looked at her, he'd found himself drowning in the greenest eyes he'd ever seen.

Unable to stop himself, he looked over at her once again and briefly wondered if he'd actually imagined the colour. At that same moment, the road dipped suddenly for a few hundred yards onto a stretch of road that was exposed to the full force of the blizzard. He immediately turned his attention back to the road when he felt the car lurch, but it was too late…the vehicle was already ploughing into a seven foot drift of snow.

TBC IN CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER THREE - Starting To Melt

Elizabeth awoke in time to hear William's savage curse and feel the car coming to a jarring stop. Blinking sleepily, she took in their predicament and slowly sat up. "Can we dig our way out?" she asked, turning to look at him.

William gave her a sharp, disbelieving look. Was she serious? The women he knew would rather die of exposure than risk breaking a nail. "I think I'll try reversing first," he said, reaching out to restart the car.

"I don't think it's worth it," Elizabeth replied matter-of-factly. "If it’s like this here, the road will be blocked further down near the river anyway. It's always the first place that gets flooded or clogged-up when the bad weather hits."

William gave her another assessing look but, recalling the stretch of road she was talking about, he had to agree. "Looks like we're stuck then," he muttered unhappily, internally cursing himself for leaving late again. If he hadn't been having doubts about that interview for a new job tomorrow…

Damn it! Now he was going to have to spend the night with an idiotic female that smelled good enough to eat. Vanilla always was one of his favourite scents and in the close confines of the car; Buffy was practically making his mouth water. He let his eyes drop down to her mouth and wondered if she'd taste as good as she smelled.

"Maybe we should get out and make sure we can't dig our way out," Elizabeth suddenly suggested, breaking into his musings.

Grabbing the excuse like a lifeline, William reached over for his door handle and gave it a tug. He was letting his mind wander to things it shouldn't. A few minutes outside in the freezing cold were just the ticket to douse the growing, rather painful, interest he was having in Buffy. "You stay here, I'll go. Not worth both of us getting soaked."

Elizabeth was about to point out that she already was soaked, but he'd opened the door and jumped out before she could even utter the first word. "Fine, go get yourself totally wet and catch your death of cold," she muttered irately as she watched he stand outside. "Probably don’t think I could check it over as good as you anyway, me being female and all."

Outside, William drew in a deep breath and released it slowly, feeling some of the tension leave his body. The snow fell steadily down all around him and he tilted his head back to let it cover his face. "Better than a cold shower," he muttered grimly then took another deep, bracing breath. Finally feeling a lot more relaxed in all regions of his person; he then began to check the car.

Inside the vehicle, time ticked on and Elizabeth had to begrudgingly give him credit. She didn't think she would have stayed outside as long as William, nor been so thorough. She watched him make his way back to the driver's door and gasped at the rush of cold air that came in when it opened abruptly.

"We can't dig her out," he confirmed as he brushed the worst of the snow from his duster and jeans before getting back into the car. "Looks like we're stuck for the night."

"Probably," Elizabeth agreed with a nod. "The snowplough will come through tomorrow morning though. It's just a shame we can't at least get the car over to the side of the road so that it would be able to get through better."

"Yeah," William commented as he gave her a considering look. Perhaps she wasn't so stupid after all. There certainly wasn't any sign of panic emanating from her slim frame.

Beside him, Elizabeth was oblivious to his perusal as she mentally sorted through the supplies they had. At the same time, she tried to remember the many rules of survival that her parents had ceaselessly drummed into her from an early age when they expected her to follow in their adventurous footsteps. Unfortunately, the one that kept rising persistently to the surface was the one that she kept desperately trying to push back down.

Body heat was the best way to stop hypothermia.

Glancing over her shoulder, her gaze fixed on the sleeping bag and felt her stomach give a nervous roll. At some point tonight, she was going to have to suggest that they share the bag and it frightened that hell out of her. Turning back, she shifted uncomfortably in her wet jeans. She really wanted to take them off and wrap the rug around her legs but she couldn't even pluck up the courage to do that.

As if reading her mind, William suddenly said, "You'd best get out of those jeans before you catch pneumonia. You can borrow a pair of mine to wear while they dry."

Elizabeth found her eyes drawn to his legs at his suggestion and couldn't help but feel a little flushed at the thought of wearing something that had been in close contact with his skin. "Uh, thanks, but I'll just use the rug. No problem."

"You can't, we'll both need that later," William replied, looking away as her startled gaze flew to his face. "Look, I don’t like this any more than you do, trust me, but very soon, the temperature is going to drop…fast…and we need to conserve as much body heat as we can…in any way we can." He paused and glanced at his watch, wondering how to say what he had to next and decided the direct approach was best. "Nine o'clock. It's a little early to think about going to sleep but under the circumstances…" He trailed off and cleared his throat slightly before adding, "I have a sleeping bag in the back that's large enough for both of us. We'll use that and the rug."

Even though Elizabeth knew they had no choice and she'd been considering saying the exact same thing herself, the fact that he'd said it first brought an automatic protest to her lips. "But, I can't…"

"Look luv," William suddenly interrupted with barely contained ire. "This isn't some kind of sexual come-on, if that's what you're thinking. I'd be saying the exact same thing if you were a bloke and, trust me, if I had a choice between sharing that sleeping bag with a man, a woman or a dog right now, I'd choose the dog…every time."

"Gee, thanks," she murmured sarcastically as she turned her head to stare blankly out of the window. 'And hello, Parker the second,' she added to herself unhappily, stung by his comment. God, just how many more men were going to tell her she was unattractive in the most cutting and hurtful way possible?

Beside her, William took a deep breath and tried to calm down. What was it with this female that made him act like this? He shook his head and risked a glance in her direction. The answer was simple. He was attracted to her…more than attracted. And it scared the life out of him. But at least it explained why he’d got so annoyed when she'd begun to object to sharing the bag. Explained a lot of his reactions tonight. It was a defence mechanism, pure and simple. That, and the fact that she didn’t seem to be at all interested in him. Not that he wanted her to interested of course. Far too young.

But still…

It hurt.

And, honestly, did she really think that he'd take advantage of her in such a cold and unromantic setting?

Unbidden, he conjured up an image of her lying on a bed of silken sheets, her tousled hair fanned out across a soft pillow, those amazing green eyes slightly glazed with passion, soft pout on her luscious lips…

'Stop it!' he told himself firmly as the image rapidly restored his erection to its previous, painfully hard, state in a matter of seconds. Great. Shifting in his seat, he covered his discomfiture by taking his irritation out on the object of his imagination.

Again.

"If you want to catch your death of cold, then by all means, sit out here all night long. I'm getting in the back," he told her gruffly.

Tearing her eyes away from the falling snow, Elizabeth fixed her gaze on him and slowly shook her head. She was already getting cold and knew what he'd suggested was the right thing to do. "No, I'll sleep in the bag." She swallowed hard. "With you. My father used to be a volunteer for a mountain rescue group in America and he'd be the first to agree with everything you've said."

William stared at her in amazement. "Your father?" he repeated, dubiously. "If that's true then what in the hell was he doing letting you go driving about in weather like this in the first place?"

"Let me?" Elizabeth retorted with a snort. "I'm an adult, not a child, Mr. Saunders. I make my own decisions."

It was William's turn to snort this time. "An adult?" he scoffed, looking her up and down. "What are you…seventeen? Eighteen?"

"Actually," Elizabeth said with a small smile. "I'm twenty-four."

Twenty-four! William was shocked. It must be because she was so tiny that she looked so much younger. His eyes tracked over her face. A woman and not a girl as he'd thought…and not so innocent either, even if her eyes did look unawakened and unaware.

Gathering his scattered thoughts together, he pursed his lips and chose his next words carefully. "Well then, seeing as you're older than I thought and you're dad's a ex-mountain rescue man, I'm thinking that it won't come as a surprise when I say that body heat works best if there's no clothes getting in the way."

While he'd been digesting the fact that she was an adult, Elizabeth had been watching the play of emotions on his face and found her eyes drawn to his mouth. It was actually a very nice mouth; under that beard; with a full lower lip that her wondering what it'd feel like to run her finger along. She was so caught up in her musings that it took a couple of seconds for what he'd said to sink in. "Huh? You want me naked?"

The moment the words were out, Elizabeth flushed scarlet and slapped her hand over her mouth as her eyes widened in mortification.

William's response was a raised eyebrow and small quirk of his lips. "Now there's a leading question," he replied, amusement warming the cold look in his eyes for the first time since she'd met him. "And as much as I'm tempted to say yes, I think leaving your underwear on would be a good idea in this case." He paused, smile widening slightly as he added, "Unless you don't want to, of course?

Elizabeth let her hand fall from her mouth and vigorously shook her head at his hopeful expression.

William sighed. "Pity," he said then glanced at her and away with an almost embarrassed look. "I'm afraid I won't be able to be so accommodating. Unfortunately, I stayed a couple of days longer than I anticipated and…" He trailed off and looked back at her, shrugging awkwardly.

The realisation of what he was trying to say, hit her like a freight train. He wasn't wearing anything under his jeans. Automatically, her eyes flew to his crotch and felt the heat invading her cheeks with renewed vigour.

God, even the most innocent touch of his hands on her waist when he'd lifted her had sparked more reaction out of her than she'd ever known before. How on earth was she going to survive lying next to him the in the close confines of a sleeping bag? And nearly naked at that?

A slight cough had her remember that she was still staring at his lap and she hurriedly jerked her gaze away, deciding that the heat suffusing her face was now a permanent fixture. Maybe she wouldn't need to share the bag after all. She certainly was generating enough heat on her own.

William watched her mounting embarrassment with growing amusement until he saw her give an involuntary shiver. Immediately, his mirth died and was replaced with a frown. "You're freezing, luv," he commented as he began manoeuvring himself between the seats and into the back. "I'll get some coffee and you get out of those wet jeans. While you're drinking, I can sort out the sleeping bag and then we can get some sleep."

Elizabeth wanted to object but, in truth, her legs were starting to go numb from the cold and she couldn't put it off any longer. The temperature was already starting to drop at a frightening pace and she suppressed another shiver before slumping down in the seat in order to make the removal of her jeans slightly easier. With trembling hands, she fumbled with the button before pulling down the zip and struggled out of the wet material.

Letting them drop into a soggy heap on the floor, she, for once, found herself extremely grateful of the fact that her younger sister was taller than her. The sweatshirt she’d borrowed fell to mid-thigh, allowing her to keep some of her modesty in tact. Especially since the underwear she had on was a brief, lacy set that could be considered provocative despite the fact that she’d never intended anyone else to see it.

“Coffee?” came the stark voice from the rear of the vehicle. The next minute a steaming plastic cup was shoved under her nose and the rich aroma of its contents was filling her nostrils.

“Thanks,” she said, taking the cup and blowing gently across the top in order to cool the black liquid down somewhat.

“Better hurry up and drink that. It’s getting colder and you need to get warmed up,” William informed her as he grabbed the sleeping bag and pulled its cover off. He busied himself unrolling the bag and checking the zipper, then grabbed the rug and laid it on the floor before placing the bag on top of one half and folding the other over the top of the bag, thus adding extra warmth.

That done, he slipped his duster off and laid that on top to provide another layer then looked up at Elizabeth. “You done?” he asked.

Elizabeth looked over her shoulder and nodded. Turning so that she could squeeze through the front seats and into the back, she didn’t realise that the sweatshirt got trapped beneath her body causing the back to ride up.

As William watched her try to get in the back, he glanced up at the rear-view mirror and was treated to the glorious sight of Elizabeth’s backside as she wriggled through the gap. Seeing that the scrap of material she wore revealed more than it hid, his breath caught in his throat almost causing him to choke as he desperately tried to tear his eyes away from the erotic view.

“I think I’m stuck,” Elizabeth announced.

He watched as she wriggled about a bit more and swallowed hard as her motions were accompanied by breathless little grunts and moans as she valiantly attempted to pull herself through. God, she was killing him without even knowing it!

“Could you give me a hand?” she asked, looking up at him through the curtain of her hair that had fallen in front of her eyes.

With Herculean effort, he forced down the urge to ask where exactly she wanted his hand and finally managed to look away from the mirror. Once the mesmerising sight was gone from his direct gaze, self-loathing rose within him like a tidal wave at taking advantage of Buffy like that. Anger at his lack of self-discipline had him reach over and grab her roughly by the arms then haul her none too gently over the seats and all but drop her onto the car floor.

“Oh!” she exclaimed at the sudden manhandling that left her bruised and breathless and in no doubt of how much he disliked her. She had thought they’d been getting on better but by the way he’d moved over to the far side of the car after he’d dropped her and was now tugging his boots off in angry, jerky movements, she knew she’d been wrong.

William threw his boots down by the rear tailgate and ignored the way Elizabeth flinched as the loud noise reverberated around the silent car. His socks followed the boots and then he got to his knees and pulled his sweater off in one fluid tug. His T-shirt came next and it wasn’t until his hands went to his jeans that he looked up to see Elizabeth staring at him in rapt attention.

“You going to get that top off and get in now or you waiting for the free show first?” he asked indifferently as he yanked open the button on the denim.

Elizabeth jumped at the sound of his voice and raised embarrassed eyes to his face. She hadn’t meant to stare but once she’d started she just couldn’t seem to stop. Who knew that underneath all that clothing his body was just so…so…yummy?

Lean with well-defined abdominal and pectoral muscles, not to mention surprisingly muscular arms, that all rippled and flexed sinuously under his smooth pale skin in perfect harmony whenever he moved. She never knew that the male body could be so beautiful.

“Opting for the free show, eh?” William pressed when Elizabeth made no effort to answer him. “Alright then.”

The sight of his hand moving to his zipper was enough to rouse Elizabeth from her trance and she let out a small ‘eep’ before sliding into the bag and removing her top under the cover. After placing the sweatshirt by the side of the sleeping bag, she turned on her side so that her back faced the centre and automatically tensed up as she waited for him to join her.

Not wanting to lose anymore body heat, William quickly divested himself of his jeans and lifted the end of the sleeping so that he could get in. Determinedly ignoring the slim back that was revealed to him, he slipped his legs in then turned on his side and slithered the rest of the way into the bag. Needless to say, even though he was cautious, he couldn’t get in without coming into some contact with Elizabeth and each brief touch sent a flame of desire straight to his throbbing cock. Knowing he was in for a long night, William angrily wrenched the zip of the sleeping bag up and cursed himself for suggesting the stupid idea of sharing in the first place.

TBC IN CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4 - The Big Thaw

Elizabeth lay still as she listened to William pull the zip of the sleeping bag up, encasing them both in a cocoon-like state. The inevitable touch of his body brushing against hers as he'd got in had sent shockwave upon shockwave of sensation shooting through her entire body, causing arousal so swift it almost took her breath away. Even Parker at his most coaxing had never made her react with the sudden spurt of awareness that William unknowingly inspired.

Rigid with tension, she found herself scared to go to sleep in case she gave in to the lustful impulses that suddenly arose within her at his close proximity. She, who had never felt the urge to make a pass at any man in her entire life, was now struggling to control herself.

Where had these feelings come from? The man was arrogant and rude and yet his briefest of touches had her wanting to reach out and run her fingers over his firm chest and ridged abs while planting soft kisses along that strong, male throat…

"For Christ's sake, relax, woman! I'm not going to touch you!" William suddenly snapped, interrupting her mental wanderings.

Swallowing hard, Elizabeth silently acknowledged his words believing them to be true and at the same time wished she could honestly say the same thing in return. Instead, she opted to remain silent in the vague hope that he would just assume she was asleep.

Next to her William let out a soft groan and told himself that the discomfort he was feeling wasn't because he daren't breathe for fear of accidentally coming into contact with Buffy's soft skin again. The tension that emanated from the slim body behind him was palpable and he mentally cursed himself for being the reason.

Dear God but he hoped she hadn't seen the way he'd ogled her backside in the mirror. Naturally, as soon as he'd thought about it, the image of her rounded behind and barely there covering flashed brightly into his mind causing him to let out another muffled moan. Closing his eyes, he let fantasy take over and pictured himself reaching out, grabbing her hips and pulling her back towards him onto his hard…

'No! Stop this!' he commanded himself as he opened his eyes and stared blankly at the wheel arch of his car. This was ridiculous. He shouldn’t be harbouring these kind of thoughts about a complete stranger who'd probably had a string of lovers and made it more than clear that she had no desire to include him in their number.

He couldn't even blame her for his predicament either. She'd done nothing to lead him on…this was all him. All his overactive imagination and raging libido. He just prayed he didn't turn over in his sleep and put his fantasies into action.

Half an hour later and no closer to subduing his unruly body, which was beginning to chafe rather uncomfortably against the rough nylon of the bag, he knew what he had to do.

Elizabeth felt him move and tensed before realising that he was attempting to get up. "Where are you going?" she automatically queried, concerned that she'd somehow conveyed her feelings to him even though she'd been so, so careful not to touch him.

William stilled. He'd thought she was asleep. "I thought I'd stay awake in case the snowplough came along," he lied smoothly. "Like you said earlier, we can't move out of the way and I don't really want us getting hit."

Elizabeth frowned as she listened to him speak. He was lying. "You and I both know that the plough won’t come out this late at night, especially when it's still snowing," she challenged quietly.

Silence followed her statement and William warred with himself internally before expelling a long breath. "Alright, I lied," he admitted reluctantly and then warned more harshly, "but you won't like the truth so just leave it."

He started to move again and Elizabeth turned slightly onto her back then looked over her shoulder at him. "It's still snowing, you'll freeze if you get out."

"And if I stay one more minute then I won't be able to keep my hands of you, alright?!" he retorted savagely as turned slightly onto his stomach then propped himself up on his elbow and looked back at her. "Happy now?"

Elizabeth reddened and stared at him in shock. "You don't mean that," she whispered, sounding dazed.

"I shouldn't, but it's the truth and that's what you wanted wasn't it?" he goaded, seemingly unable to stop himself now he'd started. "I want you. I want you in my arms, under my body. I want to touch every inch of your skin…taste it. I want to know what it feels like to shag you senseless until both neither you or I can walk and then…I want to feel it all over again!" He paused then his face twisted into one of self-loathing as he took in her shocked features.

Great, now he'd frightened the chit. He hadn't meant to say all that, it'd just come tumbling out before he could flick his internal 'verbal diarrhoea' switch to the off position. What a git.

Looking away, he shook his head. "Trust me, I know what you're thinking and right at this minute you can't despise me anymore than I already do myself."

Obviously he wasn't a good a mind reader as he'd thought because far from being horrified by his blunt admission as she'd expected, Elizabeth found herself extremely turned on. Heat suffused her entire form and her breasts tingled where they strained against the lace of her bra. Between her legs, a fresh rush of liquid escaped making her panties wetter than she'd ever thought possible and her breathing had become surprisingly laboured.

This was wrong. She shouldn't be feeling this way about someone she'd just met. Not her. This wasn't who she was. It had to stop. Now. And she was going to tell him just that.

So why, when she opened her mouth to tell him to go, did she actually ask in a ridiculously hopeful tone, "Do you really want to make love to me?"

Face still averted, William was silent for a while, unsure of where she was going with the question but knowing that he couldn't really deny it after giving her such a detailed description of what he wanted to do. "Yes, why?" he finally answered, dispassionately.

Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth closed her eyes briefly before opening them again and tried not to think of the enormity of what she was about to say as she announced more calmly than she felt, "I feel the same way. I want to make love to you too."

There. She'd said it. Her need was voiced and now she'd opened herself up for his acceptance or rejection. She couldn't for the life of her understand why she felt this urgency for William, all she knew was that she'd responded to something within him that had struck an answering chord in her.

William was stunned. Was she joking or did she mean it? She'd certainly not shown any indication of being interested in him before now, his brain reminded him, but his body was refusing to listen. The desire he'd been struggling to control suddenly snapped and with a muttered oath, he turned over.

Elizabeth heard him mutter something under his breath then felt him move and automatically prepared herself for a rebuff. Instead of a harsh rejection, though, she felt his hand grabbing her shoulder and then she was lying on her back looking up into his taut features.

"We shouldn't be doing this," he told her as his gaze dropped to her mouth.

"I know," she replied as his arm came around her waist to pull her gently to him.

"If you want to change your mind…" he said quietly, offering her the chance to back out but at the same time desperately hoping she wouldn't as he leaned in closer so that their lips almost touched.

Common sense told her that she should grab the chance to hold back with both hands but even that wasn't enough to temper the overpowering need she had for this man. "No. I don't want to change my mind," she whispered, running her hand lightly up his arm.

It was all the assurance he needed before closing the remaining distance between their mouths and pressing his lips to hers in an exploratory caress. Soft and slow, he traced the shape of her mouth, his gentle, almost hesitant touch arousing a dizzying spurt of pleasure and need that affected both of them. His desire to feel more of her had him roll forward until he was half lying on top of her, one leg instinctively moving and coming to rest in-between hers.

"William," she groaned against his mouth as a fresh wave of sensation ran through her at the intimate contact, "I want you."

And then he was kissing her harder, urging her lips apart with his tongue as his hands moved up to cradle her head. His fingers slid into her hair and clutched at the silky strands holding her still, demanding a response that she was more than willing to give.

As their tongues met and duelled, she ran her fingers slowly down his back causing him to tense and groan into her mouth. Breaking away, Elizabeth gasped for air and then gasped again as William began to plant soft kisses along her jaw line to her earlobe, biting down on it gently.

Sensations she never knew coiled through her stomach and swelled the soft curve of her breasts, compelling her to move with instinctive enticement against William's body, silently begging him to remove the final barriers left between them.

"William, please," she pleaded, barely recognising the needy, breathless tone of her own voice. Dimly, she wondered where this side of her personality had been hiding for her entire life. The Elizabeth she knew, certainly wouldn't be begging a stranger to take off her underwear so that she could experience the touch of his hands and mouth on her body in the same way she wanted to explore his.

"Please, what?" William asked as his hand swept her hair back to expose her throat to the hungry assault of his mouth before drifting down to enclose around one full, lace clad breast.

Elizabeth drew in a sharp breath as he squeezed lightly then eagerly arched into his hand so that he repeated the caress more firmly.

"Clothes…off…" she managed to get out through shallow pants of desire and then let out a small whimper at the loss of his touch when he removed his hand from her chest.

"Shhh," he whispered soothingly. "No need to hurry, pet, we've got all night." Trailing a finger up her arm, he hooked it under her bra strap then slowly pulled it down her arm until the breast he'd been caressing was revealed to his avid gaze. "Beautiful," he murmured before dipping his head and running his tongue around the tender nub. Light at first and then firmer until he took her aching nipple into his mouth and began sucking rhythmically.

Elizabeth moaned and arched under his touch. Reaching up, she clasped the back of his head and pulled him closer, trying to force more of her breast into his mouth but he held her still and began flicking his tongue back and forth over her nipple, each stroke sending a jolt of pleasure straight to her core.

Pulling down the other strap, he kissed his way over to her other, newly exposed breast and lavished it with the same attention.

Elizabeth felt like her entire body was on fire as she writhed and groaned beneath him, grinding herself against his leg in a vain attempt to relieve the tension that was building between her thighs.

On reflex, William began to rock back against her as he gave her nipple one last lick before releasing it and moving back up to reclaim Elizabeth's mouth for a searing kiss. Reaching behind her back, he deftly undid her bra, then tossed it aside and broke the kiss off to stare down at her, panting harshly as he stilled.

The snow outside lightened the night and interior of the car sufficiently enough that William could discern Elizabeth's face quite easily. Her tousled hair was fanned out in a kind of halo around her head and her eyes were filled with a hungry passion. Lips, swollen from their kisses, were parted slightly as she tried to control the laboured breathing that had her chest rising and falling at a rapid rate.

"Bloody hell, you're gorgeous," he told her fervently. She smiled in response and his breath hitched slightly, a warm feeling spreading through his limbs at the sight.

Keeping his eyes locked with hers, he trailed his hand slowly down over the curves of her body until he reached the soft material of her panties. Easing his leg away, he peeled her underwear down and she brought her legs up in assistance. Once bare, she straightened her legs and he brought his hand back to her belly then moved it down until it came into contact with the silky curls that protected her sex. As he gently started to stroke, he saw her eyes widen and lips draw further apart on a gasp. Enjoying her reaction, he slid his fingers down further and gently cupped her mound before using his forefinger to lightly run along the slick folds of her nether lips.

"God, you're so wet," he groaned, applying more pressure. This time, her reaction was to let out a soft whimper and buck against his hand slightly as her eyes fluttered shut. The movement of her hips was just enough that his probing finger slipped easily inside causing them both to gasp at the new sensation. God she felt incredible…so hot…so tight. She bucked again and William began to move his finger in and out, maintaining a steady rhythm as he leaned down and ran his tongue over her nearest nipple.

"Yes," she urged on a thready moan, bringing her hands up to hold him there. Needing no further encouragement, he opened his mouth and began to suck in time with the pumping motion of his hand.

Elizabeth didn't know what hit her; there were so many sensations all at once. His hot, wet mouth on her breast, the rasp of his beard on her tender skin, his talented finger…no…wait…make that fingers now and…oh God…his thumb. His thumb was doing the most delicious things to her most sensitive spot…rubbing it lightly…and then harder…harder…

Everything was building as she moaned and panted and clutched at him, getting closer and closer, until…"Oh God! William!" Her body stiffened and arched beneath him as her orgasm surged through her at a frightening pace. William placed a chaste kiss on her breast and then one on her lips as he slowed his movements, gently bringing her down until she lay languid in his arms.

"Wow," she breathed, staring at him with dazed eyes and a dreamy smile that made his heart stutter momentarily before resuming its beat at a quicker pace.

William smiled back then leaned back in to give her a soft, lingering kiss as he gently removed his hand from her panties. Elizabeth responded then pulled away and gently pushed back against his chest. William looked down at her with a slight frown but she simply smiled and urged him to lie on his back.

“I want to…” she paused. How did you tell a man that wanted to love him? If there were words, she didn’t know them. Deciding that actions spoke louder anyway, she leaned forward and began planting light, barely there kisses on his chest. Under her mouth, his skin felt smooth and cool but hard. Working her way over to his nipple, she flicked her tongue over it as he’d done to her and was delighted to hear the soft groan that he elicited.

Wanting to hear it again, she tongued him more firmly and was rewarded with a louder moan. Bringing her teeth into play, she gently nipped and scraped at his hardened nub and listened with growing confidence to his sharp intake of breath that he let out on a long hiss. After paying his other nipple the same attention, she began kissing her way down his toned abdomen.

Being of smaller stature, she slipped easily under the cover of the sleeping bag and only came to a stop when she reached his engorged cock. Once there, she hesitated for a moment no sure what to do, but the desire to please him as he had her quickly became too strong to resist and she reached out a hand then took him in a firm grip.

William tensed at her first tentative touch and then groaned as the heat of her mouth slowly descended along the length of his manhood. “Christ, Buffy!” he gasped as he pushed his hand into her hair to lightly grasp her head and gently urge her on. “That feels so good, baby.”

Elizabeth froze at the sound of her name. Buffy. She’d forgotten about that. Was that why she was acting like this? Because she could pretend she was someone else? Would William have wanted her if she’d been plain old Elizabeth? A rose by any other name…

His gentle urging brought her back to the task at hand…or mouth…and she determinedly swept away the troublesome thoughts. It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered except giving this man as much pleasure as he’d given her.

William couldn’t believe his luck. Buffy was amazing. She was so giving he almost felt as if she were worshipping his body. And she licked and sucked and made all these small noises that left him in no doubt that she was enjoying this as much as he.

Heat began to lap up his body as he felt the familiar tightening that announced the onset of release. “Buffy, luv, you have to stop,” he told her harshly as he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her back up to face him.

“What?” she asked in confusion as he rolled her over onto her back.

“When it happens, I want to be inside you…I want to see your face,” he murmured hotly. Urging her legs apart with a gentle hand, he moved and settled himself between her thighs then stilled. “Are you still sure you want this? Me?”

Elizabeth swallowed hard at the look of desire and tenderness on his features and nodded her head as she whispered, “Yes, William, I’m sure.”

She never knew what it cost William to ask her that nor how relieved he was at her reply. With a soft smile, he positioned himself at her entrance and then slowly began to ease himself in.

Even though she was ready, Elizabeth still felt the small dart of fear of initial possession and automatically tensed. William immediately stopped and whispered for her to relax. She tried but knew it would be impossible. Her body had never known such an invasion and it needed time to adjust. Time, that a sexually active person wouldn’t have needed quite so much of. She knew she should tell him that she was still a virgin but gut feeling told her that William wouldn’t continue if he knew…and more than anything in the world right now, she wanted him to continue.

There was only one thing for it.

Moving her hands down his body, she cupped his backside then tilted her head back. “Kiss me,” she ordered softly. As their lips met, Elizabeth gripped his ass cheeks firmly and pulled as she simultaneously surged her hips up.

“Bloody hell!” William swore as he tore away from their kiss, breathing hard. He was completely sheathed within her and he’d never known heat like it. “You’re so tight,” he gasped as he slowly began to move his hips back and forth. “Never felt anything like it…so good, Buffy.”

Beneath him, Elizabeth struggled to control her own sharp breaths as the pain of losing her virginity gradually faded away to be replaced by the ever mounting pleasure of his slow movements. Instinctively, she began to move with him, urging him to go faster…deeper…harder…

His head dropped to her neck as his strokes picked up momentum and he continued to tell her just how good she felt surrounding him…how hot and wet she was…how responsive…

“You feel good too,” Elizabeth gasped in return. “I never knew it could be like this.”

William groaned and began to plunge into her harder, her words inflaming his passion to new heights. Elizabeth moved one hand up his back and tightened her hold, revelling in the feel of his muscles contracting with every thrust of his hips. In the pit of her stomach, she could feel the building sensation begin to unfurl as she strived for completion.

As if knowing exactly what she needed, William changed the angle of his hips slightly so that he hit her sweet spot on every down stroke. Lifting his head from her throat, he began to verbally urge her on; telling her to let go, to let it happen, that he’ll be there to catch her fall, that she the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen and when she finally came with a shout of his name, he was watching her just like he wanted.

Then, moments later, he reached his own shuddering climax and his call merged with hers as he emptied himself deep inside her welcoming body.

As they came down from their high, Elizabeth wrapped her arms tightly around William’s heavily breathing body, relishing the weight of him pinning her down. It had been wonderful…he had been wonderful. She felt as if she should say something, but her body was now as greedy for sleep as it had been for completion. Driving for hours in the snow, lack of food and then all the emotional tension between them had taken its toll and she could feel her eyes drooping even though she valiantly tried to keep awake.

When his breathing was more or less back to normal, William eased back slightly and reluctantly allowed himself to slip out of her before rolling them onto their sides. One look at the woman beside him told him she was asleep and he let out a heavy sigh. Wasn’t that the man’s thing?

Sliding onto his back, he arranged her against his side and she muttered something in her sleep before snuggling closer. Looking down at her, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face then placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Wrapping his arms around Elizabeth, he stared at the ceiling of his vehicle wondering why this unexpected encounter had happened. Why he’d felt this fierce desire and urgent need for a woman he’d never met before and yet…somehow, he felt as if he’d always known her.

His eyes were drawn back to the lovely creature in his arms and he sighed. There would be faint bruises on her skin in the morning where he loved her while he…

He grimaced and shook his head. He had a new life and a new job waiting for him. The last thing he needed right now was some kind of emotional complication. Unfortunately, the last thing he could do after tonight was forget what had happened and pretend that the woman sleeping in his arms didn’t exist.

Not now.

Not ever.

TBC in Chapter 5.

Chapter 5 - Cold Once More
 

Elizabeth woke up to the sound of voices and the disorientation that came with not immediately recognising your surroundings. Blinking away the last vestiges of sleep, she turned in the sleeping bag and grimaced slightly as she became conscious of the way her body ached. Part of it was due to the fact that she'd slept on the cold, hard floor of a large 4 x 4 all night, but the other part...

Abruptly, the details of the previous night came flooding back and she automatically gripped the protection of sleeping bag more tightly around her.

Oh God. What had she done? And more importantly...why?

Scorching heat stained her skin as a wave of embarrassment crashed through her system. Outside, she heard William say something that was answered by another male voice and cringed. What was he going to say when he saw her? Worse...how was she going to be able to face him?

Last night had been amazing. It had been about heat and comfort...about love...

She shook her head suddenly. No, it wasn't about love, she reminded herself firmly. It was about sex and the fact that she'd casually engaged in a one night stand where her...their need had overcome sense.

Gingerly sitting up, she held the sleeping bag to her chest and looked around for her clothes deciding she needed to be dressed before she had to face him again. Within arms reach she saw her jeans and sweatshirt in neatly folded pile with her bra lying across the top. She knew she hadn't left them like that which brought her to the startling conclusion that William had. A small smile graced her lips at his unexpected thoughtfulness before she frowned at the absence of her panties.

Remembering how she'd help him take them off, she dived under the cover and groped around the bottom of the bag until she found her elusive underwear. Hurriedly dressing, she was just putting her boots back on when a brief knock came on the tailgate before it opened to reveal William.

In the startling snow lit light of day, his appearance was even wilder than the night before and she automatically raised a hand to her own tousled hair and crumpled sweatshirt.

"The snowplough's here and cleared the road," William explained in detached tone. "I've warned the chap about your car further down so, when you're ready, we can go. Is there anywhere in particular you want dropping off?"

Yeah, the nearest cliff, she thought to herself, conscious of the fact that after one brief glance in her direction, William had studiously avoided her gaze. So, he'd had his fun and now he was back to being cold and distant, eh? Well, she may not have had as much experience at meaningless encounters as he obviously had but two could play at that game she told herself bitterly as she fought against the sudden onrush of tears to her eyes.

Turning away from him, she made a show of folding up her rug as she coolly said, "Just leave me at the next town." From there she would call her uncle to come and get her.

"Do you want some coffee?" she heard him offer hesitantly after a short pause.

She closed her eyes trying to blot out the sudden softness of his tone that evoked memories of the night before and tried to swallow past the enormous lump that had formed in her throat as she struggled to get her heaving emotions under control.

She couldn't understand what was happening to her. Last night, in his arms, it'd seemed as if they were two halves of the same perfect whole. But this morning...this morning, she just couldn't comprehend the urges that had driven her into those wonderful arms in the first place. She was so confused...and so out of her depth.

As William stared at her rigid back he wished he knew what to say. Last night she'd been so warm, so eager. Now she was cold and distant, making it plain to him that as far as she was concerned their time together was a forgotten memory.

He sighed. It was just his rotten luck. Here he was wanting nothing more than to reach out and touch her...to tell her how much last night meant to him. And there she was, so withdrawn in on herself that she was nothing more than a shell of the passionate woman he'd had the pleasure of holding only hours before.

Shaking his head he realised that it had been so long since he'd been with a woman that he'd come close to forgetting the rules. He was getting a damn good refresher course right now though.

Annoyance flowed through him at her continued silence and he slammed the tailgate shut, mentally cursing himself for wanting to establish some sort of an emotional bond with a woman who'd obviously had no more than a passing physical interest in him. Hadn't Dru taught him anything for Christ's sake? Hadn't he learned that not all women needed or desired love?

God he was pathetic.

Mouth tightening into a grim line, he saw Buffy clamber into the front passenger seat and walked up to the driver's door, yanking it open. Not looking at her, he slid into the vehicle and was relieved when the motor started at the first turn of the key.

He put the car into drive and pulled off trying to ignore the strained atmosphere that stretched out between them. It was as if they were two enemies forced together and he hated it. Hated it and didn't have clue how right it.

He told himself that, like her, he should just forget their night together, but, for some reason, he couldn't seem to shake the feeling of loss...betrayal almost, at how remote she was now being toward him. At the back of his mind a little voice niggled at him...a little voice that kept insisting that for all her apparent indifference, last night had been special. That he'd been given a precious gift that was for him alone.

Glancing over at Buffy's taut features, William frowned before turning his attention back to the slippery road. He was being ridiculous. She couldn't have been...could she? No. No, definitely not. There hadn't been anything hesitant or shy about the way she'd touched him. Nothing uneducated or uncertain about the caresses that burned a trail of fire across his skin and made him ache so badly.

And yet...

Thinking back to the moment they'd become one, William admitted to himself that he'd been so overcome by lust at her aggressive action that he'd not been able to think of anything else. His body, so consumed by the fire that had enveloped it, had reacted instinctively, unable to hold back its base urge to move hard and fast within her. It had registered that she'd felt tight...very tight...but the need to possess and claim her body as his overrode any further rational thought.

Realising what he was thinking, William suddenly pulled himself up short and almost let out a sharp laugh of self-delusion. Would a woman really give up her virginity to some stranger in the back of his car in the middle of a snowstorm? Not bloody likely. So why the hell was he trying to make more of this than it was? Was it just to make it seem more acceptable to him that he felt a connection between them when she so obviously didn't?

Christ, he really, really was a pathetic git.

Elizabeth sat next to William in silent misery wondering what he was thinking. If the grimace on his face was anything to go by, it wasn't pleasant. Probably hoping she wasn't going to make a scene when they got to the town that was fast approaching. Well, he needn't worry...she wasn't going to say a thing about the previous night. Just as he hadn't...which merely confirmed her suspicions of just how little their encounter actually meant to him.

That didn't mean that a part of her didn't wish that he'd say something though...make a gesture of some kind. But why would he? He'd given her a chance to change her mind and she'd not only said no, she'd backed it up with a forcefulness that made her face flame at the memory. She certainly hadn't acted like a shy virgin so how could she now be angry with him for assuming that casual sex was a part of her life?

They'd reached the outskirts of the town now and as William negotiated the roads to its centre, Elizabeth faced the prospect of never seeing him again. It was what she wanted, she told herself firmly...so why did those stupid tears insist on blurring her vision again?

Blinking rapidly, she couldn't help but ponder the irony of her current situation. That morning she'd felt like she'd die if she had to see him again and now...now she felt like she'd die if she didn't.

"You want dropping off here?" William suddenly asked brusquely, cutting across her unhappy thoughts.

She looked out the window to the space he'd indicated to outside a small Post Office and nodded, her throat tight with pain as she tried to suppress her urge to break down.

The roughness in William's voice, which disguised his reluctance to let her go, she misinterpreted as impatience to be rid of her and when he pulled to a stop she had the door open and was halfway out before he could anything to stop her.

If she hadn't had to wait for him to hand over her stuff, she would have walked off without even saying goodbye.

As she took the proffered rug from his hand, their fingers brushed sending a shock of awareness through William's system that had him hardening painfully at the remembered passion they'd shared. He desperately wanted to say something...reassure her that if there were any repercussions...but a woman who made love so skilfully and eagerly wouldn't take risks. Just as well when it hadn't even entered his mind in the heat of the moment. His arms ached to hold her to him one more time but the fear of rejection held him immobile and silent, simply watching her while she awkwardly rearranged her possessions more comfortably in her arms.

He had her name and knew the make of car. He could always trace her...although the way she was acting he wasn't sure that would be wise. Heartache lay down that road, he was certain of it. And all of it would be his. Better he just let her go and keep the good memories no matter how much he wanted there to be more between them.

As Elizabeth turned and walked away from William, she wondered how her legs were actually supporting her. The brief meeting of their hands had been like a lightning bolt of sensation through her and her fingers still tingled from the contact. Resisting the urge to turn back for one last look at the man who'd been her first lover, she told herself to forget him and forget last night. It was over...finished...and she'd never see him again.

William forced himself to turn and get back into his car then started the engine. Hands tightening around the steering wheel, he cast one last longing look at Elizabeth's retreating figure then pulled out with a screech of tyres.

'Keep going, mate, just keep going,' he told himself as he passed her and headed out of the town towards the small rural bed and breakfast he'd pre-booked for the night. Twenty minutes later, he pulled into a farmhouse's drive and smiled as the door flew open to reveal the delighted countenance of a slightly plump, fair-haired lady of around fifty years.

"William, my dear! It's so good to see you again," she gushed, coming forward with her arms open wide.

Pushing his jumbled feelings aside for the moment, William got out of his vehicle with a huge grin and engulfed the woman in a bear hug. "Hello Grace, it's good to see you too," he told her affectionately as he pulled back to look down at her kindly face. "Still looking as young and beautiful as ever," he added charmingly.

"Oh you!" she chuckled slapping him playfully on his chest as she stepped back from his embrace and absently patted her neat bun with her right hand.

"'Ere now, you're not trying to sweet talk my woman are you, young fella?" a gravelly voice suddenly demanded from the side.

"Course I am," William replied light-heartedly as he turned to face Grace's husband.

The older man's stern face broke out into a grin and he stepped forward, hand outstretched. "Don't blame you, son. She's right fine woman. I'd be offended if you didn't."

William grasped his friend's hand and drew the man into a brief hug before stepping back, his face clearly showing his joy. Jack Weston was a distinguished looking man in his early sixties who'd been good friends with his father. The families had been neighbours until the Weston's decided to move down south and open up a B & B.

Although money wasn't a problem, Grace enjoyed looking after people and had always wanted to run a cosy little guesthouse and Jack, never one to deny his wife anything, had happily agreed. The rural life suited them and William visited whenever he could, enjoying the easy company of the elder couple. "It's good to see you, Jack. How have you been?"

"Good, good," the elderly man replied, patting William firmly on the back. "Knees giving me a bit of gip, but other than that, can't complain. How about you, Will? Got yourself a young lady yet or do I seriously have to worry that you're after my woman after all?"

William's smile faltered slightly as memories of Buffy's passion filled face entered his mind but then he pushed them back and shook his head. "You always have to worry, Jack," he commented with a chuckle as he put his arm around Grace and gave her a gentle squeeze.

The couple laughed with him and then he released Grace and went around to the back of his car and opened the tailgate. "So, where's the Rascal?" he asked as he dragged out his backpack.

"He's taking Maggie out for a walk," Jack replied in amusement just as the sound of excited barking filled the air. "Looks like he's brought her back safe and sound too."

Seconds later a large black German Shepherd dog came bounding down the drive followed by a young dark-haired woman walking hurriedly behind. "William!" she called out with a huge grin and a wave just as the dog jumped up at him and began licking his chin.

"Ugh! Good to see you too, Rascal," William laughed as he gave the happy dog a fuss. Looking up at the woman who had now joined them, he added, "You too, Mags. How are Josh and the boys?"

"They're good. I'm bringing them over for dinner later," Maggie replied, giving him a hug as Rascal dropped back down onto four paws.

"It'll be good to see them again," he said then let out startled exclamation as Rascal jumped into the back of his car and grabbed the sleeping bag. "Hey, you leave that alone, you devil!"

Ignoring William, Rascal jumped back out onto the drive dragging the quilted material triumphantly behind him. William automatically reached out and grabbed a corner causing the zip to undo all the way down thus revealing the bright orange inner.

Maggie quickly took Rascal by the collar and got him to release the bag then handed him over to Jack to take inside.

"I'll put the kettle on," Grace informed them as she followed her husband in.

Maggie nodded then turned back to help William gather up the sleeping bag. "Oh! There's some blood on here. Did you cut yourself or something?" she asked in concern, holding up the orange fabric for him to see.

William's head snapped up at her enquiry and he snatched the fabric from her hand to get a closer look. All colour drained from his face as the enormity of what the dried mark meant hit him with full force. His gut instinct had been right after all. Buffy had given him a precious gift and what had he done? Just left her all alone in a strange town without a second glance. "Oh, bloody, fucking, hell!" he cursed suddenly. "Bollocks, bollocks, bollocks!"

"What?" Maggie queried in confusion. "Don't worry, it'll come out. No need to get so worked up over it."

William looked up at her blankly for a second and then shook his head. "I've got to go back into town for a while, Mags. Tell your mum I'll have that tea when I get back, okay?"

Without waiting for a reply, William threw the sleeping bag into the back, slammed the door shut then jumped into the drivers seat and started her up. With a quick wave in Maggie's direction, William rapidly backed down the drive and out into the road then gunned the engine. He had to find Buffy before she left town.

xxxxxxxxx

Elizabeth stood by the kerb patiently waiting for Rupert to arrive. After William had sped away, further confirming that he couldn't wait to be rid of her, she'd used the nearby telephone box and immediately called her uncle. Naturally, he'd been concerned for her welfare overnight and was relieved to hear her telling him she was safe. He promised he wouldn't be long but she knew it'd take a good forty minutes to get there, especially in the current conditions.

Seeing a cafe across the road, she'd gone over and had a hot cup of tea and some toast. Although she hadn't eaten anything since yesterday teatime, she found that she wasn't really hungry. Maybe sex did that to you...or maybe it was watching the man who'd taken your virginity drive away and knowing that you'd never see him again that made the thought of food turn your stomach inside out.

Yeah...that was it.

Once she'd eaten and tried not to think about William anymore, she'd paid up then gone back across the road and kept an eagle eye out for her uncle's ancient Citroen.

Giles arrived about ten minutes after she'd left the café and Elizabeth didn't think she'd ever seen a more welcome sight. He pulled up then got out and pulled her in for a brief hug before picking up her things and putting them in the boot.

Once Elizabeth was sitting in the passenger seat, she allowed herself to relax and gazed blankly out of the window. Last night had been the most wonderful night of her entire life and she'd never forget a moment of it...never forget him. And now she was going home; back to being boring old Elizabeth who wanted nothing more than to marry a nice, loving man and settle down. Trouble was, the faceless man of her dreams now had light brown hair, a scraggy beard and the most amazing blue eyes she'd ever seen.

Shame then, that the guy couldn't get away from her quick enough. Life could really screw you over at times.

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By the time William had arrived back in town, he'd called himself every kind of name and then some. What if he'd hurt her? His stomach clenched unpleasantly at the thought. He'd hardly been tender had he? Shaking his head, he wondered how he could have been so blind. Looking back, all the signs were there. Sure, her touch hadn't given her away but her body had...and so had her words. That's why she'd been so forceful, he now realised, and why she'd been so distant this morning. Whereas before he'd taken her attitude as being withdrawn, he could now see that a woman who'd been a virgin wouldn't have had any idea how to act in that kind of situation...hence the apparent aloofness. She'd probably been petrified.

And he...he, God help him, had been an over-sensitive ass, ignoring her when he should have been insisting that they talk...not to mention kissing her stupid like he wanted to. Then, of course, there was the subject of protection. He had absolutely no doubt in his mind that Buffy wouldn't have been taking anything, so what if she now got pregnant?

He had to admit that the thought of them possibly making a baby from such a perfect night together wasn't unappealing at all. In fact, it gave him kind of a warm buzz just thinking about it.

He shook his head. No good thinking about that yet. First things, first. Find Buffy then talk to her and tell her how you really feel about last night.

The Post Office appeared up ahead and William found himself a space nearby. Getting out, he turned in a circle avidly searching for any signs of the petite blonde. When it became apparent that she wasn't anywhere nearby, he set off to check around the town.

Half an hour later, it became evident that wherever Buffy was, it wasn't in the town. The local garage didn't know anything about her car and no-one he spoke too remembered having seen her. It was as though she'd disappeared into thin air.

Returning to his vehicle, William let out a cry of frustration then smacked his hand down on the bonnet, startling a couple who were walking by. Offering a mumbled apology, he got in his car and sat there for a few moments, gathering his scattered wits back together.

He'd lost her for now but this wasn't the end. He'd find Buffy again if it was the last thing he ever did and, when he did, he'd make damn sure he wouldn't let his foolish fears and stubborn pride get in the way ever again.

TBC IN CHAPTER 6

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