Brief Encounter

Summary: Can anything good come from a mix-up?

Disclaimer: High School Musical and all of its characters belong to Disney, I just have them on secondment.

A/N: I know, don't shout, I'm guilty as charged. My humblest apologies for the delay. Unfortunately real life gets in the way sometimes – Darn it! Anyway I hope you like it and I am working on the next Open for Business chapter, promise!

"Hmm, with the right incentives I could be persuaded," he said thoughtfully. Gabriella whispered in his ear, nipping his lobe as she finished only to shriek when he stood up with her in his arms and strode determinedly across the terrace and into the darkened bedroom to lower her on the bed. "Now show me what you had in mind."

Paws for thought

City after city flashed by, state after state was conquered by the phenomenon known as Gabriella Montez as the tour continued moving through the country heading towards the warmer climes in the south. It had been nearly four weeks since the magical weekend in Chicago and a whole lot of hard work had been put in in the interim but after the gig in New Orleans she was starting to get excited. The cavalcade was on the homeward stretch. Houston, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Denver and Albuquerque came and went in a blur but all the while she knew she was getting closer to familiar territory and her anchor.

The Lakers had drawn Chris Paul's New Orleans Hornets in the Conference Finals. It had been a hard fought series of games, nail biting for Gabriella and Caroline who had had to watch from a distance as it went down to the wire but by sheer grit and determination the Lakers had stood firm and true, playing out of their skins to clinch the coveted place in the NBA final on the night of her concert in Phoenix, Arizona.

Gabriella was excited, how could she not be. Troy and the guys had delivered as she knew they would and tomorrow she'd be back on home turf albeit San Diego but it was close enough. They had a late supper in the hotel after her concert then went to bed, both eager for the night to pass, both keen to set foot on home soil after what seemed like a lifetime of hotel rooms and airports.

They landed at San Diego International Airport formerly known as Lindbergh Field at 10.45 the next morning where a town car was waiting to whisk them away to the Westgate Hotel which was situated in the Gaslamp Quarter of the city. The hotel had been modelled on the Palace of Versailles in France and housed countless European antiques and French tapestries. Opulence was the only word that came near to describing the gilded lobby with the sweeping staircase. Gabriella stared in wonder when she entered. It was as if she'd stepped back into another century and was surprised not to see liveried staff in pantaloons and silks. Caroline left her to her musings as she went to the reception desk to check them in before coming over to collect her stunned friend.

"Come on, stop looking like a kid in a sweet shop. I've checked us in so we can go up," Caroline teased tapping her on her shoulder to make her move.

"Wow! Have you every seen anything like it?" Gabriella said in awe as she jerked into awareness and followed Caroline to a bank of elevators.

"Only on a movie set. It's not my cup of tea to be honest. It's too...er over the top," Caroline remarked.

"Yeah, I know what you mean but still...wow!" Caroline laughed as she steered Gabriella into the waiting elevator with the bellboy and their luggage.

She had a rest day today, only the usual preparations required for her gig tomorrow at the House of Blues. She was excited and honoured to be performing there. Following in the footsteps of so many talented, iconic maestros of the music business was truly inspiring.

Caroline and Gabriella shared a suite and as was their routine during this tour, they methodically emptied their suitcases, hanging up outfits immediately to allow the creases to drop out naturally in the heat then ordered room service. After a light lunch they both felt revived and headed out to the venue for a run through of numbers, sound and lighting checks. Gabriella worked with her troupe of dancers on a couple of routines that were a bit off in Phoenix, tweaking here, changing slightly there then it was back to the hotel.

Gabriella was taking a shower in the marble tiled enclosure when the door opened letting cooler air into the steamy wet room. "Is there room for a little one?" A squeal of delight emitted from her mouth as a smile a mile wide burst onto her face at the sound of his voice then she giggled as his words registered. She looked over her shoulder, giving him a teasing look only for the sight of him totally naked to nearly bring her to her knees. He was simply breathtaking and glad to see her, she could tell.

"My, my, aren't we being modest today? You really shouldn't be so negative, Troy, from where I'm standing you have nothing to worry about." She caught his hand dragging him into the shower and slamming him against the cold tiles, her lips following suit. She was like a woman starved, devouring his lips, drawing forth his tongue into her moist mouth, her body moulding to his firm contours, one leg hooking around his calf as she ground her hips against his rigid manhood. The water was spurting out tepid water by the time they emerged, their desperate need for each other assuaged for a little while.

"I didn't expect to see you till I got home," she commented as she wrapped her damp body in a sumptuous bath sheet.

"Are you complaining?"

"Hell no! It was a wonderful surprise. How did you manage to get away?"

"Coach was feeling benevolent after our win and gave the team a couple of days off and I thought now what can I do for a couple of days?" Gabriella smirked as Troy grinned teasingly at her. "I didn't need telling twice, I was out the door like Speedy Gonzalez, flung a few bits into a bag and I was in the car under half an hour."

"Speedy Gonzalez huh! He sure ain't a patch on you, Bolton."

"Hey, I couldn't help it. I was ravished by this horny woman," he moaned when she besmirched his staying power.

"Now who's complaining," she teased walking over to him with a purposeful look in her eye.

"Me. You've whetted my appetite and left me wanting more." With that said he whipped off her towel, picked her up and dropped her in the middle of the mattress, pinning her down with his hand as he climbed on board, his body taking over as his hands began an exploration of all her nooks and curves, reacquainting himself with his delectable girlfriend. Everything was right in Gabriella's world once more.

"I've missed you," she said huskily, feeling sated and very much loved. She turned her head, placing a kiss on his chest over his heart.

"Ditto." Troy brushed his lips against her brow, hugging her close. "I can't wait to get you back home, the place is missing it's lynch pin. Taylor can't wait either, she's missing her bosom bud."

"I thought I was your bosom bud," she teased with a pout. Troy grinned and bent his head kissing said subject.

"Nope, sorry to disappoint you. That doesn't even come close to what I feel for you. You're my everything." Gabriella felt a lump form in her throat. He'd plucked her thoughts from her brain and it made her feel like crying, she was so happy. She turned her head to see the love shining in his eyes and her heart flipped over. She curved an arm around his neck, pulling his head down to meet her lips in a heartfelt kiss. She was so lucky to have found this man.

They dined with Caroline in the Le Fontainebleau restaurant within the hotel, enjoying the contemporary French cuisine washed down with a bottle of champagne before leaving her to take a stroll to the waterfront and the marina. The warm, balmy air was intoxicating, the sky clear but dark, filled with stars that twinkled around a big old moon that helped light the way, it's reflection glistening on the water. Like other couples with the same idea they strolled along the waterfront, hand in hand, stopping for the occasional kiss, talking softly. Troy pointed out some of the boats that bobbed in their moorings, admiring their sleek lines, Gabriella laughed at some of the ridiculous names painted on the hulls of various craft.

On reaching the Seaport Village that consisted of a mixture of quaint shops selling typical board walk paraphernalia Gabriella's attention was caught and Troy groaned good naturedly as she window shopped, only sighing gratefully when he realised most were closed at this time of night. He managed to drag her away eventually into Seaport Coffee and Fudge insisting he'd earned a rest. Gabriella rolled her eyes at him but acquiesced readily enough when the delicious aromas made her stomach rumble. They both settled on a frothy cappuccino and a chocolate chip cookie each but on leaving Gabriella bought a gift box containing a selection of their fudge and a box of their specialist chocolates for Taylor and Chad.

"Pfft! As if Taylor is going to see any of that. Have you forgotten what a gannet Chad is?" snorted Troy as they walked away from the shop heading back towards the hotel.

"No but if you think Taylor will let these goodies go without a fight you don't know Taylor. Chocolate is her weakness," smirked Gabriella in reply.

"I thought Chad was."

"Hell no! He might think he is but he's in for a surprise."

"Poor Chad. Hmm, I wonder what your weakness is?"

"You," she replied without hesitation. Troy gave her his megawatt grin, pulling her close and planting a hot kiss on her lips.

"Right answer," he murmured with a satisfied purr against her lips, "your reward is waiting back at the hotel." Gabriella gave him a sultry smile.

"So why are we hanging around here? Let's grab a cab." Gabriella pulled at his arm hurrying along the walkway towards the road. Troy laughed aloud at her eagerness but went willingly enough knowing the reward wouldn't only be hers.

Waking up to marauding lips flitting temptingly across her collar bone and a warm palm curving over her breast was a situation Gabriella had forgotten but could get used to again so easily. It had been a while since she'd had the luxury of waking up next to him and she pretended to still be asleep to prolong his play, enjoying the flutter of awareness that began in the pit of her stomach then spread in all directions. Only when his lips began nibbling on her lobe, did a shiver betray her awakened state.

"I wondered how long you'd be able to hold out." His whispered words against her ear challenged her, letting her know he'd been aware of her deception. Her eyes flew open as she twisted her head to the right to find him smirking at her.

"How...?" He grinned at her puzzled look.

"Heartbeat," he drawled tightening his hold on her left breast, "but now that you are...." He slung his leg over hers, settling himself between her thighs. "It would be a shame to waste it, hmm?"

"Hmm....oh...uh-uh....ooh." Gabriella murmured appreciatively as he forged ahead, plunging into her moist heat before he tasted her lips, his tongue mirroring the action below. Gabriella moaned as desire took hold, her hips lifting in time to his thrusts that eventually carried them to that special plateau only lovers can go.

"Do you have to work today?" asked Troy when he emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist.

"No, all the usual checks were done yesterday so I don't have to be there until fivish," replied Gabriella from the bed, her eyes drinking in the sight of her delectable boyfriend.

"Great, so what do you want to do until then?" Gabriella smiled broadly and patted the bed.

"Tempting, Montez, very tempting but I thought we could go out, get some fresh air, something to eat." He laughed at her delightful pout but shook his head. "Come on, Lazybones. The day will be over before you move your tush and it looks beautiful out there. We should enjoy it before we get barricaded in back home."

"Is it still bad?" she asked worriedly. He'd not mentioned the press in their numerous phone calls.

"Nah, it's died down to a trickle but once they find out you're back in residence there's every chance it will kick off again."

"Damn slugs." She cursed as she climbed out of bed, stopping to give him a quick peck before disappearing into the bathroom. Twenty minutes later she walked back in the bedroom with a thoughtful look on her face.

"Uh-oh! What are you plotting?" Troy was stretched out on the bed, his head resting on the padded board at the back, the remote control in his hand and the TV flashing a basketball court on ESPN. Gabriella continued rubbing her glossy hair with a towel as she walked towards the bed and perched on the edge.

"Uhm! Nothing really, but I'm fed up of those parasites dictating how we live our lives. I've decided I'm not going to duck out of sight anymore. I'm sick of hiding out or diving into cars and restaurants like a common criminal. I'm not ashamed of being with you. God damn it! I'm proud to be with you. I love you, Troy, and to be honest I don't care any longer who knows it. We have Sharpay's wedding coming up in a couple of months and knowing Sharpay that will garner some press interest but I'm damned if I'm going to skulk around trying to avoid them and let them spoil the day."

"Are you sure? You have thought this through I take it?" Troy took the towel from her hands and gently continued to rub her hair dry.

"Not really. I'm just fed up of having my life ruled by the damn press. How about you? Would it bother you to be seen in public with me?" she asked with a worried frown, realising she hadn't taken his feelings into consideration.

"What a silly question, Gabi. I'd shout it from the rooftops if you'd let me," Troy admonished her gently, his lips skimming the curve of her shoulder. "Okay, I'll hold my hand up and admit I hate those damn leeches as much as you do but we can't live like hermits indefinitely. Although that thought has its merits," he added with a lecherous grin, giving her a squeeze around her waist. She giggled then wriggled free to begin dressing. "I had heard there's an island for sale in the Outer Hebrides. Should I buy it?"

"Where the hell is the Outer Hebrides?"

"God knows, I was always crap at geography," he said drolly. Gabriella burst out laughing at the comical face he pulled.

"They obviously haven't got a basketball team." Troy rolled his eyes.

"Oi! I don't live and breath basketball, you know," he grumbled.

"Really! I hadn't noticed," she taunted looking pointedly at the TV. His answering humph brought an adorable giggle from her lips.

"Did I tell you Amy called the other day angling for tickets to your concert? I have a gut feeling the rents are planning to come down en mass just to see you when we get home although nothing was actually said when I spoke to them a couple of days ago. Mom was asking some pointed questions about your schedule though so it seems more than likely. It seems I'm not the only one who's missed you." He scowled and she grinned at him.

"Don't be such a grouch. I love your parents, Troy. They made you. Getting Amy in to see the concert isn't a problem, she can come around the back and see how it all comes together and I'm sure we can arrange for Lucy and Jack to have front row tickets if they want to come too. In fact I get complimentary tickets for each concert but I've never needed to use them so they get given to a local charity for auction usually."

"Did I ever tell you I love you," he husked as he pulled her into his arms and placed a lingering kiss on her lips.

"Hmm, I vaguely remember you mentioning something of the sort," she murmured against his lips, her tongue lightly outlining his mouth.

"Oh no you don't, you seductive minx. Get dressed," he ordered sternly determined not to be tempted to waste the day in bed.

"Meanie!" she replied pulling her tongue out at him.

"Self-preservation more like," he muttered. "I need to recharge my batteries, you've worn me out," he grumbled, his smile belying his complaint.

"Aw! Poor Troy, is your age finally catching up with you?" she taunted mischievously.

"Get dressed." Gabriella grinned at his disgruntled reply, humming softly as she dressed. With a quick flick with her hair brush, a light coating of lip gloss she was ready.

"Done," she announced turning to face him.

Troy surprised her when he parked his car outside San Diego Zoo. She felt like a normal person as they strolled hand in hand surrounded by families, groups of school children running wild whilst their teachers tried valiantly to keep them all together and couples doing the exact same thing as them. Within plain sight of any would-be paparazzi and yet camouflaged by everyday folk doing everyday things; it was a perfect foil. Gabriella admired the majestic splendour of the tigers, cooed over the baby elephant, shivered in the reptile house, laughed at the antics of the apes and even given a mating display by two horny lions to finish off their day.

"I'm telling you, we could substitute that gorilla for Chad and Taylor wouldn't be any the wiser," insisted Troy as he helped her into the car. Gabriella burst into another fit of the giggles. "I wouldn't be surprised if he was better house trained too." Troy continued as he slipped into his seat and strapped his body into the safety belt.

"Poor Chad. I'm going to tell him you said that." Gabriella wagged her finger at him while she admonished him. Troy grabbed her finger, pulling her upper torso across the gear shift to silence her with a hot kiss only releasing her when she moaned.

"Come on, let's get back. Those lions have given me an idea." Gabriella smirked but shook her head regretfully when she glanced at the clock on the dashboard.

"Sorry to disappoint but we won't have time. I have to get ready for the concert." Troy cursed under his breath and tried to pull her back on his lap to persuade her differently and relieve his mounting tension.

"Uh-uh! There's no point trying to paw me, you'll just have to patient," she scolded with a giggle. "Bet you're liking my suggestion now, Bolton?" she commented smugly, smiling as he glared sulkily at her, looking very much like the little boy who'd dropped his ice cream earlier by the sea lions.