As the apartment filled with people, Elle stayed out on the balcony with Ethan and his girlfriend Bree. Elle had never met Bree, only heard of her for the past year. She had wanted to speak to Ethan alone, but Bree seemed to be his extension. She went where he went. It was cute, but Elle felt a twang of jealousy. No girl had ever stolen her brother away from her before.

"You are coming home for the anniversary?" Elle asked hopefully. Awkward as it was. Blake's death and her parents' anniversary were on the same day, and they still gathered together.

"I was thinking of flying back home with you." Ethan smiled, his blue eyes dancing mischievously. He leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear. "I'm proposing to Bree."

"What are you two whispering about?" Bree grabbed Ethan's hand, tugging him back to her.

He shook his head. "I was telling Elle I might bring you home with us. Introduce you to the family."

"Oh." Bree clasped her hands. "I'd absolutely love that!"

Ethan excused himself for a moment to grab a drink, and Elle followed within seconds, telling Bree they'd be right back. She passed a group of men hovering near the food table.

"You're serious about that?" she whispered, squeezing herself in between a tall man and Ethan. Ethan narrowed his eyes. "About proposing, I mean."

Ethan popped a cocktail sausage roll into his mouth and smiled. "I was thinking it's time to add to the family."

"Is she pregnant?" Elle turned to watch the balcony.

"God, no!" He choked on his food and chased it down with a glug of beer. "I meant she'd be family."

"Oh," was all Elle said.

"She's nice, you'll like her."

"Doesn't it suffocate you? She hasn't left your side since you two got here," she muttered darkly, that envious dragon in her lashing out.

"She gets nervous around people she doesn't know." He laughed and kissed Elle's cheek. "I better go before she comes looking for me."

"You look lovely, by the way," he called, turning back with a wink.

Elle smiled, grabbing herself a plate. She was starving. It had been a while since they'd eaten lunch, and feeling slightly awkward that she indeed didn't know anybody in that crowd, she turned to food and piled it on her plate.

"A bit much, don't you think?" A voice teased and instantly she wanted to put all the food back without being noticed. "Try the mini sandwiches," Dean said smoothly.

"Dean." She fumbled with her new fringe, trying to tuck it back behind her ears. "I didn't know you were here."

"You seemed busy, hard to get you all to myself." Elle blushed. "You look gorgeous," he added, never taking his eyes off her face. "He's a lucky guy."

"Who?"

He turned to the balcony where Ethan had disappeared.

"Oh." She chuckled. "Come, I'll introduce you."

Dean raised his eyebrows and followed Elle, zigzagging through the crowd.

"Work it, Elle!" She heard Chloe from somewhere within the crowd but, embarrassed, she made it double quick to the balcony.

"Ethan," she called, accidentally catching her brother and Bree down each other's throat. Elle turned to Dean sheepishly. "Ethan!" she called out louder.

Not embarrassed, Ethan simply turned to Elle with a grin. "Oh, you brought food. Goodie!"

Elle obliged and handed the plate to him, grateful to look as if she were fetching the food for them. She turned to Dean and said politely. "I don't believe you've met my brother."

Dean shook his head, bemused.

"Ethan, this is Dean Stewart. I'm actually, possibly, still covering his brother's wedding." She drew a breath quickly, noticing Dean turn to her in surprise, and continued before he could interrupt. "And this is Ethan and his girlfriend Bree."

Ethan rose from his love seat and extended a hand. "Nice to meet you, Dean!" He grinned wide, shaking Dean's hand. "Elle doesn't always mix business with pleasure."

Elle's jaw dropped. What the hell was Ethan doing?

Dean narrowed his eyes. "I'm sorry, I don't quite follow."

"Just that she's never mentioned you before." He chuckled, enjoying the look on Elle's stricken face. "She always mentions everyone that pops into her life."

Dean cracked an uneasy smile. "I suppose she has better things to talk about." He kindly nodded to the couple. "Excuse me!" and walked back into the apartment.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Elle smacked Ethan across the arm and hoped it hurt.

"What?" he yelped.

"She always mentions everyone in her life?" she mocked in anger.

"But you do!" Ethan stated boldly. "And, no, you've never mentioned him before."

Elle glared at him. "That doesn't mean he needed to hear that!" she spat before storming off.

Was it just her, or did there seemed more people in that apartment suddenly? The doorbell chimed yet again, and she cursed, already wanting the night to be over. And so many tall people! Exasperated, she set out to find Dean, hoping to apologise. And there he was, off in some corner, talking to another tall couple and a striking woman beside them who looked awfully familiar. Elle's stomach dropped as she realised it was awful Kim. Despite it, she drew a breath, walked straight to him, and waited to be noticed.

The gorgeous woman Elle didn't know with the porcelain skin and dark hair eyed Elle and smiled, while Kim eyed her with suspicion. "Aren't you the photographer from Bianca's wedding?" she asked finally. Elle nodded politely.

Kim's eyes narrowed. "You polish up good." Elle smiled at the tone. "Can we help you? I don't see your camera today?" she continued.

Elle could feel her cheeks heat, egging her to about turn and walk away, but she held her ground.

"Ellenor is not here to work, Kim!" Dean's voice reached her from beyond the couple. "She is, in fact, one of our hosts."

Kim and the tall man Elle had mistaken for Dean parted, and there stood Dean, a drink in each hand. He passed one to Kim and raised his own glass to Elle before taking a sip.

"Our host?" Kim whispered, trying to hide her surprise.

Dean nodded. "Chloe," he said pointedly, looking at Elle, "is Ellenor's cousin."

"Oh," Kim exclaimed, looping her arm through his and turning to Elle. "What a small world it is, then."

Elle's gaze only strayed for a moment to the interlocked arms, not missing how Kim leaned her body towards his, how lust glinted in her eyes. "Too small," she smiled back politely, catching Dean's gaze.

"I don't believe they have properly introduced us." He cleared his throat. "Ellenor, meet my brother, Jared."

Jared, caught in the middle of the subtle catfight between the two women, turned to Elle and kissed her cheek. "I've heard so much about you!"

"In a good way, I hope," Elle said.

"Only." Jared grinned. "Your hands are empty, Ellenor. Shall I grab you a drink?"

Elle nodded, wanting to leave Kim's side. "I'd love one."

Jared nodded to the other two and led Elle away from Kim to Peter's bar. "Don't pay any attention to her."

Elle shook her head. "I wasn't."

At the bar, Jared started mixing up a drink. "He hasn't done you justice."

"Who?" Elle asked, for a moment forgetting the entire crowd as she watched him handle the cocktail shaker.

"Dean." Jared poured a honey-coloured concoction into a tall glass. "You're far more attractive than he let on," he continued, dropping a straw into the glass. "Probably wants you all to himself." He chuckled softly.

Elle stared at him in disbelief, unable to think of a single thing to say. "What about Kim?" she stumbled. Dean was with her, wasn't he? Why else would he bring her everywhere?

Jared laughed louder, much like his brother. "Kim? God, no." He fixed his gaze on Elle's confused face. "She's not his type. Never has been."

Elle didn't say a word, but she turned to look at Dean and Kim in the far corner talking to another young woman.

"Kim's known it too. That's why she gets so jealous of a new woman in his life," Jared finished.

Elle took a sip of whatever Jared had handed over and took comfort in the idea that Kim was only lashing out. Jared took his drink and headed back to his brother. "Come, I'll introduce you to my fiancé."

Elle followed politely. Jared's comfortable nature made her feel as safe as Blake had ever made her feel in a crowd. "I'm really sorry," she muttered, carefully dodging people with her drink in hand.

"Whatever for?"

"Having kept you in the dark. I know your wedding isn't that far away."

Jared paused with a smile on his face. "Is this about the photos?" She nodded, and he laughed. "Dean told me what happened and frankly, I don't blame you a bit for freaking out." He leaned closer to her. "My brother isn't normally expressive, so when he feels the compulsion to speak his mind, he comes on strong. I hope you won't mind it." He looked into her eyes, their blue depth easing her nerves.

"You two look so alike," she breathed.

"Yes." He nodded. "Most people think we're twins, but we have three years between us."

As they joined the trio, the young woman did all but bounce on her feet upon seeing Jared. "Is this?" she queried.

Jared simply nodded. "Ellenor, meet Tess, my fiancé."

"You're an amazing photographer." Tess lovingly held out her hand. "Peter's wife just showed me their wedding album. Please tell me you'll cover ours too!" she blurted, unable to control herself.

"We would absolutely love it, Ellenor, especially since you're almost family," Jared added.

Elle swallowed. That was one fact she'd never realised before...that she was so close to the family.

"Did Stewie recommend her?" Kim asked curtly, and Elle could see a grin break out at the corner of Dean's lips.

"He didn't need to," Jared bit back, still with a charming smile on his face. "Ellenor caught our eyes at Con's wedding." He squared his shoulders and turned to Elle. "Hope you don't mind. I sent him chasing after you."

"You did?" Elle stumbled, the scale of the scheme finally coming into her mind.

"We couldn't let the opportunity pass." Tess smiled, elbowing Dean subtly. "Stewie somehow found you for us."

Elle's weighty gaze ran up and down Dean and, feeling the heat, he excused himself from the group, pretending he needed a refill.

"Stewie's been telling us he might have jeopardised our chances with you," Tess continued, oblivious to the seething jealousy creeping up inside Kim, who stood almost fuming next to her. "He hasn't, has he?"

Elle shook her head.

"Oh," Tess squealed, pulling Elle into a hug. "You've just made our day. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!"

"My pleasure."

"When can we sit down and have a proper chat?" Tess beamed.

"Honey, you're at a party. Let Ellenor enjoy her evening." Jared pulled his wife-to-be back by the arm.

"You're right." Tess nodded, still smiling from ear to ear. "Are you free for lunch tomorrow?"

"Lunch is fine." Elle smiled back.

"We'll come get you, say noon?"

Elle nodded and watched Tess squeal with excitement again.

"Elle!" someone called out from behind. It was Harriette and James. Elle turned back to her newest clients. "Excuse me."

Tess nodded vigorously, making her head look like it was going to pop off her shoulders.

"You seemed busy." Harry gave her a hug. "Look at you! I barely recognised you."

Elle smiled, kissing James on the cheek. "Thought some change would do me good."

"You're looking stunning," James said, pretending to doff his invisible cap.

"So, how have you guys been?"

"We're good." Harry beamed. "Tell us about you. And where's Maya?"

"I left her at mum and dad's—a little break for me. What about Mitchell?"

Harry laughed. "At his girlfriend's. We'll pick him up on our way. He was asking about you."

"Mitch has a girlfriend?" Elle asked, utterly shocked.

"Not at all." James tried not to laugh. "Just a girl he likes. He's partnered with her on a project for school."

"You should have seen him this afternoon trying to get ready," Harry said.

"I swear they're getting younger and younger these days," James answered.

"Before you know it, they'll be bringing home partners," Harry added with a grimace.

"At least Maya won't be for a long while." Elle smiled. "God, isn't he like twelve?"

James nodded. "Almost a teenager."

"How are you doing? Tell me all!" Harry pulled Elle towards the couch, but she held her ground.

"We can go into the bedroom." She smiled warily, aware that public places such as a party were not on her list of places to pour her heart out and cry. Harry nodded.

"Go find Ethan, darling, or Peter. I'm going to have a heart-to-heart with Elle."

James nodded and politely left them to their business.

"So, tell me how you've been doing since the move?" Harry looped her hand through Elle's and they went on their way, leaving behind the huddle and the noise. "God, it feels like ages since you left."

"A year and a half," Elle whispered, opening the bedroom door, "but who's counting?"

An hour later, and mostly by accident, the door to the room opened and Dean stood there looking most confused.

"I'm so sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt. I was looking for the bathroom," he said robotically and went to close the door before realising Elle was sitting on the edge of the bed with Harriette soothing her. "Is everything all right?"

Elle swiped at the corner of her eyes. "I'm fine." Dean fixed his gaze on Harry. "Dean, this is my sister-in-law, Harriette."

Dean politely stepped into the room. "Nice to meet you." He extended a hand.

Harriette rose and shook his hand. "And you are?"

"A friend of Ellenor's," he replied confidently and caught Elle dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. "Are you okay?" he asked, letting Harry go.

"The bathroom's there." Elle pointed.

Dean stood to his full height, squared his shoulders, put a slight smile on his face, and headed towards the door Elle had directed. Clearly, she had no intention of confiding in him.

"You're going to be okay?" Harry whispered with concern.

Elle rose to her feet. "Some days, I still think he'll walk in through the door with a bunch of white lilies in hand and tell me it was all a horrible joke."

There came a knock on the door and they turned. "We should get going, honey," James said apologetically. "The Andrews won't like it if we pick up Mitch too late."

Harry nodded and turned to Elle and gave her a lingering hug. "Will you be all right?" she questioned, eyeing the closed bathroom door.

Elle chuckled. "Yeah, he's harmless."

"Good." Harry hung back a moment, softly caressing Elle's pink cheeks. "You do look beautiful tonight. He would've given anything to see you like this, minus the tears, of course." Elle smiled wider, though it was a wary smile. "He'd give anything to see you whole again," Harry added. "So would I."

"Well, you know me. Happy, happy, happy!" Elle tried sounding cheery and watched her sister-in-law shake her head.

"That's not what I mean," Harry whispered, dropping her voice lower as the sound of the toilet flushing came.

"I know."

"We've got to go," James said quietly, and Harry quickly gave Elle another hug and kissed her forehead. "We'll always love you and Maya, no matter what."

Elle nodded, gave James a hug, and walked the pair as far as the bedroom door. She didn't want the whole gathering to know she'd been crying. "I'm just going to powder up. Put my face on, as they say." She waved them goodbye. When she turned back into the room, Dean was standing just on the threshold of the bathroom door.

"I'm sorry you caught me like that," she apologised, aware that they were alone in the room. The door had swung shut on its own behind her.

He said nothing, just stood there watching her. She couldn't make out what he was thinking. The blinding bright light in the bathroom made it impossible to focus on his face.

In the awkward silence, Elle sat on the edge of the bed, exhausted.

Dean took a tentative step towards her. "Tess told me you were doing their wedding after all," he whispered.

Elle nodded and watched his feet. Without thinking, she patted the space next to her on the bed and waited for him to sit. She knew it was a very bold move.

It was a little while before Dean realised she'd meant it. He sat down next to her, inches separating their bodies. Every hair on his body rose and sent shivers. He had thought he had fallen in love once before, but even then, he'd never ever felt so aware of his own body on account of a woman. A woman he longed to see, simply see. That was it. It was enough.

"I'm sorry about the other day," he whispered in the room's hush, feeling the heat rise in his face, aware of the throb in his blood vessels. He was nervous. He could handle an entire company of IT whizzes, and talk haughtily and proudly with all clients, but with Elle, it felt like he was standing in front of the Prime Minister stark naked and talking about inappropriate public displays.

Elle looked at him, her palms getting sweaty. The last time she was ever alone with a man in her room was Blake—the night before he changed her world changed. How different it felt. The butterflies churned her stomach. The heat radiating from her cheeks could have warmed an Eskimo in winter, and she couldn't remember ever wanting to be kissed so badly. With Blake, everything had happened, just simply happened. She had loved him, no doubt about that, but he'd always been hers. With Dean, she had to win him over.

She shook her head at her own presumption, catching the subtle scent of his cologne. "I'm the one who should apologise."

"Oh, good, you still have a voice." Dean chuckled, making Elle smile

"I mean it!" She turned to him and could feel his breath on her arm. "I acted like a child. I can't imagine it was easy for you." He shook his head, a grateful smile starting. She played with the fabric of her dress, nervous. "I didn't know how I was supposed to react. You must understand... I'm not looking for anyone."

Dean sat quietly, aware that if he turned to her, their bodies would touch. "I'm not asking you to replace him, Elle," he said so quietly, so resolutely that Elle felt her spine tingle. "I was simply asking for your friendship."

"Just my friendship?" she queried quietly, her gaze resting on his face.

"If that is all you can offer."

The tingle that ran the length of her body was something she'd never felt before. She cursed herself for wanting to be swooped up in his arms.

"Right." He rose, slapping his leg as if to say that was that. "I better get going." He smiled. "Turns out we have a lunch date with the photographer tomorrow." Elle smiled up at him. "You don't know her, do you?" he asked candidly. And if she wasn't mistaken, he was holding onto the moment a little longer.

"Can't say I do," she replied. Suddenly, so at ease with him, it unnerved her. She rose to her feet, straightening her skirt.

Dean stared at her for a while. "Can I see you tomorrow? After your meeting with Jared and Tess, as friends, of course," he quickly added.

"I'd love to."

Dean nodded. "I should get going."

"If you must," Elle replied.

He nodded again, aware for the first time that night that they were alone. "Elle."

"Yeah." She could almost read his thoughts, and her heart hammered eagerly up to her throat.

Dean could hear people moving up and down the corridor outside as the party drew to a close slowly. "Goodnight," he said, though he took a slight step towards her instead.

"Goodnight," Elle breathed.

He hesitated, eyeing the door, then swiftly leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Before she could freak out and cancel their date, he about turned without a word and fled the room.