Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew leaned back slightly and dodged Lauren's kiss with a teasing smile.

Lauren pouted in frustration and said, "It's just a kiss, not like we're sleeping together. Come on, it's been days. Do you know how much I missed you?"

Andrew gazed at her flawless face and murmured, "You can have it... but only when I'm the one in control."

Then, before she could react, he leaned in and bit her gently, making her squeal in surprise. The two lingered in their intimate bubble for a while before finally, and reluctantly, pulling apart.

Lauren's skin was flushed, and her eyes sparkled. "You jerk, you kissed me for so long I could barely breathe! Fran was right... Andrew, you might look like a classy gentleman, but you're just a total perv underneath!"

Andrew's face turned red, and he coughed a few times to hide the awkwardness. It had only been a short time apart, but with Francesca gone, no one was around to keep the atmosphere in check.

So now, caught up in this moment with Lauren, he had let himself get carried away. He gave Lauren a playful smack on her firm behind and chuckled, "Damn, the bounce is perfect!"

Lauren let out a soft hum, her eyes sultry. "Feels good, huh? I'll have you know... When it comes to curves, I'm no less impressive than Fran. Sure, she's got that plush softness, but me? I'm toned, athletic, and all about definition."

Andrew asked, "You didn't have a hard time while staying here, did you?"

Lauren shook her head. "Not really. The only drama was during Michael's funeral got into a huge fight with my family, and he swore he'd wipe us all out. Other than that, it's been calm."

Andrew's eyes turned cold. "You don't have to worry anymore. From now on, Kenny and his family won't be able to stir up anything."

Lauren blinked in surprise. "What exactly happened out there? I've been locked up in here and couldn't check on anything. I've been so anxious!"

Andrew gave her a quick rundown of everything that had gone down outside, and as he spoke, Lauren's eyes widened in shock.

"You saved the entire Rhodes family? Andrew, I swear, you're

becoming more and more

impossible to figure out. Back in netnoveldrama

Jayrodale, you were just a

nevernet

heartbroken guy who got dumped by Christina... but now? You're

someone I can't help but look up to."

Just then, a mocking voice came from outside the room. "Oh, he's become such a

big shot now. Not only do you look up to him, even I have to look up to him!"

Jameson and Tiana stepped into the room together.

Lauren frowned. "Dad, what are you two doing? Just barging in without knocking?"

Jameson looked a little

embarrassed and gave Andrew an

apologetic smile. "Andy, sorry about

that...really didn't mean to

interrupt, but Tiana was worried sick, and well..."

Tiana cut in bluntly, "That's right. I didn't feel comfortable letting you two stay in a room alone, so here we are."

Andrew just smiled and said calmly, "Mrs. Rhodes, if you've got something to say, go ahead."

Tiana looked him square in the eye. "Andrew, I'll be honest. At this point, if I tried to fight you, I doubt I'd win And in every other way, you've

probably got me beat too. Su ne

be clear. Lauren-yes, you're more

me

than worthy of her. You're more than enough."

Lauren clapped her hands and cheered, "Yes!"

However, Tiana gave her a sharp look and added, "Don't celebrate too soon. Even

if I agree to let you two be together, you've still got the Driscolls to deal with.

"Compared to them, Kenny and Sherilyn are nothing-not even a threat. So Andrew, if you really want to be with Lauren, you'll have to handle the Driscolls- completely."