When they did open the doors, it appeared as though Carmens entire family and their close-knit group of friends were waiting. Applause greeted them when Carmen showed off her new ring, and it appeared to be a race between Alice and Mercedes as to who would get to Carmen first. Shane turned to Carmen, raising her eyebrows and laughing, as if to say: maybe I should have just done this at home.

Oh my God, Shane! I hope you saved some money to pay me for this party. Alice said, gawking at Carmens ring as she held onto the Latinas hand. Carmen didnt seem to notice as she was deep in conversation with her mother and sisters in Spanish, and after all their years together, Shanes Spanish was still somewhat limited: she could usually get the gist of what someone was saying, she just wasn’t very good at speaking it.

Congratulations, Shane. Tina said giving Shane a hug

Yes. Congratulations, Shane. Bette said, her arm now back around Tinas waist
Alice had motioned for one of the servers to bring over glasses of champagne for the newly engaged couple, Carmens family, and the framily. Glasses in hand, everyone toasted the couple.
After all of the excitement, some people went back to dancing as the DJ played some dance tracks. Shane had rented the Planet out for the evening at an extreme discount, as Kit still had a stake in the caf cum club, so the club regulars werent there, but apparently someone alerted the paparazzi that it was famed producer Carmen de la Pica Morales birthday party inside; they were waiting outside to see if they could get a snapshot of her, or better yet, Carmen with her girlfriend.

Lets go sit down baby. Carmen said, pulling on her fiances hand and leading her to a table in the corner. The corner was not well-lit and when Shane sat, Carmen sat across her lap.

Carmen, what are you doing? Shane asked, looking around to see if anyone was watching them

Well, I was about to make-out with my girlfriend and see if we could make it to third. Carmen said, going in for a kiss. Shane quickly broke away.

Carmen, someone will see us. And I really dont want your mom to catch me with my hand in the cookie jar. Shane said, as Carmen kissed her again

But baby, I havent seen you for a month. (kiss) Havent felt you on me. (kiss) In me. Once the words
had left her mouth, Shane let out a groan and decided to throw caution to the wind; she attacked Carmens mouth with a new vigor. Carmen adjusted herself slightly on Shanes lap, making herself more accessible to Shane. As Shanes hand slid up and down Carmens thigh, she inched higher and higher with each sweep of her hand.

Baby, stop teasing me. Carmen said, gasping for air before going in for another kiss. She took Shanes right wrist in her hand and guided it to where she wanted her.

What are you doing not wearing any panties? Shane asked teasingly

I thought I might get lucky tonight. Carmen said with the same amount of mirth

Well, Im glad I showed up. Shane said before attaching her mouth to Carmens neck and slipping a finger into her fiances delicious, wet heat.

More Carmen moaned out

Theyre totally fucking over there, arent they? Alice asked to Bette, as she glanced over to the table where Carmen and Shane were locked in an embrace. Carmen and Shane were obscured from the mid-torso down by the table which was covered in a cloth.

Alice, they havent seen each other for a month. Besides, why are you looking? Bette said with a smile

Im nosy. You should know that by now. Alice said, looking around the room, at everyone from celebs to Carmens family to Shanes close friends. No one else has noticed anyway; theyre all too drunk celebrating.
———————————————————–


When Shane and Carmen walked back towards the party, Shanes hair was rumpled and Carmen looked incredibly relaxed; neither of them could stop smiling.

Im going to go write Al her check, and then we can go home. Shane said leaning over to give Carmen a kiss, letting go of her hand

Cant you do that later? Carmen said, placing her hand on Shanes flat stomach, feeling the muscles twitch at her touch

If I do, Alice might harass me until I get it to her. You know how she can be sometimes. Shane said

Hurry back, Im going to go say goodbye to some people. Carmen said, leaning up for another kiss
Shane found Alice talking to Bette and Barry, Carmens lawyer who swore that he was in his early thirties at the oldest, but was in fact 62.

Hey Al, Carmen and I are about to go. How much do I owe you? Shane said, pulling her checkbook out of her jacket pocket

Ill just use the credit card number you gave me earlier; dont worry about it. Alice said, Go home and celebrate with your woman.

Congratulations again, Shane. Bette said with a warm smile

Shane, do you know if Carmen is planning on a pre-nup yet? Because I would highly recommend it. Barry said, taking another sip of his cocktail. In response, Shane simply stared at him for a brief period with an odd look on her face.

Ill be sure to ask her. Shane said finally, not wanting to let the comment get to her

Dont worry about him Shane, hes been sitting here drinking all evening. Alice said, giving her friend a hug

Goodnight, Al. Ill call you in a few days.

So how much was it? Carmen asked, as they waited in front of the Planet for Shanes car to come around. They had decided that they would forgo the limo that had brought Carmen to the party, and go with Shanes car so that they wouldnt have to worry about picking it up in the morning.

Isnt it against etiquette to ask someone how much a gift cost? Shane said, giving Carmen a kiss, ignoring the paparazzi that seemed bent on ruining their evening. Both Carmen and Shane refused to allow some overweight guys with cameras ruin their evening, so they tried to pretend that the cameras werent there.

Well, I just want to know so that I can plan on how Im going to reward you. Carmen said flirtatiously as the valet finally pulled Shanes car around. Shane opened the door for Carmen, who quickly got in. And while Shane was tipping the valet, the cameramen got closer and started shouting questions after Carmen had gone to cover her face with her left hand. Ignoring them once again, even when they made a suggestive remark about Carmen, Shane got into the car and quickly left.

Dont worry about them, baby. Carmen said, placing her hand on Shanes thigh as she looked at Shane, who looked a little sexy with a clenched jaw.

Im not worrying. Shane said as they stopped at a red light. Carmen leaned over the center console and brought her mouth to Shanes ear. Running her tongue around Shanes earlobe, Carmen then whispered

Yes you are. When the car behind them honked, Carmen returned to her previous position, Dont listen to anything they say. Their just trying to get you to do something so they can sell some pictures.
———————————————————–


Shane tried to catch her breath, all the while trying to blink the stars out of her eyes as she collapsed next to Carmen on their bed.

Did I tell you that I missed you? Carmen panted out, as she cuddled to Shanes side

I can hardly think right now, C. Shane said, placing her arm around Carmens shoulders

From behind the curtains of the doors leading out to the pool area, the early morning light tried to snake its way into the room. When they had arrived home at 12:40, the first order of business was to make love in as many rooms as possible. They had decided that their bed might be more comfortable than the bare hardwood floors of the hallway leading to it.

Are you mine for the day? Carmen asked, placing her left hand between Shanes breast.

Im yours forever. Shane said, giving Carmen a kiss

You know what I meant. Can I expect a day full of whip cream, hot fudge, and orgasms?

We can go by Haagen-Daaz if you want for the hot fudge and whip cream. The orgasms will have to wait until after my conference call. Shane said, pulling Carmen closer to her

Are you fucking me? Carmen said, pulling away from Shane to sit up

Well, I was. Shane said, although it didnt get a laugh out of Carmen, No, its just this one call with Andrew and James, itll last an hour or two tops.

You said last night that you would be free for at least two weeks. Carmen said

Well, yeah C. But I just got back into town and there are a few business things I have to take care of. Shane said, getting out of bed. Carmen watched as Shane walked into their closet and heard Shane opening and closing drawers. She then heard the sounds of Shane brushing her teeth.

I just wish that we could have some uninterrupted time together. Carmen called out when she heard the faucet shut off, only for Shane to reappear in a pair of low-slung jeans and a vintage concert t-shirt.

We will, I promise. Just give me a few days and Ill be all yours. We can do whatever you want. Shane said as Carmen put on her robe, What do you want for breakfast?

Surprise me. Im going to go take a shower and get ready for the day. I guess Ill go pick up some wedding magazines while youre on your call.
Shane wrapped her arms around Carmen and buried her face into Carmens neck.

We just got engaged last night. Isnt there supposed to be some waiting period before we start planning the event? Shane said pulling away to look at Carmen

There was a waiting period. Its been almost twelve hours. Besides, Ive been waiting a long time for you to propose, were not going to have one of those three year engagements babe. Carmen said, reaching up to smooth the wrinkles out of Shanes shirt.

Fine, go get your magazines. Shane said

Its not like I want you to look at them with me. We can just talk about what kind of wedding we want. Big or small? Church, Oceanside, destination, etc. Carmen said, playing with the hair at the back of Shanes neck

Okay. I need to go to the office to pick up some stuff; Ill be back in a few. Shane said, giving a Carmen a pat on her bottom and a kiss.
———————————————————–


When Shane arrived back home, carrying a few files, Carmen was sitting in their living room, looking through a magazine.

Im back. Shane called out, tossing her keys on the counter along with her sunglasses

Hey, baby. The salon still in one piece? Carmen asked as she jumped Shane, her legs coming up to wrap tightly around her fiances small waist, her arms going around her neck.

Yeah, everythings still there. Shane said, her hands coming up to cradle Carmens ass

Youre marrying me for my ass, arent you? Carmen asked, leaning down to kiss Shane

Mmm, cant forget your tits. Im marrying you for your ass, tits, and because you let me have my way with you in the bedroom. Shane said, making her way from the kitchen to the living room.

When is your phone call? Carmen asked, leaning in for another kiss before Shane could answer, her hips moving to press against Shane, as Shane sat on the couch and Carmen straddled her

It was cancelled. Andrews daughter is sick in the hospital. Shane said, her eyes never leaving Carmens chest

My eyes are up here, baby. Carmen said, her hand coming under Shanes chin.

I know that. But now that were engaged, I think I should be allowed to do a few things without getting into trouble. Shane said, her eyes still staring at Carmens chest. Carmen was wearing top that accentuated her features.

What else should you be allowed to do? Carmen asked, before taking her top off, Shane? Carmen asked after she didnt receive an answer

Oh, uh, I think I should be allowed to stare and grope all I want. And beat up the people who stare at yourassets. Shane said, finally looking up into Carmens eyes

My assets, huh? Carmen said, picturing Shane actually beating someone up. It just seemed funny, especially considering how skinny Shane was, that Shane would beat someone up. Deciding that she was thinking way too much at the moment, considering she was half-naked in front of Shane. I love you. Carmen said, somewhat out of the blue

I love you, too. Shane said, guiding Carmen by the back of her neck to bring her in for a kiss. With Carmens mouth attached to hers, Shane let her hands wander, letting them find their way to Carmens breasts.
Just when things were about to get interesting, as Shane moved to hike Carmens skirt up, their phone rang.

Ignore it. Shane said, continuing

It might be important. Carmen said, moving to get off of Shanes lap

What could be more important than what we were doing? Shane said, looking around for her cigarettes. When she did find them, Carmen motioned for her to take it outside. Carmen, unlike Shane, did not smoke and she didnt let Shane do it in the house. Shane opened the door leading to the patio and closed it gently behind her.

Hello? Carmen said, after putting her shirt back on

Carmen? Its Jen. Jennifer Walsup was Carmens manager whom she had hired years previous to handle her image after she had made it big.

Hey, whats up? I didnt see you last night. Carmen said, taking a seat

The babysitter cancelled on me. Jen gave as an explanation, But I see that you got engaged.

How did you hear that? Carmen asked, looking down to her engagement ring

My phones been ringing off the hook. It appears our friends got a lot of shots of you two last night. Nice
ring by the way. Jen said as an afterthought

What does this mean? Carmen asked, once again cursing her lack of privacy

Well, theyll probably step up the harassment. Ive already gotten a call from twelve magazines wanting an interview and the pictures only came out a few hours ago. Some want a sit-down with you and Shane, although Ive already told them thats not going to happen. Jen said, as she saw that calls were waiting for her on her other lines, Also, Lohan is planning on making a comeback and she wants you to work on her new album.

Really? Carmen said, her interest piqued. Even though she didnt really like Lindsay Lohans previous albums, they did sell well and she would have the opportunity to change the artists sound and music image.

Yeah, she wants to meet sometime this week for a little brainstorming.

Ohh, Im spending the week with Shane. Do you think she could stop by the house? Carmen said, watching Shane finish her cigarette and lighting another

Shes got your number, so shell probably be calling sometime soon. Jen said, I just got an email from Vanity Fair. That would be great for you to do.

I dont know how I feel about putting my relationship out in the open like that. Carmen said, And I know Shane wouldnt like it.

Carmen, Im just here to look out for your career. I cant make you do an interview with Vanity Fair, but I can strongly suggest it.

Ill think about it. Listen, Im going to make lunch. Ill talk with you later. Carmen said, getting up to join Shane outside

Okay, Ill keep you updated. Tell Shane I said hello.

I will. Bye. Carmen said, putting the phone back into its cradle.
———————————————————–


The air was warm and the sky was clear and blue, when Carmen joined Shane outside. Who was that? Shane asked, putting out her cigarette.

Jen. Pictures of us are all over the internet; anyone who cares is now speculating what my ring means. Carmen said, as Shane wrapped an arm around Carmens shoulder

Yeah, well. Cant really do anything about it. Shane kissed Carmens temple

A few magazines want to do a joint interview, but I told Jen that was a no-go. At Shanes silence, Carmen continued, But I am interested in doing Vanity Fair. Carmen said, looking up at Shane

Do what you want, Carmen. Im not going to tell you that you cant talk about us, or that you should limit yourself because I dont like being in the public eye. I love you, and I want the best for you, so if you think doing Vanity Fair will further your image, career, or whatever, I say go for it. Shane said

Thanks, babe. I think Ill do it. Carmen said, placing a kiss to Shanes cheek. Im going to make lunch, what do you want?

You. Shane said cheekily

No, you really need to eat. Youve look like youve lost some weight. Carmen said, running her right hand over Shanes stomach, ending above where her pants began, very low on her waist.

Well, then, make it fattening. Shane said

No, really, what do you want, baby? Im here to take care of you while youre at home. Carmen said

Fine. How about those little crispy, fried things you make? Shane said, bringing her arms around Carmen

My mom makes those. Carmen said knowing what Shane meant.

Umm, well how about that pasta dish you made a while ago, that was really good.

You like that huh? Carmen said, pressing her body close to Shanes

I really liked it. Shane said, before Carmen kissed her

Whatever you want, baby. Carmen said before walking off, back into the house

Tease.