I sighed in relief as Daniel allowed Sarah to lead him away. The testosterone-fueled standoffs between him and Derek were getting old really fast. I just wanted to focus on my job and not deal with petty drama.

As they walked off, I noticed Daniel glance back over his shoulder, his intense blue eyes meeting mine for a brief moment before Sarah said something to recapture his attention. Even from a distance, that piercing gaze made my heart skip a beat. I still couldn't figure Daniel out - one minute he was flirting with me, the next acting coolly professional. It was equal parts intriguing and frustrating.

I turned my attention back to Derek, who was lounging casually against the oak tree, watching me with a lazy smile. "Well now, looks like it's just you and me again," he purred, patting the ground next to him. "Care to join me for a bit? The grass is lovely this time of evening."

I hesitated. Being alone with Derek made me decidedly nervous after our charged encounter earlier. But I didn't want to appear rude by rejecting his invitation outright. I sat gingerly on the grass, keeping a careful distance between us.

Derek chuckled. "Still afraid I'm going to ravish you the moment we're alone, eh?" His eyes crinkled teasingly as I flushed crimson. "Not very rock n roll of you, Emily. Loosen up a little, I don't bite!"

When I didn't respond to his flirtatious banter, Derek studied my tense posture, seeming to take pity on me. "Look Emily, I realize I may have come on a bit strong earlier. I tend to get carried away in the moment, bad habit." He rubbed his neck awkwardly.

"Anyway, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable with my flirting. Let's just chalk it up to me being an incorrigible git and leave it there, yeah?" He flashed me a sheepish, dimpled grin and I reluctantly smiled back, appreciating the sincere apology.

We sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, watching Giuseppe film the same guitar solo sequence yet again. Derek kept up a hilarious running commentary about their tyrannical director's neurotic demands, until I found myself relaxing despite my lingering reservations.

Derek was undeniably charismatic - when he wasn't actively trying to charm, his natural magnetism still pulled you in. Like a moth to a flame. As the shadows lengthened, I shivered slightly in the cooling air. Without thinking, Derek slipped off his worn leather jacket and draped it around my shoulders. I shot him a surprised look - it was such an uncharacteristically sweet gesture.

"A beautiful girl shouldn't catch a cold because of a daft old rocker," he said lightly when I tried to protest. Settling the warm jacket more snugly over me. I ducked my head to hide a pleased little smile, inhaling the spicy scent of his cologne clinging to the worn leather. Okay...so maybe Derek wasn't so bad after all. When he wasn't deliberately trying to provoke Daniel, that is.

As dusk fell and stars emerged overhead, the crew set up the shot for the final sequence - Daniel and Derek rocking out back-to-back under a sultry red spotlight. The director seemed determined to drag filming out until midnight if need be to get his "artist's vision" just right. Finally, they nailed the perfect take - the two men feeding off each other's passionate stage presence, lost in the music.

Watching Daniel let loose and shed his usual polished constraint as he lip synced was a revelation. Chin tilted back, muscles cording powerfully in his throat with eyes closed...he seemed transported. Utterly magnetic. Like a sleek panther absorbing moonlight before breaking into a wild, primal dance.

Beside me, Derek shook his head ruefully. "Gotta hand it to the bloke - Danny really knows how to sell it convincingly for the camera. No wonder he rakes in the big bucks." I detected a grudging note of respect in his tone and smiled to myself. Maybe they would finally bond over and put aside petty differences. One could hope...

After that, filming proceeded much smoother through the final shots. Giuseppe declared himself satisfied (for now), and the crew erupted in relieved cheers. Daniel strode over to where Derek and I still lounged beneath the oak tree, eyebrows rising slightly to see me snuggled cozily in Derek's trademark jacket. But he simply inclined his head politely to Derek.

"Well done today, mate" he said, holding out a hand. After a split-second hesitation, Derek clasped it with a wry grin.

"Back at you, Mr Hunter. You really nailed that last bit - had all the groupies swooning." His eyes slid pointedly to me and I rolled my eyes, elbowing him. Daniel noticed the subtle exchange but merely smiled enigmatically.

"What do you say we grab a celebratory drink at the pub in town?" Daniel suggested casually. "You've certainly earned it after the marathon session. Drinks are on me."

Derek looked taken aback but pleasantly so. He exchanged a surprise look with me - this was the last thing we expected from the usually reserved Daniel. An olive branch. I smiled encouragingly at Derek and he shrugged.

"Right then! Far be it from me to turn down a free drink off Hollywood's leading man." Clapping Daniel's shoulder sportingly. "Just let me grab the lads and we'll meet you over there."

Daniel nodded, looking pleased. As Derek headed off to round up his bandmates for a night out, Daniel turned to me. "You'll come too I hope... Ms Watson?" Voice unexpectedly uncertain. "Could likely use a relaxing drink after babysitting Derek all day."

"Try all week," I said wryly and Daniel chuckled. "But yes, I'm in. This sounds fun!"

On impulse, I grabbed his large hand and gave it an excited squeeze. Daniel's eyes warmed, smiling down at me in a way that made my stomach flip over. Maybe there was hope for peace among men after all.

The old-fashioned pub was dimly lit, filled with rich mahogany, leather chairs, and raucous laughter. Daniel's film crew had the same idea, celebrating their production milestone with drinks all around. I grinned, soaking up the festive atmosphere. Shooting pool and darts in the back, crew members were finally relaxing together without job titles or egos dividing them. Actors, lighting guys, cameramen - all bonding boisterously over booze and bar food. This was Giuseppe's vision come to life.

Daniel held court in a large corner booth, effortlessly charming everyone gathered around with self-deprecating humor about his early acting days. How he auditioned seven disastrous times for his breakout role and still cringed at his awkward screen test footage from teen heartthrob days. Ben roared hearing about Daniel's horrible dancing audition for the boyband Menudo. Giuseppe laughed so hard at one funny audition story that wine came out his nose. It amazed me seeing Daniel shed his polished actor facade to reveal this down-to-earth guy underneath.

Across the table Derek regaled us with crazy tour stories involving casinos, groupies and all-night hotel parties with his band. How they got banned from a Dubai hotel for wrecking a grand piano during drunken indoor rugby. And the time they got lost wandering the backstreets of Prague looking for absinthe, encountering vagrants and prostitutes along the way.

"Ah mates, the adventures we've had these last few years. Probably taken a decade or two off my life but by God, it was worth it!" Derek announced grandly over his lager, looking completely at home holding court. His larger than life personality sucked you into his orbit effortlessly. The lead guitarist clinked his glass, chiming in.

"Remember that crazy Amsterdam show where that hot blonde pulled you down off the stage mid-solo and snogged your face off?"

Everyone dissolved into laughter again as Derek nodded, grinning wolfishly. "Now that one I definitely remember! Christ but Dutch girls are wildly aggressive when they fancy you." He shot me a teasing look. "Sure you haven't any Dutch blood in you, Emily?"

I rolled my eyes, tossing a cocktail nut at him as he chuckled unrepentantly. Daniel shook his head ruefully. "Think I'll stick to civilized Hollywood groupies versus fending off wild European models."

Ben raised his glass in mocking salute and Derek aimed a lazy two-fingered salute back. The casual male camaraderie warmed me. Finally they were bonding!

As locally brewed beer and wine flowed, inhibitions lowered all around. Some of the crew took over the tiny dance floor, busting enthusiastic if uncoordinated moves. Big Giuseppe even salsa'd by at one point with a blushing Production Assistant clinging breathlessly to him. Everyone cheered them on.

Giuseppe further took it upon himself to educate the "uncultured swine Americans" on superior European music, hijacking the jukebox to blare Abba's Greatest Hits. Hopping up on a table, he conducted wildly and caterwauled along in passionate Italian to "Dancing Queen." The Swedes would've been horrified. But his enthusiasm was infectious - soon the entire pub was belting out choruses with gusto amid peals of laughter.

I hadn't laughed this much in ages. It warmed me seeing everyone mixing so freely, hierarchies forgotten. Watching Daniel's broad shoulders shake with genuine mirth at Giuseppe's flamboyant antics, all traces of brooding pensiveness erased. He looked positively boyish, eyes crinkling at the corners.

As another fast song came on, Daniel tipped his face close to my ear so I could hear him over the noise. His warm breath against my skin gave me delicious chills. "Dance with me." Hand extended gallantly.

I drew back, eyes widening. Me? Dance? I had all the grace of a newborn giraffe. Sarah was always mocking my awkward "white girl shuffle."

Daniel chuckled at my panicked expression. Gripping my hand firmly, he tugged me off the bench into his arms. "Oh come now, live dangerously! It's just me."

Sinful challenge lit his gorgeous eyes. Heart hammering, I let him lead me towards the chaotic dance area. Oh boy...The alcohol hitting my system definitely made me braver. I still felt utterly awkward busting moves alongside Daniel's effortless rhythm but he just tipped his head back and laughed every time I stepped on his shoes or bumped awkwardly into him. Sweeping me along easily in his muscular arms.

"There now, you've got this Ms Watson!" Nudging my back encouragingly until I finally loosened up enough to swivel in decent imitation of the other dancing ladies. Daniel's approving smile was electric. The tequila really helped get my groove on. Soon we were both leaping and twirling goofily amid our hooting co-workers, swept up in the night's effervescent magic.

Until a slower song came on midway through. Couples automatically drifted together, swaying drunkenly to Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love."

Without hesitation Daniel drew me smoothly against him, one large hand spanning my lower back. Our chests pressed intimately close as he guided me into a slow revolving dance. Dizzying heat flooded my veins feeling hard muscle and strength all along my front. I tilted my flushed face up to find Daniel gazing down at me with new intensity. Something dangerously close to longing stirring his eyes as they traced my face in the dimness. My lips parted soundlessly.

"There now, not so frenetic is it?" Daniel murmured, voice low and meant only for me. His thumb stroked distracting circles at my hipbone. Breathless and divided, I let him take more of my weight, lean harder into his solid frame. Daniel inhaled sharply, arm flexing around me reflexively.

"Emily..." Face dipping close enough I saw gold flecks ring his dilated pupils. My eyelids fluttered shut in anticipation of his kiss...

A nearby burst of raucous laughter had me startling abruptly back to earth. Right! We were just joking around in a bar, carried away by music and flowing alcohol. Nothing more.

Daniel released me slowly, swallowing hard. Scrubbing a hand almost roughly down his face before giving his head a slight shake. Glancing around self consciously.

"Ah well, wasn't quite the Gene Kelly performance I envisioned but still fun, yeah?" Winking playfully if a bit forced. Trying to ease lingering tension.

I nodded hurriedly, tucking windblown hair behind my ears. My cheeks still burned. "I should erm, probably hydrate a bit." Gesturing weakly towards the bar, pulse pounding in my ears. Needing to escape before doing something reckless in my tequila-impaired state. Like begging Hollywood's reigning heartthrob to take me right there against the dartboard.

Daniel nodded once, looking vaguely disappointed but stepping politely out of my path. Always the gentleman. Shifting to tug discreetly at his collar, no doubt needing space to clear his head as well. I darted towards sanctuary up at the bar, sliding weakly onto a stool. Fanning my inflamed face and longing desperately for inner ice water. 

Dang...Derek had warned me about Daniel. How he "leaves a trail of broken hearts behind that handsome facade." At the time I'd dismissed him caution as typical celebrity rumor mill fodder but...

The knowing bartender placed a shot of chilled tequila before me. I downed it without hesitation, shuddering at the bracing burn. Slamming the empty glass down a tad harder than necessary.

Needing any distraction from my rising awareness of Daniel. How his eyes lingered on me more often lately...full of unguarded longing when he thought no one else was looking. But it was just our close working dynamic blurring professional lines, I rationalized firmly. Daniel was naturally tactile and charming with everyone. He couldn't turn off the megawatt charisma any easier than Derek could. I would be wise not to read too deeply into lingering looks or dances. No matter how glossy the temptation.

Speaking of which...

I sensed rather than heard Derek slide casually onto the stool beside me. Shooting him a wry look as he signaled the bartender for two more tequila shots.

"Trying to get me drunk and pliable, Mr Walsh?" Derek pressed a hand over his heart, feigning affront. "Why Emily! I'm shocked you think so little of me." His exaggerated look of innocence cracked into a roguish grin as he slid one murky shot glass over. "But since you're already sitting here with me at this fine pub...might as well make a night of it, eh love?"

I shook my head ruefully even as unwanted dimples emerged. Derek didn't miss much - he no doubt observed that charged moment on the dance floor between Daniel and me. Now he aimed to throw me pleasantly off-kilter again. Maybe provoke Daniel further in the process.

I eyed Derek over my refilled shot glass resolutely. "How about we make it a quick drink together - as friends - then call it a night?" I clarified pointedly. "It's been a long week for everyone."

Derek brushed off my caution impatiently. Straightening on his stool with an inquisitive light dawning in those umber eyes. Licking stray salt off one broad hand as he studied me. My skin prickled under his laser focus. Vaguely predatory this time. What was he playing at now?

"Say Emily - back at the party weeks ago, you mentioned something about strange calls." Voice low under buzzing pub noise. "Breathing but no one answering on the other end?"

My sluggish brain blinked, struggling to connect the dots. Where was he going with this? I answered slowly. "Umm...yeah a few times. Then notes left on my door about leaving Daniel Hunter's job." I wrinkled my nose, waving dismissively. "Was likely just one of the crazed fangirls we had to remove from set earlier that week. She probably saw me with Daniel or something."

I took another burning gulp, wincing at the memory of that disastrous party. Emily - almost roadkill. What a nightmare! 

But Derek now seemed oddly intent, gaze boring into me relentlessly. All casual lazy humor evaporated. Setting down his untouched tequila, he captured my free hand almost roughly, eyes blazing. My pulse quickened.
~

I stared at Derek in surprise as he gripped my hand intensely. "Derek, what...?"

His eyes bored into mine. "Emily, those calls - they weren't just some random fangirl. This is serious." His jaw tightened. "I think you might be in real danger."

I blinked, the alcohol fogging my brain. "What? It was just a creepy prank. I'm fine."

Derek raked a hand through his hair in frustration. "Has Daniel told you anything about his past? About what happened with his ex Natalie?"

My lips parted but no sound came out. Daniel was notoriously private and hadn't mentioned past relationships.

Derek exhaled heavily. "Thought not. That selfish prat should have warned you. Right then." He took a bracing swig of tequila before pinning me again with his intense gaze.

"Couple years back Daniel was dating an actress named Natalie Kemp. Real fiery, dramatic type - they had rows that shook the rafters. Until things got dangerous." Derek's eyes darkened. "She started getting threatening notes too. Only back then Daniel didn't take them seriously either. Then one night Natalie's car brakes were tampered with."

I gasped softly and Derek nodded grimly.

"Exactly. Luckily the mechanic spotted it just in time but still - she could've been killed if that car went off Mulholland Drive."

My heart was hammering wildly now. Derek squeezed my chilled hand, face etched with concern. "Emily, I'm worried as hell this stalker from back then has fixated on you now. If anything happened to you because of Daniel's bloody carelessness..."

He broke off, looking distraught. My fuzzy brain raced to connect dots.

"But - but Daniel has security, right? They caught that obsessed fan weeks ago. This...this could just be a weird coincidence." Even as I said it, dread pooled in my stomach. Savage vulnerability washing over me.

Derek shook his head vehemently. "This has Natalie's stalker written all over it. Escalating threats when you get close to their obsession? It's textbook, love."

His calloused fingers traced my wrist, touch feather-light yet imbued with heat that raced to my core. I suppressed a shiver.

"Daniel should know better than to shrug this off. Reckless bastard." Derek practically growled the words before visibly regaining control. Eyes softening as they held mine anxiously.

"Just promise you'll be careful, Emily. Don't go anywhere alone at night. And for godssake avoid anymore cars Daniel sends!"

I let out an uneven breath, thoughts churning drunkenly. This was crazy...and yet terrifyingly plausible. An unhinged fan couldn't accept Daniel had moved on. Now fixating on me as their perceived romantic rival.

"Okay...I'll be careful," I managed weakly. Derek's taut expression relaxed slightly.

"Atta girl." His hand came up, almost unconsciously it seemed, to cup my face gently. I froze at the unexpectedly tender gesture from the brash rocker.

"You can always call me too, you know. If you feel unsafe or whatnot. I'll come running, day or night. Understand?" The warmth infusing Derek's haunted eyes as he gazed at me stirred my insides. No teasing or innuendo now. Just protective concern radiating off him in waves.

"I...yes. Thank you, Derek." Both leaning closer without realizing...

"There you are! We've been looking everywhere." Daniel's clipped voice broke the spell abruptly. I jerked back from Derek as if scalded, face flooding with heat.

Oh jeez...this would look cozy to an observer.

~