SET THE NIGHT TO MUSIC

I'm your wall. I'm your support. I'm your bar. I'm whatever you need me to be. – DEREK HOUGH

His lean form blessed the doorway. His perch granted the most picturesque sight. How could she make transforming back into street clothes so charming? Grace, style and beauty combined. She hummed as she slowly packed her bag, dressed in the purple themed regalia he'd come accustomed to.

"Oh. Hey." Amber smiled as she looked up. "Quite a night huh?"

Derek smiled as he pushed off from the doorway.

"Yeah, it was. And you handled it like a champ."

Thanks, coach." she teased.

Derek's half smile crossed his features, lost in thought. It seemed regular as of late. She commandeered his thoughts like a whirlwind. He wondered what she planned for the day. His anticipation of her walking through the doors provided a lightened excitement to the place. However, the demands of her hectic schedule created a slight panic at times. Real life, like fate, cast obstacles in their way. For example a photo shoot which lagged a tad behind or a morning scene which should have taken three hours to execute transformed into twelve. An impromptu appearance. Those days he hated with unbridled passion because it meant a possibility of not seeing Amber. His stomach knotted at the sound of a text, afraid she might have to cancel practice. However, he knew she was all about professionalism and no matter what barriers popped up; she entered the studio whether it be late or on time eager to learn. Nothing deterred her.

Tenacity drew him in; her love of life bewitched him to stay. Amber worked and played just as hard. She balanced the two with such ease, it intrigued him. So gifted, talented and a loving heart to match. She embodied everything he looked for in a woman. Too bad he didn't know until it was too late. Well, that was the lie he committed to himself.

There were hints, of course. At times, he caught himself staring. He saw the joy on her face as she entertained him with video of her niece doing something adorable. Her focused look of concentration as she worked on a new step. Her alluring smile when she perfected it. Her infectious laugh as it brightened and purified the room. He fought against it. It's too soon, he rationalized. It'll pass. Till Val threw the gauntlet during their last interview.

"Ground control to Hough." Amber snapped her fingers and grinned. "Wherever you went, I hope it was good."

Derek licked his lips. "Glorious."

He tilted his head to the side and freed the wind in his lungs. "Amber, about what happened last two weeks-"

He watched her rise and glanced at the slight billowing of her skirt.

"I thought we got over that." She turned to face him. "I did."

Damn, he wanted those lips on his.

"I feel there's still might be some misunderstanding between us." Derek inched closer. "I want to make sure."

His palms grazed her shoulders and one removed her purse with ease. Brown eyes linked to hazel ones.

"Derek, are you alright?" she asked concerned.

Derek intertwined his finger through hers.

"I'm fine."

Amber caught the brief panic.

"Okay. You're scaring me… are you sure?"

Derek gestured reassurance. "I'm good. But the question is… are we?"

"Why are still talking about this?"

"You're right. Back to business. Oh and Amber?"

Her calm shattered with the hunger of his kiss. Spurred on by her acceptance, he pressed on as feelings surged through his veins. As the kiss wound down, Derek rested his hand on the side of her face.

"You have strict policies concerning your…career and I will respect that. Once this is over, though, all bets are off. I'll be closer than your favorite shirt."

Derek licked his lips. The cherry flavor of her gloss lingered on his. He leaned in again and recaptured the moment once more.

"The lift was for them, by the way. To silence your critics." he said as he ended the kiss.

He lowered to her ear. "But the next one is all mine…on our wedding day, Mrs. Hough."

Derek picked up her bag and the impish smile returned.

"See ya bright and early tomorrow. Rumba next."

He turned and left.

A/N: Because I forgot to mention earlier, I do not own Dancing With The Stars. It is copyrighted through ABC/ Disney Television and its rightful owners. I hope you enjoyed. Thnks for reading.