AN: I couldn't get the idea for this out of my head - it's based on a prompt from Jen to write their journey back to Brooklyn to drop Liza off in the morning after their first time. …I started off just doing that, but it turned into a 'filling in the blanks' between the epic Bridget Jones-esque snowstorm kiss and the 'I miss you already' text.

So, it's Christmas in New York again and I hope you enjoy reliving it :) I really enjoyed writing this one! I'd love for you to drop me a review and let me know what you think :)

Merry (early) Christmas!

Disclaimer: I sadly do not own Younger or any of its characters.

December 23rd 2018

LIZA

As she stepped out into the crisp Upper East Side morning, Liza glanced at Charles as he held the front door open for her and smiled shyly at him. Considering what they'd done last night, multiple times, it was kind of funny that it was now when they were fully clothed and wrapped up head to toe that she felt shy. There was something about stepping out of Charles's house together into the bright light of day though that brought home to her the magnitude of what they'd just shared. "We can't go back to how we were after this", "I hope not". Those were the last words they'd spoken to each other before they crossed the line they both knew there was no going back from, but like Charles had said – she didn't want to go back. They'd finally given in to what they'd both wanted to do for so long, what had been building between them for years, since the moment they met.

Her face heated as memories flashed through her mind…

Liza had had the surprise of her life when she'd trudged home in the snow two days ago and found Charles on her doorstep. She'd then lost all ability to form coherent thoughts when he'd made "I don't care anymore" into the four most romantic words in the English language. It was four simple words, but they were so poignant and fitting because they were signifying a new beginning for them – one in which the lies, the anger and the hurt no longer mattered, and one in which they were finally free to be together. When he'd kissed her and held her to him as the snow fell all around them, every ounce of longing and passion that had been burning between them was poured into that moment. She hadn't felt the intoxicating heat of his kiss since Pound Ridge, which felt like an eternity ago, and by God had she missed it. She didn't know how long they stayed there like that, wrapped in each other's arms and oblivious to the world around them as they tried desperately to get more and more of each other, having been denied it for so long. When they did finally break for air they were both breathless and laughed in happiness and amazement at the night's turn of events. He'd took her hand in his, needing to maintain contact – any contact, now that the dam had been opened.

"I thought you were going skiing" she'd said when her brain regained some functioning.

He'd smiled at her as he replied, "I was – I was on my way to the airport, but then 'The Lonely Goatherd' came on the radio...it reminded me of someone very special, and I realised there was something more important I needed to do." Her heart had melted at his words and she returned his smile. He dropped his gaze for a second and when he looked back up at her his face had a more serious expression. "I'm sorry for the way I've been towards you recently Liza. It was unfair and I-"

She'd placed a finger on his lips and cut him off before he could say anything else. "It doesn't matter – I don't care anymore" she replied, repeating his words back to him.

He'd smiled that beautiful smile of his – she'd only seen it a few times, each time had been when it had been just the two of them, but each time it had sent tingles down her spine at the look in his eyes. As he sighed in relief and she saw his breath in the freezing air, she realised how cold he looked and that she didn't know how long he'd been out there waiting for her. She'd invited him in to warm up, at least that's what she told him – she did want to warm him up, but it was more that there was an invisible pull between them, stronger than ever now, and she couldn't face the thought of the night ending just yet.

Caitlin was still at Rose's and Maggie was out, so it was just the two of them. It was strange seeing him standing there in her apartment, and for some reason he looked even taller. She'd been to his house several times, but this was the first time he'd been to her world. She snapped out of her thoughts when she realised he was waiting courteously for her to tell him where to go. Her brain was still in a daze from the seismic shift in their relationship that had just taken place as she took his wet coat and poured them both a glass of wine. As they sat down on the couch their knees had brushed and she became acutely aware that they were alone and that all the barriers that had previously gotten in their way, were no longer there. She took a large sip of her wine to calm her nerves.

When she caught his eye, she knew he sensed it too. "So, this is where you live – I always wandered what your apartment would be like."

She quirked an eyebrow at him in amusement. "You did?"

He blushed furiously, realising how that sounded, "That came out wrong…I didn't mean-"

She smirked, finding his embarrassment incredibly cute. "I know what you meant."

Their eyes had locked, and she wasn't sure who initiated it, but somehow they were kissing again and she found herself pressed into the back of the sofa as he hovered over her. Without their thick coats between them their hands were free to explore each other's bodies. And explore they did. It had been too long and there had been too many false starts – the need to touch him was visceral. The feel of his hands running up her sides and into her hair was exhilarating – no one had ever had such an all-consuming effect on her before. The world could have imploded right then and she wouldn't have noticed – or cared, she was too lost in the feel of his strong body pressed up against hers. His breath had caught when she'd pulled his shirt out of his pants and ran her hands over the bare skin of his muscled back, needing to get even closer to him. When she'd moved her hands round to the front and tugged his belt open he'd paused in his ministrations on her neck and cursed. She giggled because she'd never heard him swear before. He gently caught her hand before she could slip it inside and sighed as he propped himself up on his elbow.

"Liza, you have no idea how much I would love for you to continue."

She smirked and shifted slightly under him, "I think I've got some idea".

He blushed again, realising that she could feel his very obvious arousal against her thigh. He cupped her face with his hand, "But I don't want you to think that that's why I came here tonight. I…really care about you Liza, and I want to do this right. Let me take you out, on a date."

She'd grinned so widely her cheeks hurt – this man was living proof that chivalry was most definitely not dead. As much as she wanted to not wait a second longer and just take him to her bedroom and give herself fully to him, she also quite liked the idea of being wooed.

"What do you say?" he asked.

"I'd say you haven't actually asked me a question" she teased.

Charles chuckled happily and offered her his hand to help her back up, "Liza Miller, would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow night?"

"I'd like that."

After finishing the bottle of wine and sharing a repeated and prolonged kiss goodbye, neither wanting to part now that they'd finally come together, they bid each other goodnight, with the promise to see each other the following day. As she climbed into bed her phone buzzed with a text from Charles: 'Happiness is holding someone in your arms and knowing you hold the whole world' – I never knew how very true that quote is until tonight. C x'. She'd fallen asleep with a happy heart and a smile so bright it could have lit up all of New York.

The next day was spent in a mixture of nervous and excited anticipation of what the evening would bring. In hindsight she'd reasoned it was probably a good thing that they hadn't strayed further than second base last night – she hadn't anticipated the possibility of anyone seeing her naked, so her underwear was not matching, and she wasn't as waxed as she would have liked. This thing with her and Charles had been building for two years now and so the anticipation was at fever pitch. She wasn't sure if tonight would finally be the night, she really hoped it would be – more than she would ever admit out loud, but she was going to be prepared. And so, by the time 6PM rolled around she was waxed, plucked, moisturised and blow dried to within an inch of her life. She could feel her pulse racing when she buzzed him up and waited for him at the door. All of her effort was worth it though when he saw her – his eyes widened, his jaw dropped, and the usually articulate Charles Brooks was lost for words.

"Liza, you look…you look beautiful" he stuttered.

She smiled at his reaction. "Thank you. You look really good yourself – I like you in black." 'Really good' was an understatement – her mouth had gone dry when she'd caught sight of him walking up the stairs in his tailored black dress pants and jacket, a fitted black shirt on underneath, tie-less and with a couple of buttons oh so sexily left undone, giving her a tiny glimpse of his chest.

"Erm, this is for you." He blushed shyly as he handed her a beautifully exquisite purple rose, wrapped in cellophane and tied with a delicate navy bow. "I'm not very good with flowers but the lady in the store explained the meanings of all the different colours of roses, and the purple seemed fitting."

She'd practically melted at his touching gesture and she was desperate to know what that meaning was. When he didn't elaborate she had to fight the urge not to dig out her phone from her purse and Google it. She thanked him and gently took it from his outstretched hand before leaning up and shyly kissing him. The electricity crackled around them in an instant at the contact, and she was grateful for his steadying hand on her hip to keep her balance. After putting the rose in some water she took his hand and they headed out to their waiting cab.

Whilst she'd been nervous in anticipation of their 'first date' that night, as they sat around a candlelit table in the restaurant, talking and laughing together like they'd been doing it for years, all traces of nervousness disappeared. Those feelings were replaced with ones of completeness, contentment and happiness. It just felt right, in a way that she'd never experienced before. He asked about Caitlin, she asked about the girls, and they regaled each other with stories of when they were younger and their lives before they knew each other. She'd listened intently, wanting to learn every detail about him, and laughed as she tried to picture a shy, gangly young boy rebelling against his parents by reading comic books instead of classic literature. They discussed their favourite authors and how they fell in love with reading, and before they knew it, four hours had passed in no time at all.

With their food long since finished they moved to the bar area, which was cosy and darker, giving it an intimate feel. As Liza sat at their table waiting for Charles to order their drinks at the bar, temptation got the better of her and she pulled out her phone. Never had a Google search made her smile quite so widely: 'Purple roses primarily stand for enchantment. The giver of the purple rose seeks to convey that he or she has fallen in love with the recipient at the very first sight. A deep magnetism and charm that makes the recipient almost irresistible is what the purple rose seeks to convey.' It was perfect and said everything without words being needed. They were going home together tonight – no more waiting, and a tingle ran down her spine at the thought.

"I'm nervous", "I'm a little nervous". They'd laughed at the synchronicity in their omissions, both knowing that it was the subtle promise of what was to come later on that was the cause of their nervousness.

"I remember the first time I saw you in the office. You were wearing this beautiful navy suit. You looked so tall and important." That memory was as vivid in her mind as if it had happened just yesterday. It was funny how she'd never questioned why she remembered so clearly every detail about their encounters.

"First time I saw you, you were having lunch at your desk and reading 'Look Homeward, Angel'. And I thought 'Who does that?'"

"I do."

She was surprised, and touched, that he remembered in quite so much detail the first time he saw her. He seemed equally as touched, and it signified how important they were to each other, from the very first moment. 'Love at first sight' she'd thought, just like the rose signified. Even if they didn't realise it at the time, she was sure that's what it was.

The mood was different as they sipped their drinks than it had been over dinner. It was still relaxed, but it was more…intense. Longing glances and light brushes of his hand against hers set her nerve endings alight with desire. One look in his eyes and she knew he could feel it too – that charge in the air that buzzed with excitement, with passion. With anticipation.

They didn't order another round. This was it – they'd waited long enough. When Charles opened the Uber app on his phone, he glanced at her before typing in the destination address. She took the phone from his hand and typed in his address, smiling as she handed it back to him and added, "Just the one stop."

The ride back to Charles's house was thankfully short, and words weren't needed as they smiled shyly at each other and composed themselves for what was about to come. His foot started tapping, so she placed her hand on his knee in comfort and linked her fingers with his. He smiled gratefully at her.

"I feel it too" she told him. It had been a long time coming, and the thought that it was finally happening held a lot of meaning for both of them.

When Charles let them inside, the door had barely closed behind them before she was in his arms and his lips were on hers. "Are you sure?" he'd gasped breathlessly when they broke for air.

"I've never been surer."

Smiling reverently, he'd held his hand out to her. She took it and he led her silently up to his bedroom. Once inside, the need to touch him again overwhelmed her so she'd wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. "We can't go back to how we were after this" she murmured, wanting to make sure he was sure, like he had with her.

He was sure. "I hope not."

With the assurance that this was what they both wanted and that this time they wouldn't be interrupted, they took their time in savouring every moment. Standing across from each other as they slowly undressed was quite possibly the most erotic and sensual moment of her life. Their eyes never left each other as one item of clothing, then the next, was removed until they stood in front of each other with no more barriers, physical or emotional, between them. She was surprised at how totally unselfconscious she was being stood fully naked in front of him. She'd always felt self conscious being naked in front of men before, even after being with them for a long time, but with Charles it was different. Her breath caught as she stepped into his arms and he ran his hands so softly down her arms and to her hips, then explored the bare skin on her back. She smiled when he gasped as she touched his broad chest, then followed his exploration by running her hands over the tight muscles of his arms and back. She held his gaze as she sat down on the bed and held her hand out to him. He smiled as he took it and then lay her back on the bed, kissing her as he climbed on top of her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down so their bodies were flush against each other and she could feel his heart beating rapidly against her chest, the warmth of his skin seeping into hers. She kissed him soundly, needing to be even closer. She could feel how ready he was – the evidence was poking her in the hip, but he took his time in making love to her. He was patient and attentive and took care of her every need. He knew exactly what she needed without her having to say anything, and the sensations made her see stars. When he finally entered her they both gasped and she grabbed the sheets at the exquisite feeling of complete fullness. He loved her and built her up until she felt like she would pass out from the sheer intensity of the pleasure. He caught her gaze and they fell over the cliff together, exploding around each other in a crescendo of emotion and feeling.

As they lay together afterwards, her head on his chest and his arm around her shoulders, they grinned goofily at each other and laughed happily, unable to believe that what had just transpired between them was no longer just a dream. They'd talked about anything and nothing as the hours wore on, just happy to be with each other. She'd fallen asleep in his arms and the last thing she remembered before losing consciousness was him placing a tender kiss on her forehead. She had a vague memory of him whispering something in her ear, but she wasn't sure if she'd been dreaming.

She'd woken a couple of hours later to find herself in the same position, with Charles smiling down at her and running his fingers lightly over her hair. When she glanced at the window she saw the first strains of daylight trying to break through and felt an anxiousness at the thought that they only had a few more hours together. Charles had foregone his skiing trip in favour of staying in New York with her, but he had to leave for Florida today or he wouldn't make it to the girls in time for Christmas Eve. Charles had sensed her change in mood and cupped her face as he kissed her sweetly. They'd made love again as the sun rose and illuminated them as it gradually shone in through the window. This time she made sure that she took care of all of his needs too. He kissed her as they lay breathing heavily afterwards and she had to bite her tongue to keep from blurting out those three little words she'd only admitted to Maggie and Jay. She felt it – more so than ever before in her life, but she kept it to herself – for now.

Charles had made her breakfast – pancakes, and she'd complimented him on how good they were. He'd smiled proudly and then admitted that that was the extent of his breakfast repertoire and he only knew how to cook them because they were the girls' favourite, so they were a necessity. It was a perfect domestic morning, and one she hoped she would get to experience repeatedly in the future. When 8:45AM rolled around he reluctantly ordered a cab and helped her into her coat, before they headed out into the crisp morning together.

As Charles slid into the seat next to her he interlaced their fingers and rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. He smiled warmly at her, "What are you smiling at?"

Liza blushed, "Just reminiscing."

Charles grinned and brought her hand up to his lips, placing a kiss on her knuckles. "Last night was incredible."

"It was. You were worth the wait."

"So were you." The raw tenderness in in his voice made her heart ache. He smiled shyly at her as he added, "It still seems surreal doesn't it?"

"Yeah, it does. I still can't believe we finally did that! I mean, I've imagined it often enough, but now it's actually happened."

Charles smirked and quirked an eyebrow. She blushed, realising she'd just admitted to fantasising about having sex with him – frequently. He sensed her embarrassment and squeezed her hand, "I've thought about it too – more than I care to admit." She giggled, imagining him waking up all disheveled after a vivid dream about the two of them, in the same way she had. "So did it live up to expectations?"

The shy, nervous look on his face told her he wasn't being cocky – he was genuinely concerned about whether he'd made her happy. She was fairly certain she'd been pretty vocal in how happy he'd made her last night! He was without doubt the best sex she'd ever had! But this was new for them both, and if he needed reassurance then she was more than happy to give it to him. "It totally surpassed my expectations."

He beamed at her and his smile was infectious, "Mine too. Being with you is far better than any fantasy." They were quiet for a few moments, revelling in their admissions and content to just 'be'. "Do you regret that we waited so long?" he asked curiously.

Liza thought about it – she'd wanted to be with him for a long time. Her feelings had been there long before she was ready to admit them out loud, or even to herself. But would it have been better if they'd given in sooner? They could have slept together at the Hamptons, but she hadn't fully ended things with Josh then. They could have slept together on numerous occasions after she jumped him in his office, but Pauline would have complicated things. "I think things happen when they're supposed to happen" she told him, "Like I was supposed to get my job at Empirical when I did, and I met you." He smiled at her. "We could have slept together sooner, but in hindsight I don't think that was our time. Josh…Pauline…things would have tainted it. And for us to have a chance, you needed to know the truth before we moved forward. I feel like this is our time."

The look on his face was one of wonder, like he was seeing something amazing that he couldn't quite believe was real, and it sent a tingle down her spine. "I think you're right. There were so many times when I wanted to hold you, or kiss you, or even just to spend time with you and talk to you…but I get that it was more complicated before. I mean, it's still complicated now but I want us to have a chance Liza – so much. I want this to work."

"Me too" she murmured, her throat getting tight with emotion. There was nothing she wanted more – she wanted to tell him that, but she didn't want to say too much too soon.

The cab came to a stop and looking out of the window she realised with a heavy sense of disappointment that they'd arrived back in Brooklyn. It only felt like five minutes since they left Charles's house, but in reality it had been half an hour.

She glanced at Charles and saw that he looked as disappointed as she felt. "Is it wrong that I was hoping for traffic?" he joked, trying to lighten the mood.

She laughed, knowing that she'd been willing the journey to last longer too. If he didn't have to get to the airport she'd happily sit in traffic with him all day. "No, it's not wrong."

He looked at the driver and then back to her and they smiled sadly at each other, knowing that their time together was almost over – for now. With a sigh he opened the door and stepped out onto the sidewalk, holding his hand out to her to help her out. When she climbed out they were standing so close she could feel his warm breath on her face. She kept hold of his hand, needing those last few moments of contact.

She smiled as she looked up at him. It was bittersweet because she was sad that he was leaving, but she was also so incredibly happy that she was able to be stood here with him right now, and that them having shared something so beautiful was the reason that she was.

"I'll call you Christmas Eve" he promised.

"If you can. I know you have the girls" she replied, leaning in closer as she affectionately gripped the lapels of his coat. She knew he'd try, but she didn't want him to feel bad if he couldn't. He'd have his hands full with two excited little girls at Christmas and she didn't want to take his time away from them.

He smiled, telling her with a look that he would make time. "And I'll see you in ten days."

That made her smile. Ten days seemed like a lifetime right then, but it would give her something to look forward to, and it showed he was making plans to see her again. January 2nd couldn't come quickly enough! "Safe trip."

He nodded and then leaned down and kissed her so tenderly it made her want to cry. When he pulled back his lips hovered over hers and then lightly brushed them in a featherlight caress, stopping short of kissing her again, knowing that if he did then they'd never stop.

"Bye" she murmured.

"Bye" he whispered back, before reluctantly turning and climbing back into the cab.

Liza smiled at him through the window and waved as she watched the car drive off. She heard her phone buzz as she was staring after him and reached into her pocket to pull it out. Her face broke into the biggest grin and her heart swelled in her chest as she read the message: 'I miss you already.' She sighed happily as she glanced one more time in the direction Charles's cab had driven but was no longer visible, before turning and heading into her apartment building. She typed out a response to him and hovered over the 'send' button, debating whether or not to send it. Before she could change her mind she sent it – he'd put his heart out there so she should return the favour. Christmas was a time for letting the people you love know how much you care about them. She saw that he'd read it and she smiled imagining his face as he read her words: 'I missed you before you left. L x'.