A/N: In this next chapter, Lana receives a surprise visitor on her first day on the job, Lois and Clark try to deal with unhealed wounds, and the League's secret is out! Thanks to my wonderful beta, HanaKT. I really appreciate all your comments and suggestions. Read on, everybody!! :D

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Chapter 4: Contact

Previously:

He pulled her head from his shoulder and kissed her softly. "I love you, Lois. I promise I'll never leave you."

She kissed his chest, laid her head under his chin, and snuggled against him. He pulled his coat up and covered her back stroking her hair. Lois sighed. "I believe you and I love you, too."

~o~o~

Gotham City, Wayne Towers:

Lana was doing a little reflecting about her life up to that point. She stood outside looking up at the tall glass office building in downtown Gotham City where she would be starting her new job with Wayne Foods. Her job title as the Executive Director of Research and Development – Organic and Natural Foods was a mouthful, but she was up to the challenge. She had every confidence in her abilities, and after meeting with Mr. Lucius Fox, the head of all Wayne Enterprises' subsidiaries, she looked forward to a long and prosperous career with the company.

Looking back over the past several months, it was hard for her to believe she was really there in Gotham City, and after telling herself for as long as she could remember that the big city was not for her, she had made the decision to move there. She was at a dead end job in Smallville, but this job would start a new life for her.

As Lana road up the elevator to her office, she kept telling herself staunchly that Richard was not the reason she had moved to the big city. It had nothing to do with the fact that he was sweet, charming, funny, and attractive. She sighed. Who am I kidding? I know why I'm here. Just accept it. It'll be easier once I do. She groaned at her inner voice.

"Ms. Lang?" Mr. Fox greeted her, as she got off the elevator to the top floor of the executive offices of Wayne Foods.

"Mr. Fox, good morning. It's good to see you again," Lana wasn't expecting to see him today. They shook hands in greeting. "What brings you here this morning?"

"Well, I always welcome our top executives on their first day. So, how's the apartment hunting going? Any luck?"

"No, not really, and I may be wearing out my welcome at my friend's apartment."

"I see, I may be able to help you with that," Mr. Fox smiled.

"Really? That would be most appreciated. Thank you," Lana replied truly grateful for the help. She didn't know the city very well and hopefully she could find something sooner rather than later. She couldn't entertain Richard at her friend's apartment and she didn't feel right going over to his place. It didn't feel like it was the right time for them. They had both agreed to go slow. It would be asking for trouble if I went over to his place. I'm not made of stone. He is entirely too charming for his own good.

"Well, here we are," Mr. Fox opened the double doors to her richly appointed executive office.

Lana entered her new office and was stunned. Being a small town girl, she was not use to this kind of opulence. Her desk was a dark cherry, and so were the cabinets and credenza which lined one wall. There was a side table with a conference telephone, a couple of nicely appointed desk chairs, desk accessories, a beautiful lamp, a computer, keyboard and everything she would need it appeared, not to mention a lovely view of the city. There were even a few art pieces on the walls. She also saw a dozen red roses and went to see who they were from, but she had a vague idea. She smiled as she read the card:

Good luck today, Lana. You deserve it! xoxRichardxox

"How sweet of him," she sighed.

Mr. Fox cleared his throat. "Ms. Lang?"

Lana turned from her desk and there standing in the doorway on her first day on the job was none other than Bruce Wayne, CEO and President of Wayne Enterprises.

"Ms. Lang, may I introduce …?" Mr. Fox began.

"I know who you are. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wayne," Lana said coming forward to shake his hand in greeting. The air of confidence and assurance rolled off this man in waves. I can see why anyone would want to meet him and work for him. I can't wait to tell Lois about this.

Bruce returned her handshake inwardly grinning. She's even lovelier in person. "Welcome to Wayne Foods, Ms. Lang. I see you're getting settled. Do you like your office?" Bruce asked taking a stroll around her office and he couldn't help noticing the flowers.

"Oh, yes, very much, sir. Thank you," Lana replied, but she couldn't help wondering why he was really there. She studied him for a moment. He is very attractive and his playboy mantle is not surprising, but he must be a very busy man, and I'm just one of the many executives in many subsidiaries he owns all over the world.

"Oh, don't thank me. You seem to have made quite an impression on Mr. Fox, and you haven't even started work yet."

Lana was humbled. She didn't know what to say. "I just hope I can live up to your expectations."

"Do we look worried?" Bruce asked smiling. "We'll let you get to work. Good luck, Ms. Lang. We here at Wayne Foods are lucky to have you." He shook her hand goodbye.

"Thank you, sir, I'll do my best," she smiled.

"I'm sure you will," Bruce replied and turned to leave.

"Excuse me, Mr. Wayne, I know it's my first day, and please forgive me, but ..." Lana hesitated worried she may overstep.

"But ...?" Bruce asked encouraged.

"A friend of mine works for the Daily Planet. She's a reporter," Lana said and waited for him to blow up or something.

"Ah, yes, a reporter. I may have heard of her. What's her name?" He asked knowing the answer.

"Lois Lane-Kent."

Bruce smiled. "Yes, I have heard of her and her husband too."

"Really? You know Clark, I mean Mr. Kent?"

"Yes, we've met on several occasions."

"It is a small world. Clark and I go way back. We grew up together."

"Is that right?" Bruce smiled again.

"Yes, we did. You see, Lois wants an interview with you. Please feel free to decline. I would certainly understand and Lois would too, I hope," Lana said reluctantly.

Bruce chuckled. "Please tell Mrs. Lane-Kent I would be honored."

Lana was so pleased. She shook his hand again. "Thank you, Mr. Wayne. I'll tell her."

"You're welcome, and I'll look forward to that call from Mrs. Lane-Kent. Bye now." Bruce left Lana's office inwardly grinning.

Lucius watched him leave and he couldn't help but feel relieved. Ms. Lang didn't seem the least bit interested in Bruce, except as her employer. "Ms. Lang, feel free to call me anytime, and I'll be in touch with those numbers for that apartment. Give me a few hours?" Mr. Fox asked.

"Thank you again, Mr. Fox. I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome, and I'll talk to you later. Have a good day," Mr. Fox said and left her office.

Lana walked over to her desk, sniffed a rose, and went and took a seat. She smiled and twirled around and around, lifted her arms in the air and said .. "YES!!"

~o~o~

About three blocks away, at the Gotham City Daily Planet offices, Richard glanced at the clock on his desktop again. Only five minutes had elapsed since the last time he had looked. He sighed. I'm not getting any work done today. Just call her and see how she's doing. But it's her first day. I know she's busy. Just pick up the phone. He picked up the phone and dialed the main number.

"Wayne Foods, how may I direct your call?" The receptionist answered the call.

"Lana Lang, please," Richard was getting nervous.

"Lana Lang, here," Lana answered her intercom, distracted.

"Hi, Lana, it's Richard. How's it going? Can you talk for a few minutes? I hope I'm not disturbing you," Richard was rambling.

"Hi, Richard, it's good to hear your voice. I have a few minutes. Everything is great. It has been a little crazy around here though. I've been in meetings all morning, meeting staff, getting the lay of the land, you know, the usual," Lana replied as she waved to her assistant that it was a personal call.

"Sounds like a pretty hectic day. Are we still on for tonight? We have to celebrate."

"I'm not sure. I may be here a while, so I don't think I can confirm dinner until my desk is not so insane. Can I call you later, say around 6:00? I'll know for sure by then. Is that alright?"

"Sure, that's fine. Did you get my roses?"

She smiled. "Yes, I did. Thank you, Richard. They're beautiful. When I came into my office for the first time, there they were. I knew they were from you."

"Who else would send you a dozen red roses?" Richard asked knowing she was a beautiful and successful woman.

"No one, Richard, I'm not seeing anyone else, just you and only you. I told you that. Don't you believe me?" Lana was concerned that Richard's insecurities may be lingering after what happened with Lois.

"Yes, of course, I believe you, Lana. I'm sorry. I just … I miss you," Richard said trying to rein in his feelings.

"I miss you too. Look, I'm going to try my best to get out of here on time. Let me get back to work. Call me later alright?"

"Sure, I'll call you later. Bye, Lana."

"Bye, Richard."

Richard hung up and stared at the phone hoping he wouldn't screw this up. She had become way too important to him.

~o~o~

Meanwhile back in Metropolis, Lois and Clark discretely left the bullpen area and went to another floor to clean up, promising each other they wouldn't do anything like that again. After realizing that they were going to be ten minutes late for the staff meeting, they steeled themselves for the looks they knew would come. Clark held the conference room door open for her silently saying with his eyes, "here goes."

"Nice of you to join us, Kent, Lane," Perry announced their arrival.

They took their seats not looking at the other. "Sorry, Chief," they said at the same time.

Most of the staff grinned and shook their heads, but a few others snickered and whispered, or the jealous ones did anyway. "I can guess where they've been. It's written all over their faces."

Clark heard every word, but he could see Lois wasn't paying them any attention. She smiled shyly at him. He ducked his head after returning her smile, afraid his cheeks would heat up. When she turned back to Perry, his mind returned to that vacant office. I tried to reassure her that I would never ever leave her again. It is painful to think she was still hurting from my disappearance. He sighed, wondering again how to ease her pain and his own. He snapped back to the present as Perry was speaking to them.

Lois's thoughts were also back in that vacant office. What happened back there? I have no idea what came over me. I thought those doubts and insecurities were gone forever. She inwardly sighed. Apparently not, when even the mere mention of those two words … Niagara Falls … could turn me into someone I don't even recognize. She glanced at her husband and couldn't help but smile. We need to talk about it. It can't hurt us. It's in the past, just as Clark said. I just need to believe it.

"Attention people." Perry tapped his water glass with his pen to get everyone's attention. "Stop the chatter and listen up." Once he got everyone's attention, Perry began to pace back and forth at the head of the table, staring at the best reporters in the business that worked for him. "Ever since Superman returned to our world six months ago, we've seen a steady influx of superheroes among us. Some would call them vigilantes, or just ego hyped men and women out to make names for themselves, but I don't believe that, not for a minute."

Clark inwardly smiled at Perry's words. Having a paper like the Daily Planet on their side was exactly the kind of support they wanted and needed. He glanced at Lois and she had that smile in her eyes he knew so well.

Perry continued. "Now, my sources tell me that a few of them are meeting, putting together a League, as it were, a society of superheroes that would work together to help each other to help us, all of us to make our country and the world a safer place."

"But what gives them the right to rein over us?" A staffer asked worried about this new turn of events. He looked around the table and he could see this was not a popular stance. He tried to clarify his question. "I mean, even the police are skeptical about their motives. I'm not alone."

"From what I hear, Superman will be their leader. He will be the one in charge and I trust him. We all trust him. He has more than proven himself time and time again. Need I remind you what happened six months ago?" Perry asked his staffer.

"Of course, we remember, Perry, but that's not the issue. How can Superman keep track of these other 'members'? What if they go rogue or turn on us?" The staffer was getting worked up.

"I have no worries on that score," Perry responded. "Superman will keep them in line. Now, listen to what I'm saying. We, and I mean, everyone in this room, will make it clear that the Daily Planet will make a stand for truth and justice, because that's what Superman stands for, and that's what I believe this new league will stand for too. Are there any more questions?" Perry asked his staff, as he pointedly looked to the staffer who had spoken up earlier.

No one had any questions. "Now, I want all articles on my desk within the week. According to my sources, a major announcement is in the works. Get on it people. Move it. Meeting adjourned."

~o~o~

Meanwhile, back in Gotham City:

Richard had most of the afternoon to think about his earlier conversation with Lana. It spoke volumes about the way he felt about her. After admitting that to himself, he resolved to take things slower. He didn't want to scare her off. As it was, she wouldn't even consider coming to his apartment for the evening, knowing that the attraction between them was potent. There was no denying it. He glanced at his watch. It was almost 6:00 pm. He was looking forward to seeing her again, and he wanted to hear about her day. He had made reservations at one of the more popular restaurants in the city.

He dialed her number. "Good evening, Wayne Foods," the receptionist answered the call.

"Is Lana Lang available to speak to Richard White, please?"

"One moment, I'll connect you."

Several moments passed. Richard began to worry. Had she left for the evening? No, I told her I would call. We agreed.

"Hello, Mr. White, I'm not getting an answer in her office, and her assistant has left for the evening. Would you like to leave a message?"

"Oh, I see, has she left for the evening? Could you page her please? It's important that I reach her."

"One moment, please."

Where is she? Maybe I should try her cell phone. Richard looked up when he heard footsteps in his office, and there leaning on the door jab with a smile on her face was the very person he was trying to reach.

"Well, hello there," Lana said smiling flirtatiously at him.

"Lana, where'd you come from?" He hung up and came to her and gave her a hug and a kiss.

"Hum, I should have come over here sooner if I that's the kind of greeting I'll get. Happy to see me?" She asked knowing the answer.

"You know I am, but I thought we were going to talk again before we confirmed our plans."

"I wanted to surprise you. I could tell from your call how excited you were about tonight and I confess I'm excited too. So, where are we going?"

"I see we both like surprises. Let me get my coat and we'll head out. I'm sure you'll like this place. I hear the food is outstanding," he said and smiled as he escorted her to the elevator.

~o~o~

The restaurant was located in one of the tallest buildings in Gotham, owned by Wayne Enterprises. It was one of those swanky restaurants that slowly turned giving customers a spectacular view of the city at all angles as they dined.

After being seated at their table, Lana took it all in and was very impressed with what she could see. "Wow, this is some place. I'd heard of it, but I never thought I would ever eat here. I hear the food is amazing. I do love Italian."

"I know you do. Are you hungry? I know you were pretty busy today. Did you get a chance to eat lunch?"

"I barely had time to have a sandwich at my desk, so I'm starved," Lana replied greedily looking over the menu and tried to decipher all the Italian words.

"May I make a recommendation? Good evening, Ms. Lang," Bruce Wayne cocked his head in greeting as his date scrutinized Lana.

Richard stood up to shake the gentleman's hand. "Good evening. Aren't you …?"

Lana made the introductions. "Richard White, this is Bruce Wayne, umm, my employer."

"I'm very pleased to meet you. Lana and I are here to celebrate her first day on the job," Richard said feeling the need to explain.

"I'm sure Lana told you about our meeting today," Bruce wanted to feel out their relationship. He still didn't understand why he came over to their table. Ms. Lang fascinated him in a way he found hard to describe.

"Actually, no, we haven't had a chance to talk about her day," Richard replied.

"Well, you picked one of the finest restaurants in the city to celebrate. I have eaten here on numerous occasions and I highly recommend …"

His date cleared her throat. "Bruce, aren't you going to introduce me?"

"I'm sorry, this is … what was your name again?" Bruce asked not feeling the least bit awkward about asking his date her name.

She sighed. "You are too bad, Bruce. I'm Deborah Alderson of the Gotham City Aldersons. It's nice to meet you both." Deborah extended her hand in greeting to both Lana and Richard. "Bruce, the waiter is trying to get our attention. Our table is ready," Deborah said.

"I'm not done talking, Diane. As I was saying, you can't go wrong with any pasta or seafood on the menu."

"Thank you, Mr. Wayne," Lana said curious in spite of herself.

"Yes, thank you," Richard said trying to read the man.

"Enjoy your meal. It was nice seeing you both," Bruce said turning on his heal and escorting his pouting date to their table.

"That was odd," Richard said sitting down.

"I'll say," Lana said narrowing her eyes at his retreating back. "You know, I've read up on Mr. Bruce Wayne, and it's a fascinating story. He was orphaned at a young age, raised by close friends, and the only heir to an enormous fortune. I can see why Lois wants to meet him and interview him."

"Being rich does not make one fascinating. He looks like a playboy to me. He didn't even remember his date's name," Richard said trying not to sound jealous.

Lana shrugged. "Well, enough about him. Let's order," Lana said, as she could see that Richard was getting worked up a little.

Richard couldn't help having a twinge of jealousy. Lana will probably see him again since the man is her boss. He groaned to himself. That's all I need.

TBC!

A/N: I feel bad for Richard. Bruce Wayne is a force to be reckoned with. Will he turn Lana's head? Is history repeating itself? We'll see! Thanks for reading, everyone. Tell me what you think.