Hey loves! I hope you all love this chapter, veryyyy interesting! Please enjoy! ;)

Beauty and the Beast returns June 11th, NOT May 21st unfortunately! Spread the word!

*DISCLAIMER* This story is inspired by work that is not mines. I don't own BATB or the characters, I'm just borrowing them for the time being.


Chapter 9: Cold Feet

Vincent

Two Days Later

It had been a couple days and Vincent still hadn't heard anything from Catherine. He had been calling her non-stop and still nothing. He understood she was ignoring him at all cost after he stopped by her place twice and Heather said she was else where even though her car was always in the driveway. What he didn't understand was..why? Why was she fighting against him? He couldn't think of anything he did wrong, well he could but he knew it couldn't be that. Just when she finally gave in to her feelings, she went right back to putting her guard up. It was starting to frustrate him because all he wanted to do was talk to her and hopefully he could convince her that their kiss wasn't a mistake, because she obviously thought it was.

"Alright, so...she kissed you and now she won't take your calls?" Matt glued together what he'd just been told to come to his own conclusion. "Sounds to me like you were causality number four my friend." He stated jokingly, taking a sip of his steaming coffee as they walked down the busy sidewalk.

Vincent could almost roll his eyes at his friends constant antics.

"You think so?" Vincent returned in a sarcastic tone and Matt just held back his smirk and decided to listen for a change as Vincent continued.

"I mean this kiss..it was epic, you know?" He asked and Matt gave a sour look, objecting his choice of words.

"First of all, I can't believe you just said that and second of all...what does that even mean?" He questioned, mentally scratching his head.

Vincent opened his mouth to speak and found that after a few moments, he didn't know how to answer that question himself.

"I have no idea." He computed and ended up shaking his head. "But..I don't know what any of this means!" He blared, starting to wonder what the hell was wrong with him. He had never been this guy, unable to speak or be in such a arduous situation because of a woman. She was the only person capable of putting him off his game.

Matt stopped Vincent in his tracks to try and settle his confused friend. "Hey look man, this girl clearly has some issues, alright? I mean look at her track record. If you ask me, the thing to do now is just...walk away." He stated, plan and simple before walking off himself, seeing they had reached Vincent's block.

Vincent heard what Matt was saying, but it wasn't completely registering with him. It didn't make sense what him and Catherine had, but he knew he didn't want to let it go just that easily. He couldn't. He was giving in for the first time and he knew Catherine was the one.

He sighed to himself as he looked up at his building and headed for the rotating doors that welcomed him home.


Catherine

Catherine walked quickly in her red heels as she observed the living room. All the Christmas lights were hanging over the walls and windows nicely, the place just needed a few more touches. She grabbed one of the new couch pillows and put it in front of the bigger ones, thinking it looked better.

She hadn't talked to Vincent since she saw him at the dog shelter, but she had a good reason. She was finally gonna ignore everything for once, and do what simply felt right. Heather had helped her dodge Vincent till she figured out exactly what she was gonna do. She remembered him asking her what she thought about Christmas decorations and she knew it was a special time for him and his mom, so she came up with the brilliant idea to make him feel more at home. She didn't have much on her calendar today but to make this Christmas come alive for him.

She went out shopping and may have stolen a few items from her mom's cluttered closet to decorate Vincent's place while he was still at work. She ran around all day and found some rope lights to trim around his big windows, some beautiful pots of Poinsettia's, they were always popular this time of year. She also picked up some Moet champagne and had it chilled in a bucket on the kitchen counter. She was hoping for the best as she looked around his much more enthused condo. Everything looked perfect, almost. She stepped as quick as she could to retrieve the last surprise she had in store for him.


Moments later

Vincent

He was leaning against the steel walls of the moving box, waiting for the doors to his place to spread open. The elevator finally dinged after a few seconds and he was home at last. He forced his feet to move forward, dreading his way into his place. He sat his suitcase down as soon as he entered the room and pulled his scarf off, no longer needing the warmth. He walked further into his kitchen, placing his scarf on the counter with hesitation.

There was a big beautiful centerpiece on the counter top, a unique red plant he didn't know the name of. His eyes squinted, the thought crossed his mind that he was in the wrong apartment, but he knew he wasn't crazy. He looked around and saw more plants and he caught the trail of Christmas lights in his living room ahead. He walked along his counter top and noticed the silver bucket hugging the champagne bottle sitting near by.

He stepped pass his new dining room set, looking around, and everything was different from when he left this morning. He didn't know for sure who had been here, but all his bets were on Catherine. She wasn't anywhere in sight, but he was certain this was created by her. A small smile threatened to take over his face as he admired her creative touches here and there. He noticed something in the corner of his eyes that hadn't been there before. His face took over a more serious expression, he was certainly in awe. There was a new piece of art hanging by the living room and it wasn't a tacky painting by a well known artist. It was a picture of him when he was younger, with his dog Luke right beside him. The same picture he had shown Catherine when they were moving in his new furniture.

Catherine sneaked her way from his hallway as he was marveling at the posterized portrait she had made for him. She made her way to his kitchen counter and felt her fingers grip the edges tightly as she bit her lip out of nerves. She spurred on the inside at his reaction, seeing his wide grin that she missed the most.

"Do you like it?" She asked him nervously, finally speaking into the muted space.

Vincent stopped and immediately looked at her. He managed an even bigger grin as he let out a slight chuckle, utterly impressed.

"Do I like it?" He returned as if it was a ridiculous question. He looked back at the picture and shook his head, still amazed. "I love it." He professed, beaming back at her.

Catherine let out an adorable giggle before returning his smile.

"How did you even pull this off?" He wondered as she pulled herself from leaning on the counter and slowly walked his way.

"Well..I may have borrowed your photo for..a little bit." She admitted as she finally reached him and Vincent stood taller, turning in her direction. Her smile slowly eased as she became more of her awkward self. She took in a deep breath, ready to explain herself.

"Look, about the other day-

"No." Vincent cut in, stopping her and she looked up at him and remained quiet as he went on. "No..no there's no need to explain. I totally understand." He released, pushing his hands into his pockets.

Catherine pressed her lips together and nodded her head. Vincent looked down at this shoes before exhaling greatly.

"I was..kind of naive to think that I was different from the other guys." He declared, pulling his gaze back to the woman in front of him. "And..you've been under so much pressure and I didn't want you to feel that from me."

Catherine stared up at him as he spoke and found herself speechless, because in her head, she knew what she planned to say and how this moment was suppose to go, but she couldn't formulate her way to verbalize her speech. And here Vincent was practically faulting himself when he didn't have anything to be sorry about. He didn't think he was different from her previous choices, but he was wrong. Catherine wasn't sure about her past relationships, but she was sure about Vincent. She had never been more sure about anything up until right now.

"So look just...give me your invoice..I'll take care of it now and we can be all squared up-"

"Marry me!" She hurriedly blared out and Vincent hadn't even registered what she said.

"Excuse me?" He asked, looking at her unhinged, not sure he heard her right.

Catherine fought off her smile as she stared up at him. "I know..my track record hasn't been perfect and I swore that I would never do it again unless I knew...and I know." She breathed out, finally letting her feelings guide her way.

"Soo..Vincent Keller..will you marry me?" She said much slower this time and Vincent didn't miss a word that time.

He stared at her taken back and a glint of dismay even took over his features. He opened his mouth to speak, but only more silence threaded between them. Mere seconds flew by and it felt like a century to Catherine as her giddy mood was slowly deteriorating.

Vincent couldn't believe she was asking him to marry her! After everything, she was asking him! In the moment he felt somewhat awful knowing this whole thing fed off a bet he had with his friend. But at the same time, he was overwhelmed with his own feelings because he wanted nothing more than to be her husband.

Catherine took his silence as a rejection. The only word he could utter out was "I.." and that's it.

Realization hit her and she leaned back a little and nodded her head.

"Oh..okay." She said, pushing some of her hair back as she moved erratically. "I've clearly just made you soo uncomfortable and..I know that feeling so don't say anything at all. Um.." She started, feeling so foolish in this moment, her minds yelling at her to just find the exit as fast as possible like routine.

"In fact, I've been trying to figure out this whole thing so..thank you." She said, delivering a false smile, trying to renew herself. "for clearing it up for me and um as far as the invoice goes, yeah! I'll email you and feel free to send a check but honestly..no pressure at all! You don't have-"

"Yes." Vincent finally answered and Catherine stopped her rambling and looked up at him, still unsure. She was certain she'd just imagined that to be his response.

"I'm sorry, what?" She asked, still frantic within her green eyes.

Vincent closed the proximity between them as he gave her a toothy grin. "I said..yes." He repeated for her and he could visibly see her swallow the lodge in her throat.

"Yes..yes you'll marry me.." She said to make sure and this time Vincent chuckled and nodded his head.

He tangled his arms around her waist and brought her closer to him. "Yes, I will marry you." He said assuredly and her smile found it's way back to her muddled reaction.

"Are you sure? Because I don't want to pressure you into any-"

Vincent grabbed the side of her face and shut her up as he kissed her with force, almost as if he couldn't fathom another second without doing so.

Catherine relaxed in his hold as she pushed her fingers into the short lengths of his dark brown hair and kissed him back. She melted into his touch as she felt his hand move along her body, rubbing her side. His left hand curved around her lower back to mold her even closer to him and a moan emanated from her mouth at the lack of space. Vincent groaned at the sound, her reaction only spurring him on. It was like music to his hears.

The need for air came soon enough and she pulled away from him, leading him to spread hungry kisses down her neck. She whimpered at the feeling of his mouth and Vincent lifted her into his arms in an instant, mumbling something incoherent as he finally had her legs wrapped around his hips. She felt the warmth pool between her legs just at the feeling of his firm erection pressing against her thigh.

Vincent moved back, hurriedly to the couch, and they landed roughly on the cushions, as Catherine laid on top of him. He knew he couldn't make it to the bedroom, it seemed miles away from the quick steps it actually was.

The palms of his hands caressed her smooth thighs as they were now exposed from her skirt hiking up. She was rested fully in his lap as she leaned down to rush her mouth back to his. He felt himself sigh in relief, having her lips back on his, being able to retrieve her unique taste. Catherine's hands ran up his clothed chest and crawled their way into his grey suit jacket. She caressed the stretch of his chest, wishing she could tear it from his very limbs. Vincent felt her prying hands and leaned up to pull his jacket off, throwing it anywhere in the distance.

Catherine breathed heavily as she watched his every move. Vincent matched her stare as we went to rip off his striped tie and dispose of his dress shirt that was getting in the way. It was a nice button down, but in his mind he said "Fuck it." He had other shirts.

Vincent watched her reaction to his naked torso and her hand slowly made its way to his chiseled. She was pretty sure he was created with the intent to kill every woman that laid eyes on him. He was..remarkable with his fit body and broad shoulders. She looked up at him as her hands rested on his shoulders, pressing her lower body over his hard member. Vincent hissed as she continued to circle her hips over his tight dress trousers.

His hands quickly went for her blouse, instead of lifting over her head, he just ripped it in half as it fell over her hips. Catherine gasped as the material flowed off her skin.

"I really liked that shirt!" She grumbled and Vincent smirked at her before pulling her in for a lingering kiss. He felt her quickly retire her dissatisfied reaction as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Vincent's hands ran over her ass before he pulled his lips from her swollen ones.

"I'll buy you another one." He said out of breath. Catherine gave him a squinty look before yelping as he flipped them over, now hovering over her. Vincent grinned at her before kissing her again and she squeezed him between her thighs, making him moan and then she grinned.

Vincent's hands ran over her laced covered breast, eliciting a response as her nipples hardened. Catherine whimpered at the sensation as she arched her back. Vincent watched her response as he kissed down her chest. He reached for her clamps behind her back and heard it pop free. He white bra joined the pile of Vincent's clothes he already discarded. Vincent kissed her chest gradually, taking his time as he dragged her tight black skirt off her hips. Catherine closed her eyes, throwing her head back as he tasted her sensitive buds. Vincent's hand trailed over her beautiful legs, admiring every trace of her skin. He kissed down her flat stomach, letting his tongue leave a trail. She dug her hands in his hair, feeling her body start to squirm and Vincent rose his hands to grab her hips, holding her still. He kissed pass her navel to the tops of her matching underwear. Catherine took in a deep breath as he kissed her hidden treasure, tugging on his hair as he teased her. He went further, kissing her everywhere but where she needed him the most. He tugged on the ends of the material, eventually making her panties roll down her creamy thighs. He trailed them off her legs completely and stood up altogether.

Catherine huffed as he left the couch, giving him a confused look until he went to remove his pants. He stepped out of his slacks and boxers and he was completely naked before him. Catherine eyed him just as he took in her perfection as she laid before him.

Vincent crawled his way over her as she leaned up. He fit himself between her legs as he leaned down to kiss her once more.

"God, I want you so much." He said with heated breath and she moaned at his words. He rubbed his erection against her aching center and she clung to his arms, preparing herself of the feeling she knew would be wonderful. And it was much more. He slowly pushed inside of her and couldn't refrain from digging her nails in his skin. He tried to be as gentle as he could with her but she wasn't having it. She arched her hips upward, having him fill her completely. They both released a pleasure-filled sound after being fully connected. Vincent loving how to hugged his member so tight. His eyes found her's as they hung low, he had never seen her so beautiful, underneath him and falling apart because of him. Her face contorted with different expressions, never wanting this moment to end. He pressed his chest against hers, linking them skin to skin as he moved quicker inside her. She moaned, his name falling from her lips, not caring who heard what. Vincent kissed her feverishly as he rocked his hips against hers harder, making sure to hit her spot deeper. She clamped around him tighter and she knew she was close, humming sweet sounds as he kissed her. He thrust into her until he couldn't move as she hurtled over the edge, pulling away from his mouth, sparking the room with her beautiful sounds. It was so intense, he couldn't hold off any longer and cursed as his orgasm hit him just as hard.

They both laid there still connected, Vincent resting against her frame as she still hugged his lower waist. She drew small circles around his upper back and Vincent placed a small kiss on her neck. She smiled and wrapped her legs tighter his naked body, refusing to let him go. He made a sound that soon reached her ear.

"I'm convinced." He uttered out and she continued to draw patterns on his back as he covered her body.

"That?" she asked and he still groaned at her tight grip.

"You're trying to kill me." He murmured and she laughed, leading him into a tired chuckle of his own.


The Next Day

Catherine was at her parent's house, telling them all about her plans that took yesterday, of course not the reoccurring activity she did with Vincent, but about the surprise and her proposal. She sat on the kitchen counter, nibbling on something her mom fixed, telling her every little detail, wrapping the story up.

Vanessa's head shot up and she set her hands on her waist.

"You asked him?!" She asked, stepping closer to her daughter. Catherine looked to her, seeing her bothersome face, but still she smiled and nodded her head.

"Yeah!" She said without a doubt and looked to her Dad who had looked up from reading the paper with her floating smile. "Isn't it great?" She asked them both and Tom chuckled, seeing his bolt so happy and Vanessa gave him a questionable look at his response.

She looked back to her daughter and unsure, "Well..it's a tad unconventional. Catherine...are you sure?" She questioned, just making sure this time so they didn't relive any past events. She knew how her daughter could be and she had to make sure she was serious about getting married this time. She didn't need her dreams of grand-kids yet again torched.

"I mean..it's not that I'm not thrilled, but I just think that you-"

"Mom, I have never been more sure of anything in my life." She said seriously, looking at her mom especially because she was the constant worry in the family.

"I promise you guys I wouldn't put you through it this time..if I absolutely wasn't." She said, ending with a smile and Vanessa eventually gave in to the little parade that was building inside of her.

"Well, I think you made a fine choice Bolt." Her dad said with a firm grin, flipping his reading glasses back on to tend to the paper.

Catherine smiled to herself and picked up some more of her mom's Christmas snacks. "Thanks Dad. Dad, by the way...could we maybe cool it with the nickname? Makes me a little jumpy." She admitted, throwing a piece of chocolate in her mouth.

Her Dad gave her an odd look before shrugging his shoulder and pressing his thin lips, "Mm, okay." He grogged before diving back into the black and white papers.

Catherine brushed her hands off and looked back to her mom, "Soo..what do you think?" She said, jumping off of the counter, grabbing her mom to get her full attention. "Will you help me plan my wedding?"

Vanessa looked at her daughter, stunned that she was actually asking her. She usually hired someone or planned everything with her sister.

"You..you want my help?" She asked her daughter to be sure and Catherine nodded quickly.

"Yes! Mom..I want everything to be perfect." She spoke with weight hanging on her last word.

"I mean this is it!" She realized, her big day where she would actually marry the person she was engaged to. She needed this day to be special.

"Well, what are we waiting for?!" She quirked up at her slightly taller child and grabbed her arm to pull her along. "We have a wedding to plan!" She announced and Tom smiled at them both as they clung to each other and practically skipped out the kitchen.


Vincent – Lunch Time

"She asked me to marry her." Vincent finally shared, spilling the reason he's been peppy all day.

Matt's eyes bugged out as he almost dropped his hotdog he was dressing. He stopped everything he was doing and turned around to see Vincent.

"Your joking..right?" He begged and Vincent kept his smile in place as he shook his head to disagree.

"No, I'm not." He chuckled a little at his own happiness. He turned to look at Charles who was currently praising him.

"Wow, I am in awe at the power of you I mean..to actually get her to ask you? That's..that's something." He complimented and Vincent just shook his head.

"Thanks Charles." He welcomed his words, patting his shoulder, seeing his friend was happy for him.

Matt looked at them, still not believing this himself as he looked back and forth to the both of them.

"What- are you sure about this buddy?" He asked Vincent and he over to Matt. "I mean..you did say yes right?" He leaned his head down in question.

Vincent inhaled a deep breath and looked at them both, "As crazy as it sounds..yes. Yes I said yes." He confirmed and Matt just shook his head. His friend was continuing to surprise him everyday. Vincent noticed Matt's puzzled expression and he went on to explain.

"I mean it was like-"

"Like you had found the one?" Charles stepped in, the usual romantic and Vincent nodded his head slowly, not objecting Charles' cheesiness this time.

"Yeah, yeah I guess so." He admitted to them and himself out loud.

"Okay, look it may seem like all dreamy now but wait until you get cold feet man." He said as if it was assured.

"No." Vincent said quickly, "No I don't think it's gonna happen." He concluded and Matt gave an opposing look but eased up on his efforts. "You know why? When I think about marrying this girl..I feel the happiest I've ever been." He expressed with all honesty.

Charles goofed around and said aww at Vincent's words and gave him a big hug like he was a proud father. Vincent just chuckled and accepted the affection. At least one of his friends was happy for him, unlike Matt who was always such a pessimist.

"Alright, I gotta say it...I am impressed. I mean it's one thing to make a bet that you can get her to say yes but to get her to ask you? That IS something. Although it still doesn't change the fact that you forfeited, right? I mean you did call off the bet-" Matt bit back and fed his smug grin.

"Yeah, I did! I called the bet off alright? Okay, it's done." He said as they grabbed their food to go.

"My hat is off to you my friend, now we have a bachelor party to plan." Matt wiggled his eyebrows, nudging Vincent in the arm as they walked off back to work. They walked pass all the workers in big yellow caps and who Vincent failed to see was Zach. He was doing some work for the city and he never said a word, but he had heard their whole conversation.


A/N

DUN

DUNN

DUNNNNN

Well?! Haha SUCH a great chapter to write yet I had to end it on THAT note lol What will happen next? Will Zach spill the beans and tell Catherine about the bet? I mean the guy still does love her ;) I guess you'll have to wait and see! BTW How was the love scene? I didn't wanna go TOO out there because really this movie didn't have any of that, I made this story sexier than it was lol because that's my flare~ But I hope it was okay, my new story will indeed have that more detailed love scenes I know most of you crave!

Toodles! I just got home and I need sleep soon! Haha Love you all! Don't forget, Beauty and the Beast returns June 11th!