I just got my PC with the grammar corrector back this morning, once the birds were ready to go their way today. I don't know if they appreciated how I was respectful of their privacy, judging by the mess they left behind.
So, long wait, but at least you'll just have the usual level of typos and glaring mistakes.
I thank Iza with all my heart for the nudge to update when I take too much time. This chapter was really difficult to write, and your incentive was precious.
Therapy
Chapter 10: In motion
CC couldn't stop smiling to herself and humming lowly while she read contracts in the office.
She had all the reasons to pat herself on the back, once her plan was working perfectly: she had left Niles shocked twice, since her arrival, that morning, and had done it in such a manner that he couldn't decide what was going on.
It meant he was so surprised he didn't run away, what was already a step forward from their previous encounters, in her opinion.
However, she wanted more. And she was confident she would get there.
Her strategy was what gave her such confidence: she intended to play their old game, but with a subtle new twist, and the territory was familiar enough for her to feel like an experienced hunter who knew how to tease enough to puzzle her prey and keep his curiosity picked.
(If there was something that made CC Babcock feel her body tingle in excitement, it was thinking things in terms of hunting.)
She intended to set the trap and create the circumstances for Niles to approach it by his own volition. Maybe there would be some fuss when he realized what he had got himself in but, once it was clear there was no way out (there was no way she would let him go), he would give up resisting and would surrender to her will.
She still wasn't quite sure of what exactly she wanted from her Butler Boy, besides attention and nicer responses, but the feeling that there was more to come their way, if they permitted themselves, grew stronger every time they interacted. CC kept wondering what would happen if they gave up the pretense of hate at the same time, and set to build something stable and dependable, instead of just enjoying the sparks and fireworks they had between them.
She liked the idea of working with Niles in order to do it. After each of her therapy sessions she considered that, if she had managed to stop thinking of their bonding as related only to sexual attraction, and had started permitting her mind to deal with the feelings she had for him, it was obvious he was capable of doing the same.
However, it was obvious he had deep issues, too. All the years of bantering and trying to demean the other didn't exactly help to make their bond something he related to good things.
So, before she convinced him to do anything with her, she had to make him compromise.
And it would not happen if he kept running scared.
That was why she was sure the best plan was to make clear her intentions, but through a veil of ambiguous teasing: she couldn't ask him to stay close to her, but she could attract him enough to be tied up by her, and then show him there was nothing he should be afraid of.
(The notion of him tied up while she made a show just for his sake did something to CC.
To relieve some of the tension, she flipped through her pile of contracts and found some sheets of music. Maybe criticizing the lyrics of a sappy love song would help her put aside her current obsession with taking Niles to herself.
Dear – what a phrasing!)
While she wrote down some notes besides the song, CC remembered his phone call, the previous night, and how decisive it had been: when he rang up on her, she couldn't feel indignant, so impressed by his vulnerability she was. The man was so desperate he guessed the only way to deal with her scheming was to beg for her to stop it.
He must be really out of himself.
He even asked her to exchange the niceties for demeaning, what was absurd.
It just served to prove that Niles couldn't, for some reason, deal with their closeness.
He had even said to her that he didn't know what would happen if she insisted in the nice behavior.
It meant he didn't trust himself.
And that was why CC started planning on making him snap and see what he was trying to hide from her.
The thought of seeing something of Niles that set him in a panic of being exposed to her gave CC a new thrill.
She couldn't stop her mind from reeling at the possibilities, of fantasizing about things that he couldn't help but wanting to do to/with her, once they were so attracted for each other.
Things that may be shameful in the light of the day, but were made perfect when fueled by love and desire.
(CC breathed deeply to calm herself and added a mocking note to the song she was looking at. Sometimes she couldn't believe she had to point out some things to professional musicians.)
Things had got clear and smooth as soon as she decided the best way to deal with the situation at hand was to keep an ambiguous position, making clear the teasing was not over, just had reached a new level, and that Niles and his fears had no right to decide the rules of their new relationship.
Why do I feel so good when I think of us having a relationship? It seems I'll have a lot to discuss with Bort in my next session...
CC shook her head slightly and took another sheet of music.
Soon she noticed all the lyrics were supposed to give strength to the leading female character, but ended up making her sound plain and superficial.
She started writing lots of comments on the sides of the lyrics, pointing out how she believed the dynamics of the character should work.
CC felt energized, wise and empowered. It was great that she was capable of working and, at the same time, keep in mind that at any moment her Butler Boy would be there, with something in his sleeve for her. He would want to get the upper hand, and that was the reason why she had made her plan based on light provocations – she wanted him to feel safe enough to come closer and try to retaliate.
With some luck, he wouldn't realize the fact that him coming to her was exactly what she wanted, and her trap would work perfectly.
CC got impressed by the quantity of notes she had put in this particular horrible song, and by how many of them were related to how she saw the position of a woman in a love story.
(Uhm… Love story… Would that be what I've been living in?
This would explain why I feel so good about my desires, and why I believe I know more about love than the lyricist I hired…)
At least, she could thank herself for being so competent and adding some deep to the business while she dreamed of the things she wanted from Niles as soon as he became hers.
(Dear, I really got it bad..., she smiled at the light shiver that took her at the thought.)
'CC, this is a bit distracting'.
She raised her head and saw her business partner, glaring at her from his desk.
'What?'
'The humming. The head shaking. The appreciative murmurs. I know you enjoy working, but it's not helping me to keep focus on my own reading'.
Lots of comments went through her head at that, all of them questioning how he dared to mention focus when he was the first to fall for Nanny Fine's distractions every time she breezed in; however, CC decided against voicing any of them. Maxwell being obtuse had stopped being charming to her, 'Sorry, I didn't realize I was doing it. It must be the good feeling of not being sick anymore. It can give you a kind of high'.
'Denial is a very serious component for a lot of mental diseases', Niles' voice sounded from the open door, 'I hope you don't stop taking your medications, based on the illusion you're cured'.
CC turned her head at him, showing in her face the pleasure she had by hearing his voice, and letting her eyes roam over his body.
He was carrying a covered tray, and had his eyes firmly set on her.
He had come to challenge her.
It seemed promising.
'Aren't we lucky to have you to keep us up to date on mental problems?', she asked him, joining her hands on her lap and signaling he had her attention, now, 'You surely are the most experienced person in the field, here'.
'Really, Babcock?', he scoffed easily, 'Demeaning yourself won't do anything for your already damaged reputation'.
CC shrugged, 'I meant you wouldn't have survived a day in this house since the Fines arrived, if you were not really good with the loony bin'.
Niles just blinked for some moments, processing the fact she hadn't threw a zinger at him, but at the Nanny's family, what took out all the weight of his barb, 'I have had years of training with a very difficult case'.
CC smiled at Niles accepting her argument and bringing the focus to her again, 'I'm glad you're convinced that even the craziest woman deserves a chance, and dedicate your time to learn how to deal with her'.
His brows raised at the implication, 'Someone has to protect the populace'.
She let out a smile, 'Don't be so strict. There are fields of action where some crazy are on demand'.
Now he smirked, 'Yes, until the crazy ones get too demanding'.
Her voice dropped an octave, 'If we ask for interesting things, what's the problem in wanting just a bit more?'
Niles opened his mouth and stuffed his chest, moving a bit his shoulders, as if preparing to physically approach her. It was a telltale sign that he would engage in a serious battle of zingers with her.
CC knew, whatever was to come, it could go through two very different paths: he could choose to say something harsh and tell her how far-stretched was the notion of her getting anything from anyone; or he could keep the challenge on, and throw her something that would bring up how interested he was in her demands.
Before she could know what would be his choice, a voice interrupted the moment, 'Are you going to stay at the door all morning, Old Man?'
The butler looked at his boss and seemed to remember the other man was there. He entered, walking to the side of the desk, 'I'm sorry, Sir. I just got carried over'.
CC spoke, smiling at the realization that Niles was going to the place where he could turn and see her easily, 'My fault, Maxwell. He can't help falling under my spell, now and then'.
Both men looked at her, and she just smirked, her legs crossed, one feet dangling joyfully in the air.
Maxwell frowned, confused.
Niles' mouth raised slightly at its corners, a hint of delight appearing in his face.
CC could never have such a good example of how different those men were: while Maxwell was often limited to the task he had at hand, getting easily confused by anything that didn't follow what he expected, Niles would be perceptive of everything around him, quickly getting the meaning of her gestures and giving them the relevance she deserved.
And more: while her business partner would still treat her as a secretary, not really listening to her advice, the butler considered her all the time – he commented on her, he paid attention, he dedicated his time to deal with her and to take into account everything about her.
Even the things that went against his own instincts of self-preservation.
The truth was he gained nothing from it. And, still, he did it all the time.
(It was nice to have someone in her life that, even if in a twisted and confusing way, had a disinterested connection with her. She was so used to people who wanted her money or her influence, or that pretended they respected her for various reasons, that it was refreshing to know Niles was around just because he couldn't stop himself from caring.
That was something worth fighting for.)
The butler adjusted his tie in a gesture to change the mood, while turning his face away from the socialite. He put the tray on the desk, took off the cover from the plate and showed it to her, 'As promised'.
CC saw the shining in his eyes and looked at the plate.
There were pancakes.
An immense pile of delicious looking little pancakes shaped as cartoon bones, to be exact.
She looked at him, careful to use an oversweet tone that could be taken as sarcasm and endearment, 'It must have taken a lot of your time to do them, Niles. I appreciate the gesture of stopping being lazy and incompetent for one hour and produce something that seems really nice'.
He stayed with the plate on his left hand, 'If it means you'll be fed enough to not unleash your fury on us, mortals', he threw her a fake grin, 'You're always welcome, Miss Babcock'.
CC squinted at him, to hide her interest in the soft edges of his voice when he said her name. It was a good sign if he couldn't mask it totally.
Niles put the plate back on the tray and started rearranging things on it.
CC kept observing his movements, delighting in knowing that he had, in fact, dedicated his time to do something for her.
(And at the ideas the way he moved gave her.)
When Niles seemed satisfied by the design he had achieved, he took the breakfast-in-bed tray and approached CC to put it on her knees, 'Please, let me know if this is enough'.
'Don't worry, I'm not afraid of demanding things', she said in a low tone, just to tease him. Then, she adjusted the tray, surveying the contents to see what he had prepared – the absurdly big pile of bone-shaped pancakes, some syrup, the mug of tea, the knife and fork. She felt the amazing scent of the food bring out her appreciation, 'Uhmmm. Yummy!'
'Yes', was all he said, while straightening himself slowly.
CC found it strange that Niles would be silent while she attacked the food he had brought to her (so many animal zingers at his choice!), and looked up at him to see what had happened.
It was evident on his face.
He was visibly fighting some good old tenderness he felt every time she recognized something he did: his eyes were softened, his hands joined in front of him with fingertips touching, his posture slightly turned to her, as if he intended to reach out and caress her any moment.
The thought made her smile lovingly at him.
Niles' left hand moved a bit, and for a moment CC thought he would really reach out for her.
Realizing he had been staring too long, he turned to his spot besides the desk again and said, in an attempt of dry voice that sounded shaken, 'Maybe I should have prepared a second plate'.
CC sipped her tea to gain time. They just had a moment, and she had to decide if she should push it a bit further or let things where they were for the time being, 'No need to. I can keep my urges at bay until lunch'.
Niles looked at her and raised his brows, 'It would be nice'.
'Wouldn't it?', CC agreed, innocently, and didn't resist the temptation to lick some syrup from her fork slower than it was necessary.
The blush that crept up Niles' collar seemed to project his mouth open and glue his eyes to her lips.
'I would like my tea to be served still today, Niles', Maxwell said, what brought his butler's attention to him. While being served, he stated, 'Well, at least I see you've decided to be civil. It's a nice change of pace for you two'.
'Some deals must be made, Sir', Niles commented and moved to put the mug in front of Maxwell, seizing the opportunity to stand besides his boss, facing CC again.
CC realized he had repositioned himself to see more of her, but at the moment she was unfortunately not exactly what she could call sexy: she had just put a healthy piece of pancake in her mouth, and was chewing on it avidly.
(She had been really hungry, after all.)
She felt a bit embarrassed by being caught with her mouth full, and her eyes widened slightly, as if looking for something to do.
Her embarrassment disappeared when she saw Niles was fighting a genuine smile.
His mouth was set stubbornly in a line, but those blue eyes were clearly showing how happy he felt seeing she was enjoying his food.
The thought that Niles liked the sight of her for sexual and loving reasons made CC feel all hot and moved, at the same time, and she looked down at her plate, in an uncontrolled display of shyness.
She was not used to have feelings for the men she was attracted for. She had always dealt with tenderness and desire as if they were two very different things, but with Niles they came always all mixed up, and it was awesome, disconcerting and kind of addicting.
When she forced herself to bring her eyes up again, Niles was still looking at her, seemingly doing his chores for Maxwell in autopilot while observing her reaction with interest.
She may have been seen eating not exactly as a lady, but if she was reading him correctly, he was as amused by her spontaneity as he had been by the flirting.
(And she scores!, CC congratulated herself.)
At her now steady gaze, he averted his eyes and added to his previous words about deals, 'Even if one can't take pride with such associations'.
Maxwell frowned, looking at the butler, and decided not to comment on that. He relaxed in his chair with the mug in his hands, 'Maybe we should have a break'.
'That would be nice', Niles said, grinning wickedly, going to his spot by the side of the desk again, and gaining a glare from his employer.
'I can multitask', CC said, with her mouth half full.
'Yes, she can', Niles pointed at her with his left hand, 'As we see in this obvious display of charm and efficiency'.
CC looked at him, realizing he had attacked her mentioning exactly what had moved him some moments before.
It meant every time he commented negatively on her, he was fighting something he liked on her.
(That was huge.)
It involved every word he had said about her appearance, her talent, her way of dealing with things.
(That was really huge.)
She had to sip her tea to control a bit of the emotion. Then, she spoke, 'It's easy to be efficient with such a task, Niles. I was hungry and I love your pancakes. About the charm, well, you know what they say – some things are in the eyes of the beholder'.
Not fully recovered from the sensations she was bringing on him, Niles answered defensively, 'Now I'm to blame for your bad eating habits'.
'At least I'm not the one who considers himself a bad habit', she smirked, 'What is, in itself, a bad habit'.
He raised his brows in sincere amusement, 'Someone is very proud of her puns, today'.
This time, Maxwell's voice interrupted the moment before she could formulate a suitable answer, 'There is something I must talk to you about, CC, but it can wait until you decide the break is over'.
The blonds looked at the producer and realized he had got uncomfortable, and decided to call them on whatever they were doing.
It bothered them that Maxwell had mentioned a break, because it made it seem like what they were doing was not exactly serious.
And, at the moment, there was nothing more serious than that.
CC got back to her pancakes, noticing Niles immediately started rearranging things on the desk in what seemed a very complex pattern, delaying his departure from the office and making clear he was not part of the so called 'break', and had real stuff to do there.
The producer's eyes went from one to another, observing the both of them, and getting increasingly agitated at the fact he was being ignored.
He cleared his throat, 'Well, CC… It's not an easy subject…'
Niles produced from thin air what seemed to be a mini feather duster (and ended being a foldable one, what reminded CC of a delightful careless butler dancing in his underwear), and started dusting the shelves besides Maxwell.
The producer seized the opportunity to gesture at CC, pointing the butler, 'As I said, I don't know if I should approach it now…'
CC had an urge to laugh at Maxwell thinking he was doing any good asking her help into sending Niles away, got the syrup with one hand and motioned for him to go on with the other.
Her partner raised a brow at Niles making an excuse to stay and CC not minding it, even with the possibility of a tough subject being brought up.
The man had real difficulties to deal with surprises because, even if he now knew she was all right with it, he turned his head in a new attempt, 'Niles?'
The butler didn't stop dusting, and just threw over his shoulder, 'Yes, Sir?'
Maxwell crossed his arms over his chest and glared ahead.
Now CC had to suppress her annoyance at the childish gesture.
Niles stopped with the shelves and came to dust the desk – making sure he was avoiding Maxwell's mug, while working carefully around it – and asking with an air of fake innocence, 'Is there anything you need?'
And now CC had to suppress the urge to jump from the green sofa and stand by his side to see his act closer.
(She finished one more pancake and started reorganizing the tray to distract herself and contain her desire of brushing Maxwell aside to have fun with Niles.)
Maxwell made a gesture forward with his hand, 'I was going to ask you exactly that!'
'What? You mean this?', the butler blinked in confusion, then smiled as if he had just realized what the commotion was about, pointed at the feather duster in his hand and at the desk, making a motion around the mug, 'Oh, Sir, don't mind me. I'm used to figure things out by myself in my line of work'.
CC gave up resisting and got up, lowering the tray on the green sofa and approaching the front of the desk, 'Maybe we should buy one of those toys that teach forms to children, Maxwell. They are color based. He will feel challenged, but not too much'.
Niles threw her a dirty look, 'At least, my specimen can see colors'.
'Good to know. I thought people still couldn't tell which kind of creature you're related to, Nessy', she easily volleyed back, 'I'll buy it myself', she threw him a daring look, 'I always wanted to give you toys'.
'The kind of toys you're used to won't be found in a shop for children', he scowled at her.
CC baited her eyelashes, and her voice went down an octave, 'Then, maybe you'll want to play with me'.
'I'm serious, Niles', Maxwell called his attention back.
Both blonds looked at the Broadway producer, startled.
Was it possible that he hadn't registered CC's comment or noticed the heated insinuations they were exchanging?
'What?', he asked at the eyes on him, 'We have things to discuss, here, and your petty quarrels aren't helping'.
Niles and CC relaxed: Maxwell had no idea what was going on and just wanted to get things in a place where he could deal with them.
They turned to each other, searching for a silent acknowledgment that they would let their conversation aside, and concentrate on whatever Maxwell wanted to, by the time being.
When their eyes met, they understood what the other wanted immediately, and were sure they were thinking along the same lines, as often happened.
They had a hard time looking away, keeping their eyes locked in silent communication.
CC wondered how many times it – this pretense of challenge – had happened, and they just seized the opportunity to stare into each others eyes because they had a connection that just could be publicly displayed in such situations.
'If you don't have anything else to do here, I'll ask you to leave us, Old Man. My subject with CC is kind of personal'.
The danger flashed in the socialite's mind: Maxwell never had anything personal to discuss with her; why was it that he had, now?
Exactly when she wanted to bring Niles closer to her?
(What is it about bad timing?!)
'Just say it, Maxwell. I keep no secrets from Hazel here'.
The businessman raised both brows in shock, and Niles had an expression of uncertainty.
She added, 'It's not possible to keep secrets from a person who is constantly listening through the door, or using the intercom, or one of those ridiculous gadgets he buys to spy on people'.
Niles straightened his back and answered, with dignity, 'I just try to perform my duties the better I can'.
CC's only answer was humming the theme song for Inspector gadget.
The butler made a face at his nemesis, intended to show annoyance, even if it was obvious he had appreciated the zinger.
(And her lips moving to sing u-hu so close to him.)
CC chuckled lowly, and smiled at Niles.
And he smiled back.
(It was magical.)
Maxwell now frowned, realizing he would have to do something if he wanted to have their attention, 'Then, CC, here it goes'.
'Yes?', she asked, turning her eyes to her partner, a smile still lingering on her face.
Maxwell relaxed a bit, 'Our company was invited to this party next Friday...'
'I remember', she interrupted nonchalantly, 'It is something about fighting some disease, wasn't it?'
'In fact, this one is related to animal rights'.
Niles just looked at CC with an overjoyed expression, then calmed himself at her glaring back at him and raised a hand, 'All right, I won't say a thing'.
'Why?', she asked, a hand on her hip, 'Is it so easy it's beneath you?'
He tilted his head, 'In fact, it's too difficult', he grinned, 'Too many options'.
They shared grins over the zingers, this time.
Maxwell raised his voice to be heard over their silent battle, 'All the important people will be there, as we have discussed, from actors to theater owners. We talked about both of us going, this time, to make sure we get a hold on everybody who matters'.
'How fortunate that next Friday is a full moon, then', Niles immediately reacted, still looking at CC, 'You'll make quite an impression in an event like this'.
'That's nice of you to be attentive to the time of the month I go through my change, Niles. It comes in handy to organize the company's schedule', she answered and went to stand besides him, at the side of the desk, 'However, don't you think it is bit inappropriate that you're keeping track of how much fur I have covering my body? How are you doing it? Taking shots of me when I'm not looking?'
Even Maxwell had his eyes wide at that.
Niles got uncomfortable at her closeness while mentioning the possibility of him being interested in her nude body, 'The only shots I'll ever take from you are related to the whisky glasses I must hide if we want you able to stand on your own during backers' parties'.
'I'm surprised', CC declared, 'I thought your shot zinger would involve hunters shooting me'.
'Sometimes…', he started.
And they finished together, '… these things just write themselves'.
Delighted by how similar their minds were, again, they exchanged new grins.
In her enthusiasm, CC nudged Niles, and he made that shake shoulder motion and averted his eyes, as he did when he was happy but a bit shy about something.
(And, once he didn't make an effort to get away from her, CC let her right shoulder and arm stay touching his left ones.)
'Well, CC, the point is', Maxwell resumed, a bit annoyed by the constant interruptions, 'Chandler will be there'.
'And?', she asked, quickly, while sensing Niles tense by her side.
The butler got immediately blank faced and put his hands quickly behind his back, what put some distance between them.
'I know you were... involved, at some point', Maxwell answered, now with hesitance, 'Once you mentioned you wouldn't go if he confirmed his presence, I understand you don't feel comfortable around him'.
'If she was to be uncomfortable every time she meets a man she has been with...', Niles started, with a deep frown that indicated bad things were to come from his mouth.
However, he stopped talking abruptly and looked at the woman by his side with wide eyes.
Maxwell got confused by the pair at the side of his desk: CC had sneaked her arm on his butler's back, and he didn't know what she had done, but it had been enough to make the man give up what he intended to say.
(CC didn't want Niles to think she was making a show in front of Maxwell, so she had moved in order to take Niles' hand in hers, to make him look at her and know he was dangerously close to a territory she didn't want him to go.
She almost regretted the gesture, but after a moment his eyes told her he understood.
He kept in silence, and CC squeezed his hand in thanks and let it go, not without lingering on it for a moment more and grazing her fingertips on his when she pulled her own hand away.
She felt giddy at the fact he turned his own hand palm up, to better feel her parting hand, and then let his arms rest besides his body again, resuming the contact they had before.)
A bit worried that some violence was going on, Maxwell cleared his throat, 'Well, CC...?'
She looked at him with decision in her posture and voice, 'I'll go'.
'Just like that? But you said…'
'I know what I said. However, if Niles comes with me there will be no problem'.
'What?', both British men asked.
'I agree with you that we should both go to the party, Maxwell. I guess you're dying to take Nanny Fine, once she will whine for years if she discovers you went to a party without her', she rolled her eyes in annoyance, 'I want to take someone I can show off to Chandler, to keep him far from me'.
'You want to show off... Niles?', Maxwell asked, confused.
CC sensed Niles tense again, and she turned slightly to him, so the front of her body was really close to him and she was able to discreetly let her hand rest on his lower back and slide up in a soothing caress, 'Yes. Chandler knows him, and will know not to mess with me when I have someone familiar by my side', she looked at Niles and grinned, in what was obviously a zinger he got, because he smirked at her. 'Besides, we are great at the dancing floor. I'm sure it will destroy any possibility of him getting closer and asking for a revival of any type. One of the things I have told him when we broke up was that I would never believe in a relationship with a man that couldn't sweep me off of my feet at the dancing floor'.
Niles' head snapped at her at that, and CC saw the hope in him. She could almost hear his heart accelerating at the idea of her considering something they had as basic for a relationship.
'So, Old Man? What do you say?', Maxwell asked with a malicious smirk, 'Are you free this Friday night?'
CC knew Maxwell didn't mean bad, but she was aware of how those words could crush Niles' fragile self-esteem, hinting he didn't have a life. The way his jaw set and he glared at the producer showed he had felt the hit. So, she spoke quickly, her hand still resting on his back, 'I hope it is not your night off. If it is, I'm sure Maxwell will agree to change it'.
Niles licked his lips, obviously gaining time to deal with the surprise of CC Babcock defending his right of not using a night off to work, and by how much care it really meant, on her part. His voice came a bit hoarse, 'No, it's not my night off'.
'Good', she gave a light pat on his back and was deciding if the moment deserved a Good boy remark when the company phone rang. CC took it, 'Sheffield Babcock productions, CC Babcock speaking. Who is it?', after a moment she showed her teeth in a feral grin, 'Mister Smith? Aren't you the choreographer who said I was wrong and would rather die than work for me again? Yes, I suppose you preferred to speak with Mister Sheffield, darling, but we have some things to clarify between us, before', she put her hand on the speaker and looked at the two men in the office, 'I'll take it outside', and went to the solarium.
'Poor man', Maxwell commented, seeing her close the glass doors behind her.
'Isn't every one who crosses her path?', Niles answered, moving to stand in front of the desk again, once he was not quite able to take his eyes from her, too.
She was quite beautiful when inflamed like that, speaking her mind to someone she thought did her bad.
(And he had to confess he missed her touch. She had kind of hugged him, some moments ago.
She had taken his hand, for God' sake!)
'I'm glad that, even with your usual disagreements, you are willing to help her', Maxwell said.
'The fact it's a regular day of work doesn't mean I'm going', Niles stubbornly answered.
'Yes, you are', CC entered through the glass doors, going quickly to the desk and motioned for Maxwell, 'Give me the contract we were discussing before', she pointed at the phone, that she had left on the table outside, 'The man is begging to be back. I'll read the new clauses we've written for contracts involving short-term productions'. While Maxwell looked for the said contract, she faced Niles, 'You'll do what is better for the business'.
He shrugged, 'The business is not my concern'.
'It gives you your paycheck', Maxwell said, warningly, handing CC the contract.
She took it and threw a dry 'Thank you' at him. Then, she softened her voice and spoke to Niles again, 'Besides, I'm better at work when I feel happy and positively stimulated. Who can help me keep in track while I face a boring ex boyfriend and those vultures that inhabit Broadway but you?', she made puppy eyes, 'You won't want me there alone to face all of that, will you?'
Niles didn't have time to answer, because the businesswoman spoke and got out of the office again.
Maxwell observed that Niles followed CC with his eyes while she took the phone and rested it against her ear, fully back to menacing a grown man, and decided to speak, 'Old Man, I think CC is right. It will be a difficult night, and we need all the strength we can get to win people. I'm sure having you and Miss Fine with us will create that sense of comfort we need'.
'You think it will be a difficult night, and you are not escorting her', Niles commented, pointing in the general direction of the blonde.
'You have done it before. Why would that be so hard, now?'
'She has been acting strange, lately', Niles confided, immediately regretting his habit of blurting things out. To kind of cover it, he added, 'Stranger than usual, I mean'.
'So are you'.
'I beg your pardon?'
Maxwell shrugged, 'You have been a bit more complacent, around her, not reacting immediately at her jabs. Maybe you're getting soft with age'.
At his boss smirk, Niles squinted, 'Pointing out I'm getting old won't take you anywhere. Sir'.
'All right, I'm sorry. It's just funny to see you being a bit less cranky around her. It's nice, in fact. It makes me remember… some good times'.
Maxwell's expression turned sad, and there was a silence full of understanding, in the room. Both men knew they were talking about Sara and how things were different when she was alive.
'Those memories are not easy for anyone, Sir', Niles quietly said.
'And you insisted lots of times on how important it is to create new ones', Maxwell answered.
'Life, fortunately, goes on', Niles spoke, feeling kind of an hypocrite saying those things and trying to steal glances at the woman he denied wanting every day because she had appeared out of his reach for so much time in the past.
'And still, Miss Fine has taught us we should not pretend the past didn't exist'.
He gave all of his attention to Maxwell, 'I don't think I get it, Sir'.
His boss joined his hands under his chin, 'There were times when you kind of got along with CC. It still happens, now and then. At least, you two have showed to be perfectly capable of letting your differences aside for a number of opportunities'.
'As I said, there are deals a man must make…', Niles murmured, not knowing exactly how much Maxwell had noticed.
'I wonder if you couldn't do the same to help us with the business, this time'.
Niles let out a breath he had been holding since he thought Maxwell had realized the nature of CC's change towards him and would comment on that.
Obviously, the man was just referring to the situation at hand.
It was time to retreat, 'I promise I'll think of it, Sir. Now, if you excuse me, I better get out before she is back'.
'Of course. I mean, yes, maybe there is some work to be done out of the office, for you'.
Niles grinned at his boss teasing and turned to get out of the room.
Seeing the tray on the green sofa, he decided to pick it up.
He got closer, extended his arms an stopped in mid movement.
CC Babcock, reincarnation of the Wicked Witch of the West, had used syrup to drawn a heart with a smiley face in it, at the center of the plate he had handed her with pancakes.
'Is there anything wrong, Niles?', Maxwell asked, noticing his butler was frozen in the middle of the office, half way to the green leather sofa.
Well, what is the right answer to that?
'I don't think so, Sir', Niles completed the movement and took the tray, looking at it closely and wondering, for the millionth time, how could that woman be such a terrible witch and still able to warm his chest like this, 'Maybe there is nothing wrong, really'.
Maybe she was his witch, after all.
He turned to his boss, careful not to show the plate, 'Please, inform the beast I'll escort her to the party, if she promises she will wear her leash. We can't risk her loose in a public function'.
Maxwell shook his head, 'You know I won't tell her that'.
'Coward', the butler threw at his boss, smirking, 'Excuse me, Sir. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me'.
Niles was barely out of the office door before he took the fork CC had used to eat the pancakes and started consuming the last ones, helping himself to the gift she had left to him. Maybe he was not ready to understand what she was trying to do, but he didn't see a problem in accepting an offer like that.
His step faltered and he came to a halt when he realized he had just thought there was no problem in accepting CC Babcock's heart, if she offered it to him.
Maybe I should consider visiting Doctor Muller again.