Gwen smiled at Clark when she slid into the backseat of the car. He wore a simple black suit and tie.
"What are you doing here?"
"Picking you up for our night."
"Shouldn't I go home to change?"
"We're going to my apartment at Krypton. You can change there, then we'll head to an early dinner."
"But I don't have clothes at your apartment."
"Not true. There is one very special outfit waiting for you there."
"Well, based on what you're wearing, the only appropriate dress I have is the one I wore to the gala."
"Is it?"
"Did you buy me a dress without my input?" Gwen smiled.
"I did not."
Gwen's brow scrunched. "Then how—"
"Stop trying to figure it out," he laughed. "I think you'll love it." He kissed the back of her hand. "Come here."
She pressed into his side as his arm wrapped around her, and his mouth claimed hers.
—
Gwen unzipped the garment bag in the closet, and smiled. It was the metallic Midi dress she'd tried on for the gala. One of a few she'd loved, but it wasn't quite right for the event. So, they'd gone back on the rack. Or so she thought.
Clark brought over all of her makeup and hair products, and they waited for her on the bathroom counter.
"Sweet man," she whispered with a smile.
—
Clark waited anxiously for Gwen to get ready. He finally had his girl. He knew soon after meeting her that she was something special, and every day he spent with her proved it to be true. Tonight had to be perfect for her.
Gwen walked into the living room and did a turn.
"Well?"
Clark's gaze trailed down her body.
"Clark?"
"If skipping these reservations wouldn't get me blacklisted, I'd take you into the bedroom right now."
Gwen blushed. "Shouldn't we get going?"
"One more thing."
He pulled a large, flat box from a bookshelf nearby, then opened it to reveal a white gold, diamond necklace.
"Clark, it's beautiful."
"It's understated and elegant. Just like you."
"I can't accept this. It's too much."
"Do I love you?" he said as he removed the necklace.
"That's what you tell me." She grinned.
"Do you love me?"
"Yes."
"Do you plan on being with me?"
"I do."
Clark stepped behind her and clasped the necklace in place.
"Then you should get used to me spoiling you with gifts."
Gwen touched the pendent with light fingers as Clark stood in front of her again.
"I don't love you for what you give me."
"I know. That just makes me want to give you more." He pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "Don't want to smear your lipstick. Not yet, anyway."
Clark grinned and made Gwen blush. He held up a long black overcoat for her.
"Shall we?"
—
Clark led her into Jean-Georges with a hand at the small of her back. She looked at the soft and elegant decor while he talked to the maitre d', and they were escorted to a table with a half-booth. Clark helped her out of her coat and handed it to the maitre d', then waited while she scooted in. Then he slid in next to her.
"This place is gorgeous," she whispered.
"I don't come here often. Once or twice for some really important clients, but never alone, and never on a date."
"Does that make me special?"
"You've always been special."
Clark pulled her close and pressed his lips to her temple. Her chest fluttered. The way this man made her feel was both lovely and terrifying. She wanted to give herself to him completely, and that scared her.
He put his hand on her hip and opened the menu.
"Mind it we share this one? I don't want to let you go."
"You can order for me. I trust your taste."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Well, then…"
He closed the menu and nodded to their waiter. For someone who admitted to not frequenting the restaurant, he ordered with confidence, right down to the wine selection.
"You're tense," he whispered.
"No, I'm not."
"You are. I've felt you relaxed. You're not relaxed. What's wrong?"
"This place is just so nice. I feel a little out of place."
"You don't think you deserve nice things?"
"It's not that. I'm just not used to it, and I feel like everyone here knows it."
"Then how about on our next date, you get to choose where we go."
Gwen took a deep breath and smiled.
"Is that what we're doing? Dating? Because we've been living together for months, and dating doesn't feel like the right word."
Clark rubbed his hand up and down her back.
"Is that what's got you tense? Our situation?"
"I don't know."
"Gwen, yes, this is a date. We don't have to call what we're doing dating, but this is a date. With my girlfriend."
"Girlfriend?"
"Did we not admit we love each other?"
Gwen smiled. "We did."
Clark brushed this thumb over her chin, and placed a soft kiss to her lips.
"Then you're my girlfriend."
"Then for our next date, let's do something more low key."
"You got it."
They talked while they ate, and Clark almost always had his hand on her in some way.
The ride home was no different. Clark raised the partition as soon as they were moving, and he pulled her into him for a long, lingering kiss.
"I love that I can kiss you now."
"Me, too." Gwen loosened Clark's tie and opened the top buttons of his shirt. "I like when you're more casual."
"Good to know."
"What are your plans for tomorrow?"
Clark sighed. "Let's see… sleep in late with you in my arms. After that, no plans."
"Sounds like a good day."
Gwen trailed her fingers down his chest, then lay her head on his shoulder. Clark kissed the top of her head.
"When we get home, you can take your shower. I know you want to get out of that dress."
"Mostly the heels."
"Get comfortable. I'll meet you in the kitchen."
"We just ate."
"For dessert."
"Mmmm. I could go for some ice cream."
"Then that's what we'll do."
"Why are you so good to me?" Gwen smiled up at him.
"Because I love you, and I want to make you happy."
Gwen nuzzled into his neck and kissed just below his ear.
"How would you like to take a trip?" he asked.
"Where?"
"Anywhere you want."
"When?"
"Whenever you want," he said with a grin.
"I'd love to be somewhere warm right now."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I've enjoyed the pool and beach so much. I'm getting spoiled. I miss summer."
"How about we go somewhere for Christmas? Just us."
"I couldn't leave Amber alone for Christmas, Clark."
"Right." He shook his head. "Ok, then. Next week."
"Next week?"
"Australia. We'll be back in time for Christmas."
"That's so soon. I don't even have a passport."
"I can make that happen."
"I'm sure you can." She smiled. "I've always wanted to go to Australia."
Clark pressed his lips to hers.
"Then that's what we'll do."
He gently tugged at her bottom lip with his teeth until she parted her lips, and he deepened their kiss. He held her face in his hands, and moaned when she squeezed his thigh.