Author's Note: Here's the next chapter! I apologize for how late this is, but I'm so glad that this finally got finished! There's a lot of Niles/CC content in this one, so I'm here to make the shippers happy! As always, please feel free to leave a review, favorite, or follow! I'm also available through private message, and I would love to speak to my fellow writers out there! I do have another announcement too: I will be starting a brand new chapter story soon, so keep an eye out for that! Just to forewarn my readers though that this chapter does contain implied sexual references, nothing too big. Thank you!
Disclaimer: Please see the earlier chapters.
The door of the Park Avenue penthouse had closed, and neither CC nor Niles had noticed. The both of them were too entranced in a moment that they thought they'd never experience together. This had to be one of the best moments of CC's life that she ever got to experience. Here she was, kissing the man that she thought she hated for over 20 years, but little did she know over time that she had begun to have feelings for him. Now wasn't necessarily the time to admit it for herself or Niles, but she knew eventually, she would come clean and say the three words that he probably was dying to hear. She was also thankful that her daughter had left them alone for the night, because she needed some much deserved alone time with him. She owed him a lot for defending her family, taking care of her daughter, and risking his own job on which he made so little money with.
Of course, one thing led to another, and that led to them sleeping together for the first time. CC had not expected her first night of being intimate with Niles to be so romantic, slow, loving, rough, and passionate at the same time. Usually when she slept with men, she was done and forgotten, but with Niles, it was almost as if it was her first time once again. He had done things to her and with her that she thought she'd never do in her life. She couldn't ever remember being this close and loving with Maxwell 20 years ago before Sabrina was born. CC knew that she had craved the love and attention that she got from Niles for a long time. She then thought about how her attitude had slowly started to take in effect of those behaviors over time, and now that she had her daughter and Niles, CC found her happiness. She couldn't possibly see herself as the crude, egocentric businesswoman she was years ago. The blonde socialite woke up extremely satisfied from the night before; her hair was tousled everywhere and she felt quite sore. Her hand reached over to the other side of her bed hoping that Niles was still there, but he had woken up before her. She groaned upon feeling the empty space next to her and slowly started to get out of bed. The fact that Niles wasn't around to cuddle with left CC slightly frustrated. She missed being in his arms throughout the night feeling safe and content.
After putting on the panties she wore the night before and one of Niles' dress shirts, she slowly walked out of her room. The minute she opened the door, her eyes fixated on Niles who was at her kitchen cooking them breakfast. She leaned against the doorframe weak in the knees just gazing at her lover. He looked damn good in his blue and red robe showing off a little bit of his chest. CC found herself biting her bottom lip softly as she watched him cook. His strong hand gripped the knife and it only reminded her of when he was gripping her hair the night before. Unable to resist, she strode towards him quietly and snaked her arms around his waist leaning her head on his shoulder. "Morning baby.." she muttered in her deep sultry voice as she started to leave kisses on his neck.
Feeling the arms of the blonde woman wrap around him, Niles dropped his knife and swallowed. He tried his hardest to stifle the low, deep moans that he could feel coming through his throat. "Morning, dumplin'," he replied with a smirk. He took one of CC's hands and brought it up to his lips, kissing it softly. With every kiss coming from her, he felt himself grow weak. CC's hands started to grip onto his robe trying to pry her way through the clothing. "Love.." he muttered. "I'm making breakfast.." he tried his best to protest her advances, but he was losing his concentration. Surely she knew the things that she did to him and would make him at his weakest state.
"I'm well aware of that. It smells good," she replied as she stopped kissing his neck and nuzzled him not letting him go. She sighed contently and closed her eyes leaning her head on his shoulder. "You know what would make breakfast even better? If we had it in bed," she said before nipping his shoulder softly. She had never felt so loved and so wanted by anybody before, and quite frankly, she didn't want Niles taking any breaks from her. "Actually.. breakfast can wait.." she said placing kisses on his neck and shoulder. "I'm hungry for something else."
When she said that, Niles felt her free hand snake down further on his torso. He knew what her intentions were at that point, and he let out a soft groan. "But CC.." he swallowed weakly protesting against her notions. After an entire sleepless night with the woman, he found himself no longer referring to her by her professional name, seeing as they were at a more deep and personal level.
"Say my name like that again," she purred deeply as she then bit on his ear softly while her hand found its destination. Niles let out a louder throaty moan feeling her hand stroke him as he was trying to cook. Seeing as his concentration was officially broken, he growled and turned around before pressing her against the fridge harshly and capturing her lips against his. CC moaned into his lips feeling his body press up against hers wanting the attention from him badly. "Don't ever.. leave my bed.. without me.. again.." CC whispered in between passionate and rough kisses. Her hands wrapped around his neck wanting so desperately to be touched and loved once again. She could tell Niles wanted it too, even though he wouldn't admit it at first. All it took was a little persuasion on her end and he was weak for her.
"Woman.." he growled lowly as he bunched up his shirt on her with one of his hands slowly exposing her nude backside. Once he felt like it was exposed enough, his hand reached for her ass and he groped on it roughly before spanking her. This caused CC to let out a loud noise that was somewhere between a yelp and a moan, which immediately sent blood streaming to his groin. He had never heard that come from her, and he surely wanted to hear it again. In one swift motion, he picked her up from the floor and carried her back to the bedroom. CC instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist leaving kisses on his cheek and jawline. Soon enough, they immediately went at another round of love making with one another.
About an hour later, they both laid down on CC's bed, nude once again and definitely spent. They both tried their hardest to catch their breath after another amazing session together. They felt as if all of their energy had been used up within the past few hours that they were together. However, neither of them were complaining as they had found themselves in each other's arms once again. "You're going to be the death of me," Niles muttered as he fingers ran through her soft blonde hair placing a kiss on her forehead.
"Baby, I already am," CC replied with a wink. They both chuckled and kissed each other once again, this time in a more soft, tender, and loving manner. Their animalistic desires had died down and now they just wanted to be in the quiet and content moment with one another. They surely didn't know when Sabrina would come home, so while they had the chance, they needed to enjoy their time alone. After a while of nearly attacking each other's lips, they pulled away and gazed into each other's eyes. CC's eyes filled with tears as she smiled up at Niles who was holding her so closely and tenderly.
Niles noticed the tears well up in his lover's eyes. He grew slightly worried noticing that, hoping that he didn't hurt her or cause any harm during the process. He loved CC with all of his heart, and he couldn't imagine ever upsetting her. "Are you alright, love?" he asked her with concern as he stroked her cheek softly hoping his motions would save her from breaking down.
Seeing the tenderness in his eyes and concern that he showed, CC couldn't help but let out a low laugh. "You stupid old man.." she giggled. "I'm fine!" She leaned her face against his chest wanting to listen to his heartbeat. This was something she needed to get used to, but these feelings of contentment and happiness were still new to her. "It's just.." she started out softly. "I've never been... cared for.. like this before.." She closed her eyes slightly almost falling asleep, but the soft touches of his hand rubbing up and down her bare back made her stay awake. "Niles.. why didn't we do this sooner..?"
Hearing her reasoning made Niles let out a sigh of relief. Of course she wasn't going to say the 'l' word now, but he could tell that she really wanted to in this moment. Niles was definitely certain that she was going to tell him how she really felt about him eventually, but for now, he cherished every second with her no matter what. He placed another kiss on the top of her head and replied, "You were pining after Mr. Sheffield for years.. wasting so much precious time.."
CC bit her lip nervously hearing that. The last thing she needed to hear was the truth, but she had a valid reason for that. "But I thought.." she wanted to continue to speak, but Niles had placed a finger in front of her lips to keep her from continuing on her reasoning.
"Shhh.." he immediately made her stop talking. Seeing that she didn't plan on responding again, he removed his finger from her lips and then continued, "That was in the past. We swore that we wouldn't discuss the past any longer and focus on the future that we have now."
CC smacked his arm in response to that grimacing at him. "You're the one who had to spit out the truth again, dipshit," she stated a little coldly. However, she couldn't stay mad at him. This only made her want to cuddle closer to him.
"You can't run away from the truth, darling," Niles responded as he held her closer in his arms. "What matters now is that we're together... and not just us, but as a family." He tried his best not to start crying as he felt his own tears well up in his eyes. "I.. I care for Sabrina just as much as I care for you.." he stammered on his words, hoping he wouldn't offend CC. "I want to love her like she's my own.. just like you."
As a family. CC couldn't get over that. He actually had the decency to care about her own daughter while Sabrina's own father never did. Niles wasn't like a father to Sabrina... he was Sabrina's father. She looked up at him noticing that he too was getting quite emotional. Her heart grew two sizes hearing that he wanted to love her daughter just as much as she did. "You can," she whispered reassuringly. "I know damn well for a fact that my baby adores you. In fact.. I think she's rubbed off on you too much." CC grimaced at a particular memory that came to mind. "One day, I told her to feed the dog while I was at work, and she had the audacity to tell me that I already ate."
He chuckled to himself hearing that. Niles was quite guilty of allowing Sabrina to throw her own quips and jabs at her mother frequently, which made him proud. His influence was either a good thing or a bad thing, so noticing that he would pit Sabrina against her mother was amusing, but he was also cautious about it. "That's my girl," he thought aloud thinking about how Sabrina had quickly learned from him. In response to his pride, CC smacked his chest playfully before he reached over to capture another kiss on CC's lips and ran his fingers through her soft hair absentmindedly.
The blonde socialite laid her head on Niles' chest, not wanting to move. They had spent a good majority of the morning in bed and had completely lost track of time. Her eyes started to slowly close due to the exhaustion she felt and the soothing sound of Niles' heartbeat against her ear. Before they could both could fall asleep, her stomach started to rumble. They had completely forgotten about the breakfast that he made prior to their coupling. She looked up at Niles again and said, "That's your cue to serve me breakfast, merry maid."
"I had that ready an hour ago, and we could've ate if it weren't for you," the former butler muttered under his breath before he earned a well-deserved smack against his arm by CC. "Ow! And that's former merry maid to you," he shouted looking over at her, who had a smug grin on her face. "You minx.. very well.. I'll get breakfast," Niles said as he placed a kiss on her forehead before he slipped his pajama pants and robe back on heading back out. CC laid on her bed sighing in contentment and rolled over to Niles' side laying her head on his pillow. One thin sheet was covering her body, yet she was more than comfortable. She still couldn't wrap her head around the fact that she had become intimate with him in less than 24 hours. She was hoping this would continue and that they would get more time alone together like this. Niles arrived back in the bedroom with a tray full of pancakes and syrup all on one plate. She sat up on the bed covering herself with the sheet.
"Ooh that looks yummy!" she chimed excitedly watching Niles set the tray down. Niles looked over at her and chuckled to himself. He reached into the pocket of his robe and joked, "Who said that this all was for you?" The quip made CC's smile fall as she watched him pull out one of Chester's dog treats from his pocket. He tossed it to CC watching her expression change instantly. He knew he had done his job of getting on her nerves for the day. Since they had become more intimate with one another, he couldn't afford to throw more insults or jabs at her for the rest of the day. "Bon appetit, baby," he joked with a laugh as he watched CC throw the treat back at him in annoyance.
"You continue to keep that up, and you'll be sleeping on the floor, Dust Mop," CC seethed and warned him. Niles didn't let that phase him though. He knew he was able to convince CC to change her mind instantly. "Oh really?" he questioned her as he sat in front of her pulling her close. "But, if I sleep on the floor, that means I wouldn't be able to do this.." With that, Niles leaned in to kiss her most sensitive spot on her neck. This made CC mewl softly and lean her head back. She closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath. "Y-You don't play fair, Niles.." she stammered and let out another soft mew wanting more.
"I know, Babs, but you love it.." he chuckled deeply and laid a couple more kisses on her neck before he finally pulled away from her, which made CC whimper from the loss of his lips. Hearing her whimper only made him kiss her again, to which she reciprocated with a soft hum. They couldn't get enough of each other's kisses. "Don't worry, I'm sharing," Niles reassured her as he took the plate of pancakes in front of him and started to eat. He then took some of the pancakes on a fork and brought it up to CC's lips. "Have a taste.." he said as he watched the blonde open her mouth and invited him to feed her. She closed her eyes indulging how good the food was.
"You never fail to disappoint me," CC said as she returned the favor to him. They had eaten their entire breakfast within the next ten minutes together, not leaving CC's bed continuing to make each other laugh, shooting jabs back and forth, and enjoying the time that they had alone. After a while, they were finally full and CC wrapped her arms around his neck. "You know, you're not half as bad at pleasing a woman as I thought you'd be," she muttered to him as they pressed their foreheads together.
"What are you talking about? I couldn't have been pleasing a woman this whole time," Niles quipped back at her. CC frowned and sighed out of frustration. The continuous banter that they would throw at each other was slowly ruining their intimacy, and she was determined to try and make this stop. She had deep feelings for Niles and didn't want anything hurtful to be said out of his mouth eventually. When he noticed her mood change, he brought his fingers to her chin and tilted her head back up to look him in the eyes. He sported a genuine smile and then said, "I was pleasing a goddess."
Now that was something she could get behind. She was done with him calling her a man, especially after they had made love three times within the past 24 hours. CC's lips curled into a soft smile as she chuckled and shook her head. "I hate you," she said moving closer so that their lips brushed up against each other. "Hate you more.." Niles replied. With that, they emerged into another make out session, immediately forgetting about the fact that they still had empty breakfast plates sitting on top of the dresser. They were eager to escalate their make out session further up until a familiar voice rang throughout the entire penthouse.
"MOM!"
They groaned as they broke apart from one another with CC rolling her eyes exasperatedly. "You've got to be kidding me," she grumbled as she clung onto Niles, who was slightly protesting to be let go.
"CC.. Sabrina's here.." Niles muttered as he tried to pry himself out of CC's embrace. As much as he really wanted to hold her for a little while longer, he also cared about the girl who was outside of the room. However, it was quite difficult to do so with CC planting kisses on his neck.
"Mmmmm.. please baby.. let her wait ten more minutes.." the producer responded continuing to kiss his neck and had her hands travel along his chest. Niles found himself growing weaker at the touch of her hands and her soft lips. He was ready to give in once again until loud knocking at the door was heard.
"Let me in! I don't have a key!" Sabrina shouted from outside of the penthouse.
Niles saw this as an opportunity to break away from CC. He released himself from her grasp with a smug grin and said, "She doesn't have ten minutes to spare." He then reached over to grab his shirt and a pair of her pajama pants and tossed it at the blonde, who was still in bed. "Get dressed. Your daughter will be in soon." CC sat up and rolled her eyes as she gingerly took the clothing and reluctantly started to get dressed. While she was doing that, Niles closed the door behind him and strode out to the front door where he opened it for Sabrina. Like CC, her own hair was tousled and she had missed buttoning up some of the buttons on her coat.
"Hi, Niles. Do you have anything to eat? I'm starved," Sabrina greeted as she started to limp in the penthouse. For a moment, Niles was rendered speechless. What had she been up to for the past 12 hours? he thought to himself. He would've questioned what had happened to her, but since she was hungry, the first thing that came to mind was making sure she had breakfast. He was about to let her know that there were leftover pancakes, but she had gotten ahold of them. "Ooh! These look good!" she chimed as she started to drizzle some syrup on her own plate of pancakes. She wasn't paying attention to the fact that Niles stood there watching her, his mouth agape wondering if the worst had happened to his love's daughter. After taking a large mouthful of pancakes in her mouth, Sabrina finally noticed Niles' expression and raised her eyebrows. "What?" she questioned him with her mouth full.
Niles immediately snapped back into reality after the younger woman questioned him. He then looked over at her with concern and then finally asked, "What on earth happened to you? Did that Dominic chap get a taste of his own medicine?"
"Oh he got a taste of something alright.." Sabrina chuckled to herself before she realized that she was in the same room as Niles. If he found out that she lost her virginity the previous night, she easily would've been dead. Her eyes widened as he noticed his confused reaction to her response. "Uh... we're fine! It's just... I... fell on the sidewalk..." she stammered trying her best to come up with an excuse. In order to not respond further, she continued to stuff her mouth with pancakes.
Of course, Niles was not convinced by her excuse. He decided to grin and let this one slide, even though that he knew what had happened to her. She was gone the entire night with her boyfriend, and the worst case scenario was bound to happen without either he or CC stopping her. "That doesn't explain the unbuttoned coat, but you're lucky I'll keep my mouth shut this once," he said narrowing his eyes at the girl, who was trying to act innocent around him.
Sabrina gave in and finally decided to let herself be truthful around Niles. She leaned in to whisper to him, "Please don't tell Mom this happened! She'll kick me out of here, and I won't have anywhere else to go." She was practically pleading to him. She couldn't imagine CC being upset with her after all of the trust that she had in her.
"Darling, she's not going to kick you out of the penthouse. You're her daughter. She would never do such a thing to you. She loves you very much regardless of the mistakes you make... although I'm not sure that what you did last night was really a mistake," Niles said as he wrapped an arm around her. "You have nothing to worry about. We love you, and we wouldn't ever put you in grave danger," he reassured her with a kiss on her cheek. Sabrina smiled softly looking over at Niles who had cared for her the minute she walked in. She was worried about CC and her well-being, but she assumed she was getting ready for the day.
"I love you both too," Sabrina responded as she finished up the rest of her breakfast and got down from the bar stool.
Niles then turned her in the direction of the bathroom. "You might want to freshen up right away before your mother comes out," he advised her, with Sabrina agreeing with a nod of her head. As she was walking towards the bathroom, CC had come out of her room wearing a red robe with her own hair tousled still. They acknowledged each other's presence, but didn't necessarily notice how they looked.
"Hi Mom," Sabrina greeted quickly.
"Hi baby," CC replied absentmindedly.
Not two seconds later, it finally clicked to the both of them that they both had bedhead hair and messed up clothing on. Both of their eyes widened as they slowly turned around to look over at each other. CC stared down her daughter who was just as disheveled as she was. Sabrina put her hands on her hips also sporting the same reaction as her mother.
"Hey! What happened to you? Nothing! Why are you limping? I asked you first!" they both shouted at each other simultaneously pointing at one another before crossing their arms. CC didn't want to continue the questioning like this in front of Niles, so she grabbed Sabrina's hand and led her towards her room. "Niles, excuse us for a second. I need to have a word with my daughter alone," she said sternly as she practically dragged Sabrina into her room and closed the door behind them. "Are you out of your mind!? What the hell did you do last night!?" CC inquired incredulously.
"Uh, I could ask the same about you!" Sabrina shot back scanning her mother up and down at what she was wearing. "And I have a pretty damn good feeling that I know what happened.." she added with a sly smirk and chuckled.
"What happened to me last night is none of your business. I want to know if you and Dominic did anything together," CC emphasized angrily before poking at her daughter's chest.
The younger girl gasped and narrowed her eyes. "Oh, so all of a sudden, your business isn't my business, but my business is suddenly your business?" Sabrina asked shaking her head. She threw her hands up in the air exasperatedly. "Why do you have to be all up in my privacy?"
"I'm your mother! I have every right to know these things!" CC didn't have to say more to explain. However, her daughter was probably more stubborn and high strung than she was, so it was also quite hard to get her point across. "You better have a damn good explanation for this," she added pointing out at her disheveled look.
"Well... you were too busy tonguing Niles last night to notice that I was gone so.." Sabrina trailed off with a sly grin. "I was able to leave unnoticed.. and let's just say we had probably just as good of a night as you and Niles did.. and don't tell me nothing happened, because that would be a big fat lie."
CC felt her hands clench into fists of anger. This was the last thing that she wanted Sabrina to get herself into. She couldn't afford for her baby to be as reckless as she was when she was her age. "I thought I told you that you had a curfew when it came to you and Dominic and that you were to follow that curfew at all times! Do you know why I expect that from you!?" CC asked her.
"Mom, I'm 20. I don't need a curfew anymore!" Sabrina retorted back.
"I don't want you to end up like me!" CC shot back feeling tears come through her eyes. This was where Sabrina stopped fighting with her mother. She noticed how instantly CC became vulnerable and she knew that she had to listen from that point on. "Honey, I got pregnant with you around that age. I had to go through all of that trauma when I was your age.. I... I don't want you to repeat history like I did.."
Sabrina could definitely understand CC's concern. "Mom.." she said in a more sympathetic manner.
"You don't understand," CC told her wiping her tears from her eyes. "I made a lot of reckless decisions when I was your age.. and I just can't afford to see you go through what I did. I want you to live your life while you're still young.. heaven forbid you end up in the same situation I did.. you won't be able to." She gazed at her daughter through watery eyes lovingly, stepping closer to her. "I just want the best for you... I expect things out of you so much, because I love you."
This made Sabrina get just as teary eyed as her mother. She definitely understood where she was coming from and nodded her head. "I.. I get it," Sabrina started out. "But.. Dominic and I.. well.. we already did the deed.. we can't necessarily change the past." She sighed noticing CC's reaction to her statement. "But please just.. trust me, okay? I wouldn't do anything to put myself at risk.. I mean.. we were protected.." Sabrina bit her lip nervously and then felt a tear shed through her eye. "I guess I was just more nervous about you not wanting anything to do with me after you found out."
"No.. no, baby. That's not true.. come here," CC shook her head and brought her in for a tight hug. They closed their eyes in each other's embrace not wanting to let each other go. CC smoothed out her daughter's hair softly. "I would never disown you or anything of that matter. No matter what you do or say, nothing could make me stop loving you."
Sabrina smiled hearing that come from her mother. It reminded her of their first night as a family. She looked up at her endearingly and said softly, "You caught on.. with the unconditional love. I'm proud of you." CC chuckled bringing Sabrina closer to her and kissing her forehead a few times. They stayed wrapped up in each other's embrace for a while before CC decided to pull away.
"I wish we could stay like this, but I do have something going on tonight that I need to prepare for," she told her daughter as she walked over to her closet. Sabrina followed close behind wondering what could possibly be going on.
"What's happening tonight?" Sabrina asked curiously.
"Oh you know... after the night I had with Niles, it was appropriate of him to ask me out to dinner at a restaurant he made reservations for," CC said beaming at the thought of it. She still couldn't wrap her head around the fact that she was going on a date with him. This made Sabrina's eyes widen and her jaw drop in surprise. She couldn't have been happier that her mother was going out with him, and she was going to make sure that they both knew she was excited for this.
Sabrina quickly rushed out of CC's room excitedly to see Niles sitting on the couch petting Chester. "You're taking Mom out on a date!? Oh my god! You just made my day!" Sabrina cheered as she rushed up to hug Niles tightly. He wasn't expecting the immediate affection from the girl and found himself slightly taken aback.
"I made your day? Well... I'm quite glad that I could raise your excitement, considering this only involves myself and your mother," Niles asked with a deep laugh still holding onto an excited Sabrina. CC walked out of the room moments later watching the sight before her. She had to admit, it was very touching to see her daughter and the man that she loved get along so well. This just made her wish that Sabrina was actually Niles' daughter. Her life would've been definitely more different than the life she was forced to lead since she was a child.
After a moment, Sabrina pulled away from him still jumping up and down. She then squealed and rushed over to CC and started to embrace her with the new knowledge she had obtained. "We have to get you ready for tonight! We need to get your hair done, your nails done, and we need to buy you a dress!" the girl chimed before CC let out a laugh.
"Honey, I'm not prepared to go anywhere right now," CC reminded her daughter, considering they both were in a predicament that could cause embarrassment to them both and an article in the bad side of the tabloids. "At least give us 20 minutes to change.."
"No! We need to go now! Who cares that we look like shit? You're going to make a damn good impression on this man today!" Sabrina said as she tried to pull her mother's arm so she could head out the door, but CC stayed still in the same spot by her bedroom. The older woman looked over at Niles and shook her head. "She's more excited about this date than any of us are," CC said to Niles, who let out a chuckle in response. Even though she stood still for a while, CC eventually gave in and took a few steps forward before stopping in front of Niles.
"Sorry, Lysol.. she's physically tugging at me. I could lose a limb if I don't go," CC said weakly before Niles leaned in to kiss her quickly, yet tenderly.
"Don't worry. You're in good hands for now.." Niles said before he had kissed her. "But you'll be in better hands after this date.." he said to her quietly, which made CC blush. Sabrina eagerly tugged at her mother's hand one more time before CC complied. "Have fun, girls!" Niles said as he waved to both of the women who were heading out of the door.
About a few hours later, it was almost time for CC and Niles' date, and Sabrina was applying the remainder of her mother's makeup, just like how she taught her. She had never seen her mother so happy to be with someone before, so this meant a lot to Sabrina, considering her biological father would've never done this for CC. She also was more than ecstatic that CC was starting to fall for Niles, and Sabrina was growing closer to the former butler day after day. To have them officially become a family was her ultimate dream, and she was determined to make sure that her mother had the best date of her life. Sabrina grabbed some blush and then moved closer to CC so she could finish up her job. "I just got one more touch up to do.." Sabrina spoke aloud as she applied the remainder of the makeup on her mother's face. When she was done, she tapped her mother's nose with the brush, which made CC giggle. "Okay, you're done!"
CC looked over at the mirror and felt herself blush. She had always been one to touch up on her makeup every day, but this was a moment where she truly felt beautiful. Her daughter was willing to help her prepare for her date with Niles, and this was especially touching. "Baby, you did a wonderful job," CC said bringing Sabrina in for a warm embrace. "Thank you."
Sabrina happily accepted her mother's form of appreciation. She closed her eyes taking in their hug knowing she didn't have much longer to spend with CC. She was leaving for the remainder of the night, and she was going to miss her and Niles. After a while of holding each other, Sabrina asked, "Well.. aren't you going to show me your finished look?"
The older woman thought to herself for a moment and then smiled as she got up from her vanity and said, "Wait here." She walked over to her closet to find the dress that they had picked out at the shopping unit earlier. Sabrina found a gorgeous purple and silver sparkle dress that accentuated her neckline and left room for some jewelry to hang onto. She couldn't wait to see how it looked on her mother. She had waited a good five minutes before CC stepped out and showed off her look for the night. Sabrina's eyes went wide and she beamed. "So... what do you think?" CC asked her after a moment of silence.
The younger girl could feel tears come through her eyes. She was so overjoyed to see that she had worked her magic so well on her mother. "You look so beautiful," she choked through her tears, which made CC walk up to comfort her. CC thought her daughter's sentiments were sweet, but she wasn't as emotional as Sabrina was.
"Honey, it's just a dinner date. It's not like we're getting married," CC chuckled placing a kiss on Sabrina's forehead before she pulled away from her.
"Hey, that could happen someday!" Sabrina responded with hope. Even though this was their first date (of hopefully many), Sabrina had a feeling that Niles was the one for her mother to be happy with forever. She could tell how excited her mother was about this date, even though she didn't show that side of her.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself, baby," CC shook her head in amusement holding her daughter for a little while longer before they both heard a knock at the door. They could both hear knocking at CC's bedroom door, which indicated that Niles was quite impatient.
"Are you ready, love? Our reservation is in less than an hour," Niles reminded CC while grimacing at Chester, who wouldn't stop tugging on the fabric of his pants on his left leg. "Plus, Chester's enjoying my slacks a little too much.. so you'd better hurry before they're chewed off completely."
"She's just about ready!" Sabrina chimed as she finally took CC's hand and led her to the door. She opened it up and gleefully led her mother out of her room. This made Chester free his mouth from Niles' hem of his pant leg. The minute he saw CC ready for their date, Niles' jaw dropped at how stunning she was. Sure, it was no surprise to see her in formal attire, but this was a special moment for the both of them. He extended his hand out to CC, who gingerly placed it on top of his. They were intimate with each other the past few hours, but having such a tender, loving moment like this made them both nervous.
"You... don't think it's too much, do you?" CC asked biting her bottom lip softly. She was very grateful that her daughter put together everything about her look, but she wanted verbal confirmation from Niles.
"No.. you're.. incredibly stunning," Niles replied holding her hand up to his lips to kiss it softly. Sabrina gazed over at how happy they were together and leaned against the doorframe to CC's room. She couldn't help but swoon at how loving they were towards one another. She was hoping that one day, she and Dominic would experience the same kind of love that CC and Niles had possessed for each other. After a moment of soft conversation, Niles looked over at his watch and checked the time. "Oh dear.. our reservation starts in less than 20 minutes. We need to get going!" he said as he took CC's hand and led her to the front door. He was about to open the door, but then he stopped himself. "Oh, I almost forgot! Wait here," he told CC as he rushed over to the kitchen and pulled out a plate of creamy vodka pasta for Sabrina.. which just so happened to be her favorite dish. "Sabrina, darling, just know that even though we most likely won't be seeing you for the remainder of the night, I did not forget you. While you were out with your mother, I made your favorite dish for dinner, just the way you like it!"
Sabrina watched Niles presented her the plate of pasta. It was such a sweet gesture from him that she couldn't help but smile softly at him. "Wow, thanks! You're the best, Niles," she said as she took her dinner from him and set it aside before hugging him tightly. Niles needed to get used to the unexpected gestures that the girl was quick to do, so he returned her embrace slowly. While in their embrace, Sabrina said to him softly, "Take care of my mom, please."
Niles chuckled softly holding her close for a little bit longer. He responded promising the young girl, "I will do that and more, my dear." With that he kissed her cheek softly and continued to hold her in his arms. Watching from a distance, CC smiled to herself watching Niles comfort her daughter. This just made her feelings grow even more for him than they already were. The fact that they were going on this date made them one step closer to becoming a family altogether. After a while of holding the girl, he pulled away and said, "We will be back soon."
Sabrina nodded her head as she watched CC come towards her. Her mother gazed at her daughter and said, "Thanks for helping me look my best."
"You always do," Sabrina replied, earning a kiss on her cheek. She watched as the two walked arm in arm out of the penthouse. She couldn't wait to hear about their date later. She knew that with all of the love they held for each other that it was going to go well. She walked over to Chester and started to eat the rest of her dinner that Niles prepared for her in advance. In that moment, she was thankful for parents like them in her life. She wouldn't trade them for anyone else.
It took a good 20 minutes to get from the penthouse to one of the most expensive restaurants in the state of New York. Niles had prepared his date way in advance, so he figured that CC would be in for a surprise. She always knew that he had grown up in a domestic household, what with his father being Maxwell's butler for years. What CC didn't know was that Niles had been a longtime friend of the owner of Eleven Madison Park. He was able to weasel his way in to getting a reservation for them without any catches or extra fees. Once the cab had pulled up to the expensive restaurant, CC's eyes widened in disbelief. She didn't think Niles could afford purchasing food from this place.
"What the... Niles, this is one of the most expensive restaurants in the entire city," CC said as she was helped out of the vehicle by Niles. She held his hand with her right hand while her free hand clutched onto her small bag that matched her dress. "You do know that right?"
Instead of answering her, Niles confidently started to walk inside the restaurant leading CC in with him. "Are you suggesting that I'm frugal?" he asked her furrowing his eyebrows.
CC pursed her lips together knowing she was prone to picking fun at his wealth. He wasn't exactly the richest man in the world, but she was certain he could not afford this dinner. "Niles, if you're this desperate to take me to Eleven Madison Park for dinner, I will pay for everything," she insisted as she pulled out her clutch purse and began to open it. Niles placed his hand on top of hers to signal that he didn't want her to go further with her motions.
"Don't bother," Niles said as the two walked hand in hand to the greeter. "Excuse me, I have a reservation for Brightmore at 8:30." The greeter wasn't paying attention at first, but when he heard the name 'Brightmore,' he immediately perked up and became attentive. "Oh yes! Brightmore! Right! Hold on, let me go get my manager," the greeter said as he rushed away leaving the two alone momentarily.
"What was that all about?" CC asked seeing as the greeter's exit was a little bit overdramatic.
"Hold on.." Niles said cheerfully as he still felt confident waiting. CC could only roll her eyes as this wait was already getting on her nerves. She just wanted to be able to enjoy this date and not have any prolonged waiting time. Just as CC was about to complain, a well-dressed gentleman came from around the corner.
"Niles!" he called out to him gleefully. "So great to see you again!"
"It's a pleasure, Charles. Thank you so much for allowing me and my date to have dinner here at your expense," Niles said as he shook the man's hand gratefully. CC was in awe. She knew who Charles Klein was. He was one of the most well-respected chefs in the entire state of New York and owned Eleven Madison Park. She was quite shocked to learn that Niles had ties with Charles. "Sir, this is CC Babcock, my leading lady," Niles said as he allowed CC and Charles to shake hands.
"The Broadway producer?" Charles questioned.
"There isn't any other," CC chimed as she shook the owner's hand. "It's a pleasure, Mr. Klein. So tell me, how exactly do you know Niles?"
"We were in culinary classes together at Oxford. We go way back in the years," Charles said as Niles nodded off to him hoping that their date would start as soon as possible. "Well, I don't want to keep you two waiting. Follow me." Charles guided Niles and CC up the stairs of the restaurant and away from the usual dining hall. CC was confused as to where they were going. She had been to this specific restaurant a few times before and never knew that there was an upper level. The three had taken a couple flights of stairs before Charles directed them outside onto the terrace. Right in the middle of the terrace was a private, personal table with lit candles on top. There were golden light fixtures hung over the scene in between grape vines, and there was also a great view of the clear moonlit sky.
It was safe to say that both Niles and CC were in awe, despite Niles knowing that he had planned all of this. He wasn't expecting their private dining room to be put together so perfectly. "Wow.." CC whispered before looking over at Niles. "Isn't this amazing?"
Niles led CC to her chair and assisted her to sit down before he walked over to his own side. "Yes, it sure is. I made sure that Charles saved us a special spot for us. I hope you don't mind the venue I chose," Niles said looking over at her.
"I hope I don't mind?" CC asked him still in surprise that this was actually happening. "Niles.. this is incredible! You really didn't have to outdo yourself here.."
"That was never my intention to begin with," he replied with a genuine grin.
About an hour later, the two had finished eating their dinner. Of course, Niles was the one to request the menu and Charles was able to cook something up for them that was to their liking. They finished off the dinner with a chocolate cake for dessert that they decided to share with one another, like they did with the pancakes Niles made in the morning. CC had to admit that this was probably one of the best dates she had ever been on.
"You know Niles.. this actually wasn't the worst date I've ever been on," CC told him after conversing with him for a while. She wanted to break the ice about how this night was going for her. She was hoping that it truly wouldn't end.
"Thank you for being honest," Niles replied with a chuckle, knowing she couldn't bring herself to admit that it was a great date aloud. "For once.." he finished before he earned a well-deserved smack on the arm from CC.
"Take that back, dust pan," CC stated to him. However, she wasn't serious about hurting him intentionally, and she hoped that he wasn't taking anything seriously either. They had been intimate with one another already, and she couldn't possibly afford to lose him.
"Never," he replied with an evil chuckle. He then reached over the table to take CC's hands in his own letting out a sigh of contentment. "Miss Bab - CC.. I don't think I've ever had a happier past couple of months before in my life. What with all of the changes that had happened regarding our previous jobs and taking up new responsibilities.. I don't think I could imagine myself going through all of those changes with anyone else. I feel that you and I have always made a great team despite all of the banter we've done, and I wouldn't want that to change for the world." Niles brought her hands to his lips and kissed them softly. "Ever since Sabrina entered your life again, I've seen so much good in you that I haven't seen before.. truth be told, I always knew there was good in you. You've allowed me to become a part of your family.. you've allowed me to be a father to your daughter. I just... I want everything with you and only you."
CC had no idea what to say to all of that. She felt tears creep through her eyes hearing all of the sweet words that Niles had told her. For once in her life she was rendered speechless from the former butler. She wanted everything with him just as much as he wanted it with her. It was clear in their continuous caresses, touches, sweet nothings, and tenderness that they were falling for each other. She couldn't help but joke around with him though. It was a main aspect of their relationship, and she didn't want that to end no matter what happened. "Did my daughter talk you into telling me all this?" she asked with a sultry chuckle. "Because I can just thank Sabrina for training you how to be a proper gentleman."
Niles knew that she wasn't going to respond in a normal fashion, but in their own typical way that they were used to. He then replied, "Your daughter also dressed you for the night, so I can thank her for training you how to be a lady, period." CC huffed and rolled her eyes. Lately, all of the jokes about her being a man were starting to hurt her feelings, especially now that they had slept together more than once. She lowered her eyes to her lap before Niles hooked his finger below her chin and had her looking back at him. "You know that I was joking, right?" he asked her caressing her cheek softly. "Because in all truthfulness, I have never seen a more beautiful woman in my life."
He noticed that there was a tear rolling down CC's cheek and he wiped it from her face softly with his thumb. The sweet gesture made CC smile softly. She couldn't stay angry with him as long as she used to, and that was rare for her to react that way. She blushed and moved to hold his hand that was still on her cheek. "You're a real smooth talker, Butler Boy. Don't try to flatter me too much," she replied. All of a sudden, a rather familiar song started to play in the terrace. The two perked their heads up trying to listen to it. Recognizing the familiar tune, CC turned back to Niles and asked, "Is that what I think it is?"
"The song we danced to after the Guild Awards two years ago? Yes, that one," Niles said as he moved to stand up from the table. "I've decided that this song should be ours. It just.. reminds me of the first time I've put a genuine smile on your face." That night was probably the best night of Niles' life. He thought he was getting $250 in return, but instead, he had a very pleasant time with her, so money was no object. Whenever he listened to this song, he thought of how he made her laugh, smile, and be happy in general. He then walked over to CC and extended his hand out to her. "May I have this dance, my lady?"
CC beamed up at him and immediately accepted his offer. She gingerly laid her hand on top of his as she felt herself stand up and join him to dance on the terrace of the restaurant together. Niles immediately took in how breathtaking CC looked in the moonlight. It had reflected off of her porcelain skin and made her dress shine. He had never seen anyone or anything more beautiful in his life. The two had pulled each other closer by wrapping their arms around each other's neck and waist respectively. Soon enough, the music was forgotten and so was the atmosphere as they ended their date with a soft and passionate kiss. They poured out their love for one another in that kiss, and it showed as they couldn't seem to let go of each other. They knew that when they got back to the penthouse, their night wouldn't be over, and the both of them were really looking forward to it. This was the first night of CC's life where she was truly shown what love felt like in a romantic perspective. She wouldn't trade this for any other moment or man in the world. She knew Niles was the one for her, and she wasn't about to let him go. He was her everything.