These Things Take Time/CH 15
Daniel looked at Betty and smiled, "I feel naked, here. Sort of like the time you beat me at strip poker!"
She blushed, "That really happened? I swore I thought I dreamed that! I was embarrassed to look you in the eyes the next day. I tried to avoid you for a week, just so I could face you again."
He grinned, holding her face, and shaking his head, "You're so cute, Betty. And that is a good thing. On you, it's very sexy, I promise! So...maybe we could even things up a little? You seem way overdressed. Although, that is a very sexy dress. How does it untie, though? Like...this?" He tugged at the knot and got it undone quickly, as Betty looked at him surprised.
"I thought you said you were out of practice?"
He shrugged, "I hear it's like riding a bike. Hey, I still got skills, Betty." He leaned down as he slid one arm around her bare waist, he took off her dress with his other hand.
She started to cover herself, and he put her hands down at her sides, leaning down to kiss her as he backed her up to the sofa. "Don't do that, Betty. You're so beautiful. Dont' be shy. Not with me. I love you. And I want you so much it hurts, baby. Let's take our time and enjoy this. God knows, it's taken us long enough."
She nodded, taking a breath, and smiled shyly, "Okay, Daniel. You're right. I'm just a little nervous, still, I guess. Since this is our first time."
"Yeah, I get it, believe me. And it'll be the last 'first time' for both of us. But it will be the first of many, many, many times for us."
He leaned forward, kissing her slowly and deliberately, as they both sunk to the sofa, with Daniel on top of her, kissing his way down her body, and touching her sensuously.
Betty responded to his touch and took off his belt and pants quickly, as both of their breathing increased with the excitement of their kisses.
He looked at her, and got a gleam in his eyes, as he got up, running to his drawer, "Wait, just...wait. You look so hot. Here… can I just, do this? Perfect! Just hold still, please? I'll just be a second."
He returned quickly with his camera and raised his eyebrows, "Say I love you, Daniel."
She giggled, putting up her hand, "Daniel, you're not serious about that? I take a terrible picture!"
"No, you don't. You just didn't have the right photographer. I know what I'm doing. I can take good pictures, too."
He smirked, snapping several of her, as he playfully scooted down the straps on her bra, then took a few more, "Amazing! I still can't believe you were right there, all this time and I had no idea how sexy you really were, Betty.
You really are like that butterfly. You had to fly across the ocean to come out of your shell or cocoon, or whatever, but just look at you, you're so hot!"
She grabbed the camera away from him, "Thank you, but...fair is fair. Let me take YOUR picture, mister sex god!"
He laughed, "Sex god, huh? Right. I don't know about that. You'll give me a big head. Well, maybe demi god…like I said, it's been a long time. Okay, fine. If you must. Where do you want me?"
She got up and Daniel stretched out, acting goofy, posing for her, flexing his biceps and making faces, sticking his tongue out, till they both collapsed, laughing, with Betty on top of him, having let the camera slip to the floor beside the sofa, as he put his arm around her and kissed her.
When they came up for air, Daniel looked down at the necklace, and held it in his fingers, looking at her, as he licked his lips, "You know...there was that other fantasy I had about you...doing a strip tease for me. Just wearing this, Betty. I don't suppose you would…consider…"
She smiled and nodded, "Put on some music, and sit down."
"Where?" He gulped.
She pointed to the bed, "Over there. But… no touching. I'll come to you."
"Okay. Whatever you say." He found the sound and turned on an old Bee Gees song as he scooted back on the bed, propped up on the pillows, watching excitedly, "Is this okay?"
She nodded, and turned around, slipping her dress back on. Daniel furrowed his brows, "Hey, after I took it off? Betty! Honey, you're doing it backwards! You're supposed to take stuff OFF, not put it back on!"
She pushed him back, and then backed up, putting her finger to her lips and smiled, "Sh! Just wait! Let me try and do this right, okay?"
He nodded, grinning, as he scooted back, propping himself up, and putting his arms up, behind his hed, excitedly, "Okay, sorry. Go ahead!"
She danced a bit, then turned around, sliding her dress down one shoulder, as she twirled the tie around, swaying her hips seductively to the music, with Daniel mesmerized by her, actually dancing for him.
Finally, after taking off her dress, and her shoes, throwing them, she laughed and shrugged, "I already did all the moves I remember…"
He was trying to keep from grabbing her, but he found it hard to speak. Finally, he suggested, "Uh, you could...maybe do that thing you did with turning around, but instead of taking your blouse off like you did last night, you could….uh…"
"Take my bra off?" She seemed excited at his idea.
He gulped and nodded, "Yeah, sure. That sounds...great!"
She turned back around and as he blew out a deep breath, he watched Betty repeat the same move he had fantasized about, holding out her bra and turning back around, with her arms crossed in front of her breasts.
Daniel shook his head, "You're really killing me with that don't move thing, Betty. Can I please….kiss you NOW? Permission to attack the dancer?"
She smiled, and nodded, "Permission… granted, Daniel."
He grinned and lunged for her, pulling her to him, as he sprung forward, almost tripping in his haste to touch her. "God, Betty, this is so much better than my dream! For one thing, you're actually here. And I have pictures of you, instead of my stupid nephew, sleeping!"
She giggled slightly, as he touched her slowly and hesitantly, like a young boy, seeing breasts for the first time. "You're so...incredible. I can't believe this is real! This is finally happening. It's too good to be true."
She shivered as he touched and kissed her, looking up at her, as he smiled, "You're pretty good as a stripper, Betty. And I definitely like it a lot better when it's just me in the audience!"
She blushed, "Me, too, Daniel! I'm nervous enough, with just you."
"You don't need to be. It's just us. You and me. Aww...baby, your heart's beating so fast. You've got nothing to be nervous about."
He placed his hand on her left breast, and leaned down to kiss it, then pulled her slowly closer towards him, as he sat back down, at the edge of the bed.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face in between her breasts, then began kissing her neck, making her moan as he slipped his fingers under the inside of her panties, to start sliding them down.
They both jumped slightly, then laughed in surprise as the phone in the room rang. Daniel blew out a breath, "Well, if that's some kind of hotel service, they just lost their tip, big time!
Sorry, Betty. Let me just see who it is real quick and get rid of them! Don't...move!" He put a hand up, and she bit her lower lip as he reached back and picked up the phone, "YEAH! Daniel Meade here. What is it?"
"Well, hello, Daniel Meade. This is your mother. I'm downstairs, in the lobby.
I can't get you on your cell, you must have turned it off and I'd like to come up there. I have your delivery here with me now. Two Suarez's and two uh...Talercio's! We were going to go to Betty's place, but I figured we should stop off and pick you up first, so you could see the surprised look on her face. What's your room number?"
Daniel put his hand to his face, "You're all here...NOW? Seriously? And you're downstairs? Oh, wow, that IS a surprise, Mom. Uh….two days early, great surprise! Uh, well, I'm just getting out of the shower, so, how about I come down there and we'll all go over to Betty's together?
Just have a cup of coffee or something down there. I'll be right down, okay? Can't wait to see you all, Mom, bye!"
As soon as he hung up, he looked at Betty's face. She had already started grabbing her bra and dress and putting them back on hurriedly, "Your mother is here? Now?"
He nodded, "Yeah! And...well, so is your family, Betty."
"My family? Did your mother bring them here?"
He nodded, "Yeah, uh...surprise! Sorry, I wanted them to be here for your launch, but I have no idea why everybody decided to show up two days early.
They were supposed to be here Wednesday, not tonight! I'm so, so sorry, Betty. God, you have NO idea how sorry I am!"
She shook her head, as she tied up her dress and took his face in her hands, "Daniel, it's okay. It was incredibly sweet of you to bring them here for me when you knew how much I missed everybody.
I would have preferred to wait two more days to see them, too, but...it is what it is. I tell you what, while you keep them occupied downstairs, I'll run over to my place and meet you all there in an hour, okay?"
She grinned, kissing him, "It'll be okay, Daniel. We've waited this long. What's a few more days?"
He sighed, looking down, "Uh...listen, you might as well leave now, just take the stairs or something. I'm not going anywhere for at least a few minutes, or maybe until I take a nice, cold shower, anyway."
She giggled, "Oh. Okay. Sorry, Daniel. I'll go then. See you later."
"Sure, funny, Betty. Promise me you'll put on one of your old outfits from Mode when we get there, though. Either that, or maybe I could borrow your poncho!"
She threw a pillow at him as she turned to leave, grinning, "I'm not sure it would be big enough."
"Not helping, Betty. Now's not the time to compliment me!"
She blew him a kiss as she left, then hurried down the stairs. She heard her sister's voice as she headed for the exit and looked at the lobby, just as Justin and Bobby both glanced in her direction.
She put up her finger to her lips and shook her head, her eyes pleading for her nephew and new brother-in-law to not give her away, as she quickly hurried out to catch a cab back to her flat.
Hilda started to look in Betty's direction, but Justin pointed at the center of the lobby, walking his mother in the opposite direction, "Look, Mom, I think it's Prince William!"
"Where? Really? Justin! That's an old woman! Do you need glasses, honey?"
Bobby led his wife to a sofa, "Honey, you look tired. You should rest."
Justin nodded, sitting on the other side of his mother, "Yeah, he's right, Mom. You need some rest."
She laughed at first, "Aw, how cute, both of my men, looking after me! Wait...I look tired? That's code for I look like crap, isn't it? It was a long flight, you know!
Even though I could totally get used to flying on a private jet, that's for sure!" She took out her mirror, looking at her eyes to see if she had bags.
After about ten minutes, Daniel appeared, his hair still slightly damp, as he hurried from the elevator, into the lobby. "Hey, there, everybody! Wow, it seems like forever since I've seen you guys! Hi, Mom! So glad you decided to come and get me first!"
She looked at him somewhat strangely as he leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek, "Wow, you weren't joking about being in the shower, were you, you're still wet, dear! Should we go over to surprise Betty 'straightaway' as they say here?"
Daniel, Justin, and Bobby all said, "NO!"
The women and Ignacio looked startled at their reaction, but Daniel explained, "Not right now! Let's give her a little...I mean, I'm sure you're all tired and hungry and...anxious to unwind a little Why don't we all have a drink or...coffee or something first? Catch me up on what's going on back in NYC! Has Wilhelmina turned Mode into a magazine for the zombie apocalypse yet?
Have she and Marc gotten married? Oh yeah, Amanda and Tyler...so, that's uh...going well, I hear!"
Claire looked surprised, as she laughed, "Daniel, I've never seen you so concerned about gossip!"
He shrugged, sitting at a table and ordering a drink, "Scotch, please. Make it a double!"
Bobby nodded, "Yeah, I'll have a beer, myself!"
Daniel turned to his mother, "Well, it's been a while. I've been out of the loop. Oh, by the way, I didn't get a chance to tell Betty even, I got so...distracted, but, you're looking at a man who is no longer unemployed! I just got a job offer yesterday from Wimpleton's, the place I first applied to six months ago.
They called me back for a second interview when I contacted them and told them I was back for good this time and they said they want me to start uh...'straightaway'!"
Claire hugged him, "Darling, that's wonderful! Congratulations! I'd say that calls for a drink, but...a celebration, at least! After you two finish your drink, let's go kidnap Betty and we can all go out to dinner someplace nice. My treat! I'm sure I still have a few connections here to get us a decent table at Gordon's."
"Great. I'm sure AB would love to get out. She's probably been just sitting at home, working away all day and night, right Daniel? Justin smiled, looking at Daniel.
Daniel nodded, taking a drink, "Uh huh! Yeah, that's our little Betty. She's a hard worker."
Bobby fought back a laugh as he took a drink of his beer, "Yeah, I'll bet! I mean… yeah, she sure is. Little chipmunk. All grown up and...living the dream. Good for her!"
Ignacio shook Daniel's hand, "Thank you
again for bringing us here for her launch, Daniel. That was very thoughtful of you. I'm sure Betty will be so grateful to you for your kind gesture."
"Yeah, I'm sure she will. Very grateful!" Bobby glanced at Daniel, who glared at him and gave him a fake smile.
After chatting for several minutes about New York and the new baby on the way, Justin's school, and Daniel's new job, Hilda stood up, "I'm sorry, but I have to pee again. As soon as I get back, let's go surprise Betty, okay?"
"I'll go with you, dear. I may not be pregnant, but being my age is almost as bad when it comes to the bathroom visits!"
"Yeah, I think I'll go, too! Good idea!" As soon as Ignacio, Hilda and Claire left, Bobby and Justin looked at Daniel, sitting on either side of him on the sofa.
He took another sip of his Scotch, "Hey, guys!"
Justin hit him on the chest, "Ow! Hey! What's that for?"
"Spill! We both saw Betty leaving!"
"You did? Crap!"
Justin leaned closer, "Well? What gives? I know nothing happened on your little 'date' when you first followed her here, although I have no idea why you would write that article, follow her across an ocean, and ask her out, only to totally flake on your date! I mean, what happened to Daniel Meade… Bachelor of the Year...and all around...well, dog? You lost your nerve?"
"Yeah, no cajones? What gives? Hilda said Betty called after you ran away to France and she had all but given up on you two. Now, she's suddenly sneaking out of your hotel room at night? You guys finally got it together, huh?"
Daniel looked between them nervously, slamming down the rest of his Scotch and ordering another, "No! Well...sort of. I mean, we finally almost got together. We started to...tonight! At least, things were moving forward in that direction pretty well, up until I got a phone call from dear old Mom that you guys were all down here! No offense, but this was NOT the best timing!"
Bobby laughed so hard, he had tears streaming down his face, and Justin just shook his head, "Oh, wow! Sorry, Daniel! That sort of...sucks!"
Bobby slapped Daniel on the back, "Yeah, sorry, dude! That's...well, yeah, really, really bad timing on our part. Are you okay?"
Daniel sighed, drinking his second Scotch quickly, before the others came back. He nodded, "Sure. Nothing an ice cold shower and booze can't fix! I just hope my new job doesn't mind be wearing very loose pants or very long jackets my first few days of work!"
Bobby tried his best not to laugh again, patting Daniel on the back, "I tell you what, we'll do what we can to give you two some alone time tomorrow, if you want."
Daniel shook his head, "No, thanks. But, that's not going to work. Betty's launch is in two more days, and she's going to go into hyperdrive, the sooner it gets to the time. I know this was kind of my last shot to uh… spend some time with her until after her launch.
It's my own fault. I'm the idiot who left six months ago, when I should have just sucked it up and stayed then. I chickened out, when I thought she just wanted us to stay friends. Thanks anyway, guys."
"Yeah, we're pretty good at keeping secrets, Daniel. Don't worry. Your hot affair with Aunt Betty is safe with us." Justin smiled.
Daniel shook his head, "Hot affair, huh? I think my sixteen year old nephew does better than me in the romance department, lately! I kind of stink at it, nowadays. He's the one who read your aunt that letter I wrote in the anniversary issue.
He's the one who really kicked me in the butt to finally move forward with her. If it wasn't for his help, I'd probably still be stuck, dreaming about her, instead of...well, at least letting her know how I feel about her, even if we didn't actually...get to...you know…"
"Seal the deal?" Bobby offered.
"Well, yeah."
Bobby laughed again, "I'm sorry, dude! You just look so...pathetic!"
"Thanks! I'm glad my frustration is entertaining."
Justin laughed, "It kind of is. Especially considering it's you, Daniel. Sorry! We'll stop now. I promise."
"Yeah, it's not nice to laugh. Especially when you were nice enough to bring us all here for Betty in the first place."
Daniel rolled his eyes, as he stood up, seeing Ignacio and the ladies returning, "Yeah, well, you know what they say, no good deed goes unpunished!"
As they got into the car to head over to Betty's, Claire put her arm around her son, and whispered, "Daniel, dear, are you feeling alright? You seem a little down. Is this too overwhelming? How are things going with Betty? Any progress, yet?"
He nodded, miserably, "Yeah, well, things were starting to...uh...look better recently. Starting to….uh...look up. She's coming around, I think. I know she'll be happy to see her family. It's definitely going to be a surprise."
Claire squeezed his hand, "Well, I'm sure this will score you some pretty big points with her, at least."
"You have no idea."
Betty was rushing around, once she returned to her flat. She called Christina, telling her what had happened.
"I'm really freaking out here. This was so sweet of Daniel, but I can't believe they showed up tonight, of all nights! We were finally...you know, getting somewhere! I'm so frustrated, I want to scream!"
"Well, I'm sure Daniel feels the same, luv. It's so sad it's almost comical; you two, fit to be tied and about ready to burst with everyone here, bursting your little love bubble! I've not had a real good laugh yet, tonight!"
"Thanks, Christina! Your compassion is overwhelming!"
She shook her head and found a simple black dress, with a butterfly brooch. She knew she had worn it at least once before she left New York, but she was so flustered, she couldn't remember when, exactly.
The doorbell rang, and she went to answer it, as Hilda peeped around the corner, 'Surprise!" Everyone cried out at once.
Betty tried to act genuinely shocked, "Oh my God! What are you guys doing here?"
After she hugged everyone, and led them all inside, she turned, "Claire, Daniel? Are you two behind this?"
Claire smiled, and hugged Betty, "Oh, dear, guilty as charged. Actually, it was all Daniel's idea, of course.
But when he told me what he was planning on doing, I decided I was jealous of everyone getting to be here for your big day and I couldn't miss it, either, so I volunteered to be the designated guide to London.
So, while you're busy, working your cute little arse off during the day, I'll be taking your family on a whirlwind tour. Have you eaten? We have more to celebrate, other than just getting to see you and share in your big moment. Daniel has big news of his own, he said he didn't get a chance to tell you yet."
Betty looked at him, both of them blushing slightly, "Oh, really? What big news is that, Daniel? I mean, other than this? By the way, thank you so much!"
Hilda smacked Betty on the arm, "Aren't you at least going to give him a kiss for all this, Betty?"
"Yeah, AB, kiss him! You know you want to!"
Betty blushed, but Daniel shook his head, "It's okay, Betty. A hug is fine."
She smiled, "I don't mind, Daniel. If you're...okay with a kiss? I mean, after all these years of working together, what's a little kiss between friends, right?"
He rolled his eyes, "Okay. Nice dress, by the way. You look...good."
She pulled him down to her for a quick kiss, "Thanks for being so thoughtful, Daniel. I really appreciate it!"
He smiled, "No problem-o, Betty. My uh...pleasure."
"Well, almost!" Bobby muttered under his breath to Justin.
Claire shoved Daniel, "Tell her your good news, Daniel!"
"Oh, right! I almost forgot to tell you, I...got a job!"
She looked surprised, "You did? Why didn't you tell me earlier tonight?"
He looked down, and smirked, "I was a little...uh pre-occupied before. I got.. distracted, okay? Sorry!
But, yeah, I had a great interview yesterday and they called me today and told me I got the job. It's one of the places I interviewed at when I was here before."
She pulled him in for a hug and this time, she kissed him longer, "Congratulations, Daniel! I'm so proud of you!"
He smiled, "Thanks, Betty."
"So, as you can see, we all have excellent cause to celebrate! I have us a table at Gordon Ramsey's. Shall we?"
Daniel grinned, and took his mother's arm, then offered Betty his other, "Betty? May I escort both you lovely ladies this evening? I'm sure it won't be quite as entertaining as the other night, with Christina, but…"
She hit his arm, giving him a dirty look, "Daniel!" He shook his head, "Sorry!
Once they got to the restaurant, and everyone had ordered, Betty tried to ignore Daniel staring at her, but she finally leaned over and whispered, "Daniel...stop it!"
He grinned, "Stop what? I'm being a good boy, Betty."
"No, you're not! You keep playing that damn footsie with me, and I haven't forgotten what you said about it just being a distraction. Which it's not working, by the way. You need to stop sliding your hand up my leg! What if my dad sees us?"
He whispered back, "Hey, I'm sorry, Betty! I can't help it. You look hot tonight. You know the last time you wore that dress was when you came to help me at Mode, just before I found out you were coming to London and did my little pyromaniac stunt!"
She looked at him, and smiled, "Aw...you remembered what I was wearing?"
He touched the pin on her shoulder, and nodded, "How could I forget...my little butterfly girl?" He smiled, "This is so...you, Betty."
"Uh, yohoo! Hey, Betty! Did you hear what I said? I'm having twins!"
"Really? Oh my God! Hilda! That's amazing! Congratulations!" Betty started to get up, but Hilda shook her head, putting her hand out to keep Betty seated,
"No! Of course not! One kid at a time is enough! Bobby would be freaking out completely, and so would I! But I could have said my hair was on fire, and I don't think you would have noticed. Where is your head tonight, girl?"
Claire smiled, "I'm sure Betty just has so much on her mind for her launch, she is having a hard time staying focused on much of anything lately, right, Betty, dear?"
"Right! Exactly, Claire. You hit the nail on the head."
"Well, I'm usually pretty good with my ...theories!" She smiled and looked between Daniel and Betty.
Bobby nodded, "Yeah, she hit the nail on the head, alright! To nailing...I mean, uh...to London, baby!" He raised his glass.
"To London!" Everyone toasted.