These Things Take Time/ CH 16
A/N: If you've ever seen the movie 'The Ugly Truth' with Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler, it's a riot! I'm not a huge fan of his, but they do have great chemistry. There is a scene, which is pretty R-rated in my way of thinking, which you may recognize me paying homage to...detty-style. So, be prepared to blush, ladies (but remember this is Daniel we're talking about here and a VERY frustrated, somewhat inebriated Daniel at that, so...cut him some slack!). Don't worry, his mommy yells at him!
As the evening wore on, Bobby, Betty, and Daniel had all had a few glasses or three or four of wine with their meal.
On top of the quickly drank Scotch and beer earlier that night, Daniel and Bobby were especially feeling no pain, and Betty was fairly tipsy, too.
Betty had been moving Daniel's hands away from her all evening, but as she got more into the evening, she seemed less concerned about doing so.
Ignacio, Justin and Hilda were extremely jet-lagged and fading fast, but didn't want to seem rude, and were famished, so they did their best to stay awake as they ate hungrily.
While Hilda was telling about their new house in Manhattan, Betty seemed particularly excited to hear about it.
"Wow! That's...uh...huh, oh my God! YES! That's SO AWESOME ...don't stop...uh talking about...it...uh huh...ohhhh...yeah!...Uh huh! Sounds GREAT!"
Hilda looked at Betty, rather puzzled, "Yeah, it is. I sent you pictures online. Did you really like it that much?"
"Uh huh…" Was all Betty could manage in response, as she gave Daniel a sly look, before he stifled a laugh.
Claire remarked, "Well, you've got to admire her enthusiasm! Daniel...could you please escort your mother to the...uh loo? I'd like to have a quick word about my grandson."
He made a face, recognizing the tone in his mother's voice to mean she didn't approve of his behavior. But he was just having a little fun, after all. And Betty was clearly… well, into it.
He reluctantly got up, as he leaned down to Betty, "Don't go anywhere, cutie. I want to hear more from you when I get back."
She smiled at him, as she took another sip of wine. "Okay, Daniel. I'll try to keep my top on." she giggled, hiccuping.
As soon as they got around the corner, Claire smacked Daniel on the arm.
"Ow! Mom! What was that for? Look, Betty's a big girl. She hasn't been drinking that much. We were just having a little fun. Her family's all either blitzed themselves or so jet-lagged they're falling asleep, so they don't even know what's going on."
"I don't care! Daniel Meade, I raised you better than to disrespect Betty like that and to take advantage of the poor girl when she's been drinking a little too much. You have, too, but that's no excuse. You can handle your liquor much better than she can.
And her family is here, for goodness sakes! You may not have used much discretion in the past with all your women, but this is different. This is Betty we're talking about! Her father is at the table! I know both of us have far too much respect for Ignacio Suarez, after all he's meant to our family over the years not to mention Betty herself, to keep up that kind of behavior! What kind of example does that set for Justin? Thank God DJ isn't here to witness you…doing that!"
He rolled his eyes, but did look guilty, "I KNOW, Mom, don't you think I realize that? I'm sorry but I'm kind of...desperate! You guys have no idea just how lousy your timing was tonight.
Don't get me wrong; I love you. I'm glad to have you here. I love Betty's family, too, but we were
well...FINALLY starting something tonight, right when you all showed up! I literally had to take a cold shower, that's why I was still wet, okay?
Betty slipped down the stairs when you called. If you had showed up, I don't know, maybe two or three hours later, or better yet, sometime tomorrow or even better on WEDNESDAY, when we were expecting you all...we wouldn't both be going so crazy right now!
She's right next to me. Her scent is driving me crazy...I've been doing nothing but dreaming of being with her for the past six months, and the two months before that really, ever since her sister's wedding.
You were right, I'm totally in love with Betty and I can't help it, I want her, okay? I can't stand to wait any more now that I know we both love each other. I feel like I can't breathe! Are you happy now?"
Claire began to laugh, and Daniel shook his head, "Thanks! Now, you're laughing at me, too? I'm so glad my misery is such a great source of entertainment for everybody!"
"Daniel! I could tell something was going on with you two. But, I had no idea! I'm so sorry, dear. Well, leave it to me; I'll make a diplomatic departure for us all.
But can I just ask? What took you so long? You've had the girl to yourself all this time and you're just now getting around to...being with her? You certainly have changed!"
He rolled his eyes, "Yes, Mom, I know. I'm now a monk, apparently. Or according to my nephew, a chicken...or a turkey, whatever! Can you please, please just...get rid of everybody? In a nice way, of course? Thank you! Betty thanks you, your future grandchildren thank you!
I just really, really NEED to be alone with her! The sooner the better, before she gets TOO drunk and I have to just tuck her in for the night."
Claire shook her head, "The things I do for my children! Acting as your social director was not in the job description for Mother!"
He leaned down and kissed her cheek, putting his hand on her shoulder, "But you love me, cause I'm still your baby boy and you do WANT more grandchildren someday before I'm fifty, right, Mommy dear?"
"Don't 'mommy' me, Daniel Meade! Just try and keep those hands to yourself until I escort everyone to their hotel for the evening, alright? Don't continue to molest the poor girl in public! Wait until you're behind closed doors, please?"
He nodded, "Yes, Mom. I promise. I'll wait to uh...molest Betty with her permission of course until I have her safely back in my hotel room. Or any hotel room that's close at this point! I'm not picky."
Claire smiled as they returned to the table, "I was hoping I could interest you all in a late night show, perhaps? Oh, what am I thinking? I'm sure you're probably all much too tired from the long plane ride!" She glanced at her Cartier watch, then looked up in anticipation of their polite declines.
"I'm not!" Justin volunteered excitedly.
Hilda smiled appreciatively as she yawned, "Well, the pregnant lady is I'm afraid! Sorry, Justin. It is getting a little late to go somewhere else. At least, it feels late to us! We really appreciate the offer, Mrs. Meade, but…I think we should all go back to our hotel and get some rest.
And Betty has work tomorrow, so we probably shouldn't keep her out too late, or let her drink any more! She gets so excited when she gets a little tipsy!"
Daniel looked gratefully at Claire, "Mom...if you don't mind continuing to play hostess and escorting everybody to their hotel, I'll see that Betty gets home safely and...uh put her to bed right away."
Bobby laughed but stopped himself. "So, yeah, Daniel. We'll go to sleep and you'll take Betty to bed. I mean, put her to sleep.
I know you two have lots to...do, I mean uh talk about, what with her giving you a job...I mean your uh new job and all."
Justin gave Bobby a dirty look, looking disappointed,"Come on, Mom, I think Bobby's had a little too much of this British beer. I'm sure he's not used to it."
"Hey! I'm fine, kid! I just was having fun watching these guys squirm, squirrel, no uh...chipmunk. Aw, yeah, okay, I guess I'm done, too! Goodnight!"
Hilda shook her head, "I think my husband has had a few too many! Papi, I hope you're not too tired…" Ignacio was so tired in fact, he was starting to snore.
Bobby and Justin helped Ignacio revive enough to make a somewhat dignified exit, "Oh, sorry! I'm not used to the time difference, I guess. We'll see you all tomorrow. Goodnight, kids!"
"Goodnight, papi! Thank you all for coming! This means so much to me! I missed you so much!" Betty stood and hugged her father, nephew and sister.
Bobby grinned, "Have a good night, chipmunk! I have a feeling you will! Sorry, we...uh...took you by surprise!"
Betty shook her head, "No, that's fine, Bobby. It was a good surprise! Goodnight!"
Once everyone had left, Claire winked, as she smiled, "Goodnight, you two. Behave yourselves!"
"Don't I always?" Daniel quipped, laughing as his mother shook her head.
Betty looked at him, seeming somewhat confused for a minute as the drinks caught up to her again, "Did everybody finally leave? We're really alone?"
He nodded, "Uh huh. Yeah, honey. They all left. I made a little pact with my mom. She got rid of everybody, if she ever wants grandkids in the foreseeable future."
Betty's eyes widened, "Grandkids! Daniel!"
He laughed, seeing her stricken expression and pointed at her, "Wow, that sobered you up, didn't it? Uh, don't panic, not now, Betty! I just told her the truth, that they kind of caught us with our uh...pardon the expression but pants down."
She shoved him, blushing, "Daniel! What were you...uh doing to me before?"
"Who me? Nothing. Why?" he grinned.
She shook her head narrowing her eyes suspiciously, "I think you were… touching me."
He smirked as he kissed her neck, putting his arm around her, "Maybe just a little. You got all carried away. You were very cute and totally sexy. I think...maybe we need to go somewhere right now, Betty. Somewhere where I can have my wicked way with you if you're still in the mood.
How does that sound, baby?" he whispered in her ear, kissing it lightly, as he delighted in watching her reaction to him touching her.
She nodded, "Mmhmm...that sounds...really good, Daniel. I do want to be with you. I definitely want to be...bad with you. All night."
"All night, huh? Well...let's see how it goes first. You may not like me that much. I might disappoint you. You know, I'm not a professional stripper like you."
She giggled, "That's true. But…I'll take my chances."
"Can you walk?" he asked gently, helping her.
"You've drink more to had than me, Daniel!" she started to push him aside but wobbled, and accepted his help reluctantly.
He laughed, guiding her arm, and wrapping his around her waist, "Uh...that's true, in some context, I'm sure, but I'm much more experienced. At…drinking, I mean of course. Although, so far, I'd say what you lack in experience you more than make up for with your eagerness to...learn and your enthusiasm!"
"You're making fun of me?"
He shook his head, "On the contrary. Not at all. I'm enjoying you, Betty. I've been going nuts, wanting to have you all to myself all night and now that I do, I'm so excited, I don't know what to do first.
She narrowed her eyes, eyeing him lustfully, "How about we...take a cab back to my place? We won't have to go through a hotel lobby or anything. Besides, it's closer. You can strip for me this time."
He laughed, but saw the look on her face, "You're serious?"
She shrugged, putting her hand on his chest, suggestively, "I just want to check out the merchandise before I make any long term commitments"
Daniel raised his eyebrows, "Commitments? Just how…long-term are we talking here?"
She rolled her eyes, "Well don't go freaking out on me, Daniel. I just meant...going out. I'm not asking you to...get on one knee or anything."
He nodded, "I know. I wasn't freaking out on you."
"Yes you were. Just like you did when you ran off. I know you. You totally freaked out. That's why I thought you were never coming back."
"Betty...listen."
"But I was wrong. DJ set me straight."
"You were wrong? He did? About what?"
She ran her finger down his cheek, "About you. He told me how they found you, all sad and depressed, thinking you had lost me. And he also said you didn't even look at those sexy French girls."
"What sexy French girls? There were sexy girls...in Paris? Really? Shoot! I missed that? Maybe I should go back there…" he teased.
She shook her head, and pulled him down to her by his tie, "No way, mister! You had your chance. And you came back. To me."
He nodded, resting his head against hers, "Yeah, I did. I'd do it again, in a heartbeat, Miss Suarez. So...are you ready to...do this?"
"Do what?" she teased.
He shook his head, and whistled as they got outside. She slid her hands around his waist, "Was that...for me?"
He raised one eyebrow suggestively and laughed, "Well, actually, it was to get us a cab. But….for you, I'd be willing to do a lot more than whistle.I'd be willing to...wait for as long as you needed, even if it's killing me, I'd be willing to...endure your crazy family, because I know mine's even crazier.
I'd be willing to...strip for you, if that's really what you want. Hell, to be honest, I'd be more than willing to...get down on one knee if I thought YOU wouldn't freak out.
But I know you've got your plate full with your launch right now and I'm finally getting to that 'starting over' thing with my career.
I realize that all these things take time, Betty. I'm patient, though. For you, I'll wait as long as it takes. Because you're so worth it. You're the one I've been waiting for all these years. I'm done looking."
"You are? Oh, Daniel! That's so sweet!" She smiled, blushing as he nodded and kissed her slowly.
When they parted, he nodded, looking at her and grinning, "Yep, my poncho-wearing, brace-face, cutie pie with or without glasses, clumsy and adorable Betty Suarez is the sweet little butterfly that I want from now on. Nobody else will do it for me."
She sighed, looking up at him, "You are...really thinking long-term, huh?"
"Yeah, I hope that's not a problem? Because if you're just looking for a one-night stand, I'm not the guy for you, I'm afraid. I mean; don't get me wrong, you're smoking hot, honey. But...I'm just not interested in casual sex anymore. I've finally grown up. I'm not that kind of guy now." he teased.
She smiled, "You're not, huh? Wow, what a shame. Because I was really looking for a sexy guy like you who wants to have crazy, mind-blowing sex."
He smiled, "Well, I guess I could let you use my body a few times. But, if you don't put a 'ring on it' and very soon you can forget it, sexy. I'm not going to just sit by my phone, waiting for you to call. I do have standards, you know."
"Too bad. You've got a really nice ass. I'd like to 'tap that'."
He laughed, "You think you're still up for it? Tonight? I honestly was afraid I was just going to be tucking you in for the night. You seemed pretty tired earlier."
She shook her head. "Well, you're welcome to 'tuck me in' alright. But, I want you to perform for me first."
He raised his eyebrows, "Okay. I...uh...sure, Betty. No pressure,huh?"
She blushed, "Not like that! Well, okay, that, too, actually, but I meant...you know, the stripping thing first. Never mind. Maybe I'll just beat you at poker again and take your clothes, that way! Either way, I want you naked, Mister!"
He smiled, "You really want me to take my clothes off for you, huh?"
She gave him a challenging look, "YES! Fair is fair. I did it for you last night, Daniel."
"Well, mostly. We had a really good start, alright. You looked totally hot, by the way. You still do."
"Thank you. So do you. That's WHY I want to…see you!"
He grinned, "Fine, alright, alright, alright, lady! I get it. You want my body. Like I said, Betty. All you've got to do is ask. No problem-o! I'm always ready for you! I'm up for anything. Whatever turns you on."
"YOU turn me on, Daniel."
"Ditto, baby."
By the time they arrived at Betty's flat, they were kissing feverishly, and groping each other in a breathless rush to get to her door. The minute she let them inside, Daniel held her face and looked into her eyes,
"Are you positive you're sober enough to remember this now? To know you really want it? Cause, if not, Ican just...sleep on the couch, Betty. I may need to borrow that poncho, but I don't want you to rush into anything you're not comfortable ..."
She cut him off with a very heated kiss, "I'm fine, now, Daniel Don't be stupid! Sleep on the couch? If you do, I'm 'sleeping' on top of you, you goofball! But my bed is much more comfortable."
He grinned, as she kissed him and tugged at his clothes, anxiously starting to remove his jacket, then as she began unbuttoning his shirt, he put his hand on hers to stop her and mumbled, "Uh uh….just let me do that, Betty. You said you wanted to...watch me. So, sit down and enjoy the show, Miss."
She smiled, and sat on the couch, expectantly, "Oh, okay, Daniel. Great! Show me what you've got, big boy."
He laughed, "Big boy? I'm not sure how to take that."
"Take it anyway you want, just take it off!" She raised her eyebrows, then sat, watching him, smiling and whistling loudly, "Come on, Mister blue eyes, let's see that sexy as…"
He laughed, putting his hand up, "Okay, okay, don't get rowdy in the front row, lady. I'll give you what you want. You want some of this, huh?
Just give me a second to uh...get in character, here." He put on some light jazz music and started taking off his shirt slowly as he stood in front of her, then looked up at her, smiling. "You're so crazy, Betty. You really want me to…do this for you?"
She gave him a look, "It's your turn! You made me do it for you."
"I didn't make you! You went to that place and took off your shirt for a bunch of strangers!"
She nodded, "Yes...but I didn't sleep with any of them, did I? So, tell me how that makes us even, still, Mister former Bachelor of the Year? Keep stripping, Daniel!"
He blushed, slightly, but sighed, "Fine, I get your point. This is my...penance for the 'manwhore' stuff, right? Okay, okay. Let me see if I can at least make it interesting."
He let his shirt fall slowly to the floor, as he put his hands on his chest and moved closer, taking his pants off, while he danced suggestively, then he stood over her, doing a little 'bump and grind' and putting her hands on top of his before he gave her a 'lap dance'.
Betty's eyes widened, as he leaned forward and her heart was beating wildly, as he started unzipping her dress, and whispered, "Your turn now. Let me help you."
She nodded, her breath hitching as he took off her butterfly pin and carefully set it down on the table by her couch, then pulled her dress over her head, with her helping.
She scooted back on the sofa, allowing him to sit next to her, and he grinned as he quickly did the 'bra trick', and handed her her bra, raising his eyebrows, as she laughed.
Betty started to cover her breasts shyly, but he shook his head, and put her hands down, then leaned over her, causing her to lie down, as he began kissing her breasts and running his hands sensuously over her body. He moved her panties aside, to try and get her as excited as he had before. He held her as he expertly coaxed her to her second orgasm, both of them still too mesmerized to break the spell and say a word.
As they gradually deepened their kisses and felt more bold and comfortable in exploring each other's bodies, Daniel sat back up and tugged down her panties teasingly, as he smiled, raising his eyebrows.
She drew in a breath, watching him take off his boxers, her eyes widening as she took in Daniel in all his naked glory, before he climbed over her, lowering himself slowly.
He teased her at first, then stopped, while she kissed him, once again with such feeling and love that he had never experienced.
He was still totally speechless as he felt her hands, making their way, hesitantly from his stomach and chest around his waist to his back, softly exploring his muscles and causing him to moan and tense, until she finally moved them to his backside, and he couldn't hold back any longer.
His desire for Betty was too intense, too overwhelming to fight. He entered her quickly and thrust deeply at first, causing her to gasp, then he withdrew, and started again, more slowly this time, and as she began breathing and moaning with delight, he felt as if his whole world was exploding in fireworks all around him.
He closed his eyes at first, in utter ecstasy as they joined, panting and arching back, but then he opened them and saw her, looking at him with such love, such desire that he tried to speak, to let her know just how much he loved her, how intense and all-encompassing that love truly was.
"Betty, I...I…"his mouth went dry as he tried to articulate what he had no words to describe.
She kissed him deeply then smiled, that smile that he knew so well and loved so much it permeated the room with her sweetness, her happiness, and her warmth.
"I know. Me, too, Daniel. I love you, too."