A/N: Second part of Katie and Ned telling people they are dating. Enjoy xx Mariah


Katie looked at herself in the mirror. She fidgeted with the skirt and then double-checked all of the pins in her hair were secure. She didn't know why she was so nervous to see Delia now that Ned had probably already told her they were a couple and going to the New Years party together tonight.

"What are you so worried about?" Mackenzie asked, bringing her the tights that she'd asked her to get from their mother.

"Just worried about relationship stuff," she said, taking the tights. "Thanks. It's going to be freezing by the time we get out of the party." She sat on the toilet seat and pulled on the tights under her dress and then fixed it in front of the mirror on the bathroom door.

"What's wrong with Ned?" Her sister asked, hugging her. The nine-year-old never missed a beat. "I don't have to sucker punch him like I told him, do I?"

"No," Katie laughed, squeezing her sister as they walked out of the bathroom and toward the bed where Katie's shoes sat on the bed with her purse. "It's not Ned. I'm worried what Delia is going to say." She pulled the heels on and grabbed her purse then they walked up the stairs that lead into the kitchen.

"Oh, right." The blonde giggled, closing the basement door behind them. "Auntie Delia is going to go crazy about this."

"Yeah," she sighed. "That's what I'm worried about."

"You can handle Delia, Katie. Just drink the free champagne and avoid her tonight if you have to, but she'll calm down eventually." Aaron said from inside the fridge as he pulled out the tray of fudge and other goodies left from Christmas. He placed it on the counter and unwrapped it before closing the fridge. "C'mon Mack. The movie's ready and then we'll watch the countdown for that singer you like."

"Sweet!" Mackenzie took a few pieces of fudge and hugged Katie on her way to the living room.

"Thanks, Aaron. I'll get through tonight. Are mom and dad still upstairs?" Katie went and grabbed a chocolate-covered cherry and pulled the stem off as she tossed it into her mouth.

"Yeah. Mom went up to get ready for the party and dad made a quick dinner and went up after her." Aaron laughed, grabbing the plate of goodies.

She snickered with her brother and walked toward the foyer. "Good thing I'm not riding with them then," she said, waving. "Make sure she's asleep or ready for bed before mom and dad get home."

"Yeah. I will." He said, nodding. "I know the drill."

She nodded, smiling at her younger brother. She supposed he did know the drill for New Years.

When they were little, it was a big deal for their mother and father to let Katie and Aaron stay up late on New Year's Eve. Their father would trade shifts if he had to make sure he could prepare their little new years eve party. One year their toasting to the new year was a cookie or a brownie, another year it was a few scoops of ice cream, and another year it was a small bottle of sparkling cider.

Back then, when they were little, all of it seemed so exciting and luxurious and they'd huddle over the old fireplace with cozy blankets. Their father would tell silly stories that made them laugh and their mother roll her eyes. Once they got older they would watch the tv special and enjoy each other's company in the living room. But always, when the clock struck midnight, they would share the special item, and their father insisted on kissing each and every one of them.

For good luck, Jim would say.

He'd save their mother for last, of course. And Katie remembered the way her eyes would flutter closed, completely enamored by the way he'd sweep her into his arms for an exaggeratedly romantic kiss. Aaron would giggle and so would Katie and their mother's cheeks would turn red when it was over.

Those were good memories.

This year, Katie was almost just as excited as when she was younger. She was finally going to the big party her parents had begun going to when her father was given the Chief position at the hospital. And she was going with Ned.

"Are you staying with Ned somewhere else?" She heard her brother asked.

She nodded as she went into the foyer and grabbed her coat as her father came down the stairs in one of his best suits, pulling his suit jacket on as he came down the last steps.

"Hey, Katiebug." He smiled as he fixed his tie. "You look beautiful tonight, as always just like your mother."

"Fix your collar, dad," she laughed and smiled at him, rolling her eyes. "Thank you. Is mom almost ready?"

"I think so," he smirked at the image of however he had left her while fixing his collar as Katie straightened and buttoned his jacket. "Are you catching a ride with us to the party?"

"No. I am just waiting on Ned to pick me up," she said, turning to peek out from the curtain that decoratively covered the window on the front door. She looked down at the black leather watch that sat on her wrist with a few other bracelets she'd put on and saw it was nearly ten, which was when the party started.

"He'll be here, and don't worry he's probably just driving a little slower because of the icy roads," her father whispered in her ear as he kissed her cheek. "Go check on your mom while I start the car. If you end up needing to catch a ride with us it's not a big deal Katiebug, alright?"

She nodded, smiling at her father. "You are totally right," she sighed. "I just get stuck in my head sometimes, you know?"

"Yeah, I know." Jim pulled on his coat and opened the door. "Your mom does too."

"And what is it that I do that your father is telling you about?" Her mother asked as she came down the stairs the moment the door closed and Katie turned to look up at her.

Melinda looked beautiful the silver strapless dress she wore, her having fallen out of the updo she'd done earlier to the loose curls she'd pinned up.

"We get stuck in our heads," she said. "Which I still kind of am, and nice hair."

"Oh, yeah... definitely. What are you so worried about that you're stuck inside your head?" Melinda came down the stairs and rested her hand on her daughter's shoulder as she stood next to her. "And thank your father. He never thinks about the after when he's ripping my clothes off."

"Ned, Delia. All of it. I'm worried about tonight and what Delia could say influenced by a little liquid courage," she whispered, looking at her watch again. "Plus Ned's a little late and I feel like it's all a sign."

"Oh, don't worry. Delia won't say anything too drastic tonight. We are going to be at the Mayor's mansion tonight, don't forget," Melinda laughed, rubbing her back soothingly. She moved to grab her coat then, pulling the warm suede over her. "Just drink the champagne, that's what I say. Don't let your brain try to tell you that Ned being late is a sign. All men are late most of the time."

"That's what Aaron said too," she snickered, looking out the window once more just as she watched Ned's truck pull up. "Okay, he's here. I guess I'll see you at the party." She pulled the door open and walked out, as her mother followed her out soon after.

"See, I told you! There was nothing to worry about!" Her father said, shoveling snow that had fallen onto the driveway in the last few hours while the car warmed up.

"There was a little traffic downtown," Ned had come around the truck and met her halfway down the snowy walkway. "I'm sorry I'm late."

"It's fine. I was just antsy," she rolled her eyes, smiling at him. "Did everything go okay with your mom?"

"We're good to go," he nodded, walking with her toward the truck where he opened the door for her.

"Drive careful!" Melinda called out as she walked toward her Jeep that was warming up.

"I will," Ned said, waving as he closed the door and went around to get in on his side. Once he did, he smiled over at her and reached for her hand. "Now that we're alone. I got you something."

"Ned," she blushed. "You didn't have to."

"I know," he shook his head. "I was just scrolling through Facebook and a bunch of these bracelets popped up. I wanted to get you something after how I dealt with this stuff with my mom. I should've been honest with you from the beginning."

"I wasn't that mad," she shook her head. Ned was always the one to do this. Whenever he'd absentmindedly hurt her, he'd try and make up for it with a gift. When they were younger, it was always a double scoop strawberry ice cream cone. "You didn't have to get me this..."

"That's not why I got it, Katie. This is just a late Christmas gift because I never got you one," he smiled as he held out the silver box to her. "I wanted you to wear it tonight." She opened the box to see the silver charm bracelet with an old-fashioned pen charm and an emerald charm to match her dress. "And maybe every day, if you wanted to. There are a bunch of charms at your mom's shop and she said these two were a good start, so you could get more in the future."

"You got this from my mom's place?" She asked, tracing the different patterns in the metal before looking back up at him. "It's beautiful, Ned. Of course, I'll wear it every day." She smiled up. "Now I have to get you something, you know."

"I got it for a good price," he smiled. "Don't worry, and you don't have to get me anything."

"I'm not worrying. I promise," she laughed, shaking her head as she held it in her hand.

"Will you help me put it on?" She held out her left wrist which was bare and he took the bracelet from her other hand.

"Yes," he breathed, reaching for her hand and stilling it when his slipped on top of hers to clasp the bracelet around her wrist. His thumb brushed across her skin tentatively and he smiled. "It suits you."

"Ned, this is really thoughtful of you," she started, and the words created a knot in her stomach that made it hard to get out. But his earnest green eyes look on patiently, and she was able to calm herself down enough to finish. "I'm sorry. For the way…I acted when you told me about the situation with your mom last night." She swallowed the doubt and the fear that made her feel a little better, but not much.

"It's okay, Katie. I get it." He dropped his hand from hers, leaning against hardback of his seat with a soft sigh. "I don't want you to feel bad about any of that stuff. You had every right to be mad at me." He began to drive slowly then. "We should be there shortly. The traffic should've cleared by now."

She nodded, smiling at him.


Ned's left hand rested respectfully on the side of the woman's waist, the right clasping her hand gently as they moved around the room to the lively sounds of the orchestra. He smiled at her, a smile full of charm and enthusiasm, his eyes bright and engaging.

For reasons she didn't entirely understand, the sight made Katie Clancy's blood boil. She knew Ned was only dancing with the woman because was too nice to say no.

Katie stood on the edge of the dance floor, half-heartedly pretending to listen to the conversation that her mother and the wife of the Mayor were enthusiastically engaged in. She didn't care about diamonds, didn't care about how they would look in a necklace, or if they would look better set into a pair of earrings. She didn't care about any of that.

The only thing Katie currently cared about was the way Ned was dancing with the mayor's eldest daughter. And the way the girl's breasts looked like they were going to spill out of the top of the glittery, low-cut dress that was the same color as her name, as she stared at Ned hungrily.

She couldn't watch this for another moment.

"Excuse me mom, Mrs. Vosk," she muttered, then began to stomp her way across the room, trying to reign in her instinct to just push everyone out of her way. Instead, she smiled through gritted teeth, nodded at their hellos, politely stepped around them. And, coming up behind Ned, gripped onto his shoulder far tighter than she needed to.

She felt him jerk as he quickly turned to face her - the shock, and a little bit of fear was clear on his face before it visibly settled into what she'd come to recognize as his 'Party Face'. Polite and friendly, all the while giving nothing away as to what he was thinking or feeling.

"Katie, is everything okay?" he asked, his tone tinged with concern.

She knew everyone in the room was watching them - everyone was always watching everyone at these parties. But right now, their stares felt like they were cutting right through her, and she felt her hackles rise even more.

"Oh things are fine," she said loudly, her voice taking on a weird affectation. She had no idea where it had come from, but she sounded almost like her mom when she was trying to pretend she was alright and not currently staring down a ghost. What had gotten into her? "I thought it might be a good idea if we danced together again. It's been twenty minutes."

"Oh, you did?" The corner of his mouth turned up in a small smile, even while he continued to keep his hand on Rose Vosk's stupid waist.

"Yes, I did." She smiled at him, blushing a little as she squeezed his shoulder.

"But I believe it's still my turn," Rose interrupted, ending her words with a playful little giggle. Katie wasn't fooled. The woman had slept with both of her best friend's boyfriend when they were in high school together, all the while with a smile on her face at school.

"I don't care," Katie said haughtily, her body almost thrumming with annoyance. "I'd like to dance with my...boyfriend."

"I didn't realize you were off the market, Ned." Rose sighed, rolling her eyes.

With a barely audible sigh, Ned turned back to the girl and smiled charmingly. "Yes, Katie and I have been dating for a few weeks now. I probably should spend a little the rest of my time with her before the end of the evening arrives."

"Fine," Rose pouted prettily, then lifted a hand to brush against his cheek. "Maybe save another dance for me later?"

"I'll think about it," he said.

Rose beamed, then shot a look so full of venom at Katie that she was surprised she wasn't dead from it, before flouncing off towards the bar. Ned reached out his hand towards her, and Katie took it, allowing him to draw her in. She looped her arm around his neck, her fingers resting at the base of his neck, using the warmth of his skin against hers to try and calm herself down.

Neither of them said anything at first, moving leisurely around the dancefloor, the steps almost second nature to them after party upon party lately for the holidays. The voices carried around them as they danced, people talking amongst him- some of the simple and relatively innocent small talk amongst peers.

"So what was with that?" Ned finally murmured, his hand splayed against the small of her back. For some reason, tonight, her entire body was aware of that very simple touch.

"What was with what?" She asked.

"With that whole scene. And that...voice. That pseudo-Melinda voice thing you had going on." He asked curiously.

With a pair of heels on, she was looking him dead in the eye - there was nowhere to avert her gaze away from him, without it looking obvious. So she jutted her chin, stared him down. "There was no voice, I was just annoyed," she insisted briskly, even while her cheeks pinkened. "I was just doing what I thought people would expect me to do. Plus, I missed you."

"What, make a scene on the dancefloor?" He tightened his grip, pulled her in so close his mouth almost brushed against her ear. "Sweetheart, one thing you don't do is shoot daggers with your eyes at the mayor's daughter. I know Rose can be... well Rose, but you know I'm only interested in you. She'd just asked me to dance at the punch bowl." He paused for a moment, his eyebrow lifting in question, the amusement in his eyes clear. "If I didn't know any better, Katie, I'd say you were jealous."

She froze in his arms. "I'm not jealous," she choked out.

"Are you sure?" His tone had taken on a playful edge, one that she rarely heard any more.

The further along they got on this tour, the more morose, quieter, and more serious Ned became.

"Absolutely. I've got nothing to be jealous about. We're just starting to date and all, but that doesn't make sense for you to be letting her flirting with you!" she hissed, even while she forced a smile onto her face.

"I wasn't flirting back. I was just keeping the cordial conversation," he muttered back, the playfulness gone as quickly as it had appeared, his fingers tightening around hers. "I'm not going to dance with her again, alright? I just said that to appease her by saying maybe."

Katie clenched her jaw. "Fine." She replied bluntly. "I'm sorry. I'm just, on edge. The mayor's wife had an unnerving way of thinking."

"Honey, I'm sorry." He said smoothly. "Would you like to go get something to drink?" He sighed, shifted slightly so the side of his head rested against hers. She felt his chest expand with a deep breath he took in and released. "You know I don't want to dance with her again, Katie. I was just getting us something to drink when she asked, and my mother would've heard that I said no."

"It didn't look that way to me. Or to anyone else," she murmured, the annoyance and frustration that had driven her over to him slowly beginning to settle. He was always good for that - calming and soothing her when she was upset, when she was mad... when she was whatever she was right now.

"Katie, I don't care what anyone else thinks. Only you." He said, holding her gaze firmly before he leaned in to chastely kiss her on the cheek. "And if you think I was having a good time with Rose then you were incredibly mistaken. I would much rather have just stayed back with you at your parent's house like the original plan before my mom got me a ticket and a plus one."

She swallowed heavily, pulled her head back so that she could look at him again. "Really?"

Ned nodded. "I promise there's no-one else here I would rather dance or be with. Let's just...get this night over with. We're almost at the end, and then we can go home. Okay?"

"Okay," she said quietly.

She moved back in close to him, and they continued to dance.

It wasn't long before she asked, "Wanna go get that drink now?"

"Of course," he smiled, stepping back, holding tight to her hand.


After midnight, Katie and Melinda sat at the table resting their feet. Ned was with Jim, getting waters after the dancefloor had closed down for the night. Delia was making her way to the table.

"Katie, did you have a good time tonight?" Delia asked, sitting down next to her.

"Yes. Tonight was wonderful," Katie nodded, resting her head on Melinda's shoulder as she waited for her father's and Ned's return. "Did you have a nice night, Delia?"

"I did. It was sad that Tim couldn't make it, but I was able to make the most of my night anyway." Delia explained, smiling. "I'm hoping Ned was nothing more than a gentleman tonight."

"He always is. Don't worry about that," Katie laughed, smiling. She could see Ned approaching with two glasses of water in his hand and she stood up. "Excuse me, Delia. I'll be right back."

Katie walked over to him and Melinda laughed as Delia went to sit next to her. "Oh, gosh, what now?" Melinda sighed.

"What are they doing? I'm trying not to pay attention so that Ned isn't angry," Delia said, leaning toward her closest friend.

"He gave her a glass of water, just like my husband just did," Melinda explained, laughing. "Why are you so worried?"

"Aren't you? Ned doesn't have the best track record with women," Delia sighed. "What are they doing now?"

"Hey, don't start with that, Delia. Ned has been turning his life around lately," Jim said as he took a sip of water. "And Katie just hit him."

"Good," Delia laughed, looking over to see Melinda and Jim captured in a brief kiss. "Oh you two always do that, don't you?"

"Do what?" Melinda snickered, looking over at her friend. "Oh look, they are so cute!"

"What?" Delia turned to see Katie wrap her arms around Ned's neck as they kissed. "Ugh. I don't know how I feel about it. I told him I'm happy for them because I know he would never hurt her on purpose, you know? Ned has known Katie forever, and it just... I don't know. It still feels weird." She pulled back smiling, leaning in to hug him tightly. "But Katie is an amazing woman, and Ned is an amazing guy. They should make a good match, don't you think?"

"Yes, Delia. I think they will make a good match," Melinda smiled, winking at her friend. "Just give them time and space. Don't hover like you tend to."

"I would never," Delia said, and Jim began to laugh, and so did she.

The pair came close to the table, both setting their waters on the table. "We're gonna head out," Ned smiled, his arm tight around Katie's waist.

"You should wait out the traffic," Delia reminded him and he shrugged.

"We'll be fine," Ned said, grabbing his water to take another sip. "Don't worry. We're just heading back to the apartment."

"Both of you?" Delia asked, and Melinda and Jim both chuckled as they stood up, deciding it was probably a good time to go home.

It was nearly two in the morning.

"Yeah, in my room because we are both adults and in a relationship together. I thought I told you all of this earlier," Ned said walking with Katie toward the front doors. "See you all in the morning for brunch."

Delia turned to Melinda and Jim. She didn't know how she thought about this.


Katie shivered as she slid into the passenger seat; the fabric of her gown and coat offered little warmth against the cold leather. Her body shuddered and an audible 'brr' trilled from her lips. He gave her a sympathetic smile as he gunned the engine, and he flicked on the heated seat switch.

"My goodness is it cold," she groused, rubbing her arms as she buckled up. "Is it spring yet?"

"There's still a foot of snow on the ground, babe. I think you'll be waiting a long time for spring." He chuckled and turned onto the street which was full of the other attendees of the party who were all trying to get home. "A long, long time."

"Don't remind me," she sighed, sitting back in the seat. "Do you think this traffic will lighten up once we get away from here and toward your mom's place?"

"This car warms up fast," he said fidgeting with the dial again, but quickly resuming his attention to the road. He settled in his seat and smiled at her. "Don't worry. It probably will."

She unbuckled herself and slid down the seat toward him. She buckled up in this seat and cupped the back of his neck tenderly, combing her fingers through his hair. "I can think of a faster way to warm up," she purred, reaching down to press her hand against his thigh as she licked her lips.

"Weren't you the one telling me we should take things slow?" He chuckled.

"Mhmm," she agreed, moving her hand up toward his groin. "But I don't have to follow my own rules all the time. Plus, it's a holiday... we can have a little fun, can't we?"

She let her tongue dart out to lick the curve of his ear before tugging on the lobe with his teeth while her hand worked at the fly of the pants. She sighed triumphantly when she slid the zipper down.

"Katie…" He warned, his breath catching on the last syllable of her name. He could barely concentrate on the road, his hands gripping the wheel as he looked down at her hand. "This isn't a good idea."

"Just keep your eyes on the road, even if we aren't moving yet," she whispered, pressing a kiss against his jaw.

Katie had never been more thankful for the matte lipstick she was wearing. She didn't have to worry about staining his face or collar with lipstick. She pulled his head back up and he tried to concentrate on the road as she slipped her hand into his pants, working his erection free. She let her hand glide up and down a few times, priming him, and then she dipped her head to take him into her mouth.

Normally she'd take her time teasing him, but it's a short drive to their destination once they finally got onto the clear road after twenty minutes of slowly inching toward it. Low moans rumbled in his throat and he whispered his encouragement as her head bobbed up and down eagerly. He reached to gently grasp her hair, which flowed over her shoulders.

He slowly began to speed down the road, his eyes almost closing as she moved off of him, kissing his thigh as he hand grasped his erection. "Katie…god I'm so close." He said, turning the blinker on. He slowed down and she licked up his shaft, kissing his tip. He barely remembered turning into the apartment building parking lot as his head lulled back. "Oh, fuck... Katie..."

"I know," she giggled, taking him back into her mouth.

"Fuck, babe…now." He said, gripping the steering wheel as he slowly pulled into a parking spot. He practically slammed his truck into park, leaning back into his seat with an audible sigh as his hand grabbed her hair as he came. She removed her tongue from him before tucking him back in his pants and zipping him back up. "Good lord, Katie," he breathed, watching her lick her lips before kissing him. "I fucking love you." He whispered as she pulled back, smiling at him. "And not just for this stuff. I love you for everything."

"I know," she leaned up against him, playfully kissing his lips. "But this helps…?"

"Definitely," his hand moved up he back as she leaned into him.

She grinned and pulled down the visor, flipping up the panel to expose the lighted mirror so she could check her makeup quickly. "You don't think your mom is here yet, do you?" She checked herself in the mirror once more and pursed her lips at him playfully.

"I don't think so." He shook his head at her as he turned the car off. "I am a lucky, lucky man." He muttered her hand and bringing it to his mouth. "Thank you for being my girlfriend." He held her hand then, smiling at her.

"Why would I ever say no?" She smiled at him, leaning across the console to cup his face and kiss him. "Twelve-year-old me would be so disappointed in myself." She laughed then, kissing his cheek, his neck.

"She totally would," he sighed, laughing slightly kissed his throat last. "I think my mom was riding with your parents last I heard. Let's just get upstairs, alright?"

"Yes. Let's get upstairs," she purred in his ear, pulling back just as she winked at him.

He stole another kiss from her before he exited the truck and helped her out on his side. She smoothed out her gown while she grabbed her clutch off the seat. He closed the door as she slipped her arm around him. He nuzzled her neck and pressed a kiss to her cheek as they walked toward the steps of the apartment complex. He pushed the large door, tugging her flush against him in the tiny vestibule and nipping at her neck once more.

"It means so much to me that you were with me tonight, Katie." He said, smiling at her. "I didn't like that event any more than you did."

She smiled at him as they stepped into the building, and immediately she walked across the lobby to the elevator. "It was pretty boring for most of it," she laughed, leaning into his arm as the doors opened and they stepped inside. She leaned against the wall and he came closer, pressing the floor button they needed before wrapping his arm around her waist. "But you were a great date. You made the night bearable."

"I'm glad I could be a great date," he smiled. "You're always great."

Katie was succumbing to the alcohol she'd had at the party tonight. She was bubbly and giggly as Ned held her up for the rest of the ride. He lived on the eleventh floor after all. She was also very touchy. And apparently really, really horny, but they were going to take things slow. He wasn't going to let things go too far. Not tonight, and not when she was this drunk.

2..

3...

4...

5...

"Katie," he warned, his voice a near whine as she pushed his hand away and palmed his hardening erection through his jeans. "Stop it, babe."

"Ned," she mocked him in his ear, teetering precariously on her toes as they stood in the elevator. "C'mon… I want you. Don't you want me?"

His resolve weakened, and he indulged her for a brief moment, reveling in the way she stroked his aching erection for way too long before he pried her hand away and frantically watched as the elevator number rose.

6...

7...

8...

Almost there.

Katie pulled him back toward her, folding herself in his arms and tilting her face up to kiss his neck. "I wanna have sex with you tonight," she murmured, and he chuckled uncomfortably, resting his hands on her hips.

"Not tonight," he shook his head, smiling. "My mom is coming home, remember?"

9...

10...

"Oh, right." She sighed as they arrived on the eleventh floor. "I guess we can't then."

"Not tonight," he laughed, leaning down to kiss her as he picked her up in his arms and walked out of the elevator. "But you can lay down soon. We'll be in the apartment in a few minutes. Just hold on–" He stopped in front of the door and fished his keys out, shoving them in the door and opening it. He carried her in and slid his keys in his pocket as he closed the door. He went to bring Katie to his bedroom and laid her down on his bed. "I'll be right back. I'm just going to lock the door."

"Okay," she nodded, turning her head to rest it on his pillow. "I'll be waiting for you."

He walked out into the living room to see Jim helping his mother in the front door. "Hey, Jim. I can take it from here if my mom needs any help." He said, loosening his tie.

"I'm fine, Ned. Jim was just making sure I got up alright. Melinda was reading some news articles about some criminal escaping and I was too spooked to walk up by myself." Delia waved to Jim and squeezed Ned's shoulder. "I am off to bed. Thank you, Jim, and tell Melinda goodnight for me."

"I will, Delia. Goodnight," Jim nodded, turning to Ned as he stretched momentarily. "Is Katie in your room?"

"Yeah. I think she'll be asleep when I get in there," he laughed, looking back toward the ajar door. "She looked pretty cozy."

"That's good. You take care of her and bring her home tomorrow," Jim yawned, clapping Ned on the back.

"Of course. Katie will always be safe when she's with me," he nodded.

"I know that. Goodnight, son." Jim smiled at him, walking back toward the door. "I better get going."

"Goodnight, Jim," he stepped toward the door as Jim let himself out and Ned locked it behind him before going to his door. The light switches were there and he shut all of the lights off before going into his room. Katie was waiting for him, in the clothes she'd had him put up here for them. "I thought you would be asleep."

She smiled, nodding her head. "I almost fell asleep when you first left because it's really cozy and warm in here, but I really wanted to get a little bit more time with you. You always cuddle with me," she explained.

He pulled his jacket off and went to unbutton his shirt as she moved on the bed toward him, kneeling in front of him to help undress him. Once he was in just his tank top and boxers, she pulled him closer, his arms wrapping around her waist as they fell backward on the bed. "I thought we were taking it slow," he reminded her.

"We don't have to have sex," she whispered softly against his lips. "I just need you to help... like I did with you in the car."

"Than I'm your man," he chuckled, leaning in to kiss her neck. He ran his hand up her thigh. When his fingers reach her bare sex, he rose an eyebrow in surprise. "Mmm... no panties, Katie?" he murmured, feeling how slick she was under his shirt. She shook her head. He flicked her center with his thumb, and as her moan drifted through the night air, he slid a finger into her. "Quiet, my mom is here now," he reminded her and she was hot and ready for him, and by the time he's brought her to a fast climax, he was rock hard again.

She pulled Ned close, kissing him as her hands slid down into his boxers to palm him. "Your turn, again." She giggled.

"Hey, we can just go to sleep," he whispered, tucking his head into her neck. "I'm fine."

"I am kind of tired, are you sure?" she whispered, smiling against him, running her hands through his hair.

"Of course," he laid back next to her as she curled into his side under the blankets. "All that matters is that you felt good."

She nodded, "I did. I love you."

"Good," he whispered as he felt her settle up next to him and once her breathing had quieted and evened out, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Happy New Year, Katie. I love you." He whispered into her hair as he pressed another kiss.