Chapter 9 – Surrender

A new element of determination resided in Danny's stride as he walked back to the table, his eyes fixed on Lindsay. He had been skirting his feelings long enough – in the past, he had always kept everyone an arm's length away, never letting them get too close. Lindsay somehow managed to dodge his best efforts, and was able to get through a layer no one else had been able to penetrate. Perhaps the reason he never faced his feelings before was that they simply frightened him – he suddenly felt vulnerable and exposed, yet at the same felt a calm and comforted when she was around. He smiled at her as he sat down on her left. She gave him a questioning look, which he dismissed with his trademark grin.

He looked around the table at his colleagues, stopping on Flack who was grinning like a schoolboy as Miss Straps whispered something into his ear. Get a room, he thought, though smiling in approval. Mac, Stella, and Hawkes were having a conversation amongst themselves, while Sid was busy telling Marty and Evan all about his cruise trip the year before and all his plans for this year's, should he win it again. Danny turned his attention to the podium, where Fabrizzi stood, trying to get the crowd's attention.

"Good evening everyone! I hope you're all having a great time tonight." Applause rose from the guests as signaled their agreement. "Good, good! It has come time in the evening to announce the winners from the Silent Auction!" Danny laughed as Sid instantly sat up straighter in his chair – last Danny had checked, Sid was still in the lead for that cruise. Looking around, there were many anxious faces in the crowd, each hoping they had won their bids.

"First up, the four-night stay in the grand Plaza Hotel."

"Oooh, I bid on that!" said Stella excitedly. Mac gave her an awkward glance as she stared restlessly at Fabrizzi.

"The top bidder was Veronica Alexis!"

A loud eruption of applause broke out from the other side of the hall. Danny craned his neck to see a slim brunette stand up, a huge smile on her face, as she weaved her way through the tables and made her way up to the podium to claim her voucher. Stella's shoulders sunk slightly.

"Ah well, probably better I don't spend that much money anyway," she laughed, but Danny could tell she was still disappointed. Hawkes patted her shoulder in reassurance, while Mac quietly laughed. Stella smacked his arm.

As Danny ceased his clapping, he leaned back and casually rested his right arm over the back of Lindsay's chair. He kept his eyes fixed to Fabrizzi, though out of the corner he could see Lindsay glancing back ever-so-slightly, then leaning back in her chair, grinning. The smallest smile broke though Danny's attempts to keep a straight face.

"Congratulations, Veronica," came Fabrizzi's voice. "Next, the two tickets to the Broadway musical Jersey Boys."

"Oh, I was hoping to bid on those tickets," said Lindsay, "I've been dying to see that, but whoever donated those tickets gave really good seats, and by the time I got there, the bid was way out of the range of what I can afford right now. I envy whoever wins, though." Danny just smiled, silently wishing he had bid on them. Too bad she hadn't said anything earlier, else he would have.

"Congratulations to Vincent Bailly, who, might I add, obliterated the next highest bidder as well as the retail price! Quite a generous guy!"

Lindsay stared in shock as Vincent strode proudly to the podium to claim his tickets, all the while looking at Lindsay.

Stella turned around. "Linds, isn't that the guy who's been hitting on you?" Lindsay gave a small nod of her head. "Twenty bucks says he'll ask Lindsay to go with him by the end of the night," she laughed, turning back to face forward. To Lindsay's dismay, both Hawkes and Mac nodded their agreement. She didn't dare look back at Danny.

Lindsay drew a breath and let out an obviously-forced laugh. Danny glared at Vincent as he walked back towards his seat. His eyes were still fixed on Lindsay, who was looking into her lap. Before sitting down, Vincent shot a nasty smirk at Danny.

Oh no you don't, thought Danny, not if I can help it.

Lindsay felt herself tense slightly as Danny coolly rested his arm on the back of her chair. She glanced behind her to see if it was just her imagination… nope, arm was definitely there. He had pulled it off perfectly, his arm laying in such a way that she knew what it meant (or at least what it could mean, not wanting to jump to conclusions), but anyone else would just pass it off as a 'guy thing'. It amazed Lindsay how Danny was always able to do that, flirt without being obvious about it. She smiled as she sat back in her chair, leaning into Danny as much as she dared. Perhaps it was just the atmosphere, but Lindsay felt herself more attracted to Danny than normal. Granted suits always made guys look hotter and sexier than normal, not that Danny needed help in that department, but there was just something about his mannerisms and actions lately that Lindsay just couldn't put her finger on. Whatever it was, she hoped that it wouldn't disappear when the night ended.

Her attention was perked when she heard Fabrizzi say the Jersey Boys tickets would be given out next. "I was hoping to bid on those tickets," she said to no one in particular, "I've been dying to see that, but whoever donated those tickets gave really good seats, and by the time I got there, the bid was way out of the range of what I can afford right now. I envy whoever won, though."

Her expression quickly changed from bliss to shock, as her brain registered the name of the tickets' top bidder: Vincent Bailly. There's no way, she thought. Vincent looked at her, grinning widely as he proudly strode to the podium to claim his tickets. Lindsay meekly returned the smile, then dropped her head. There's no way he just did that – why did I tell him that I really wanted to see that musical!

She glanced up at Stella, who was asking if Vincent was the same guy who had been hitting on her all night. She nodded, wishing she could just disappear. She was certain Vincent would be asking her to accompany him to the show, since there were two tickets.

She looked up when she felt a warm hand on her bare shoulder. "You alright there Montana?" asked Danny from beside her.

"Yeah, fine," she said. She caught a glimpse of Vincent at his table, smiling proudly. She attempted to hide her frustration by turning her attention back to Fabrizzi, who had just awarded an autographed team photo of the New York Rangers to an obvious sports fanatic a few tables away. His tablemates leaned over to get a closer look at the photograph.

After what seemed like an eternity, Fabrizzi reached the largest and final auction item: the Mediterranean Cruise. Sid was nearly squealing in his seat, he was so anxious. Even Mac managed to laugh at his squirming.

"Calm down there Sid, you look like you're going to wet yourself," joked Flack, patting him on the back. Everyone laughed.

"If he doesn't announce it soon, I just might!" Sid smiled.

"It's a good thing you've got your own travel arrangements home then," laughed Danny, pointing at Sid.

"And I'm sure to no one's surprise, the recipient of the Mediterranean Cruise is none other than Sid Hammerback!"

Sid stood up so quickly he knocked his chair backwards. Everyone clapped as Sid skipped to the podium, beaming. Lindsay laughed as she clapped. Only Sid.

"And that concludes our Silent Auction! Thanks to everyone who was able to contribute – our finance department loves you dearly!" Fabrizzi smiled widely. "Before I let Christian take over again, just a small housekeeping item – a reminder to everyone not to drive tonight if you've been drinking – if you need to take a cab home, please come see me for a taxi chit. The department is glad to cover the costs of anyone trying to get home safely. Have a great rest of your night!"

More applause as Christian chose an upbeat number. Lindsay looked around – some guests had returned to the dance floor, others to the bar. A few of the older patrons were saying their goodbyes. Stella had mentioned that the last hour was usually the best, as the 'old fogies', to use her words, headed out immediately after the auction results, leaving only the younger portion of the department to close out the Gala.

"Well," said Danny, looking at Lindsay, "I know it's not a line dance, but care to head to the floor anyway?"

Lindsay replied with a smirk, then stood up and followed the rest of the team out to the dance floor. As she moved in beat with the music, Lindsay felt herself blush slightly, noticing Danny looking intently at her, smiling. Damn him for looking so good, she thought.

Movement over Danny's right shoulder caught her attention, as she caught a glimpse of Vincent slowly making his way towards her through the dancing crowd.

"Shit," muttered Lindsay, slowing down and falling out of rhythm.

"What's up?" asked Danny, noticing the change. She motioned behind him with her head. He smoothly looked over his shoulder and saw who she was looking at… and the direction he was headed. He turned back to Lindsay, placing a hand on her hip and leaning towards her so she could hear him. "Come on," he said, "go towards the entrance." She turned, allowing him to direct her. "Be casual," she heard Danny say from behind her. She rolled her eyes. Sometimes Danny was just great at stating the obvious.

Lindsay carefully made her way through the dancing people, muttering excuse-mes and sorrys as she tried not to bump every person she passed. She could feel the warmth of Danny's hand on her hip, urging her forward. It took all of her willpower not to turn around to see if Vincent was following them, but it seemed Danny had already sought the answer to that question. "He's still following," he said quietly to the back of her head, "just keep walking. Trust me."

She nodded, finally exiting the crowd and making her way up the stairs. She tried to turn to face Danny, not sure where they were heading. "Danny, what—"

"Ssh!" Danny hissed at her, pushing her onwards. "Take your next right."

Lindsay looked forward and to the right – what right did Danny want her to take? Then, as she approached, she noticed a small archway. She doubted she would have noticed it if Danny hadn't pointed her attention towards it – the decorations and paintings made it blend in with the wall. Lindsay walked through and stopped, responding to the now-vacant spot on her hip where Danny's hand had been. She watched the few people walking in and out of the front entrance, not even noticing this archway in the wall; when you walked through the front doors, the magnificent banquet hall was what caught your attention, not this insignificant archway in a majestically-decorated entranceway.

Lindsay couldn't tell where this hallway headed. From the looks of it, her best guess was that it led to the offices of those that worked here. She turned her attention to Danny, who was peeking around the corner, obviously looking for Vincent. Lindsay drew in a breath, preparing to ask if Danny could see Vincent, when Danny turned around quickly, whispering "He's coming!"

Lindsay breathed in sharply, closing her eyes as Danny moved quickly into her, covering her from view, should Vincent happen to see the archway. The feeling of Danny around her, pressed against her, sent tingles screaming through her body – he just had this way about him that always made her feel calm, safe, protected, secure. Forcing herself out of her fantasies, she slowly opened her eyes and peeked around Danny, looking for Vincent. She caught a glimpse of him already past the archway, now outside the hall's front entrance. She glanced up at Danny, who was also looking over his shoulder. He turned his head back to face her, locking in her gaze with his bright, blue eyes. Something in his eyes struck a chord inside her, there was something different there, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Before she had the chance to contemplate the matter further, his lips were against hers, bringing to life the many times she had dreamt about kissing Danny. The world around her began to spin as the reality of the situation click in Lindsay's head – Danny was kissing her. Danny was kissing her! And here she stood, too dumbfounded and surprised to respond. Then, just as quickly as it began, it ended. Lindsay forced her eyes open, and was faced with Danny looking at the ground, a tinge of pink embarrassment on his cheeks.

"I'm sorry," he began, but Lindsay came to her senses – she had been waiting so long for this to happen, too long to let Danny's insecurities ruin what had always felt so right. Without letting him finish, she closed the distance between them, her lips firmly against his. She let her one hand freely run through his short hair, the other remaining firmly pressed against his chest. None of her dreams had even remotely done justice to how amazing it felt to finally give into Danny Messer.

Peeking around the corner, Stella's words echoed in Danny's head: Don't put yourself in a situation where you're going to regret not taking charge. A part of him desperately wanted to be able to just bite the bullet and act on Stella's advice, but another part still held him back, the part of him that was insecure and afraid of rejection and of screwing up such a good thing… The part of him that was just plain scared. A familiar face snapped him back to reality – Vincent emerged from the sea of people and was striding with fortitude towards the steps to the entranceway. Danny quickly turned and drew Lindsay close to him, hiding her from view. Almost immediately the familiar smell of her shampoo filled his head, the same smell that captivated him when he had fallen asleep with her on her couch, and again when he danced with her… every time he was around her. Attempting to straighten out his thoughts, he risked a glance over his shoulder to find Vincent; he had just disappeared out the front doors to the hall. He turned back to Lindsay and immediately found himself lost in her deep, brown eyes. And all of a sudden, nothing else mattered, the insecure part of him shoved into a deep, dark corner of his mind. Damn the rules, and damn the consequences – he had been trying for so long to resist her, but she had a hold on him, reached a part of him that he didn't even know existed. He dipped his head down to her level and caught her lips in his, his hand gently squeezing the part of her back where it lay.

But it only took a second for his insecurities to break out of their shackles, immediately swarming his thoughts with doubt. What the hell are you doing! Are you nuts! She's not even moving! Danny quickly released Lindsay, gluing to the floor. What had once been determination and bravery had quickly vamped into awkwardness and discomfort. He had given into a moment's weakness… Had he just made a huge mistake?

He tried muttering a lame apology, only to find his words stolen from his mouth, the warmth he had just pushed away now back with a vengeance. It registered that she was now kissing him, with far more intensity than he could have imaginedHe allowed his instincts to take over, letting his second hand wrap around her petite frame, pulling her into him. Everything about her was so intense, so much more electrifying than anyone else he had been with. As her one hand held the back of his head firmly, he kissed her harder, all the uncertainties that once resided in his mind now completely evicted. Even her kiss is perfect, he thought to himself, absolutely lost in everything about her.

AN: Sorry it took forever to get this posted - had to get it exactly right. Please R&R and let me know how you liked (or didn't like) it!
Thanks as always to Nikita, special thanks to Boleyn for helping Beta this chapter. :)