Just a Christmas Kiss

Chapter 6

As soon as the work day was over, Betty got her things eagerly, ready to leave. She felt she couldn't get out of work fast enough today.

The day seemed to drag at MYW. It was a lot less dramatic and hectic. She wasn't sure if she missed that about Mode or had simply gotten used to it that this felt rather dull.

Of course she loved getting to work with Sofia and other inspiring women, however, she rather missed the intensity of Mode.

As strange as it was she kind of missed Marc and Amanda and their crazy antics, and Wilhelmina's scheming against Daniel. She couldn't believe she was even thinking that!

She missed Christina, of course. That crazy scottish woman had become her confidant and friend.

And above all she missed Daniel terribly! She wasn't sure what she missed about him more. His charming smile...how blue his eyes were… how handsome he was… how he actually seemed to value her opinion, how great a team they were, or how she'd come to find friendship in him.

She missed him. She couldn't wait to see him later! On their...dinner. She felt butterflies at the thought of him.

As she got on the elevator, Sofia got on "Bet-ty, great first day! I can't wait to read your article."

Betty nodded with a smile "Thanks Sofia, I'm nearly finished with it."

Sofia looked impressed "You know, you remind me a lot of myself when I was younger. Hopeful, excited, wanting to take on the world. I think you will do great things, Betty."

Betty listened with a smile "thanks so much, Sofia. That means a lot to me. Um… thanks again for taking a chance on me."

Sofia smirked "Of course!"

They were quiet for a minute, but then Sofia looked at her and said "Did you get to speak to Daniel when you went to Mode?" she asked curiously.

Betty felt her heart race again, but remained calm "Yes, a little. He was pretty busy."

Sofia looked at her "Did he say anything about me?"

Betty looked at Sofia in wonder. "Like what?"

"Oh Betty, you know him better than anyone, do you think he loves me?" Sofia asked.

Betty nodded "yes, of course Sofia. Why wouldn't he? You're amazing." she said, feeling a knot in her stomach, not only because she felt she was lying, but also because Sofia just alluded to her knowing Daniel better than anyone.

She felt butterflies at the knowledge that she did know Daniel pretty well, especially given the short time they've been working together. She felt like she and Daniel could be honest and open with each other; there was a certain level of trust they had.

"Thank you, Betty. Do you think he will propose to me?"

Betty bit her lip, wondering why Sofia seemed obsessed with Daniel proposing to her. Of course, she was, she realized it was Daniel Meade after all. The man was gorgeous and charming and sweet...and amazing.

"Betty?"

"Huh?" she responded snapping back to reality. "What do you think?"

"Maybe…"

Sofia looked at her "maybe?"

Betty nodded "sure, he does have a ring" she said wondering how stupid she was to say that! She felt completely flustered.

Sofia grinned "he does? Oh! That's wonderful!" She hugged Betty and Betty wanted more than ever to hide.

Once the elevator opened to the lobby, Betty stepped out, eager to leave. She didn't know why she felt so nervous and flustered around Sofia today.

Who was she kidding, she knew deep down it was because she was feeling guilty for falling for Daniel, her former boss who was her current boss's...lover?

She wanted to cringe just thinking that.

"See you tomorrow, Bet-ty! I can't wait to read that article of yours. I'm sure it will be a great read"

Betty nodded "thanks Sofia." As Betty watched Sofia saunter away, she let out a tense breath. She felt entirely conflicted. What was she going to do? How was she going to get through this craziness.

Out of nowhere she felt a hand on her back, causing her to jump "AH!" she spun around quickly "oh! Daniel!" she visibly relaxed, causing him to look at her strangely "Betty, are you ok? You seem freaked out"

She looked at him and couldn't help her smile from spreading. He was so irresistibly adorable and charming. He looked at her with a smirk, his eyebrow raised in wonder "Uh...Betty?"

She shook her head, blushing "Uh...sorry, I'm kind of a mess today."

He looked her over, clearly checking her out "You look pretty great from what I can see." he said with a wink.

She blushed brightly smacking his shoulder "Daniel!" she laughed causing him to smile as he grabbed her hand causing her heart to stop beating. Their eyes held by some magnetic force. "You look really pretty." he said in a quiet voice making her feel butterflies.

She looked at him, trying to stay calm "thanks Daniel." she let her hand slip out of his, and smacked his shoulder again "Stop being so charming" she said with a playful smile as she started to walk away.

Daniel watched her with a grin, not knowing how to describe how happy she made him feel. He didn't know what came over him. Somehow, whenever he was around her he felt he couldn't control his actions. He caught up to her and said "Hey! So...we're still meeting for dinner right?"

She looked to him as he was walking along side her out of the building and nodded "Yes, I hope so"

He laughed "Cool." When they walked out Sofia was outside talking on the phone. When she noticed them walking out together she ended her call and smiled "Daniel!" she went up to him and kissed him.

Betty felt her heart drop. She didn't know why she kept fooling herself into thinking there may be something with Daniel when he clearly had Sofia. She was gorgeous and perfect and smart and sexy and successful.

Daniel felt anxious when Sofia ended their kiss "I'll come over later tonight" she said with a seductive smirk.

"Um...Good night!" Betty interjected wanting to get out of there as quick as she could. She felt like curling into a ball.

"Good night, Betty." Sofia said, her voice seemed colder. Betty wondered if Sofia felt threatened by her friendship with Daniel. She seemed to want to make it obvious that they were together.

Betty gave a weak smile and walked away not daring to look at Daniel. She felt her heart twist as she left, wondering if it was even worth it to go to dinner with him tonight. She wasn't sure if she could be around him. It was too hard.

As Daniel watched Betty walk away, he felt his chest tighten. Sofia watched him curiously "Daniel…"

"Hm?" he responded distantly. "I think we should have dinner with your parents"

Daniel looked at her in surprise "My parents?"

She nodded with a smile "Yes, don't you think it would be a good idea to meet?"

"Uh...yah, I guess."

"See if we can meet them tonight?"

Daniel felt his heart plummet "Tonight? Uh…"

Sofia looked at him "have plans?"

He shook his head "uh...no, of course not." he lied. Shit! What was he going to do? He wanted to have dinner with Betty tonight!

He took out his phone and texted his mom "I'll see if they're free" he said noticing Sofia watching him. She nodded with a smile and placed a kiss to his cheek. "Alright, amor, I must get going. I have to meet with someone for a story. Let me know about dinner. Love you!" she said with a wink before she got in the car waiting for her.

As she left he let out a deep sigh. Crap! What was he going to do now? He had to see Betty tonight!