The Bet 2: Dark Secrets

By: Fox Almasy

Ch. 6

New Years and Romancing

Fox: Sorry this took so long I was stuck on how I should begin this chapter. And whether I should talk about Christmas or not. Anyway finally got it done so

Kojisa: Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I'm taking no credit

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The sun eased its way into the room and settled upon the bed there. Naomi blinked before opening her eyes and peering around the room. She smiled and watched as Brad still slept. Sitting up she gently pushed away the covers and stood. This was going to be the first year she wasn't spending Christmas with her parents. Of course her Dad wasn't too happy about this. He was convinced that since he didn't like Brad he didn't like his family either.

Naomi sighed and glanced briefly at the phone. She had called her parents last night to wish them a merry Christmas and her Dad only answered the questions if they were yes and no. shrugging she grabbed a change of clothes and disappeared into the bathroom.

When she came out fully dressed Brad was already gone. Making her way downstairs Naomi looked around for the man in question. She only found his sister sitting with her baby on the couch. Looking up, the older blonde woman smiled.

"Oh Brad went to town with Jessica and the others. I think Jessica needed help picking up some things.

"Oh." Naomi sat down next to Rachel and glanced down at Reeve. He smiled back at her and scrunched up his nose as he made an attempt to bite a large rubber ball with teeth he didn't have. Naomi smiled and briefly thought of the pictures she had found in the closet. She moved to sit on the floor beside Reeve and began trying to make the baby laugh.

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Naomi sighed as she leaned against the balcony and stared out over the town. Their Christmas eve dinner was over and everyone had went to bed. Brad was in the shower and so Naomi had decided to step outside and admire the Christmas lights. She smiled as a pair of arms circled around her waist and drew her back against a bare chest. Shaking her head, Naomi stared up at Brad as he planted a light kiss on her neck.

"Your mom's a good cook." he smiled and nodded before stepping back and grinning.

"I've got something for you."

"Really? And what is that?" she questioned and watched as he held out his hand.

"Close your eyes." she did as he asked and raised her brows as he set something small into her hand. She felt him moved behind her once more and wrap his arms around her.

"Can I look now?"

"Yeah." he murmured in her ear. Cautiously Naomi opened her eyes and stared down at the small velvet box. She raised her brows before gently opening the lid. She gasped at the tear cut diamond ring that she found.

"It's beautiful." he pulled her tighter against him so his mouth was near her ear.

"Will you marry me?" his words were so soft Naomi almost didn't catch them. Turning in his arms she stared up at him as tears welled up. Throwing her arms around his neck, she kissed him feverishly before smiling.

"Yes."

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"You're kidding right?" Naomi rolled her eyes as she gripped the phone with her shoulder so she could finish making dinner.

"No I'm not kidding! If you don't believe me then come over and see for yourself." there was a pause on the other end before an eager Kelly came back on.

"Alright we're on our way." Naomi stared at the phone as the occupant on the other line quickly hung up. Setting the phone back in the cradle, Naomi turned the stove off as the stir fry she was preparing finished cooking. Stretching she walked out of the kitchen and flopped onto the couch and turned the TV on. Brad was still at the recording studio and was suppose to be home in an hour or so; of course he hadn't informed her of this till about five minutes ago while she was cooking so it would be most likely that his dinner was going to be cold by the time he got home.

Naomi stood as the buzzer for the door echoed through the apartment. Striding over to it she quickly pushed the button to let the others in. It seemed mere seconds before they were bursting through the door, millions of questions pouring from their mouths.

"Whoa calm down guys one at a time."

"Where's the ring?" Questioned Kelly. Naomi held out her hand and let them inspect the diamond.

"Wow it's gorgeous."

"When's the wedding?" this was from Kris.

"Well we were thinking September, maybe October."

"Jeez that seems so far away and it's still December."

"Only for two more days."

"Are you pregnant?" they all glanced at Leena trying to decide if she was serious. She was.

"No and what on earth made you think of that?"

"Well because this one girl I know got pregnant and her boyfriend asked her to marry him because he said it was the right thing to do. I just thought maybe Brad had the same beliefs." changing the subject Kris turned back to Naomi.

"What are you two doing for New Years?"

"I don't know all Brad has said is to make sure I don't have any plans." the three girls in front of her suddenly had evil smirks as Kris put an arm around Naomi's shoulder.

"Sounds like he's got a little something planned! Maybe we should take you to the Lingerie shop tomorrow!" Naomi pushed Kris playfully before stepping away.

"I don't think so."

"Ah why not?" questioned Leena.

"Yeah it could be like a little New Years present for him!"

"Guys really I'm not going."

"Oh come on! You could get a teddy ooo or those knew candy thongs and bras!"

"Yeah that'd be perfect." Kelly purred "I bet Brad likes candy he could eat it right off."

"Eat what right off?" the four girls jumped suddenly and turned in surprise as Brad shut the door. They tried to look innocent and instead came off looking like they had been caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

"Uh . . . We were talking about what would be the best BBQ food that didn't take a lot of time to clean up. Shish kabobs you eat 'em right off the stick!" responded Leena

"Right I'm just not going to ask. Sorry to interrupt your little pow wow."

"Oh no worries we were getting ready to leave anyway." answered Kelly as she ushered her sister and Leena to the door. Before closing the door Kris poked her head back in and grinned.

"Say Brad?"

"What?"

"Do you like candy?"

"KRIS!" shouted Naomi. Kris grinned and quickly shut the door.

"What was that about?"

"Uh nothing, but hey you're home early. How come?"

"Well to put it shortly Sarah showed up so we called it a day."

"So you guys still haven't worked things out on the contract then?"

"No." Naomi followed him into the bedroom and sat down on the bed as she watched him pull his shirt over his.

"Well if she's giving this much trouble why not sign with someone else?"

"We can't." answered Brad as he grabbed a change of clothes and headed towards the bathroom. "I'm gonna take a shower I'll be out in a bit."

"OK I'll get your plate ready."

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Naomi sighed and stretched before trying to find her warm spot once more. It was New years eve, she had no school today or tomorrow and wanted nothing more than to stay in bed all morning. Lifting her head she looked over her should, just realizing Brad was gone. Frowning she sat up and stared around the room.

"Brad?" she called, before standing up and shuffling out of the room. As she stepped through the door Brad hung up with whoever he was on the phone with and smiled over at her.

"Who was that?"

"Your buddies."

"Oh what did they want?" Brad leaned back and stretched his legs out then folded his arms behind his head.

"They said to make sure you were dressed because they want to take you shopping." Their conversation of candy bras and thongs flashed quickly through Naomi's head. Frowning she walked over and collapsed next to Brad on the couch and snuggled up to him.

"So tell me what do you have planned for tonight?" she murmured as she leaned up and kissed his neck.

"That's for me to know. You'll find out tonight."

"Please." she begged and stuck her bottom lip out for extra emphasis.

"Sorry you're just gonna have to wait for tonight." Naomi frowned and stood up with her arm crossed.

"You're such a meanie!" he smiled up at her and shrugged his shoulders. Sighing Naomi turned and disappeared into the bedroom, before appearing again wearing faded jeans, a satin cami and a worn denim jacket over it. "Guess I'll see you later." she replied before grabbing her keys and leaving.

Brad grinned before reaching for the phone and quickly dialing Benji's number.

"Hello?"

"Hey She's gone."

"Alright when do you wanna get started?"

"Well as soon as possible. We gotta pick up the stuff."

Naomi sighed as she rummaged through the clothing racks. Kris and Leena had managed to disappear to the food court. Naomi glanced at Kelly and watched her take out a shirt and examine it.

"Hey Kelly."

"Yeah?" she replied without even looking up.

"I was wondering." she paused. She had agonized over this for a week. "Would you be my maid of honor?" Kelly's mouth dropped open before she suddenly wrapped her arms around Naomi and hugged her.

"Of course! I'd be honored to!" Naomi smiled. It had been a hard decision because she couldn't decide between Kelly, Kris or Leena. They had been friends for as long as she could remember and she couldn't choose. She had decided on Kelly because of when she had first met Brad, Kelly was the only one who really supported her through the whole strange ordeal.

"So have you and Brad talked about the wedding at all? I mean it's only been like a week, but have you?"

"Well sort of. We don't want a big wedding. Just family and close friends, but I'm sure there will still be quite a few people. I'm going to ask Leena and Kris to be my bride's maids and Brad's asking Benji to be his best man and then Bit and Jack to be the groomsmen, but we haven't made anything official except for you and Benji. Then again we may not have bridesmaids or groomsmen." Kelly nodded in understanding and couldn't help but smile.

"Gosh you must be so excited! You're getting married!" Naomi laughed as Kelly wrapped her in a hug once again. Kelly stepped back and held Naomi at arms length. "This means I get to throw you a bridal shower and a bachlorette party!" Naomi laughed.

"Yeah so you better make it a good one!"

"Oh Don't worry I will!"

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Naomi stared warily at the shop the others had dragged her to. The mannequin in the window was dressed in a red see through lacy bra and thong and the one next to that was wearing a dominatrix outfit complete with whip.

"I told you I didn't want to come here." Kris smiled before taking Naomi's arm in hand and began dragging her to the door.

"And we told you we were. Besides don't you wanna surprise Brad tonight?" Naomi rolled her eyes and didn't have much say as they dragged her inside. As soon as they let her go Naomi walked over to one of the seats lining the wall and sat down.

"You all can look all you want. I'm gonna wait right here." Kris frowned and placed her hands on her hips.

"You're no fun. Fine we'll just have to pick something out for you!" for the next half hour Naomi had to put up with Kris, Kelly and Leena bringing her numerous pairs of lingerie and trying to get her to pick something. Kelly glanced at the black see through gown Leena had produced and frowned.

"Maybe something not so revealing, but black is definitely Naomi's color." she disappeared before returning with a black silk gown that reached about mid thigh with spaghetti straps and a deep V-neck. She held it up for inspection and Naomi had to admit it was cute.

"Geez that's the best thing that's been picked out so far. I guess since you're all so bent on me getting something. How much?"

"Don't worry about it, I've got it."

"No Kelly I can't let you pay for it."

"Oh come on think of it as an early bridal shower present." Naomi sighed, knowing she wouldn't be able to argue and allowed her maid of honor to pay for the gown.

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Naomi was exhausted as she stepped out of the elevator and made her way slowly to the apartment door. She glanced at her phone and was surprised to see it was already nine thirty. For some reason they wouldn't let Naomi leave earlier and kept making up excuses for her to stay a bit longer.

Reaching into her purse she quickly pulled out her keys and unlocked the door. Pushing the door open she bent down to grab her bags and walked in. her mouth fell open and her eyes widened as she stared at the rose petals that littered the hallway. Dropping the bags and closing the door, Naomi followed them into the living room where candles were lit. The furniture had been pushed against the wall leaving the center of the living room open. Glancing around she followed more petals into their room where a black satin gown was laid out. Walking over to it Naomi reached down and picked up the note that was attached to it.

'Put this on and meet me outside' Naomi smiled before taking the dress and disappearing into the bathroom. She emerged wearing the dress and followed the petals that led out onto the balcony where a table was set. Two candles were burning brightly and a few silver platter domes sat in the center.

"So it fits." Naomi turned and smiled as Brad approached her wearing black pants and a long sleeve button down black shirt.

"What's all this for?" Brad shrugged and grinned.

"I don't know I just wanted to celebrate the New Year with my beautiful fiancé."

"You didn't have to do all this." she murmured as a light blush graced her cheeks. Walking over to him she reached up and placed a light kiss on his slightly parted lips. "But thank you. It's beautiful. Where's Rosco?"

"Benji's."

Naomi couldn't remember a New Years where she had enjoyed herself so much. They had stood out on the terrace and were able to watch the ball drop as the count down began. He had even danced with her. The whole time they had known each other the only time she could ever remember him getting up the courage to dance was when he was drunk out of his mind.

After the ball had finally dropped Naomi took Brad's hand and smiled.

"I'll be right back. I've got something to show you." she murmured before letting go of his hand and disappearing into the room. Brad sighed and collapsed into one of the chairs and stared up at the stars blinking down at him. He looked back down as Naomi cleared her throat. Brad's eyes widened in surprise. The short silk gown clung to her body so well and for once he was at a loss for words.

"So do you like it?" she murmured suggestively. Brad stood and walked over to where she was standing and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Yeah I love it. It's just a shame you won't be wearing it that long."

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Fox: Well here ya go sorry for such a long wait

Kojisa: yep just don't forget to R and R!

AUDI!