(II)
The next evening, C.C. found herself getting ready to go out, once again, with Fran and Val.
"Okay, one question, little buddy. Do you think this leather jacket is a little too 'come hither' for a gay club?"
Fran promptly made a joke about tall, blonde Aryans in leather jackets and explained to C.C what Sylvia actually meant by her 'pursuing a sick alternative lifestyle.' C.C. smoothed out the leather of her jacket and adjusted her hair in the hall mirror.
Shortly after Fran unsuccessfully tried to separate herself from the vital items of her purse, Val arrived at the mansion. The two women were rather disappointed to learn that Val wouldn't be joining them in their celebration of not needing men because she was now seeing a man. Seconds after Val and her boy toy left the mansion, C.C. looked up to see a dapper gentleman stride through the door to place a manila folder in her hands.
"Chandler, what are you doing here?" C.C. asked him with a furrowed brow.
"I just stopped by to drop off these contracts." He paused, "Alright, that's a lie. I own three Broadway theatres, I don't need to deliver my own contracts, I just…wanted to catch one more glimpse of that smooth white skin."
Chandler peered into the woman's pale blue eyes.
"Oh, well, Maxwell's English. You know, they all have that milky…oh! Me!"
C.C. met his stare with a shocked expression and he beamed at her. Chandler asked her to join him for dinner and she quickly agreed. C.C. chucked the contracts over her shoulder and hurried out the door with the businessman, unknowingly clutching Nanny Fine's purse.
Fran and Niles were left glowering in the vestibule. The butler stooped to retrieve the fallen contracts and let out a forced chuckle when Miss Fine made a jest about the how only protection she had in that purse was a picture of her mother. The truth was: Niles was fuming over the idea of that man taking her to dinner. I should be taking her to dinner! I should be the one getting lucky with her tonight! Good god, man. Get it together. Niles helped Miss Fine out of her coat and hung it up in the closet. He blundered into Maxwell's office and tossed the tan folder onto the desk before retiring to his room for the night - a long and lonely night with only the staggering dreams of that blonde succubus careening through his mind.
C.C. and Chandler walked arm in arm into a cozy Thai restaurant. He took the liberty of placing an innocent peck on C.C.'s cheek before pulling the suede chair out for her. He slid into the chair across from her as she lifted a hand to rest on the burning skin that he'd just kissed.
The pair chatted and ordered their food. C.C. sipped at her green tea, listening to Chandler discuss the theatre business. She wasn't very active in the conversation, but that was fine by her. She kept popping edamame into her mouth and refilling their glasses of sake.
"You know, C.C. I like your hair down, but I think I like it better up. That way, I can see more of your beautiful skin."
He smiled at her handsomely and lifted his chopsticks to his mouth to chew a bite of scallop. C.C. blushed furiously and raised her glass to her lips in lieu of responding. It was astounding how this man had the ability to turn her to utter mush by his flattery. He could easily transform her into a giggling schoolgirl.
After a while, they finished their food and passed on dessert. Chandler drove C.C. to her penthouse and offered to walk her up to her place on the ninth floor. She was almost shocked when he didn't make a pass at her in the elevator. Instead, he sweetly slid his hand down her arm and interlocked their fingers in an affectionate embrace, making C.C.'s heart melt rapidly. They continued to hold hands as they made their way to C.C.'s front door.
She fumbled with her keys a bit. God dammit! I can't believe a man could do this to me. I'm positively giddy! She managed to get her door unlocked and she turned to face Chandler, who put a hand around her waist.
"Thank you for dinner, Chandler. I had a lovely time." Her hands travelled upward to rest on his shoulders.
"So did I, C.C. You're a lovely woman." He smiled at her with genuine warmth.
His comment made her snort with laughter. Mostly because she had a hard time not imagining Niles' reaction to anything that is said in her presence. Chandler squinted his eyes in puzzlement at her.
"Chandler, you're a very kind man."
She palmed the side of his jaw. Chandler pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms thoroughly around her waist. He pressed his lips against hers in a demure goodnight kiss. It was short and soft, but it left her breathless and reeling.
"May I see you again tomorrow?" he ran the back of his hand along the side of her face.
C.C. merely nodded. He bestowed a kind kiss on her forehead and turned to walk away from her. She sighed and watched him leave.
That night, sleep just didn't seem to find Niles. His eyes were wide awake as he lay in bed. I wonder where he took her to eat. I wonder if he's warming her up with stupid little compliments and fawning over her. I bet she's giggling and blushing and acting so damn bashful. Oh, god. I wonder if she's invited him up to her flat. Oh dear heavens, he could be caressing her skin right now; lying in bed with her while I'm here alone.
Niles shoved a pillow over his face, enveloping himself in darkness. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself. I've got to get to sleep. I bet it's so late. He peeked an eyeball out to look at the glowing green pixels of his alarm clock. 2:33. Damn. He rolled over onto his stomach and covered the back of his head with the pillow. God, that bastard could be nuzzling her neck right now, nipping at her pale skin and drawing moan after moan from her gorgeous throat.
Niles groaned loudly and tossed himself onto his back once again. He stared up at the ceiling fan, watching the blades whirr slowly around. He closed his eyes and wondered if C.C. and Chandler were gazing up at the ceiling in this moment as well. He realized that he had broken out into a light sweat. Damn that temptress. He ruffled his fingertips through his hair roughly and decided to take a shower.
"A cold shower." He grumbled into the darkness.