A/N: Bad news first…this story is going on hiatus for a while. I have several things on my plate right now, and simply don't have the mental energy to keep this up as well. I am NOT forgetting about this. It is not finished, and I still have many ideas for it. But it will be awhile before I get back to it. I'm sorry.

The good news is hopefully this chapter will help you all forgive me. It's by far the longest chapter I've ever written, and probably borders on crackfic at a certain point, but it was tremendous fun to write.

-The dress Elsie is wearing is what her alter ego wore to the SAG awards a couple of days ago. She also wore it to the BAFTAs in 2015, I think.

-The rap lyrics they briefly hear are from Ludacris, from the song "Tonight (I'm Lovin' You), by Enrique Iglesias.

Your enthusiasm and love for this give me life! Please review if you have time. I love you all.

-meetmeinstlouie

December 2016

Michael Gregson's funeral mass was held only days before Christmas, in the Roman Catholic cathedral in the city. The huge building was packed full, with the attorneys and staff from Carson, Crawley & Bates sitting behind Edith and her family. However, Charles and Elsie were asked to sit nearer the front. For there being so many people, it was almost eerily quiet. Throughout the service, Marigold moved from one relative's lap to the other, saying nothing, often with her thumb in her mouth.

She climbed onto Charles's lap during the homily, much to his surprise. Staying there until the end, she then willingly went back to her mother's arms. Edith mouthed a tearful thank you to the managing partner. He simply nodded in reply, his own eyes red. Sybbie had followed her cousin, and had sat quietly next to Elsie for most of the mass.

The Carsons drove home after the burial and collapsed in exhausted grief.


Christmas Eve, the first anniversary of their engagement, was a Saturday. They spent much of the day underneath the covers of their wide bed. While Elsie showered and dressed late in the afternoon, Charles sneaked next door to the Beasley's. He had for many years helped Pete with different surprises for Sharon, and was glad his neighbor was eager to return the favor.

"I hope it wasn't too much trouble," Charles said in the corridor by the open front door. Pete shook his head.

"Not at all. Thanks for keeping Sharon's gift for me, she would have found it weeks ago otherwise. Merry Christmas, Charlie. To you and Elsie."

"Merry Christmas. Give Sharon our best wishes," Charles replied, "and thank you again."

He set Elsie's gift before their lit Christmas tree, making sure Pepper behaved herself. She sniffed at it curiously, but trotted into the kitchen when he called her. He hurried to set the table for their dinner. Homemade chicken noodle soup, fresh bread, the red velvet cake. He poured two glasses of wine. Hearing Elsie come out of the bedroom, he strode into the living room and stood nervously by the tree, picking up Pepper.

Elsie smiled at the sight of her husband as she put in her second earring. Pepper wore a green bow around her neck. "My, the two of you look festive!"

Charles smiled tentatively. "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Carson."

It was then she looked down and saw the open box in front of the tree. Inside was a black cat with a red bow around his neck. Her mouth fell open.

Tears came to her eyes. "Is-is that for me?" she squeaked.

"Yes, he's yours. If you want him," Charles said, worried. Pepper had been the perfect gift for him after their wedding, and he so badly hoped he had done the same for his wife.

Elsie leaned over the box and picked up the cat. Charles thanked God that the animal chose that precise moment to purr. She nuzzled her cheek against his head. "Oh Charlie, he's perfect. Thank you," she whispered, her eyes glistening.

She adored Pepper, but always remembered she had given the dog to Charles. Of course the puppy belonged to the both of them now, but Charles and Pepper had a special bond. She held the cat close, stroking his soft fur.

The puppy in Charles's arms growled. He looked down at her, stifling a laugh. "Someone's jealous." He looked up again at Elsie. "She didn't seem to mind him much before, just more curious than anything."

Elsie walked over to him and kissed Pepper's head. "Your mam hasn't forgotten about you. Not ever," she shifted the cat in her arms. "Where did you get him?"

"The shelter. He's two years old. No name, so you'll have to think of one," Charles's heart swelled at Elsie's obvious delight. She bounced up on her toes and gave him a lingering kiss.

"Maybe I'll name him Charlie Junior, after his da," she whispered against his lips. He raised his eyebrows.

"I'm flattered, but please don't."

The rest of the holidays went by quietly. They spent almost all of Christmas Day with Becky before going to John and Anna's for dinner. New Years' Eve was at Beryl and Bill's once again, and they saw their friends hours later when the Masons came over the next afternoon.

In the wake of what 2016 had brought, they wanted to spend time with those they loved as much as possible.


Mid-January 2017

Charles poked his head into Elsie's office a little past 11:30. "Do you have a minute?"

She turned, taking her glasses off. He swallowed. Does she know how sexy she looks when she does that?

"Erm," he struggled to regain his concentration. "I…I was just talking to Robert. About the conference at the end of the month."

She frowned. "Did something go wrong with his reservation? Phyllis sent me the confirmation email back in November…" she started to turn back to her computer.

"No, it's not that," he soothed her. "He doesn't want to go, and I agree with him."

"Why? He always goes, well most years," she said, confused. "You went once."

He drummed his fingers on her desk, smiling at the picture of Pepper and Spike. Our furry children. "It's Edith. And Marigold," he said softly. "He and Cora have been looking after them since…" he did not have to finish. He cleared his throat. "Robert feels that he's needed more at home. He doesn't want to take any overnight trips for at least several more months."

"That's as it should be," Elsie agreed, understanding. Truth be told, she was impressed. She remembered the early years at the firm well. She sometimes wondered if Robert ever saw his children. With age comes wisdom.

He doesn't want to make the same mistakes. I'm glad he understands that now.

"Well, if you're worried about him canceling," she said, "It can be done. It's less than two weeks away though, so the firm won't get the deposit back. I can ring the hotel and get the reservation canceled. That won't be a problem."

"You don't have to cancel, not yet," Charles said, scratching his neck. "You see, I was thinking of going."

"Oh," her eyes widened. She gave him a small smile. "Well, I'd miss you while you were away, of course, but if you think that's the best solution-"

"Would you come with me?"

She smiled at the grin curving the corner of his lip. "Mr. Carson," she said, a knowing spark in her eye. He was positive she put extra emphasis on the r on purpose. "You know as well as I do that the end of January is one of my busiest times of the year. Surely as managing partner, you understand how important it is for your office manager to have her work done well."

Two can play that game. "I do understand. But Mrs. Carson," he replied, raising his eyebrows, "As the managing partner here, I must tell you there would be advantages to attending the conference that you would not enjoy here."

"Do tell me, please," she sat back, crossing her legs, her grey skirt exposing her ankle. Her elbow rested on the arm of her chair, her finger on her cheek.

Minx.

He sat down across from her, making sure to sit up straight, his hands folded.

"First," he began in his most professional tone, "The only year I attended the conference, I made the mistake of leaving my overcoat at home. And you know how silly that is in January. My long-suffering office manager drove six hours round-trip to bring it to me. I would very much like to avoid her wrath in forgetting anything of importance." He smiled in remembrance of her standing in the hotel lobby with his coat. I will remember that moment forever.

"Second, there is a ball held for the attorneys and their partners on Saturday night. It is a formal affair, one which requires suitable dress, not everyday office wear." He knew how much she liked to "glam up", as she put it, and how little chances she actually got to do it.

"And finally, and most importantly," he dropped his voice to a low timbre, "your husband will make sure you enjoy every moment outside of his scheduled events. I daresay your bed will be cold at home without him."

Any thought she had had of saying something polished in response left her.

Damn.

"Well," she said, licking her suddenly dry lips, "those are certainly advantages that I will have to consider."

"Please do," he stood up, buttoning his jacket. "And if you're worried about the staff having to pick up extra work, you shouldn't. I already spoke with Phyllis and Beryl. They said they can handle you being out of the office for two days."

During lunch, Elsie pressed her friends for the truth. "If it is too much work for you, I won't go," she said. She felt much more confident when not in the presence of Charles. He knows what that voice does to me.

Phyllis and Beryl looked at each other, incredulous. Anna rolled her eyes.

"You're unbelievable! We're offering to help you, and it's like you're looking for excuses not to go!"

"I am not!" Elsie protested, stung. "I simply want to make sure I am not burdening you all to benefit myself!"

"At least you're admitting there would be benefits to going with your husband," Beryl mumbled, her tone clear. Elsie glared at her.

"It's not about that, I need to think about my job as well."

"Cora's gone with Mr. Crawley more than once," Phyllis reminded her.

"Cora is not the office manager!"

"No, but she's taken the opportunity to go with her husband when the moment presented itself," Anna argued. "If you must know, when Mr. Crawley said he didn't want to go, John offered to go in his place. Mr. Carson shot that down immediately. He said it was more important for him to be close to me and the children. I'll have to thank him for that – Sebastian's going through another growth spurt, and we're both knackered." She stirred her coffee.

"I didn't know that," Elsie said, calming down. "About Sebastian yes, not what Mr. Carson said."

"All we're trying to say," Phyllis said softly, "is that it's more important for you to be Mr. Carson's wife right now, not his office manager."

Elsie could not argue with that. She poked at the remains of her salad. "It just seems wrong for me to leave and go off for my own amusement." And for his, she didn't say, but she didn't have to.

Beryl put her hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong with going with him once? It's likely next year Robert will want to go again. You may not get another opportunity." She playfully nudged her friend. "Go. It'll give us a good reason to look for a nice dress for you."

"And if you're that worried about the work, you can always take your laptop," Phyllis said reasonably. "And we can still have our Friday morning meeting, just via Skype. Technology does make a lot of things easier." A mischievous gleam appeared in her eye. "But not if you want to have actual sex."

"Phyllis!" Anna spluttered out her sip of coffee, laughing. Beryl howled.

"Thank you, Mrs. Molesley, for that reminder," Elsie said, fighting a grin before giving in and laughing with them.

She informed the managing partner that afternoon that she would go. He was delighted.


It was a frigid Wednesday night when they arrived at the hotel. The conference had opened with a cocktail hour earlier that evening, but Charles had chosen to skip it. He and Elsie had left later in the evening due to having dinner with Becky before they left town.

Bill texted a picture of Pepper and Spike with the caption "Have fun!". He and Beryl were looking after the two pets while their humans were away. The Masons were also planning to visit Becky on Saturday.

On Thursday morning, Charles awoke to the sound of the alarm on his phone as usual. He fumbled for it in the dark. Listening to the sounds of the big hotel were unlike waking up at home. A soft groan reached his ears, and a sleepy Scottish lilt mumbled, "What time is it?"

He couldn't help but smile, wrapping his arms again around his wife. Kissing her bare shoulder, he breathed in her lavender scent. Not everything is unfamiliar. "Not quite a quarter-past six. I have time," he kept his voice low as not to wake her too abruptly.

She was not fully awake, but his distinctive rumble vibrated by her ear, waking her body. "Good," she murmured, pulling his hands up from her belly to cup her breasts. She let out a little moan when he nuzzled her neck.

It's just as well neither one of us put on our nightclothes.

He caressed her nipples in between his fingers gently, relishing the sounds she was making. God, she was luscious early in the morning. Any time of the day. Her slow movement of her bum against his manhood elicited a groan from him. Mmmm, waking up nicely. He left numerous kisses on her neck, the spot below her ear, and trailed a hand down her belly, her abdomen, into the coarse, curly hair above her sex. She writhed against him, trying to turn.

"Charlie…" she gasped, his fingers searching through her folds. His touch was ever-so light, so soft. Relentless. "Oh god, touch me, more-" she choked, loving the feeling of his hands on her, his breath at the back of her neck.

She reached down, her fingers with his, feeling her wetness. She arched against him, crying out when their thumbs met over her nub. He circled it slowly, her fingers beneath his. Her gasping breath became panting became a rush of Gaelic and English, loving endearments and swearing. Moving of their own accord, her hips thrust forward, then backwards against him.

Still he teased her higher. His hand moved faster, pressing harder. He never wanted to stop, wanted to please her even as his own body begged for release. To hear her cries, feel her come undone beneath his hands was what he loved. The tip of his index finger pressed into her. Two fingers. He curved them with the angle of her body.

Keening, she shattered against him. Her fingers trapped beneath his, pressed against the source of her pleasure. The intensity made her shudder. He was marvelous, her man, her lover.

When she came down, she whispered into his cheek, turning her head. "Take them out…slowly," she panted. He did so, his own breath erratic. She held his hand over her abdomen for several minutes, beginning to move once again against him. In no time he was hard against her.

"Elsie," he moaned into her hair.

"Now," she breathed. She turned in his arms, kissing him deeply on the mouth. "A ghraidh, I want you, now, now," she half-gasped, half-moaned at the sensation of his thick warmth between her legs. She rolled onto her back, him with her.

He let out a groan when he entered her. "God, Els," he panted. He started slowly, but she was having none of it.

"Faster," she gasped. "More, please, oh god yes-"

Thrusting harder, faster, his hips meeting hers as they moved together. He lost rhythm. "God, yes-" he lost the ability to speak when she came again, her voice loud. He came only moments later, roaring as she tightened around him. She was amazing, his Elsie, crying out, spurring him on. He slammed into her, spilling himself inside. Beyond grateful that she wanted him like this.

He pushed into her with one last thrust as far as he could go. Until they could not, physically, be any closer. He wrapped her in his arms, her head against his shoulder. Holding her to him. Her arms were strong around his shoulders.

Gasping for breath, they lay together. They kissed hungrily, mouths, lips, tongues tasting each other. Exchanging wordless love. He knew she liked him to stay inside her as long as possible, doing so until his body forced them to separate.

Flopping onto his back, he stared at the ceiling, still breathing hard. "This is the best conference I've ever attended," he rasped.

She laughed, running a hand down his chest. "And you've yet to go to anything yet." She slid over to him and kissed him on the cheek. He took her hand from his chest and kissed it, fingering her ring.

"Doesn't matter. You, my darling, make this the best with your mere presence."


They sat together at breakfast downstairs. Nothing gave away their early morning tryst, except perhaps the color on his face. And how she smiled, shifting in her seat across the little table from him, her foot brushing his calf.

"Until you told me about it, I was not aware there was a ball Saturday night," she said, sipping her tea. "When you came here the last time, didn't you leave Friday afternoon?"

"Yes I did," he finished his oatmeal, pleased that she remembered. "Robert usually stays through Saturday, but he's much more social than I. And the one time I attended, I had somewhere much more important to be Friday evening."

She smiled brightly. "I knew you felt something for me when I brought your coat, and you told me you'd be home in time for Pedro's."

Not caring how mushy it sounded, he leaned forward. "I've long preferred your company to anyone else's." He sighed, fingering his spoon. "If only I hadn't taken years to let you know. That was five years ago," he said softly. "When I was last here."

"Charles, don't," she reached for his hand. He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles, looking pensive.

"I try not to regret the time we've lost. But sometimes it comes back."

Elsie squeezed his hand. "If my being here now makes up for it even a little, then I'm glad I came." A roguish grin spread on Charles's face.

"You came twice this morning, darling," he said in a low voice, raising his eyebrows.

"Shhhhh!" she gestured, her face flaming. She glanced around to see if anyone near them had heard him. "You are incorrigible, Charles Carson!"

"And you love me, Elsie Carson." His shoulders shook as he laughed. She let go of his hand and sat back against her chair, folding her arms. Shaking her head, she couldn't stop herself from smiling anyway.

"Fortunately."

He dabbed at his mouth with his napkin and sighed. "I'm sorry I can't stay with you longer, but I have to go. It's almost eight."

They got up from the table and left the restaurant, exiting into the lobby. "I'll see you this afternoon, before dinner," she said. "Oh wait a moment, the collar of your jacket's turned the wrong way-"

He stood still and let her nimble fingers make him look presentable. "How do I look now?"

She pulled his cuffs, made sure his tie was straight. Both were well aware most of her fussing was just an excuse to touch him. "My handsome man," she murmured, her eyes soft. He leaned over and kissed her.

"I love you," he said, before walking into a nearby ballroom where the first session was to be held.


Thursday was a full day, even away from the office. Elsie did several hours' work in their room, leaving only to grab lunch. She was glad to be able to get some work done. Charles texted her throughout the day, before meeting her when the afternoon session was finished. That evening, they went out to dinner with several attorneys and their partners.

The conference was held in a city near the border of three states, making it one of the largest in that area of the country. Elsie was blown away to hear that the reputation of Carson, Crawley & Bates had spread far beyond what she ever knew.

"You should be proud," she told Charles as they returned to their room. "All the work you've done over the last thirty years – it's a credit to you and the quality of your work." Her eyes shone, her arm linked through his. He turned to face her in front of their door.

"The credit belongs just as much to you as it does me," he said, touching her cheek. "Without your contribution, the firm would never have gotten as far as it has. I owe you everything, Elsie." He swept her into a hug, not letting go for several moments. When he did, she was surprised and a little concerned to see tears in his eyes.

"Are you all right?" she asked, keeping a firm grip on him.

"Perfectly so," he reassured her. He smiled, looking down at their joined hands. "The best part about hearing so much praise tonight is that you heard it, too. It's as just as much for you as it is for me."

"I was glad to hear it, for your sake," she said. "But I think you're denying yourself the full glory – Robert may bring in clients, and John works very hard of course, but you are the foundation of the firm. I have little to do with it," she opened the door into their room.

It wasn't that she begrudged her own contribution; she knew how much she was valued by those she worked with. And she knew how much Charles appreciated her work. But she doubted she would be remembered in the future. Office managers seldom were. It was enough for her to know the firm, his name, would survive long after both of them were retired and gone.

Charles helped her out of her winter coat. "You're wrong," he said, so quietly he wasn't sure she heard him. She turned as he hung her coat in the closet. From the look in her eye, she had.

"Get away with you," she said, trying to brush off the remark. He wished she wouldn't belittle her professional worth.

I have to make her understand. "You say I am the foundation of the firm. Well, yes, I suppose on paper." He reached for her hand. "But from the first day you started as office manager, I knew I could trust you with everything there. I could concentrate on the law, on the business side. Don't you see? You are the foundation of our success. The firm's success is due much more to you than it is to any of us stuffy lawyers. We've only been the public face of things. The whole operation would have collapsed without you. Even some of the others tonight acknowledged that." He pulled her into his arms, his head resting on hers.

"I was only doing my job," she said into his chest. It was still difficult for her to acknowledge praise, but she was trying. "But thank you. I was fortunate enough to have good colleagues and a wonderful managing partner." She laughed quietly. "I was under the impression that some of our companions tonight thought we had been official partners for much longer than in reality."

He told her of his last visit to the conference, after she had taken him his coat. "They all thought you were my wife then," he kissed the top of her head. "I didn't contradict them. It gives me more joy than I can possibly express to have you here with me now, to introduce you as my wife and know that it's true."

"Charlie," she whispered, her arms around him. Her heart gave a leap as she hugged him tighter. She derived just as much happiness in seeing him as her husband.

"That's partly why I was so thrilled when you decided to come with me," he said. "Well, and…just being together, of course. But Elsie," he pushed her back a little, to look her in the face. "Your surname being Carson now means your success is tied to mine. Whenever anyone hears of the firm, they will think of you just as much as they think of me. And don't even try to contradict me," he warned her in a mock-serious voice. She played with the lapels of his coat.

"I won't. Not now, anyway," she gave him a cheeky grin. "I remember bringing you this coat. I was in love with you then," she said softly, looking up, her breath tickling his face. She giggled at the memory. "Like some lovesick girl, when I stopped on the way to fill up my car, I put my face by your collar and smelled it. It had your scent, you see."

"That explains it," he said, his eyes widening.

"Explains what?"

"After you gave it to me and left, I went with some of the others to dinner. I smelled you, your perfume. I thought I was going mad!" His face softened into a smile. "But I liked it. It was like having you near me."

She burst out laughing, a bubbly sound. "What a pair we are!"

"A pair of old boobies," he leaned forward and captured her lips with his. She reached up and pulled him closer, her hand behind his neck.

"As much as I like this coat, you need to take it off," she muttered when they finally broke apart. Her eyes were dark. "And everything else."

He gave her one more searing kiss, enjoying her soft moan when he teased her mouth open. "Anything for you, Mrs. Carson."


Friday passed much like the day before. Elsie worked through most of the day while Charles was in the various sessions. Her Skype meeting with Phyllis, Beryl and Anna went well, though she had to dodge a few too many inappropriate remarks from all of them over how busy she was.

"Pepper's been a dream," Beryl reassured her after the meeting was over. "And that crazy cat of yours, Spike, takes after you. He tried to attack the vacuum cleaner last night, then jumped from my kitchen counter, knocking over the flour! I thought Bill was going to get a hernia from laughing!"

Elsie was delighted to hear their fur babies were doing well. She recounted the story to Charles that afternoon. He had just changed into his swimming trunks. Laughing, he pulled a polo shirt over his head.

"Typical," he said, chuckling. "Pepper behaves herself, like me, and Spike is the troublemaker-"

"Oh, go soak your head in the pool," Elsie pretended to be hurt. "The sooner you get your swim in, the sooner we can go to dinner."

But he was gone barely fifteen minutes. When he came back he was still dry, though irritated to the point of a temper.

"A beautiful large pool like that, perfect for doing laps! And what did I find?" He raked his hand through his hair in exasperation. "Full of screaming kids! In town for a basketball tournament this weekend, apparently. One of the parents told me."

Elsie suppressed a grin, biting her lip. "You can hardly expect children to stay away from a tempting pool, especially in the dead of winter," she said, trying to calm him.

"I suppose so," he sighed heavily. "But I did want to swim while we were away, even if it was just once."

"Well, let's go to dinner and maybe you'll have a chance after."

But when they came back, they went to the top floor where the indoor pool was, only to find it still mostly occupied. To Elsie's disappointment, the hot tub was full as well.

"Too bad," she shook her head as they got back on the elevator. "But I can hardly say I'm surprised. The weather is clear, and with that glass ceiling, everyone can look at the stars."

"Hmmm," Charles mumbled, only a hint of a growl in his voice. "It will be full until ten, when the manager locks the door. I should have gone early this morning."

"I'm sorry," Elsie apologized. Charles put his arm around her waist.

"What for? It's not your fault the pool is popular."

"No," she leaned into him, "but it is my fault you didn't get a chance to swim this morning."

He kissed the side of her head. "Love, I didn't exactly tell you no."

On Saturday, Charles only had three sessions to attend. The last ended in mid-afternoon, with enough time for those attending the ball and dinner to prepare.

"You go ahead and get ready first. I'll take longer." Elsie said when he came up to the room.

"Why?" he took off his suit jacket and hung it up in the closet. "Shouldn't you go first, then? To have more time to prepare?" She sighed, sitting down on the bed.

"No. You'll be ready in no time, and I'll have to do my hair as well. I'm putting it up," she said, fingering the ends.

"If you're sure," he said. She nodded, and he went into the large bathroom.

They could have showered together, he thought, but that always made them late. As tempting as it was in that marvelous space with the rain showerhead…

Elsie got up from the bed and went to the closet, taking out the garment bag with her dress in it. She unzipped it slightly, smiling as she caught a glimpse of the shimmering material beneath.

I hope he likes it as much as I do.

Don't be daft. He will.

Charles was finished getting ready in half an hour. With reassurances from his wife that she would be ready in time, he went downstairs to run an errand before coming back up to the room. The sound of the hairdryer rang from behind the closed bathroom door. He changed into his tuxedo. Briefly, he wondered if it was too much, but knew it was too late to change his mind about it.

"Elsie?" He tapped on the bathroom door. It was quiet.

"Yes?"

"We have to be down in twenty minutes. Are you nearly finished?"

"I'll be out in a minute," her muffled voice carried into the room. "I'm just putting on my necklace."

When she exited, he was standing facing the other way. Looking out the window into the night sky and lights of the city. Her eyes glowed as she took in the sight of her handsome husband, impeccably dressed.

"Are you ready, Mr. Carson?"

He turned and immediately forgot everything else.

She is…is…

Elsie raised her eyebrows slightly. He gaped at her, his mouth hanging open. "Charles?"

Her hair was up, allowing a better view of the shiny drop earrings she wore. The matching necklace perfectly accentuated her neck. And the dress itself shimmered with every movement she made. The short sheer sleeves showing off her shoulders, the white and red beading visible in the black and grey material. Lower on the dress it was all black.

It looks like the night sky covered in stars.

He realized he was staring, and forced his mouth closed. He coughed and tried to figure out how to make his tongue work properly. It suddenly felt very warm in the room.

"It…you…it's not fair," he stuttered out.

"Not fair?" she asked, confused. Oh dear, it's too much. I should have put my foot down with Beryl…

"How…" he shook his head. The gesture reminded her of someone trying to regain their equilibrium after they had been stunned. "Elsie," he tried again. "You look magnificent. Gorgeous. You are always beautiful to me, but you take my breath away." He smiled at her when she blushed prettily.

"Thank you, Charlie. You look wonderful yourself," she walked over to him and kissed him lightly on the lips. He slid an arm around her back, dipping his head so his forehead touched hers.

"It's not fair to anyone who will see you tonight," he whispered, his breath at her hairline. "No woman will come close to how you look, and every man will wish you were with him."

"I'm with you," she murmured, reaching to straighten his already-straight bow tie. He hummed in reply, not wanting to let go of her. "Anyone who wants me with them will have to be disappointed."

"Thank God," he said, his eyes sparkling. He took a deep breath and pulled back from her. "Shall we go, then?"

She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. "I'm ready when you are."

000000000

For the rest of his life, Charles knew, he would remember that night. The two of them exiting the elevator in the lobby and heading towards the designated ballroom. The crowded lobby, filled with both attorneys and their partners lingering, all turning as if on cue to look at them. At her. He knew he walked with his shoulders back, his chest puffed out, proud as a peacock.

The wedding party heading to a different ballroom. The bridesmaids and the bride all stopping to compliment his wife. She of course thanked them, and complimented and congratulated the bride. He was thrilled when Elsie introduced him as her husband. He did not miss the gleam in her eye.

Dinner was very pleasant. The atmosphere, despite the formality, was cozy. In the dimmed lights of the ballroom, Elsie kept glancing to her right at their table. At Charles. Compliments and praise were all very nice, but it was knowing that he thought her beautiful that brought a glow to her smile.

They danced after dinner until nearly eleven o'clock. It was not fatigue, nor their companions, that drew them away.

Both only desired the company of each other.

The lobby had quieted from its previous noise. Down the hall, the wedding reception was in full force. Several people came out of it as they passed, the open doors exposing them to a sudden blast of noise. Charles winced at the deafening music.

"I don't see how anyone can like rap. It's hardly music," he said in a loud voice. Elsie squeezed his hand. Some words were clear.

You stuck with me

I'm stuck with you

Let's find something to do…*

Mercifully someone pulled the doors closed. The faint thump of the bass could be detected, but otherwise the only sound were their footsteps on the hard floor. They wandered leisurely toward the elevator.

Elsie was not in a hurry. She enjoyed walking with Charles, hand in hand, relishing his touch and their wordless conversation. She sighed.

"What is it?" he asked, the elevators just around the corner.

"I wish it weren't January," she said. "Then we could go outside to the terrace. I'd say let's go now, but it's freezing outside. We wouldn't last two minutes. Well, I wouldn't," she said, her eyes dancing. "You might, with your tuxedo jacket."

His heart leaped. It wasn't exactly what he had planned, but he decided to go for it.

"I know where we can go," he said, pulling her gently to the elevator. The doors opened right after he hit the up button, and they got on. To her surprise, he hit the highest number.

"Why are we going there? It's locked, we can't get in."

"We'll see," he said mysteriously, a grin playing on his lips.

When they reached the top floor, they got off. The little corridor was dark. Elsie peeked through the glass door.

"Oh, the view is lovely, and it's empty!"

"I know," he said, fishing a key out of his pocket. He stuck it in the door and hit a code. The door unlocked with a loud click. Elsie's mouth fell open.

"How did you get that!?"

"Bribery," he said with a straight face, holding the door open. She didn't move, still staring at him. "I talked to the manager earlier this evening. He knows Robert's been coming to the conference for years. The firm's given the hotel a lot of business. I simply asked him for a favor." He raised his eyebrows. "Are you going to go in?"

She walked in, careful to avoid any wet spots.

The pool sat as still as glass. The only lights came from the outline of the room. There was enough to see, but it was not the harsh light that normally lit the area. Their footsteps echoed as they walked to the far side.

Stopping to look up through the glass ceiling, she gasped. The night sky was alight with stars, visible even with the lights of the city around them.

He stood with her, taking in the sight. But one glance at her delighted face redirected his focus.

"Elsie…" he reached out and took her into his arms, brushing his lips across hers. She forgot the heavens above her and slid her hands up his arms. Very quickly their kisses turned passionate.

Sighs and soft moans passed between them. Charles broke away reluctantly to remove his jacket. The room was heated, perhaps too much so, the windows steamed up. He looked back at her after setting his jacket down on a lounge chair, only to find her seated on another. He sat next to her, and they took up where they had left off.

She ran her hands through his hair, down his neck, around his ears. Her heart pounded. She felt languid, but his hands tracing her waist combined with his lips on hers was rapidly changing that. They broke apart, gasping, leaning into each other. Elsie closed her eyes.

Her chest heaved. She knew he knew she was aroused. There was no question he was. But they were all the way on the top floor, and their room was an elevator ride and a walk down a long hallway. A million miles away.

I do not want to make love on a lounge chair.

He disentangled her hands from around his neck and stood up. He needed a moment to calm down, and the placid water seemed a peaceful place to look. His body raged. He was wild for her, had wanted her desperately since she stepped out of the bathroom hours ago.

The water…

Two thoughts hit him at once.

She would never.

Oh, the hell with it. You never know.

Sitting on the edge of a chair, he took his shoes and socks off, then stood again. He removed his shirt and bow tie quickly, tossing them on the same chair as his jacket. They were followed by his undershirt. He was unbuckling his belt when he heard her.

"What…what are you doing?"

He removed his belt and unzipped his trousers. Slipping off one leg, then the other, he carefully laid them down on the chair. "I can't very well swim in a tuxedo."

Her eyes widened. He cannot be serious. And yet, there he was, stripped to nothing except his boxers.

Until he removed those, too.

The effects of the previous few minutes was very apparent. His profile, in silhouette, was outlined against the dim light. She swallowed.

He walked around to the shallow end and walked straight down the stairs into the water. Keeping his head out of the water, he bent his knees, sinking up to his shoulders. He spun in the water, moving his arms.

The water was warm. Too warm for a swimming pool, but he was glad of it. He sighed, tilting his head back to look up at the sky. Feeling the floor beneath him slope down, he tread water for a moment, looking up at the incredulous woman sitting on the lounge chair.

She had always considered herself a free spirit. Up for anything.

Until the last ninety seconds, she had thought something like this totally beyond him.

A profound reevaluation of her previous life choices flew through her mind.

You've done crazier things.

Before the Millennium.

Before I turned fifty.

"Well?" he asked, his voice echoing. "Come join me."

Part of her felt she had stepped through the looking-glass.

"Who are you, and what have you done with Charlie Carson?"

He splashed the water at the surface. "This part of me has always been here."

She raised her eyebrows. "Really? The part of you that enjoys skinny-dipping?"

"I've never done this before." Walking up the slope, the water was just at his hips.

"Why now?" Why are you asking so many questions? Part of her was already in the pool.

"The right time, the right opportunity. Definitely the right woman. The only woman I'd do this with." He held out his arms. The humidity was taking a toll on his hair. That curl sticking to his forehead. "Please, Elsie," he rumbled. She felt warmth between her legs, and squeezed them together.

"I can't believe I'm doing this," she muttered, removing one earring, then the other. She laughed. "I've never – I mean, I didn't even learn to swim until I was in my thirties." She removed her necklace and set it with the other jewelry. Her heels off, she stood up.

She thought about turning around, but didn't. I can be just as bold.

Sinking back so the water was almost to his chin, he watched her. She shimmied out of the dress fairly easily. She did have some trouble around her hips, but gently pulled the rest of it down. Laying it aside, she bit her lip, her arms crossed over her chest. "Are you sure no one will come up here?"

"I promise we'll be alone." He raised an eyebrow. "Do you think I'd be in this swimming pool naked if I wasn't sure?"

"Very true." She dropped her arms and turned, her eyes not leaving his. Her slip came off, then her tights.

Slowly, very slowly, she unhooked her bra and pulled it off. His breath hitched. When she turned to put it with her other clothes, he unconsciously wrapped his hand around his erect hardness. Moved his hand back and forth. She rolled down her underwear, the black lace panties that he loved. He groaned aloud, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment.

She almost let her hair down, but decided not to. She didn't want to get it wet. Walking around the side of the pool, she could almost feel the heat of his gaze following her. A gasp escaped from her lips.

He is looking at me. He wants me.

I want him.

She had to remind herself how to walk, almost tripping over her own two feet.

Acutely aware that her breasts bounced as she went down the stairs, she didn't try to cover up. "Ooh," she said her fingers skimming the top of the water. "It's very warm." She sank down up to her shoulders, moving her arms.

He moved so quickly she didn't have time to react. He grabbed her, pulling her to him, against him. He was on his knees, his shoulders out of the water. Coming against him, her arms went on either side of his neck. Instinctively, she wrapped her legs around his torso. The rush of water between them splashed up, and they paused for a split second before her mouth met his.

God, the taste of her, the feel of her. She was feather-light in his arms, nothing to hold. They kissed madly. She, biting his lower lip in her frenzy; he, pressing his tongue into her mouth, claiming her. There was nothing, nothing but her body against his. He wasn't sure if her movement was of her own volition or because of the water around them.

It didn't matter.

She gasped for air, pulling her face away from his. From the way he held her, her head was slightly higher than his. He sucked at her neck. His lips were hard, marking her to her shoulder, down her throat. She cried out, her head going back. Her own voice echoed over and over.

Charles motioned for her to stand in front of him. She loosened her legs and did so, the water coming up above her waist. He pulled her roughly to him, still on his knees. She stood looking down at him. He wrapped his hands around her legs and moved them up to cup her bum. Almost losing her balance, she steadied herself by holding onto his shoulders.

"I want you," he said, his voice low. He squeezed the soft flesh. Gasping, she bent over him. He tipped his head back, licking the nipple that dangled right there for his waiting mouth.

Her wet hands went from his shoulders into his hair. "Oh god, me too," she breathed, pressing herself further into his mouth. He nipped the hardened peak, and she cried out again. "Oh god, Charlie, don't stop…"

His lips and tongue lavished her breast before nimbly skipping to the hollow between them. He loved to hear her sighs and hard breaths, the audible sounds of her desire. But it wasn't enough.

He pushed her back abruptly and stood up. His knees complained when he did so. She felt lightheaded, and wondered why he'd let go of her. His eyes were darting around from one side of the room to the other. Searching.

"Here," he said, backing up, grabbing her hands again. He led her toward the deep end of the pool. She could tell when he reached the slope. He began sinking, and a couple steps later she did too. Pulling her into his arms again, he kissed her, supporting all her weight. A sudden thought struck her: He's never done that before.

He couldn't.

He tightened his arms around her. "You're beautiful. So beautiful," he whispered. She opened her legs, wrapping them around him once more. He moaned when the tip of him brushed against her center.

"We can't," she was desperate, aching for him. "God, I want to, but I can't-you can't…I need-"

He carried her through the water, his feet careful on the slope. Both of them groaned at the further contact. He was no less desperate than she.

She felt the side against her back. The concrete wall. She gasped in recognition, the firm support providing friction.

"Yes," she moaned against his shoulder. There was an agonizing moment when they both reached for his hard manhood, him pushing, her guiding.

He thrust into her, feeling her thighs spread wide. "God, woman, so good…s-so g-g-good-" Words spurted from his mouth as he thrust again. Deeper. "Wanted this," he panted. "Wanted..y-you like this-"

The water splashed up with her, with every time she moved against the wall. She didn't notice. Or care. "Yes," she cried, feeling her sex beginning to tighten, "God yes, like this, harder, more-" her voice rose in a wild staccato. "Harder-yes-Charlie, god, yes-" she plunged her fingernails into his back. "Yes, more, more, ahh-"

Her words were lost in an explosion of screams. They ricocheted off the water, the windows, the tile floor.

"Fuck yes," he roared, pounding into her. His own voice echoed, carried around the room. She was so tight around him. He felt the expansion and contraction of her walls, heightened by the solid wall behind her, his arms under hers, holding her. It felt so good, so good, she was so good, he had dreamt of this for ages. Fragments of half-forgotten fantasies. Against her office door. Against his office door. On her desk. Under the kitchen table. In the pool, against the wall.

But this was no fantasy, this was real, she was real. Elsie, taking him in, as she had already taken him in.

He felt so good inside her, her Charlie. His manhood thrust deep inside her, filling her. Rubbing her nub again and again until she thought she would die of the sensation that was equally pleasure and pain. How many times had she thought of this, in past years when the mere thought of him touching her was a dream? Him taking her on his desk. Against the pillar at Joe and Phyllis's wedding. Against her office door.

That had really happened. Like him taking her here, now, in this pool. Against the wall.

It was deliciously naughty, but there was no one else they would share this with.

Nothing existed except for their shared pleasure. They moved together, in tandem, giving themselves to each other totally.

When they finally stopped moving, they stood motionless, her knees against his sides. He kissed her once more before he separated them. Still holding her up, he gently pulled her to him and walked backwards into the shallow end. They ended on the stairs with Elsie sitting on his lap sideways.

Her hair was half down. Half of it was wet and the other half wild in the warm air. Charles's curls were everywhere. She twisted her fingers into them, relishing her man undone.

Neither of them could stop laughing. They giggled like schoolchildren who had outwitted the principal.

She leaned her head on his shoulder. "Are you all right?" she managed to say.

"Are you?" he nuzzled her cheek. "I'm fine. I didn't hurt you, did I?" She saw the look on his face, the worry.

"No," she touched his temple. "I-I am marvelous. You were marvelous." She knew she would be sore the next day, but it was worth it.

It was all worth it.

They took clean towels from the rack provided to cover themselves. Carrying their clothes and accessories, they left the pool and the night sky above.

Despite the fact his legs felt like limp noodles (and his back was complaining), they broke into giggles again when they reached their floor. There was a group of people sitting and chatting in a lounge area close to the elevators. They tiptoed past the open doorway, hoping not to be noticed.

He felt giddy.

Only she could make him feel like that.

Two people our age gallivanting around a hotel past midnight! Wearing only towels!

We might as well live a little, while we can.

She grinned at him once they were safe in their room.

"I am very glad I came with you," she said, dropping her towel and slipping under the dry sheets on the bed. "But it is too bad that no one will ever know what fun we had!"

He poured two tall glasses of water for both of them. "We'll know," he wagged his eyebrows. "And that's all that matters."


At checkout late the next morning, Charles slipped the manager a small envelope with the key inside while another staff member took care of their bill.

"Did you enjoy your stay, ma'am?" the young man asked Elsie.

She kept a straight face. "Oh yes. Very much. Especially the pool. It was lovely, thank you."

"There is quite a view from there," Charles commented. He sounded completely normal. "You can see things you don't always expect to see."

"Yes," the young man agreed enthusiastically. "It's a very popular place. Thank you very much, Mr. Carson, Mrs. Carson."

They thanked him again and walked out of the lobby into the parking garage.

"And so back to our normal lives," Charles said, a little wistfully. "I do miss Becky and Pepper and Spike, as well as all of our friends, but this was quite the adventure." He opened the trunk of the car to put their luggage inside.

Elsie put her hand on his back as he finished. "We'll have more adventures," she said. "Perhaps not quite as spirited as the last few days, but I do look forward to what comes next."

"So do I," he leaned down, receiving her kiss. "I love you."

"I love you, too. Now let's get in the car before we freeze!" she said, grinning.

They were never able to walk into any pool area again without exchanging knowing looks.