Chapter 8

"Amelia, are you ready to go?" Niles called as he walked the short distance to the little girl's room. They were already running late for the Sheffield's Christmas lunch, and he'd rather get going as soon as possible. He only thanked God that the Sheffield house was relatively near C.C.'s – pardon me, their house.

He couldn't help the small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth whenever he thought about the fact that this was now officially his home with C.C. and Amelia. It had been exactly two weeks since he had moved in, but he'd only finished bringing his things over three days ago. Granted, December had been rather hectic – in the span of just two weeks, he'd moved in, they'd celebrated C.C.'s birthday, Amelia's winter break had begun and C.C.'s plaster had been removed, but he couldn't be happier about it. He'd been spending a lot of time with Amelia now that she needn't go to school; he'd bring her with him to the Sheffield mansion during his work hours, where she could spend some time with her friends while giving C.C. some free time to start working again (Stewart had insisted that she refrained from working while she was in bed rest).

He sometimes couldn't believe just how lucky he was – he lived in a beautiful house, with a gorgeous woman and a little girl that he loved with all his heart. Said little girl had been delighted when she'd been told that Niles was staying, as she'd put it, "forever and ever" and she'd even helped him movie his things the mansion. They'd actually taken Maxwell's advice and had taken their time to move Niles' stuff from one mansion to the other – they weren't in a rush, not to mention that most of Niles possessions were already in C.C.'s mansion. Instead, they'd chosen to spend their time together planning C.C.'s birthday.

The blonde woman had been absolutely delighted with the little celebration at home – seeing as she'd still had her cast on, Niles and Amelia had organised a small reunion in their house. It had been just them, the Sheffields and C.C.'s parents, but it had been the best birthday C.C.'d had in years! She actually teared up when she opened Nile's and Amelia's gifts – the necklace had become C.C.'s favourite piece of jewellery, and she carried around the small engraved key ring Niles had bought her.

And speaking of gifts, he'd recently bought her a very special Christmas gift. He only hoped that she'd like it. He also hoped that, considering they were spending the day with the Sheffields and Fran had a tendency to become...overexcited...in a matter of seconds, he would be able to explain the meaning behind it without any delay, and therefore avoid any misunderstandings about what he was trying to communicate.

"Yeah!" Amelia rushed from her room, carrying her boots in her arms. "Can you help me put these on, please?"

"Of course," he smiled, reached for her hand, and moved towards the stairs. "Let's put them on by the door – your Mommy's all ready to go and she's waiting for us slowpokes to catch up!"

Amelia giggled, "Okay."

C.C. grinned at them as they made their way down the stairs, and she fetched her daughter's coat from its hook.

"Come on, you two," she called out teasingly. "It'll be the New Year by the time you're ready to go, at this stage!"

Niles gave her a feigned unimpressed look, "We're nearly ready. I don't know what you're hurrying for, anyway – everyone knows to comply with Santa's wishes and gift you coal."

C.C., noticing that Amelia was preoccupied with sitting down on the last stair with her boots, quirked an eyebrow at him and grinned.

"Are you suggesting I've been naughty?"

Niles, catching her tone, flushed red, and immediately shut up to kneel down and help Amelia with her boots. He knew Amelia didn't understand the implications behind her mother's words, but by God, the woman had truly and really been naughty! Since the cast had come off, their sexual life had become... adventurous... to say the least. Of course her leg was still a bit weak – she hadn't used it in over a month, after all! – but it hadn't prevented her from becoming more active and daring in their lovemaking.

He wasn't about to complain, either, but he'd rather not have those sinful images of their frequent nights of passion dancing in his head when Amelia was around.

"Well... seeing as you are the embodiment of evil, I'd say your behaviour has been the opposite of exemplary! Unlike Mia's," Niles lifted the little girl in his arms and both child and butler smiled at each other.

"I've been a good girl. Haven't I, Mommy?" Amelia asked, wrapping her arms around Niles' neck.

"You've been an excellently behaved little girl, sweetie," C.C. said, stroking Amelia's head. "And I am sure Santa knows!"

Both Niles and C.C. smiled to themselves. They had bought Amelia an incredible amount of gifts, all of which were waiting at the Sheffield's mansion. They'd agreed to unwrap their presents there, so all of them (including B.B.'s and Stewart's) were already tucked underneath the enormous Christmas tree at the Sheffield mansion.

They knew it would be a wonderful Christmas – not because of the amount of gifts, but rather because this was the first Christmas they'd be spending together.

"Exactly," Niles said, wrapping his free arm around C.C.'s waist. "But we must get going! We wouldn't want to keep the Sheffield waiting, now would we?"

"Not at all," C.C. held up Amelia's coat for the girl to put her arms in. "Now for one final touch, and the pair of you are gonna have to help me, here. I know you're practically inseparable, so this is going to require a little bit of manoeuvring if everyone wants to stay exactly where they are for the time being."

Eventually, they worked out a system where Amelia could stay in Niles' arms as C.C. slipped the coat around her daughter, and then wrapped a scarf around her neck. It would be more than chilly outside, and the last thing she wanted was her little girl catching cold!

After that was taken care of, it was time to leave – they made their way from their own home, through the streets of New York. Just as C.C. had suspected it would be, it was bitterly cold, patches of snow littering the ground here and there.

Amelia remained in Niles' arm for the entire journey, and he wrapped the other around C.C.'s waist as they walked. They really did look like a family...a proper family. And they were going to spend the holiday with friends who were like family, too.

C.C. didn't think she'd ever felt this happy on a holiday. She had everything she wanted in life – a good job that she enjoyed, an adorable little girl, good friends, and the man she loved with all of her heart.

Not to mention, she couldn't actually wait to see what all the gifts were going to be!

She hoped Niles liked his from her, she'd spent so long picking it out...

Well... maybe picking wasn't the right word to use – it was more like she'd spent a lot of time trying to decide what to give him. But in the end, the answer had come, and it had always been right in front of her nose. She'd been looking for something material to represent just how much she loved and valued him, but nothing had really called her attention – that was until she'd come with her wonderful idea.

She wasn't going to gift him a trifle that would eventually be forgotten. No, she'd wanted something meaningful, and what was more meaningful than giving him joint tenancy of her mansion? In that way, by making him co-owner of her house, she'd truly and really gift him a home. Their very own happy home.

She couldn't wait to see his reaction! And she could only hope it was a good one.

Well, it wouldn't be long until she saw it, C.C. thought as Niles allowed Amelia to ring the bell. They'd agreed they'd open the gifts first so as to avoid facing the perilous task of keeping three anxious little children away from the pile of gifts during a long lunch.

Moment later, they heard the rushed clicking of heels coming from within the mansion, and the door was soon opened by a beaming Fran, who was wearing possibly the ugliest Christmas sweater they'd ever seen.

"Hey there! Ya finally arrived!" Fran exclaimed as she gave them way to enter the mansion and finally take refuge from the bitter cold that reigned in the streets of the Big Apple. "We were about ta call, 'cause we thought somethin' had happened ta ya!"

"Well, there was no need for that," Niles released Amelia from the hold he still had on her to set her on the floor.

"We just had a little setback, that was all," C.C. joined in, as Niles, now with both arms free, turned to take her coat.

"Well, better a little setback than cancelling entirely, I guess," Fran beamed as her own two children raced down the stairs to come and greet Mia. "And here's a fine little party! You guys all set to get your presents?"

"Yeah!" came three eager voices in return, the adults unable to do anything but smile at how excited they all were.

Of course they would be, though. And they deserved to be. They had all been good that year.

"Alright, then, that's what I like to hear!" Fran grinned, and began to usher the children into the living area, past the tree where the presents waited. "If everyone takes a seat in the living room, we can start handin' out the presents!"

The children cheered, dashing eagerly into the living room to find an available seat. Niles and C.C. walked in leisurely behind them, happy to watch them, but at the same time feeling oddly excited themselves at the prospect of learning what the other had gifted them that year.

It was their first Christmas as a couple, so their gifts were obviously going to be meaningful, regardless of what they were. Of course neither of them knew just how meaningful their chosen gifts really were, but they were close to finding out!

They found Maxwell already waiting for them in the living room, a wide and pleased smile on his face; Amelia and Eve were sat on his lap, and he had given each little girl (and to Jonah as well, but he was sat on Maxwell's favourite armchair) a present. They hadn't opened them yet, and they were eager to do so.

The British producer had actually gotten used to Niles living with C.C., and he'd found that he didn't really mind – just as they had said in the kitchen that morning, they were a family and nothing was going to break them up.

He had a little surprise for C.C., but that could wait. It would be better for them to discuss it in private.

"Hurry up, Mommy! We want to open the presents!" Amelia squealed as Niles, C.C. and Fran sat themselves on the sofa.

"Yeah, we want to see what Santa brought us!" Eve piped up.

"Oh, don't be so impatient!" Niles jokingly chastised. "Let's make a deal – we are going to open the presents one at a time, and only after we've all opened our first present, we'll open the next one, okay?"

The three children readily agreed, much to the four adults' delight. Once everyone had a present in hand, Niles signalled for Eve to start unwrapping her first present. Eve and Jonah both received a play station (just what they had asked for!) whereas Amelia got the collection Barbie she'd begged for. It was incredibly endearing to see the children so happy, and after they'd watched them admire their gifts for a short while, Fran announced that Niles was the next person to unwrap his present.

The butler received a brand new iPod from Fran (which caused C.C. to snort out a laugh and loudly proclaim that he wouldn't be able to understand how to use it), a raise and a brand new Armani suit from Maxwell, and finally... an envelope?

He looked up at C.C., questioningly.

"Oh, please," the blonde said, rolling her eyes. "It's nothing bad! Just open it already!"

"Coming from you, one never knows," Niles teased as he opened the envelope and removed a small stack of papers from its insides.

It was almost comical to see his mouth hanging wide open only seconds after his eyes began browsing the document.

Half ownership of the house?

It wasn't just hers anymore...if these papers were anything to go by, it was theirs.

C.C. bit down on her lip, grinning, "You like it?"

Like it? He loved it! This was perhaps the biggest gesture anyone had ever made for him! By doing this, she was showing him that their relationship was equal – that it was strong, and permanent.

That they were building a home together, and a family.

He only hoped she'd realise the same things from his present, which she would be receiving at any moment. He wanted her to know that what they had was forever. But that sentiment would be expressed in due time. For the present, pulling her to him and planting a kiss on her lips was more than enough.

As Fran and Maxwell quietened the cries of "ew" and giggles from the young children, he pulled away, beaming all over his face.

"I love it," he told her. "I love it, and I love you. Thank you, C.C.!"

C.C. pulled him in for yet another kiss, and she held him close as she laughed with delight. She was glad that he'd liked it, but the surprises weren't finished there...

"The second part of your gift," she whispered to his ear as Fran and Max tried to shush the giggling children again. "Is in a little bag in my dressing room that reads "Victoria's Secret"."

Niles chuckled – it seemed that he'd have a merry Christmas indeed!

"I can't wait," he whispered back before they pulled away and he cupped her cheek.

She relished in his soft touch, and briefly closed her eyes as she covered his hand with hers. They were having one of those moments... those emotional moments. Of course they'd had a number of them since becoming a couple, but they seldom occurred in public. It showed just how important this one was.

"I love you," Niles repeated, stroking her cheek with his thumb. "But now it's time for your gift, Mr Grinch! Santa reconsidered his decision and brought you something."

He delved into his pocket for the little Tiffany & Co. box, chuckling when he heard C.C. muttering something about Santa loving her being naughty. And although he'd love to be "misbehaving" wuth her, he had more important matters to attend to.

He was quite happy with his purchase – a gorgeous band ring in 18 karat rose gold with round brilliant diamonds. It was simple yet elegant; perfect for C.C.! He couldn't wait to see C.C.'s reaction, but if her face as she stared to the box was anything to go by, he'd make a safe bet that she was adoring her gift, too.

"Niles...?" she nearly whispered as he opened the box. "What... what...?"

He had to speak up quickly, before the gaping stare that Fran was wearing became anything else.

There wasn't going to be any excited screaming. Not there.

"It's a promise ring," he explained. "A symbol of my love for you. A symbol of how it will never go away, and a promise that it will only get stronger as time goes on."

C.C. continued to stare at him, seemingly emotional and confused at the same time.

"Huh...?"

"It's me...saying that I don't want to be with anyone else but you, ever again," he continued, his voice sounding more serious. "You are the only one for me, and I want to prove it – this ring symbolises that I want to be with you, and that one day, well..."

He trailed off. He hadn't breached the subject of engagements or marriage yet. He didn't want to be prepared for it himself only to find out that she wasn't.

That was why this was the perfect in-between step, in his mind.

"Well, do you like it?" he asked, suddenly afraid that his rambling explanation had set her on edge.

C.C. stared between the ring and the man she'd just made co-owner of her home. Both of them had had the same idea – show the other that their relationship was strong and (hopefully) permanent – only it had been expressed differently. She'd given him a home, and he was giving her a physical representation of his love for her.

A physical proof that he wanted a future together.

She couldn't help it, a few tears simply sprang from her eyes and made their way down her cheeks as she nodded. Of course she liked it! She loved it! And she'd wear that ring until the day that, as he had implied, it was replaced with an engagement ring.

The prospect of a possible engagement was encouraging, to say the least – they hadn't touched the subject of marriage yet (mainly because neither of them was ready) but it was good to know it was a very real possibility. But for now she'd enjoy what she actually had – a gorgeous promise ring that Niles was holding in his hand, ready to slip it down her finger.

"I absolutely love it!" she choked out, holding out her left hand and using the other one to cup his cheek. It soon moved upwards, and she threaded her fingers through his hair before pulling his head towards hers and stamping a kiss on his lips.

"I love you," she whispered as the children giggled again. "And I love this ring!"

"Put it on!" Fran said exited, clapping gleefully.

"Yeah, Old Man! Put that ring on her finger already!" Maxwell interjected, smiling.

And so he did. Shaking, laughing, and crying all at once, he slipped the ring onto her finger.

It did look good there. And Niles thought it made a suitable, hopefully not-too lengthy substitute for the ring he really wanted to put on her finger. Not that he'd found one yet, he just knew that the sight of that ring would be the most beautiful one...

Well, not more beautiful than the sight of C.C. beaming at him, coming in for another kiss. She kissed him several times on the lips, hugged him hard and kissed him once more on the cheek, before cuddling against his side as the kids finally stopped reacting to the grown-ups' display of affection, and the rest of the presents were handed out by Fran and Maxwell.

Niles and C.C. watched contentedly as that happened, now happy to just sit back and watch everyone else admire their gifts and as the kids played with their toys. Lunch wouldn't be long, and they were hungry but not so much that they wanted to hurry things along.

It was Christmas, there was plenty of time for everything.

Even if it did mean certain people got to go home and admire the contents of little Victoria Secret bags sooner...

C.C. couldn't help but feel blessed – one year ago, she'd been at her mother's house, hugging Amelia as she counted the minutes left to go back home. She'd been surrounded by her mother's relatives, which she detested with a passion (and they detested her, too) and wondering if she'd ever have a peaceful and pleasant Christmas. A Christmas with a proper family. A Christmas where she and her child were surrounded by love...

And here she was, in the arms of the love of her life, with her daughter sat on her lap while Niles cut Amelia's turkey in small pieces so she could eat it. This was everything good in her life, and she prayed that this was only the first of many more beautiful Christmases together.

Niles was thinking along the same lines, too, and the loving look they shared told them everything they needed to know.

After a hefty three-course lunch, they retired to the living room, where the children watched cartoons as the adults chatted leisurely over cups of tea and coffee. Just when C.C. was about to suggest retiring for the day, Maxwell cleared his throat.

"C.C.?" he said. "Might I have a word with you? In private?"

This felt odd, and it disturbed her a little bit for some reason. C.C. supposed that she was still thinking about the argument that had happened in the kitchen the day they'd told the Sheffields Niles was moving in with her. But there couldn't really be much harm. He'd accepted their decision, after all.

But if it was something else, what could it be?

"Sure," she lifted herself from the sofa, disentangling herself from Niles' arms as she went.

The two former business associates made their way into the office. C.C. hadn't actually been in there, since coming back into the Sheffields' lives, and she was surprised that nothing had changed that much. The posters were still up on the walls – although there were a few new ones here and there – and the desk and Maxwell's chair were still there, as was her usual spot, the green loveseat...

It was almost like she hadn't been away.

Even the way Maxwell stood behind his desk, hands on it like he was ready to discuss important business, had an air of familiarity around it.

She closed the door behind them, somehow feeling like it was appropriate, before approaching the desk.

"You wanted to talk to me about something, Maxwell?"

He appeared to consider, before clearing his throat, "Well...it's, um...a rather delicate subject, C.C.."

C.C. folded her arms, "We've known each other a long time, Max, I don't honestly think there's anything left that we can't say to each other."

That seemed to give him a little boost of confidence, as he took in a breath and let it out, before nodding.

"You're right...you're right..." he said. "You see, the thing is...things haven't been the same at the company, since you've been absent. Shows that I thought would work haven't been working, there have been fewer outstanding hits, theatre and actor contracts have been a mess...all of that I could handle myself just by thinking more like you, but it still wouldn't be the same. I'd really like to be working with my friend again. So, I'm asking if you'd consider reforming Sheffield-Babcock Productions."

Shock.

That was what C.C. was in – she was in shock.

Of all the things that Maxwell could have asked her, this one was, by far, the most unlikely. Reforming Sheffield-Babcock productions?! Going back to Broadway?! She had never expected this!

And what's more; she didn't think she wanted this.

She'd come such a long way since her years as a producer; she'd overcome her demons, had formed her little family and she'd healed. Granted, her original plan was to get better before coming back and resuming her life, but too many things had happened for that to be possible.

The most important one being Amelia's birth.

Becoming a mother had been a life changing event, and suddenly, everything she'd once been, had disappeared. It had changed – she had changed. Amelia had given her a reason to turn her life around, and she had grown and healed thanks to her.

She'd found a balance in life; a harmony that had once been impossible. A happiness that she'd once thought only a good marriage and social status could give her...

She'd rather hear her daughter laugh or tell her that she loved her than have all the status in the world.

Her daughter had made wonders for her bond with her family, too, and she was happy working for her father in the family company, which she was going to inherit once Stewart stepped down as chairman of the board. And she couldn't forget the financial aspects – not only her current job gave her more money than producing plays ever did, but she also liked that she wasn't exposed to the media.

That was actually one of the most important reasons why she didn't want to return – the media. She just knew that if she went back to Broadway she'd be in the spotlight, and consequently so would be Amelia. They'd be the subject of gossip, and C.C. wanted Amelia safe from that. Safe from the vicious words of ill-intentioned journalists who just wanted a good story. Safe from the spotlight and safe from the press. She absolutely refused to have her daughter overhear her being called the Bitch of Broadway...

She didn't want that life back.

And not because she didn't cherish Maxwell as a good friend, but rather because she was happier this way – she was happier leading a quiet but fulfilling life with her child and Niles.

If there was something her mental breakdown had taught her, was that her happiness came first (only second to her daughter's, of course).

So, as much as it pained her to disappoint Maxwell, her answer was clear.

"I am sorry, Maxwell, but I... I don't want to go back to Broadway," she finally said, her voice sounding just as strong as she felt – just as strong as the last few years had made her.

Of course her friend's face fell immediately.

"Bu-but...why not?"

"That...life isn't for me anymore," she shook her head, hoping that her resolve wouldn't fail her now. It couldn't. It hadn't for so many years, the last thing she wanted to do was break down now. "It might have given me money, fame, and a certain amount of extra status in this city, but it didn't make me happy. I thought I was, for the longest time, but then I...I had the breakdown. It was clear I was far from happy. But then I got away from it all, and I had Amelia, reconnected with Niles and then with you and Fran. And now...my life feels a lot more fulfilling. Happier. I have everyone I want exactly where I want them in my world, and a job where I don't feel like I could fall back into any kind of depressive cycle. I'm sorry, Maxwell, I am your friend, but I couldn't go back to being your business associate. It wouldn't be good for me, and if the press got wind of Amelia, that would only make things worse, for so many reasons. So, again, I am sorry, but I have to say no, for Amelia's happiness and for mine."

She was staring at the carpet by this stage, slightly afraid of what Maxwell's reaction would be.

She knew it probably wouldn't be as bad as she was thinking, but that little lingering doubt was enough. He was her friend, but he did have something of a temper on him, especially when it came to really big decisions like this.

Then again, if he was her friend, he should understand her reasons behind saying no, too.

Either way, the suspense was killing her.

And the silence extended for what felt like hours. It became anguishing, and C.C. was almost certain that Maxwell would eventually begin screaming and their friendship would come to a sudden and very unpleasant end.

She wasn't going to change her decision, though. Even if it meant cutting ties with the Sheffield family.

"Alright," Maxwell said, sighing. "If that's your choice, I will respect it."

C.C.'s head shot up and she looked at Maxwell in the eye, completely shocked. He was okay? And she wasn't going to try to change her decision?! That wasn't like him at all...

But the words had come out of his mouth, and she could clearly see him giving her a warm, if slightly disappointed, half-smile.

"Re-really...?" C.C. stuttered. "You... you are okay with it?"

Maxwell's smile fell from his face and it was replaced by a concerned frown. He quickly edged round his desk and went to his clearly distressed face. He placed his hands on her shoulders, almost as if trying to soothe her nerves.

"Of course I am!" Maxwell said gently. "C.C., I told this to you when you first handed me your resignation – it's your choice, and I'll support you. Of course that I would have loved to work with you again, but in the end, it's your choice and your life. You have Amelia to consider and if this life works better for you two, then I won't ask you to change it. I just thought you'd like to come back, that's all."

And once again C.C.'s mouth fell open. Maxwell Sheffield was known to be thoughtless and a little insensitive, but just like what had happened when she'd resigned, he was being surprisingly supportive. It's not like he wasn't a good friend, but... well... she'd thought he'd try and change her decision.

This man surprised her so...

"I... well... thank you," she said nervously. "Don't... don't take it wrongly, but I... well... I thought you'd be..."

"Less supportive?" he interrupted her, a sad smile spreading across his face.

"Yes... that..."

Maxwell nodded, seeming in more understanding.

"I wondered if you might," he said. "I know I haven't exactly been the best support when it comes to decisions over the years. But if you resigning taught me something, it's that if you care about somebody, you have to let them do what is best for them. And this is what works best for you, so even if I am saddened by the fact that we won't be working together again, I am not lying when I say I respect your decision and won't attempt to change your mind."

C.C. let out a light chuckle. It was at least half done in relief.

"Thanks, Maxwell."

He smiled back at her fully, seeing that his answer had lifted a weight from her shoulders, "Any time, C.C.."

The two friends shared a very brief hug, the feeling of tension that had built up before leaving them both, and Maxwell spoke up again.

"Now, what's say you and I get back in the other room and enjoy the rest of our Christmas, hm?" he asked. "I'd wager our significant others will be waiting."

"And wondering what could possibly be taking so long," C.C. smirked. "If they haven't already gone to the intercom."

"Don't worry," Maxwell said, smirking, too. "Knowing who we are dealing with, I disconnected it in advance."

Both friends shared a laugh as they began their way back to the living room, where their families awaited. Her rejecting Maxwell's offer had an almost bittersweet taste – they'd been business partners for fifteen years after all – but they'd get over it.

Because, when everything was said and done, happiness was their priority.

"Is she asleep?" C.C. said as Niles slowly closed the door to their room.

"Like a log," Niles replied, making his way to their bed and climbing onto it. Actually, he climbed on top of C.C., who was waiting for him wearing an enticing red teddy. "Which is good considering what we are about to do..."

He leaned down to catch her lips in a kiss.

"Oh, and what is it that we are about to do?" she giggled as she wrapped his middle with her legs and placed her hands on his shoulder.

"Well..." Niles began trailing kisses down her neck, carefully lowering his body on hers. "You were naughty this year, and a naughty year deserves a naughty Christmas celebration."

"I like the sound of that..." C.C. growled and they were lost to the world.

She liked this – the kissing, the cuddling... it was a different kind of foreplay. A loving type of foreplay.

But she sensed there was something wrong... almost as if he was thinking about something else. Almost as if there was something puzzling him or worrying him. She pulled away, confused.

"Is there something wrong, lover?"

"Hm?" Niles stopped his trail of kisses to look up at her, and even though it disappointed C.C. in some ways, it was best that he did if they were going to talk properly.

It would be better if their minds were completely focused on what they were doing.

C.C. sat up a little more, so she could look at him properly, "You just seem a bit preoccupied."

Niles blinked, and then gestured downwards, towards her body, "Well, I was just about to-"

She shook her head in return, "No, Niles. You seem like you have your mind on something else."

"Oh," he sat back a little, frowning minutely. "Well, I was thinking about...well, I was wondering if I should ask what happened between you and Mr Sheffield today, in the office."

"I see," she supposed she should have told him before, but it was better late than never. "Well, he...actually offered me my job back, at the company."

She saw the expression on his face, and continued before he had the chance to say anything.

"I turned him down, though. Being away has given me some perspective, and I know I am far happier not working as a producer anymore. Between the stress of the work, and the potential to accidentally put Amelia in the media spotlight, and the fact that it didn't really make me happy...I am far better off how I am now. With you, and with Amelia, and not working in an environment where I could fall back into my old, bad habits again."

Niles opened and closed his mouth, almost as if trying to find something to say, but nothing came out. He was rather shocked by Maxwell's offer, and he was also surprised by how easily she had refused it and that Maxwell hadn't tried to change her mind.

It wasn't that he thought C.C. wasn't capable of saying no to Maxwell, but rather that he'd believed that maybe, given the chance, she'd go back to her life as a producer. He knew she was happier this way, but there had been a lingering doubt in him.

He was glad that she had chosen this new life. It was healthier for her, and it made him happy to see her happy – not to mention just how much he enjoyed spending time with her and Amelia.

Her life as a producer had been full of vices and stress, and given that she was now a mother, he supposed she wanted to spare herself of that. And probably she didn't want Amelia to be exposed to the media, something with which he couldn't help but agree.

"Well..." he said, letting out a sigh, "As long as you are happy with your decision..."

"I am," she stated, lying down once again and pulling Niles with her. "It's the best for us, don't you think?"

It was for the best. She had clearly given it a lot of thought, too, and had factored in things such as Amelia, and their own relationship.

He kissed her on the lips again, his hand caressing its way down her body to start lifting the teddy up and over her.

"I do think," he replied as the fabric slipped from her body, to the mattress, onto the floor, his own shirt soon following between kisses. "And I am very proud of you for making your decision."

"I'm proud of me, too," C.C. slipped one arm around his shoulders to pull him close again, and used the other to help him remove his belt, pants, and underwear, the last item of which he kicked away before taking his place over her. "So let's have a little fun celebrating me making a decision worthy of praise, shall we?"

Niles was already well ahead of her, as was detailed in the hitching breaths she gave between words.

His lips and tongue felt so good, travelling over her body, licking and nipping and sucking and kissing in all the places he knew she liked...

She couldn't help but moan, giving a small yelp as his tongue probed even further south. But not quite south enough, and in her haze of pleasure, she just about managed to look down towards where he was kissing around her most sensitive area.

"You...little...tease!" she groaned, rolling her hips against him to make him do more - anything more, as long as it was something.

Niles responded by smirking up at her, bringing himself back up and positioning himself at her entrance, lightly rubbing his shaft against her clit, which she could swear was trembling with anticipation.

"Sorry love," he moaned. "But a little teasing is what you get if you're put on the naughty list."

Then at last he pushed inside her, and C.C. bit down on her lip to stifle the loud groan threatening to escape as he began to move in her.

Well, if this was the way people on the naughty list were treated, then she'd aim to end up on it again next year...

AN: Hey there! We hope you enjoy this chapter :) as usual we'd adore your reviews!

H&L