Hey guys! So this is the chapter that gives this story a M rating so get ready, also thanks for the reviews!
The words rang in the air, clean and sharp, but they sunk into Belle slowly. She let them bounce in her mind for a few moments before generating thought. He loves me. She tried to think of a response, part of her was still hurt and angry, but part of her was overflowing with hope. If it wasn't of the sincerity of his apology and the fact that she truly believed he when he said that it wouldn't happen again , she would have never said the next sentence. "I'm in love with you too". He looked at her with nothing but pure shock and for a moment they stood there, just trying to comprehend each other. Mr. Gold moved first, stepped close to her and slowly, ever so slowly, placed a hand on the back of her neck and brought her lips to his. Belle let it happen without hesitation, melting into him like she had been waiting for this her whole life.
After many long moments they broke apart, Belle resting her head against his, still wrapped in each other's embrace. "I'm so sorry Belle, I didn't think you could ever love me back" he said again. Her brow furrowed, so that was the real reason for everything, the awkwardness, the strong words- he didn't think she could ever feel the same way about him. "Well, you were very wrong" she said with a smirk. At long last he pulled away and after taking her in for a moment said "Will you have dinner with me?". "Of course" She replied, a little too eagerly. "Good" he said with a smile "I have some work to finish up, so shall I pick you up at 8?". Belle nodded, and let him begin to lead her out of the gallery.
The drive home was a nervous one, not only was Belle trying to process what had just happened, but her thoughts wandered to what she was going to do about their date that night. She was beyond excited but after everything that had happened, she had no idea what to expect. She ran up the stairs to her apartment, it was 5:00 leaving her three hours to get ready. Under normal circumstances that would be plenty of time. But these were not normal circumstances. Mary was sitting on the couch when she walked in, and after a quick shower she began to tell her the events of the day. Belle finished the story and putting down her mascara, looked at Mary for a reaction. Her face was shocked and all she could manage was "wow…just, wow". Belle rolled her eyes at her. "It's like a fairytale, isn't it" Mary said, "yeah except in fairytales the prince isn't fifty years old with a bad temper. Both the women laughed, and for all the teasing Marion could tell Belle really loved him.
She spent more time then was really necessary picking an outfit. It had to be THE outfit. She settled on a very classy long sleeved black blouse with see-trough lace at the top, tucked into a tight black shirt that flared a little at the knee. She also chose cherry red pumps for a pop of color. She makeup-ed carefully and at fifteen to eight, walked out of her room to show Mary. "Wow, you look so good even I'm tempted" she said with applause, Belle blushed "now get out of here, unless you want to be introduced". "Oh, no I want no part in your fucked up romance" And with that Marion left the room. Belle took a deep breath; she couldn't remember ever being this nervous. It was nearly time; she looked out the window which offered a view of the parking area. She had been watching for a few moments when a immaculate black Cadillac entered the visitors parking. Belle was sure this apartment complex had never seen such a nice vehicle. Lachlan Gold began walking up to the stairway looking very nonchalant. Belle watched him until the angle of the building no longer offered a view. She took a deep breath. I was go time.
She checked herself in the mirror one last time before answering the door. "Hello darling, you look stunning". Belle blushed at the endearment, but he looked stunning too, dressed in nearly all black and leaning on his golf tipped cane. She moved aside so he could enter, slightly embarrassed by her cute but shabby apartment. He didn't seem to mind though; he looked around and smiled reassuringly. "Are you ready?" he asked kindly. "Yes, let me just grab my bag". After returning from her room with her purse he offered her his arm and she gladly slipped her arm through it and together they headed to his car.
As they drove she marveled at the luxury, the soft leather interior and new car smell. They sat in silence, but not an awkward one. She had asked where they were going but he had only said "to dinner" with a wink that suggested the location was a surprise. The silence was slightly broken by the radio, or perhaps a cd playing too low to distinguish. Belle listened intently trying to make out what the song was, hoping to give her insight in to what kind of music Lachlan listened to. Then she heard it… Where there's music and there's people and they're young and alive…. Without thinking she turned the volume up. She looked at Gold "You like The Smiths?" she questioned, a little too excited. He laughed "Why yes, I take it you do to?" "Yeah they are my favorite, especially this song" she replied. He smiled and be began to hum along …Driving in your car, I never never want to go home… Belle couldn't help but think that it was a very appropriate song for the moment.
They arrived at the destination, a restaurant called Stonehill Tavern, Belle had heard of the place it was known for being exclusive and thus expensive. Over dinner they finally managed to get it together and not be awkward. They talked openly about things, work, family and past relationships. Lachlan had explained that he had been married once before and had a son when he was quite young and still in Scotland. The marriage failed after 10 years and he moved to the states to head up the business. He admitted to not being there for his son during his teen years but the two had a good relationship a now that his son was living in New York, working at a small tech company. Belle told him all about her ex finance and her reasons for moving to LA. The conversation moved effortless and despite everything Belle couldn't help but feel that the two where, in fact, compatible.
After dinner they returned to the car and Belle was struck with the fact that, more than anything, she didn't want to go home. She wanted to be with him. He seemed to be thinking the same thing as he hesitated to start the car. "W-would you like to come to my place for a drink". Belle smiled "yeah, I would". They headed out of downtown and into an area where every house was larger and more expensive than the next, finally pulling into a beautiful, modern looking, white house. He lead her through the front door and Belle nearly gasped. Through the front door was a large living room that took up the width of the house, and the back wall was made entirely of large glass panels which offered the most magnificent view of the city.
Belle sat on a long white couch before a fireplace. "Would you like a drink?" Gold asked, Belle nodded and watched him as he went to the kitchen to make drinks. He had only removed his jacket, but she had never seen him more casual. It was comforting to know he could be himself with her. So much had happened that day and it was beginning to catch up with her. They were in were in love, but this was their first date. Everything was so out of order and she had no idea what should come next, but as he joined her on the couch and gently took her hand in his own, she found she didn't care.
They talked for a long time, it seemed they their feelings had been mutual from the start but neither of them had been brave enough to do anything out it. It made her sad to think of all the wasted time, but there was plenty ahead of them, their whole lives perhaps. Gold had adjusted closer to her and there was almost no distance between them. She liked this, she like feeling the heat from his body and smelling his sent. Without words he placed his hand on the back of her neck, he did not move her forward but his intention was clear. So she took a deep breath, not knowing what she was getting herself into, but not really caring and closed the distance between them.
Their lips met in what began as a slow and gentle kiss, but Belle could feel a growing want in the pit of her stomach, prompting her to lean in further, letting their bodies touch. Encouraged by this their kisses depend, tongues meeting in the middle and hands exploring each other. Gold twisted Belle around and lay her on the couch hovering over her, he kissed her gently as he pulled her shirt free from her shirt and let his hand glide under her blouse. Belle pulled him closer as to let him know that what he was doing was okay. He moved his hand under her bra, prompting Belle to moan a little. Her hands went automatically to his tie and began to loosen it, at this Gold pulled Belles shirt over her head. She then started on his buttons when he stopped her "Maybe we should go to the bedroom". Belle thought a moment, if she wanted to back out, now was the time, but she didn't. She let him lead her to his bedroom, it was almost entirely dark and she could only make out the bed, which she sat down on. Together they removed each other's clothes until Belle was only in her panties. She was nervous but with every touch, the little fire in her stomach grew and she wanted more. She pulled him between her legs and trailing kisses all down her, removed the last bit of clothing that separated them. She moaned deeply as he moved inside her the first time. Months of day dreaming and longing finally coming to fruition. She had never felt anything like this before, he was the most unselfish lover, every move was calculated to her need. It wasn't long before they were grasping onto each other for dear life, before finally relaxing in one another's arms. Euphoria gave way to sleepy satisfaction as she curled into his open arms, hoping that it wouldn't all be a dream in the morning.