Hmmm. Interesting. Oh, well. I wrote a few more pages on 'the idea that won't leave me alone,' so my Muse let me work on something else for a bit. (Thank you, Muse) As always, your patience is greatly appreciated. Sandy-wmd, you asked for more Risks next, so this is for you. Thanks for your faithful reviewing.
Thanks to all for the favorites and follows, but especially for the reviews. I cherish each and every one.
keamlkntl: I'm glad you have the patience to keep checking. I may be a little slow about getting updates out sometimes, but I'd rather do that than post something I don't think is ready.
Princess PrettyPants: I love confetti. It's so much fun.
sailorraven34: Maria still has her share of insecurities. Nick is working on that.
Sandy-wmd: Yes, Nick is a man who knows his own mind. He knows exactly what he's getting into with this and wants to be sure that she does as well.
KTstoriesandstuff: Glad you're enjoying.
Guest: Here's your next chapter. I hope it was worth the wait.
On with the tale.
Risks 25
Maria awoke, instantly aware of someone watching her. Before she could react, a hand gently stroked her hair and a voice whispered in her ear.
"It's okay. It's me."
She opened her eyes and smiled up at him.
"Good morning," she whispered.
He responded in kind, leaning down to kiss her deeply before allowing his lips to trace a slow path down her neck. His morning beard scraped at the skin on her chest.
"Be careful. The dress I'm wearing for the wedding wouldn't cover up hickeys or a beard rash down there," she told him with a laugh.
He pulled back and looked at her. "Just how low cut is this dress?" he asked sternly.
"Not extremely so," she told him. "It's off the shoulder and hits about here." She drew a finger across her chest, indicating a modest line.
"So, this would be okay?" he asked, allowing his whiskers to scrape her stomach as he placed a tender kiss there.
"Definitely," she told him.
"And here?" he asked, moving up to the valley between her breasts.
"Yesss," she answered, her voice a bit husky as his hand slid up her inner thigh.
"And here?" He took a nipple in his mouth, sucking lightly as his fingers also found their target.
Her answer was a soft moan as she arched into his touch. She rolled her head on the pillow, cursing when she noticed the time. He looked up at her, puzzled.
She nodded towards the timepiece as she pulled away from him. "I'm supposed to meet with Pepper and the rest of the ladies in her suite. We're all having a pre-wedding breakfast together. Then, the others will go dress while her people do our hair and makeup and help us get dressed and I really have to get a shower before I go." She smiled at him as she grabbed her robe and headed towards the bathroom. "I've got sand in places sand was never meant to go."
He smiled back at her as he rolled out of bed. "You need some help? After all, I'm partly responsible for that."
"Yes, you are. But I have just enough time to get there. If you help me, I will definitely be late."
"You're late," Darcy scolded as she opened the door to admit Maria to Pepper's suite. The rooms were abuzz with activity as the kitchen staff laid out a breakfast buffet and the hair, makeup, and nail people set up the tools of their trade.
"You had me worried that something had come up," Pepper told her, quietly dismissing the staff. She then turned back to the new arrival. "Have you heard from Nick? Is he going to be able to make it?"
"He got here late last night. Or actually, early this morning," Maria told her.
"Thus, the reason why she's late," Natasha contributed from the buffet table. She motioned the other woman over and handed her a plate.
"Oh. Of course." The bride smiled. She sipped her orange juice while the others took their seats. "Just to clarify: this is a semi-public event. There will be a few reporters and photographers as well as a number of guests. So, you and Nick..."
"Are coworkers," Maria finished for her. "Director and deputy director attending a wedding together."
"As are Phil and I," Melinda. "Well, the 'just coworkers' part anyway."
"Not that anyone will be paying attention to us. Everyone's going to be focused on the bride and groom first, then on the Avengers," Maria added.
"But you are Avengers," Pepper told her.
"Frontline Avengers, then. Captain America. Iron Man. Thor. Hulk. They're the faces of the Avengers. Hawkeye and Black Widow, slightly less so. They operate more from the shadows, but they're still recognized. Nick and I are background. Support. Almost no one is going to notice or care, but we have to keep things undercover for the few who would."
"You're kidding, right?" Darcy asked.
"Not likely," Maria replied. "I rarely do. About what?"
"About no one noticing you. You're kidding. You may not get the fan mail the Cap does, but you do get your share."
"Fan mail?"
Maribel nodded. "The PR department deals with hundreds of pieces of fan mail every day. Some of it for the team in general, some for specific people. Mail is sorted by who it's for. Each team member has their own set of files. A regular one for the normal, usual ones, and an 'alert' file for the..."
"Scary ones," Darcy contributed.
"More unusual ones," her assistant corrected. "People that we would definitely look closely at should odd things start to happen."
"You mean stalkers?" Beth questioned, worry in her voice.
"One of the hazards of life in the public eye," Pepper told her. "They're usually not dangerous. Just a little unnerving."
"Usually?"
"Yeah. Statistics show that these people rarely do anything," Darcy reassure her. "My point is that there is plenty of that fanmail addressed to you, Maria. Asking for interviews. Asking for your number or for a picture. Asking if that 'smoking hot director lady' is available."
"Pictures?"
"Cheesecake photos," Maribel clarified.
"Or nudes," Darcy added.
Maria just stared at her.
"You're an attractive young woman," Maribel told her.
Shaking her head, Maria turned to Pepper. "So. Ready to get married today?" she asked.
Discussion turned to the day ahead as the ladies sampled the varied items from the buffet. They talked and laughed, all enjoying the respite from the normal day to day responsibilities of their lives.
Natasha glanced upwards towards the vent grate and sighed.
"Speaking of stalkers," Maria commented softly.
The others looked up, startled. "What?"
"Nothing to worry about," Maria told them. "You have your screwdriver?" she asked the redhead.
The other woman nodded, holding up a small, battery operated tool. The deputy director walked over to stand against the wall, lacing her hands into a stirrup. Romanoff stepped into her hands, stretching up to the vent. She made quick work of the screws holding the metal grate in place. She jumped lightly to the ground and waited.
"You can come out now, Clint," she finally called.
After several moments, his head poked out. He glanced around in confusion, then shook his head. "I knew I should have taken a left at that last juncture."
Nat pointed at him, then at the ground in front of her. Grinning sheepishly, he slid out of the vent, executed a neat flip, dropping to the ground and somersaulting to pop up in the exact spot that Natasha had pointed out.
"Ladies," he greeted, looking around the room and nodding at each of the women before turning to focus on his lover. "Natalia." He leaned forward to kiss the tip of her nose.
Pepper frowned, then reached over to pick up her pad.
"Calling security?" Natasha asked.
The bride shook her head. "Making a note to get the air ducts cleaned."
"And alarmed," the assassin added, reaching over to pluck a dust bunny from Clint's hair.
"Wouldn't have figured you for a peeping tom," Jessica commented, looking at him with an upraised eyebrow.
"Peeping...? No, you've got it all wrong," the archer protested. "I wasn't peeping."
"Of course not," Nat purred. "You were just...what?"
He looked around the room wildly, finally focusing on the food table.
"Doughnuts."
"Doughnuts?"
"Doughnuts," he confirmed. "I really wanted a jelly doughnut and Thor already ate all the ones that they brought us, so I thought I'd check and see if you had any."
"You're checking up on me," Pepper stated.
He opened his mouth to protest, then closed it. "Yeah. I'm checking up on you. Tony's still afraid that you're going to change your mind."
"He's not drinking, is he?" she asked. "Because he tends to drink too much when he's nervous."
"Not to worry. He's told the Cap and Fury not to let him overindulge. Then, there's your brother."
Even though he was younger, Charles Potts was very protective of his sister and was still not entirely convinced that Stark was the right man for her. They had been all they had for several years. Their father had walked out of the family when Charles was 3, Pepper was 10, and their sister Marilyn was 13. Their mother had responded by climbing into a bottle and staying there until the ambulance had taken her away. Marilyn as the oldest child, had taken on the role as the head of the family. The stress and demands that had placed on the high achieving teen had led to an eating disorder that had eventually taken her from then as well.
"Please assure him I have every intention of meeting him at the end of the aisle," Pepper told him with a smile. "I expect him there, sober, and dressed."
"Yes, ma'am," Clint replied with a cocky smile and a salute.
Jane handed him a plate bearing several pastries. "Jelly doughnuts," she told him. "I would strongly suggest you eat what you want before you get back to Stark's rooms."
Natasha guided him towards the door, giving him a deep kiss before pushing him out.
The ladies returned to their chatter and their breakfast. Eventually, everyone returned to their own rooms except for Maria and Natasha. As attendants, they would be assisting the bride and each other in their preparations.
Hair and makeup done, the designer pulled out the garment bags containing their dresses. As she pulled them out, Pepper took two flat, square boxes from her desk and handed one to each of the other two women.
"Attendants gifts," she explained.
They opened the velvet boxes to find necklace and earring sets. Natasha's sported deep, red rubies and diamonds while Maria's set combined the diamonds with rich, blue sapphires, perfect complements for their dresses. After hugs and stern warnings to Pepper not to cry and mess up her makeup, the three returned to the task at hand.
Outside, guests were beginning to take their seats in the large, tented pavilion. The teammates, who considered both bride and groom family, were seated on the front few rows, spread on either side of the aisle. Clint, Nick, Phil, and Melinda were seated together. Even though there was plenty of security, habit had them all scanning the crowd and the venue, alert for any possible threat.
In a curtained off area at the front, Tony nervously fiddled with his tie.
"Is she out there? She's not there, is she? She's changed her mind."
Rhodey slapped at his hand and adjusted the piece of silk. "Of course she's there."
"Are you sure? Have you seen her? It's almost time to start and I haven't seen her yet."
"You're not supposed to see her until she starts down the aisle," his best man reminded him.
"Stupid, old fashioned tradition," the groom muttered. "I'm going to go check."
Just then, Steve poked his head in. "The ladies are in place," he assured the others. "As soon as the last few guests take their seats, the minister is ready to start."
"Pepper's here?" Tony asked again. "She's really going to go through with this?" He looked around at the others. "It's just that I've had so many things go wrong in my life. So many things taken from me. And I don't think I've ever wanted anything as much as I want this," he confessed.
Steve rested a hand on his shoulder. "She's really here, Tony. She's gorgeous and excited. And she loves you."
Tony looked at him a moment, took a deep breath, then nodded. "I am one lucky bastard, aren't I?"
"I wouldn't have used quite those words, but, yes. Yes, you are." The blonde man smiled. "Shall I let the minister know you're ready?"
Tony turned to Happy, who nodded, then to Rhodey. "You have the ring?"
"Ring? What ring?"
A look of panic crossed the billionaire's face as he started patting his pockets. "The wedding ring! I gave it to you, didn't I? I could have sworn I gave it to you. Happy? Did I give it to you?"
"Rhodes?" Steve looked sternly at the man, who finally relented and pulled the platinum band from his jacket pocket.
"Oh. You mean this ring?"
Tony glared at him. "You're fired, Rhodes. Steve? You want to be my best man?"
"Hey!" James protested, putting the ring back in his pocket. "Just trying to lighten the mood."
"Don't think you did," Happy muttered under his breath.
Stark glared at him for a moment longer, then turned to nod at Steve. "I'm ready."
Steve passed the information on to the minister, then slid into his seat, wrapping Beth's hand in his as she leaned to rest her cheek against his arm.
The minister took his position, nodding at the organist. She smoothly switched to the prelude music. Moments later, Tony stepped to the alter, Rhodey and Happy close behind him. Once they were in position, the minister nodded to the wedding coordinator in the back. She pulled the curtain back.
Next to Nick, Clint drew in a sharp breath as Natasha stepped through the gap. In defiance of common fashion knowledge, the redhead was dressed in an off the shoulder column dress of pale rose. The hem stopped just above her knees leaving her shapely calves bare. The peep toed pumps were a perfect match to the dress. She carried a bouquet of deep red roses and baby's breath, the colors mirrored in the jewelry she wore. More flowers were woven into her hair. The smile on her face was one of her rare, honest smiles.
Nick leaned forward, resting a hand on Clint's shoulder.
"Breathe, Barton."
The archer flashed him a quick grin, then turned his gaze back to Romanoff. She walked past them flashing them a heartstopping smile. Clint allowed his gaze to follow her up the aisle to take her place at he alter. As he continued to watch her, Nick turned back to the entry.
The curtain parted again and, suddenly, he was the one unable to breathe. Maria's outfit was identical to Natasha's, but in shades ranging from robin's egg blue to deep sapphire. It was the crystal blue of her eyes, though, that held his attention. She held his gaze for a moment, then glanced down, her lips curving in a smile that he imagined was for him.
A touch on his back was followed by a whisper in his ear. "Breathe, Sir." He glanced back to find Phil grinning at him. "Coworker, remember?"
Nodding his thanks, the director turned back to the aisle. Face expressionless, he nodded casually at her as she passed, just as he had nodded at Natasha. He hoped no one noticed any difference. He forced himself to turn his attention back in anticipation of the bride.
At the alter, Maria smiled to herself as she recalled Nick's reaction at her entrance. It had been slight. Subtle. And for her alone.
The music changed and the guests rose, ready for the appearance of the bride. Maria, though, turned her attention to Tony. She didn't attend many weddings, but she had discovered it much more interesting to watch the groom when he first caught sight of his bride. Especially, in this case, when she had already seen the bride.
Tony Stark didn't disappoint. While waiting, he radiated nervous energy, his foot tapping, fingers twitching as though performing some task. The moment Pepper entered, though, he went instantly and completely still. A peace settled over him, the contentment of a man who had found his center.
At the alter, Charles kissed his sister, then passed her hand to Tony. The wedding proceeded smoothly, Maria and Rhodey presenting the rings at the proper time, and Tony and Pepper dutifully followed the minister's prompts until he finally declared them man and wife.
While the photographer organized the wedding party for pictures, the rest of the guests were guided to the reception area where appetizers and champagne were offered. Nick studied the crowd, wanting to stay aware of the whereabouts of team members. He was pleased to notice Darcy and Maribel doing the same.
Thor, of course, was easy to spot. The burly blonde man simply couldn't help but draw attention. Steve and Beth stood to one side, talking quietly. Stark and Romanoff were in the other area taking pictures, Barton standing watch in there. Banner, of course, was his main concern. The man hated crowd situations and Fury hated situations that made the other man nervous. He sighed with relief when he finally spotted him, seated at an out of the way table, Jessica Sanchez at his side. The pretty nurse sat close, occasionally reaching over to stroke his hand, but neither seemed to feel the need to talk. Fury relaxed. Few people seemed to understand the doctor's desire for quiet.
Finally, the photographer finished and the bridal party joined them. Everyone took their seats and the catering staff rushed to get the meal on the table. Nick was certain the food was delicious, but he found himself distracted by the woman sitting next to him. The stunning woman that he couldn't reach over and touch the way he wanted to or even look at for too long at a time. A foot lightly caressing his leg reminded him that she felt the same.
Catching Phil's eye, he received a small, swift commiserating smile. He and Melinda were in the same situation, after all. In spite of the fact that both women had worked long and hard to achieve their positions within the agency, they all knew the assumptions that would be made if the relationships were to come to light.
When the meal was completed and the toasts made, staff quickly cleared away most of the tables to open space for dancing. A few tables remained around the perimeter for those needing a break. Tony and Pepper moved to the center of the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. When they had finished, Pepper turned, motioning for other to join them. Clint and Natasha were the first to do so, other couples soon streaming out on to the dance floor as well.
Nick watched with amusement, not sure which he enjoyed more: long time couples such at the Watkins, Clint and Nat, and Beth's grandparents who moved together with the comfort of long experience, or new couples, such as Beth and Steve, Darcy and Rhodey, and Jessica and Bruce, who were tentatively moving together, learning each others rhythm.
He saw Phil walk over, offering a hand to Maria. Though she shook her head, he insisted, taking her hand and leading her out onto the dance floor. She laughed as he spun her around. They moved together well and Nick found himself pushing down just a slight twinge of envy.
"Good thing we're not the jealous types," Melinda May commented under her breath as she sipped at her champagne.
"Yes, Agent May, it is," he agreed.
It wasn't long before Natasha arrived, pulling him out to join the crowd while Clint looped an arm around May's waist to draw her in as well. As the evening progressed, partners were exchanged and Nick and Maria finally found themselves together.
Though he couldn't hold her as close as he would like, he contented himself with the feel of her hand in his and the promise of 'later' in her eyes.
"You look very nice, Agent Hill," he told her.
"Thank you, sir." She looked around to be sure no one was near, then leaned close. "Wait until you see what's underneath it," she whispered.
The hand he had at her waist tensed and he groaned softly. After taking a moment to reign in his thoughts, he leaned towards her. "How long do we have to stay?"
Before she could reply, Tony tapped him on the shoulder, asking to cut in. With a bow, Nick passed her off to him and stepped away.
She smiled up at her new partner. "How's married life?"
"Well, I haven't messed up yet," he responded.
"Don't worry, You will."
He rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Hill."
"I am, confident, Stark. You're human. You'll mess up. So will she. But you'll work it out."
He considered a moment, then nodded. "Yeah. You're right. We'll work it out. Because I love her."
"Because you love each other," she corrected. "And because you know we all like her better and will seriously hurt you if you hurt her."
Laughing, he spun her around. "Yeah, that, too."
"Seriously, Tony. Don't ever forget that she does love you. I understand what it's like to spend your life feeling unloved. Thinking that you don't deserve to be loved. And how hard it is to believe that there's someone out there who does anyway. Accept it. Treasure it."
"I will if you will," he told her.
She thought about the night before on the beach. The moonlight on Nick's face.
"I think I can do that,"
Sometime later, she took an seat at one of the empty tables. She had just made a round of the venue, checking up on security, and slipped off her shoes to rest her feet for a moment. There was movement to either side of her as Natasha slipped into a chair to her right and Melinda the one on her left. Both carried glasses of champagne and the redhead handed another to Maria. The three sat silently watching the crowd on the dance floor.
"Nice wedding," Natasha commented.
"I suppose," Melinda replied.
"If one is into such things," Maria added.
Silence descended again.
"Nice dinner," Melinda finally said.
"I suppose," Maria agreed after a moment.
Natasha shrugged. "If one is into such things."
It was silent again. Maria had a feeling that her friends were up to something, but she would let them work around to it when they were good and ready.
Nat spoke again. "Nice ring."
"Peppers?" Maria asked. "Yes. I suppose so."
"No. Yours," the assassin corrected.
Maria glanced at her hand as though to remind herself of what she had on. She shrugged.
"I suppose. If one's into such things."
"That was my line," Melinda glared at her.
"Sorry."
"The thing is," Natasha continued, "I don't think I've ever seen it before."
Maria shrugged again. "Probably not. I don't wear jewelry very often, but this seemed like a good occasion to do so."
The redhead shook her head. "No, you don't. But it wasn't in that sorry excuse for a jewelry box you have, either." At the other woman's questioning look, she smiled. "I was looking at what you had when I was helping you get ready for your birthday date."
Melinda picked up the conversation. "Here in the states, women traditionally wear engagement rings on their left hand, but in some countries, it's the right hand."
Maria nodded. "Yes, I think I've heard that." Before either of the other women could continue, she pointed back at the party. "It looks like Tony and Pepper are getting ready to leave. We should probably go throw things at them." She slipped her shoes back on and rose from the table.
The other two looked at each other, then followed.
"All they have is birdseed, though." Nat grumbled.
After the newlyweds had take off in their helicopter for an undisclosed location, the party resumed. Some took their leave. For others, the dancing and drinking would continue far into the night. Tony had made arrangements with the staff to make sure everyone was taken care of and that those too impaired to make it home on their own would either be escorted or put up in a mainland hotel.
Nick managed to catch Maria's attention and inclined his head towards the house. She nodded her understanding and, after another security sweep, headed upstairs to her suite. She smiled at the sight that greeted her. A bottle of champagne and two glasses waited on the coffee table. Nick had removed his jacket and tie, unbuttoning the top shirt button. He sat in a chair, legs stretched out and feet resting on the coffee table. His head was thrown back, his eye closed.
She crossed the room, settling herself in his lap. "You're adorable when you're pretending to sleep."
He smiled, pulling her head down to rest on his chest. "Can't pull anything over on you, can I?"
"Nope. Well trained spy, after all."
They sat like that for several minutes, content in each others presence. His hand slid down the silk of her dress, coming to rest on her leg just below the hem. His eye popped open, gleaming and he smiled.
"Stockings?"
"Why don't you find out?"
His fingers slipped under the pale blue material and up her well muscled thigh, pausing when he encountered the lace top. He groaned, shifting to capture her mouth as his fingers trailed lightly across her thigh. The kiss deepened and his other hand snaked around to locate the zipper.
Reluctantly, she pulled away and stood up.
"Hold that thought," she told him.
He reached to pull he back. "I've been holding it all day, Maria. Much longer and some serious damage could result."
She moved away from his reaching hand. "I know. I'm sorry, but we have company coming."
"You invited company?"
"No. But these are they type who don't need an invitation."
"So, we don't let them in."
"They'd let themselves in," she replied.
She moved to the door just as a light tap sounded. When she opened it, a smiling Natasha held up four champagne glasses. "I wasn't sure if you had any here," she told them. Behind her, a puzzled looking Clint held an ice bucket holding two bottles of champagne. Maria stepped back, motioning for the duo to come in. They deposited their burdens on the low table and greeted Nick as Clint dropped into another chair and Natasha perched on the arm.
Nick glared at them. "Hi. Thanks for coming. What do you want?"
"Just a minute." Maria held up a finger. She had closed the door behind them, but still stood next to it. Several seconds later, she opened it again. This time, it was Melinda May who stood in the doorway, two empty glasses in one hand, a full bottle in the other. Behind her, Phil held a tray of appetizers. They also set what they were carrying on the small table.
"To what do we owe the displeasure of this interruption?" Nick growled.
Melinda took Maria's hand and sat her in the middle of the sofa. She sat next to her on one side while Natasha sandwiched her on the other. Phil took a seat on the arm behind Melinda.
"Maria," Nat told him. "All of this could have been avoided if she had bothered to answer a simple question earlier."
"You never asked me any question," Maria protested.
The other two looked at each other, replaying the conversation in their heads.
"Maybe not," Melinda admitted, "But it was implied."
"Interrogation 101," Maria replied. "Never answer a question that isn't specifically asked."
Nick glanced at Phil, then Clint. "Any idea what your women are talking about?" he asked.
Phil shook his head. "As usual, no. You?"
Clint shook his as well. "Just here because I was told to be."
Sighing, Melinda grabbed Maria's right hand and held it out, pointing at the ring.
Coulson smiled widely and turned to his boss. "She said 'yes?'"
May turned a glare his direction. "You knew about this, Phil?"
Still smiling, he shrugged. "He wanted a second opinion on the ring," he explained.
"And he asked you?" Natasha sputtered.
"Hey. I do know a few things about jewelry," he protested, looking pointedly at the bracelet around Melinda's slender wrist. "And I know Maria."
Clint leaned forward to examine the ring, still looking a bit confused. "So, what's the fuss about? It's a nice ring. Classy, but not gaudy."
"It's an engagement ring," his lover explained.
He looked at Maria, then Nick. The man smiled and shrugged. "I asked, she said yes."
The archer's face broke out in a wide smile and he moved to stand in front of her. He grabbed her hands, pulling her to her feet so he could wrap his arms around her and lift her off the ground. She laughed as he spun around before setting her back on her feet and kissing the top of her head.
Phil had stepped over to pull Nick into a hug. As he released the older man, he looked him hard in the eye. "Congratulations," he told him, but his look held a warning. Clint stepped close and slapped him on the back.
"That goes for us, too." Nick nodded, understanding that he meant the congratulations and the warning as well.
Natasha and Melinda both hugged Maria, letting that express their joy. Then, Nat stepped over to Nick, pulling his face down so that she and Melinda could kiss either cheek.
Meanwhile, Phil pulled Maria aside. He lifted her chin so he could look her in the eyes. He studied her for several moments, his eyes taking in the sheer joy on her face and the contentment that surrounded her. Finally, she pulled her close, feeling her arms tighten around him as he squeezed. When he turned loose, he gently kissed her forehead, then they both returned to the others.
Clint neatly popped the cork on a bottle of champagne, then filled the glasses everyone held up. Nick slid his arm around Maria as toasts were made. They assured the others that there were no firm plans yet, but that it would certainly not be the production they had just participated in.
Fine for Pepper and Tony, but not Nick and Maria's cup of tea.
There was also an agreement that, for now, anyway, the knowledge of the engagement would remain among the six in the room.
Draining his glass, Nick looked around. "I don't mean to be rude, guys, but..."
"Go away," Natasha finished with a laugh.
Fury looked at the other two men. "Stockings."
Both went wide eyed, then looked speculatively at their own dates. Melinda leaned close to whisper in Phil's ear. "And garters."
The agent swallowed hard and took her hand. "Hate to celebrate and run, but..." He started towards the door, then turned back and grabbed one of the bottles of champagne. May waved happily as he guided her out the door.
When Natasha shook her head, Clint looked slightly disappointed. Then, she leaned close and whispered something in his ear. Impossibly, his eyes went even wider. He handed her a bottle of champagne and two glasses, then lifted her, tossing her over his shoulder as he left the room without another word.
Maria closed and locked the door behind them, then turned to look at her fiancee.
"Now. Where were we?"
"Stockings," he said.
And that's another chapter complete. Thank you so much for your time. I'd absolutely love to know what you thought about it. (Pretty please?) You're all wonderful.
I've got some time off work, so hopefully, I'll be able to get some writing done, though I really should be cleaning my house. Then there's that pesky 'idea that won't leave me alone' that wanders in whenever I sit down to work. I guess we'll see what I can do. Until next time!