Chapter 4

The two weeks went by in a blur. And Betty found a dress. Thank god. And it even fits the dress-code. With a teeny tiny twist to it. But when she stood in front of the dress in the shop, she immediately fell in love with it. And ten minutes later when she stood in front of the floor length mirror and had to admit to herself, that she does look somewhat decent. Beautiful and sophisticated even. She knew that she had to call Claire. Just to check in. Asking if gold accents are a no go for the ball. And Claire said 'Gold accents don't count, dear'. Perfect.

So she gets herself ready. Takes a long soothing bath and treats her hair to a deep moisturizing hair mask. And when her hair is falling in big loose curls around her face and the natural make up is accentuating her eyes in the most beautiful way she's ever seen, she's speechless. Hilda is a magician. The way she takes strand after strand and pins her hair up into a messy up-do. It's compelling.

Slipping on the dress, she manages to zip herself up and puts on the matching delicate gold sandals. They're a little higher then her usual pumps are, but for tonight it will be alright. And the last thing she wants for today is to stick out like a sore thumb.

'Woah..., mami..., you look incredible. I love the dress', Hilda stands in the doorway to her bathroom and is blown away. Her sister looks so beautiful.

'Thank you, so you think it's alright? Even though it's white and gold?'

'Are you kidding me? The tiny gold moons and stars look stunning. And they're so tiny you don't even notice the shape of them on the first glance. Turn around for me real quick?', Hilda motions for her to turn in a circle. And Betty does. 'Wow, they are so pretty. They reflect the light in the most delicate way. And let me tell you. No one will notice. They're gonna be magnified by your boobs. Talk about being blessed by mother nature'

'Hilda', Betty blushes ferociously, when she sees how her sister is ogling at her.

'And now you're true perfection. The blush was the one thing that was missing', embracing Betty in a half hug, she takes her big bag and makes her way over to the apartment door.

'Thank you. I couldn't have done it without you. You're a lifesaver'

'Oh, please, you would've looked great either way. But you're welcome. And you know how much I love playing dress up with you', and with that Hilda walks out of her sisters apartment and leaves her to herself.

'Hey babe, Hilda let me in', Daniel calls over.

'Oh, okay. Give me one minute', Betty looks for the gold little clutch she snagged away from the Closet one year. Well, Christina saved it for her. Grabbing her lipgloss and keys, she throws them in the purse, grabs the black satin scarf and wraps it around her shoulders. 'You know that this is going to be the most colourless I will ever look?'

Opening her bedroom door, she takes a step out and looks for Daniel. And there he is, standing in the middle of her living room. Wearing his tuxedo and looking absolutely drop dead gorgeous. God, she's so lucky.

'Oh come on, it can't be... so... bad... . Wow..., you look..., uhm..., you look absolutely stunning', his mouth hangs open and his eyes are comically wide.

'Thank you', her blush keeps intensifying. The horny look written all over his face shows her just how much he really appreciates her dressing up like this.

'I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this', brushing over the white tulle skirt, she softly smiles at him.

'And I have to admit that it's not as bad as I thought it would be to wear something in black and white', slowly making her way over to him, she sees him checking her out the not-so-subtle-and-typical-Daniel-Meade way.

'How come? I thought you hate anything black, white, grey and brown', his smile stretches over his whole face, while taking her hand and making her circle one time. The skirt sways around her legs in the most delicate way, the little golden applications blinking and reflecting the light deliciously, before softly falling back in place around her legs.

'If it would've been plain white, I'd probably hate it. But I really like the little moons and stars. Makes it interesting. And when I asked your mom she said that gold accents don't count. She probably thought that I was talking about jewelry. But I thought, that's my opportunity to sneakily get away with this', her smile is too cute and he can't help but let is hands glide over the corset around her waist. Pulling her flush against his body, he places a lingering kiss against her forehead. Inhales her fruity scent for a couple seconds.

'I don't know if you will like hearing this. But even though it's white, it's still you. And you look so beautiful, babe'

'Like I said, I'm surprisingly not hating it. But can we please talk about how handsome you look in your tuxedo. So dashing', she snickers. Places a quick kiss to his cheek.

'Thank you. But I doubt anyone will notice me tonight. Your dress, the fitting..., believe they'll only have eyes for you. The heart shaped cleavage..., babe it looks so perfect on you', he almost whines. Comes pretty close to it and makes Betty laugh with his showing frustration.

'Ok, stop it. Lets get going. I don't want to be late. You're parents are probably already waiting', she entangles herself from his embrace and walks over to her door.

'They're gonna wait at the location', following her, he knows for sure, that he will have to fight of the other men. She's so unaware of how attractive she is. How insanely hot her curves are. Especially accentuated in such a tight corset. But it's alright. He won't leave her side and when it comes down to it, he makes sure to let the security guards know, to keep an eye out on her. Just in case.

Arriving at the hotel, Betty gets increasingly nervous. This is it. They're going to let the world in on their secret. That they're happily together. It's such a bizarre thought to her. Letting the world know. Though she knew it before. And that's how it's going to be from here on out. Daniel's one heir to the publishing mogul Bradford Meade. He is so well-known around the public. She tends to forget that. He absolutely loves it. Because to him it shows how much she cares about him. He's so used to women talking or being with him because of the status he can provide. But not Betty. She loves him for him.

'I will never get used to it', Daniel whispers in her ear, when they make their way down the black carpet and over to the big glass open entrance of the hotel. Walking past at least a dozen paparazzi and reporters. Who were screaming at them.

'DANIEL, OVER HERE'/'IS THAT YOUR NEW GIRLFRIEND?'/'WHO IS SHE?/'HOW LONG ARE YOU TOGETHER?'/'ARE YOU SETTLING DOWN AGAIN?'

'Hey Daniel, Betty, how are you?', Byron. Of course he's here. Perfect. The one reporter they both know. He's the one they can talk to comfortably and make it official. Daniel hoped that he would be here tonight.

'Byron, you're a lifesaver', Daniel greets him genuinely happy to see him.

'It's Suzuki when I'm working. So, you look comfortable together', Byron looks at them with one high-arched eyebrow. At the way Daniel's arm lays around her waist and keeps pulling her closer into his side. How Betty is adoringly smiling up at him. These two were close before. But now? Anyone with eyes can see that there is something else entirely going on.

'Yes, we are. And we were hoping you could spread the word in a nice way. Not to much over the top. When you know what I mean?', Daniel's eyebrow is almost hitting his hairline. Almost challenges Byron.

'Mmmh, let me think for a second. No problem. Just give me the facts'

'There's not much to say. We're dating for two and a half months'

'That's it? Anything else you like me to add? Cause that's not much'

'Add whatever you want. Make it sappy if you want to'

'It was love at fourth sight. The close proximity was too much. The sexual tension after she got a makeover too high'

'No, nothing like that. It grew out of our friendship. It has nothing to do with a makeover or close proximity. I just fall in love with my best friend', Daniel's so good at this. Navigating this kind of thing. She could never. Which is okay. It gives her a reason to hang onto his side and not let go.

'That is sappy, Daniel. But okay, I can work with that. And don't worry, I will make it tasteful'

'Thank you, we will see you around', Daniel takes Betty's hand in his and starts walking over to the entrance.

'Hey Betty, you look lovely', Byron says with a proud smile. He remembers her crazy outfits so well. She grew up so much.

'Thank you, Suzuki', and with that they are inside and look around for his parents.

'I'm so glad we're inside. I hate those damn paparazzi and reporters. Byron is different. But the others? I don't need them', slinging his arm around her waist, he pulls her into his body and kisses her passionately for a few heady seconds. Makes her weak in the knees. And out of the corner of her eyes she notices the storm of flashlights going off. They're all trying to get the money-shot. Daniel Meades new girlfriend. Tomorrow they will be one of the headlines. But who cares? If it feels this right to be with someone?

'Good evening Betty, son', Claire and Bradford. Betty totally forgot about them. Daniel made it too easy. Distracting her in the most efficient way. And when she has a clear head again, she gives them both her most luminous smile.

'Claire, it's so nice to see you', embracing her in a bone crushing hug, Betty thinks back six weeks. How afraid she was when they first told their families. And how unfounded their worries were.

'Betty, you look stunning. And now I understand what you meant by gold accents. I was so confused and wondered this whole time what you're going to wear', holding her out in front of her to take her in. Claire loves the small blush on Betty's cheeks. She looks as if she's glowing from the inside. Pure happiness is written all over her face. And her sons too. They both never looked more beautiful.

'Bradford', Betty says small and smiles at him.

'Betty, it's lovely to see you. You look very beautiful', and holding out his arm to her, she easily takes it. Places her hand in the crook of his elbow and he leads her into the ballroom.

The evening was great. Betty had so much fun. Socializing like there's no tomorrow on Daniel's arm. And Bradford realizes, that she will be a real contribution to their family. She fits right in. Is as passionate about publishing as he ones were and still is. She's smart and has a well-read knowledge about any kind of topic. No matter what, he doubts that anyone can take her off guard.

And Daniel is so proud. You can see it from a mile away. The little glint in his eyes betraying his feelings about her. They make a wonderful couple and fit so well together. Claire said so herself. And when they sat down for a little while to catch their breath, they examined them for a few short minutes. How well they seem to complement each other. How they finish each others sentences. Or the way Betty whispers little facts into Daniel's ear, before greeting another designer or business partner. And their company is absolutely delighted by them. They are indeed a wonderful team.

And at the end of the evening, when all four took a towncar, Claire can't help but admire the two. The second they slid into the car, Betty melted into their sons side. Lays her head on his shoulder and takes his hand in hers. Plays with his fingers. Moves them around, outlines their shape and softly massages them. Is in her slightly tipsy condition absolutely unaware of Bradfords and Claires presence.

And when she presses a kiss under his jaw, Claire sees for the first time the full effect Betty has on her son. The way his eyes snap to hers and capture them. The look so intense. As if he doesn't want to let go. As if he wants to look bone deep. How they seem to change colour from a bright ocean blue to a stormy grey-blue. But when Betty sticks her tongue playfully out and winks at him, he can only chuckle low under his breath. Cups the back of her head and leads her to him for a few quick but sensual kisses. It's probably for the best, that Bradford and Claire will get out in a couple short minutes. Then the two can enjoy the rest of their evening. Celebrating this milestone in their relationship. It must feel great to finally have this weight lifted off of their shoulders.

She can't imagine how hard it must be for their son. Bradford and her got married before he build up this empire. But Daniel? He grew up in the spotlight. Was known for being one of two heirs. Grew up as the second in line. Alex. Bradfords golden son. Daniel always felt second best. Bradford made him feel that way. They all did. It's not just her husbands fault. Alex always competed against him. It's what their dad implemented in them. You have to smell blood in water. But Daniel is a loving and harmonious soul. He couldn't be as ruthless as his dad and brother. And after Alex accident, he slowly drifted away. Pushed away by his heartless father, not seen by his drunk mother, he closed himself off. Didn't expect anything from them. And became known as the womanizer and screw up son. The only heir left. The one who one day would take over for his dad and ruin the whole company.

Only now, when she looks at him, with Betty at his side. She only sees the sweet and caring side of him. The one he had when he was a little boy. Comforting her, when Bradford would put work above his family time and time again. She sees the man she always knew he would be. If only they would've been able to support each other the way they needed to. Be their for one another. It's her biggest regret. That she didn't protect him better. That she let Bradford mess with his mind. But by hiring Betty, Bradford made up for it. Not knowing, how much it really will effect their sons life. And Betty taught him one lesson after the other. Made him see that you don't have to change to be loved. That you're okay the way you are. It's ok to make mistakes. We're only human. But we have to learn from them and next time? You will know. You will do it differently. She showed him, that you don't have to be ruthless or cold-hearted to be successful. That just because he's not like his father, it doesn't mean that he will never be good enough. He has other strengths. Being compassionate and having empathy is not a weakness. It's a skill.

And four years later here they are. Wrapped around each other, smiling lovingly at each other and softly trading kisses between hushed conversations. It's the most beautiful thing she ever saw. If someone deserves this. It's their son and Betty. They both been through so much. Alone and together. And to Claire, it's a testament to their friendship. To their love for one another.

'Hey babe', Betty says, walking into his office, lets her little duffle bag fall to the ground next to his office door. The light yellow summer dress with the cute ruffles along the neckline and shoulder straps, is absolutely perfect for a trip to the beach. It's a little shorter than her usual dresses and ends an inch above the knee. And it flairs so beautifully behind her whenever she walks. He can imagine her so well. Standing on the beach, feet buried in the sand, a soft breeze moving the skirt of her dress playfully around her legs. While gazing off into the distance and admiring the sunset. The light blue and white striped wedged sandals with the little lemons on them would lay abandoned next to a picnic blanket. And they could snuggle down. With a glass of wine and an extra blanket. 'You okay? You kind of zoned out on me'

'Huh...? Oh, yeah, of course. I was just thinking', he says, immediately starts packing up his things. Throws a quick look on the clock on the wall. She's early.

'Hey Betty, how are you?', his new assistant Gunnar greets. Stoping in his tracks, he lets out a quick whistle. 'Wow, don't you look summer-y. He's a lucky guy, you know?'

'Yup, he is. And guess what, he knows it too', Daniel tells him, while watching him collecting all the files and papers off of his desk. And with his trademark lopsided smirk in place asks 'What are you doing?'

'Tidying up your mess', Gunnar says challenging.

'Hey now, I got better'

'Daniel, literally every file is in a different order. I'm not complaining here, I swear. It's just, I like to start my weekend knowing everything will be in place when I come back. You know how thorough I am', he explains, takes the folders and walks back to his desk. And Betty can't help but snicker at the two. This must be how they always looked. Gunnar really is a male 'Betty'. And gay as a rainbow. Just like Marc. Only extremely nice and sweet. With a soft spot for Betty.

Rolling his eyes at his new assistant, he follows Betty on her heel. Enjoys the little twist in her hips. 'Subtle Daniel'

And Daniel tries to focus on something else. Really. But the way she bends over to grab her bag. How her dress hikes up at least two inches. God, what would he give for another weekend alone with her. He would tie her to his bed, and just...

'Daniel, stop talking about tying me up', she hisses, hand claps over his mouth.

'Did I just..., sorry, I just really love this dress. You look so beautiful today', he says. And crushing her to him, he plants a passionate kiss on her, before leaving her completely alone. He needs to get out of here. This dress and her curves are getting to him. 'Ok give my your bag, I'll need a distraction. Something to do'

She points to the little bag. 'I'm not going to bend down again. So, if you could get it?' She gives him her sweetest smile.

'I'll get it', he says, brushing his hand softly up against the back of her leg, when he straightens his position again. She jumps a little, muffling her screech at the last minute behind her hand. 'And you hurry up. We don't want to be late', he calls over his retreating back.

That gorgeous jerk. She's going to get back at him for that. And if it's the last thing she'll do.

It's a two to three hour car ride over to the Meade summerhouse. How he does it without directions is oblivious to Betty. She would've taken at least ten wrong turns. If not more.

When they drove out of Manhattan and took a turn on the highway along the coast his right hand finds Bettys. Giving it a little squeeze. And he looks so great. The blue jeans, the light grey sweatshirt. He looks so relaxed and carefree. And the way his shirt hugs his arms and chest muscles. All the workouts are really paying off.

'You like what you see?', he teases and takes a fleeting look at Betty, before he concentrates on the road again.

'Mmmh..., you have no idea', she teases back, biting her lower lip. In the way she just recently discovered makes him a little crazy. She lets her hand glide over his buff arm muscles and shoulders. Slipping into his collar, her fingertips softly ghost over his smooth, hot skin.

'Your playing with fire, babe', he groans. She sees his grip on the steering wheel straining. She loves that she has this effect on him. Betty moves over a little, presses her upper body against his arm. Brings her mouth next to his ear.

'It's a good thing I like it hot', she whispers into his ear, her hand slips out of his collar and sensually travels down his chest and abdomen. Slowly inching under his shirt and letting her fingertips dance over his taught muscles.

'Babe, we need to take a brake if you keep that up', he groans, his knuckles turn white.

'Tell me what you're thinking', her wet lips move against his ear with every word. Her hand under his shirt ghosting over the waistband of his jeans.

'You..., me..., on the backseat...', he rasps out. His throat dry, voice thick with need. He tries to swallow, but that only seems to make it worse.

'Mmmh, what's stopping you, babe', taking his earlobe between her teeth, she drives her left hand through his hair, before softly raking her nails over his scalp.

'Our..., uhm..., time schedule..., and the fact..., that I'm still driving', he gasps out between swallows. Her fingers on his waistband slowly inching lower, moving over the very obvious bump and come to a stop on his thigh.

'What a shame. It sounded so hot', she gasps out, her thumb softly grazing his thigh with every swipe.

'Mmmh..., babe..., really..., I'm dying here', he gasps. His breaths are heavy and shallow. His chest heaving.

'If you want me to behave, say the word. Your wish is my command', wet lips move up against his neck, her nose bumping against his ear, before taking his lobe between her teeth again.

'Hell, I don't want you to behave at all. I love this side of you. But I can't drive like this. So, I need you to behave', he groans.

'Alright', she says playful and bounces back onto her seat. Brilliant but mischievous smile on her face, fishing for her bottle of water and taking a sip.

'Wait, this was..., you did that on purpose, didn't you?', he asks shocked, realization hitting him hard. He's been played by Betty. Oh, she's good.

'I have no idea what you're talking about', she says innocently. But Daniel can see right through her.

'Damn, do you have any idea how much that hurts?'

'I'm sorry, I didn't think it would be such a big deal. I just thought...', she starts to apologize.

'No, I mean physically. Really, you women have it so easy. We men are the ones who really suffer when we're turned on. I'm regretting the jeans now more than ever', he groans.

'No, don't regret the jeans. They look so good on you', she says flirty.

'Betty, you're not making this any better. Stop saying things like that. I need to think about something else', he calls out frustrated. Uncomfortably adjusts his seat position. Trying to give himself a bit more space, by nudging his jeans.

Betty can see the fleeting annoyed looks he gives her. She tries to remain as quite as possible, to give him time to sort his situation out. When he suddenly groans out.

'This is impossible', he swears under his breath. And her uncontrollable giggle bubbles out of her. The dirty look he throws her way, definitely seals the deal. Betty can't keep her laughter in anymore. She laughs so much, tears slip over her cheeks and breathing turns increasingly hard. 'You know, I really think you should help me out here. You made this mess. You should definitely handle it'

'And now we're even, Meade', she chuckles.

'Huh, what did I do?'

'You mean, talking about tying me up, and touching me in front of Gunnar already slipped your mind? And the dirty looks I got, when you called through the whole office to hurry up? You haven't noticed any of that?', she says, eyebrows arched.

'Oh, uhm, no, not really. Sorry', he says soft.

'It's a good thing I'm not resentful', she smiles.

'You're not? Then what the hell happened here?', he says, pointing down to his lap.

'Like I said, I'm not resentful. But I liked the thought of a little revenge', she smiles wickedly. Her hand glides warm over his arm. 'Come on, I will help you out', she whispers, moving closer, taking his earlobe between her teeth again, her hand migrating further down, leading him on for a few seconds, before moving away from him completely. 'Think about Wilhelmina, or Amanda's pooped up little rat of a dog with dementia and gastrointestinal problems. Think about how he always pooped on your rug in the office or...'

'He did what?', shit, Betty forgot, that Daniel doesn't know that. Well, he didn't, until now. And he wasn't supposed to find out. Like ever.

'Focus! There are far more important things than that. Is it helping so far?'

'I guess, not significantly though', he says darkly. 'You made it worse'

'I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist..', she smiles. 'Ok, think about Marc and how he runs. You love that. You think it's so funny. Think about that'

'You know what? That really helps. I think I'm good', he says happy.

'Don't sell yourself short, babe. You're so much better than just good', she says sensual, biting her lower lip and throwing a suggestive look over to him.

'Betty, I'm so getting back at you for this', he calls out. Shaking his head. Playing the picture of Marc and how he runs over and over again, until he feels the pressure subside and the pain slowly fade away.