Chapter 16

Never in her life did she feel this deliriously happy, gloriously carefree, at ease and completely satisfied. She can't find the right words. They all just scrambled out of her mind. And she doesn't care. Not one bit. Her body is too mind-numbingly relaxed. Their first time together was absolutely mind-blowing. She knew that they have a special connection and thought before that they're going to be good together. Daniel said it himself. But she would've never thought, that it could be this amazing. She doesn't have enough superlatives to describe how incredible this was. Being that close to him. As close as humanly possible? God, she wanted this for the longest time.

Turning her head around, she sees a still panting Daniel with clenched eyes laying next to her. Sprawled out on the bed. They are both trying to regain their breath. And her stomach flips a few times, when she sees the slight rose blush colouring his cheeks from the earlier exertion. Rolling onto her side and into his body, she curls herself around him. Drawing little pictures with her fingers onto his stomach, she looks up into his face. Searching his eyes, his lopsided grin is lighting up his face. His arm around her shoulders draws her even closer into his body. Stretching up a bit, she places a row of wet hot kisses on his neck and under his jaw. She can't get enough of him, of his scent, his skin, the way his soft hand is stroking over her back. She feels herself shiver in his arms. His touch remembering her of what they just did and filling her with heady thoughts.

'Are you cold?', his slurry voice is small and hoarse. He doesn't even wait for her answer, gathers up the comforter to cocoon them in. Creating a more intimate bubble, if that's even possible.

'No', she admits softly. Looking him in the eyes. Letting him see what's in them. Makes himself shiver with the meaning behind them.

'Yeah, me too', he whispers in her hair, placing soft kisses on her temple while taking her scent in.

'You're not allowed to get cocky about this, but this was the best sex I've ever had. Like in my whole life', Betty sighs.

'Yeah, I feel like all those years I've done it wrong. This was otherworldly amazing, incredible, mind-blowing...', she hits him on the chest. Giggling sweetly.

'Stop it, we have to be honest with each other. No need to exaggerate'

'Betty, I'm being honest here. God damn it, I still can't look straight again. I've never felt like this. With no one. Not during sex. Not ever. I guess that's what it's like when you're with the one person, you're supposed to be with', he desperately tries to explain. He takes her hand in his, intertwines their fingers and kisses her knuckles.

'You're supposed to be with me?', her mischievous flirty little smirk makes his heart skip a beat.

'Hell, yeah. You're absolutely perfect for me, I love you like crazy and I can't imagine my life without you', he whispers against her temple.

'Careful, babe, or someone might think you are proposing', she chuckles.

'No, not right now. You deserve so much better', his hand cups her head, his fingers tangled in her curly mess. His look so serious and open. He means it. He really means it. That's what he wants for them. A life together. Getting married one day, have children, growing old together. It's a maddening effect that knowledge has on her. Especially when her own little fantasy is starting to play in her mind again. It all makes it very hard to breath for her. Cause she wants that with him too, obviously. It's freaking her out. The fact that she is so completely at ease with it all. They are together for three months, just made love for the first time and she's so completely ready to make a permanent commitment. And she's not just at ease, no, she is excited about the possibility. What it will hold for them. The thought of making her little fantasy come to life, has a heart-racing and mind-juggling effect on her. She never felt like that.

And her silence must've freaked him out. His look is now more panicked than loving. Daniel is searching her eyes, trying hard to not jump to conclusions. Probably thinking that he scares her away when he talks about them like that. Oh, if only he knew.

'Hey, don't freak out on me. I know we're in this together and that you want this. But hearing you say it out loud is still a little different. And I can't believe my luck, because I really want that with you, too. And I really don't care how. Our relationship is so unconventional that I couldn't care less. But if 'how' is important to you, then it's important to me', her hand cups his cheek, pulls his head down to hers. The kiss sweet, tender and with their revelations attached to it, so much more intimate then the sex they just had.

'I want a future with you, Betty, so badly. I know that the phenomenal sex we just had, makes me want to make that kind of commitment even more. Knowing what an amazing connection we have. That this is not just me, but us. I never want to let you go. But we can take our time either. Enjoy what we have. There's no need to jump ahead. I know you're not going to run away', his sweet tender voice warms her heart. She loves the sound of what he's saying. Taking their time, enjoying and enjoying and maybe enjoying a little more. Yeah, she really loves the sound of that.

'Mmmh, I'm stuck on the enjoying part, babe', she says, her fingers seductively drawing a straight line down the length of his upper body. He catches her hand and rolls them over. Pressing her into the mattress with his own weight.

'Enjoying, yeah, that's the best part. Sounds so much better when you say it', he whispers against her lips and makes her forget the world around her.

Saturday began with a stumble. Literally. They stumbled giggling and touching all the way downstairs, into the kitchen. They can't keep their hands off of each other, grinning like two idiots. Their first night together was passionate to say the least. And it leaves Betty wanting him even more then before. But as much as Betty wishes to stay in bed forever with him. Right now she needs food. And Daniel did start cooking lessons a few weeks ago, just like he said. And surprising to them both, he's not half bad. He can do a few things really well. And a tasty omelet is one of those things. When Daniel starts to lay out all the ingredients and begins to chop up peppers, Betty hops up on the kitchen island, observing his every move. He looks so comfortable in his sweats and t-shirt and the way he whips up the eggs and adds everything together.

Handing her a cup of coffee, he gets a pan out and starts cooking the egg. He looks so sexy cooking for her. Making sure she's well fed all the time. Taking care of her in every way possible. And since last night satisfying her every need. It's all she can do to not jump him again. He's like a drug. All the exploits were not wrong about him. One Ex of his once said that he's like riding a rocket to the moon. And boy, she's not wrong. Before she thought she might be intimidated by the amount of experience he has. That she might feel weird about it. Knowing so much about his past. But after last night she couldn't care less. She's as happy as she could be, cause when it comes down to it - she is the one who reaps the benefits of all those years.

'You ready to try my special omelet?', his smirk teasing.

'Feed me already. I'm starving', she whines, opens her mouth.

'If someone wouldn't have been so insatiable, we could've ate a while ago', he feeds her a forkful of the omelet. Makes sure not to drop the hot egg on her.

'Mmmmh, oh my god, this is really good, give me the plate, please', she hops down, grabs the plate and fork and plops down on the couch. 'And I didn't hear you complain earlier'

His chuckle is deep and warms her insides, while he prepares another omelet for himself before sitting down beside her. 'That's because I wasn't'

Putting her plate away she leans back, looks at him. The contend little smile, his bright cerulean eyes and how relaxed he seems. He's still eating his breakfast. Is really taking his time. And Betty really wants to give him all the time he needs to savour every single bite. But she also wants her dessert.

'Have I told you how hot you look in my shirt?', his charming lopsided grin makes her swoon. She feels giddy and her body is slowly overheating again.

'Yes, you have. The second I'd put it on', biting her lower lip, she eyes him head to toe. How his shirt hugs his amazing frame. 'Have I told you, that I love when you look so comfortable? Makes me so hot'

'No, you have not'

'Mmmh, yeah, now I remember that I didn't. I thought it would be cruel to torture us like that', her voice a seductive purr. She scoots over, sitting right next to him. Presses her upper body to his side. Her breasts brushing against his arm. Stretching up, she takes his earlobe between her teeth, nibbling on her very own favourite Meade treat. Her hand softly gliding over the inside of his upper thigh.

'God, babe, let me finish eating, please. If I want to keep up with you, I need to have my proteins', he groans, begins to swallow his food as fast as possible.

'Hurry up, I want my dessert', she whispers, licking a trail down his neck, sucking on his skin. The moan he lets out so sinfully sensual. He puts the plate on the coffee table and is all over her.

'You'll pay for that. I can't even enjoy my breakfast', he pushes her down on the couch, begins to unbutton the shirt she's wearing.

'You promise?', she moans out when she feels his hands on her body and forgets for another glorious hour about everything else in the world.

Their weekend together was as enjoyable as it could be. They explored this new aspect of their relationship thoroughly. And it still wasn't enough. Betty was never before in her live, that turned on. She was constantly ready to jump his bones. They could've just finished and she was ready to go again. And yes, of course one reason was cause the sex was so good, amazing, phenomenal. But most of all, she wanted to be as close to him as possible. Feeling his skin on hers is the most delicate and electrifying feeling she ever witnessed.

Daniel could've never predicted that the connection they shared inside the bedroom will be just as mind blowing. It just confirms to him that Betty was the one. He really believes what he told Betty. That he is supposed to be with her. That there is no one else for him. No one that could make him feel this way. And Betty, well she was so incredibly hot. He would've never thought that she would be so - passionate. Though he knew, that she was passionate about her job and family and friends, really everything in life. He never thought that that would also translate to - well passion. She is all over him. Can't keep her hands to herself. She was always touching or kissing him. Snuggling close to him while watching a movie, which lead in no time to a hot round of lovemaking on the couch, or the ottoman, or the rug. She was inventive and creative when it comes to sex. He feared that she would feel weird about this part of their relationship, because of his past, but she surprised him. Because what he haven't thought about in his love-dazed brain is, that Betty could be a natural. Where he has experience, she has the bonus of being absolutely genius and a quick study. She already knows more about what turns him on and riles him up, than anyone else ever did or will. After just two days. It's crazy.

Going into work on Monday feels glorious. Betty stayed the whole weekend. Said that it would be more population- friendly if the town car would bring two people into city. Which gave them another night and morning to celebrate. Daniel loved it.

When it comes to work, they did talk about it. It was a fairly short talk, that was bound to happen. They needed a plan, how to deal with it. And they're decided not going to hide their relationship. It will be better if they're going to be open about it. Otherwise it could look really bad and the last thing Betty wants right now, is to create more tension. She already is nervous enough to go back after three month. And she can at least admit to herself, that one reason is her relationship with Daniel. She feels like she is forgetting something important. Something obvious that she can't grasp. But come Monday morning she gets ready, tries to make up for three month of absence by wearing this burgundy wrap-dress with her polka dotted pumps. And tells her mind to settle down. If she can't figure it out, then it's probably not important.

'I wasn't this nervous on my very first day as your assistant', Betty mumbles, watching the numbers fly by, as they stand in the elevator making their way up.

'Don't be, you have no reason too', his arms encircle her, drawing her close and placing a sweet kiss to her temple.

'Please, don't start what you can't finish', her hands gliding over his arms.

'Huh? I'm just giving you a reassuring hug. I'm not starting anything', he chuckles into her hair. She's so cute when she's frustrated.

'Yeah, well, too late', the deep sigh so comical, that Daniel nearly burst out laughing. How refreshing this little role reverse is. 'Stop laughing, that's not nice. How would you feel if I would turn the tables?', an annoyed Betty slaps him on the chest.

'Come on, we've done nothing but hug for four years. We should be fine'

'Babe, this is four years of pent-up sexual tension. My libido is trying to catch up with my feelings', she sighs, her head hanging low.

'I get it. And I swear to you, I feel the same', his groan low. And it travels through her entire body. Travels through her veins, makes her heart skip a beat. Every nerve in her body heightened. Her mind is filled with heady memories from their weekend together. And pushes him away - forcefully. Needs to get away from him.

'Don't touch me. I'm going crazy. I can't focus and I really need my head in the game today'

'Alright', he says lightly over the 'bing' of the elevator.

The first work day was overwhelming for Betty. She had no idea how much she missed. And the fact that Daniel and her were being more than just friends didn't help. On the contrary. It made everything sort of worse. And made her realize what she haven't thought about this whole time. The thing she thought wasn't important? Yeah, turns out it is. Because technically, Daniel is still her boss. With her being in recovery, she never really thought about it. It crossed her mind one, two, three times, sure. And didn't she say it last Friday? I'll be back on Monday, boss. That's what she said. She can be so dense sometimes.

But now, being back at work, she does think about it. All the time. How couldn't she, when the looks from some of her co-workers made her realize what she overlooked so completely. When they heard that Daniel and Betty are an item they weren't shocked. They were predicting it. There was even a betting-pool. It was absolutely crazy. Some even thought they had an affair all those years. And the worse part is, that it made Betty think about her own position at MODE. Because she knows now, that a lot of them assumed she got that far, because her relationship with Daniel. That she worked her way up at MODE, by sleeping with Daniel. That was never what she wanted. Yes, she knows her own worth. She knows she earned this position - fair and square. But it bugged her, that her co-workers didn't. What does it say about her, when her own colleagues think that otherwise she would've never gotten the position? So she made a decision. A really hard one. She doesn't like it. And she knows that Daniel will absolutely hate it. But it's about time.

So, this evening when Daniel worked after hours and Betty stayed back to catch up with what she had missed. She ordered dinner at their favourite Thai restaurant and prepared herself for the conversation with her own little pep talk, before making her way over to his office.

'Hey, you hungry?', Betty stood in his office door, dangling the take out bag in front of her. Signals him to drop his work and get cozy with her.

'God, you're amazing. I forgot about dinner. I have so much paperwork, my fingers are getting crampy', getting up he steps closer to the chaise, helps her to get everything set.

'Yeah, you usually do on days like this. That's why I figured I should just get ahead', Betty's smile brilliant.

'Look at that smile. It must feel good to be back at work. A little overwhelming but all in all good, huh?', his fingers graze her cheek softly.

'Yeah, it's good to be back', the sigh a bit too deep.

'What? What is it?', he looks panicked already. Way to go, Betty. You really suck at this.

'Nothing, everything's fine, don't jump to conclusions', she reassures him.

'There is a 'but'. I know it. I can see it'

'Yeah', she says under her breath. This will not be easy. She doesn't know how to soften this blow. Feels like there is no good way of telling this 'You are right, there is a 'but'. Promise me to listen to me. And don't interrupt me. I need to get this off my chest. It's not easy', her expectant look pierces into his eyes. And he can only nod.

'Ok, so, being back at work feels deliberating. I missed it so much, but it also made me realize what I haven't thought about for these entire three months. Daniel, you are my boss. Of course, I knew that. But I guess because of our friendship it's sometimes harder for me. To acknowledge it? Have it always present in the back of my mind? Because when it comes down to it your my best friend first and then my boss. I don't know if that makes any sense? And the fact that I wasn't at work, probably made it so much easier for me to oversee this important little bit? Though I kind of knew from the beginning, that what we're doing is against company policy. But I guess I pushed it down. And being back now, makes it feel weird. And I don't want that. I don't want to feel weird at work. I don't want my co-workers to assume that I got to where I am, because of the right friend- or relationship. They already think that. You don't have to say anything. I know, it's not like that. But it doesn't change the fact that I don't like it. Daniel, I..., I..., god this is so hard. I can't work at MODE anymore. I need to find a new job', Betty looks up at him, sees his panicked features relax and letting out a deep breath. He puts his noodles down, takes her hands in his.

'I would be lying if I said that I haven't thought about it. Shortly after our very first talk and mom seeing us, I talked to her. She said she supports whatever decision we are making. That she would be fine with us both staying where we are. Said she wouldn't like to loose a good employee like you. That she knows that we would be nothing but professional at work. For your sake. I told her that we would talk about it. Give her a heads up. But being at work without you, I couldn't bring myself to talk to you. I missed you too much. I knew this was inevitable. I knew it ever since our first year here together. You were too bright, too clever to be stuck at a magazine like MODE', his head hangs low. His eyes downcast at their intertwined hands.

'You keep surprising me. I like that', she winks at him, makes him chuckle. 'It's good to know, you are aware of our problem. Makes this so much easier'

'But Betty...', she holds up one hand to silence him.

'Don't worry, I won't give you my two weeks notice just yet. The job market being as it is, I would be dumb. But as of today, I guess I'm looking'

'I hate this', he folds his arms around her, embraces her in a comforting almost painful hug. Almost.

'Hey, look on the bright side...'

'What bright side, Betty?', Daniel interrupts her a little desperatere.

'We still have lunchtime. I make sure to reserve it for you. And there are long evenings and nights. Early mornings...', Betty trails off, looking up at him through her long lashes. Biting her lower lip thinking about this mornings activities. 'It gives us even more reasons to stay over at one of our places'

'I like the way your thinking, babe', bending down, Daniel places a few warm appreciative kisses along her hairline.