A/N: The chapter is rated M towards the end. If you are avoiding this type, kindly skip the end part. It was not intentional, but I guess having the person you love for several years alone with you would just make the walls of self-control go tumbling down. A big thanks for the kind readers who generously gave their comments and followed through the story. It is about to reach the end in the coming two chapters. Again, thanks for joining the ride in taking our favorite couple to many adventures a misadventure.

It was one of the happiest Christmases CC had ever had, spending Christmas with Niles ad his family and friends. It was like having a normal, happy family. Although Niles' behavior toward her had been volatile; the first few three days hard and insulting with bouts of sexual desire, temperamental and irritable the next but as days progressed he gradually changed to warm and caring which was completely out of character for his usual treatment of her, yes he was warm and kind but not to her, to Nanny Fine and the Sheffields-yes but not to her. She was beginning to love it. It felt wonderful having someone look after her and care for her for a change. She certainly hoped Niles was not doing this for the kill. But it's Christmas, he might do that at a different time but certainly not Christmas. It's probably safe to let her guard down.

CC enjoyed the quiet Christmas Eve dinner with only Niles and his parents. After everyone left, CC helped Niles put away the few leftovers and load the dishes in the dishwasher albeit bringing a maid next time did cross her mind to make things easier, she really didn't mind helping Niles out in the kitchen. It allowed her to watch him closely, and exchanged more normal conversations with him, one they don't get to do much at the Sheffields. Most of the time all they did was exchange zingers, torment and insult each other. But that day as they were alone in the kitchen, he genuinely inquired how she was; Was there something he could do to make her more comfortable? How did she find Oxfordshire? Was she enjoying her vacation? Was there something she wanted to do or visit before they go back to New York?

His questions caught her by surprise. She was honestly enjoying herself just spending time with him and his volatile attitude. Since they still had a few more days, she asked him if he could take her to see a British Castle. Although she had been to England several times, she had not visited any castle, except outside the Windsor Castle.

"CC, I could take you to Warwick Castle and have us spend a night or two there before going back to New York. How does that sound?"

Niles didn't know what came over him to blurt out a sudden overnight invitation but to his immense relief, this seemed to delight CC.

"Sounds wonderful. Does it have a spooky and mysterious atmosphere?" inquired CC.

Niles laughed. "Not at all, in fact, it now looks like an amusement park with all the activities they have included for the family. Let me make the arrangement."

This Christmas indeed turned out to be a real treat for CC. She experienced a lot of first-time experiences in this vacation, and she experienced them all with Niles. First time she rode a cross-country train, first time she spent a warm and fun Christmas holiday who liked her company, she also experienced how it was to interact with a little girl. It made her realized kids weren't so bad after all specially if they admire immensely.

Niles taught her how to stir and make a batter for the cookies, and how to make a pasta sauce, and eggnog. Since she wasn't really taking notes, she's most likely would forget it anyhow once they return to New York. CC was amazed at the roasted a turkey that Niles had made for their Christmas Eve dinner as she saw it from the time Niles got it from the grocery to the time he made the cranberry sauce and chestnut stuffings. The family settled to the living room where there was a roaring fireplace to keep them warm and cozy while they open the Christmas presents.

"Oh, I love this!"

CC's heart soared upon seeing the delighted expression of Niles's father as he opened CC's present. CC couldn't decide what to buy them, press for time, she went to the closest clothing outlet when she entered Bicester Village. She wanted to give them something they could use, something that would last to remember her by. Shirts were harder to assess for the right size, so she thought of jackets or coats, something they can use for the Fall or Winter season.

"I look like Dick Tracy!"

Edward tried on the long buff colored Burberry coat and showed it off to Niles and his wife by doing a few poses that made Niles burst into laughter until he noticed the small logo.

"My father admires Warren Beaty so that coat is a plus," he told CC.

He was very appreciative that CC made a big effort to find his parents something for Christmas, but he didn't want her splurging so much as they were not her in laws just yet... oh why did he thought of CC in that context. He was seeing her more and more as the woman he'd like to brig home to his parents. He sighed wasn't that just what he did?

He didn't want his parents or anyone else to think she was showing off or buying off their affections with expensive gifts, but seeing the delight in his father's face, he knew he genuinely love CC's present, and even if Niles gave him the 50-piece tool box set and drill he had been eyeing in a catalogue, CC's gift was hands down the winner. If only his mother would share the same enthusiasm and delight.

"I'm going to wear it tomorrow…I mean later this afternoon... It is already Christmas day." He looked around searching for a clock to affirm his assumption, but the nearest one was hanging on the wall kitchen not visible from the living room.

"…when we go visit your aunts and uncles."

"Shouldn't you have it dry cleaned first?" said Marcia.

"It's fresh from a luxury store. How dirty can it be?" protested Edward, ignoring his wife.

"As there is no clock near the living room, the Cuckoo Clock you bought for the house is just perfect, CC. No matter where we are on the first floor, we would know the time," added Edward, showing much appreciation.

"You didn't have to buy the clock. Seeing you already bought each of us something," muttered Marcia dispassionately.

Choosing to ignore her tone, CC replied, "Isn't it exquisite? I saw it from the window of a shop in Bicester Village and thought it would look lovely on your upstairs hallway, facing the living room."

Eyeing the brightly colored wooden Cuckoo Clock before bursting into a slow smile, Niles replied "It's so not like you to be attracted to something dainty and charming, old witch. Aren't you attracted to spider webs, cauldrons and brooms."

CC playfully slapped Niles at his joke, as Niles and his father burst into laughter.

"Well, your parents couldn't possibly adorn the hallway with cobwebs and lighted candles on skulls, could they? So, I settled for a Cuckoo Clock," retorted CC, batting her lashes on Niles.

"I'll hang it up before leaving, using the tools Niles gave me. How about you, Marcia? Aren't you going to try on your white coat? Show it to Niles ad CC," said Edward.

To CC's dismay, Niles' mother was not just more subdued, but there was displeasure in her expression that CC could not fathom.

"I don't want to get it dirty, so I'll keep in the box," said Marcia.

It saddened CC to see she barely looked at it after tearing the Christmas wrapper but didn't say anything. Even if she didn't grow up in a loving Christmas celebration, she knew it was best to keep peace in the family and avoid any possible discord during Christmas. It was a time of merriment, love, laughter, and cheer.

Perhaps this was the reason Edward did not push his wife about the present. Instead, he announced it was almost time to pop the champagne and called his wife to go with him to get the chilled bottle and some wine goblets.

When they were alone, Niles took CC by the elbow and drew her closer. It was so sudden she lost her balance and fell right into his arms, making her much closer than Niles was prepared for. It made them both stare into each other's arctic blue eyes, mesmerized by a pair of shimmering blue orbs so much like each one's own, rendering them both breathless that castigating CC for buying Burberry coats as her first gift flew out of his mind, and all he could think of was how wonderful she felt in her arms, looking at him like she was begging for a kiss.

CC didn't like it at all. She was not only attracted to him. She could feel herself truly falling for him. No wonder she was nicer, and friendlier to his family and friends. She does not easily warm up as she did not grow up in a warm, loving home but she found herself giving snips and pieces of not just kindness and warmth, but also a part of herself. Her character was outspoken and confrontational. But love teaches a certain maturity and understanding, choose your battles, sometimes a step back is two steps forward in certain circumstances.

Now she understood how Maxwell could be generous and tolerant about Nanny Fine's family; coming in at any time and staying for extended hours, having parties in his house, and eating half of the grocery was because he was in love with her. No employer would allow that overstayed welcome from a maid's family no matter how kind the employer may be unless he was in love with the maid and considered her and her family his family.

Her newfound realization frightened her. She didn't want any heartbreak that's why she had always been cautious with her dealings with the opposite sex. He wanted to ensure first that they were serious about her before going into a steady relationship with them. She dated but she kept her heart and virtue guarded.

Perhaps, it's the familiarity of knowing Niles for twelve years was making her too comfortable. He had watched out for her in those twelve years, making sure she got home safely whenever she had too much to drink, bringing her food when she had forgotten to eat from working too hard, driving for her on occasions when her chauffer had quitted due to her temper, and when she needed a plus one and Maxwell was unavailable Niles would always be there to save the day. But those nice things he had done for her were exact opposites of what he'd been saying to her all those twelve years. It was too much of an enigma.

Together, they had enough electricity to light a small village but before either one could lit the spark with a kiss, Edward and Marcia returned.

"Merry Christmas Everyone!" cried Edward as he filled the goblets with champagne for the Christmas toast.

After popping a bottle of champagne at the stroke of Christmas Day at twelve midnight, Niles' parents retired for the night, leaving Niles and CC alone by the fireplace. CC settled herself comfortably on the loveseat near the fireplace, plopping the throw pillows and pulling a thin blanket over herself.

"Are you planning to sleep there?" smiled Niles.

"It's only past twelve. It's too early to sleep. I've always wanted to snuggle with someone by the fireplace," said CC.

"You've got one problem, you have no one to snuggle with," Niles pointed out with a teasing grin.

CC gave him a puzzled look. "I thought the handsome British man who gave me this Pandora bracelet for Christmas would want to snuggle with me. Seeing my bracelet has got a heart charm, a key charm, an infinity & forever charm, an airplane charm, and a tower of London charm that may mean 'you hold the key to my heart forever. Remember our trip to London'. Unless of course I was mistaken, and these are all just random charms."

Niles had not said anything about liking her but she thought the lovely bracelet on her wrist meant there was a possibility. A big possibility, she smiled thoughtfully as she moved her wrists in little waves to listen to the slight jingling sounds the charms made.

Niles was astounded. He didn't know his message was so transparent. CC was making it easier for him. Glad she was not playing hard to get.

Niles smirked. "You really are a smart woman. I don't think I can hide anything from you."

Even if CC already opened the conversation, Niles still didn't jump at the chance to express his feelings for her. Instead, he sat on the edge of the loveseat and pulled CC close to have her back lean on his chest as he engulfed her in his arms, his hands took hers to entwine their fingers. CC leaned back on Niles and relaxed, her legs stretched out on the sofa. He nuzzled the side of her head and her neck, inhaling in her sweet, floral scent.

"You smell so good sweetheart," he whispered in her ear.

CC loved the feeling of his strong arms around her. She sighed in delight and snuggled closer to him. Sweetheart? He never called her that before.

"Do you like your bracelet? I'm sorry it is not an expensive white gold or diamond encrusted bracelet…"

"Are you kidding? I love it. It's so precious," smiled CC, looking up to stare into Niles' eyes.

Her heart pounded as she saw the same look in his eyes when he kissed her a few days ago. She was caught off guard when his lips descended on hers, his tongue seeking entry in her mouth. She tried to bring her hand to touch his face but discovered they were immobile on her lap with Niles' hands still clasping them, ever so subtly pining her down. She moaned with pleasure from the exploration of his kiss. It felt so wonderful she lost her inhibitions and returned his kiss with equal fervor, a reassurance she wanted this as much as he did.

Niles unclasped his hands from hers and began the gentle exploration of her body over the thin material of her dress. He teased her nipples with the back of his index finger, gently feeling it until it was taut and straining for more. He momentarily broke the kiss for air.

"You are so beautiful, my love, You make me insane," he said in a low, strained voice.

"Let me touch you, CC/"

CC knew it was not a request, but she was hot and feverish she didn't care what he did. She had never felt anything like it. She had let a few men kiss her but none were as magical as Niles'. His ministrations on her breasts left her wanting for more.

As he kissed her again, Niles moved CC across his lap, laying her head on top of the pillow by the armrest for a more comfortable position. He was hungry to touch the soft mounds beneath the dress but he found out he was unable to do more. The neckline of her dress tightly covering her breasts he could not slip his hands or fingers for that matter for a better access. He silently cursed in frustration. The only way he would be able to was to unzip the back of her dress which he couldn't do lest his parents might walk in on them if they suddenly wake up.

He noticed that beneath the blanket, her dress fell a few inches above her knee, far shorter than what she often wore. Hungrily, he caressed her bare leg until he felt CC parted them involuntarily. Slowly he glided his hand along her inner thigh until it reached the soft mound of her femininity. He seductively ran his fore finger up and down her nether lips and discovered her panties were damp and it got damper with each flick of his finger, welcoming his touch with soft sighs of pleasure.

CC gasped against his kiss when she felt his hands slowly remove her panties before pushing a finger inside her, moving in and out of her and around her core. She cried quite loudly and began writhing beneath his touch. If not for Niles' kiss that muffled her moan. His parents would have woken up.

"Sshhh… not so loud, love.," he whispered.

He planted a kiss from her temple that languidly slid down to her jaw in gentle, unhurried strokes that made her feel cherished. His kisses on her face were warm and sweet, it was distracting her from the torrid, hungry fingers that were seeking her feminine warmth.

He tried inserting a second finger, but her body couldn't seem to accommodate.

Damn she was tight, he cursed. She was hot, wet and wanting. He wanted to explore her most secret of places. He parted her thighs with both hands to give his fingers better room for exploration. His left hand held her left leg as his right released her right thigh to renew its ministration.

"Keep it open for me, love," he whispered.

Her body still couldn't comfortably admit two fingers. It was a tight fit and he was afraid of hurting her. He inserted one finger and began pleasuring her until she was madly moving against his forefinger while his mouth silenced her moans of pleasure. Gradually, he inserted his second finger until it too was lodged inside her. With two fingers he tried to probe deeper to open her up but he felt her body jerk involuntarily away from him. Afraid of hurting her, he withdrew one finger, leaving his index finger inside her quivering body, he pushed it further inside as far as he could reach but once gain her body involuntarily recoiled from his touch.

No! It was highly unlikely. It was improbable but not impossible. She was thirty. Damn him if she was still a virgin. With that face and body, it was unlikely she was untouched at thirty. It was driving him crazy. In one swift movement, he moved atop her on the love seat, his legs between hers kept her open ad rather roughly his index finger probed deep inside her and to his surprise, he felt something that shouldn't be there. Bloody Hell!

"Niles! Y..You're hurting me," cried CC.

He stared into her face. She was not afraid. She was not angry, only perplexed. Niles could still see the desire evident in her face and the sticky pool of wetness on her feminine folds.

"I didn't mean to, love," he answered apologetically.

He kissed her tenderly on top of her feminine blond curls, shocking CC with the intimacy of his gesture.

How tempted he was to give her more, to watch her face change to various expressions as he took her to the heights of ecstasy.

Then Niles heard his father's voice from upstairs.

"Niles! Are you guys still down there? Maybe you fellas ought to go to bed," called out Edward.

"We'll be up in a few minutes," called out Niles.

CC gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek.

"Are we stopping?" she asked in disappointment.

First time she wanted to experience the whole nine yards of love making and it came to an abrupt end.

He stared at her looking at him in earnest. This was a side of her he had not seen before. She was always so haughty, so confident and so self-assured. It never occurred to him that she had never slept with anyone yet, not for the lack offers he was sure, even if she constantly whined in the past that she was not having sex while Yetta and Sylvia were. How true it was indeed!

Niles cursed under his breath. He was throbbing from wanting her, but she deserved more than a quick tumble on the love seat. And he loved her too much to give her a hurried first time. She deserved better.

He cupped her face in his hand and kissed her softly.

"Yes, love, but I promise to resume this…soon," he smiled flirtatiously.