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wiypt-writes · 3 years ago

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Consciousness of Guilt

Chapter 8 Part 1

Summary: Christmas is fast approaching and you and Andy attend your first formal office party together.

Warnings: Language, Smut (NSFW, 18+). References and flashbacks to past abuse (non-con situation briefly described.)

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar the reader and any other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

W/C: 9.5k (whoops)

A/N: Again, we got LOT going on in this chapter, but it all serves a purpose in the bigger plot…you’ll see!

Consciousness Of Guilt Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 7 Part 2

After your parents and sister left, the holiday season was in full swing, which also meant that a certain dinosaur had his birthday coming up within days. You were far more excited than he was and since he'd completely overlooked the day on purpose; his firm quote being 'its during Christmas, never needed to make a big deal over it', you were going to make sure it was one helluva time.

Since the actual day landed on a Tuesday, you planned a weekend with a little Denver getaway and a cooking class for the Saturday night before hand. Come three in the afternoon on Friday, the two of you were outta there!

The snow had already coated the ground and roads, but that made it all the more cozy as Andy drove your Jeep, given its four wheel drive suspension, into Denver. Your excitement was evident as you kept smiling at him, only to receive a chuckle in return.

"Hey, I just thought, you booked our flight, right?" You asked. "My parents are excited to have us."

"Uh, yeah, I have them written down somewhere in the office. I think we leave like that Wednesday and come home the following Tuesday." Andy answered nonchalantly.

You didn't push too much on Boston, for you weren't entirely ready for it yourself. It would be a tough for you both and neither you nor Andy were stupid enough to think otherwise. What you were looking forward to was sharing some of your traditions with him and you knew he was looking forward to the two of you having lunch with Joanna. But that's as far as your hopes for Boston went. You shoved it aside for now as you neared your destination. A goofy smile pulling at your lips as Andy followed the GPS to The Ritz Carlton, Denver.

"Uh, excessive?" He shook his head, not disapprovingly but in a bit of a shock.

"It's two nights. A quick trip. You deserve it." You said softly and hopped out as the valet opened your door.

And a quick trip it was. You checked yourselves into a corner city view executive suite for the weekend, and whilst you originally had planned a dinner in the luxurious hotel restaurant, Andy wanted nothing more than to spend the evening with you cuddled up on the parlor couch of your room with room service. It wasn't a bad sounding idea, as your cycle had arrived two days before. So that's what you did, you lounged around in hotel bath robes and ate room service watching Jurassic World 3, a cheap rental off of the room's pay-per-view, until the two of you were stuffed and happily snuggled in bed.

Saturday you had a lie in until late morning, followed by a stroll through a holiday market in downtown where you and Andy shopped for the girls at work, Ron and his wife, your parents and Penny, even picking up something for Joanna that Andy had chuckled at, declaring she’d love it. After a quick shower to warm up from the chilly winter air outside, you and Andy headed out to cash in on his gift from you- a couple's cooking class. It was something Andy was actually quite excited about once he'd heard your idea so you didn't miss a chance to book the lesson in pasta making and wine pairings. Stuffed full, and aching from laughter in your cheeks and bellies, you headed back for your final night at The Ritz.

Upon check out, Andy couldn't stop smiling and thanking you for one of the best ways he's celebrated his birthday in quite some time.

Come Tuesday, Andy's actual birthday, you couldn't help but surprise him at the office with a coffee from Patti's. Then later, both of you having to work through lunch, you made a home cooked meal for dinner and to no surprise, a cheesecake from Patti's. But, as Andy noted later whilst you two led in bed, his favourite part of the day was the card you'd given him over dinner.

It had him first chortling, then sputtering to downright wheezing in laughter.

The two of you carried on in stitches for a good five minutes before he kissed you deeply, and longingly.

"Thank you, Angel."

All in all, the month started to feel like it was passing quickly. From late nights to long weekends, pressure from all the partners to get some files closed and work finished before the year's end, you and Andy weren't together much and it killed you both. But, lucky for the pair of you, your holidays were about to begin.

It was Saturday, the seventeenth of December and the two of you were finally going to get that time together. It'd been eleven days since you'd last had a date and tonight, it was a big one. It was the office Christmas party. Apparently, each year it was a formal event and it was the first for both of you, Andy having skipped out on the two since he'd been in Colorado as his heart just wasn't in it.

You'd somewhat enjoyed shopping for a dress and shoes the weekend before with Eva and Amber, spending the day gossiping and laughing, enjoying wine and dinner after you shopped, whilst pushing down the memories of your last formal event. And now, the day was upon you and you had an appointment to get to.

Andy snored peacefully beside you, he having spent the night after getting in near ten from work and heading straight up to snuggle in with you. He hardly flinched when you pressed your lips to his neck.

"Andy, I'll be back," you said softly, a scratch to the hairs at the nape of his neck. He muttered into the pillow and you dry chuckled as you left him.

A couple of hours later, you were back with relaxed hands and feet part and parcel to the fantastic nude coloured manicure and pedicure you'd received. When you stepped in from your garage, and walked through the small hall into your kitchen and dining space, you found Andy on the phone sitting in his usual spot on the couch across the room.

“Erm… you know what, Joanna, I’m not sure, I’ll ask.” Andy’s eyes flicked to you and you looked at him, questioningly. “Joanna’s booked a table for lunch at a Thai place near the Harbor but she wanted to check you liked Thai food and I realised I don’t actually know.”

"Love it."

“That’s a yes.” Andy chuckled back into the phone. “Sure, yeah looking forward to seeing you too. Take care.”

You joined Andy on the couch as he patted the cushion next to him. "You look relaxed," he commented as you plopped down.

“Well, it’s been a while since I got pampered.” You shrugged, leaning over to give him a peck.

"I should probably trim up myself," he pondered, rubbing a hand over his beard. His hair was a bit longer than he normally kept it, but you'd grown to like it.

“Want me to do it for you?”

"Hmmmm," Andy hummed. "Okay."

You spluttered, "Jesus, I was only kidding! I'm not fucking that gorgeous thing up!"

"Worse comes to worse, I just shave it off and start over," he shrugged.

“Don’t you fucking dare!”

"It's just a beard."

"Just a beard?" You snorted and climbed into his lap, "oh, baby, it's much more than just a beard."

“Don’t you wanna see what’s hiding underneath?” He cocked his head to the side, his hands rubbing up your thighs. “You never know, you might like my clean shaven look.”

"You shave, what happens when I do this?" You spoke lowly as you cupped his face, pressing your lips to his.

“Having no beard won’t stop me kissing you, Angel.”

"But, what about," your fingers ran through those auburn whiskers as you kissed him again.

Andy let out that familiar noise, half growl, half purr, the one that always went straight to your belly. As you pulled away he gave a chuckle. “Okay, the beard stays.”

"Thought so," you scratched at him again then scooted off his thighs. "Now, we have time before we have to get ready to go.... Movie? Nap? Movie and nap?"

“Are those the only choices?” He raised his eyebrows playfully.

"I'm open to suggestions."

“Well, I got a good few suggestions I could make, none of them involve a movie or a nap…”

"Slow down Romeo, we've got all night," you teased. "Really we have the next ten days."

"Four." He deadpanned.

"What?" You were confused.

"We leave on Wednesday for your parents."

"And?"

"Yeah, noooooo."

You blinked, “seriously? Oh my God. We have had mind blowing sex twice with my parents and my sister in this house…”

"Yours versus theirs are two totally different.... things..."

"Well, frankly, I'm amazed at your lack of balls, right now." You scoffed.

Andy gasped as if you offended him. "Baby, you know I've got the balls."

“Doesn’t sound like it to me. You know, if that’s how you feel you might as well cancel your flight and I’ll take my battery operated friend with me instead.”

"Wait, your what?"

"You heard me."

A playfully fun growl emitted from his throat as he literally pounced on you, caging you between his arms against the cushions.

"What are you doing?" You giggled with big eyes.

He smirked as his lips brushed your neck, teeth grazing your skin slightly. “Can your battery operated friend do this?”

A low moan left your lips as you snaked your hands around his neck and into the collar of his thermal tee. "Okay," you fluttered, "maybe.... Well…oh hell."

“What about this?” His lips moved to your jaw line and you gave a little whine.

“Andy…”

Your protests died down as his lips pressed to yours gently before he pulled back and looked at you, his eyes shining. And then he burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny?” You frowned.

“You, do you really think I’m going to be able to spend almost a week with us sleeping in the same bed and not touch you?”

Your eyes grew wide and you gasped, "Andrew Barber!" He laughed as you shoved him in his chest and he sat up, allowing you to prop yourself up on your elbows. “That was a shitty trick.”

He popped a shoulder. "I'm sorry, sorta.”

"For, that, you're going to have blue balls all night." You stood from the couch and walked to the stairs, Andy trying but failing to pull you back. "Think I’ll take a bath. Don't forget to trim."

“Baaaabe.” Andy whined and you smirked to yourself as you headed up the stairs to your bedroom.

You sauntered into your en-suite and started the fawcet. You then grabbed your book and climbed in, smirking to yourself about how you’d just left Andy hanging. First off you took care of a hair wash, plastering on a deep conditioning treatment, before you took a quick shave to neaten your smooth legs and then led back with your book.

You’d managed a few chapters when Andy walked into the bathroom and placed a glass of wine down at the edge of the tub before he stripped off his shirt, those sleep pants slung low on his hips.

“I know what you’re doing,” you smirked.

“I’m trimming up.” He eyed you in the mirror, as he reached for his shaver, his back muscles flexing.

“Whatever,” you laughed, picking up your wine as you went back to your book.

Once you were done, you towelled off and wrapped yourself in a bathrobe, heading back down to find Andy was still lounging around shirtless, flicking through something on his Ipad as he sipped from a bottle of beer. You flopped next to him, the pair of you sharing more jokes and banter.

You were thankful for the playful distraction, for as the time grew near for the party, you grew more anxious. The last formal event you attended, you became a widow.

You pushed the memory out of your mind and focused on getting ready. As you cleaned your teeth, your eyes watched Andy’s naked body as he stepped out of the shower and towelled off, wrapping the towel round his waist. You swilled your mouth out before he drew up at the sink next to you. Kissing his shoulder, you headed for your walk in, soon coming out with the bag from the lingerie store with your bra and panty set still wrapped up with the tags on it. Another big step in your forward process, buying a nice set of undergarments.

You left the bag on the bed untouched as you set about with your skin care regiment and finally going back into your en-suite to start your hair and make-up.

The two of you worked at getting ready comfortably, Andy teasingly walking around in a towel as he styled his hair and worked on his beard a bit more. Then he escaped to the closet for his tux, expertly laying it out on the bed to dress.

You were putting the final touches to your make up when Andy came back into the room, his dress pants and shirt on with a refilled glass of wine for you and a beer for himself. He placed your drink down on your vanity, kissing your temple, before he headed to the wardrobe to retrieve his dress shoes. “Our Uber will be here in about twenty.” He sat down on the bed, shoving his feet into the shiny black oxfords.

"Thank you," you eyed the wine, then you eyed him. Hair styled, beard neatly trimmed, the deep blue of his tux pants and white shirt making him look handsome as hell.

He rose from the bed and reached for the cufflinks on the nightstand and you continued to watch him in the mirror, unable to stop yourself comparing this to how the last time you’d prepared for a formal had felt.

You swallowed a long sip of wine and inhaled that calming grooming kit scent that Andy used as it filled the space when he walked by.

"Honey, I don't think you can go in a robe."

“No? Huh. Best re-think my outfit.”

He kissed your unglossed lips, "I'll see you downstairs."

You gave yourself a once over in the mirror. Your hair was down and styled as you liked it, a fresh blown out look to your locks, romantic waves at the ends. Your eyes shined behind a neutral palette of eye shadows and thin liner, luscious mascara filling out your lashes that nearly made you less jealous of Andy's. Your cheeks looked as if they were pinched in a natural tone while your lips were coloured with a smooth mauve shade of lipstick. Your dainty diamond tennis bracelet a recent birthday gift from your parents, glistened in the vanity lights.

"Okay, here we go," you encouraged yourself. If only Andy knew just how difficult it was for you to go through this process. You looked at the bag on the bed and thought about maybe looking for a suitable set in your drawer. But instead, you scolded yourself and dug into the tissue, pulling a smooth black strapless number out and a cheeky cut pair panties to match.

Then you, after placing your diamond studded earrings in your ears, slipped into the dress that you spent a lot of time thinking over. The side zip made it easy for you to close as your hips were hugged in the wine coloured satin. You smoothed your hand over the torso of the dress, taking in the off the shoulder straps and the slit you'd second guessed when you'd tried it on, Eva and Amber stunned at how you looked. Without another thought, you slipped into and buckled the nude ankle strapped sandal heels, plucked your clutch from the table by the bedroom door and set foot downstairs.

Andy was in the living area, sat on the sofa, the now empty beer bottle on the coffee table in front of him. As he heard you descending the stairs he looked up and you saw his eyes widen.

With his usual grace and poise, he rose to his feet and as that gorgeous smile spread across his face as you looked him up and down, taking in his appearance. His suit of choice looked stunning against his blue eyes, the deep sapphire colour making the pools of blue that were his eyes pop even more against the black lapel detail of his jacket and bow tie.

"Well, blue is definitely your colour, Counselor," you admired.

Andy smiled as he strode towards you, his arm looping round your waist. He gently pressed a kiss to your lips. “You look amazing.”

You bashfully peered down, "thank you."

At that point Andy’s phone went off and he took it out of his pocket. “Car's here, your coat in the closet by the garage?”

"Mmmhmmm," you nodded. He gave a nod and quickly sped off to retrieve it, only to return with your black woollen pea coat and his own wool coat he'd left on a bar chair. He helped you into yours and then slipped into his before allowing you to close and lock your front door behind you.

Taking your hand, he led you carefully to the car, ensuring you didn’t slip on any ice and opened the back door nearest the curb. Once you were settled, and sure your dress wasn’t in the way, Andy closed the door and made his way to the other side.

He settled in besides you, reaching for your hand. He raised it to his lips and pressed a kiss to the inside of your wrist.

"Tell me," he said with a soft look.

"How did you..."

He gave you a soft wink instead of interrupting with his words.

You shook your head, giving a soft chuckle. “Am I really that readable?”

"Well, no, not to everyone," he denied, "but I know you."

You looked at him before you sighed and bit your lip. “It’s just, well the last event I attended like this was the book launch on the night Ransom was killed.”

He frowned a little and your eyes picked up on it in the traffic lights. You closed your own eyes as the flashback of that night started in your subconscious, a near moment of how the night began already replaying in your reality. Then you opened them and smiled at him, before you looked out of the window. “I just, well, I guess I’m waiting for the day where I can do things without him constantly being in my head, like this huge dark cloud, you know?” You shook your head and turned to face Andy, “I mean even buying this dress took me far longer than it should have because I wanted nothing like anything I wore when he took me out.” Andy just looked at you and listened. "I spent two hours looking for underwear." You admitted with a roll of your eyes, embarrassed at yourself and such a ridiculous thought.

Andy blinked, “what?”

"I spent two hours in the store looking for the right pair of underwear that didn't make me feel like....like I was less than who I am."

“Less than who you are?” Andy looked at you, shaking his head. “Honey, I don’t understand what you mean but that doesn’t matter. If you’re uncomfortable at any time tonight, just tell me and if you want I’ll take you home. I promise.”

"Okay," you whispered.

"But back to the underwear...did you buy them? Do I get to see them?" He playfully lightened the mood. For someone who used to be so morose and sad, serious and quite unapproachable looking when you first met, the Andy Barber you grew to know now always was snarky and playful, finding ways to make you smile or laugh, feel genuinely appreciated. It made your heart leap with how much you felt for this handsome man.

"Andy...."

“Angel, don’t tease me.” He nearly, and lowly whimpered.

You rolled your eyes, "I'm wearing them."

Andy looked at you, his eyes raking down to your cleavage before they flicked back up to yours. “Well, I very much look forward to-“

“Will you behave?” You shook your head, “you’ve been acting like a horny teenager all afternoon!”

"You started it," he accused. "You rubbed my beard," he whispered in your ear.

You couldn't hold the belly laugh that sprang free, your eyes squinting as you tilted your body back against the seat of the Uber.

Upon arrival at the St. Julien Hotel and Spa, Andy reached over to tip the driver, the fare already covered by his card.

"Wait here," Andy smiled as he climbed out first and made his way around to your door, opening it and extending his hand for you to take.

He helped you to your feet, never leaving your side nor dropping your hand as you made your way into the hotel and towards the ballroom that had been rented out. You stopped off at coat check, straight away, the man behind the counter taking down your information. Then, with a hand to the small of your back, Andy guided you towards the doors of the room.

“You do realise that we’re gonna be watched tonight, don’t you?” You turned to him. “Eva and Amber told me we’re still the talk of the office.”

"I don't care," he admitted. "It's been nearly four months, they need to get over it. It's also none of their business."

You took a step into the large ballroom, expertly decorated in the finest and most gorgeous holiday lights and wreaths, a couple of trees in the corners of the room, a live band playing jazz versions of the holiday classics. A photographer quickly stepped in front of you asking for a smile. Andy dropped your hand and wrapped and arm around your waist, his fingers splayed over your hip. As the flash went off, it startled you a little, causing you to freeze in his embrace. Andy went back to taking your hand and he looked down at you, concern in his eyes. You gave Andy's hand a hard squeeze to let him know you were okay.

Once inside, the pair of you quickly located Ron and his wife, the couple both greeting him and Andy properly introduced you to Giselle, who beamed at you. You found your allocated table for the meal and, after ensuring you were comfortable, Andy headed off with Ron to the bar, purchasing a bottle of champagne. When he returned with it in the ice bucket, Ron carrying the glasses, you simply looked at him and he shrugged.

“It’s Christmas, if you can’t push the boat out then when can you?” He smiled, dropping a kiss your lips.

The food was great, both Andy and you having opted for the scallops to start, followed by a Beef Wellington, and a raspberry pavlova to finish. As the after dinner coffee was served, the other people at the table started to thin out, Amber and Eva wandering over to take up a couple of spare seats. Andy then excused himself to nip to the bathroom, stating he would swing by the bar on his way back as it was his round.

You hadn’t realised how long he’d bene gone until you raised your glass to your mouth, realising it was empty. You pouted a little, and were just about to look for Andy when you heard Giselle snort.

“Oh dear.”

“What?” You asked.

“Seems like Phyllis from accounting has found Andy alone at the bar.”

You turned your head as Amber and Eva snorted. Andy was indeed stood at the bar, an older woman talking to him. His face was arranged in an expression you knew well, he was trying to appear interested when he was far from it.

“Ron honey, you should go rescue him.” Giselle spoke.

“Nope.” Ron shook his head, “it's a rite of passage that you get Phyllissed at an office party.”

The table laughed as Giselle arched her brow, “Ronald…”

“No way, he left me with Florence from the post room the other day for a full hour, he can fuck off!”

“Well, someone needs to help him, because the poor guy is gonna be bored into a coma…”

“Fine.” You grinned, “I need the bathroom anyway…”

You stood up and headed over, the relief evident on Andy’s face instantly. He gave you a huge smile as you drew up alongside him.

“Hi Angel…”

“Hi,” you took the kiss he offered before you turned to the woman by him. “Hey, Phyllis, merry Christmas. I'm so sorry to interrupt but, I need to steal Andy for a second.”

“Make sure it is a second,” Phyllis laughed.

“Oh don’t worry,” you smiled as you hooked your arm round his, “I’ll bring him straight back.”

“You’re not gonna take me straight back, right?” Andy asked as you led him away.

“Depends if you’re a good boy or not.”

“Why... Why with the teasing?” He whined, and you grinned as you turned to face him.

“Call it revenge for the stunt you pulled before about the fake sex ban at my parents.”

"I hardly think the punishment fits such a crime, Miss Y/L/N. How can I file an appeal?”

"You can take it up with the judge," you winked. "Now that I've rescued you, I'm going to the ladies room, I'll be right back. Wait here, hide out from Phyllis and apparently Florence."

You snuck into the ladies room, Andy keeping by the hall, awaiting your return. The ladies room was empty and you found a stall to do your business in but you struggled a bit to hoist your dress up without having to fully remove the garment. You loved it, but it was a pity it wasn't restroom friendly. By the time you had managed to manoeuvre it enough to allow you to pee, you were almost bursting. As you finished up and attempted to right your hems, you heard giddy laughter entering the room.

"Did you see Barber, my God, such a fox!”

Your hand hovered over the cistern handle as you paused, recognising the voice instantly. It was Candace, one of the junior admin assistants from Ron’s team.

"You know, I can't believe he's seeing her."

You felt a chill rush up your spine, as the second voice you didn’t recognise spoke. Once upon a time you would have thought nothing about stalking out of the cubicle and embarrassing the fuck out of whoever it was but now…

"Standards... Some have them some don't,” came Candace's voice again.

“Oh, I quite like Y/N.” A third voice, this one belonging to Sally, a finance officer spoke. “I think it’s cute.”

"Cute? He's either in a mid-life crisis or she's a rebound." The strange voice scoffed.

“Don’t be such a bitch, Ellie.” Sally groaned.

"Well, if you ask me, it's a pity party. They're both sorry for the other, his wife died and hers was murdered. Speaking of him, uh hello, did anyone here see her ex-husband? I'd lay down for that blue eyed walking wallet any day." Candace declared.

You swallowed and sat back down on the toilet seat, taking a deep breath.

There was a snort as the girl you now knew to be called Ellie snorted, “that’s probably what she did."

"I think you’re jealous," came Sally's voice.

"Of her? Puh-lease."

Having heard enough, you took a deep breath, fuck this shit. You sorted your dress, flushed and then yanked the cubicle door open and stalked into the main bathroom area.

The look of being caught red handed was on their faces in your peripheral as you moved to the sinks and washed up. Sally meekly said hello and you turned to her, "hi."

You fixed a bit of your make up, dabbing a little more colour to your lips and turned to the bitches besides you. "Excuse me, I have a pity party to get back to."

You exited the bathroom, Andy was exactly where you had left him. He had been joined by Ron and Giselle, and he gave you a broad smile as he spotted you making your way back.

"I was just about to pop in there," he joked.

"It was a little crowded," you shrugged. "A few of the girls were gossiping and standing around." You watched as Giselle gave an eye to the door as the aforementioned women stepped out.

"Oh," she commented. The pair of you shared a significant look before she snorted, “I try to avoid Toilet Tramps.”

“I was going with Bathroom Bitches but I like your term better.” You bit back the smirk plying over your lips and downcast your eyes to your feet. Andy's hand moved to the small of your back.

“Everything okay?"

“Yeah,” you fixed a smile to your face, not wanting to bother him with what was said, or dwell on it any longer than necessary, “I’m fine.”

He gave a quick flick of his brows and just thumbed your chin towards his face and laid a tingling soft kiss to your lips.

“Aww Ron, I remember when you used to kiss me like that.” Giselle teased and you burst out laughing as Ron gave a groan.

“Sweetheart,” he gave her a mock stern look and she flashed you a wink.

“Y/N, let’s go grab another bottle of champagne. I appear to still be out.” She turned to Ron and he rolled his eyes and slapped his wallet into her hand.

"We'll meet you back at the table," Ron shook his head and kissed her cheek.

Andy pecked you again and you left with Giselle, making your way to the bar, scanning for Phyllis since you weren't returning with Andy on your arm.

“So,” Giselle linked her arm into yours as you walked, “what were the bitches saying? Which poor, unsuspecting soul was the subject of this year’s festive knife to the back?”

"Me," you answered simply.

Giselle stopped mid stride, "what?"

“They were talking about Andy and I.” You shrugged, “and it wasn’t particularly complimentary. Well, apart from Sally.”

"Oh from financial, I like her," Giselle smiled, "look, despite whatever they said..."

"That I was a rebound and only was with my dead ex-husband for his money. Or how about that Andy is going through a mid-life crisis and we are merely each other's pity parties?" You hadn't meant to interrupt her, but it poured out of you.

Giselle just stood, listening, jaw slightly ajar.

"Sorry," you muttered.

“Hey, don’t apologise.” Giselle shook her head. “That was really fucking rude of them.”

"Well, nothing to be done," you popped a shoulder and guided your steps towards the bar again. "I am not sleeping my way through the office, despite apparent popular opinion and some just don't leave High School after graduation."

“Woah,” Giselle continued, “who thinks you’re sleeping your way through the office?”

"No one, yet," you rolled your eyes as you eyed the bartender.

“Well, ignore them. Stupid bitches.” Giselle shrugged. “They’re only jealous.”

You chortled as she ordered the champagne and looked back at you.

"Andy adores you. We can all see it," she smiled, a soft motherly tone to her words. You smiled back, feeling a slight warmth spread into your cheeks as she continued. “Don’t think on what they said any longer, like I said, they’re simply jealous. Andy has always been the one around the place to make the girls swoon. And he’s not shown a bit of interest in anyone that way until you. So-“ she shrugged a little “-you were always going to be the subject of narrowed eyes.”

"Thank you," your features softened as you smiled. "I like him, too. I just...this stuff is hard, or at least harder than I remember it being."

"Oh honey, you're what, thirty-five? It's only the beginning," she giggled, "but hey, if I were gonna do it all over again, Andy Barber isn't a bad fresh start." She winked and grabbed the neck of the bottle she had ordered, "now, let's get into some trouble."

With a little chuckle you picked up the four clean glasses the bartender had set by the bottle and you headed back to the table you’d sat at for your meal, where Andy and Ron were both sat. You set the glasses down and took your seat next to Andy. He peered at you with a smile and those bright eyes. The tip of his nose a little pink.

“Hey, gorgeous.” He beamed and pressed his lips to yours, his arm laying across the back of your chair. “You good?”

"Never better," you smiled as his finger skated over the area between your shoulder blades, your skin exposed to his warm touch.

“Never better, huh?” Andy grinned, “high praise indeed.”

You winked. It was time to enjoy the night. Or at least what remained.

After the bottle of champagne has been polished off, Andy watched with amusement as Giselle dragged you off, despite your protests, to join Amber, Eva and a few others on the dance floor. With his wife out of the way, Ron took the opportunity to order himself and Andy a scotch, which Andy insisted on paying for this time.

"Enjoying yourself?" Ron asked him.

“Yeah, I am actually. Which shouldn’t surprise me as much as it does.” Andy looked at Ron, chuckling as he spoke.

"Well, then cheers to that," Ron winked.

“I’m going back to Boston for Christmas,” Andy suddenly blurted out, not quite sure why he was telling Ron in all honesty, “to stay with Y/N at her parents.”

"You haven't been back since you've been here, have you?" Ron wondered and Andy shook his head. Then Ron nodded, "I hope you have a really good time. Andy, I'm not going to sugar coat it, you're a damn good lawyer and a good man. I've seen you put in the hours and the long weekends. It's time you enjoyed something for yourself for a while."

“Thanks, Ron.” Andy smiled, before he took a deep breath. “To be honest, I’m a little apprehensive about going. But…” his eyes flicked to Y/N over on the dance floor, a soft smile curling over his face as he watched her for a moment, before he cleared his throat and turned back to Ron, “I’m sure it will be fine. Y/N’s parents are great.”

"Andy, apprehension is all a part of it. Especially when your past catches up with your present." Andy knew all too well what Ron had meant. "But, there's always a side to apprehension that's exciting because there's the unknown. And if you ask me, which you haven't," he didn't even continue that thought for Andy's eyes were focused on something behind Ron, and when the man turned for a quick look, he chuckled. "Oh Andy, you got it bad, buddy!"

Andy groaned, his head hanging a little. “That obvious, huh?”

Ron popped a shoulder, "only because we've been paired up for a while now, I've seen it. And it looks good on you. It's a far cry from the man you were a year and a half ago."

Andy pondered Ron’s words for a moment, and found he couldn’t really argue with any of it. He felt a far cry from the man he was eighteen months ago.

There was still a huge hole in his life, the internal scars that Jacob and Laurie's deaths had left would never heal, he knew that. But the pain was now bearable and he'd overcome the complete collapse of his life. He had a purpose in life, something that kept him going other than his work.

His thoughts were interrupted by hands gripping his shoulders over his white button down, and a soft whisper in his ear, "it's a slow one, come dance with me."

“Don’t think you’re escaping…” he heard Giselle warn Ron, the older man groaning as Andy turned his head to look up at his girl over his shoulder.

“Lead the way, ma’am” he rose to his feet, reaching out to take her hand.

A bright smile greeted him as you grabbed his hand and led him away, the soft sounds of a slow, holiday jazz number playing in time with your step. When you reached the dance floor, Andy's arm wrapped around your back, pulling you in close for a gentle embrace. His free hand held yours out to your side, elbows slightly bent as your other hand reached around to curl at his neck.

Andy wasn’t sure exactly when he’d last danced like this. It had been years, he knew that much, maybe even a decade. But that didn’t matter now. What did matter was he was doing it right there and then, with the woman who had given him another purpose in life in his arms.

Your eyes tilted up towards his and you smiled softly. Your lashes kissed your cheek bones as you met his gaze again.

“What are you thinking about?” You asked him, as he gently revolved you both on the dance floor.

Andy shook his head, "how beautiful you look. How lucky I've been lately."

You gave a small snort, "I think that last scotch did you in, Counselor."

“Hardly.” He shook his head. “I’m not drunk, maybe a little tipsy,” he scrunched his nose and you laughed, “but I’m not past the point of talking sense. I mean it. You are beautiful and I’m a very lucky bastard.”

"I think we share the luck," you admitted. He felt your fingers scratch the hairs at the nape of his neck as you smiled up at him, your ears filling with the sounds of the season.

“One thing I am happy to share.” He grinned and you laughed.

“Unlike your popcorn, huh?”

"Hey," he chuckled.

"You'll share it, just you watch," you winked.

“You think?”

“Absolutely. You see, I can be very persuasive when I need to be, Counselor.”

“Oh, I’m sure you can…” Andy smirked, dipping his head to catch your mouth in a soft kiss. When he pulled away, your eyes darted to the side and you let out a huff.

“We’re being watched.”

Andy's eyes caught what you meant as he noticed the ladies from the bathroom watching you.

“Wanna give them something to look at?” His head whipped back to yours and he arched his brow, bolstered by not only the alcohol but the general buzz of being on the dancefloor at a party.

"Yes," you whispered. "But what...."

With a grin Andy pulled you closer to him and kissed you, the hand that was holding yours let go, and he cupped your face, palm warm against your cheek before it slid round to the back of your head, fingers tangling in your hair. His tongue tickled your top lip and you responded by opening your mouth and allowing him to fill your senses with all of him.

Your hands slipped up his arms, coming to rest on his shoulders as he pressed as far into you as possible before he broke the kiss, his forehead pressing to yours, the pair of you slightly out of breath.

Andy couldn’t help but flick his eyes back to the group of girls who were stood there, still watching. With a deep breath he moved, one arm still round you. He raised the other and wiggled his fingers in their direction, causing them hastily to scatter, looking slightly embarrassed.

“Andy! Stop!” You snorted, slapping his arm.

“What?”

“You’re such a… you know what, I don’t know what you are. But I do know you’re never drinking scotch in public again!”

With a laugh he pulled you closer and kissed you again.

"Let's get out of here," he whispered.

"Yeah, okay," you nodded.

You quickly said goodbye to Ron and Giselle before you headed out and grabbed your coats from coat check. As you slipped into the winter night, Andy hailed an awaiting Uber. After making sure you were settled, Andy moved round and climbed into the back next to you as you gave your address to the driver.

The driver nodded and punched it into his GPS. You sat back in your seat and turned to Andy with a glint of humour. "I cannot believe you...."

He didn't let you finish as his lips were against yours, his hand cupping your jaw again, pulling you to him. You kissed him back, eagerly, your hands curling round the lapels of his jacket, almost as if you was holding her to him. Not that you had to, he had no intention of pulling away.

His ears perked as you gave a little squeak of delight as you kissed, his weight bearing on his right side as his left continued to cradle you. He felt your hands on the lapel of his coat, sliding up his neck and scratching up his beard.

“Fahk….” He mumbled as yout nails scratched his cheeks and he gave a jolt, his eyes flying open as he glanced at the outside, the various buildings passing them by. It took him a moment to get his bearings, but you’d be passing his place in a couple of minutes on the way back to yours, his apartment was nearer to the hotel than your condo. That said, you normally preferred to stay at yours, having slept at his only a handful of times. Andy had never questioned or pushed the issue, and he had also never taken the step he was about to without asking.

But he also knew he didn’t wanna wait a moment longer than necessary.

“Hey, pal,” he spoke, his eyes still locked on you. “Change of plan…”

He barely registered Reg as you slipped through the doors to his building, Reg's boisterous laugh hitting Andy's ears as you reached the elevator banks. He punched the 'Up' button quickly before kissing you again. If anyone had seen them, they'd have thought you looked like a couple of teenagers on prom night, but Andy didn't care.

The kissing and pawing at one another stopped just long enough for Andy to get the door open and allow you to enter in front of him. Once inside he kicked the door shut and pulled you back to him again, the pair of you fumbling around his dark apartment.

Coats hit the floor haphazardly as did his tux jacket, your clutch landing somewhere between the living room and hall. Your fingers moved over his bow tie, blindly undoing it and allowing the fabric to hang over his shirt as you untucked it and started in on his buttons. By the time you reached the bedroom at the end of the long hallway, Andy’s shirt had been tossed to the floor somewhere along the way.

Andy blindly ran his hand along the wall of his room, finding the light switch. As the small wall lights flicked on, located just over the head of his bed, you both blinked a little at the renewed brightness. The light was soft, however, sending a warm glow over the neutrally decorated bedroom.

His eyes took in your dishevelled hair and kiss plumped lips, his hands at your waist, sliding up your sides, his thumbs running along your ribs and that zipper seam of your dress.

“Do I finally get to see this underwear now?”

A silly smirk played at your lips, "I guess," you gave a flick of her eyes.

Andy grinned back, and his fingers deftly found the top of the zip, easily sliding it down the side of your body, following it as it stopped just at the curve of your hip. The fabric loosened around you and as you pulled your arms from the off the shoulder straps, it fell to your feet still in your heels.

Your dress pooled around your heeled feet and your hands curled over Andy’s shoulders as you stepped out of it, nudging it away with your foot.

A crooked smile spread over his face as he flicked his eyebrows up, and you snorted. "There, you saw them."

“Would it be uncouth of me to ask you for a twirl?”

You swallowed a little, images of that asshole making you display yourself in such a way flashed into your mind, but no sooner had he invaded your thoughts, he was gone.

Because unlike Andy, he never asked, simply instructed, more often or not with a single gesture of his finger.

“Angel, you don’t…” Andy started but you silenced him with a flick of your eyebrow and a smirk as you gave him a slow, little twirl, showing off what you deemed to be boring, silky underwear.

"Very sexy," he commented.

His compliment made you smile and you moved towards him, your arms round his neck as you pulled his face back to yours. You felt his hands on your body, hot hands at your waist and then down the small of your back and over the round, soft cheeks of your ass.

"Get on the bed," you said, pushing his chest a bit. The look he gave was one of shock and mischief, too.

Your hands slid down his bare chest, your fingers deftly undoing the buckle of his belt before moving to the button of his dress slacks. He bucked slightly as your knuckles dragged against his skin, his mouth open as it pressed against yours.

He toed off his shoes and bent to discard his socks as you waited, slipping your heels off yourself, your eyes watching as he sat on the edge of the bed, the clink of his buckle sounding.

With a sudden burst of confidence you strode towards him, stopping as you stood between his thighs. His hands curled around the back of your knees, fingers softly brushing the skin and then his eyes widened with surprise as you shoved him in the chest, sending him sprawling backwards into the bed.

You kneeled at the edge, your body towering over his thighs. He said nothing, just quirked a brow and smirked as you crawled over the top of him, his hands falling to your hips as he shuffled you both further up the bed. Your legs straddled his hips as you bent down to kiss him, a filthy moan coming from deep in his throat as your hips rotated against his lap.

His hands flexed on your hips, his fingers brushing against both your skin and the silk of your panties, as he pushed upwards, grinding against you.It was your turn to groan as his hardness pressed into your panty covered clit and you reluctantly pulled away. A firey feeling tore through you as you scratched at his beard while you nipped and kissed at his neck. Moving down to his collarbone, your lips parting across the ink to take a lick and another kiss.

You made your way slowly down, lips and teeth tracing a path down his abs and along that strip of hair that ran seemingly all the way down from his pecs and beyond his waistband.

Andy's body was vibrating under yours with each little attention to detail you were giving him. Your eyes looked up from your task, just as you'd reached the waistband of his underwear and what you saw caused a flood to pool in your panties. His eyes were cast down at you, colour blown with lust, his plump bottom lip between his teeth. You flipped the waist band of his underwear down, freeing his hardness from his pants and you heard him speak, his voice ragged.

“Baby, you…"

You interrupted him as you kitten licked his head, collecting that drop of precum that had escaped then took him in your mouth, causing him to shudder.

"Oh…okay," he let out a broken little squeak, "fuck…” he gasped as you took him in your mouth, lips and cheeks hollowing around him, a hand wrapping around the base of his shaft.

You took your time, figuring out what worked for him. He seemed to favour the slow, deep action, especially when you took him as far as you could but then rotated your wrist, causing your fingers to grip and squeeze the bottom of his dick.

His hands moved, brushing your hair away from your face, keeping his fingers tangled in your locks as he rest his palms at the side of your head in a natural, soft way. He wasn't about fucking your face until your jaw locked around him, he was about moving with you, feeling each bob and lave of your tongue to that thick vein on the underside of his cock.

You felt him start to pulse inside your mouth as his breathing became ragged. You wanted to let him have his but you felt the need to be stuffed full, feel that stretch.

Almost as if he sensed that need, Andy’s hands moved to the underside of your jaw.

“Get up here, Angel, before I lose it.”

Slowly you popped off and as you looked up at Andy, his chest heaved with pleasure, you kneeled up and quickly pulled his belt from his dress pants.

"No, you get up here," you rasped as you hooked his belt around his neck and pulled him to you, his body bending at the hips to devour your lips in a filthy kiss.

Quickly, he pivoted you both so you were led under him, his hand trailing down your rib cage as he continued to kiss the life out of you. His fingers curled around the hem of your panties and pulled as far as the length of his arm would allow before he broke away from your lips and pulled them the rest of the way down, you kicking them away.

"Do you trust me?" He panted.

Your breath hitched and you swallowed, "yes."

Your assurance echoed around his mind and Andy shoved his remaining clothing down his legs, kicking his pants and boxers off the edge of the bed. He then placed both hands on your hips, his fingers curling over your flesh before he moved quickly, flipping you to your front. You gave a little gasp of surprise and he leaned over, his chest brushing against your back, that necklace dragging over your skin, as he pressed a kiss to your shoulders, then neck.

“Okay?” He asked whilst one hand followed up the curve of your ass, over yourr back and to the clasp of your strapless bra. Single handed, he managed to flick the hook and eye.

“Yeah…” you whispered, your head nodding as you felt the relief of your now free breasts and the thick anticipation of what Andy was going to do.

His lips moved down over your spine as his fists upheld his weight until he was kissing at the dip in the small of your back. As his lips brushed your skin, he knelt back a little, hands curling once more at your waist as he pulled you upwards and back, so you were presented in front of him. He took his shaft in hand and ran his head along your slit, coating his tip with your slick. He brushed her clit and you whimpered.

With a final glance up at you, to see your face pressed to the pillow, head turned to the right, eyes fluttering open to watch him, he gently moved forward and slid into you in a single slow and deliberate thrust.

"Oh fahk," he stuttered as he sheathed himself inside you. He quickly moved to thrust again, not giving himself nor you the time to adjust. He was solid and needed that steady friction, but he wasn't about to let the night end quickly, despite how badly he'd gotten worked up.

His thrusts were snaps of his hips but there was time between each rut, he wasn't about banging you like a dog in heat, he was about the enjoyment for you and for himself second. His hands kept hold of your hips as he went, eyes shifting between your beautiful face and his actions, watching as he buried himself in you and coming out again. His self-control became unbelievably hard when you started to push back against him, seeking him out, driving him deeper.

As he felt that tightness in his sac grow, and he hooked his arm under you, his hand slipped between the valley of your breasts, palming one in his hand as he titled you up, and sat back on his heels. The change in pitch had you both moaning as Andy went deeper, his tip sliding along that soft cushion inside you.

He held you close, your back pressed to his chest, one large hand still kneading and tweaking your breast, the other dropping between your legs as they splayed, knees bent either side of his, your shins resting against the soft grey bed spread.

His hips bucked upwards, again and again, slightly faster than before but still controlling the pace as his fingers gently toyed with your clit.

“Come on, baby…” his lips nipped at your ear as he spoke, your head falling back against his shoulder as you let out a strangled groan. “Let go, come on…”

Your arm slid around behind his neck and gripped at the short hairs there as your whole body tensed around him like a constrictor snake. He felt your walls grip him hard, attempting to pull him in further than possible.

The hand that was on your breast moved upwards and he gently clasped your jaw in his fingers, tilting your face round to his. He pressed his mouth to yours, the kiss sloppy as you trembled in his arms, your release washing over you, almost violently. He came right behind you, his overlapping the last waves of yours as he continued with a filthy, rut riding kiss.

The room became silent as the sounds of groans, moans and skin slapping skin stopped, and instead the sounds of sex were replaced by heavy breathing as Andy held you still. His face pressed into the side of your neck as you both waited for your bodies to even out. Faint kisses covered the column of your neck as he tried to hold up your boneless body with his own.

Ever so gently, he led you down with him along the bed, still joined inside you until he pulled back the blankets and covered you both up. As you laid your head against his chest, Andy couldn’t help but smirk as he'd just had the best sex of his life, and he wasn't over exaggerating either.

“Well…” he felt you stir in his arms and he glanced down at you. Although you were exhausted and thoroughly fucked out, your eyes were bright and mischievous as you continued, “my battery operated friend can’t do that.”

He chuckled as he said "fahk."

“Which is a good job, really, as outside reproduction, men would serve absolutely no purpose whatsoever…”

A heavy finger touched your lips, "shhhh," he chortled. "Just stahp," he scrunched his nose up.

You both fell silent for a moment, Andy’s hand softly running up and down your spine. He pressed his lips to your head. “You need anything?”

“No, just sleep.” you yawned.

"Okay," he pressed his lips into your hair, "night, Angel."

“Night bay—-“ you yawned.

Andy paused “what?”

“I said, night baby.”

“Huh, I thought you said Bee Bee.” He chuckled.

You shrugged and then snorted. “BB, it can stand for Bearded Barber.”

Andy blinked before he shook his head and reached up to flick the lights off. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

“Meh,” you popped a shoulder against his chest, "you love me…” you giggled and yawned again.

You felt Andy still beside you and immediately your eyes jerked open and you could just about make his silhouette out in the dark. But there wasn’t enough light to tell you what expression he wore on his face. And you were worried you’d just pushed it too far, albeit unwittingly.

“I didn’t… that was just a… erm… it’s just…” you sighed as you tilted your head up to look at him. “Shit, I’m…”

“Hey, its okay.” He shook his head as he took a deep breath. “Y/N…”

“You don’t need to explain...”

“Will you shut up for a minute?” He chuckled, his hand brushing your hair off your face. "You're not wrong. I do love you."

Now you sat up a little, your elbow catching the brunt of your weight as you leaned against Andy's chest, your palm flat between his pecs. Your heart raced as you stared at him whilst he searched for words to say.

"These past few months have been the happiest I’ve felt in a very long time and, that’s down to you.” His hand that rested on your back flattened further against your spine as his other came to cup your face, this thumb running along your bottom lip before he pressed his forehead to yours. “So yes, I do love you, and if I’m being honest, I probably have for a while.”

You blinked, his nose sliding against yours as his words registered, a warm feeling flooded your body from your head to your toes as you realised what he’d just said.

He loved you.

But, unlike the last time you had heard those words, you knew them to be true. This wasn’t lust or a sexual obsession mistaken for love, it came from a place of softness, caring.

It came from the heart.

It was a genuine affection that had grown over time through a relationship that held a mutual trust and acceptance. And there was absolutely no doubt in your mind that you felt the same.

“I don’t expect you to say it back,” he whispered, “I'd never want to pressure you like..."

“I love you too,” you cut him off as you leaned into him, your lips pressing softly, but affirming to his.

*** Part 2

#consciousness of guilt #andy barber #andy barber x reader #andy barber x you #andy barber fanfiction #andy barber smut #defending jacob #reader insert #chris evans #chris evans characters

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