Eye of the Beholder

Author’s Notes: Thank you blue_lioness, Vixey and Arden for your reviews.

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He wakes to the smell of coffee brewing and he inhales deeply before opening his eyes. He has a good long stretch and a yawn like a giant blue cat before throwing back the covers and then going to follow his nose. He soon finds himself in Amanda’s room, but after a brief look around, he finds that there’s no Amanda.

Before he can decide whether or not to go in search of the lady, he hears someone using the key card to open her door. Suddenly realizing that he’s barely dressed and he’s standing in a lady’s room, he quickly dashes back to his own room just as the door swings open. He breathes a sigh of relief once he’s in his room and then cringes when he hears her chuckling.

“I saw that,” she teases and he pokes his head around the door.

“Saw what?” he asks innocently, noting that she’s showered and dressed.

“You dashing back to your own room,” she snickers as she dumps a bunch of little yellow packets next to the coffee maker.

“What do you have there?” he asks, still keeping most of his body hidden behind the door.

“Sweetener,” she answers as she selects one and then flicks it a couple of times to get all of the powdery sweetness down to the other end. “They never give you enough with these coffee makers. So what were you doing in here anyways?”

“I woke to the smell of coffee and followed my nose until I found the source,” he answers truthfully. “If I had been fully awake I would never have just burst into your room like that.”

“Don’t worry about it, I’ve been awake for a while,” she assures him as she pours herself a cup of coffee. “Would you like a cup?”

“Yes, please,” he replies. “I thought you were planning on sleeping for a couple of days.”

“I was but I forgot to close the black out curtains before I crawled into bed,” she tells him as she pours a second cup. “I have the hardest time sleeping if there’s any light in the room.”

“I hope you got enough rest,” he says.

“I slept like a rock,” she responds while putting the carafe back in the maker. “I’m thinking of taking that bed home with me. Would you like anything in your coffee?”

“Black is fine, thank you,” he answers as she heads towards him. “And you can’t take the bed home with you; it won’t fit in the trunk.”

“Maybe I could rent a truck,” she jokingly muses while he slightly moves out from behind the door as he reaches for his drink.

“I’m not helping you commit grand theft bed,” he teases as she hands him his cup and then turns an incredible shade of red. “Are you alright?”

“Fine,” she squeaks as she quickly returns to her own cup across the room, keeping her back to him.

He doesn’t understand what has her so flummoxed until he looks down and realizes he’s only wearing his boxers.

“Perhaps I should go get dressed,” he suggests as he turns around, his own face heating up.

“Sounds good,” she replies in that same strangled, high pitched voice.

He returns a few minutes later, properly attired and her coloring has returned to normal. He finds her looking out the window at the incredible view, using her coffee cup to keep her hands warm and he pauses a moment to take in the view as well, but the one of her, not the landscape.

He’s mesmerized by the way her still damp hair frames her face; the way the weak sunlight makes her eyes seem to be an even lighter shade of green and how smooth and creamy her skin appears. She takes a sip of her coffee and then a smirk appears on her lips. Belatedly, he realizes he’s been caught staring.

“I was going to ask you how you were enjoying the view, but I have a feeling that it’s not the Washington Monument that’s got your attention,” she casually mentions, her cheeks starting to tint to a lovely shade of pink.

“I would have to say the view is very lovely from where I’m standing,” he replies and her cheeks get even redder.

“So, um, what should we do now?” she asks nervously, the red starting to spread to the rest of her face.

“I think, perhaps, breakfast is in order,” he suggests as he steps up to her and wraps an arm around her waist.

“Breakfast sounds good,” she hastily agrees as the heat of his body begins to seep through her turtleneck sweater and jeans and it’s starting to affect her thought process.

“Shall we be going then?” he asks after draining his coffee cup.

“Yeah, I’m starved,” she answers as she finishes her own drink.

“Then come,” he instructs as he takes her empty cup and puts it with his own next to the coffee maker. “The hotel’s restaurant is quite good.”

“And very expensive,” she mutters under her breath.

“That’s why I’m treating,” he tells her jovially as he puts his hand at the small of her back and guides her out the door.

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A while later, they’re seated in the hotel’s restaurant near a window overlooking Lafayette Square and she’s watching the world go by. He rests his chin on his fist, ignoring the no elbows on the table rule and watches her. She starts blushing a minute later and a shy smile creeps across her lips.

“What are you thinking about?” he softly asks.

“I feel like I’m Cinderella about to go to the ball,” she quietly replies, still looking out the window.

“To win the attention of a Prince Charming?” he gently teases.

“I think it’s a pretty safe bet that I already have his attention,” she answers, turning to face him and reaching out to gently stroke his cheek.

“You most certainly do,” he assures her as he captures her hand and kisses the palm. “So, what shall we do with ourselves this morning? I know you have the day spa this afternoon”

Mate! Beast unhelpfully suggests which Hank promptly ignores.

“I was thinking of doing the touristy thing this morning,” she tells him. “I hope you don’t mind me abandoning you this afternoon.”

“Not at all,” he assures her. “In fact, I thought it was such a good idea that I’ve decided to go as well.”

“You’re going to a day spa?” she asks, a smile twitching at the corner of her lips.

“Is there something wrong with that?” he questions with a raised eyebrow.

“No, nothing at all,” she replies, quickly taking a sip of her orange juice to contain the snicker that wants to escape.

“What’s so funny about me wanting to be pampered a bit?” he gently challenges. “Is this something only women are allowed?”

“It’s not that, it’s just that if my father found out that you go to day spas, he’d be questioning your masculinity,” she replies, laughter dancing in her eyes. “It’s not something manly men do. If someone suggested he go to one of these places, he’d feel the need to go out and chop some wood or something to prove how manly he is.”

“Do you question my masculinity?” he inquires, a smile making his own lips twitch.

“Oh, no,” she breathes, her eyes starting to darken. “I have no doubt about your masculinity whatsoever.”

“Good, otherwise I would be tempted to keep this for myself,” he says as he puts his hand in his pocket and brings out a small box cheerfully wrapped in Christmas paper.

She tentatively takes it from him and looks up at him for confirmation. He nods and then she unwraps the small package, not being very careful as the paper tears in a few places. She gently lifts the lid and gasps when she sees her present.

“Hank, it’s beautiful,” she whispers as she carefully lifts the three dimensional gold heart pendant up by its gold chain.

“I’m glad you like it,” he says with obvious pleasure. “Would you do me the honor of wearing it this evening?”

“I’d love too,” she hastily replies. “Can I wear it now?”

“Yes, of course,” he answers as she undoes the clasp.

He gets up, carefully takes the necklace from her and then steps behind her. She quickly lifts her hair out of the way while he refastens the clasp. She lets her hair fall as he retakes his seat and then gently touches the pendant.

“Thank you,” she says just before leaning over and kissing him.

“You’re welcome,” he replies in a hoarse whisper after the kiss ends.

A smug smile plays across her lips as he quickly brings his libido under control and she continues to play with her present.

“I’m afraid I left your present up in my room,” she tells him as the server arrives with their food. “You’ll have to wait until after breakfast to get it.”

“A life time supply of Twinkies?” he guesses with a grin as he reaches for the salt.

“And how would have I hidden a double trailer semi in my bags?” she laughs.

“You must think I eat a lot of Twinkies if you would have two trailers filled,” he pouts but she’s not buying the act.

“Or maybe I think you’re going to live a really long time,” she points out.

“I like that reasoning better,” he admits he spears a piece of food onto his fork.

“Besides,” she continues as she butters her French toast, “I’d expect you share.”

“I can be very territorial over my Twinkies,” he playfully growls.

“Even if I asked nicely?” she asks as she gently caresses the back of one of his hands.

“It depends on how nicely you asked,” he answers using every ounce of will power not to drag her back up to the rooms.

“Depends on how badly I want a Twinkie,” she smirks as she removes her hand from his and picks up her fork.

“You’re making yourself quite the bonfire there, young lady,” he quietly snarls in jest.

“All the better to stay nice and warm,” she replies as she calmly takes a bite.

“So, what would you care to see this morning?” he asks, completely changing the subject in order to save his sanity and dignity. “Site wise, I mean.”

“I don’t know,” she answers after she’s swallowed. “Any particular place you recommend?”

“I could show you some of my favorite places if you like,” he offers as he starts to eat his own breakfast.

“That would be wonderful, thank you,” she says.

“Then we best finish our meals and get going before the last minute shoppers make getting anywhere nearly impossible,” he states.

“That sounds like a good idea,” she agrees and they finish their meal in companionable silence.

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A while later they return to their rooms to collect their outdoor gear and she goes to get out his present from her bags. A few moments later he’s tapping on the door that separates their rooms and she hands him his present as he steps into the room. He examines the brightly wrapped box for a few seconds and then he holds it up to his ear and shakes it.

“Just open it,” she orders with a laugh.

He grins and then begins to open it with meticulous care driving her nuts with his slowness. She knows he’s just doing it to torment her and it takes every bit of self control not to reach over and ‘help’ him. Once the paper is gone, he’s standing there holding a plain cardboard box with the flaps taped shut in his hands. He carefully breaks the tape with one of his nails and lifts the flaps.

“Just what I always wanted,” he jokingly states, “waded up newspaper.”

“The president’s going to be up for reelection before you finish opening your present,” she chuckles.

He takes a handful of crumpled up newsprint and throws it at her. She laughs as she bats it out of the way and he takes a hold of what he finds inside.

“Twinkies,” he snickers as she takes the box from him. “Not a life time supply, but it should get me through the weekend.”

“Keep going,” she encourages and he reaches in again.

“A professional grade hair dryer,” he laughs and she grins at his obvious delight.

“There’s one more in there,” she tells him, relieving him of that box as well.

He sticks his hand in one more time, pushing aside the packing material and his face goes from one of merriment to one of surprise. He carefully explores the object with his fingers before he gingerly lifts the object out. She takes the cardboard box from him while he removes the tissue it’s wrapped in and then examines his treasure with the utmost care.

“Amanda,” he whispers in awe.

“Well, what do you get a guy who probably has everything?” she asks as she puts the items she’s holding down on the bed. “A really old book.”

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” he barely breathes as he gently opens the cover. “It’s a second edition but still an excellent find and in very good condition too. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she replies. “I’m glad you like it.”

He carefully sets the book down on the nightstand behind him before pulling her to him and giving her a kiss that leaves them both breathless.

“I love it,” he assures her as she tries to convince her blood to return to her brain.

“Good,” she whispers as she holds him close, feeling her pendant pressed between them.

“Perhaps we should get going,” he suggests. “We don’t have that much time to be tourists.”

“Probably a good idea,” she agrees as she pulls away and gathers her things.

A short time later they’re headed out the front doors of the hotel and making their way through the crowds, barely even noticing the nearly melted snow that fell to the ground the night before.

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Hours later, Hank tries not to fidget or pace as he waits for Amanda to put in an appearance. The lobby of the spa isn’t big enough to get a good pacing going anyways, so instead he tries to patiently wait for his beauty. He tries to inconspicuously adjust his tux for about the twentieth time and glances briefly at his watch.

He’s about to go and ask the lady behind the counter how much longer it’s going to be when a movement out of the corner of his eye catches his attention. He quickly turns around and sees her walking towards him. Her hair is up in a French twist, her make up is expertly applied, a pair of gold stud earrings adorn her ears but it’s when he gets to the base of her neck that he really notices what she’s wearing.

“That’s cheating,” he complains and she grins.

“I told you, you weren’t going to see the dress until we got to this little shindig,” she reminds him as she walks towards him. “Trust me; it’ll be worth the wait.”

“Better be,” he grumbles as he suspiciously eyes the full length cloak she’s wearing that covers her from neck to toe and then offers her his arm. “Shall we go then?”

“Let’s,” she agrees as she slides a gloved hand through his arm.

He quickly escorts her to his car and gets her properly seated before getting behind the steering wheel.

“It’s black,” he states as he starts the car.

“What’s black?” she asks, playing coy.

“Your dress, you little minx,” he playfully growls at her.

“I imagine most of the women at this thing will be wearing black, as will most of the men,” she replies, a smile twitching the corner of her mouth.

“You’re being a tease,” he pouts.

“And you’re being impatient,” she points out. “We’ll be there soon.”

He mumbles something under his breath and then concentrates on his driving. A while later they get to the front gates of the White House and have to wait in traffic while every car is checked and the license plate is photographed before being allowed onto the grounds. Once they’re past that, the keys to the car are passed over to a valet before they make they’re way into the Entrance Hall with it’s white marble and crystal chandeliers decorated for the holidays and her breath is practically taken away by the splendor of it.

He guides her over to the coat check area where they wait their turn to be rid of their outer vestments. As soon as they get an attendant to help them, Hank hands over his dress coat and then turns to help her out of her cloak. She finishes taking off her gloves before undoing the clasp at her throat. Once he’s sure it’s safe to do so, he gently pulls the cloak off of her shoulders and gets his first look at the back of her dress, well, what there is of it at any rate.

“Oh my stars and garters,” he gasps.