First of all, you haven't missed anything! This IS the next chapter in Bobby and Anna's story. Some sites would not allow me to post chapter 7 in two parts so the chapter numbers were off and I figured now was as good a time as any to correct it. The next chapter will be chapter 11.
Second, the last line is inspired by a line I heard on another show. I reworked it and used it because, honestly, it just seemed to fit. We all know how very capable Bobby – and The Man who portrays him - is at leaving us breathless, don't we?
Third, I want to take a moment to thank all of you who have been so patient and have continued to be interested in my little tale. I know you have waited a long time and I appreciate your continued interest more than you will ever know. It has been a struggle and I hope you are not disappointed.
And last, but certainly not least, my undying thanks and affections go out to Poppyfoxcroft, Ordinary, Kissy, Ann, Diane & Tess and all the other writers and friends who have helped me over these past months – with my struggle to continue writing and with other far more serious issues… I am truly blessed to have each and every one of you in my life.
Disclaimer: Dick Wolf owns it all. Dammit.
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This chapter is dedicated to a reader named Alex - I am sorry if I hurt your feelings when you emailed me. There was some weird stuff going on at the time. Please forgive me?
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Chapter 10: Home Again
Bobby reached down with his right hand and unbuckled Anna's seat belt. Leaning over, he gently guided her arm through the strap and slid it back in place. He moved back to the driver's side and removed the keys from the ignition, then reached for the driver's side door handle. He pulled the handle and pushed open the door.
His eyes never left hers until he turned to get out of the car.
The cool night air hit him like a wave. Damn, is it actually that cold? he asked himself as he made his way to the other side of the car. No, more like things were just that steamy in there. He paused, shivering as he remembered Anna's hot breath against his ear. "If you tell me your wishes… I'll tell you mine." God, how he wanted to make her wishes come true. All of them… one by one. And then I intend to start all over again… For a moment the image of Anna naked, her body open and undulating beneath his flashed in his mind. He looked up at her building as he reached the passenger door. Upstairs… Just hold it together until you get upstairs.
Anna watched his door close and straightened in her seat. She took a deep breath and tried to steady herself. In her current state, she doubted she could even walk. My God, the passion in his eyes, she thought, swallowing hard.She had been ogled by guys before; Chris always got a certain 'look' in his eyes when he was in the mood. But Bobby… He looked like he wanted to devour me… A vision formed in her mind's eye: Bobby between her legs, eyes full of pure heat, mouth and tongue at the ready. Her nipples tightened and she pulled her wrap closer around her. She blushed as an eager yet nervous smile began to spread across her face. Stop it!! She brushed her hand across her upper lip - she was starting to sweat. Nothing is going to happen if you can't get out of the damn car! She willed herself to pick up her bag and retrieve their leftover food. Her door opened and she felt the breeze brush through her hair. Thank God, I needed that.
Anna turned and smiled as Bobby extended his hand. She swung her legs out and stood up unsteadily.
"You okay…?" He grasped her hand tightly and caught her with his other arm.
"Yes, um," she laughed a little giddily. "I'm, I'm fine."
"Sure…?" Bobby bent at the waist and caught her eyes.
Anna reached out and ran her hand down his cheek. Ooh… nice stubble.
"Absolutely," she answered firmly.
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They crossed the street in slow, even steps; Bobby fighting the urge to sprint, Anna just making sure she put one leg in front of the other. He draped his left arm across her shoulders and pulled her closer. Leaning against him, she nestled her head into the side of his chest. She shivered slightly as the breeze swelled up.
"Oh, I-I should have gotten my coat," Bobby turned and tilted his head back towards the car. "Let me go back and get it for you."
"No, no, it's okay," she turned further into him and stretched her left arm, hugging his waist. "We're practically there and you are more than enough to keep me warm."
Anna peeked up at him through her eyelashes with a shy smile as he turned and they began to make their way to her building.
Oh, I'll just bet your warm, Bobby thought to himself as he rubbed her upper arm with his hand. Warm and wet and tight… I can't wait to find out exactly how hot I can get you, Anna.
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Moving behind her, Bobby shielded her from the wind as they approached the door and she entered her security code. Anna felt his bulk engulfing her, protecting her. So massive and strong… but so cuddly at the same time… She wondered if he liked to cuddle – Chris never had and she always felt like there was something missing, an intimacy they never shared. She made a mental note: Make sure to add cuddling to the wish list…
Bobby pulled the door open with his right hand and followed Anna through the foyer. They crossed the lobby hand in hand and he pushed the call button for the elevator. The doors opened and he ushered her in. She pushed the button marked "4" and sat their food down as the doors closed. They were alone. He reached for her, wanting to feel her close to him again. She turned into his embrace and once again he felt her body meld perfectly into his.
Anna ran her left hand up his chest and began to toy with the top button of his shirt. She fingered his collar and caressed the hollow of his throat. She was becoming anxious to explore his body, find his places, and discover all the ways to please him most. One place was quite pleased already. She felt Bobby rise against her as his hands slowly caressed her hips and spanned out across her back. She slid her other hand up between his shirt and jacket. There is so much of him, she thought with a smile. So much to uncover…
Bobby bent his neck and pressed his lips to her forehead. He wanted to feel her bare skin next to his; lick it, suck it, and mark it as his own. His hands moved up her back and his fingers traced the lace along the back of her dress. There was a little space between her spine and the fabric. He dipped his middle finger in and stroked her silky soft skin. He heard Anna's breath catch and felt her hands freeze on his chest. She closed her eyes and swayed against him.
Their breath mingled in the air; the scent of their mutual arousal filled the car. The bell sounded and the doors opened.
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He kept his arm around her, holding her close as they made their way down the hall to her door. Every few steps he would steal a glance at her; more than once he was delighted to find her looking back at him. Neither one could stop smiling.
Bobby eased his arm from Anna's waist and took the food so she could retrieve her keys from her bag. He heard them jingle and noticed the slight tremble in her hand as she tried the lock. Bobby reached around her, surrounding her hand with his.
"May I?" he asked gently, smiling as he tilted his head to catch her eye.
"Please..." she replied, sighing and reddening slightly in embarrassment.
His strong hand embraced hers and together they guided the key effortlessly into the lock. The cylinder turned over and the bolt slid open with a click. He released her hand and stepped back as she pushed the door open.
Anna pulled the key from the door. She turned and surveyed the man still standing at her threshold as if waiting for permission to come in. She couldn't help but be enchanted by the way Bobby remained the perfect gentleman, even after the intimate interludes they had shared on the way home. He appeared calm, composed; but his eyes still simmered with the raw emotion she saw in the car.
"May I come in, Anna?" Bobby smiled softly as his left eyebrow rose in question.
"I think you'd better…," she replied, grinning as she stepped backwards into the small foyer. Anna reached out and gently but firmly tugged on his jacket, pulled him inside, and closed the door.
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For a few moments they just stood there, staring into each others eyes. Bobby took a step towards her and lifted his right arm, gesturing towards the kitchen with their food.
"We should uhm," he wagged his finger and cleared his throat "Put this away before we… we…uhm…"
"Have dessert?" she offered, chuckling a bit in amusement.
He laughed and sheepishly looked at the floor. She reached out and slipped her right hand through his, taking the bag by its thin, twine handle. Anna placed her left hand lightly to his chest and smiled up at him.
"Make yourself at home, Bobby. I'll be right back."
Anna turned and walked into the kitchen, aware that his eyes were following her every step of the way. She removed her wrap, draping it over the back of one of the dining room chairs and set her bag on the table. She crossed to the refrigerator, opened the door, removed the food from the bag and placed it on the top shelf. Ooh, bless Bridget; she gave us bread, too… Licking her lips, she removed the still soft garlic bread from the bag. She closed the door and turned around intending to put it in the warming drawer and rejoin Bobby in the living room. But he had already joined her.
"Oh! Bobby!!" she yelped in surprise as she nearly ran straight into him.
"Sorry, I-I didn't mean to scare you," his hands shot up in a somewhat defensive gesture. "You didn't…," she gasped a laugh as she reached out and touched her left hand to his right. "I just didn't realize you were…well, here."
Bobby smiled, lowering his arm as he took her hand in his. Anna's cheeks were flushed pink - a hue that definitely brought out the rich emerald of her eyes, their gold and cinnamon highlights beckoning him to explore their depths. Her depths, he realized. Her eyes are so full - dark, abundant and endless… So easy to lose myself in. He followed her gaze to their clasped hands and saw a flash of something else there. Nervousness… or fear? She did say it had been a long time – how long? he wondered as he twined his fingers with hers, feeling a slight tremble. I don't want her to be afraid of me, of us... I know I will never regret this and I don't want her to either.
"Anna, listen, uhm, there is no rush… Uh…" He swallowed hard and tried again.
"I know we are moving fast and I think it is pretty obvious that I am more than just interested in…" This isn't going well… How – why - does she do this to me?
"We can wait if you…," his left hand began to clench and unclench as he continued to stammer. Get this right, Goren…
Anna watched her hand disappear into Bobby's and hitched a breath as she felt it. That warmth, the same she had felt at Llewellyn's when he first took her hand; that she had felt as he held her while they danced. She was surprised by how much it calmed her and yet unnerved her at the same time. How – why - does his touch make me feel so comfortable and safe yet so… afraid? What am I afraid of? She searched for his eyes as he moved closer. Everything was in Bobby's eyes – his intelligence, his strength, his passion. There are troubles there, too, I know… She felt his fingers lace between hers as the warmth spread into her. But, but I - we - can handle them… something in me just knows we can. She took a deep breath. I have no reason to be afraid – especially not of Bobby… Her eyes traveled up his arm and she fully realized for the first time that he had removed his jacket. The silvery sheen of his shirt brought out his expressive eyes even more and the soft, silky fabric clung to every sinew of his muscular chest. And not of what he makes me feel, what he makes me want…God, what he makes me want… She managed to breathe again as her eyes finally settled on his. What is he saying…?
"… I don't want you to do anything that you might regret and I would never intentionally hurt you, Anna…," Bobby continued as his eyes shifted to his feet. "I-I am not a one night stand kind of guy –"
"Bobby," Anna said softly as she sat the bread on the counter. She touched her right hand to his chin, bringing his eyes back to hers. She moved into him, resting her now free hand against his chest. "I know that you are not that kind of man, don't ask me how I know – I don't even know how I know… but I do."
"There is only one thing I ask of you before we… have dessert," she bit her bottom lip and blushed just a bit.
Bobby lifted his left hand and lightly stroked his thumb across her cheek, his fingers tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Anything, Anna," he said huskily.
"Promise me…," she lifted her face and smiled as she gently bumped his nose with hers. Her voice was barely a whisper. "Promise me you'll give me a chance to catch my breath before you take it away again?"
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A/N: Yes, I know, I am a terrible tease. I truly did not intend to end the chapter this way, but it was this or nothing at the moment. I will do my very best to update soon - even if it kills me:D