If you guys are really nice and give me LOTS of reviews today, I might give you another chapter later today or tonight. I know I'll get two - from my loyal reviewers. But the rest of you out there reading? Come on, just say hi, I like it, I hate it, SOMETHING!
Chapter 52
They arrived back at Marianne's townhouse after midnight. Marianne went straight to her bedroom and took off her shoes and stockings. House followed slowly behind her.
"I love to get dressed up, but I also love to get un-dressed up. Can you get my zipper?" she said as she turned her back to him.
He pulled down the zipper, then stepped back. She turned to look at him. Normally, he would take that opportunity to kiss the back of her neck or cop a feel. He had done that earlier when he had pulled the zipper up.
"Are you okay?" she asked him.
"Yeah. I think I ate something that didn't agree with me."
"Oh, I'm sorry, honey. Do you want me to get you something? An antacid? I could make some chamomile tea."
'It's okay. I just need to get some sleep."
"Sure."
By the time Marianne climbed into bed, House was already on his side, with his back to her. She touched him lightly.
"Are you asleep?"
"If I was, I wouldn't be now."
She smiled. "Sorry. I just wanted to remind you that I have to meet with Sandy tomorrow morning, early to sign some contracts. I won't wake you, but I might not be back before you get up."
"Okay."
"You sure you're alright."
"Yeah."
"Okay, good night."
He didn't answer and she went to sleep.
The next morning, Marianne made coffee before she left for her meeting. She was gone for a little over two hours, but it still wasn't quite ten when she returned. She thought he'd still be in bed and if he was feeling better, maybe she'd join him.
He wasn't.
She found him in the living room with his bag packed and his coat on. He was writing something when she entered.
"What's up?"
"I, uh, have to get back to Princeton."
"Do you have a case?"
"Yeah."
"Oh, that's too bad. Okay, it'll only take me a few minutes to pack."
"No." he said quickly, then added, "I mean, you should stay. You've made plans with your friends and all. I'll be busy. You stay."
She looked at him, trying to read his expression. There was something he wasn't saying. But she knew he wouldn't say it if she pressed him. It would come in his own time.
"Okay, I'll stay. Maybe I'll stay until Monday, instead of tomorrow, since I don't have to get back like you did."
"Good idea."
She went to him, hugged him and kissed him on the lips. He pulled back almost immediately.
"I'll call you when I get back." She said.
"I'll probably be busy with the case, so I won't have time to talk."
"Well, whenever."
He nodded and left.
She watched him leave, wondering what the hell had happened there?
