In 5 days Surrera will be back on our screens, enjoy this make-believe fluff piece and let's live in a happy bubble for a bit longer!
The last 3 months had been good for Andy and Robert; they had been dating secretly and in their little bubble filled with love and happiness, no opinions of others and no judgment.
With Robert now the Battalion Chief and Andy still a lieutenant, the stakes were raised even higher, and if their relationship got exposed it would be detrimental to their careers. For Robert things were a bit simpler already being a private person and having no close friends who would prod him for answers. Andy, on the other hand, who was like the team glue and somewhat open with her friends, it would take more out of her to hide their relationship. Being attuned with her emotions too proved to be a challenge. As if that wasn't enough, living with a roommate was the icing on the cake.
"Hey, should I expect you to be at our place tomorrow?"
"What?"
"Our place, the house we rented together Andy. We're all hanging out after shift and I mean you haven't been home for a while now and it's been a while since you've hung out with us."
"Oh right, that. I'll drop by but I may not be staying long...and Jack, I'm good." Andy assured him before heading off to her bunk.
She had completely forgotten about their hangout and Robert had made plans for their off day. Knowing how the team would be gossiping about her, she figured going for an hour or so would be the best move to avoid suspicion.
After taking a 15 mins nap, she headed to Robert's office.
"Hey,"
Looking up from his screen he acknowledged her, "Thought you'd be resting after that call."
"I did, I just got up and decided I'd come to check on you...plus I need to tell you I was pulled into a team hang since I haven't gone with them for a while and they're becoming suspicious."
"So..."
Cutting him off, she added, "I'll just spend an hour and then come over and we can do what you planned. That's okay right?"
"Yes. Just don't leave me hanging for too long," he said slyly, as he got up pulling her close to him.
"Robert," Glancing around she continued, "I'm sure this doesn't fit in the professional box."
He grinned, "Do you know how much it takes out of me to not kiss you every day at work?"
"You mean all the kisses you make up for at home and annoy me?" Hearing that 4 letter word that had left her mouth, she brimmed with embarrassment and slightly adjusted her eyes across the room.
"Home, huh? Well, I'll see you at home," He uttered as he gently placed a chaste kiss on her forehead.
Both ended the conversation smiling; Andy headed back to her bunk and Robert finished up some reports for the other stations.
The rest of the night went by smoothly, with only 2 minor calls that kept them busy.
The Next Day
Andy had been up most of the night, she had adjusted to sleeping with Robert these past months, and some nights it was hard and this had been one of those.
She found herself sneaking off to catch him in his bunk before everyone was up.
"Hey," she whispered as she made her way in. She saw that he was up too so she walked over to him. "I just wanted to come to say hi before I left with the others."
"Risking your 'friends' seeing you leave my bunk so early?"
"We're friends...I'm just checking on you. I needed you for some report," she replied unfazed.
Robert chuckled as he sat up, bringing his face close to hers, "Whatever you say, but now I think I deserve my morning kiss."
Andy blessed him with a bright smile, leaning in to kiss him. "Morning," She replied when they came up for air.
Robert grinned, his eyes lighting up in mischief. "I wouldn't mind if that's how you greeted me all the time." He tried pulling her in for another kiss, but she escaped his grasp just as quickly.
"I'm going before someone sees me. I'll see you in a bit." Closing the door, Andy quickly tiptoed across the floor heading back to her bunk. Just that little encounter with Robert had warmed her heart and she was now in her happy bubble.
After an hour they were all ready and heading off to Jack & Andy's to chill out and of course have a few drinks. Robert had heard the loud chatter which alerted him they were leaving. Moving across to the window, he was just in time to meet Andy's eyes, as she gave him a smile and took off with the others.
Within 10 mins they were at the house and almost everyone went straight to the fridge immediately grabbing a drink.
"I'm just gonna plop on the couch, never moving!" Travis exclaimed.
"I'm with you, I barely slept," Andy added.
"Oh, does this have to do with you up with this mysterious stranger you're always running off to?" Vic said nonchalantly. All eyes fell on her, seeing as how she hadn't even let them settle in. "What we were all thinking it? And I couldn't hold it in any longer."
Caught in the spotlight Andy chugged the beer in front of her trying her best to keep quiet.
"Ok Herrera, we're waiting?" Travis spoke as he beckoned for Vic to come to sit beside him. The others were all silent waiting for Andy to give them something.
"There's nothing to tell guys. My lack of sleep had nothing to do with the fact that I may or may not be seeing someone...Here I thought we were going to have a drink and chill."
"Exactly what we're doing, we're just building conversations. Talking like a family right?" Dean encouraged.
The others nodded in agreement which caused Andy to get even more flustered. "So when are we meeting this new flame?" Ben asked.
"Ben!" Andy shrieked, shocked that he would be in on it.
"The man does have a point. We'd like to meet this guy and get to know him." Maya spoke, raising an eyebrow at Andy as she finally added to the conversation. "Wait, does Pruitt know?"
Shaking her head, Andy feared she had no way out. "See, this is exactly why I never told you guys...Anyways let's talk about something else."
"Well we all need to go out one day and hang; go dancing or something. We could invite Sullivan and everyone brings their significant other. We need some more joy and time to relax." Ben suggested.
"Actually a good idea," Dean said while patting Ben's back.
They all chatted some more, talking about calls and just every life. Soon the boys had separated from the girls since they wanted to catch up on a game and the girls weren't interested.
Maya and Vic dragged Andy off to find her room. Catching up on each other's lives, Vic and Maya's in particular. By the time they had caught up, they were there for an hour. Ready to demand something from Andy, they noticed she got a message, it was Robert asking what time he should expect her so he can start getting ready. A smile crept across her face causing her to solely have the attention of the other 2.
"So I presume Mr. Lover is wondering where you are?" Vic joked.
Maya kept quiet but she had her suspicions considering she knew Andy well.
"Let's just say I need to go, I have plans."
"Getting in some sexy time. Good for you Herrera!... Next time we'll need to get some elaborate details."
Andy left in a hurry grabbing her things so as to avoid more questions and drilling from the boys. She loved her team dearly but at times it's like they had a love-hate relationship and this was one of those hate moments.
She messaged Robert to let him know she would be leaving now, so he could start putting things together. The entire drive, she wondered where they were going since he gave her no clue about their venture.
Soon she was pulling up at their home, a place she felt safe, especially because of the person who she would find behind those doors. The rhythm at which her heartbeat had increased and she felt giddy. It was that feeling of utter love, the one that made you melt, and just the thought of seeing the one you love sent shivers throughout your body.
Opening the front door, she called out for Robert signaling her return. "I'm in the kitchen" he responded.
Walking in that general direction she met him halfway. "Hi"
"Hi...Thanks for not keeping me waiting too long."
She gave him a smile, as she signaled she was going to get ready and back her things.
"Remember to pack that bathing suit that I like!" He shouted as she ran up the stairs.
Robert took the time to fetch his bag and leave it at the door and returned to the kitchen to add the final touches to the breakfast he was making.
Half an hour later Andy emerged in a floral dress and her hair slicked in a wet bun. "I'm ready."
Eyeing her Robert smiled to himself, thinking he really managed to find another great love in life and he was really grateful.
"About time," She punched him playfully as she walked past him heading to the door.
"So you don't need me to bring your bag then?"
He did a quick run-through ensuring everything was in place and then headed to his car to catch up with Andy.
"So we're going out and here you are pretending to be mad at me...Hmm...kinda sounds like I should cancel." He teased with a smirk across his face.
She laughed at his remark, "That's what you're only saying now, you know you wanna go as much as I want to, even though I have no idea where yet."
He knew she was right, so he just rolled his eyes and started the journey. They had a few conversations on the way and every now and again a song would come on the radio that Andy would turn up and make it into a dance fiesta.
After about an hour of driving, they pulled up to a hotel. Andy quickly recognized it as one of those she had told Robert she wanted to go spend a day at.
"You didn't!" She exclaimed, joy evident in her voice.
"I did, I think we deserve it and you're always going on about how we never get time to go."
"I could kiss you right now."
"There will be plenty of time for that."
Soon they were parked and walking in, Andy taking in every bit of the scenery.
...
"Mr & Mrs. Sullivan, your room is right this way," the bellhop spoke as he grabbed their bags.
A gasp escaped Andy's lips as she turned, glancing at Robert, "Mrs. Sullivan?"
Holding in a suppressed laugh to her reaction he spoke, "He isn't wrong...that's what you'll be going by soon." A smile now emerged as he added another line "It sounds good rolling off the tongue right?"
Andy raised an eyebrow, smiled, and turned on her heels leaving Robert to catch up.
"So you're just leaving me here?'
"Well, you're the one still standing there."
Robert quickly made strides catching up with her and slipping his fingers through hers. They held each other close as they walked towards the elevator and glancing at each other every other minute. They were surely caught up in their love bubble now that they weren't worried about being caught or friendly eyes keeping watch of them.
As they got to the room, Andy was quick to admire the view and take in the breath of fresh air. Robert stood watching, grateful to see her with a genuine smile on her face. She did need a break after everything that went down not too long ago.
Andy could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage as Robert's arms slipped around her waist, pulling her hard against him. For long moments, they stayed that way, their combined heat a sizzling force that all but consumed them in a wave of desire. Andy's breath hitched anticipating some sort of a kiss.
"We'll do all that later," he whispered in her ear. "For now, we're going to enjoy today by the pool."
They both then changed and made their way down by the poolside to just get to relax.
"You do know, I won't be able to tolerate anyone looking at you when you're dressed like that."
"Well, you're the one who told me to wear this one."
"Yes Andy, I know. It's still for my eyes only."
Laughing, she wrapped her arms around him. "Okay, I'll just let everyone know you're very jealous."
As they got to the pool, they made themselves comfortable laying beside each other. Robert with a book in hand and Andy with her earphones plugged in trying to claim the sleep she had lost the night before. Robert admired how she was out like a light and took the opportunity to cover her face with a hat in her bag.
As time went by, Andy eventually woke from her slumber. Needing to cool off, she beckoned to Robert it was time to go inside the pool. Unable to resist her, he placed his book down and caught up with her.
Floating with each other in the pool, they had some deep conversations. "You know, I love doing this with you." Robert initiated.
"What's that?"
"Out in public, kissing you, being close to you, claiming you."
With her arms wrapped around his neck, she gave him a chaste kiss. "Yea, It's a good feeling...but I love our bubble."
"I do too, but Andy...it's driving me crazy not being able to be with you how I want to."
She rested her head in the crook of his neck. "I know."
"Look at me...Andy" He gently raised her head "Let's talk about it later and find some compromise?"
"Okay"
They spent some more time in the pool until Robert looked at his watch and said they had an appointment
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see."
Getting out, Andy covered herself as Robert took the bags and led the way. Within minutes, they stood before a beauty Spa.
"Robert Sullivan and Andrea Herrera, we have a couples massage appointment."
Andy's eyes widened, surprised he had made an appointment. She knew a massage would be the best thing for her at this moment. Their job had no doubt put a strain on their body.
"I love you," Andy whispered as they took a seat in the waiting chairs.
A Few Hours Later
They both now felt relaxed and reenergized after that massage and getting some more rest.
"We should head down to the bar for a few drinks," Robert spoke as they sat in bed, Andy laying on his shoulder.
"That sounds good!"
After what felt like an eternity of getting ready, Andy came from the bathroom in a red v neck simple yet elegant dress. She rendered Robert speechless and after seeing her, he had other plans than going for drinks.
"Wow! Where has this dress been?"
"Saving it for a special night out...I guess this counts"
"I'm very tempted Andrea...we can just stay here"
Andy smiled at him bringing her palm to his face, "The night is still young Robert Sullivan."
After a few minutes of debating why they should have drinks, Robert accepted his loss and they headed down to the bar.
They ordered a few drinks and just enjoyed the ambiance. It had been a while since either of them had seen a club per se. It didn't take long before Andy was convincing Robert to join her on the dance floor. Giving in, they took to the floor and had the time of their lives. From slow dancing to Andy busting out her salsa skills and teasing Robert, it was a night to remember.
Glistening with sweat, Andy headed to the restroom and Robert to the bar.
As he waited for Andy he nodded to the music and smiled to himself thinking how lucky he was.
He soon heard an unfamiliar voice beside him. "Something tells me you have beautiful women falling at your feet...how'd you end up alone, at a bar on a Friday night?"
At first, Robert doesn't even realize she is talking to him but once he does, he quickly answers, "Oh no, it's not what it looks like. I'm here w..." but stumbles just as quickly with his words because this is the first time he's had to say he has a girlfriend.
Taking advantage of him not responding clearly, the woman reaches over and trails her fingers along his arm then squeezes his bicep tightly. "No need to make anyone up, sugar. I won't bite... unless you want me to." She gives him a shameless, flirtatious grin.
Just as Robert is pulling away from her grasp, Andy approaches. "Babe, there you are. The line at the ladies' room took forever." She pretends to ignore the other woman and looks directly into Robert's eyes.
"It's okay," Robert says and slides an arm around her waist and Andy leans in. "This woman was just..."
Andy finally makes eye contact with her but interrupts Robert. "About to take our drink order? Great. I'll have an old fashion."
Andy offered her a smug grin knowing she didn't work there.
Robert could see that Andy was jealous and he took this as an opportunity to taunt her.
"Wow Andrea Herrera, jealous." She huffed.
"She was all over you. Don't tell me you didn't see it," she answered rolling her eyes.
"Babe, you do know that doesn't matter right? I'm with you, all in." He pulled her close, "I was trying to tell her I was with someone, but I just couldn't get it out."
"Couldn't get it out and you're the one who wants to go public?" Andy hissed as she turned around to head back to their room.
"Andy" Robert called out as he sighed. 'She's being dramatic' he thought.
He met her at the elevator, "Andy look at me...it's not like that. I was just in awe that I could finally say the words and they didn't come out sooner. Then she didn't give me a chance to speak."
"So you would've told her?"
"Yes, so stop being stubborn and listen to me."
As he opened the door to their room, he held her, "I want to be with you Andrea, you are my universe and I just want to put you first. All I ask is that you let me love you the way you deserve to be loved. Knowing us, I may do things you may not like, we'll fight, but I'll take anything at this point than losing you again. I want to go to sleep knowing that you'll be beside me, I want to make love to you, make love with you and only you."
He could see how she softened at his words and not giving her time to think, Robert cornered her against the wall, pressing his lips to hers in the lightest of caresses. A gasp left her mouth giving Robert the chance to slip his tongue in, tasting, stroking, exploring. He felt gratified when she responded, her tongue tangling with his in a dance of lust, deepening the kiss, desire now raging like an inferno that threatened to consume them.
The salty taste of her mouth, her warmth consumed him and he groaned, words inadequate to describe the feeling that coursed through him, searing him to the depths of his soul. The kiss changed, becoming needy, their hands groping each other, wanting more...impatient to have more. He broke the kiss to blaze a trail down her jaw, her neck, tasting the sweet nectar of her skin. She moaned his name, letting him push her towards the bed, as he came over her and continued his exploration of her skin, one hand sliding over her legs and up her thigh till he reached her warmth and she arched her back, offering herself to him, even as her hands went to work unbuttoning his shirt.
•••••
They made love for the night and Andy was very much pleased to live in the afterglow. "Okay, let's tell others. First, we'll need to tell my dad."