Man, this story's gettin' long. Over 50,000 words and I'm only about 2/3 of the way through.
Okay, this chapter didn't really turn out the way I planned. The characters just seemed to start writing themselves, but I think I like it. I don't know. I've never written anything like this before. I just have to remember my mantra: Sappiness = Goodness; Sappiness = Goodness; Sappiness = Goodness. Okay. Please be gentle.
R - Yep, that's right. This is definitely not a chapter you will see on the show.
Chapter 20 - The Strong One
"It stopped raining," Robert whispered in Elizabeth's ear.
Elizabeth's eyes jerked open. They had been sitting there waiting for the rain to stop for almost an hour. Neither of them had said much to each other, so Elizabeth had found herself nodding off. She hadn't gotten much sleep these past couple of days.
"Oh," she said groggily while sitting up. She sat a ways from him, purposefully not looking at him. She got all uncomfortable on him again. Robert just stared at her confused. This was beginning to annoy him. How could she kiss his fingers and tell him she needed him one minute, then get all nervous and awkward the next? What was wrong with her? He turned and looked out, sighed deeply, then looked back to her. She was staring at her feet again. He glanced down at her feet, then slowly moved his eyes up the rest of her body, until he finally rested upon her face. He couldn't help himself. He wanted nothing more than to explore every inch of her skin underneath her clothes, which were still damp.
"So, um, have you ever seen where I live?" he asked nonchalantly, just making conversation.
"Uh, no," she replied casually. "Well, outside, but not...not inside."
"Right, right."
Silence. Finally, Robert sighed loudly again and got up. He stood in front of her holding his hand outstretched toward her. "Okay, let's go," he blurted out.
"Where are we going?" she asked almost frightened.
He stared at her fixedly with what looked close to anger. "Well, that depends."
"On what?"
"Where do you want to go?"
"Oh, um...well, I...uh-"
"Don't make this more difficult than it is, Lizzie. It's not a tough question. You have to make a conscious decision." His tone was sharp and he put a strong emphasis on 'You.'
She glared at him. "Are you telling me what to do?"
"Yes, I am." He was still sharp and determined.
"I don't like that." She was also firm.
"Well, that's tough. Sometimes we have to do things that we don't like. Honestly, Lizzie, sometimes you're like a child."
She furrowed her brow and pouted at him. She looked down and took a deep breath, before standing up in front of him. "I'm nervous," she proclaimed boldly.
"Well, I...I'm...I'm nervous too," he retorted brashly.
"Well, how come you never act like it? You used to," she yelled.
"Well, because...you act nervous enough for the both of us!"
She crinkled her forehead, not really understanding, and starred at him for a while, but then she just smiled weakly. She slowly drew closer to him and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Now he seemed to be pouting, but he returned the hug. She changed her tone and whispered in his ear. "I want to go home with you."
"Are you sure?!" He was now acting somewhat like the child.
"Yes, I'm sure."
"Are you really sure?!"
She just pulled away enough to glare at him, but her arms were still around him.
"Look," began Robert softly and truthfully, "I don't want you to...stay with me and then regret it."
"I won't. I'm not scared or being indecisive, Robert. I'm just...I told you...I'm just nervous."
He held her close again and spoke into her ear. "You don't have to be nervous. I adore you, Elizabeth. I practically worship you."
"Okay," she stated plainly.
--------------------
The sound of a key in a lock could be heard and then the doorknob turned before Robert Romano opened his front door. Elizabeth stepped in.
They had walked the whole way from the fountain on 31st and Hudson to Robert's house. It was about a 30-minute walk and it was pleasant. The air smelled fresh from the rain and it was relaxing. They occasionally had to take long ways around massive puddles strewn about. They talked pleasantly and comfortably the whole stroll. She talked about work, once he had comforted her in that he didn't mind hearing about the wretched building he used to call his workplace. She, of course, refrained from mentioning the escapades she encountered with Kerry on Friday, though. He responded to the things she said giving her good advice here and there. He also told her certain stories from his past years at County; things she never knew about. Some things were even from before she had arrived at County; when he was there before her; before they met. It surprised her how much they were able to have a decent conversation. They hadn't had many of those over the years. She knew he was capable of it, though.
He turned the light on in the living room for her. She immediately looked around the room. He had a sofa and lounge chair placed strategically in front of the television, with a small coffee table directly between the couch and TV. There were a bunch of magazines sloppily strewn on the coffee table, left open. Robert spotted her eyeing this and immediately bent down to fold them up.
"Sorry," he spoke as he closed the magazines and placed them in a neat pile in the middle of the coffee table.
"Oh, I don't care," she stated casually and began walking around the room looking at different things. She stopped in front of a large bookcase against the wall and perused through the titles.
"You want a drink?" he asked her.
She glanced at him only briefly before returning to the bookcase. "Sure. What do you have?"
"Um, coffee, tea, juice, Pepsi. I have some wine."
She looked back at him smiling. "Wine sounds lovely."
"Okay." He left toward the kitchen. She could hear him opening a fresh bottle of wine. She looked through the books some more while waiting. She saw: Moby Dick; The Odyssey; The Illiad; The Hunchback of Notre Dame; Pride and Prejudice; Of Mice and Men; The Complete Works of William Shakespeare; The Bible; Les Miserables; and Great Expectations. Just to name a few. All the books weren't Classics, but most of them were. There were also many medical books within them. The bookcase was full.
She stopped and looked around the room again. It was very nice. "I thought you had a dog," she yelled, so he could hear her from the kitchen.
He walked back into the living room with two wine glasses full of white wine. He handed her one while answering, "Dog died a long time ago, Lizzie." He answered her like it was a silly question and that it should have been obvious.
"Oh...oh...right...uh, sorry."
He took a sip of wine. "It's okay. Was an old dog to begin with." He just smiled at her.
She changed the subject. "So have you read all those?" she asked motioning toward the bookcase.
He looked up and down the shelves. "Uh...yeah, yeah. Well, some of the journals I've just sort of skimmed through, but yeah."
"Wow. I think I've read 'Of Mice and Men,' parts of 'Les Mis,' and 'Great Expectations.'
"Ah, Estella."
"Hm-hmm."
He raised his eyebrows for a brief second arrogantly without her notice, like he knew something she didn't. He took another gulp of wine. "So out of those three you read, which was your favorite?" he asked.
"Um, Great Expectations I suppose. Why?"
He just shook his head while taking another sip. "Hm, you should read 'Pride and Prejudice,' then."
"Is it good?"
He just shrugged and sat down on the couch. "It's a chick book. I'm sure you'd like it."
"Well, that's a little sexist."
"Maybe...Maybe not." He stared up at her; smirking, again like he knew something she didn't.
She looked at him suspiciously before waltzing around another part of the room. He followed her with his eyes and she gravitated toward the pictures framed on top of his mantle over his fireplace. There were about six different photos of different sizes; all framed. They all consisted of only four different people, total, in different places. She took a sip of wine before placing the glass on the mantle.
One person was a tall gentleman with brown hair and brown eyes. He was very thin and even a little bit gangly. He looked somewhere in his early 30s. In one picture, he wore a tuxedo and in another, just blue jeans and an old T-shirt.
The second person was a woman. She looked older than Robert and older than the gentleman, as well. She looked to be somewhere in her upper forties or so. She was short and more than a little pudgy.
The third was a young girl. In one picture, she was pictured with the gentleman and the woman, and she was young; about 8. In another picture she was by herself and looked to be a teenager. Elizabeth could tell it was the same girl, though.
The fourth person, of course, being Robert. It was odd. There was a picture of him with the woman and a different picture of him with the little girl and he was smiling broadly in both of them. However, there was one picture with all four people and everyone was smiling except Robert, who was glaring away from them all.
"Who are these people?" she asked.
He was expecting this, so he drained his glass, got up and stood next to her; closer than was really necessary. He pointed to the pictures. "That is my sister, her husband and their only daughter." He then pointed to the picture of him with his niece in which he was laughing heartily. He winced, "And I have no idea who that is." She chuckled softly. Robert was standing very close to her and staring at her longingly. She didn't notice this, but stayed focused on the pictures.
"Why are you upset in this one?" she asked, very interested.
He sighed and looked at the picture, then looked back at her. He was getting restless. "It's a long story. I'll tell you over coffee and donuts sometime."
"I have time."
He smiled. "Well, I can't tell you everything all at once, Elizabeth. I gotta keep you interested."
She turned to him suddenly, and her smile disappeared immediately. Her face blanched and she just stared at him stricken.
His smile disappeared as well, and he looked concerned. "What?"
She turned away and composed herself. "Uh, nothing...nothing." She took a deep breath and put her smile back on. He still looked concerned, so she put her hand on his cheek and kissed him quickly. He closed his eyes as she kissed him and as she pulled away, he felt himself keep his eyes closed and lean in toward her with his lips parted, not wanting her to stop. But she didn't notice him do this and merely scampered off toward the kitchen. He swallowed, licked his lips and leaned on the mantle.
"Are you having fun?" he asked.
She turned around with a big grin on her face, as she walked away. "Quite," she said like a little girl. He couldn't help but grin. He slowly followed her into the kitchen and stopped at the entrance, leaning against the doorframe.
She immediately started to snoop through every cabinet and drawer. His kitchen was immaculate. She wished her kitchen at home looked like this right now. She didn't even want to think about what would stink in there come tomorrow.
Robert just watched her happily. He was wearing his prosthetic this evening. He had had it on ever since he went to meet her earlier. He never did much movement with it, but he had accomplished to be able to put the prosthetic hand in his pocket, which he did along with his real hand. So, when Elizabeth turned around briefly to look at him, it was almost as if he had both his arms with both hands in his pockets. It was a little bittersweet, but she just shook it off. He looked good.
She walked over to the refrigerator with her back to Robert and opened the door. It was full. She found bread, cheese, Pepsi, chicken, hamburger beef, orange juice, milk, two bottles of wine and other odd assortments of food. It all looked very fresh. In fact most things looked like they hadn't even been opened. She took in a breath and was about to ask him about this, when she suddenly felt him right behind her. He had slowly placed his face up against her hair on the side of her face and his hand was gently at her waist. He moved his hand slowly, caressing her side as he brought his fingers up around to the top of her arm and then made small circles on her shoulder.
"You don't really want to talk about the contents of my refrigerator, do you?" he whispered in her ear.
She closed her eyes and relished in his closeness. "I guess not." She smiled.
He pushed away her hair gently from her face to reveal her neck, which he stared at. He leaned down and kissed the bottom of her neck, just where it met her blouse. She leaned her head to the left, to give him more room to work. He slowly traced tiny kisses up her neck until he met with her ear. He began to lick and nibble tantalizing at her earlobe. She gave a little moan. He stopped and went weak. Her little moans seemed to have that affect on him.
They both just stood there for a second. The refrigerator door was still wide open with them both in front of it. Robert stared at her shoulders and her blouse. He noticed quickly that the buttons seemed to be on the back. He didn't know if she'd let him so soon. He pushed aside all her hair from her back and placed it all across her left shoulder. She leaned her head down, breathing coarsely. With one hand she held her hair and with the other she supported herself against the freezer door. He kissed and licked at the back of her neck and just ran his fingers up and down her spine, right next to the buttons.
He stopped kissing her and leaned over to one side to watch her face, which he couldn't see very well, because she was looking down. He played with a button in his fingers that was located at the small of her back.
"It's okay," she whispered deeply and seductively. He undid it immediately with great ease. She always found it difficult to do or undo a button with one hand...but he didn't. His fingers graced up her back to the top button and undid that one effortlessly, as well. He was breathing against her neck, staring at her back as he undid one small button at a time. He reached up to her right shoulder and pulled the fabric away; then he did the same with the left shoulder until the material fell to the floor.
She was wearing a black, laced bra. He found it very alluring. He immediately started kissing at her bare shoulder. She was breathing hard. Her chest was heaving up and down. He pulled in close behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist. She automatically moved her hand backwards and forwards across his forearm as he kept kissing her shoulder. Without thinking, he lifted the prosthetic arm and the plastic came against the bare skin at her side. She flinched at this and he pulled the prosthetic away instantly.
He stopped kissing her and just held her close against his chest. "Do you always wear this?" he asked, referring to the very sexy bra.
"No," she responded coyly.
"Aren't you cold?" he asked smiling.
"No, not really." As she said this, she twisted around to face him and wrapped her arms around him. He didn't budge. His arm was still around her waist. Only now, instead of his hand on her stomach, it was on her back. "Still, it'd be a shame to let all this food spoil."
"I suppose so." He scooted her forward and over a little, to clear her from the fridge. He had practically lifted her off the floor. He was stronger than he looked. Smiling and without having to let go, or even look away from her eyes, he kicked the door closed with his foot.
"You might be kind of handy to have around," she stated.
He abruptly came on to her and kissed her hard, pinning her back against the now closed refrigerator door. His body was completely pressed firm against hers. He had complete control over her and he was definitely stronger than she had thought he was. She couldn't move, but he wasn't so rough that he was hurting her. She returned his kisses fervently, but she was starting to shake. This was just so new. Not just it being with Robert, but she had to admit, she'd never been pinned against a door before. He was so intense and passionate. She wasn't used to such intensity and it shook her up. She tried to ignore it.
She tugged at the back of his shirt and he released his hold against her just enough for her to untuck his shirt. He stopped kissing her and backed up just a little to catch his breath, leaning his hand up against the freezer door just above her head. She was shaking. "Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes." She stepped closer to him to undo his shirt buttons. He just closed his eyes and tilted his head back to let her. Her hands were trembling something fierce, which had never happened to her before while making love to someone. She was having trouble with the buttons. He noticed she was taking a while and opened his eyes. He looked down to see her trembling.
"You need some help with that?" he smiled.
"No," she replied defensively, only just then getting his top button undone. He grabbed her left hand in his and kissed it.
"It's okay. Just relax, Elizabeth." He was grinning. He thought maybe he shouldn't be rough with her again. She leaned back against the refrigerator, her hand on her forehead, catching her breath.
"I don't know what's wrong with me," she said. "I've never reacted like that before."
He just stared at her with great care and in deep thought. She was about to cry from embarrassment. He stepped over to her, wrapped his arm around her and held her lovingly. She rested against him. Maybe she was just too tired and too full of caffeine.
"We haven't finished the tour," he exclaimed out of the blue. She laughed nervously. He kept his arm around her as he guided her away, leaving her blouse on the floor. "This is the kitchen," he said. She chuckled again, with tears in her eyes. Was Robert actually being nice?
"This is the living room, but we've been here." He released his arm from her back and took her hand to lead her up the stairs.
"These are the stairs," he cried out merrily, guiding her up them.
"This is the bathroom." He opened the bathroom door and closed it quickly without even really looking at it.
Opening another door, "This is the lounge. More books and stuff in here, but we don't really want to read right now. Maybe later." He was talking in a tone of a tour guide. She giggled again weakly.
He moved on. "Keep walking. Keep walking. This is the junk room. I will spare you from even opening the door. Can't promise nothing won't attack you if I do. This way. Follow me, please."
They reached the last room and he got rid of his tour guide voice. "And this is my room." He opened the door, turned on the light and let her go in first. He walked over to a little lamp in the corner and flicked it on. He went over to a drawer and found a candle and some matches. He lit it. He walked back over to the light switch and flipped it off. He glanced at her before stepping over to a stereo and scanning some CDs. He pulled one out and started some soft instrumental music that seemed romantic.
He looked at her deflated. "Is this better?"
"I guess. I don't know. I'm so embarrassed. I'm sorry."
"It's okay. Don't be." He walked over to her and gently kissed her. "You don't need to be sorry. I'm sorry."
While kissing her gently, he undid the buttons on his shirt and took it off. "I don't really like this thing very much, do you?" he asked referring to the prosthetic.
"No, not really," she answered cringing.
He took it off and set it on his dresser. He kissed her again, rubbing her back with his hand and undoing the small clasp of her bra. He led her backwards to the bed and they plopped down on it. He was lying on top of her. He pealed off his dress shoes with his feet and Elizabeth did the same with her slip-on shoes.
"See, it's a nice bed. Soft." He bounced her a little on it. She giggled meekly and he smiled back. This wasn't her usual behavior. She was usually stronger than this. "You're so sweet," he said to her. "So precious. I-"
He stopped himself. Without thinking, he was about to tell her he loved her, but it was too soon.
"I wanna take care of you," he told her instead.
She stared at him, then reached up and kissed him. She forcefully turned him around on the bed until she was on top of him. She sat up on top of him and took off her bra and threw it on the floor. He looked at her, then caressed her left breast before she stepped off of him and stood next to the bed. She took off the rest of her clothes awkwardly until she was standing in front of him complete naked.
He was breathless, staring at her body. In one swift movement, he sat up, ripped off his socks and bolted around quickly to undo the covers, which he had some trouble with, but somehow managed it and held them open for her to crawl in with him. She did so. He held her close and protectively. He unzipped his pants under the covers and somehow got it all off and kicked it on the floor. They both lay there under the covers completely vulnerable.
He held her tightly next to him...just like he had imagined so many times. He made love to her in the dark, with the candle, the lamp, and the soft music. Afterwards, he held her close. He never wanted to let her go. He was in love with her so much.
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After sleeping for a couple of hours, they both began to wake up. She was lying to his left, so he could hold her easily with his right arm. He had his arm and his leg wrapped around her. He started to wake up and he turned to lie on his back.
"Okay," he said. He knew she was awake and just lying there. He wanted to play. He flipped on another little lamp by the bed and it made her flinch.
"Robert, what are you doing?" she whined. She was still sleepy.
"It's time to read."
"What?"
He reached over next to him on the little table by the bed and pulled off a piece of paper he had there. "Oh, look. What a coincidence," he stated sarcastically. "Here's something right here to read." He mocked surprise. "Why, it's a letter."
She woke up. "Oh, Robert, don't you dare."
He cleared his throat loudly. "'Dear Robert,'" He stopped. "I like that part. That's my favorite part really."
"You would, you pig. It's your name."
"Exactly. Let's see. Yada, yada yada. Blah, blah, blah. Mush, mush, mush. Okay, here we go." He held the paper up. "'But this was foolish. I should never have let other people run my life for me. I've been doing that most of my life, really.' Hmm, I never would have known that about you, Lizzie."
She crinkled her forehead. "Wait a second. I thought I crossed that part out."
"Oh, you did, but you didn't do a very good job and if you hold it up to the light like so, you can read it quite clearly." He held it up above his head against the light.
Her eyes widened and she took in a big gulp of air. "You give that back!" She reached over him to grab the letter, but he pulled it farther past her reach.
"Uh, uh, uh, uh, Lizzie. We're not finished with story-time, yet."
She got stern as a desperate measure. "Robert, give it back, now!"
"It really doesn't matter." He smiled and talked slowly now, emphasizing each word, looking her straight in the eye. "I - already - have - it - memorized."
She eyed him suspiciously. "No you don't. You're lying."
He gave her a look that spoke, 'Are you sure?'
She slunk back slowly on the bed. She plopped back down and placed both her hands over her face. "Oh," she moaned.
He smiled and cleared his throat again. "Okay, where was I? Blah, blah, blah. Robert, you're so wonderful. Robert, I worship the ground you walk on."
"I never said that!"
"It was implied. Ah, here we go. 'Contrary to popular opinion, you're a good man. Deep down.' Deep down, Lizzie!? Deep down!? I think I'm offended."
"Well, I crossed it out."
"Doesn't matter. You thought it. And I think that remark totally cancels out what you wrote earlier about me wanting to be your own, personal, little sex slave."
"I never wrote that, you little ass."
"Lizzie. Is your mind always in the gutter?"
"I hate you."
"Ooh, I hate you, too," he replied seductively. She started blushing. "But, seriously, Lizzie, I know I'm irresistible and all, but I would think you could at least control yourself until after story-time. Let's see." He scanned over the letter again. "Ah, yes. 'You're sweet.' Lizzie, I had never thought you had it in you to sink so low to insult me with such a negative and derogatory remark against my very character."
She just stared at him for a while. "I've seen you be sweet to Ella."
"Oh, that was just to fool you. When you weren't watching, we both ate chocolate 'til we puked." She smiled and he continued. "Then I taught her to curse in 4 different languages."
"Oh, that's what she's been babbling."
"Then we watched some wrestling. I taught her a few moves." Elizabeth laughed at him. "After that, we headed to the bars. I wouldn't let her drive, though. I mean I do have my scruples."
"See, that was sweet."
"Oh, yes. Okay, and last but not least. 'So why the hell am I caring about what anyone else thinks? All I really care about is you.'"
He paused and didn't say anything before continuing.
"'I care about you and I want to be with you, Robert.'" He turned his face to look at her, with love in his eyes.
She crinkled her nose. "You liked that?" she asked unbelievably.
"I like you." And leaned over and kissed her deeply. He made love to her again and then they fell asleep and slept in each other's arms until morning.
Okay, this chapter didn't really turn out the way I planned. The characters just seemed to start writing themselves, but I think I like it. I don't know. I've never written anything like this before. I just have to remember my mantra: Sappiness = Goodness; Sappiness = Goodness; Sappiness = Goodness. Okay. Please be gentle.
R - Yep, that's right. This is definitely not a chapter you will see on the show.
Chapter 20 - The Strong One
"It stopped raining," Robert whispered in Elizabeth's ear.
Elizabeth's eyes jerked open. They had been sitting there waiting for the rain to stop for almost an hour. Neither of them had said much to each other, so Elizabeth had found herself nodding off. She hadn't gotten much sleep these past couple of days.
"Oh," she said groggily while sitting up. She sat a ways from him, purposefully not looking at him. She got all uncomfortable on him again. Robert just stared at her confused. This was beginning to annoy him. How could she kiss his fingers and tell him she needed him one minute, then get all nervous and awkward the next? What was wrong with her? He turned and looked out, sighed deeply, then looked back to her. She was staring at her feet again. He glanced down at her feet, then slowly moved his eyes up the rest of her body, until he finally rested upon her face. He couldn't help himself. He wanted nothing more than to explore every inch of her skin underneath her clothes, which were still damp.
"So, um, have you ever seen where I live?" he asked nonchalantly, just making conversation.
"Uh, no," she replied casually. "Well, outside, but not...not inside."
"Right, right."
Silence. Finally, Robert sighed loudly again and got up. He stood in front of her holding his hand outstretched toward her. "Okay, let's go," he blurted out.
"Where are we going?" she asked almost frightened.
He stared at her fixedly with what looked close to anger. "Well, that depends."
"On what?"
"Where do you want to go?"
"Oh, um...well, I...uh-"
"Don't make this more difficult than it is, Lizzie. It's not a tough question. You have to make a conscious decision." His tone was sharp and he put a strong emphasis on 'You.'
She glared at him. "Are you telling me what to do?"
"Yes, I am." He was still sharp and determined.
"I don't like that." She was also firm.
"Well, that's tough. Sometimes we have to do things that we don't like. Honestly, Lizzie, sometimes you're like a child."
She furrowed her brow and pouted at him. She looked down and took a deep breath, before standing up in front of him. "I'm nervous," she proclaimed boldly.
"Well, I...I'm...I'm nervous too," he retorted brashly.
"Well, how come you never act like it? You used to," she yelled.
"Well, because...you act nervous enough for the both of us!"
She crinkled her forehead, not really understanding, and starred at him for a while, but then she just smiled weakly. She slowly drew closer to him and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Now he seemed to be pouting, but he returned the hug. She changed her tone and whispered in his ear. "I want to go home with you."
"Are you sure?!" He was now acting somewhat like the child.
"Yes, I'm sure."
"Are you really sure?!"
She just pulled away enough to glare at him, but her arms were still around him.
"Look," began Robert softly and truthfully, "I don't want you to...stay with me and then regret it."
"I won't. I'm not scared or being indecisive, Robert. I'm just...I told you...I'm just nervous."
He held her close again and spoke into her ear. "You don't have to be nervous. I adore you, Elizabeth. I practically worship you."
"Okay," she stated plainly.
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The sound of a key in a lock could be heard and then the doorknob turned before Robert Romano opened his front door. Elizabeth stepped in.
They had walked the whole way from the fountain on 31st and Hudson to Robert's house. It was about a 30-minute walk and it was pleasant. The air smelled fresh from the rain and it was relaxing. They occasionally had to take long ways around massive puddles strewn about. They talked pleasantly and comfortably the whole stroll. She talked about work, once he had comforted her in that he didn't mind hearing about the wretched building he used to call his workplace. She, of course, refrained from mentioning the escapades she encountered with Kerry on Friday, though. He responded to the things she said giving her good advice here and there. He also told her certain stories from his past years at County; things she never knew about. Some things were even from before she had arrived at County; when he was there before her; before they met. It surprised her how much they were able to have a decent conversation. They hadn't had many of those over the years. She knew he was capable of it, though.
He turned the light on in the living room for her. She immediately looked around the room. He had a sofa and lounge chair placed strategically in front of the television, with a small coffee table directly between the couch and TV. There were a bunch of magazines sloppily strewn on the coffee table, left open. Robert spotted her eyeing this and immediately bent down to fold them up.
"Sorry," he spoke as he closed the magazines and placed them in a neat pile in the middle of the coffee table.
"Oh, I don't care," she stated casually and began walking around the room looking at different things. She stopped in front of a large bookcase against the wall and perused through the titles.
"You want a drink?" he asked her.
She glanced at him only briefly before returning to the bookcase. "Sure. What do you have?"
"Um, coffee, tea, juice, Pepsi. I have some wine."
She looked back at him smiling. "Wine sounds lovely."
"Okay." He left toward the kitchen. She could hear him opening a fresh bottle of wine. She looked through the books some more while waiting. She saw: Moby Dick; The Odyssey; The Illiad; The Hunchback of Notre Dame; Pride and Prejudice; Of Mice and Men; The Complete Works of William Shakespeare; The Bible; Les Miserables; and Great Expectations. Just to name a few. All the books weren't Classics, but most of them were. There were also many medical books within them. The bookcase was full.
She stopped and looked around the room again. It was very nice. "I thought you had a dog," she yelled, so he could hear her from the kitchen.
He walked back into the living room with two wine glasses full of white wine. He handed her one while answering, "Dog died a long time ago, Lizzie." He answered her like it was a silly question and that it should have been obvious.
"Oh...oh...right...uh, sorry."
He took a sip of wine. "It's okay. Was an old dog to begin with." He just smiled at her.
She changed the subject. "So have you read all those?" she asked motioning toward the bookcase.
He looked up and down the shelves. "Uh...yeah, yeah. Well, some of the journals I've just sort of skimmed through, but yeah."
"Wow. I think I've read 'Of Mice and Men,' parts of 'Les Mis,' and 'Great Expectations.'
"Ah, Estella."
"Hm-hmm."
He raised his eyebrows for a brief second arrogantly without her notice, like he knew something she didn't. He took another gulp of wine. "So out of those three you read, which was your favorite?" he asked.
"Um, Great Expectations I suppose. Why?"
He just shook his head while taking another sip. "Hm, you should read 'Pride and Prejudice,' then."
"Is it good?"
He just shrugged and sat down on the couch. "It's a chick book. I'm sure you'd like it."
"Well, that's a little sexist."
"Maybe...Maybe not." He stared up at her; smirking, again like he knew something she didn't.
She looked at him suspiciously before waltzing around another part of the room. He followed her with his eyes and she gravitated toward the pictures framed on top of his mantle over his fireplace. There were about six different photos of different sizes; all framed. They all consisted of only four different people, total, in different places. She took a sip of wine before placing the glass on the mantle.
One person was a tall gentleman with brown hair and brown eyes. He was very thin and even a little bit gangly. He looked somewhere in his early 30s. In one picture, he wore a tuxedo and in another, just blue jeans and an old T-shirt.
The second person was a woman. She looked older than Robert and older than the gentleman, as well. She looked to be somewhere in her upper forties or so. She was short and more than a little pudgy.
The third was a young girl. In one picture, she was pictured with the gentleman and the woman, and she was young; about 8. In another picture she was by herself and looked to be a teenager. Elizabeth could tell it was the same girl, though.
The fourth person, of course, being Robert. It was odd. There was a picture of him with the woman and a different picture of him with the little girl and he was smiling broadly in both of them. However, there was one picture with all four people and everyone was smiling except Robert, who was glaring away from them all.
"Who are these people?" she asked.
He was expecting this, so he drained his glass, got up and stood next to her; closer than was really necessary. He pointed to the pictures. "That is my sister, her husband and their only daughter." He then pointed to the picture of him with his niece in which he was laughing heartily. He winced, "And I have no idea who that is." She chuckled softly. Robert was standing very close to her and staring at her longingly. She didn't notice this, but stayed focused on the pictures.
"Why are you upset in this one?" she asked, very interested.
He sighed and looked at the picture, then looked back at her. He was getting restless. "It's a long story. I'll tell you over coffee and donuts sometime."
"I have time."
He smiled. "Well, I can't tell you everything all at once, Elizabeth. I gotta keep you interested."
She turned to him suddenly, and her smile disappeared immediately. Her face blanched and she just stared at him stricken.
His smile disappeared as well, and he looked concerned. "What?"
She turned away and composed herself. "Uh, nothing...nothing." She took a deep breath and put her smile back on. He still looked concerned, so she put her hand on his cheek and kissed him quickly. He closed his eyes as she kissed him and as she pulled away, he felt himself keep his eyes closed and lean in toward her with his lips parted, not wanting her to stop. But she didn't notice him do this and merely scampered off toward the kitchen. He swallowed, licked his lips and leaned on the mantle.
"Are you having fun?" he asked.
She turned around with a big grin on her face, as she walked away. "Quite," she said like a little girl. He couldn't help but grin. He slowly followed her into the kitchen and stopped at the entrance, leaning against the doorframe.
She immediately started to snoop through every cabinet and drawer. His kitchen was immaculate. She wished her kitchen at home looked like this right now. She didn't even want to think about what would stink in there come tomorrow.
Robert just watched her happily. He was wearing his prosthetic this evening. He had had it on ever since he went to meet her earlier. He never did much movement with it, but he had accomplished to be able to put the prosthetic hand in his pocket, which he did along with his real hand. So, when Elizabeth turned around briefly to look at him, it was almost as if he had both his arms with both hands in his pockets. It was a little bittersweet, but she just shook it off. He looked good.
She walked over to the refrigerator with her back to Robert and opened the door. It was full. She found bread, cheese, Pepsi, chicken, hamburger beef, orange juice, milk, two bottles of wine and other odd assortments of food. It all looked very fresh. In fact most things looked like they hadn't even been opened. She took in a breath and was about to ask him about this, when she suddenly felt him right behind her. He had slowly placed his face up against her hair on the side of her face and his hand was gently at her waist. He moved his hand slowly, caressing her side as he brought his fingers up around to the top of her arm and then made small circles on her shoulder.
"You don't really want to talk about the contents of my refrigerator, do you?" he whispered in her ear.
She closed her eyes and relished in his closeness. "I guess not." She smiled.
He pushed away her hair gently from her face to reveal her neck, which he stared at. He leaned down and kissed the bottom of her neck, just where it met her blouse. She leaned her head to the left, to give him more room to work. He slowly traced tiny kisses up her neck until he met with her ear. He began to lick and nibble tantalizing at her earlobe. She gave a little moan. He stopped and went weak. Her little moans seemed to have that affect on him.
They both just stood there for a second. The refrigerator door was still wide open with them both in front of it. Robert stared at her shoulders and her blouse. He noticed quickly that the buttons seemed to be on the back. He didn't know if she'd let him so soon. He pushed aside all her hair from her back and placed it all across her left shoulder. She leaned her head down, breathing coarsely. With one hand she held her hair and with the other she supported herself against the freezer door. He kissed and licked at the back of her neck and just ran his fingers up and down her spine, right next to the buttons.
He stopped kissing her and leaned over to one side to watch her face, which he couldn't see very well, because she was looking down. He played with a button in his fingers that was located at the small of her back.
"It's okay," she whispered deeply and seductively. He undid it immediately with great ease. She always found it difficult to do or undo a button with one hand...but he didn't. His fingers graced up her back to the top button and undid that one effortlessly, as well. He was breathing against her neck, staring at her back as he undid one small button at a time. He reached up to her right shoulder and pulled the fabric away; then he did the same with the left shoulder until the material fell to the floor.
She was wearing a black, laced bra. He found it very alluring. He immediately started kissing at her bare shoulder. She was breathing hard. Her chest was heaving up and down. He pulled in close behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist. She automatically moved her hand backwards and forwards across his forearm as he kept kissing her shoulder. Without thinking, he lifted the prosthetic arm and the plastic came against the bare skin at her side. She flinched at this and he pulled the prosthetic away instantly.
He stopped kissing her and just held her close against his chest. "Do you always wear this?" he asked, referring to the very sexy bra.
"No," she responded coyly.
"Aren't you cold?" he asked smiling.
"No, not really." As she said this, she twisted around to face him and wrapped her arms around him. He didn't budge. His arm was still around her waist. Only now, instead of his hand on her stomach, it was on her back. "Still, it'd be a shame to let all this food spoil."
"I suppose so." He scooted her forward and over a little, to clear her from the fridge. He had practically lifted her off the floor. He was stronger than he looked. Smiling and without having to let go, or even look away from her eyes, he kicked the door closed with his foot.
"You might be kind of handy to have around," she stated.
He abruptly came on to her and kissed her hard, pinning her back against the now closed refrigerator door. His body was completely pressed firm against hers. He had complete control over her and he was definitely stronger than she had thought he was. She couldn't move, but he wasn't so rough that he was hurting her. She returned his kisses fervently, but she was starting to shake. This was just so new. Not just it being with Robert, but she had to admit, she'd never been pinned against a door before. He was so intense and passionate. She wasn't used to such intensity and it shook her up. She tried to ignore it.
She tugged at the back of his shirt and he released his hold against her just enough for her to untuck his shirt. He stopped kissing her and backed up just a little to catch his breath, leaning his hand up against the freezer door just above her head. She was shaking. "Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes." She stepped closer to him to undo his shirt buttons. He just closed his eyes and tilted his head back to let her. Her hands were trembling something fierce, which had never happened to her before while making love to someone. She was having trouble with the buttons. He noticed she was taking a while and opened his eyes. He looked down to see her trembling.
"You need some help with that?" he smiled.
"No," she replied defensively, only just then getting his top button undone. He grabbed her left hand in his and kissed it.
"It's okay. Just relax, Elizabeth." He was grinning. He thought maybe he shouldn't be rough with her again. She leaned back against the refrigerator, her hand on her forehead, catching her breath.
"I don't know what's wrong with me," she said. "I've never reacted like that before."
He just stared at her with great care and in deep thought. She was about to cry from embarrassment. He stepped over to her, wrapped his arm around her and held her lovingly. She rested against him. Maybe she was just too tired and too full of caffeine.
"We haven't finished the tour," he exclaimed out of the blue. She laughed nervously. He kept his arm around her as he guided her away, leaving her blouse on the floor. "This is the kitchen," he said. She chuckled again, with tears in her eyes. Was Robert actually being nice?
"This is the living room, but we've been here." He released his arm from her back and took her hand to lead her up the stairs.
"These are the stairs," he cried out merrily, guiding her up them.
"This is the bathroom." He opened the bathroom door and closed it quickly without even really looking at it.
Opening another door, "This is the lounge. More books and stuff in here, but we don't really want to read right now. Maybe later." He was talking in a tone of a tour guide. She giggled again weakly.
He moved on. "Keep walking. Keep walking. This is the junk room. I will spare you from even opening the door. Can't promise nothing won't attack you if I do. This way. Follow me, please."
They reached the last room and he got rid of his tour guide voice. "And this is my room." He opened the door, turned on the light and let her go in first. He walked over to a little lamp in the corner and flicked it on. He went over to a drawer and found a candle and some matches. He lit it. He walked back over to the light switch and flipped it off. He glanced at her before stepping over to a stereo and scanning some CDs. He pulled one out and started some soft instrumental music that seemed romantic.
He looked at her deflated. "Is this better?"
"I guess. I don't know. I'm so embarrassed. I'm sorry."
"It's okay. Don't be." He walked over to her and gently kissed her. "You don't need to be sorry. I'm sorry."
While kissing her gently, he undid the buttons on his shirt and took it off. "I don't really like this thing very much, do you?" he asked referring to the prosthetic.
"No, not really," she answered cringing.
He took it off and set it on his dresser. He kissed her again, rubbing her back with his hand and undoing the small clasp of her bra. He led her backwards to the bed and they plopped down on it. He was lying on top of her. He pealed off his dress shoes with his feet and Elizabeth did the same with her slip-on shoes.
"See, it's a nice bed. Soft." He bounced her a little on it. She giggled meekly and he smiled back. This wasn't her usual behavior. She was usually stronger than this. "You're so sweet," he said to her. "So precious. I-"
He stopped himself. Without thinking, he was about to tell her he loved her, but it was too soon.
"I wanna take care of you," he told her instead.
She stared at him, then reached up and kissed him. She forcefully turned him around on the bed until she was on top of him. She sat up on top of him and took off her bra and threw it on the floor. He looked at her, then caressed her left breast before she stepped off of him and stood next to the bed. She took off the rest of her clothes awkwardly until she was standing in front of him complete naked.
He was breathless, staring at her body. In one swift movement, he sat up, ripped off his socks and bolted around quickly to undo the covers, which he had some trouble with, but somehow managed it and held them open for her to crawl in with him. She did so. He held her close and protectively. He unzipped his pants under the covers and somehow got it all off and kicked it on the floor. They both lay there under the covers completely vulnerable.
He held her tightly next to him...just like he had imagined so many times. He made love to her in the dark, with the candle, the lamp, and the soft music. Afterwards, he held her close. He never wanted to let her go. He was in love with her so much.
---------------
After sleeping for a couple of hours, they both began to wake up. She was lying to his left, so he could hold her easily with his right arm. He had his arm and his leg wrapped around her. He started to wake up and he turned to lie on his back.
"Okay," he said. He knew she was awake and just lying there. He wanted to play. He flipped on another little lamp by the bed and it made her flinch.
"Robert, what are you doing?" she whined. She was still sleepy.
"It's time to read."
"What?"
He reached over next to him on the little table by the bed and pulled off a piece of paper he had there. "Oh, look. What a coincidence," he stated sarcastically. "Here's something right here to read." He mocked surprise. "Why, it's a letter."
She woke up. "Oh, Robert, don't you dare."
He cleared his throat loudly. "'Dear Robert,'" He stopped. "I like that part. That's my favorite part really."
"You would, you pig. It's your name."
"Exactly. Let's see. Yada, yada yada. Blah, blah, blah. Mush, mush, mush. Okay, here we go." He held the paper up. "'But this was foolish. I should never have let other people run my life for me. I've been doing that most of my life, really.' Hmm, I never would have known that about you, Lizzie."
She crinkled her forehead. "Wait a second. I thought I crossed that part out."
"Oh, you did, but you didn't do a very good job and if you hold it up to the light like so, you can read it quite clearly." He held it up above his head against the light.
Her eyes widened and she took in a big gulp of air. "You give that back!" She reached over him to grab the letter, but he pulled it farther past her reach.
"Uh, uh, uh, uh, Lizzie. We're not finished with story-time, yet."
She got stern as a desperate measure. "Robert, give it back, now!"
"It really doesn't matter." He smiled and talked slowly now, emphasizing each word, looking her straight in the eye. "I - already - have - it - memorized."
She eyed him suspiciously. "No you don't. You're lying."
He gave her a look that spoke, 'Are you sure?'
She slunk back slowly on the bed. She plopped back down and placed both her hands over her face. "Oh," she moaned.
He smiled and cleared his throat again. "Okay, where was I? Blah, blah, blah. Robert, you're so wonderful. Robert, I worship the ground you walk on."
"I never said that!"
"It was implied. Ah, here we go. 'Contrary to popular opinion, you're a good man. Deep down.' Deep down, Lizzie!? Deep down!? I think I'm offended."
"Well, I crossed it out."
"Doesn't matter. You thought it. And I think that remark totally cancels out what you wrote earlier about me wanting to be your own, personal, little sex slave."
"I never wrote that, you little ass."
"Lizzie. Is your mind always in the gutter?"
"I hate you."
"Ooh, I hate you, too," he replied seductively. She started blushing. "But, seriously, Lizzie, I know I'm irresistible and all, but I would think you could at least control yourself until after story-time. Let's see." He scanned over the letter again. "Ah, yes. 'You're sweet.' Lizzie, I had never thought you had it in you to sink so low to insult me with such a negative and derogatory remark against my very character."
She just stared at him for a while. "I've seen you be sweet to Ella."
"Oh, that was just to fool you. When you weren't watching, we both ate chocolate 'til we puked." She smiled and he continued. "Then I taught her to curse in 4 different languages."
"Oh, that's what she's been babbling."
"Then we watched some wrestling. I taught her a few moves." Elizabeth laughed at him. "After that, we headed to the bars. I wouldn't let her drive, though. I mean I do have my scruples."
"See, that was sweet."
"Oh, yes. Okay, and last but not least. 'So why the hell am I caring about what anyone else thinks? All I really care about is you.'"
He paused and didn't say anything before continuing.
"'I care about you and I want to be with you, Robert.'" He turned his face to look at her, with love in his eyes.
She crinkled her nose. "You liked that?" she asked unbelievably.
"I like you." And leaned over and kissed her deeply. He made love to her again and then they fell asleep and slept in each other's arms until morning.
