Hunting High and Low

Part Six – He said, she said...

Robert stood under the powerful jet of the shower and reached for the soap. He rubbed it over his body, working it into a lather and began to whistle. He felt pretty good, all things considered. In approximately one hour he'd be dining with Elizabeth, which would be enough to thrill him on a bad day. However, when she'd called there had been something odd in her voice. She said she was 'ready to talk', and her tone had been eager, excited even. Not the type of tone you use if you're about to give someone the brush-off. And he'd know; he'd used that tone plenty of times. Whatever it was, it gave him hope.

He turned off the shower, and let the last of the water run down his body. Stepping out, he grabbed a towel from the rail, and dried himself off.

She was ready to talk. What about, exactly? Had she made any decisions? He'd play it by ear, but the thought of getting her to return to the States with him crossed his mind. Robert wrapped the towel around his waist and walked out of the bathroom toward the bedside table. He picked up his watch, slid it on and checked the time. It was still early, but he decided he'd get ready and grab a drink in the bar, before he met her in the lobby.

He pulled on a pair of wheat coloured twill pants, and a blue oxford shirt. As he started on the buttons there was a loud knock at the door. He frowned, and strode across the room still doing up his shirt. He yanked the door open, and did a double take when he saw Elizabeth standing there.

"You're early," he said, smiling.

Elizabeth snorted and pushed her way past him.

"Well come on in why don't ya," he said.

She turned to stare at him with a fierce expression, and folded her arms across her chest.

"Lizzie, do I detect pissed-off vibes? What am I supposed to have done now?"

Elizabeth took in a deep breath. "Who's Lilly?" she snapped.

"What?"

"Are you deaf now, as well as being a total shithead?"

Robert looked at her stunned, shook his head slightly and mouthed "What?"

"I met your friend Lilly today. She wants you to call her. Apparently you said you would."

It finally dawned on him, and he chuckled. "That's it? That's what you're mad about?"

"Don't you dare stand there and laugh at me!"

"Well, what do you want me to do, Lizzie? You barge in here, screaming at me about some nurse who, 5 minutes ago, I couldn't even remember the name of!"

"Bollocks! You know Robert, you nearly had me going for a second - I actually thought you cared about me," she spat.

"Jesus Lizzie, will you lighten up? Look, she helped me find you the other day--"

"And you just happened to ask for her number?" Elizabeth interrupted.

Robert placed his hands on his hips, and jutted out his chin.

"Nooo – she gave it to me. See, strange as it may seem, you're not the only one who finds me irresistible!"

She glared at him, anger oozing from every pore. "I don't believe you."

"What? That she gave me her number, or that I'm irresistible?"

Elizabeth looked at him and ran a hand through her hair. "Why should I believe you?"

"Oh, how about the fact that you know I love you, and I flew thousands of miles on a whim to see you, 'cause you were upset. Will that do for starters?"

"Why did you say you'd call her?" she sighed

"Lizzie, are you just being incredibly dense today, or is this some unfortunate character trait that resurfaced on your return to England?"

"You didn't answer the question," she sniped.

"I was being polite for fuck's sake!"

"Riiight, because you're renowned for your politeness!"

Robert closed his eyes briefly, trying to fight his rising temper. When he re-opened them, she was still glaring at him with contempt.

"You know what? That's a good point Lizzie. So, why don't you sit your ass down, shut up and listen to me!" he yelled.

Elizabeth gawped at him, open-mouthed. Robert walked over to her, and grabbed both her forearms. He walked her backwards to the bed, and deposited her on it.

"Did you not wonder, how I just happened to be standing outside the exit that you use, at exactly the right time? Did you think that was luck? Or better still, divine intervention? Lilly helped me find you, okay? She asked the right questions, showed me the right door - and yes - I flirted with her to expedite that help. Then she gave me her number, and yes, I said I might call; I was being POLITE!"

Elizabeth looked at her hands and considered his words. She had to admit, it made sense. "Sorry," she mumbled.

Robert relaxed and exhaled slowly. She looked up at his face and he met her gaze and smirked.

"So, is that all cleared up?" he said softly.

"I guess," she said and lowered her eyes back to her hands. "Made a prize tit of myself, haven't I?"

Robert snickered and knelt down in front of her, wearing a wide grin. He took her hands in his, and gazed into her eyes.

"What?" she asked.

"You were jealous," he bragged.

"No, I wasn't," she said huffily.

"Yes, you were."

"She seemed sincere, " Elizabeth said defensively. "Anyhow, what did you do with her number?"

"Jesus Lizzie, I threw it away, okay? That's it, there endeth the story. Well, except for the bit where you admit you're jealous," he crowed.

"NO, I am NOT! And wipe that smile off your face, you look bloody ridiculous."

"Whatever." He climbed to his feet, and finished the last buttons on his shirt. "You ready to go eat?"

"Can we talk, first?" she said.

"Sure. So, what was it you wanted to tell me?"

She took in a deep breath, and rubbed her hands nervously over her thighs. "I've been thinking, and I, er – oh bugger!"

Robert sat down beside her. "Lizzie?" he said softly.

She turned to face him and took his hand in hers. "You asked me yesterday, if there was a chance between us."

"And?"

"And I'd like there to be. I mean I'd like us - to give it a go."

Robert closed his eyes, and felt his pulse race. Had she just said that?

"Robert?" She squeezed his hand.

He looked at her and smiled, then sought her mouth with his. They kissed; slow but deep, unhurried, but consuming, tasting one another. Lying back onto the bed, they pulled each other close, and Robert rolled on top of her. Elizabeth ran her nails down his back, and slid her hands under his un-tucked shirt. He gasped and pulled his mouth away.

"Look at me," he whispered.

She opened her eyes, and he searched them intensely, looking for the smallest trace of doubt. Finding none, he smiled broadly.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Absolutely nothing," he said and rolled of her, still smiling. "I'd just kinda like to do this properly."

Elizabeth watched puzzled, as he stood up and tucked in his shirt.

"I want to buy you dinner, Lizzie."

Elizabeth smiled and shook her head. "I'm not that hungry," she said softly and reached up for him.

Robert smirked, accepted her hand and hoisted her up. He pulled her close to him, and looked her in the eye.

"Trust me. You're gonna need the energy." He winked.

TBC

R&R