Hunting High and Low

Part Seven – No Ordinary Love

Robert watched the waiter remove their dessert plates, and turned his attention back to Elizabeth.

"You know, for someone who claimed they weren't hungry, you sure can put it away," he chuckled.

"Well, what can I say? Your choice of words inspired me," Elizabeth said, smiling.

Robert returned the smile and gazed across the table, mesmerized by her beauty. He suddenly felt adolescent, and wanted to pinch himself, to check this was real. That it really was Elizabeth Corday who sat opposite him, hanging on to his every word. She started talking again, but he didn't hear the words despite staring intensely at her mouth. He wanted to kiss that mouth badly – and very soon, he was going to. The mere thought was enough to make him shift in his seat, his body getting the better of him. Robert forced his gaze from those lips, to meet her eyes. She'd stopped talking and was looking at him with a bemused expression.

"You didn't hear a word I just said, did you?" she said.

Robert was saved from fabricating a response by the re-appearance of the waiter. He served them coffee and Robert asked, "So, who's watching the munchkin?"

Elizabeth glanced at the waiter's retreating back and smiled coyly. "I arranged for the nanny to take her overnight."

He grinned broadly. "That was very presumptuous of you. Am I that much of a sure thing?"

Elizabeth blushed, and reached for her coffee. When she looked up, she was met by piercing brown eyes that danced with mischief. She blew the hot liquid, and recovered herself. "Lilly seemed to think so," she said, matching his gaze.

Robert's grin faltered and he cocked his head to one side, unsure if they were still playing. He relaxed, and smiled when she lost her battle not to. "So what happened there, anyhow? You just bump into her or something?" he said.

"No, no, no – she came to find me. You must have made quite the impression."

"Nah – she's just female."

Elizabeth snorted, and sipped her coffee.

"So what did you say to her? Hands off, he's mine?" Robert continued.

She smiled and put her drink down. Resting her elbows on the table, she leaned forward and cupped her chin in her hands. Robert leaned across to meet her, until their faces were only inches apart.

"I told her - Robert - you were gay," she said smugly.

He laughed, until he noticed she wasn't.

"You're kidding, right?"

Elizabeth smirked, shook her head and leaned back into her chair. Robert mirrored her movements, staring at her.

"So, let me get this straight. The other day, you told your dad I was a woman, and now you're telling people I'm gay? Let's see, what's next? Cross dressing?"

Elizabeth laughed. "You'd better pray the rumour mill, doesn't stretch across the Atlantic," she joked.

"See, now that's not even remotely funny. I can just picture it now. Kerry getting all excited, wanting me to join her club."

Elizabeth giggled, and reached for her coffee again.

"On the subject of County – I'm assuming you want to come back?" Robert ventured.

Elizabeth shifted her posture and stared morosely into her cup. Robert watched the change in her, and kicked himself mentally for pushing her too fast. The playfulness that had hung over them through dinner dissolved into the air. He reached across the table, and took her hand.

She looked up and sighed. "I do want to come back, but I can't leave straight away. It's just not cricket to up stix, and leave colleagues in the lurch. And it would reflect awfully on Daddy."

"Well duh, but I didn't expect you to come back with me," he lied. "So, how long? Can I put you back on the schedule for next month?"

"Look, uh, there's something else," Elizabeth said.

"What?"

"I don't know how to say this, and for it not to sound bad."

Robert smiled at her, and squeezed her hand. "Lizzie, let me stop you squirming right there. What you want to say - is that we should keep, us, under wraps?"

Elizabeth smiled shyly. "How did you know?"

"Because Lizzie, you keep forgetting I know you better than you know yourself. You're worried what people will say – that they will judge you -- us?"

She nodded.

"And I think you're right," he said.

Elizabeth lifted her eyes to meet his. "You do?"

"Yes."

"Do you think it's possible? To hide a relationship from the rumour mill?" She giggled.

Robert smirked and raised his glass. "I know it is," he said.

Elizabeth stared at him intrigued. "Really? Who?"

Robert shook his head. "Rule number one, Lizzie. If you want to keep a love affair secret – then never kiss and tell." He winked.

"Oh my God! You're talking about yourself! Who? Spill it - now."

Robert laughed. "Nope. Rule number one will be upheld. Which is why, Lizzie, you can relax. I can be quite discreet when the need arises. Okay?"

Elizabeth smiled and finished her coffee. As she placed her cup down in the saucer, Robert stood and held out his hand.

"C'mon," he said.

They walked to his room, holding hands. Robert opened the door, but hesitated. He looked into her eyes, and reached out a hand to cup her cheek.

"I love you," he said, and then kissed her softly on the mouth.

Elizabeth pulled her mouth away slightly, and whispered against his, "Show me." Then she brushed past him and stepped into the room.

Robert smiled and hung a 'Do not disturb' sign on the handle, before closing the door behind him.

TBC