Title: Behind Door Number
Author: AlexCabotIsQueen
Summary: What secrets are behind closed doors. Nicole POV
A/N: I really like the Nicole character. You just have to be able to suspend reality for a bit, folks...
I've watched him walk home thousands of times before. Does everything in the same way; walks the same path; everyday. I wonder why? Why is Bobby so stuck in routines? Is it because he strives for some sense of normal in his life? Or is he that terribly predictable?
Well, you'd think in his line of work he would know better than to take exactly the same route. Everyday. Sometimes its a fast walk; in a vain attempt to avoid the world around him.
Then, there are other times he paces himself. To take in the small pleasures. Like people watching; a hobby we both share. But the trick that one is, don't let on. You can't be seen watching or else the fun is over.
But Bobby watching. By far my favorite past time. Of course, I have to take extreme measures not to be caught. Lord only knows what would happen if he found out I was watching him. I'm almost certain he would try and arrest me. For whatever reason he could think of. After all, New York does have a stalking statute.
But that's neither here nor there...
Walking behind him is a rare pleasure. I can just barely smell him; whatever cologne he wears. Maybe it's just faded throughout the day. Or maybe it's just subtle. Either way, it's a wonderful smell. That's just him. Watching him move in and out of the sea of people. His movement is amazing; very fluid for a man of his size. Must be difficult being so tall.
I usually cross the street when he nears his building; off to lurk in the shadows. He keeps his keys in his left pocket; probably the left-handedness. And if there is a lady that lives in the building, he will always hold the door open for her. Such a gentleman.
Anyhow, I wait anxiously until he gets to his apartment. I watch him turn on the light. And several times a week, he sits in his window sill with a good book and reads. Before he's finished, he always looks up at the stars and sighs. Then he goes to bed.
Almost depressing isn't it? Robert Goren...this gorgeous, brilliant, wonderful man...so sad and alone. Makes me wonder what he hides behind those walls. What secrets he keeps up there...
So...today...I decided to add trespassing to my impressive resume...
It wasn't hard to get the tools that I'd need...I mean, I do have some connections. I carefully pick the lock and open the door to his inner sanctum.
Wow...it's immaculate. I've never seen a bachelor pad this neat and tidy.
And where do I start on the books. There must be hundreds…..possibly thousands. Most of them classics no doubt. But I'm sure there are some modern treasures in here.
Everything in it's place and a place for everything. Just about what I thought……
Most people have pictures of family...friends...ex-lovers. Not Bobby. Only artwork. Beautiful pieces. And each one has it's purpose no doubt. Mail on his counter...just some bills, and something hand written.
Hmm, maybe...oh, it's from his mother. Estelle...Didn't picture that. I shouldn't open it. Wonder what dear old mum has to say. Probably a good reason why he hasn't opened it.
Kitchen...What does the master of the dark criminal mind eat for breakfast, hm? Skim milk...How vile. At least he tries to watch his girlish figure. Lots of odd things. Oh, good Lord...what is that smell?
It's that. I'll just throw that out. I'm doing him a favor.
Now...where is that...Here we are. Vodka, of course. Just one bottle. Well, the man has some restraint. Always chilled.
No dishes in the sink. Either he doesn't eat here or he always does his them before he leaves.
What the bloody hell? A cat? He has a cat...my, isn't that a surprise? Hello there. And even a name tag...Puppy? His cat's name is Puppy. Well, then. It's not mine to reason why...
Ah, the window sill. Where he spends many lonely nights. Oh, stereo...what does his listen to?
Jazz. Soothing jazz. It's also very. Sexy. I like it. I wonder...a file? He left a file from work...It's. Me. He has my file in his home. Complete with pictures...and a tape. Wonder what's on that?
Me again. Does he listen to my voice as he reads his books? Am I the reason he sighs before he drifts off to sleep...
His bedroom. Always wanted to be in here. Flannel sheets? Must be terribly cold in here...yet another book on the night stand. What's this? One picture...this must be from when he was very young. His mother and father...him and his brother. At least they looked happy.
Bet my family pictures looked like that. Fake smiles to mask the pain.
Time to check the wardrobe. Everything in the closet. What of person hangs up jeans? Slacks I can see...but...well, this is a nice shirt. I bet this little black tee shirt fits him just right. Would love to see it on him.
But the suits...plenty of those. I love this shirt...right here. Dark blue. And it looks fantastic on him...wonder how it would look on me...
Into the washroom. It smells like Bobby...oh, there's that cologne...Hugo Boss...I'll remember that. All this hard work; makes a girl work up quite a sweat. I need a shower.
Very hot water...at least he can enjoy that simple pleasure. To think he stands here...Naked. Too bad I forgot supplies for myself...I'll have to use his. These things...It's him. These fabulous aromas. That's the subtle scent. And the shampoo even smells just perfect. At least I know what his hair smells like now...
Well...I feel refreshed. And I even have something to change into...
This very shirt. Been right on his skin. Right there when he was questioning me. His sweat soaking into it. Hoping, praying...that I would tell him everything. That guilt would eat me alive.
Wasn't the first time he was wrong about me.
His bed...it is rather soft. And this blanket so warm...I wonder if he's had a few stray thoughts about me lost into this blanket. Or how often he's awoke in a cold sweat after hearing my voice in his head.
That click in my ear...it must be...
"Nicole..."
"Well, hello Bobby...hope you didn't mind..I borrowed your shirt."
"How...why?"
"Well, love...why don't you tell me?"