A/N: I can't say it enough: thank you for the reviews! This is a transition chapter that had to be written. I think it has some nice moments, but it's nothing special. Next chapter will be a date, and if anyone has any suggestions of what they want to happen, let me know. That chapter will take a little longer because I always have difficulty writing romantic stuff. I liked the idea that was suggested to me about having the fic end at the conference and write an epilogue for when they're back with Deakins. I will go for that idea. So thank you for suggesting it! (I'm sorry I forgot you name... I'm never good with names). Enjoy!

Part nine

Sitting in a separate small round pool he found her huddled together. With her back to him he couldn't see if she was crying. Seeing her in distress tore at his heart.

"Alex?" He crouched down behind her.

Getting no reaction from her, he placed his hand on her bare shoulder. He couldn't quite ignore the spark he felt from touching her skin.

She still didn't acknowledge him. Wanting to get closer he got in beside her. The water was surprisingly warm.

"Come here." He gently put a strong arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer.

His gentleness, the comfort he offered and her own need for his presence was the final drop. She quickly turned towards him, put her arms around his waist and pressed herself against him.

The fact that they were both clad in their swimming clothes didn't occur to them. This was about giving comfort and receiving it.

"Talk to me." He said into her hair.

"It's been years, but I still miss him. He was a part of my life for so long. I've given his death a place and I can look back on our live without the pain of his loss. I remember the good times, how good we were together. Talking about him…"

"Resurfaces the loss you suffered. The emptiness his passing away caused you." He felt her nod against his shoulder.

The way he talked, the way he understood surprised her. She was talking about her dead husband, a man she'd loved dearly, with a man who might be able to fill the void her husband had left behind.

After a moment of silence, Bobby sensed that she needed some time to alone to give it all a place. Placing a gentle kiss on her hair, he said. "Take you time. I'm gonna find the others." On his way back he almost bumped into Elsie.

"Bobby, glad I caught you. I wanted to apologize. I didn't know."

"It's okay, you couldn't have known."

"Is she all right?" Looking around for Alex, Elsie didn't find her.

"She will be."

"I've gotta go. I just wanted to say goodbye to you and Alex. Take care of yourself and Alex."

"I will. Alex is right behind that low wall." They shook hands before Elsie went to see Alex.

"Thanks… and Bobby." Elsie said, turning around. "you two got something special. Cherish that." She couldn't leave without giving him advice.

"Alex?" Elsie approached the woman she'd caused distress.

"Yes?"

"I'm going to the airport. I apologize for upsetting you. I didn't know."

"That's okay." And really Elsie couldn't have known, nor did Alex blame her.

"Upsetting you wasn't my intention."

"What exactly was your intention?" Alex finally turned to Elsie.

"I wanted to give you and Bobby something to think about. Some people go head of heels into something. I just wanted to make sure you two don't."

"Yeah, I know and don't worry, you've given Bobby enough to think about." Even though they hadn't talked yet, Alex knew Elsie's words were going to be analyzed by him.

"I didn't mean to cause problems." Elsie looked at her watch. "I really have to go now. Hold your ground, Alex. He needs you, just like you need him, he just needs a little more time to realize it."

"We'll be fine Elsie and thank you for everything." Getting out of the pool they briefly hugged each other.

A couple of hours later, most of the group had left the pool. They'd played a game of volleyball, relaxed in the water and acted like small children – splashing each other- for a short while.

Bobby, Alex, Amanda and Roy were the only ones left in the water. Bobby had seen Alex recover from heartache the mention of her husband had caused. Shortly after their talk she'd been smiling and joking around again. He'd watched her lot. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her light blue bikini. Her light skin was beautiful and seeing her move around in that swimming pool sometime made him catch his breath. And she'd known he'd been looking, teasing him with her movements and enjoying every minute of it.

In her turn, Alex had been watching Bobby. During the volleyball game, she'd observed from the side of the pool, giving her a good view of his body. Seeing the muscles working when he hit the ball, was quite a sight and she couldn't say she didn't enjoy the game. She also enjoyed watching him so relaxed and comfortable. She hardly saw him joking around, laughing with others. It was good to see him like this.

He was making his way back through the water to Alex when he saw her lift herself out of the water onto the edge. Quite a sight and he took a moment to enjoy it. Settled down, Alex saw his look and winked at him. Smiling she pointed her finger at him to come closer.

He did exactly that, slowly making his way to her. Standing in front of her he leaned forward, closing her in by placing his hands beside her on the edge. She seemed so small surrounded by his big form. With his head next to hers he whispered in her ear. "You wanted to see me?"

"Mmm.." She nodded, shifting closer to him. "You never gave me your grade. Now that you've seen me, I'd like to hear what you think."

"I've always thought you were beautiful, Alex. Don't ever doubt that." He knew she hadn't expected such a serious answer, but she needed to know that in his eyes, she'd never been anything less than beautiful.

Putting her hands on his shoulder she traced his strong arms lightly, causing shivers to run through Bobby's body. Taking a deep breath he tried to ignore what she caused inside him. "I wanted to ask you a question." Slightly leaning back he looked in her eyes.

Seeing the serious look in his eyes she stilled her movement, keeping her hands on his shoulders. "Yes?"

"I wanna go out to dinner tonight. Just… just the two of us, not the group. I want to spend time with you alone. I… think we have a lot to talk about."

Cupping his cheek in her hand, she brought his eyes back to her, which he - not surprisingly- had averted earlier. "I'd love to." She brushed his lips briefly with hers, before she pulled him into a hug. She loved being in his embrace, surrounded by his presence. Loved the feel of safety and protection it gave. At moments like that she didn't mind that she was small.

Lifting her up, he quickly turned around and before she could even tighten her hold on him, he'd dropped her in the water already.

"Bobby!" She exclaimed when she resurfaced again, standing in the pool, running a hand through her hair.

"I like this, with all the water running down that body of yours… I'll give you a 9. Wanna know what you need to do to get a 10?" He answered her earlier question.

She shook her head, she had this coming. "Nope, I'm quite happy with my 9 and you mister." She pointed at him. "are going to have to wait before you can judge if I'm a 10."

TBC...