Title: The Right Touch

Rating: K

Category: The romance continues

Disclaimers: These guys aren't mine but I love 'em.

Author's Note: I'm loving the comments. Thanks for taking the time to send them. Yes this story is a little different but hey, sometimes it's good to be different!

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Chapter 12

"It's eleven thirty," Tara said guiltily as they pulled into the garage. "I didn't realize it was so late. You think Bobby might be a little ticked with us?"

"No," assured Jack. "You should know him better than that. I bet he's enjoying talking to Sue in person. They seem to get along just fine on the phone."

"Does Darcy know they've met?"

"I didn't even know they met and I see him every day so I don't think she knows."

They liked Darcy but found her a shade too possessive for their taste. Bobby didn't seem to notice this tendency in his girlfriend but his friends had. So far, it hadn't created any problems between the couple.

Entering the house, the Hudsons noticed the light was on in the kitchen. They found Bobby and Sue sitting cozily side by side deep in conversation looking very comfortable with each other.

Tara leaned over to whisper in Jack's ear. "Are you sure they just met? They don't look like people that just met to me."

"No, they don't, do they?" Jack agreed thoughtfully. Something was happening between their friend and the pretty blonde but neither seemed aware of it. Darcy was not going to be happy if she ever found out about Sue.

As he tugged Tara closer towards the couple in the kitchen, they could make out the conversation.

"I think aiming for the corner gives the ball a better chance of ricocheting in for a thousand points," Bobby stated.

"I just throw the ball and hope for the best," countered Sue.

"I don't know how you managed to score that many points with that kind of technique," he lamented shaking his head.

"Are you questioning my technique?" she asked with a twinkle.

"No, I'm just saying it was dumb luck," he declared laughter in his voice. "In fact… " He stopped when he noticed movement by the door. He looked up and spotted his returning friends. Sue noticed his focus and turned.

"Hey, how was dinner?" Bobby greeted them.

"Great!" said Tara enthusiastically. "Michele's a really nice girl. I'm glad Reed married her even though they didn't have a wedding."

"From your conversation I take it you had a great time at the Pizza Palace," Jack commented. "The kids, too," he added with a grin. "Should I even ask who won?"

"Josh and I did," answered Sue.

"What!" exclaimed Tara in astonishment.

"Ooo," admired Jack pointing to Sue, "you must be good. We've been trying to beat this guy for as long as I can remember."

"It's all in the technique," she assured them solemnly as she tossed a wink at Bobby.

"I don't think it's called technique," declared Bobby, "Luck would be the more accurate term."

"Jealous," affirmed Sue, "that's what he is, jealous."

"I don't doubt it," agreed Tara. "The streak is broken, Bobby. You just have to accept it like a man."

"All right," he glared at them in mock exasperation. "Laugh now but Megan and I want a rematch."

"You're on," agreed Sue.

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Driving home, Bobby chuckled as he recalled Sue's mortification at Megan's innocent suggestion. She looked adorable trying to pretend she didn't know what the six year old said. Their shared laughter had cleared the air and removed all traces of embarrassment.

He couldn't remember when he enjoyed an evening more.

And he wasn't the only one. Megan and Josh had enjoyed themselves, too. At bedtime his nephew had shared how much fun he had and what a great partner Sue was. He wanted Bobby to bring Sue back the next time they went to the Pizza Palace. He never asked Bobby to bring Darcy.

The two children had never warmed up to Darcy in the year and a half he'd been dating her. They were polite but that was about it. As for Darcy, she wasn't used to being around children and it showed. Oh well, if—and it was a big if—they ever got married, she'd have to get used to having children around. He wanted at least a couple.

He frowned as he paused in front of his door. He and Darcy had never discussed children. Did she even want any?

He pushed the door open and paused in surprise—a light was on. He must have forgotten to turn it off when he left to pick up Sue. Shrugging, he walked towards the lamp when he spotted dark hair peeking over the edge of the arm. Quietly he approached the sofa and found Darcy fast asleep.

He sat on the coffee table and gazed at the sleeping woman. She was beautiful and in sleep, her face acquired a sweetness that wasn't apparent when she was awake. She rarely showed that side of her personality to anyone. Her job required her to be cool, efficient, and assertive which was the side most people saw.

He cared for her but was he in love with her? He couldn't deny the physical attraction between them but was that all their relationship based on? Had they ever had a serious discussion or a long conversation?

And why was he having these thought now after all this time?

"Bobby?" said a sleepy voice interrupting his thoughts, "What time is it? I must've fallen asleep." She looked at him with a lazy smile. "Where were you?"

"Baby-sitting the Hudson kids," he explained. "Their sitter cancelled on them at the last minute."

"Well, better you than me," she yawned. "What time did you say it was?"

"It's almost one o'clock. When did you get here?"

"About nine-thirty. I thought I'd surprise you since we haven't seen much of each other recently."

"Why didn't you call?"

"I thought you'd be back soon so I poured myself a glass of wine and the next thing I know, I see you."

"It's late. Why don't you sleep here?" he suggested.

She groaned. "I can't. I have an early appointment." She stood up and ran her finger down his cheek. "However, I would like to continue this conversation at a later time." As she kissed him, she wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him closer.

"When?" he asked when they pulled apart.

"As soon as this benefit is over," she promised. She planted another kiss on his lips. "I better go."

"I'll walk you to your car."

In a few minutes, they reached her car. As she opened the door, she turned to Bobby, "By the way, who helped you watch the kids? Or were you brave enough to watch them by yourself?"

"Hey!" he protested. "I've watched them alone. They're good kids."

"But you didn't answer my question," she pointed out.

"I asked a friend to help," he answered briefly.

"Does this friend have a name?"

"Yes."

"Well?"

"Sue."

Her eyes immediately narrowed in suspicion. "I thought you said you just met her. And didn't you have dinner with her last night?"

"I did and we did," he said defending himself. "We're friends, Darcy, that's all. Haven't you ever met someone that you feel like you've known them forever?"

"Not really."

"Oh," he replied briefly. "In that case, let me assure you, Sue and I are friends. Got that?"

"As long as you keep it that way."

He cocked his head wondering if she was warning him in some way. Could she be jealous?

"Good night," he said.

"Call me," she told him as she gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "I should be back in the office about ten. Good night."

Bobby thoughtfully looked after the departing vehicle. Jack and D had mentioned in passing they noticed Darcy's jealousy but he'd just laughed. He hadn't believed them—until now.