Laura had surprised herself by how much she'd enjoyed the party. Her team had gone to town, and they'd been up on the dance floor as soon as the first notes of the first song had belted out from the DJ. Laura liked a bit of a boogie and she had joined in willingly with her team. Not much for formal team bonding exercises, the bi-annual station parties were an excellent opportunity for them to let their hair down and Laura was up for a bit of a dance. When she'd come away from the dance floor, she'd found Robbie and James propping up the bar. "Laura," James had drawled and she'd giggled. "You're looking very lovely this evening," he continued smoothly and Robbie rolled his eyes. "Well, I suppose it's an improvement on the last time you tried to offer Laura a compliment on her outfit and got as far as "very…er…" Robbie said and Laura laughed. She took a sip of her G&T. "And can I persuade either of you onto the dance floor?" Laura enquired jovially and Robbie gazed at her intensely. Would he dare, she wondered. Would he dare, he wondered, worrying that he'd betray their relationship to their colleagues at large if he took her into his arms in such a public setting. She looked beautiful and he longed to pull her close and kiss her tenderly. In skinny black jeans, high heels, a sequinned top and some expertly applied eyeliner, she looked stunning and Robbie wished for a moment that they'd not decided quite deliberately to make their relationship a matter of public knowledge. James looked as though he might cave and Robbie carefully set his pint down on the bar. "I'm sure Jim'll look after me pint," he said cheerfully and Laura grinned. "Can I trust you with mine too James?"she enquired, and he nodded in a somewhat world weary fashion. Laura held out her hand to Robbie and James shook his head in mock derision. As they reached the dance floor, Robbie took Laura into his arms. One of the other inspectors considered the two of them dancing together and came to stand next to James. "D'you suppose he's ever going to pluck up the courage to ask her out?" he mused and James laughed. "Mmm, I'd put money on it," came a voice from behind them and they turned to find Jean Innocent reviewing the scene. "Much money?" James enquired and Jean thought about it. "but, £20 says we'll be having this discussion at the next Christmas party…" she suggested and James considered it, a certain glint in his eye. "Done," he replied, his gaze falling on the couple ahead of him. "I mean," Jean continued, glass of wine in hand "is it not obvious to anyone else that these two are meant to be?"
As the music slowed, Robbie drew Laura a little closer, keeping his hand in the small of her back in an affectionate gesture. He kept his lips close to her ear as they danced and Laura smiled to herself. "Oh to be able to hold you close and kiss you the way I want to, my love," he murmured. "Tomorrow, sweetheart," Laura said softly "tomorrow we can throw caution to the wind and enjoy it being just the two of us for a couple of nights." Robbie smiled to himself as they swayed in time to the music. "Let me take you home tonight," he said softly and Laura chuckled. "I need to pack," she replied "but come back to mine?" Robbie nodded, smiling as the music faded into a slower track. He smirked as the lyrics of the tune began to drift through the party and Laura chuckled. "Do you ever feel like we're being set up?" she enquired, looping her arms around his neck and Robbie's smirk widened. "Oh, aye, I can hear the tongues wagging from here…" he replied. "Mmm, suppose I better dance with James to level the playing field," Laura considered aloud and Robbie chuckled. "Not sure how I'm supposed to feel about that, my love," he replied easily and Laura smiled broadly. After a few more songs, they reluctantly drew away from the dance floor, returning to James and their drinks. "Must be a terrible hardship, forced to dance with the lovely Dr. Hobson," Jean Innocent remarked as Laura reached for her drink. Laura rolled her eyes at Jean and Robbie grinned. "Aye, Laura and I are old friends, so she's remarkably tolerant of me stepping on her toes," he replied smoothly and Laura smiled indulgently. "You going to dance James?" she enquired, glancing at him and James considered Laura. "I fear the height difference between us renders the prospect on the verge of ridiculous," James remarked, meeting Laura's amused glance steadily and Jean laughed. "Oh Hathaway," Jean said wryly. "James, we can dance together without getting up close and personal," Laura rebuked and he sighed. "Alright," he said wearily and Robbie shook his head.
The following day…
Laura slid into the passenger seat of Robbie's car in the station car park and he turned to her, smiling broadly. "Hello," he said and Laura leant in to kiss him, running the risk of being spotted by their colleagues but caring not one jot. "Hi," she said, closing the door. She'd dropped her weekend bag in the boot earlier that morning, and having survived the station Christmas party the previous night, they were headed to the wilds of mid-Wales to celebrate Laura's birthday. Laura dropped her rucksack at her feet, and settled back into the passenger seat. Robbie shifted the car into gear, and eased the car out of the parking space before making his way out of the car park and heading for the ring road. It was cold and dark, and they had a drive ahead of them before they reached their final destination. "All set?" Robbie enquired and Laura nodded. "Good day in the office, darling?" she enquired jovially and Robbie smirked. "A few sore heads, I'd wager," he replied smoothly and Laura chuckled. "My lot were mostly complaining about sore legs from dancing all night," she commented. "Aye, I bet,' Robbie remarked. Laura smiled to herself. "So, tell me about this hotel you've found," she said and Robbie grinned boyishly. "It's in Denbighshire," he began "little market town, nice little hotel with its own restaurant, so I can wine and dine you as promised, and the option of a nice walk or two with my best girl," he replied and Laura smiled. Robbie, it turned out, was a rather indulgent partner and if an opportunity arose for him to spoil Laura, he often took it and this weekend was typical. Laura was looking forward to some uninterrupted time together. They'd both clocked off early and planned to be in Wales in time for dinner, and Laura was looking forward to a nice G&T. As Robbie eased the car onto the motorway, he was pleased to see the road looked clear. They appeared to be beating the worst of the Friday traffic and Robbie allowed his hand to drift from the gear leaver to squeeze Laura's knee affectionately. "Ooh, it'll be nice to be out of Oxford," Laura mused cheerfully and Robbie grinned. "I'm thinking a nice mug of coffee, a decent fry up and the Saturday papers tomorrow," Laura said and Robbie glanced at her quickly before returning his attention to the road. "Sounds grand," he replied and Laura smiled broadly. The next couple of hours passed peacefully as they drove through the Midlands and into the Welsh marches before Robbie swung the car towards their final destination. It was proving a chilly evening and the moon had risen and was shining beautifully over the Welsh countryside as Robbie drove them into the little town. "Gosh, it's a lovely evening," Laura remarked as Robbie pulled into the hotel's car park and Laura glanced up at the building. "It's tiny," she said wryly as Robbie pulled the handbrake on and switched off the engine. "Intimate, I think they say," he replied and Laura laughed. She reached for her scarf and wound it round her neck before opening the door and getting out, slinging her backpack onto her shoulder. Robbie came round to the boot, opening it up and he considered Laura for a second. She flashed him a smile and he ducked to kiss her lovingly. "Here's your bag, my love," Robbie said, and Laura took it. Robbie retrieved his bag, shut the boot and locked the car. He captured Laura's hand in his and they strolled into the hotel together. Once they'd checked in, they headed up to their room to drop their things before going back down to order some food.
At the bar, Robbie wrapped his arm around Laura's shoulders and drew her into him and she smiled up at him. He pressed a kiss to her temple and then turned his attention to the bar. "A Hendricks and tonic, please, and a pint of bitter," he said to the barman who duly attended to their drinks order. Laura spotted a nook in the corner with two armchairs, and Robbie gestured that he'd follow her with the drinks. Laura settled into the armchair, and considered the fire which was roaring nicely in the grate. Yes, Laura considered, Robbie had definitely done well with his choices here. The subject of her musing sat down opposite her, handing her an icy G&T and the menu for the bar. "Proper dinner tomorrow night," Robbie said "but I reckon we can get by on the bar menu for tonight." Laura smiled, scanning the menu and then nodded in agreement. "Lovely," she replied, still reading. At length she made her decision and looked over at Robbie, and she smiled when she realised he was watching her as she considered her options. "You're staring, Robbie," Laura murmured and he snorted softly. "Just counting my blessings, Laura," he replied and she tilted her head at him, smiling. "What are you having?" she enquired lightly and he glanced casually at the menu. "Fish and chips, I reckon," Robbie replied and Laura smiled. "Same here," she replied and Robbie's eyes twinkled. "I'll go and, er, order then," he said and Laura smiled broadly. At length, with their dinner eaten and drinks finished, Laura considered the dying embers of the fire and then glanced over to Robbie. He looked remarkably relaxed and she smiled at him. "Shall we call it a night, sweetheart?" she mused and he nodded. "Aye, think I'm in need of some sleep after last night's shenanigans," Robbie replied and Laura laughed loudly. She stood up and held out her hand to him and he allowed her to pull him up. Laura tiptoed up to kiss his cheek affectionately and he flashed her a smile. "Shall we?" she murmured and he nodded.
"God, it's freezing," Laura murmured as she undressed quickly, rooting in her overnight bag for her nightdress and pulling it quickly over her head. She pulled her silk dressing gown on and Robbie eyed her appreciatively as she moved past him to the bathroom. Laura rolled her eyes at him and reached for her toothbrush. She did her teeth, washed her face and came back into the bedroom to find Robbie sat on the edge of the bed in his t-shirt and boxers. He grinned at her, drawing her into his arms so that she was pressed against him. "Have I mentioned how much I like this on you?" he enquired and Laura smiled. "Mmm, you might have mentioned it once or twice," she replied, threading her fingers through his hair and then cupping his cheek with her hand. Robbie gazed at her and Laura grinned. "Go and wash, and I'll see you in bed," she murmured and Robbie drew her closer, savouring the sensation of the flimsy fabric under his fingertips. He nudged his nose against hers, pulling her close for a long slow kiss and Laura smiled broadly when he drew away. As he made his way into the bathroom, Robbie was acutely aware of how aroused he was and the prospect of having Laura to himself was doing little to reduce it.
When he came out from the bathroom, Laura was curled up under the covers and he slid in next to her, pulling her into his arms and ducking his head to kiss her deeply. Laura sighed contentedly, sliding one hand up into his hair and the other to the small of his back, pressing him against her. At length, Robbie's hands began to wander and Laura arched her neck as his kisses trailed down jaw and down to her collarbone. The added sensation of the silk between them was proving unexpectedly pleasurable. Robbie moved his attention to Laura's cleavage, nudging his nose between her breasts and pressing a kiss between them through the fabric. He caressed her lovingly, stroking her though the silk and Laura sighed happily. Running his hands over her waist, Robbie drew himself level with her so that he could kiss her properly. Laura leant her forehead against his and they grinned at each other, slightly breathlessly. Laura closed her eyes as they kissed again, and she murmured as Robbie's fingers shifted from her waist to her hips, and then began to delve under the silk. "How has it taken me a year to discover this item in your wardrobe?" Robbie murmured, hitching the silk up around Laura's waist and cupping her bottom eagerly. Laura chuckled and then sighed, kissing Robbie's cheek as he began to touch her intimately. She could feel how aroused he was, pressed up against her and she closed her eyes happily, focussing on the sensations he was evoking in her. "Robbie," she murmured, wriggling away from his caress and he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Mmmhmm," he replied and Laura tugged him over her, sliding her hand to his lower back, encouraging him to sink into her. "Oh, Laura, my love," Robbie murmured against her cheek and she smiled, drawing him closer and whimpering in pleasure as he thrust more deeply into her. They made love, murmuring endearments to each other as they moved together. Laura sighed happily, enjoying the feeling of him thrusting deeply into her, entwined in her arms. "Let me touch you," he said against her cheek and she nodded. She moaned against his kiss as his thumb reached her nub, circling it and Robbie slowed his thrusts, moving slowly and more deliberately. "Fuck," Laura muttered, shifting her hips so that he could sink more deeply into her and Robbie hissed out a breath in satisfaction. Laura clutched at his back, a familiar, delightful fizzing effervessing through her veins. "Robbie, harder," she murmured and he obliged her until Laura cried out his name, rolling her hips and he could control himself no longer. "Oh, Laura, Laura," he moaned, shunting into her, helpless to the sensations rushing through him, before he collapsed on top of her, leaving them both breathless. Laura cradled him against her, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and Robbie settled his cheek against her collarbone, more than content to be cuddled up with her, sleepy and sated. "Have I told you today how beautiful you are?" Robbie wondered aloud as they lay in bed, Laura's arms wound around him and she laughed.
Laura's phone buzzed in her pocket and she rooted for it in frustration. "Better not be bloody dispatch. I am categorically off duty," she muttered and then she frowned before answering the call, glancing up at Robbie. "Laura, I'm so sorry to bother you," Lynne began and Laura smiled broadly. "You never bother me, Lynne," Laura chided affectionately and Robbie looped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her back against him. "I can't get through to Dad…" Lynne said and Laura smiled. "Ah," she replied "want me to hand him over? Everything okay?" Lynne breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, good, I just worry, you know. And I had to go in for observation last night, I just wanted to chat to him," Lynne said and Laura frowned. "Oh, Lynne, are you alright?" she asked and Robbie frowned at her tone. "Yeah, yeah, baby and I are fine. They just wanted to keep an eye on my blood pressure, but it's all fine," Lynne explained and Laura heaved a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank goodness. You must be exhausted though?" she replied and Lynne snorted in derision. "Yeah, wasn't great. And I'm now on enforced maternity leave until this little lad or lass arrives, so I'm going to head home and put my feet home," Lynne said. Laura smiled "You do that. Let me pass you over to your Dad," she replied. "Oooh, Laura?" Lynne said quickly and Laura paused. "Still here…" she replied. "Happy Birthday for Tuesday," Lynne continued and Laura smiled broadly. "Thanks love," she said "here's your Dad." Laura handed the phone to Robbie and his eyes were twinkling. "Hiya love, you alright?" Robbie asked, his arm still holding Laura close, and pressing a soft kiss into her hair as they stood together. Lynne began to chatter to her Dad, telling him about her night in hospital and as he stood listening to her, with Laura in his arms, two things dawned on him. Firstly, that he was glad that Lynne felt she could call him and tell him all of this when by rights it ought to be her mother she was confiding all of this in, and secondly, he was so very glad that Lynne not only accepted Laura as his partner, but that the two of them were close enough for Lynne to ring her in his stead. At length, Lynne rang off and Robbie handed the phone back to Laura. "Thanks for that," he said and Laura smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "My pleasure," she said easily. "I'm so grateful for the two of you," Robbie said slightly gruffly and Laura frowned, turning in his arms and bringing her hands to rest on his hips, rubbing her thumbs over his shirt. "You and Lynne, being so easy together, makes me pretty happy, love," he said and Laura smiled softly. "Lynne must be so weary of being pregnant by now," Laura mused and Robbie smiled down at her. "Mebbe, don't think she liked being in hospital much," he said and Laura snorted softly. "Oh the irony, a nurse who doesn't like hospitals," she replied wryly and Robbie laughed. "Aye," he said. "Shall we?" Laura asked, and he took her hand into his. "Aye, come on," he said, turning and walking with her along the footpath they'd chosen for their walk. It amused Robbie sometimes as to how active Laura was. She was always on the go and their weekends away, and indeed off duty at home, had fallen into a happy pattern. Often an afternoon stroll, usually ending in a pub somewhere, a decent dinner then falling into bed. And Robbie loved it. He loved spending time in the fresh air, in pleasant surroundings and with Laura's hand clasped firmly in his. It was such a total break from work, and so very different from their daily work. He was beginning to understand why Laura sought solace in the fresh air. Not only was it the physicality of the task at hand, but the humanity of it, especially being with Laura. Sometimes they'd chat, and other times a comfortable silence would sit between them. But regardless of the extent of their conversations, it was always good to be spending time with Laura.
It was proving to be a fairly chilly afternoon, and Laura was grateful for her layers against the bite of the wind. Wrapped up in a cream knit, jeans, her trusty leather jacket and a silk scarf, she was enjoying stretching her legs in the sunshine. Wales was blustery and breezy and Laura was delighted to be out in it. They were badly overdue some time away from Oxford and her birthday was the perfect excuse to escape the city. They'd managed a night away in Cirencester at the beginning of the autumn, and Laura smiled to herself at that particular memory. They'd had their own hot tub and made the most of it, relaxing under the stars in the autumn chill. Definitely an experience to repeat at some stage, she mused, blushing slightly as she recalled how they'd made love in the water, as quietly as they could, gasping their satisfaction into a long, deep kiss. And when Robbie had expressed a desire to wine and dine her for her birthday, Laura had been inclined to accept. So here they were, working up an appetite before their dinner. "Glad rags tonight, my love," Robbie had instructed and Laura had packed accordingly. She hoped he'd approve of her dress for dinner tonight. She'd glammed up a bit for the station Christmas party a couple of nights previously and it had been tremendous fun. A sparkly top, lashings of eyeliner and the opportunity to dance with her friends, colleagues and with Robbie. As Christmas parties went, it had been very acceptable. Tonight was different though. A rare opportunity to dress up, and enjoy a romantic meal out, away from prying eyes in Oxford, and without the need to drive home afterwards. Laura was very much looking forward to it. Laura was drawn from her musing by Robbie wrapping his arm around her shoulders and drawing her against him. "You're a million miles away," he observed and Laura smiled. "Mmhmm," she replied cheerfully. She glanced around them and leant into his embrace willingly. "It's a lovely view from up here," Laura said and Robbie glanced down at her. "Aye," he replied softly and Laura laughed loudly. "Such a charmer, Robbie Lewis," she rebuked and he gazed at her affectionately. "We should head back though," Laura mused "it'll be getting dark before we know it." Robbie glanced at his watch and nodded. "Aye, we should," he replied, looping his arm back around her and ducking to kiss her softly before they turned and strolled back towards the town, arms around each other in a companionable silence.