This one is dedicated to Lorraine for the inspirational gift. Note to self, all future stories are herein dedicated to Lorraine and y'know what, all past ones are too. Amazing gift which I heart so much...and yes, I am wearing them! (Rocket's scrubs, for those I haven't already told.) Lyrics belong to Billy Joel. Robert and Lizzie are not mine but I'm keeping them anyway.

Chapter Eight -

Tuesday 11:22

Elizabeth bounced out of the elevator into the E.R almost with gay abandon. She felt absolutely wonderful for the first time in ages and couldn't stop herself from smiling. She'd fallen asleep last night still feeling his kisses and savouring the taste of him. She felt downright giddy, like a teenager all over again. She thought perhaps this is what it felt like to get high, and then thought, 'Am I in love?'

He was going to call her later in the evening and she couldn't wait to hear his voice. She was completely unaware of the looks she'd been attracting from both nurses and doctors all morning.

"Good morning Jerry, do you know where my consult is?"

Jerry looked up and returned Elizabeth's infectious smile. "Good morning to you too, Doctor Corday, you have a rule-out appy waiting for you in Exam four."

"Thanks Jerry, you're a star!"

"She's in a good mood," he said to no-one in particular as he watched her go.

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Mark looked up as Elizabeth entered the room. Great he thought, this is going to be awkward.

"Good morning," she said smiling. "Rule out-appy I believe?"

"Yeah, this is Mister Hendez, brought in with severe abdominal pain and has a suspect appendix," he said keeping himself professional and hoping she would follow his example.

Elizabeth snapped on a pair of latex gloves. "Right then, lets have a look at you shall we?"

Mark rattled of the patients stats while Elizabeth gently felt around the tender area, pressing down slightly. Mister Hendez hissed in pain.

"Yep, I'd say that's about ready to pop. Let's get you upstairs Mr Hendez, and we'll have you up and at 'em again in a jiffy! And don't worry you won't feel a thing, we have the really good drugs upstairs."

She snapped up the roll bars and with Chuny's help wheeled him out of the room heading for the elevator.

"She's in a good mood. Thought you were going to dump her?" Malucci said as they slowly followed them out of the room.

"I did," Mark said quietly, watching as her head reared back laughing at something Chuny said while they waited for the elevator. She looked beautiful, but there was also something different about her that struck a chord within him, and he wondered if, perhaps he'd made a mistake.

Malucci looked over Mark's shoulder and laughed. "Well she don't look too cut up about it dude," he said and slapped a commiserative hand on his shoulder.

"Shut up Dave," he snapped off his gloves and tossed them at a bin. He missed.

ER Admit desk 13:05

Elizabeth passed by the admit desk humming to herself.

"Hi Doctor Corday."

"Hello ladies, and of course Jerry. How is everyone?"

"We're all good here Doctor Corday...how about you?"

"Well, despite a good old bowel resection that awaits me upstairs, I'm actually feeling tip top!" She said, and carried on her way to the elevator, humming again.

"I wonder what's put the spring back in her step?"

"I know, right? Looks awfully happy for someone who got dumped two days ago."

"Yeah I'd heard they split up. She doesn't look too bothered."

"Right? Wonder what's gotten into her?"

"More like who's gotten into her."

"Ohhh, you think? My money's on Romano."

"Yeah, well you'd lose!"

"Oh really? What do you know? Tell."

"I know it can't be Romano because he's not even in Chicago."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, see, Chuny heard Shirley telling Jacy, that Brenda had told her that Romano had called to say not to send him any more paperwork as he was going out of town for a few days!"

"Well, if its not Romano, then who? You don't get a spring in your step like that from staying in watching T.V, if you know what I mean.?

"You know there's that cute new doctor who started up in Oncology, and he's always smiling too! They were in the elevator together yesterday!"

"Ahhhh!" Came the collective gasp and Haleh reached for the phone to spread the word.

Tuesday 18:55

"Hi, its me."

"Hi! You got there okay? How's your mother? Bet she was pleased to see you all?

"Yes, so-so and yes, now slow down Lizzie!"

"Sorry, I've not stopped thinking about you all day!"

"Ditto. So hows my girl?"

"You mean me or Gretel?

"Both?"

"Both are very well. Oh, and guess who made the front page of, what did you call it again, The County Chronicle?"

"We didn't!?"

"No, we didn't."

"Oh, right, well who did?"

"I DID!"

"Jeezus Lizzie, I leave town for a day and you're already having an affair? Who do I have to kill?"

"I don't even know his name. He started a few weeks ago in oncology apparently."

"Ahh, Mike Jensen. I was in on his interview panel. Didn't like him but got outvoted."

"Apparently he's quite dishy."

"Yeah, well if you're shallow enough to fall for that tall, dark and handsome crap. And hey...how come you're in the know, anyhow? Lizzie….did you get your first Shirley-o-gram?"

"Yes, I did!" she snickered proudly.

"Feel good?"

"Yes, actually. Its hilarious!"

"See nothing to worry about. You should indulge it 'cause when I get back we're going to need a huge smokescreen."

"Mmmm."

"Please don't make sounds like that when I'm 800 miles away from you."

"Sorry. I miss you."

"Miss you too.

(Robert, you ready?)

"Yeah, I'm coming! Lizzie, sorry I've got to go, we're taking mom out for dinner. Call you tomorrow?"

"Best you do. Goodnight."

"Night Lizzie."

Wednesday 18:12

Elizabeth had just finished checking on her latest patient in recovery and headed to the surgeons lounge. She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down with the paper for a quick five minutes peace. She'd just about achieved three minutes when she looked up to see the door opening and Mark enter.

"Hey, found you."

She lowered the paper. "You're looking for me?"

"Yeah. You, errr, got a minute to talk?"

"About?"

He pulled a chair closer to hers and sat down.

"I wanted to say sorry for the other day."

"Okay."

"Yeah, and also that I think I may have been a bit hasty."

Hah she thought! "Oh?" she said.

"Yeah. I don't know what I was thinking Elizabeth. Do you think you could forget what I said and give me another chance?"

Elizabeth bit down on her lip to stop herself from smiling. "No, I don't think I can."

"Oh."

"Sorry, Mark but we clearly aren't compatible."

"We just need to try harder."

"I don't think there's any point in trying, Mark."

"Why not?"

"I don't want to." She was saved from further squirming when her pager went off. "Sorry, I've got to go," she said rising from the chair. He looked up at her with sad eyes and watched her leave.

Wednesday 21:58

"Hi."

"Hi. How's it going at your mum's?"

"Good. She's enjoying being spoiled."

"Good.

"How's your day been? Still seeing that dishy doctor?"

"I certainly hope so. Oh, and guess what? Never mind, you'll never guess. Mark cornered me today in the lounge and made a big speech about how he realised he'd made a mistake and asked if I'd take him back!"

"Way to go Corday! I'm assuming you milked the moment to its full potential?"

"Oh God yes.

"Did you make him cry?"

"Maybe a little."

"That's my girl. Though from the sound of it, if I stay away any longer I dread to think how many potential suitors I'm going to have to fight off!"

(who are you talking to Robert?)

(HIS GIRLFRIEND)

"Shut up Emma. Sorry Lizzie, you still there?"

"Of course. You being teased?"

"I need protection."

"Come home and I'll save you."

"Speaking off, I have good news and bad news."

"Oh? Bad news first."

"Bad news is I've been bullied into staying an extra day, but the good news is the trade off...when we get back to O'Hare, Emma and Jess are catching connecting flights to Germany. Emma wanted to know if you'd be able to throw the rest of her and Jess's stuff in a case and meet us at the airport?

"What time would you get in?"

"Friday 14:00?"

"I'll make sure I'm there."

"Yeah? Great!"

"I can't wait to see you again!"

"Me too."

"On a serious note, you're not overdoing it over there are you?"

"Lizzie, you've met my sister, right? Multiply her fussing by a factor of one hundred and you have my mother….so no, I have not been overdoing it."

"She sounds like an incredible lady."

"She is."

"I'd like to meet her one day."

"You will."

"Well I guess I should let you get back to her."

"Okay."

"Goodnight Robert."

"G'night Lizzie."

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Thursday

Elizabeth was having a once in a blue moon quiet shift, which only further heightened her happiness factor. Robert was coming home tomorrow and he would be back at work next week, even if only on light duties. She was actually finishing on time and stood at the surgical front desk, humming to herself as she finished signing the last bits of paperwork requiring her signature.

"Everything okay Doctor Corday?" Shirley asked a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Never better," she said smiling broadly.

Shirley exchanged a knowing glance with Jacy.

"Another hot date with a certain cute doctor, perhaps?"

What was it Robert had said about a smokescreen? Perhaps she should fan the flames a bit.

Elizabeth glanced up from the paper she was in the process of signing, pen still poised. She smiled mischievously. "I couldn't possibly comment," she purred and winked as she signed the paper. "That's me done. Goodnight ladies."

Thursday 21:05

"Hey."

"Hey yourself."

"How was your day?"

"Remarkably unremarkable."

"So perfect then!"

"How was yours?"

"Mom's teary that we're leaving tomorrow, which means Emma and Jess are teary too, so yeah."

"Right up your street then."

"That's me, Mister sensitivity."

"So you're home tomorrow."

"Indeed. Are you off tomorrow evening?"

"Yes."

"Excellent. Would you be free for dinner then?"

"Why, yes I believe I would be."

"So if I was to book a table and say collect you at seven?"

"Then, I would very much look forward to it."

"So its a date."

"Its a date."

"A romantic date, to be clear."

"Ha-ha, and yes it had better be a romantic date."

"Well since the last guy you dated was Greene I could probably take you to 'Chucky Cheese' and still come out on top."

"True."

"I promise it will be better than Chucky Cheese."

"Robert?"

"Hmm?"

"I don't actually care where you take me, so long as you take me."

(silence)

"Robert?"

"Still here."

"So I'll see you tomorrow?"

"You will. Lizzie?"

"Yeah?"

"I lo...never mind."

"I...never mind, you too. Now go and take care of your teary women, and I'll see you tomorrow."

Friday 14:15

Elizabeth waited impatiently at the domestic arrivals gate fighting to contain her ever increasing excitement. Get a grip, woman she told herself.

But, then she saw Robert hurrying towards her and resolve was trampled on as she rushed forward dragging Emma's case to meet him.

He pulled her into his arms. "Kiss me before the peanut gallery catch up," he said and they kissed each other hungrily.

"Where are they?" she asked when they came up for air.

"Left them to get the bags so I could race ahead. Not very gentlemanly of me but needs must," he said and kissed her again.

"Put her down for God's sake," Emma's voice said from behind. "Thanks for the help, Robert," she said huffily dragging their luggage. "Hi Elizabeth."

"Hello. Hi Jess."

Jess waved back smiling.

'Way to go Uncle Rob!"

"Shut up!"

"So, how long have you got before your flight?" Elizabeth asked.

"Not long at all. That's why you bringing that is a Godsend," she said pointing at the case Elizabeth had brought. "We do have time for coffee though."

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Elizabeth and Emma watched with amusement as Jess continued to tease her uncle about his love life and Robert, holding his own got creative with insults back.

"You know, he's been busting a gut to get back to you. I've never seen him like this before. You're good for him Elizabeth, you bring out the best in him."

"I think it extends both ways."

"Hah, you've got it as bad as him!"

Elizabeth laughed but didn't deny it.

"Look after him won't you?"

"Of course."

Emma glanced at her watch. "Right, time to start moving again. Robert?"

He looked round as she pointed at her watch and turned back to Jess.

'Looks like you're off.'

'Oh okay. I'll miss you. Will you come visit us soon?'

'I will certainly try.'

'Bring Elizabeth when you do.'

He gave her a hug, then turned to Emma while Jess said goodbye to Elizabeth.

"Thanks for everything, sis, especially the meddling bit," he said hugging her tightly.

"You're welcome. You take care of yourself and take even better care of her. She's a keeper."

"I know."

She turned to Elizabeth and gave her a hug. "Good luck, he's all yours now." Then hating prolonged goodbyes they picked up their bags and started walking away.

Robert stood behind Elizabeth and put his arms around her waist pulling her against him as they watched Emma and Jess disappear. "Well, you heard her, I'm all yours. What are you going to do with me?"

"I'm going to drop you home, then go pamper myself, and then...you'll find out."

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Elizabeth stood wrapped in a towel looking at the contents of her wardrobe. What to wear, she thought.

She remembered a one-sided conversation in the surgeons lounge a few Christmases ago. She'd been sat chatting with Peter, and mentioned she'd bought a ticket to the surgeons Christmas Ball, only to find out she was to be sat next to Robert. He'd waltzed in suddenly with his his usual arrogant swagger, and suggested what she should wear. She knew now, it had just been bluster to mask his excitement. And she hadn't gone, instead going out with a man who's name she couldn't even remember. What would have happened if she had gone that night? Just gone along and allowed them to get to know each other. Would her life be vastly different, she wondered. Then she spotted the perfect dress.

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When she heard the knock on the door, she took a deep, nervous breath. Well, here goes. She opened the door to reveal Robert stood there, dressed immaculately in a black suit and tie with a pale blue shirt, holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

He drank in the sight of her with his eyes. "Wow, Lizzie, you look stunning."

"You look rather dapper yourself," she said approvingly, and thought, not a Mark Greene plaid pattern in sight.

He gave the flowers to her and stole a kiss.

"Thank you, they're beautiful. Come in while I find a vase."

He followed her into the apartment and had a sneaky look around while she started arranging the flowers. It was feminine and tasteful. Basically it was her, so he pretty much approved.

"So where are we going?"

"Little place I know of the beaten track. Think you'll like it."

88888888

He took her to a small, intimate French bistro that was charm personified, with candlelight and soft music playing.

The waiter greeted them and showed them to their table, pulling out the chair for Elizabeth.

While Elizabeth lifted her menu and looked over the choices, Robert perused the wine menu.

"This place is lovely."

"Its excellent. They don't do many covers, preferring to keep the emphasis on the food. I can recommend the confit duck."

"So you've been before?" She asked.

"Once."

"Who with?"

"What?"

"Who did you bring?"

He tilted his head slightly and glanced at her over the top of the menu. "Seriously?"

"Just curious," she said trying for a playful tone, but the truth was, she was already nervous to finally be here with him, and now found herself irrationally jealous that he'd brought someone else before.

Robert had witnessed enough Lizzie meltdowns to recognise the warning signs. He put the wine menu down. "What's wrong? I can take you somewhere else if you want."

"No, its lovely. Sorry, ignore me, I'm being silly."

"Tell me."

"Sorry, I'm just really nervous. I can't believe we're here," she said reaching across the table for his hand. "I've been kicking myself for saying no to you all those years ago; and now I'm suddenly completely, irrationally jealous that you've been here before with someone else, and I have no right to be."

"No, you don't. Lizzie, you can't expect me to have lived like a Trappist monk whilst waiting for you to come to your senses. Shall we just agree that we are both adults with history?"

"I just feel like we've...no...I've, wasted so much time."

Robert tried not to roll his eyes and wondered why woman want to constantly overthink everything. He squeezed her hand and leaned forward. "If its what got us here, right now in this moment, I don't see how it can be time wasted. I'm sat in a very nice restaurant about to have dinner with the most beautiful woman I've ever met. So can we please stop wasting time talking about wasted time and enjoy our date?

She smiled, relaxing. "A romantic date….to be clear. You know, sometimes you can be frightfully insightful."

He leaned in further still and kissed her. "I love it when you're frightfully British. Now, will you please look at the menu so we can order? I'm starving."

She smiled and together they picked up their menus.

The rest of the evening passed easily, the conversation flowed, fine food was savoured and devoured. Over coffee Elizabeth said, "So, tell me about this fiancée you used to have."

"Sandra? We met when I was repaying my debt to Uncle Sam."

"She was in the navy too?"

"Yeah, and don't laugh at the cliché but she was a nurse."

She couldn't resist a small snigger. "So, how come it never happened?"

"I guess she wanted to be an officers wife more than she wanted to be my wife. She liked all the trappings that went with it and that's what she wanted. She knew from the start, that I was only in it for the short haul, but I guess she thought she could convince me to stay. She was wrong. How about you? Ever come close?"

"No. Too busy dating naughty boys to annoy my parents. Its just about the only thing they ever agreed on."

"Well I can't see them thinking you've bucked the trend with me, can you?" he chuckled.

"Oh God, daddy's going to have a coronary," she laughed.

Once the coffee was finished, Robert settled the bill and they left the restaurant.

"So what would you like to do now? I''ll take you wherever you want to go. I'll even let you drag me dancing."

"Do you dance? Wait, don't answer that, of course you do, you wouldn't offer otherwise."

"Got me all figured out already, huh? Still, you haven't answered the question."

"I think, that I would very much like to hear you play the piano."

"So my place it is then," he smirked opening the Jag's door for her.

"I guess so," she said never breaking eye contact.

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When they got to his, he led her by the hand into the lounge. "Would you like a night cap?"

"Be rude not to after such a lovely meal."

"Whiskey, cognac?"

"Whatever you're having."

He poured two whiskies and handed her a glass. "Cheers," they said and clinked their glasses sitting down on the couch holding hands. Gretel got up from where she'd been curled up in her basket, and padded over to them. She inserted herself between them, and plopped her head down onto Roberts leg looking up at him with dark eyes.

Robert put his glass down and ruffled her head, tickling behind her ears. "Aww, are you jealous girl?," he said in a soft voice as if he was talking to a small child, whilst lowering his head to the upturned nose and black eyes.

"Robert Romano don't you dare kiss that dog and expect to kiss me with that same mouth afterwards."

Both he and Gretel turned their heads to look at her. "Should I kiss you first then?"

She narrowed her eyes at him. "What do you think?"

"I think I'm going to put Gretel in the kitchen and come straight back to you," he said innocently.

When he returned a minute or so later he smiled, took her face in his hands and kissed her.

She pulled back. "Why do you taste of toothpaste?"

"No reason," he smirked. "So what did you want me to play, or was that just a ruse to get me here so you could have your way with me? Which I'm perfectly fine with by the way."

She thought for a moment but couldn't think of anything in particular. "Play me anything. I just want to watch you play."

"Anything?"

"Yep, anything."

He stole another quick kiss and walked over to the piano and pulled out the stool. Once seated, he made an elaborate show of flexing his fingers. "You ready?"

She nodded leaning forward in anticipation and he launched into a perfect rendition of 'Chopsticks.'

"Robert!" She laughed.

"What?"

"Play me something nice."

"So not anything then?" He drummed his fingers over the keys for a moment thinking, then he smiled and started to play. She recognised the tune straight away and smiled watching his fingers slide over the keys, but when he added his voice and started to sing her eyes doubled in delighted surprise.

'Don't go changing to try to please me, you never let me down before.

I don't imagine you're too familiar, and I don't see you any more.

I would not leave you in times of trouble, we never could have come this far.

I took the good times, I'll take the bad times, I'll take you just the way you are.

Don't go trying some new fashion, don't change the colour of your hair.

You always have my unspoken passion, although I might not seem to care.

I don't want clever conversation, I never want to work that hard.

I just want someone that I can talk to, I want you just the way you are.

I need to know that you will always be, the same old someone that I knew.

What will it take till you believe in me, the way that I believe in you?

I said I love you, and that's forever, and this I promise from the heart.

I could not love you any better, I love you just the way you are.'

He finished playing and turned on the stool to look over at her. "Was that nice enough?"

"Where have you been my whole life?" she sighed dreamily.

He folded his arms across his chest and gave her a bemused smile. "I've been right under your nose the whole time Lizzie, jumping up and down shouting, 'pick me, pick me!'"

She laughed. "Yes, sorry about that, but you may now consider yourself well and truly picked."

"Prove it," he said his voice suddenly husky, his eyes all at once playful, dark and daring.

Her eyes danced accepting the challenge and she placed her glass carefully down on the coffee table. She stood and slowly closed the short distance between them and he watched her every movement, almost in a trance. He thought he heard himself suck in a breath when she lowered herself across his lap. Her hands came up either side of his face stroking the soft, golden whiskers covering his face. Keeping her eyes fixed with his, she lowered her mouth to his and kissed him deeply, claiming him, owning him.

His hands travelled up her back applying subtle pressure with his fingertips that made her arch backwards and release a moan of pleasure. He took advantage of her sudden weakness and moved his mouth to her exposed neck, and she regained enough to slide her own hands up his back, feeling strong muscles flexing underneath her touch. His hands went to her hair and pulled it free of its restraints, marvelling as he watched the curls fall around her neck and shoulders. "You have no idea how long I've dreamt about doing that,' he said, his voice so low it made her shiver.

She tugged his shirt free needing to feel the flesh that lay beneath, and slid her hands under the cotton to be rewarded with soft warm skin covering solid, lean muscle.

She could feel his arousal beneath her and pressed herself down smiling as he moaned feeling him move beneath her.

"Lizzie?"

"Hmmm."

"Would you like to...Ohhh Christ," he gasped, as she raked her nails lightly over his back.

"What was that?" she giggled.

He kissed her hungrily, lifting her hair back to expose her neck and dropped his kisses, trailing his tongue down, tasting the skin of her neck, her collar bone and lower, then back up the neck to the mouth to the ear. She moaned his name just like she had in the park, and the effect on him was just the same. "Bed. Now," he said gruffly and stood, easily lifting her with him. Her feet hit the ground and without breaking contact he aimed them for the stairs, their mouths and hands exploring, zips unzipping, buttons unbuttoning, undoing and discarding clothes in a steady trail until they reached the bedroom. They landed on the large bed in a heap of tangled limbs, quickly removing remaining garments until it was just flesh on flesh.

"My God you're beautiful," he said his eyes drinking in the sight of her naked body. Impatiently she pulled him down to cover her with his body. "You can admire me later!" She claimed his mouth once more and they wrapped themselves around one another.

When he pulled away from her body suddenly taking his heat and all its glorious sensations with him, she grasped out a reaching hand for him. She opened her eyes and saw him leaning towards the night-stand drawer and realised. Smiling she pulled him back to her. "No need. I'm on the pill."

She watched his eyes turn smoky and his mouth pull into a wide smile revealing dimples. He found his way back to her and wrapped himself around her savouring each touch, each kiss each sensation.

She moaned his name and he felt her shudder beneath him when he entered her. He gave her his body, moving unreservedly, holding nothing back, until he was so, so far lost in her, that all he knew was how to love her. And he loved her, and he loved her until there was nothing left of him to give, and he heard her cry out, and let himself go with her. They collapsed together, spent, panting, in a tangled heap of flesh and sweat and linen.

"Wow," he gasped when he eventually got his breath back.

"Yeah."

"That was amazing."

"Worth waiting for?"

"And then some."

He rolled off her onto his side taking her with him, and they lay side by side facing each other. She traced her fingers over his hip and stomach pausing on his scar. "Are you sore? We had a bit of a workout there."

"It's okay. That kind of therapy I don't mind, in fact I believe I'll be requiring a lot more of the same."

"You know the scary thing?" she asked drawing a lazy circle over it.

"What?"

"If that hadn't happened, we probably wouldn't be here now."

"It was worth it. I'll take a bullet for you any day, Lizzie."

He hooked the quilt with his foot and pulled it up covering them, as she snuggled into his chest, and they lay there until they drifted off to sleep.

88888888

Elizabeth woke first. She was laid on her side with Robert spooned behind her, softly snoring, and she carefully turned herself over trying not to wake him.

It was still ridiculously early, but there was enough light beginning to creep in with the dawning day to illuminate his face. She reached out a hand to trace the skin on his shoulder, but drew it back as he suddenly rolled onto his back. She watched him sleeping, looking so very peaceful, and saw that wonderfully strong chest rising and falling hypnotically. She thought back to several weeks ago, when she had sat by his hospital bed watching him, willing him to wake up and revelled in how far they'd come since that day. His left fingers twitched and she wondered what he was dreaming about. Probably surgery, or maybe he was running through guitar or piano chords, she thought with her growing knowledge of him. Even in his sleep, he was never completely still; always moving, that was her Robert. Her Robert. That made her smile. Her eyes were drawn back to his face. As more light began to sneak in she could pick out the different colours in his beard. What was it he had once said to her? 'Your face I can't resist.' Well, she was beginning to relate. His lips were almost a pale pink, and looked so inviting. Your lips I can't resist, she thought and pressed her lips down to his.

Robert woke and wasn't sure if he was dreaming. Then last night caught up to him and he wrapped his arms around Elizabeth's waist who by now had climbed on top of him.

'Good morning," she purred down at him.

He gazed up at her in awe. "If you're going to wake me every morning like this, will you marry me now?"

She smiled and slid herself onto him joining them. "Everything comes to those who wait," she said finding a gentle rhythm. He rocked with her slowly, matching her pace for pace then increasing, faster until fluid movement gave way to frantic and he moved his hips up on her down, working against but with until her moans increased and he could feel her losing control. He felt her begin to buckle and heard her cry out and tightened his grip on her hips keeping her there until they both came one after the other….and still he didn't let her go, so all she could do was collapse forward onto him, seeking his mouth.

"Bastard," she giggled.

"You're amazing," he said and kissed her with everything he was feeling. Eventually he released her and she rolled off of him.

"That was intense," she said.

"Yeah…..same time tomorrow?"

"Mmmmm."

"What time do you have to be in today?"

"What time is it?" she groaned not wanting reality to begin just yet.

He glanced over at his radio clock. "Six Forty five."

"Oh bollocks, I'm due on at eight...I don't want to go," she said stroking his chest.

He pulled her closer nuzzling her neck with his lips. "So don't. Call in sick. I'm sure your understanding boss will understand."

"Robert Romano I am shocked….and rather tempted...but no, I have to."

"Well, if you're going in you need to hustle." He snatched back the quilt suddenly, throwing it off, smirking at her shocked expression at having the warmth stolen away from her. "Go shower and I'll make you something to eat."

"Lovely!" Could you call me a cab, too?"

"No. I will drive you and drop you at a safe distance."

She got up slowly and stretched, grimacing a bit. "Ow!"

"You okay?"

"No, I ache all over and its your fault!"

He looked very pleased with himself and slowly sat up enjoying the full sight of her naked, stretching.

"Lizzie?"

"Hmm?"

"How much do like my beard?"

She stopped mid stretch. "I love it. Why?"

"I'm thinking it might not be such a good idea. Especially if we want to keep us under wraps."

"Why?"

"Go look in the mirror," he said laughing.

"What? Why, what is it?"

"I'm all over you," he said proudly. "Hell even I'm impressed….how the hell did I get down there?" he laughed pointing at her ankle.

She ran to the mirror. "Bloody hell! I look like I've been ex-foliated to an inch of my life!" She turned to him. "It'll have to go!"

"Consider it gone, now go shower. Scrambled eggs okay?"

She nodded and walked back to the bed and kissed him. "Thank you, I could get used to this."

"That's the plan."

Then a new thought struck her. "We need to go by mine so I can get changed."

"If we do you'll be late."

"Then I'll have to be late. At least my boss is on medical leave so he can't shout at me."

"Actually, I think you should wear the dress and take one for the team."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Think about it, Lizzie. We're going to need a smokescreen and you're already having an affair with Doctor Wotsisname...as far as anyone knows I'm still out of town...and you walk into work wearing that dress. There's enough fuel there to keep that little rumour going until Christmas."

"Let me get this straight. You want me to go into work in last nights clothes, wearing your beard rash that screams 'Ihadashagfestlastnight' in bloody big neon lights flashing over my head?!"

"Yeah," he said laughing. "Like I said. Take one for the team."

"Why don't you take one for the team?"

"I already did, Lizzie. I took a bullet to the gut thus creating the team in the first place. Clocks ticking by the way," he said tapping his wrist for effect.

"Argh," she said, and he couldn't resist a playful slap on her ass as she turned to head for the shower.

"Look on the bright side, you'll get to rub Greene's nose in it again!" he called out to the slamming door.

At 07:50 he dropped her off on a corner a block from County with strict instructions to call when she wanted collecting. He was taking her home.

TBC