Yo. As promised, an update. I have tried to get as accurate with the places as much as I could but I don't live in London and have NEVER been there my entire life and as I told Emma, it's not the easiest to map out a city you've never been to. So, my apologies. I've researched as much as I can (ask Emma). Anywayyyy, let's get on with this humongous update which kicked my ass so hard.

My special thanks to Emma (who I've mentioned no less than three times by now) for all her help and her patience.

Unbeta-ed till the end of time, please ignore the mistakes.

Enjoy!

Chapter Six

The week passed by slowly, so slowly it seemed, that Robert was disgruntled to find out that it was only Thursday. The only consolation to that was that he was going to meet Cora that night, to watch her play, also that it was one day away from Friday, and he supposed that he could live with that.

It was almost five and he was still in the office, finishing some paper work when his sister came strolling in, looking displeased about something. But it was Rosamund, and though she would kill him if he ever said it aloud, and she would deny it to her death, she was her mother's daughter, and they were more alike than they both would admit.

"What's the matter?" he asked, lifting his eyes from the papers in front of him for a moment to look at his sister.

She approached his desk and threw her purse on one chair and occupied the other without prompting, heaving a sigh as she lowered herself onto the seat. "The matter is, Duke's parents have extended an invitation for dinner over the weekend," she said, rolling her eyes and making a face so reminiscent of Mama, it was almost scary.

Robert's eyebrow rose in question as he continued to scan the papers in his hand. "So?" he asked, and by the sound that Ros just made, it was clear that he was not getting the point. Quite honestly, he really wasn't. "What's the problem with that? That seems nice."

"Oh yeah sure," Ros said with a snort of pure disbelief. "They've extended a dinner invitation that included Mama, there's no problem with that at all."

This gained Robert's full attention and he gaped, looking at his sister disbelievingly, as though he couldn't quite comprehend this, and really, he couldn't. It was clear now why Rosamund was so upset.

"That's not even the worst thing out of all of this," Ros said, and even he could not believe how it could all go worse. "Mama accepted and she's invited them, well, us—me, Duke and his parents, over to the Abbey." She made a disgruntled noise, and Robert could almost sympathize with her. "Tell me you're coming with us. Please, please," she begged, looking at Robert with a pout that Robert could not have resisted some odd years ago.

But now, well, now was different.

Now there were dates to be had, and smiles he needed to see, blue eyes to be seen, music he needed to listen to…there's Cora.

"I can't, sorry," he said, not even sparing his sister a glance as he shook his head. He kept his eyes on the documents before him (not that he understood a thing, really, since for the past hour, his mind had been occupied by a blue eyed beauty). "I have plans."

The mock gasp of surprise that Rosamund let out made him roll his eyes at her. She could be so overly dramatic sometimes.

"What? Hot date?" she asked with a hint of suspicion in her voice. It was not the best idea he had, certainly, to tell his sister, she's nosey as hell, but she wouldn't rat him out to their parents, at least. Hopefully.

He finally raised his eyes to look at Ros, raising his eyebrow as well as he put down the documents on his desk. Talk about a futile attempt, that one. "If you must know, then yes, hot date," he said with as much dignity he could muster given that he could feel himself blushing like a fool, his cheeks suddenly a hell lot warmer, for sure.

It was Rosamund's turn to raise her eyebrow. "I do hope it's not with your right hand," she countered with a straight face.

Robert's surprise was apparent on his face, as his jaw dropped and then he huffed indignantly, straightening in his chair. Suffice it to say, he was not amused by his sister's insinuation. "I am going on a hot date with a beautiful woman," he said with an air of pride that he wasn't sure he was even allowed to feel when it came to Cora, just yet. He narrowed his eyes at Ros. "And I'm a leftie."

Rosamund's surprise chuckle filled the room as the words hang in the air. Robert reddened a bit at his own words, but it had all been said and done, and really, it was a playful ribbing between brothers and sisters, nothing new there.

He watched as Rosamund's amusement melted into something of a curiosity, and he was sure that it was that moment that she'd realized exactly what he'd said (he could about smack himself at that moment, or put a sock where his mouth was—stupid, Robert), and her interest was definitely piqued.

"A beautiful woman you say." And ah, he knew it. "Might I inquire exactly who this beautiful woman is? Or is she the same mysterious woman who you invited to lunch, who you claim that I didn't know?"

Robert pursed his lips, trying really, to physically restrain himself. He really didn't need for Rosamund to know more than she already did, especially since he himself had no idea where this was going (hopefully, all the way, he really did fancy her), and really, he had no idea what to say.

"Did you ask her out?" Rosamund asked, continuing without waiting for him to answer. He looked at her, making a face, feeling mildly insulted. She only rolled her eyes at him, saying, "What? You did, right? Because I'd hate to think that you didn't."

"Yes," he answered anyway, because his mouth and his brain seemed to be no longer connected, and his lips and tongue move on their own accord. He ground his teeth together, looking at Rosamund at a feral manner, daring her to speak more. "I asked her out, and yes, she's the same woman."

"Interesting," Rosamund said with a tilt of her head, just like mama. "Usually, mama has to drag you kicking and screaming before you'd even consider going out on a date with anyone. Such a mysterious lady, and interesting too, I suppose if you willingly asked her out."

"Shut up," he retorted, rolling his eyes. "You know this is really none of your business."

Rosamund snorted, "Oh please," she said with a laugh. "When it comes to you and women, it's always my business. Especially after that incident with—," she continued, but Robert cut her off with a look.

Robert shook his head. He didn't really want them to dig old graves, even more so now that he'd started to move on, to think of someone else, for a change.

"I don't want to talk about that," he said, waving his hand dismissively. He sighed and looked at his sister seriously. "I can't go with you back to Yorkshire. But you cannot, I repeat, cannot, and that means under no circumstances are you allowed to speak about it, you cannot tell Mama why I am not there."

Rosamund looked at him innocently, but he could see through the act. "And what should I tell her if she looks for you? You went hunting?" she asked with annoyance. Of course, mama would ask.

"I'm busy with work and can't get a weekend?" he suggested, shrugging. Really, he didn't care what Rosamund would say, so long as she didn't reveal the mysterious lady just yet. Not until Robert was ready to let them know, anyway. When he was sure that his family, especially his mother, could not drive Cora away.

Rosamund shrugged noncommittally. Maybe, that would work.

(*)

Robert was waiting for Cora when she came down from the tube on her way to The Castle. She'd been surprised to see him standing outside the station, looking dapper in his black coat and with a wide smile on his face. She wasn't able to help the grin from spreading across her lips as she took him in, walking over now with a purpose.

"Hi," she said once she'd reached his side. It was cold, her thick coat and scarf doing very little to stave off the cold from seeping through, but her insides felt warm and fuzzy as she looked at him looking at her.

"Hello," he greeted, leaning down to kiss her softly on the cheek, his breath brushing against her ear, making her shiver. He smiled down at her brilliantly and offered to carry her things for her, which she let him gladly. "I couldn't wait to see you," he admitted to her, blushing, and that made him even more adorable if that is even at all possible. "I hope you don't mind."

As if she would, she thought.

"Of course not," she told him, shaking her head. "That's sweet of you, Robert. Thank you." She grabbed his hand and linked their fingers, no longer trying to fight the urge to be close to him. Now that she knew that he felt the same and that he wanted to explore this…whatever this was between them, as much as she did.

She watched the shy smile that lifted the corners of his lips as his fingers tightened their hold on hers.

It was amazing how their fingers fit like they were made for each other, she thought.

When they arrived at The Castle, Cora took the back door while Robert entered through the main entrance, but not without a gentle peck to her cheek and a promise to be waiting for her when she'd finished.

She was still a little bit flushed, her heart racing wonderfully in her chest when she entered round the back. She found Chelsie Hughes waiting for her with a large grin on her face when she'd stepped foot inside. It took Cora back a few weeks ago when things were just beginning with Robert (they were technically still at the beginning, but so many things have happened, so many conversations had been had, that it was hard to keep tabs). Cora placed her things on the far corner without a word and without sparing the older woman a glance. Really, let her grin like that all she wanted.

Cora was not going to crack.

Well, not for a few minutes anyway, because crack she did, facing the older woman with a cautious glance—her eyes widening and her lips pursing in her most exaggerated pout yet.

"What?" she asked Mrs. Hughes as she walked from the corner where she'd placed her guitar to the counter where Mrs. Patmore stood making the last of the food ordered. "Stop looking at me like that."

Chelsie Hughes only continued to smile knowingly, and it was actually Mrs. Patmore who spoke, but not without a bit of a ribbing.

"So you and that Crawley, huh?" Mrs. Patmore said with a smirk. She jerked her head towards the door leading to the activity just beyond it, where Cora imagined Robert already was at the moment.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, ducking her head as she felt her cheeks heating up. Really, there was no need to act like a schoolgirl with a crush. She was an adult for god's sake.

"Oh but your blush tells us otherwise," Mrs. Hughes finally said, her grin leaving her face, embarrassing Cora further. "It's nice to see you so happy."

Cora's eyebrow pinched as her face scrunched up in confusion. Was it really that obvious? Was she really that transparent? It wasn't like there was anything wrong with her being so happy outwardly, it was just an odd feeling, to be so legitimately happy and to be showing it.

Instead of answering however, she only shook her head at them and went out of the door, ready to get on stage and finish quickly to spend some time with Robert.

Not that that she was eager or anything, well, okay, yes, she's eager, very eager.

Her band mates were already in position when she walked out the door. Climbing the stage gingerly, her eyes sought Robert in the crowd, and once she spotted him, sitting on his usual booth, she gave him a smile. It could have been for anyone, but she knew that he knew it was for him.

Taking center stage, she greeted the enthusiastic patrons, apologizing that they'd had to take over for tonight, but promising that the regular schedule would be back on the following week, before she'd introduced their first song. She'd picked it without consciously thinking of him, only realizing that she had picked it for him when she'd made her choice. She did think it was a bit of a cliché, for her to be dedicating a song to him, when she'd done that a week prior, but in the back of her mind, she thought that if things were to go smoothly between them, she might be picking songs for him every week—but that was just the cheesy, old romantic in her.

"You've been on my mind, I've grown fonder every day, lose myself in time, just thinking of your face" she crooned, the sound of the guitar accompanying her. She smiled at the crowd, avoiding Robert's eyes because she thought she might blush if she looked at him.

But it was like they had this weird connection that made her unable to stray her eyes away from him for a long while. She lifted her eyes and met his blue ones, staring at her so intensely that she felt herself melting.

She gave him a smile, one that he returned, sending her heart fluttering.

And she thought that it couldn't possibly get any better than this.

(*)

Robert could feel anticipation rising in him as Cora finished their set. He watched with a proud smile as she thanked the patrons and waved goodbye at the crowd before making her way through the backdoor with her band mates. It took a while before she emerged, making a beeline for the bar, taking a drink and then finally, blessedly making her way towards him. She was smiling at him, her grin wide and contagious, and it made his lips turn up more, happy to just bask in the energy that seemed to thrum into her whole body tonight. She made him happy, he realized…being here with her made him happy—something that he had never thought he'd feel again.

He watched as she placed her glass down and stood right at the head of the table, looking at him with a raised eyebrow.

"This seat taken?" she asked, jerking her thumb at the seat beside him, grinning at him.

He smirked. "Definitely," he said, "By this wonderful woman who sings like an angel." He waggled his eyebrows at her, pulling at her to finally just take a seat beside him. When she was finally settled beside him, giggling as he brushed his fingers on her waist, he leaned in and kissed her cheek, lingering for a long while, murmuring, "Hello, darling," against her soft, fragrant skin.

She pulled away just enough to look at him. She smiled at him brilliantly. "Hello," she greeted back. "Did you enjoy yourself?"

He nodded. "I enjoy watching you," he confessed. "And I enjoy it more when you sing for me." He put his arms around her shoulder and pulled her close, close enough that his nose was buried in her hair, his lips pressed against her temple.

She smiled. She liked him watching her, and she liked singing for him. Her hand came up to clasp the one that hung by her shoulder from where he'd slung his arm. "Someone's sure of himself," she teased, smirking as she turned to him. "Who said anything about me singing to you?" She couldn't see herself but she knew she must be turning red—her cheeks were definitely warming.

He returned her smirk. "Your blush says so," he told her, his finger brushing her cheek.

She didn't really know when and how they arrived from virtual strangers to this, but whatever it was that made the stars aligned that night they met, she thanks them now.

"I can't wait for tomorrow," he admitted, and for the second time that night, he was able to take her by surprise with his openness. He certainly did not seem the type. But it was nice to know that he wasn't, that somehow, he lowered his guards down enough to let her in.

It was nice to know that she wasn't the only one.

"Me too," she confessed, smiling shyly at him. "Where are you taking me?"

He shook his head, smiling at her mysteriously. "That's a surprise, my dear," he said looking so excited, and hot damn, if he got any more adorable, she would most probably climb this man like a tree before they even have their first date, and no, that would just not do.

"I can barely wait," she said, biting her lip and looking up at him through her lashes. She threw her inhibitions to the wind, pushing herself closer to him, tilting her head just enough so their faces were aligned and brushing their noses together. It made her heart flutter when he smiled, as if he liked that as much as she did.

She could have sworn she was starting to have a butterfly farm in her stomach. He made her feel that way. And god, she wanted more…she wanted more of him.

She could only hope that he did too.

(*)

Friday rolled on with Robert on high spirits. Tonight was the night.

God he felt like a kid on Christmas morning.

Last night had been amazing, spending time with Cora again after a long week, and being consoled with the fact that Friday was their date night when it had been time to go home. He had sent her off at the train station, offering to just drive her to her apartment, but she'd swiftly declined and so to the tube it was. He bid her goodnight and kissed her cheek, asking her to call or message him when she'd gotten home. He scored her number a long time ago (it wasn't that long ago, but from where they'd begun and where they were standing now, it certainly felt like eons ago), but neither he nor she had utilized it properly until now. There had been the goodnights that had come after the first time they went on a date—that lunch date, but he supposed that both of them were still acclimatizing with each other to really fully grasp everything that entailed this…whatever this was.

But now, now was different. He'd woken up and sent her a good morning message, and it had started going uphill from there. They had traded texts the whole day, up until now as he prepared for their evening together. She had been trying to get him to tell her where he was taking her, using every tactic she could come up with, but he hadn't caved. He really wanted this to be a surprise for her.

Actually, he was taking her on a cruise along the Thames River. He'd rented out a boat, a whole one, just for the two of them and it's supposed to just go around the River of Thames while they finish out their dinner, linger for coffee and some desert. He'd planned to take her to the London Eye after that, and then just have a walk around until they'd sated their need to be close to one another—not that he thought he'd ever, but still, all the same.

Cora attempted one last time to get him to say where he was taking her by asking him what she was supposed to wear if she didn't know where he was taking her, but he was not having any of it, only told her to dress casually, not too casually, a dress maybe, but nothing too fancy.

She'd replied with an unamused emoticon to that, but had conceded, telling him that she'd see him later, and she was excited. He'd grinned like a fool after that, smiling through the motions of getting ready. He'd taken extra pains that night, only for her.

When he finished getting dressed and looked presentable enough, he'd texted her saying he was on his way. They were to meet at Piccadilly Circus because she still refused to give her address to him. He wondered why, it couldn't be because she didn't trust him, not if she'd been willing to go out with him, but he didn't push, trusting that she'd let him know when she's ready. She's probably just waiting for them to be a bit more stable before she gave him her address, and he didn't mind, not really.

It'd be a fair bit of travel to get to Thames and all that pizzazz, but it's worth it…she was worth it.

(*)

Cora couldn't the shiver that ran up and down her spine out of her excitement. She shouldn't be like this, should act a bit more disinterested, or at the very least, she should act a little less interested; a bit more like a woman, and not a schoolgirl with a crush.

She stood under the statue of Eros on Piccadilly Circus as she waited for Robert to arrive, pulling her coat tighter around her, wondering where Robert would take her. He had instructed her to wear something casual, not too casual but nothing fancy, and she'd abided by his rules, wearing a simple, sleek black dress that clung to her and was bare at the back (it was a bitch to wear in this weather, but it was beautiful and it made her feel beautiful, so she'd just grin and bear it for tonight, and hope to all hell that Robert would bring her somewhere warm enough). She'd been the one to ask to meet somewhere, and he'd suggested meeting at Piccadilly, not because she didn't trust him with her address, but because she wanted to prepare him before she let him in on who Cora Levinson really was. If knowing that she was an heiress did not send him running the other way—which she was going to let him know tonight—then she could maybe let him pick her up in her apartment on their next date (she was hoping there would be).

Tapping her foot on the ground in the beat of that Adele song she'd been listening to all day, she lifted her eyes and looked around for any signs of Robert. He wasn't late, not really, but the travel had been shorter for Cora than she'd anticipated and now she was early. Looping her scarf tighter around her, she sighed. God, she wished he'd get there now. She was too excited and too keyed up.

Really, she didn't know what to make out of this. She'd always go back to that fateful night that she'd found him hunched in front of the pub, looking so plastered h was going to fall face first into the pavement. They were virtual strangers then, but for weeks now, they'd become closer to one another and that had been blissful—getting to know Robert in a deeper level. Now, here they were, about to go on their first date.

"Cora," she heard someone say from behind her and she turned to find Robert standing there, flowers in hand. She smiled and covered the few steps that separated them, smiling wider when he handed her the beautiful bouquet. "For the beautiful lady," he said, sighing as he looked at her from head to toe. "You look absolutely stunning tonight, Cora."

She could feel herself blushing as she ducked her head and bit her lip. When she looked up at him, he was staring at her intensely. She'd feel so self conscious that they were in public, if she wasn't so caught up in him. She reached up and pecked his cheek. "Thank you for the flowers, they're gorgeous." She linked their hands together.

He shook his head, and smiled. "No more beautiful than you, darling," he said, making her blush once more. Damn it, she wasn't ten. "Shall we go? You must be so cold."

If she was, she didn't feel it now—not with the warmth that had settled in her chest after all this. They had barely started and she was already swooning. She needed to get it together.

"How was your day?" she asked as they made their way to where he'd parked his car. Their hands are still linked, and though she had regrets earlier on today for not wearing gloves, they'd dissipated now as his large ones held on to her dainty ones, bringing back the warmth in them.

"Better now," he'd said with a side glance at her. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "It's been a long day, but I was consoled with the fact that I was going to see you tonight."

They'd arrived to his car and like the gentleman that he was, he opened the door for her and closed it once she'd settled. She watched through the windshield as he half-jogged to his side of the car (she'd been here in London for more than a year, but she still hadn't gotten used to the car being on the wrong side).

The drive was mostly silent, filled only by her soft humming, but it was comfortable, and she liked that—liked that they didn't need to speak or do anything to find comfort in each other—the other's presence was enough. Her right hand was resting against his knee and once in a while, he'd drop his other hand to squeeze hers. She let herself get lost in the view of the city passing by them in a blur, feeling like a child as the excitement settled deeply in her chest. She recognized the path they were taking and she let a soft smile spread across her lips.

Her suspicions were confirmed when he skidded into a stop right at the pier. She turned to him with a grin.

"Oh, Robert, this is lovely," she said, looking at him adoringly.

He took the hand that was on his knee and brought it to his lips to place a kiss against her knuckles. "You haven't seen the rest of it, yet," he told her before climbing out of the car and helping her out of it.

They walked right at the Charring Cross Pier where a boat was waiting for them at the docks. Cora wanted to squeal, but she'd been able to hold off on doing so, reigning in her schoolgirl tendencies and trying to regain some semblance of control over herself.

Robert turned to her. "I've rented a boat for tonight, just for the two of us. We'll have dinner in there and then I have another surprise," he told her.

She looked back at him and nodded. She'd kiss him right now if she wasn't so overwhelmed.

He helped her up the boat and led her to the deck where a table for two was set, complete with the rose petals and candles. The whole deck was lit up by candles, spread sporadically all over (a lone waiter was standing over to the side, a bottle of champagne in hand). She looked at him then with a gasp—this man must be made of dreams.

"Robert," she gasped, and he'd only smiled at her, leading her over to the table and helping her into the chair.

Their dinner was lovely, he'd looked so dashing in his white button down and black slacks, his smile contagious as the light of the candle flickered over his features. She watched him stare at her, and she felt like she was the most beautiful woman that night with the way he looked at her. At one point, when she'd looked down at her food and then back up at him, she'd caught him staring at her so intensely that it made her blush. He'd blushed then too, and had apologized for being caught staring.

"You're just so beautiful," he'd admitted abashedly, and she could have sworn she'd never stop blushing.

They'd lingered for coffee and that delicious black currant cheesecake (because it was her favorite, he'd said). She couldn't believe he'd actually remembered that off-hand comment she'd made about loving cheesecake. He'd told her about his day in more detail, told her about his parents and his sister, some more stories about himself, his childhood and his work. She did the same and so many times she'd wanted to say who she really was to him, but it hadn't felt like the right time.

They docked somewhere near the London Eye, and he had managed to cajole her into giving it a go. She didn't think she was acrophobic, but she'd really rather not have to test that theory. But he'd promised to be there, and she trusted him, so ride it she did.

"Look," he said, when their cabin arrived at the top. He pointed at the grounds of the city and she looked out, gasping at the sight that greeted her.

The city looked so gorgeous from up there, the lights twinkling and bright.

"It's beautiful," she said. And he agreed. She looked up at him to find him staring at her.

Cliché, but still got through her.

When their turn was finished, they walked around the boardwalk, hands clasped together tightly. He told her of London, of its history, of his own history with it, and she told him of New York, of how they'd moved there from Newport, of her history in New York. She made him laugh as she regaled of stories of her childhood, and for once, she felt like she was doing something right.

He led them back to the port and they climbed up the boat once more, arms wrapping one another as they moved away from the docks. She looked out of boat and watched as the Eye kept going round and round, the bright lights looking so beautiful from where she was stood. She felt Robert pull away from her slightly as he stood beside her, staring.

"Care to dance?" he asked, offering his hand to her.

She nodded eagerly, smiling as she took his proffered hand. He led her to the open space and suddenly the first strings of Can't Help Falling in Love started playing. She felt him pull her closer, his nose burying in her hair, lips against her temple as her right hand, intertwined with his, rested again his, her other resting against his shoulder. His other hand was warm on her back and she could literally feel herself melting right then and there, heat pooling low in her belly and shivers shooting up and down her spine.

She had never felt like this before.

Wise men say,

Only fools rush in

But I can't help

Falling in love with you

Was she a fool? She didn't know. But she did know that she felt herself falling deeper, falling into him, and maybe she should be more guarded, maybe it was going way too fast, maybe it was wrong…but god, nothing ever felt this right. Being in his arms, feeling their heart beating as one—that did not feel wrong at all.

She looked up at him. "Robert, you need to know something about me," she said in a whisper, loathe to break the spell, but needing to tell him now before she get more attached and find that he didn't want play any part in her life.

"What?" he asked huskily, as though being broken from a trance.

A shiver passed through her, his low voice doing things to her, and she pushed away from him a little bit to be able to look at him properly. She noticed the pout that formed on his lips and she smiled a little.

"Robert, I need to tell you something about me," she repeated, looking at him seriously. At his somewhat drawn out alright, she asked: "What do you already know about me?"

"Apart from what you've told me?" he asked, and she nodded. "You're from the States, working at the castle while studying at Chelsea School of Art."

"You've never googled me or anything?" she asked, scrunching her nose at the thought. He shook his head. She took a deep breath. "Robert, I'm Cora Levinson…heiress to Levinson and Co."

He looked down at her, his face blank then he looked at her with apprehension and then realization seemed to dawn because shock registered across his features.

"And you never thought to tell me until now?" he asked, sounding upset than angry, and she wasn't sure which was better: for him to be upset or angry.

"Robert—," she began, feeling the emptiness as his hand slid away from her. "I don't—,"

He cut her off, "You don't trust me enough?" He pulled away from her fully and stepped back.

"No," she said fiercely, pulling at his elbow when he turned to face away from her. "No it's not that. It's just I barely knew you."

"And the difference is?" he asked with annoyance clearly written on his face. "You lied to me."

"I didn't lie to you!" she exclaimed, feeling hurt that he'd even think that at all.

"You didn't tell me," he said, looking red now out of anger. "That's lying by omission, and still lying." He ran his fingers through his hair. "I let you in and told you everything about me. And what, did you just happen to forget this tidbit?"

"I'm sorry," she'd said, feeling defeated. She took his hand, disappointed that he wouldn't hold hers back, but at least relieved that he didn't pull away. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I was scared. I hated to think that you'd be like the rest of them, only looking at me because I had money and not because of what I had to offer even without it. You were so lovely, and kind and nice and accepting of the Cora you knew, of the real me. You…you didn't mind that I could just be some singer in a dank, old bar. You didn't care about that and I liked that." She paused as tears gathered around her eyes. "And for the first time in my life there was this one person who looked at me and saw the real me, not the Cora Levinson who is heiress to her father's company. You looked at me, and just me, and…I was so scared to lose that."

Robert looked at her and sighed, pulling her once more to the comfort of his arms. He understood, he must, because she knew he felt the same. She felt him pressing kisses against her hairline and she looked up at him.

Right at that moment it was just the two of them.

"I'm sorry," she murmured, closing her eyes briefly to clear her tears away. She felt him brush his thumb against her cheek, wiping away her tears. "I'm sorry for lying Robert."

He nodded, kissing her forehead. "I know," he said softly. He pulled her closer to him and she could feel herself melt like a wax in his arms. "Just, just don't lie again, anymore," he requested.

She nodded, promising that she never would. If she wanted to give this a go, then it was only fair that she never hide anything from him, right?

She looked up at Robert as she wrapped her arms more tightly around his waist and found him staring at her so intensely. She licked her lips and watched as his gaze dropped down to her mouth.

"Cora," he whispered huskily, and she could feel him tense. She felt that stringing low in her belly again, felt her heart hammering against her chest. "I want to kiss you."

She managed to look at him coyly as her trembling hands settled on his wide back. She could taste the tension in the air, and God, she wanted him to kiss her. Could he just finally kiss her now, please?

"Why don't you?" she asked in a voice that she couldn't even recognize. It was laced with anticipation, lust, and need…god, when is he going to kiss her?

He didn't respond, only lowered his face so their lips were aligned and slowly, softly, he brushed their noses together. She felt her breath hitch when finally, finally, he pressed his lips against hers. Her lips parted as her eyes fell shut, her heart warming when his arms encircled her form impossibly tighter. Lord almighty.

"Cora," he whispered, his hand coming up to brush her cheek, then cradle it, as he lowered his mouth to her once more and this time, he kissed her fully, his lips capturing hers heatedly. She tilted her head in an angle that made their kiss go deeper, his tongue swiping at her lips for entrance she that she easily granted.

He tasted so good, so good: minty, but sweet, like champagne but with a touch of something that was so uniquely his. She was drowning, drowning in him, and she felt like she might never come up, ever again.

God this felt great.

His hands now span her waist, holding her close to him as she held on to his shoulders, wanting nothing more than to hike her legs and wrap them around his waist but now was not the time. If this kiss was anything to go by, they'd have more time for that later.

So she let him kiss and kiss and kiss her, to his heart's content, till she could feel her own heart filling in to the brim with happiness that she feared she might actually explode. But this felt good, great, his warmth enveloping her as his mouth pressed against hers again and again.

They were both breathless when they pulled away, his forehead resting against hers as his warm breath tickled her face. She opened her eyes and found herself staring into his deeper, darker blue ones, felt her lips splitting into a grin.

"That was…" she breathed, unable to come up with a word that befitted what she just experienced.

"Breathtaking," he'd completed, pecking her lips once more for good measure.

She hummed in agreement and tightened her arms around him. For the first time in her life, she could feel herself falling…falling in love with this dream of a man.

A/n: I'm really trying to update as much as I can because I know I've really let this story go at one point, and it seems to me as though my muse has really risen from the dead and is making me write this story (and RMTNF) a lot. BUT, as I am nearing the end of the semester (help me, I'm not ready to adult), I might not be able to write as much, so there is that. I do promise to try, but I do hope, as well, that if I can't, you'd still be interested in this when I get back.

Thoughts?