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Alex woke to the sounds of Spongebob Squarepants. As she sneaked into her living room, she found Kaitlin in front of the television giggling.
"Well, good morning, Kit-Kat."
Kaitlin turned, "Morning, Aunt Alex," she said as Alex laughed at the tangled mess her niece's hair had turned into.
They enjoyed a breakfast of oatmeal with bananas and both showered and dressed in order to get Kaitlin home on time.
"I had a great time with you this weekend, sweetie," Alex hugged Kaitlin at the doorway of her sister's house.
"Me, too! Next time can Unca Bobby come with us to the park? I like it when he carries me on his shoulders!" she asked with bright eyes.
"I'll ask him," Alex promises.
"Love you, Aunt Alex," Kaitlin says giving her a big kiss.
"Love you, too, Kit-Kat," she replies watching her run into her house to join her brother in playing hide and seek.
Alex spent the rest of the day running errands and thinking about Bobby. The shift in the dynamic of their relationship is exciting and frightening at the same time. The urge to see his sweet face is overwhelming and she finds herself checking her watch way too frequently.
As promised, Alex picked up a nice bottle of wine before heading over to Bobby's. At 4:45 p.m., she finds herself standing in front of his door feeling as giddy as a 14 year old on her first date.
As she raises her hand to knock, the door flies open and Bobby's broad frame fills the doorway.
"What have you been doing out here?" Bobby asks with a slight smile on his face.
"How…how did you know I was out here?" Alex asks in disbelief.
"I can always tell when you are close by," he charms, taking her hand and dragging her into his apartment.
"Bullshit," she teases.
Bobby laughs as he takes her coat, "Alright, the floor boards creak right outside my door and I heard you coming."
With a tilt of her head, she takes in Bobby's appearance. He looks comfortable in his dark blue jeans and black t-shirt, but what makes her smile is the fact that Bobby has no shoes on. Actually, Bobby Goren is barefoot.
This is different, she thinks.
"I brought a nice Shiraz. I hope it goes with whatever you are making for dinner," she says.
"It's perfect. Are you hungry?" he asks.
"Starved. Feed me, Detective Goren."
Bobby and Alex enjoy a quiet dinner in his small kitchen, talking and listening to Miles Davis in the background. The conversation steers itself to the subject of music and they found themselves arguing over which album was better: Sticky Fingers or Sgt. Peppers.
Who knew Eames was such a big Stone's fan?
"Alex?" Bobby quietly says touching her hand.
"Yes, Bobby?"
"Do you trust me?"
"What a stupid question. Can I smack you now or later for it?" she laughs.
Bobby's smile returns, "Ok, well, just remember that you do trust me after I do this," he says getting up and walking behind her chair.
When Alex tries to turn her head to figure out what he is up to, Bobby pulls out a black scarf from his jean pocket.
"Trust me," he says quietly, wrapping the scarf in his strong hands and covering her eyes, securing it with a knot at the back of her head.
"Is this scaring you?" Bobby asks at once, hoping this doesn't bring back memories of her kidnapping.
"I'm with you, so no, I'm not scared," she reassures him.
Bobby gently guides her by the hands out of his kitchen into his living room.
"Just wait right here, don't move a muscle," he says, his voice retreating.
After a minute, Alex starts to worry and calls out to him, "Bobby?"
"I'm right here," he says, grabbing her hands again, "Ok?"
"Yeah, what are you up to?"
"Here, I'll show you," he says, untying the blindfold.
Alex's gasp of pleasure cannot be contained as her eyes are welcomed to a most unusual and romantic vision.
"Kaitlin enjoyed the planetarium yesterday, so I thought her Aunt Alex would enjoy her own private tour tonight," Bobby says behind her, looking over her shoulder.
Hundreds of stars and constellations cover Bobby's ceiling and walls, surrounding them in a perfect night sky. With the lights out and curtains drawn, its as if they are the only two people in the world underneath the stars.
"How did you do this, Bobby?" Alex asks in awe.
"I plucked them all out of the sky just for you."
Alex looks over her shoulder with a smile, "Charmer."
Bobby laughs, "Ok, Detective, it's a starlight projector. I wanted to bring you the stars and moon, but I'm afraid this is best I could do."
"It's wonderful, Bobby," she turns and kisses him gently on the lips.
Bobby's hands tremble as he touches her cheek and returns her kiss.
"Thank you," she whispers against his mouth.
"Wait, there's more," he smiles, "sit down with me," he says, pulling her down upon large overstuffed pillows set upon a soft quilt on his floor.
As Alex lays her head on his solid chest, he does indeed give her a private tour of the universe above them. He points out Kaitlin's big dipper, Persius, Cassiopeia and many others along with their mythical stories.
Bobby's voice acts as a balm to Alex's soul as it lulls her into a deep state of relaxation. As her ears are treated to the sounds of his husky voice, she turns her head into his cotton t-shirt to inhale his distinct smell. She smiles as the combination of Irish Spring soap and his sandalwood cologne permeates her nostrils.
Bobby smells like home to me.
"What about the Zodiac signs?" she asks.
"Well, you are a Leo, right? The Lion is right there," he says, pointing to the formation of stars above them.
"But what does the Leo symbolize? I've never been into astrology much, but something tells me you might know," she teases.
"Well, I'm afraid, I don't know the whole history of the signs. The kit came with a book, let's see if it's in here," he says reaching over and grabbing a thick paperback book.
Flipping through the pages he finds the information he seeks.
"Here it is, Leo, fifth sign of the Zodiac," he says, looking down at Alex, laying now on his stomach looking up at him.
"It's the Lion which symbolizes Leos, and the king (or queen) of the jungle is a most appropriate mascot, since these folks consider themselves the rulers of their universe (and the Zodiac at that). Like Lions, Leos tend to be dignified and strong, and it is this sense of their power which allows them to get things done. Putting these folks at the helm is a good thing, too, since the Leo-born are natural leaders.."
"Damn right," she agrees.
"They may ruffle a few feathers along the way. This may be in keeping with the Fixed Quality assigned to this Sign -- Lions are indeed opinionated and set in their ways.."
"What, that's not me," she argues.
Bobby stays silent for a minute deciding that this is not the time to have this particular conversation with Eames.
"That said, they are well organized, idealistic and have a knack for inspiring others. Warmth and enthusiasm seems to seep from every Leo pore, making them a pleasure to be around. They do love pleasure," he says rubbing a thumb over her lips as she kisses his fingertip along the way.
"The Lion's enthusiasm is boundless, and along with that comes generosity of spirit and the determination to succeed. They can be counted on for their loyalty and sense of honor. They are also decisive, intensely proud and wonderfully romantic. Everything about the Lion's personality is hot, hot, hot," he teases tickling her side. "Those born under this Sign are fearless and strong. Leos are great at spending money," he says. "Hmm, they had you right up until there, Eames. What happened? Ouch, don't hit me," he laughs rubbing the arm she had just pinched.
"Don't call me cheap, Goren. I'm fiscally responsible," she says.
"Whatever," he says with a shake of his head and laugh. " When the lights are low, the essential Lion comes to the fore, since this beast is 90 fun and 100 romantic. The Leo lover is devoted, creative and almost too hot to handle!" he laughs.
"See, Bobby, I think I might be to smoking hot for you to handle, maybe I'll just go home," she says starting to get up.
"I can handle you, woman," he snatches her back down with him and begins a slow tortorous assault on her neck.
"Hmm, you taste good," she says, tasting his lips and entangling her fingers in his hair.
When Bobby's hand starting to subtly slide up her shirt, Alex decided to take back a little bit of power herself.
Bobby suddenly found himself on his back with a smirking Eames straddling him.
"I think it's only fair we find out about your sign, Bobby," she says picking up the previously discarded book.
"Ok, let's see," she says, searching for his zodiac sign, "Here we go, Cancer, the fourth sign of the Zodiac," she begins, wiggling her hips down on him.
Alex pretends not to hear Bobby's groans of pleasure underneath her as continues to read.
"Cancers tend to be patriotic, waving the flag whenever possible.."
"Yes, Ma'am," Bobby grins, giving her a salute.
"Those born under this Sign wear their heart on their sleeve. Cancerians are quick to retreat into their shells if it suits their mood. No wonder these folks are called crabby!" Alex laughs.
"For Cancer, it's not that big of a deal, though, since they consider this 'shell' a second home (and they do love home). The flip side of this hiding is that shell-bound Crabs are often quite moody…" Alex hesitates and stops pretending shock. "Moody, you, Bobby?"
Bobby bends his legs so Alex can sit back comfortably as she reads. "You make me moody. You drive me crazy," he teases, stroking her thighs.
"Further, in keeping with their difficulty in sharing their innermost feelings, it can become a Herculean task to pry a Crab out of its secret hiding place. These folks are tenacious and strong-willed and like to get their way. If their well-documented kindness and gentleness doesn't do the trick, however, they're not above using emotional manipulation to make things happen. Any self-respecting Crab would tell you that they are ultimately motivated by protecting their home and loved ones, a most noble goal."
"I'd say that that pretty much is you, Bobby. How weird is that?" Alex asks.
"You're don't believe in this astrology stuff do you?" Bobby asked with raised brows.
"Yeah, you know me, let's call up my psychic friend right now," Alex says laying back down on top of Bobby.
As they embrace tightly, their arms and legs entagled with one another's, a sense of peace and contentment settle over them.
"I used to lay in my backyard when I was little and watch the stars," he says. "Some nights..," he pauses, tightening his arms around Alex, "some nights when my mother was having an episode, I would take my sleeping bag and lay in the yard where I could hear the crickets and watch the stars."
Alex tries to burrow even further into Bobby, wishing she could take away the bad memories and fill him with happiness.
"When I was young, I remember reading a poem called, "Desiderata", and one verse used to replay in my mind when I was laying outside looking up," he whispers.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
"When everything was scary and uncertain, I would hold onto the hope that all of it would be for a reason. My mom's sickness, my father's absence, my brother's addiction, it would all somehow lead me to where I needed to be."
"I almost gave up, but something miraculously happened six years ago. I met this feisty, smart, beautiful woman who never gave up on me. Even though I didn't know how you felt about me, I knew that I was meant to meet you. Loving you has made me a better man," he says, brushing her hair out of her eyes, "it's made me a better son, and I hope it has made me a better, more understanding lover."
"Bobby, you know I'm not the type of woman who shows her emotions easily, so bear with me, alright?" she pauses, trying to hold back the tears, "I never thought I'd ever feel this way again; God help me, I don't think I've ever felt this in way, it's all so much and so wonderful," she presses her face into his chest, "I love you."
Bobby turns Alex over and hovers above her, "I love you, Alex."
Their passionate kisses and heated touches give way to an urgent joining. Their bare, glistening bodies worshiped each other underneath the luminous night sky.
And when the sun rises, it is greeted by two entangled lovers sheltering each other as they were always meant to do.
7 months later
"Kit-Kat, what did we talk about last time?" Alex asks the young girl walking ahead of her.
"Sorry, Aunt Alex, I'm just excited, I'll slow down."
Alex smiles, taking Kaitlin's hand, "Thanks, sweetie."
"Where's Uncle Bobby?" she asks.
"Here he comes, look," Alex says, pointing to Bobby walking toward them with a water bottle and pretzel in both hands.
"Alright, my ladies, here is a water for you, Kit, and one hot pretzel with mustard for you, Alex," he smiles.
"Thanks, Uncle Bobby. Can we go see the zebras?" Kaitlin asks.
"Lead the way, but remember, don't walk to fast," Bobby cautions.
"I know, Aunt Alex can't keep up with my fast little legs," she laughs, recalling Bobby's exact words from earlier.
"Hey, it's not like I'm crippled," Alex balks.
"No, but let's be realistic," he says, watching Kaitlin up ahead, "you're not exactly in running shape," he says touching her ever growing belly.
"Well, that will change as soon as the little one arrives, I have a feeling she's going to keep me on my toes," Alex smiles, covering his hand with hers.
"She?" Bobby says.
"Yeah, she. Looks like you are going to have another girl madly in love with you," she smiles up at him.
Bobby's smile is as wide as the sky. "I hope she looks just like you."
"Only with your beautiful chocolate eyes," Alex hopes, reaching up to meet him for a kiss.
"C'mon, guys," Kaitlin yells, "we're going to miss the Zebra feeding."
"On our way, Kit-Kat," Alex says as she and Bobby stroll hand in hand.
FIN.
Author's note: Hey, have you noticed I've actually completed a story without my usual smut? I'm trying to expand. But I love it too much to stop. Let me know what you think of this little ditty. Kisses : )