A/N: I had to split this chapter because it was so long. Part 2 will be up in a couple of days. Huge thanks to the wonderful poppyfoxcroft whose help has been invaluable. Usual disclaimer applies: don't own it, don't earn from it.

Chapter 7: Dinner and Dancing, Part One

There had been few moments in life that had left Robert Goren speechless. Once or twice a perp's motive had confounded him. Eames occasionally threw out a snark that was impossible to deflect. And, of course, there were times his mother said or did things that defied explanation.

But as Anna opened the door and Bobby's eyes swept her from head to toe, he found himself, for the first time in a long time, without words. Her hair, the color of rich chocolate, spilled across her shoulders; her ivory skin glowed next to the candlelight colored silk and lace of her dress…

"Stunning." Oh, shit, I said that out loud!

He blushed and his eyes fell to the floor. Real smooth, Romeo… And then he heard it. It started out softly, but as he brought his head up it got a little louder, a bit throatier. He returned his eyes to her.

She was giggling – well, blushing and giggling would be more accurate. Anna smiled at Bobby, eyes full of amusement. He watched as her eyes traveled downward and seemed to drink him in. God, when she looks at me like that… He followed her gaze as she raked back up his body until their eyes met and locked. She was biting her bottom lip. She took a deep breath and moved back from the entry, gesturing with her hand for him to come in.

"Well… uhm, you're pretty stunning yourself, Detective." Anna smiled as he stepped into the foyer.

"I… I'm sorry about that."

"You're sorry? You mean you don't think…," she teased.

"No… no, that's not…," he stopped and looked at her. "Maybe we should start over."

Anna laughed and extended her hand. "Hello, Bobby. You are looking quite handsome this evening."

He took her hand, brought it to his lips and fixed her with his eyes. "Good evening, Anna. You look… you are… absolutely breathtaking."

He smiled and lowered her hand, but held it. For several moments they just stood there, holding hands, staring at each other. Damn, Bobby thought, she's definitely got this touch thing down.

"Uhm, these," he finally managed to choke out, "these are for you." He held the bouquet out to her.

"Oh, Bobby, they're lovely," Anna said, bringing the flowers up to her face and inhaling deeply. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"I should," she glanced over her shoulder towards the kitchen. "Put these in some water."

"Sure," he smiled down at her.

She gently squeezed his hand and led him into the kitchen.

God, I already love her touch, her sounds… I am in serious trouble.

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The kitchen was state of the art. A large island with gas cook top anchored the center; rich cherry cabinets lined the buttery yellow walls to the left. A long shaker style table with matching chairs sat on the right, in front of two French doors that led to a small balcony. All the appliances were stainless steel and top of the line.

This could be a professional kitchen, Bobby thought appreciatively as he scanned the room.

Anna slipped her hand from his and removed a cut glass vase from one of the cabinets. She crossed to the sink and began to fill it with water. Glancing up, she noticed Bobby's obvious interest in his surroundings. She liked the way he seemed to study everything. What would it be like, she wondered, to be the object of all that unwavering attention?

"You approve?" she asked, amused as he continued to take in the room. "I had the whole place completely renovated last year. This… is my dream kitchen."

"It's quite impressive," he nodded and smiled at her. "You must like to cook."

"I do. I just don't get that much of an opportunity," she delicately arranged the lilies and roses. "It's mostly just me and Drew, and since he works a lot of nights at One P.P…"

She set the flowers in the center of the table and turned to face him, her hair softly swaying with her movement. "What do you think…? Did I do them justice?"

Bobby barely glanced at the flowers; he couldn't keep his eyes off of the wondrous creature in front of him.

"Actually, I don't think they do you justice," he answered, giving her his most charming smile.

She blushed and dipped her head.

"So, where are we going? I… I hope I'm not overdressed," Anna said, running her hands over her stomach and hips.

"No, no, you… you look…" God, I want to run my hands… He cleared his throat and continued. "You're dressed perfectly for Antonia's."

"Antonia's?" Good choice, she thought, I'm impressed. "I have always wanted to try that place. I love Italian food."

"I know." She gave him a curious look and instantly he regretted opening his big mouth.

"You… know…? Hmm…," she stepped closer to him, one eyebrow cocked mischievously. "Detective, is it possible that my brother gave you more than just my address and phone number?"

Oh, fuck… Goren shuffled his feet and began to step back. He rubbed his neck with one large hand.

"Well, uhm, Drew sorta told me that uhm, you liked Italian…and that you," he gestured at the vase. "Liked lilies."

"Uh-huh. Exactly what else did he tell you?"

"Nothing! Really, he just uhm…,"Shit, shit, shit!

Her laughter broke through his fumbling attempts at an explanation. She reached out and nudged him on the arm playfully.

"Relax, Bobby. My favorite food and the fact that I like flowers isn't exactly a state secret." She stepped closer to him again, eyes smiling.

He laughed and swallowed a little nervously. They were standing close, nearly touching. He could smell lilacs. I would be perfectly happy to stand here all night, gazing at her…listening to her, smelling her…

"So, are you uhm, ready?" he forced himself to ask.

"Of course, just let me get my things," she turned and he followed her to the living room.

She retrieved a small ivory handbag and slipped her keys inside. Bobby spied her wrap and held it up, gently wrapping it around her shoulders. His fingers brushed against her bare back and she shuddered.

"I... I'm sorry," he said reflexively.

"No, it's all right," Anna turned and smiled up at him. She took his hand and said, "Let's go."

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Bobby had parked in the lot across from her building. As they crossed the street, he slipped his hand from hers and placed it on the small of her back, guiding Anna to the dark blue SUV. He opened the passenger door and helped her inside. By the time she had fastened her seat belt, he was opening his door and climbing in. Anna watched as he adjusted his large frame in the seat and started the car. He moves very elegantly for such a big man – I'll bet he's a wonderful dancer.

"I've heard Antonia's has a dance floor… Do you dance, Bobby?"

"A little," he lied, giving her an innocent smile as he turned onto the street. "You like to dance?"

"You mean that wasn't on the list of 'Drew's Tips for Dating my Sister?'" she laughed.

His smile turned sheepish and she noticed his face redden a little.

"Well, yes, it was on the list - along with a few other intriguing things."

"Ooh, 'intriguing,' you say? What about me intrigues you, Bobby?"

Anything and everything, he said in his head as he navigated the SUV up to a red light. He turned and faced her.

"If I tell you now, then we won't have anything to talk about over dinner," he said with a sly smile.

"We could talk about you," she answered teasingly.

Bobby's smile slowly began to melt away. He turned his attention back to the road as the light turned green. Anna suddenly felt self-conscious.

What is it? What did I say? She glanced back over at him and saw him start to chew on his left thumb. Oh, God, please don't let him be one of those guys that expects you to spill your guts and then gives nothing in return. She nibbled her bottom lip and began to watch the lights fly by her window.

Bobby stared straight ahead, attention focused on the road. Jesus, Goren that was rude. She was just making conversation. He glanced over and saw her staring out the window. Say something – anything – this silence is so awkward.

They reached the next block and stopped for traffic. She heard him clear his throat softly and felt him lean closer to her. Anna looked over and was taken aback for a moment. His face was only inches from hers.

"I'm sorry, I… I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. We, we… both have a lot to talk about, to discover…" His eyes traveled over her face as he spoke; she felt a shiver run through her. She lifted her hand and gently traced her fingers along his jaw line.

"Bobby, I would never have agreed to dinner if I didn't find you interesting. You…," she searched for his eyes and finally settled on them. "You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to."

He closed his eyes and concentrated on the feeling of her fingers on his face. He liked the feeling. I want to tell you, he thought, I want you to know everything about me… He touched his hand to hers and kissed her palm.

He relaxed a little when he saw her smile returning. That smile, that one right there… makes the world go away.

A loud horn punctuated the silence of the car. They separated and Bobby moved back over to the driver's seat. The light was green, but traffic wasn't moving yet. He reached over and found her hand again, cradling it softly in his.

"Can we start over – again?" he asked, a little nervously.

"No," Anna replied matter-of-factly. "But we can move forward." She nodded her head and indicated the traffic. Then she gave him another one of 'those' smiles.