A/N: I apologize for the wait -I couldn't make up my mind how to end this chapter. Hope you like how it turned out! Thank you for all the reviews and comments and please continue your feedback - it really means a lot. And, yes, I know, Anna may be skirting the whole "MarySue" thing, but be patient!
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the songs or LO:CI characters. And that SUCKS!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 7 – Dinner and Dancing Part 2
Antonia's was a small and elegant restaurant catering to a specific clientele: couples. Warm russet walls, soft candlelight and intimate velvet covered half moon shaped booths provided the perfect setting for anniversary celebrations, proposals, and special dates.
As Bobby and Anna entered, the three piece band began to softly play and the lights dimmed. Slowly people started making their way to the dance floor.
"This is lovely," Anna said, taking in the room. "It's… very romantic."
"Well, it was named one of the most romantic in the city," Bobby said as he led her to the front. "And the food is supposed to be outstanding."
"You've never been here before? How did you get a reservation on such short notice?"
"I've been here before, just not for dinner. Eames and I had to interview the owner during an investigation," he caught her anxious look and shook his head, chuckling. "No, no, he was a witness, not a suspect. He gave us his card and I decided that tonight was the night to call in a favor."
He turned to the maitre'd and gave his name. As they were being led to their table she murmured, "I…I am flattered, Bobby. That is very thoughtful of you, to use your 'favor' just for me."
"For us," he whispered as the maitre'd pulled out the white linen covered table. Anna slid into the booth first and Bobby followed, sitting to her left. He leaned over and laid his hand over hers. "I… I wanted to use it for us."
Oh, my… Anna thought, as she felt him squeeze her hand.
The maitre'd handed them both dinner menus and gave the wine list to Bobby.
"Bridget will be right with you," he said and then quickly disappeared.
They settled in, Anna removing her wrap as Bobby began to look over the wine list. "Would you like wine with dinner? They have some excellent reds…"
"I would love some," she replied as she folded the wrap and laid it in the seat beside her.
"Do you have a preference? If you would like to look over the list…?"
"No, go ahead," she smiled. "I trust your judgment."
She scanned the dinner menu, leaning closer to the candles on the table. This also brought her closer to Bobby. She could smell his cologne and recognized it. Grey Flannel – warm, sexy, very male – that definitely fits him. She glanced over the top of her menu and watched him, remembering the sight of him at the door of her apartment. So tall, broad, and handsome… the grey of his shirt highlighting the silver in his hair. Long, dark lashes framing intense, passionate eyes, that cute nose, those… lips… when he kissed my hand… She caught her breath as she recalled the feel of his soft lips and rough stubble against her skin.
"Good Evening," the waitress appeared and startled her from her reverie. "I'm Bridget and it will be my pleasure to serve you tonight." She went over the specials and Bobby ordered a bottle of Blackstone Merlot. Bridget excused herself and they both debated what to order.
She ultimately decided on the Frutti Di Mare al Pescatore and Bobby chose the Shrimp Era Diavolo. Bridget returned with the wine and poured a sample into Bobby's glass; he tasted and nodded his approval. She filled their glasses and took their order. As she slipped away, Bobby raised his glass and asked Anna to join him in a toast. Their glasses clinked and he leaned toward her.
"To a special night," he whispered huskily, "with a very special lady."
God, I already love his touch, his voice… I am in serious trouble.
------------------------------------------------------------
They began the usual "first date" conversation. Bobby listened as Anna told him about her education – B.A. in English, M.A. in Research Science, both from N.Y.U. – and her career as a researcher and editorial consultant with Frey & Smith Publishing.
"Do you get a discount on books?" he asked eagerly.
"Absolutely," she replied. "That and the opportunity to learn about new and different subjects are the best things about my job. Are you looking for a new…dealer, Bobby?" She smiled slyly over her glass.
"Well, now that you mention it…," he grinned. "No, seriously, I - I have more than enough books to tide me over for a while. Between what I read for work and what I read for pleasure, my apartment is becoming its own library branch."
She shook her head, laughing. "You can never have too many books. That is one of the main reasons I renovated, to make room for all of mine."
A woman who can never have enough books… Bobby definitely liked that.
He told her about his days in the Army, his travels, and his progress through the department.
"I suppose I should tell you that my brother has a thing for you."
Bobby's head snapped up and he blinked several times. "Drew…?" His left hand rose up and cut through the air as he spoke. "A… uhm, thing?"
Anna laughed an apology and explained. "He has a thing for your brain, Bobby. He admires your work, your ability to solve complex cases. I'd say Drew is pretty much in awe of you."
"That's very flattering. He's a hard worker – an asset to the department. Both Eames and I have noticed it."
"You're sweet to say that. Even I have to admit I am quite proud of the little stinker," she grinned.
"Stinker?" he smiled and raised his eyebrows, encouraging her to elaborate.
"Well, I was ten when Drew came along; he was… quite a surprise."
"Your parents never wanted more children?"
"They had always hoped, but had pretty much given up. Then 'poof.'"
"And are they as proud as you are? They should be proud of both of you…,"
She sipped her wine and waited a moment to answer. Bobby noticed that her face had become more serious, her eyes a little darker. She looked up at him and swallowed hard.
"They… our parents died, in a car accident, when Drew was eight."
"I'm sorry, Anna, I… I…," Bobby let the sentence trail off. He never knew what to say in these kinds of situations.
"It's okay, Bobby, you couldn't have known," Anna was a bit surprised by the obvious distress on his face. She reached out and stroked his hand, reassuring him with a small smile. "It was a long time ago… We… Drew and I, we recovered pretty well and made our own way."
She patted his hand and excused herself to go to the ladies' room. Bobby stood and watched as she slid from the booth and walked toward the back of the restaurant. He sat back down heavily and ran a hand over his face, pinching the bridge of his nose.
If he was eight, that means she was eighteen… No wonder they are so close, she… she raised him. He mentally cursed himself for being so insensitive. You know better than anyone not to bring up family like that, Goren.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anna took a deep breath and stepped to the sink. She washed her hands and checked herself in the mirror.
He looked so upset, she thought. He shouldn't be, he had no idea… I should have steered the conversation away from family. She retrieved her lip gloss from her purse and reapplied, still stuck on Bobby's reaction to her revelation. In the car… when I said we could talk about him… Anna stared into the mirror, wheels turning in her head. Maybe something similar happened in his family - that could explain his reaction. I hope I didn't bring up painful memories for him. She sighed and returned the lip gloss to her bag. He is so kind… smart… there is something so proper about him… She smoothed her dress, tipped the attendant and turned to leave. No more family talk tonight…
Bobby observed Anna gracefully navigating her way back to the table. He stood as she approached. She is so beautiful and funny… intelligent and obviously strong. She reached the table and to his delight placed her right hand softly on his left cheek.
"Such a gentleman," she whispered, smiling up at him.
"I try."
She sighed and returned to her seat. He slid in beside her, sitting a little closer than he had before.
Their food arrived and they both marveled at the size of their plates.
"My Lord, I'm hungry, but I certainly can't eat all of this," Anna said, her eyes wide.
"We'll take it home. Italian always makes a great midnight snack," he replied. The minute the words left his mouth, he realized how presumptuous he may have sounded. He glanced over nervously at her.
"Don't furrow your brow, Bobby. I understand what you meant." She laughed and once again he found her smile relieved his anxious mind.
They ate and talked about their hobbies - neither one wanting to broach the subject of family again. Bobby mentioned his poker games with Lewis and his interest in classic cars. Anna talked of learning to sew and knit as a child and going to her first N.H.L. game in college. He promised to teach her Texas Hold 'Em if she taught him about hockey. They shared their food and agreed that the cuisine was definitely top notch.
Bridget returned and cleared their plates. "I will pack this up for you," she smiled and carried the leftovers to the kitchen. Anna noticed that she had left the dessert menu on the table.
"I can't even imagine eating dessert right now."
"Me either," Bobby replied, smiling as an idea formed in his head.
"What…?" she laughed, watching as his eyes lit up and a devilish grin crossed his face. "What are you thinking…?"
Bobby stood up and held out his left hand. "I was thinking that we should dance. It could… help us make room for dessert." He smiled down at her. "Would you do me the honor…?"
She placed her hand in his without hesitation and stood up. "I would love to dance with you, Bobby."
-----------------------------------------------------------
They reached the dance floor and made their way through the other couples to a spot just in front of the piano. Anna ran her left hand up his right arm and placed it delicately on his shoulder. Bobby softly clasped her right hand in his left and slid his right arm around her waist, centering his hand on her back. They looked into each others eyes and began to move slowly to the soft melody of "Mona Lisa."
Bobby had made sure to leave just the right amount of space between them; he didn't want Anna to think dancing was just an excuse for him to grope her. He led her in a simple box step at first, and she expertly followed, emerald eyes delving into his. Anna smiled up at Bobby and relaxed into his embrace.
The trio – bass, piano, and drums – segued effortlessly into "Night and Day" and Bobby sped up the tempo a little bit. Anna recognized it instantly and they moved faster around the floor, eyes locked and bodies in perfect rhythm. He loved the feel of her in his arms as they moved together. She fits so perfectly… anticipating exactly what I want to do, where I want to go… she's very good.
"Bobby?" he heard her say softly.
"Anna…"
"Is it your custom to lie to your dates?"
What? He nearly missed a step as his mind tried to process what she said. Bobby looked down into her eyes, confusion clouding his face.
"I… I don't know what you mean," he said plaintively.
"You said you knew how to dance 'a little.'" Anna's eyes sparkled up at him as a wry smile appeared on her lips. "Obviously, that's not true."
Relief flooded him and they laughed together as Bobby whirled her faster around the floor. Anna tightened her grasp on his shoulder as he drew her closer.
"I wanted to surprise you," he said, giving her his best naughty schoolboy grin.
"Consider me surprised, detective. Now," she returned his devilish grin. "Show me what you've got."
"Okay," Bobby loved a challenge – especially when it came from such an enchanting woman. "But, you asked for it."
They really got going when "Say a Little Prayer for You" began. He spun her out, watching as her dress swirled around her legs and her hair swung around her shoulders. Now that is one helluva view, he thought as he pulled her back into his arms.
Anna noticed that when he brought her back, he always pulled her a little closer than she was before – and that she was beginning not to mind one bit. His lead was so commanding, yet completely natural. All that power… she bit her lip and warmed at the thought. Mixed with agility and grace… he's very good.
Again and again he twirled her out and brought her back, guiding her deeper into his embrace. His hand moved up her back as he held her, until he could feel the smooth skin of her back under his thumb. Bobby traced the edge of the back of her dress and marveled at how soft and supple her skin felt next to the rich silk. I almost can't tell the difference between her and the fabric… He swung her out fast as the last notes of the song faded and heard her laugh giddily. She returned to him and he enveloped her in his arms, wrapping his hands around her waist as he caught her. Their eyes locked and Anna slid her arms up, clasping her hands around the back of his neck.
"You certainly know… how to move, Bobby," she gasped, catching her breath.
"I'd better if I'm going to keep up with you," he chuckled. "You – you dance divinely."
"Just following your lead," she smiled.
The band began to play "The Way You Look Tonight," and Bobby continued to hold her close. They swayed effortlessly together to the music and stared into each others eyes.
Bobby loved the feeling of her against him, her body meshing perfectly with his. She feels so good, smells so good… He bent his head a little and caught another whiff of lilac. So good… He relaxed, drawing her further into his embrace. She still followed his lead and responded by laying her head gently on his right shoulder.
Anna slid her right hand down to rest on his lapel as he slowly led her around the dance floor. His heart was beating fast; she could feel it from under his clothes, matching her own beating furiously in her chest. She felt his right hand move up from her waist and stroke against her bare back. She shivered against him and pushed herself closer, seeking the comfort of his body.
"Are you cold, darling?" he whispered into her ear.
"No, just… just…," she lifted her head and looked up into his warm, soft eyes. "When you touch me, like that…"
"I – I'm sorry," his hand slowly began to drift back to her waist. "I shouldn't –"
She cut him off, tenderly placing the fingers of her left hand against his lips. "I like it, Bobby. I like… the way you touch me."
He struggled not to moan at the softness of her caress. He gently pursed his lips and kissed her fingertips. Anna trembled again and he looked deep into her eyes. Bobby had seen a lot in those eyes over the course of the evening: amusement, curiosity, intelligence, strength. Now, as he felt her reach around and guide his hand back up her body, he saw what he had hoped to see since the first time he laid eyes on her – desire.
Anna slid her left arm back up his shoulder, resting her hand lightly against the back of his jacket. She wanted to touch him, feel him, see if she could excite him the way he excited her. She ran her fingernails across the collar of his shirt, up to the bare skin at the back of his neck, and into the tiny curls of his hair. She felt him shudder and searched his eyes. What she saw both shocked and aroused her. Dark, soulful eyes reflecting want, need, and hunger gazed back at her.
They stayed like that, moving together, tenderly caressing each other as the music ended. The band announced a ten minute break and the other patrons drifted back to their tables. Bobby reluctantly released Anna from his arms and stepped back from her. He reached out and took her hand.
"Are you ready for dessert?" he said huskily, fixing her with his eyes.
"I …," Anna took a deep breath and steadied herself. "I don't think they have what I want for dessert, Bobby."
"What is it you desire, Anna?" he lowered his voice and circled her waist with his arm, pulling her against him. He could feel her breath on his face. God, please, I hope she wants what I want. "I'll give you anything you want."
Her eyes delved into his as she whispered, "You, Bobby... I want you."