10
It Had to Be You
A/N: I had so much fun writing this chapter! Thank you for the feedback!
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Chapter 7
"Bobby!" exclaimed Sue as she opened her front door. A little frisson of pleasure went up her spine. She was very glad to see him.
For a second, he was silent as he drank in the sight of Sue. He didn't realize how much he missed her until that very moment.
"Bobby?"
"Hello," he smiled focusing his attention on her. "You look…lovely."
Sue flushed a pale pink. Fresh out of the shower, her hair was wet and she was dressed in her robe.
"I think you need to have your eyes examined," she said lightly.
"Nothing wrong with my eyes," he responded as he gazed at her.
Her blush deepened.
"Um…come in. Would you like some coffee?" she offered. "I just made some."
"All right."
He followed her to the kitchen area and slid onto a breakfast stool. She placed a mug in front of him.
"Sugar? Cream?"
"Sugar," he answered.
"Here's the sugar…here's a spoon," she said plunking both in front of him. "Give me a couple of minutes while I change."
"You look fine to me," he grinned.
Flustered, she pulled the robe tighter around her. "I…I'll go change," she repeated as she hurried off towards her bedroom.
Yup, it was definitely going to be a good day now that he saw Sue, thought Bobby with a smile as he spooned sugar into his coffee.
Bobby! thought Sue as she hurriedly pulled on her clothes. He's here…he's really here. Why is he here? Doesn't matter. He's here and he looks…wonderful.
"How did you know I was home?" she asked when she returned.
"Your boss told me."
"Terry?"
Bobby nodded. "Said you were scheduled to be back today. Something about a cousin's wedding."
"I was in the bridal party." A shadow passed as she remembered she was supposed to have been a bride, too.
"Any regrets?"
"Of being a bridesmaid or my cousin getting married?" she asked lightly deliberately misunderstanding him.
"Neither. I meant canceling your wedding plans."
"No."
"That's good."
She didn't look very happy though, he noticed.
"Something's bothering you."
She looked at Bobby in chagrin. "Is it that obvious?"
"It's my FBI training," he said gravely. He didn't think she wanted to know it was her face…her very expressive face. "You want to tell me about it?"
She hesitated, debating whether or not to burden him. He had certainly had enough the last time they were together. She was startled when his hand covered hers.
"I'd like to help…if I can," he said gently. "I'm a very good listener."
"I know." She took a minute to gather her thoughts. "It's Jeff."
A glint of anger appeared for a moment in Bobby's eyes.
"What about him?"
"He's come by the apartment a couple of times."
"You let him in?"
"Of course not."
"That's my girl," he smiled in relief.
She blinked at his words…my girl?
"And I know he's come to the hotel several times but Terry's made sure he can't get past the catering door."
"Has he tried to contact you?"
She nodded. "He's sent flowers and he's called…often. I finally changed my numbers."
"Have you received any more calls or flowers since then?"
"No."
"Why are you still worried?"
"Because sometimes…sometimes I think he's watching me."
"Watching you?" Bobby asked in concern. Was this bloke stalking Sue?
"I've seen his car across the street of this apartment…at work."
"Are you sure it's his car or one that looks like his?"
She shook her head. "I can't always see the license plate but I know it's his car."
"Have you reported this to the police?"
"I did."
"And what did they say?"
"Until he attempts to come close or threatens me in any way, they can't do anything. It's not against the law to send flowers or call or even watch a person from afar."
"Unfortunately, they're right," Bobby agreed reluctantly. He thought for a moment. "Do you think he'll hurt you?"
"No, I don't. It's just…it's just unnerving to think someone's watching you,' she said in frustration.
"What are you going to do?"
She took a deep breath. "Live my life," she said simply, "and hope that one day he decides I'm the wrong person for him."
He squeezed her hand and smiled.
Sue's heart did a flip-flop. What was it about this man? For some reason talking things over with Bobby made her feel better. She knew she had feelings for him but after her experience with Jeff, she didn't trust herself.
"I haven't asked why you're here," began Sue changing the subject. "Business or pleasure?"
"It started as a business trip but with your co-operation," said Bobby with a roguish smile, "it could be a pleasurable one instead."
"How so?" she responded lightly.
"I have an unexpected day off due to some paperwork foul up," explained Bobby. "It's an absolutely beautiful day. According to your boss you don't have to show up to work until six tomorrow morning. So, you're free and I'm free. Spend the day with me?" he coaxed.
She bit her lip as she considered his invitation. It was very tempting.
"I have to run and pick up a gift," she remarked. "It's my assistant's birthday tomorrow."
"Perfect," he said in satisfaction. "I have to do a little personal shopping since an overnight stay was not on the agenda when I left home this morning."
"Do you have a place to stay?" asked a worried Sue. She knew the hotel situation would be tight with the convention in town.
"Not yet but I'll find a room somewhere," he assured her. "So," he said standing up, "shall we?" he grinned.
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After the shopping expedition, the two of them spent the morning strolling through a nearby park enjoying the fresh air. It was surprising how many people were in the park on a weekday.
As they sat on a bench watching the activities on the pond, Bobby could feel his stomach rumbling. That coffee and toast had been a long time ago.
"I'm hungry," he announced to Sue. She was busy watching the little children toss breadcrumbs to the ducks in the water and didn't see his lips.
He tapped her shoulder.
She turned smiling at him. "I don't know how those ducks can still swim! They've eaten so much!"
"They have the right idea," he stated. "Watching them being fed is making me hungry. How 'bout you?"
"Something to eat would be nice," she agreed.
"I don't think a hot dog would be enough," warned Bobby.
"Chicago is full of places to eat," she reminded him. "What do you feel like eating?"
"What do you suggest?"
After bandying about some ideas, the pair finally decided on a place. Standing up, he held out his hand to help her up. Smiling, she placed her hand in his.
As she stood, Sue's foot inadvertently landed on a pebble causing her to stumble.
"Hey!" called out Bobby as he caught her in his arms. "Are you all right?"
"I…I think so," she said breathlessly. It felt wonderful to be in his arms. "Thanks."
"My pleasure," he said softly. Her body seemed to mold to his. Seconds ticked by as the pair stared at each aware that something special was happening between them.
"I thought…I thought you were hungry."
"I am?" he said vaguely. Her closeness stirred a hunger of a different kind.
"I think that's what you said."
"I did?"
"Bobby?"
"Mmm?" What would she say if he kissed her, he wondered.
"People are beginning to stare."
"Let 'em."
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"It's been a wonderful day," smiled Sue as they waited for their order to come.
He squeezed her hand. "We still have the afternoon and evening," he said warmly. After kissing her in the park, common sense and hunger had taken over.
"What would you like to do?"
"Spend it with you," he replied promptly.
She chuckled. "While I'm flattered, I meant what would you like to do? Some sight-seeing? Sears Tower? Or perhaps a boat ride on Chicago Lake. There's a historical or architectural tour we could take."
"An architectural tour by boat? Sounds interesting. What would you prefer to do?"
"I'd be happy with anything you pick," she said sincerely.
"What say we go on that boat ride? We could save Sears Tower or the other boat ride for another time," he suggested.
Another time? That means he wants to see me again, she thought happily.
"All right. The architectural tour it is."
The pair chatted and laughed as they ate their lunch. Sue was enjoying the wit of her charming companion when someone stopped by their table.
"Yvonne!" exclaimed Sue. Bobby looked up. "How nice to see you!"
A young woman dressed in a suit gazed at Sue, then Bobby.
"Hello, Sue."
"Yvonne Curtis," introduced Sue, "this is Bobby Manning…a friend from out-of-town. Yvonne is a lawyer in the same firm as Jeff."
He extended his hand. "Nice to meet you."
"From out-of-town?" she asked eyeing Sue's attractive companion.
He nodded. "That's right."
"How long are you here?"
"Just for the day."
"Well, you picked a beautiful day to visit."
"I think so, too," he agreed.
Yvonne faced Sue. "I'm surprised to see you having such a leisurely lunch."
"Why not? It's my day off," asked a puzzled Sue.
"It is?" Yvonne remarked in surprised. "Jeff 's been telling us he hardly gets to see you because you've been so busy at the hotel."
Bobby quickly glanced at Sue when her friend made that statement. Sue had become very still.
"Yes, we've been busy but why did he tell you he hardly sees me?"
"Isn't it customary for the engaged couple to see each other before the wedding? I mean the wedding is still three months away," she pointed out.
"Engaged?" Sue echoed. "Wedding?"
"Did I say something wrong?" asked a confused Yvonne.
"Jeff and I aren't engaged any more," Sue responded. "We called it off three months ago."
"You did?" The news stunned Yvonne. "For your information, I don't think Jeff got that message. He hasn't said a word at the firm about the wedding being called off."
Sue frowned. She would have to talk to Jeff. An uncomfortable silence settled on the little group.
"Well, it was good to see you," said Yvonne awkwardly. "Nice meeting you, Mr. Manning."
"Yvonne?"
The woman raised an eyebrow as she waited.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't say anything to Jeff about running into me,' Sue requested. "I'd like to talk to him first."
"Of course." Yvonne eyed Sue one more time before she walked away to join her departing lunch companions.
The couple was silent after the woman was gone.
"What are you going to do?" Bobby asked.
"See him and make it clear once and for all it's over between us," she said in resignation. "I don't love him…not any more…maybe not ever."
"Want to do it today? I could go with you."
She shook her head "Thanks for the offer but I need to do this myself another time. I'd rather enjoy what's left of today with you."
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