14

It Had to be You

A/N1: This is where the K+ rating comes in. As always, delicately handled. Got you curious, huh?

A/N2: Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and provide feedback. Thank you to the "old" faithfuls and thank you to the newbies. All comments are welcome and much appreciated.

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Chapter 17

"G'day, mates!" said a cheerful Bobby as he strode into the bullpen. "And how is everyone this fine summer day?"

All eyes swiveled in his direction for a moment then each other. What had happened?

"It walks like Bobby, it looks like Bobby, it even sounds like Bobby," quipped Myles. "Is the old Bobby Manning back?"

"I don't know what you mean, Myles," Bobby declared as he hung up his coat. "I've always been here."

"Perhaps in body but definitely not in spirit," Myles drawled.

"I'm getting a weird sense of déjà vu here," muttered Lucy as she stopped chatting with Tara.

"What do you mean?" asked Tara.

"The last time he was this cheerful was when…" Lucy stopped, her jaw dropping when she remembered.

"When what?" Tara repeated inquisitively.

"Good morning, ladies!" smiled Bobby as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "You're looking quite lovely this morning. Had a good evening?"

Lucy and Tara glanced at each other.

"Looks like you did," commented Tara.

"That I did," he said genially. He held up his mug to them. "Have a good day."

Lucy and Tara's eyes followed the cheery agent back to his desk.

"Wow!" remarked a non-plussed Tara. "He really is in a good mood."

"Yeah," agreed Lucy thoughtfully. She really needed to talk to Jack. "It's good to see the Bobby we know and sometimes love back."

"I know what you mean," Tara concurred. "He has been kind of quiet lately, hasn't he? I think it all started when he stopped getting those wonderful chocolate chip cookies."

Lucy held her breath wondering if Tara would put two and two together.

"I would be upset if my source dried up, too," Tara finished. "Those cookies were fabulous."

Lucy heaved a little sigh of relief. For a person as bright as Tara, when it came to making personal connections, she sometimes needed a helping hand. In this case, Lucy was reluctant to give it because it wasn't her secret to share. Not that it was really a secret, she thought—or was it?

"Anything new on the homeless killer case?" asked Bobby.

"No," D answered. "Right now we have no new leads. I'm thinking we'll have to visit the shelters and take pictures of the volunteers and staff members and see if there are any familiar faces among the shelters. Other than that, we just have to sit and wait until we get more information."

"Like another murder?" Myles interjected.

"I hope it doesn't come down to that," said D.

"Special delivery for Bobby Manning," announced Jack as he walked through the bullpen door. He held a beribboned cardboard box in his hands.

Bobby looked up startled. "For me?"

"Shirley gave this to me downstairs." Jack paused. "Well, to be more accurate, I had to pry this out of her hands. She was debating whether you'd notice anything was missing."

"What are you babbling about?" Bobby held out his hand.

"Look at the box."

Bobby stared at the cover. The words 'Sweet Treats' swirled on the top.

"Hey!" exclaimed Myles as he craned his neck to see the writing. "You ordered something from there and didn't tell the rest of us? That doesn't seem very team-like. You need to talk to him, D."

"If he shares whatever's in there, all will be forgiven," D stated.

"Well," demanded Myles, "are you going to open it?"

"Give the man a little space," instructed Jack. "You look like a bunch of hungry vultures circling over a dying man."

"That," grimaced Tara taking a step back, "is not a very flattering image."

It had its effect. They returned back to their seats and pretended to go back to their work while Bobby untied the ribbon.

A note lay on top of a dozen neatly packed chocolate chip cookies. Bobby picked it up to read.

"Bobby,

Thank God (and Terry and Mark, too!)

for second chances. Looking forward

to tonight.

Sue"

A goofy smile appeared on his face as his eyes gleamed joyously. Life was definitely looking rosy.

Pocketing the card, he held up the box and smiled graciously, "Cookies, any one?"

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Bobby couldn't wait to see Sue again. He found himself holding his breath hoping the day would pass uneventfully at work. Finally, it was time to leave. He bounced up neatly stacking the files on his desk. Home for a quick shower, he thought as he put the pencils and pen in his desk, pick up some flowers and then he'd head over to Sue's place.

"Leaving so soon?" commented Myles who had been watching his teammate with interest. Bobby rarely left early especially the past few months.

"Time to go, Myles," he said as he reached for his jacket. "Have a nice weekend everyone," he called out as he strode swiftly out the bullpen.

"Someone was in a hurry," D remarked. "I could feel the wind when he ran by."

"Yeah," agreed Tara, "I noticed that, too. What's up?"

"Methinks the man has a date," Myles said. "And if speed is a factor, a very important one."

"But who?" Tara asked. "He hasn't been seeing anyone as far as we know." Her eyes narrowed as a thought struck her. "Correction…as far as I know."

She rounded her desk and stood midway between Jack's and Lucy's desks. They were suspiciously quiet.

"What do you two know?"

Jack held up his hands in innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Lucy shrugged. "Why would you think we know anything?"

"Oh, maybe it's because neither one of you is saying anything," said Myles. "That in and of itself is highly suspicious."

"Highly suspicious or not," remarked D as he reached for his coat, "Bobby has the right idea. It's quitting time and for once, I can be home in time for dinner. Barring any unforeseen emergency, I'll see you all on Monday."

"So what do you two know that we don't know?" asked Myles echoing Tara.

"It has something to do with those chocolate chip cookies, doesn't it?" Tara questioned.

"And that place Sweet Treats," added Myles. Suddenly, he snapped his fingers. "It's that new baker, isn't it?"

"You're right!" agreed Tara caught up in the moment. "Wait! How do you know it's the baker?" She looked confused.

"Remember the day I brought those tarts from that place?"

"Yeah," replied Jack dryly, "I have it marked on my calendar—Myles brought pastries to work."

"Ha, ha," Myles responded sarcastically. "Very funny. Do you want to hear my evidence or not?"

"I do," voiced Tara.

"Bobby refused a tart."

Lucy looked disgusted. "That's your evidence?"

"Hey! I'm just getting started! He also said he's cutting out chocolate chip cookies which we know he loves."

"Not eating pastries could just mean he's watching his diet," Jack pointed out.

"What about those notes in each of the boxes? I'm sure they didn't say 'To Bobby From the Cookie Fairy'," Myles pointed out triumphantly.

"Does it really matter who it is?" asked Lucy.

"Yeah," Jack seconded.

"Well no, it doesn't really matter in the great scheme of life," responded Myles. "But if we knew the identity of the cookie baker perhaps we could get her, and I'm assuming it's a female, to branch out in other varieties. Oatmeal raisin is a particular favorite as is Russian tea cookies."

"The cookie baker is Bobby's cookie baker," said Jack pointedly. "Be happy he's sharing what he gets

"Couldn't we just suggest…?"

"No!" said Jack firmly.

"Just a little…"

"No."

Myles sat down defeated.

"Okay," said Tara," since we've established we're not asking Bobby to ask his friend to make our favorites, how 'bout we go somewhere to eat? All this talk about cookies is making me hungry and lunch was a long time ago."

"I'm free tonight," said Lucy. "Count me in."

"Sounds good," agreed Jack. "What about you, Myles?"

"Sure…why not?"

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Bobby pressed the doorbell. Nervously he wiped his hands on his pants legs. He felt like he was a teenager on his first date.

An older woman opened the door. "Bobby Manning?"

"In the flesh," he smiled. "You must be Janice."

"That's me. Come in," she gestured as she stepped aside to let him in.

Janice's eyes swept the lanky dinner guest. "Yup, you look just the way Sue described you."

Bobby looked at her with the question plainly in his eyes.

"I think her exact words were tall, good-looking and a nice smile," she recalled. "Though she did forget to mention the dimples."

Bobby grinned a bit embarrassed but pleased. "Sue's told me how wonderful you've been to her."

"She's pretty wonderful herself."

"You won't get any arguments from me on that point."

"What's the occasion?" Janice asked when she spotted the bouquet.

"No special reason."

"My husband used to bring me flowers for no reason at all," Janice reminisced. "Funny how all those times always seemed to lead to…" her voice trailed away as she cast a speculative glance at Bobby. "Hmmm."

He didn't think it was possible but he could feel a slight blush creep into his cheeks under her probing stare.

"If you could just tell me where she is…," he requested.

"In the kitchen," she replied. "Through the dining room."

"Thanks."

"And Bobby?"

He paused and looked over his shoulder.

"I won't be home."

"You're not staying for dinner?"

"Can't. It's Texas Hold'em night," she said with a grin.

"Good luck."

"And Bobby?"

"Yea?"

"I won't be home 'til late."

There was no doubt about it—he was definitely blushing.

Nodding, he headed for the kitchen.

Sue was at the counter prepping the salad when she felt an arm slip around her waist and a peck on her cheek.

Immediately, she twisted around to view her visitor. "Bobby!"

"Hello, Sue," he smiled as he bent down to kiss her. The brief welcoming kiss deepened as her arms wrapped around his neck. As they separated for air, his conversation with Janice popped into his mind.

"Mmm, that was very…" began Sue.

She stopped and looked at Bobby in concern.

"Are you all right? You seem a little flushed. Are you coming down with something?" She put a cool hand to his forehead.

"Um…no, I'm fine," he assured her. "It was just a little hot outside."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

He held out the bouquet of flowers to her.

"Just a small token of appreciation for the chocolate chip cookies you sent this morning. Everyone loved them including yours truly." He kissed her again. "What's on the dinner menu?"

"Cornish game hen with fresh asparagus and rice pilaf."

"Mmm, sounds delicious."

"Wait until you taste it."

His forefinger gently outlined her face. Her skin felt so soft…so smooth beneath his fingertip. "I know it will be a meal to remember."

"Bobby?" She was finding difficult to think.

"Mmm?" he replied absent-mindedly. If I remember correctly I think she likes being kissed right here, he thought, as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Thank you for the flowers," she said breathlessly. "They're lovely. I think…I think I should put them in water."

"Yea, you should," he murmured as he bent down to put his thought into action.

"Bobby? What…what are you doing?' she asked beginning to melt under his gentle assault.

He began nibbling her earlobe in response. The flowers dropped to the floor.

"I have a surprise for dessert," she said desperately trying to remain sensible.

He paused for a moment as he pulled back, a naughty glint in his gaze. "Starting dinner with the dessert is always a welcome surprise," he said impudently.

"That's not what I meant!" she protested feebly.

"Oh? What did you mean," he asked softly as his long fingers caressed her face.

"I meant…I meant…," she stammered. He was making it difficult to have a coherent thought. As she gazed into his teasing blue-grey eyes, all she could think of was him.

"Yes?"

"I…I can't…I can't think straight, Bobby."

"And this is a problem because….?"

"Because I know it's crazy and it's not logical. We've only known each other a few days but…but I think I'm in love with you, Bobby Manning. I didn't mean to…I didn't want to so soon after Jeff but somehow it just happened…you happened and I don't…"

The flow of words halted when Bobby kissed her.

"Remember that day on the ferry?" he said when they broke for air.

"How could I forget?"

He smiled. "You weren't the only one to feel the connection here," he said tapping her heart. "I felt it then and I feel it even stronger now."

"Oh, Bobby!" she exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Even after being separated for all these months?"

"Especially after being separated all these months," he emphasized. "I couldn't get you out of my mind."

"Neither could I."

"Then why are we still talking?" he demanded softly.

For an answer, she tiptoed to press her lips against his. His hold tightened as he pulled her closer. They were oblivious to the presence of the woman at the doorway.

Janice smiled in satisfaction as she looked upon the scene before her. She'd come to tell them her ride had come and she was leaving.

"Yup, just like Harry," she said in satisfaction as she turned to leave. "It's those flowers. They work every time."

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"Why is it that I can't be in your company for more than two days without falling into your arms and your bed?" Sue asked as she lay in his embrace.

He pulled away slightly so she could see his lips. "Let me point out that you have yet to share my bed," he reminded her.

"You know what I mean."

"I do and I like to think it's my irresistible charm and our mutual attraction."

"There is that." She kissed him "Now, Mr. Manning," she began as she sat up, "are you hungry?"

At the mischievious gleam in his eyes, she hastily corrected herself, "For dinner…I meant dinner."

"I would much rather stay here with you." He pulled himself up and nuzzled her neck.

"Bobby, what'll we say to Janice when she comes home and dinner is still in the oven?"

"She won't be home until late. It's Texas Hold 'em night I understand."

"She told you she'd be home late?"

"That she did. A right thoughtful sheila."

"You think she knew what was going to happen?"

"I think she had a pretty good idea."

"She's one of the reasons I said yes."

"What did she say?"

"She just said life is short and she's right." She looked at him with a serious expression. "I let you walk out of my life once, Bobby. I won't let it happen again unless…unless you want to leave."

"Never."

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"A delicious meal," pronounced Bobby as he laid down his fork.

"It wasn't too dry? After all, it was in the oven a little longer than planned," she teased.

"A small price to pay for that wonderful appetizer," he smirked. "Or was that dessert?"

"I have dessert for you," she informed him. "It's something you said you like."

"I liked what we did," he grinned as he thought of their detour to the bedroom.

"I see you have a one-track mind, Mr. Manning," she observed.

"I call it being focused."

"Focused, huh? I think there's another word for it," she retorted. "I'll be right back."

In a couple of minutes, she returned placing a dessert plate in front of him.

"Apple pie ala mode?" he asked incredulously.

"You did say you liked apple pie, didn't you?"

"I think once…in passing." He looked at her admiringly. "You know, you're amazing." He reached to pull her down onto his lap to kiss her.

"Tell me that after you try the pie."

She reached for the plate and put a forkful of pie into his mouth. She watched anxiously as he chewed, then swallowed.

"Well?"

"Without a doubt, the best apple pie I've ever tasted—barring my mum's," he announced.

"Good answer," said Sue approvingly.

"It's the truth."

"That deserves another bite." A forkful of pie was poised to be served.

"I'd much prefer a kiss."

"After you finish the pie."

"Bribery. That's a federal offense."

"What's the punishment?"

"One kiss per calorie."

"That's over three hundred kisses!"

"Then you better start serving your sentence now."

"And where am I going to serve out this sentence?"

"Right here," he said pulling her face down to his. "One, two…" he whispered.

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