Chapter 6

The weeks passed quickly. The Friday before Robbie was set to return Laura was straightening her kitchen when she found the small piece of paper. She stared at it for a moment a small smile pulling at the edges of her mouth.

Reaching for her phone, she dialed the number, waiting patiently. On the third ring, "Hello."

"Alan?"

"Yes."

"It's Laura, we met…"

"You ran into me, threatened to kill me a hundred different ways."

"As I recall, you ran into me. Insisted upon reparations."

"Only to prevent being murdered."

Laura laughed, "Do you think you might like to have another drink sometime?"

"I'm free tonight. Or is that too soon?"

She bit on her lower lip, "Tonight could work."

"In the interest of safety, do you want to meet somewhere?"

"No, I say throw caution to the wind. Why don't you pick me up?"

Once again, drinks became dinner. They ended up walking along the river chatting about nothing at all. Earlier in the evening, Alan had asked what she did for a living. She'd shook her head and suggested they keep the real world at bay, for just a little bit longer.

When they made it back to his car, Alan smiled down at her. "So does keeping the world at bay for just a bit longer mean you're going to see me again?"

Raising her eyebrows, she nodded. "I think there's a very good chance."

"Would it be too presumptuous to ask about keeping the world at bay tomorrow night?"

Her stomach fluttered, a spark of attraction, something she hadn't experienced in a long time. She leaned into him, pushing up. Biting on her lower lip, she met his eyes, "Why don't I tell you in the morning, over breakfast."

The weekend passed in a frenzy of blissful passion. There was no drama, no awkward moments, just fun, laughs and plenty of sex. Laura had forgotten how easy a relationship could be.

As they ate dinner on Sunday, Laura smiled at Alan. "I didn't have this planned, you know."

"Dinner? We had to eat."

She laughed, "This weekend."

"Neither did I. I was certain my weekend was going to be filled with unpacking boxes. Trying to get my flat organized before I start my new job."

"I'm very sorry I kept you from such an important task."

"I do think reparations might be in order."

Narrowing her eyes, "Reparations?"

He nodded confidently, "Yes."

"What sort of reparations did you have in mind?"

"What's your last name?"

She laughed, a deep, rich sound which filled the room. "It's Hobson."

Holding out his hand, he smiled as she took it. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Laura Hobson. I'm Alan Peterson."