Ronin
Special #1
What Might have been
By: Ghost of the Dawn
Chapter 2: Rowen, part 2
Robyn did wake up, still in Rowen's arms-- sort of. To get out of bed, Robyn had to detangle herself from Rowen's arms, his legs, and his sheets. He, of course, did not stir as Robyn extricated herself from his grip.
"Man he's a sloppy sleeper," she whispered to herself as she surveyed the chaos that Rowen used for a bed. "No wonder Sage always complains about sharing a bed with him--or even a room."
Eager to get a early start before the perving monster awoke, Robyn quickly hopped into the shower and got dressed. She was even more nervous knowing that the bathroom door was unable to lock. If Rowen walked in, Robyn decided she wouldn't care if he thought it was odd she was dressing behind the curtain. Rowen was weird enough himself. He would just have to deal with that.
However, Rowen never invaded her bathroom time. Robyn stepped out fully dressed in the most unflattering, baggy outfit she could find. Her plan today was maybe if she didn't look that enticing, Rowen wouldn't try to molest her as much.
Rowen was wide awake by the time she got out, giving Robyn a chance to test out her theory. Whatever he was doing, he stopped doing it as soon as she caught his eye. For a moment, Robyn thought her plan would work.
"Wow Robyn!" Rowen said appreciatively. "Sexy outfit!"
"You MUST be joking!" Robyn demanded. "You can't honestly say these nasty old sweats turn you on!"
"I like it," Rowen insisted. "Leaves more to the imagination. Makes me think about taking them off." He wiggled his eye brows suggestively at her.
Robyn sunk her shoulders in defeat. there was no beating this guy.
"But you can't wear that today," Rowen then said. "If I'm taking you out, then you have to at least wear something pretty for me. It comes with the package."
"Fine," Robyn sighed. She trudged off to check the clothes closet while Rowen happily headed for the shower.
Robyn inspected the contents of her other version's closet and was instantly jealous. This other Robyn had the cutest clothes! Robyn had been debating on just dressing nice and conservative for this day, but looking at her choices, it all flew out the window. She didn't own many clothes herself and the idea of dressing up was just too tempting.
After going through all the contents and choices, Robyn settled on a light summer skirt with a cute flower print and a matching top. There were just as many shoes to pick from--most of which were made for the purpose of making the wearer taller. Robyn was not surprised considering how tall Rowen was--especially compared to her. She picked out a pair of simple brown sandals with thin straps and a good inch or so on the bottom.
Robyn was ferreting around for accessories when Rowen came out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist.
"Now that's what I'm talking about." Rowen nodded in approval to her outfit.
"Glad it meets M'Lord's approval," Robyn said sarcastically as she looked at him through the reflection of the mirror. "Man, you are so thin. Go buy yourself a few burgers while we're out, okay?"
"I'll get some for you, too, chicken legs," Rowen shot back.
Robyn glared at the reflection of him in her mirror as he walked off to his own closet. Then her eyes went wide as Rowen's reflection dropped his towel and inspected his closet, hands on hips without a stitch on him.
If Robyn had something in her mouth, she would have choked on it. She quickly looked away, staring at the sanctity of the wall.
What on earth is WRONG with him!
Robyn's thoughts were instantly filled of those extricating herself from the room. She sidled along the wall, hoping Rowen wouldn't notice her awkward getaway. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the towel she had used earlier hanging on the corner of the bed. Thoughts of rolling up said towel and slapping it on Rowen's bare backside filled her mind. It would have been funny to see--not to mention his ass made a great target. But Robyn also rationalized if she attacked him now, he might turn on her and she would see something unpleasant. And having a skiny, naked man chase her was not high on her 'to do' list.
The mental picture was too much. Robyn retreated from the room as fast as she could. She ran into the living room and flung herself on the couch, burying her face in a pillow. There she laughed and laughed until her sides hurt.
I must be going insane! I'm stranded in this crazy world with this pervert and I'm laughing! I've gone totally nuts!
"What are you doing?" a fully dressed Rowen asked as he stood over her. "What are you laughing at?"
Robyn peeked out from her pillow so only her eyes could be seen and not her ridiculous grin.
Rowen leaned in, resting his hands on the back of the couch at either side of her head.
"Were you laughing at me?" he asked in a thick voice.
Robyn couldn't hold it in. She burst out laughing, hiding her face in the pillow once more.
"You ARE laughing at me!" she heard Rowen's voice. "How can you be so mean?"
Robyn shrieked as Rowen pounced on her, tickling her ribs. For a split second, Robyn wondered how he knew where her most ticklish spots were as she tired to get away. But Rowen would not have it. He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back to him.
"Let me go, you!" she demanded, still laughing and squirming.
"Not until you say you're sorry," Rowen insisted, nuzzling the base of her neck.
Robyn squeaked and flinched when he did so. How did he know I was ticklish THERE? I didn't even know I was ticklish there!
Rowen ran his fingers over her sides some more.
"Okay! Okay, I'm sorry!" she cried. "Now let me go!"
Rowen stopped tickling her, but he didn't move his face from her neck.
"Do I have to?" he asked into her skin.
Robyn tried not to squirm. His voice was just enough to continue to make her ticklish in that spot. She had a feeling he was well aware of that, too.
"Are you taking me out or not?" Robyn wanted to know. "Don't tell me I got all dressed up for nothing."
Rowen sighed, obviously hesitant to move. But he finally lifted himself off her and let Robyn up.
The two went out for breakfast. Rowen insisted the entire day was on him. Robyn didn't mind that, save for what Rowen might expect for compensation at the end of the day. But that was still hours off. Robyn was sure she could think of some excuse by the time they got home.
Breakfast was nice. She and Rowen engaged in small talk as they ate at a little table, sitting across from one another. Robyn actually enjoyed it. It was not unlike all the time she and Rowen had hung out together in her world. The only difference was this Rowen, every once in a while, would touch her hand or play footsies with her while they spoke.
Other than that, it wasn't any different and Robyn wondered about the fine lines between being friends and being more. And how lovers could also be best friends at the same time. It was actually an assuring thought for her. She wasn't sure why, but it was.
After breakfast, Rowen took her to an aquarium. Robyn hadn't been to one in a while. Even though she did have a heavy case of hydrophobia, Robyn didn't mind going. She was, after all, an animal nut and loved learning about anything that ran, flew, or swam. She happily ran through the different sections, looking at all the colorful fish and other odd creatures. Reading facts and pointing out her favorites, just like all the children around her who had come with their parents. Rowen just strolled casually behind her, idly glancing at this and that as he went. The further they went in, the more Robyn realized the majority of Rowen's attention was draw towards her and not the tanks. Robyn tried to act like she didn't see..
Don't think I haven't noticed you perving over there. She thought as she pretended to read one of the information plaques. Really Rowen, you're so transparent sometimes, it's pathetic.
A thought flittered through Robyn's brain that said he probably wasn't trying to hide it. Rowen was never one to be coy about anything he wanted. He always said or did it right out with no warnings. Robyn found that quality both charming and unnerving about him.
They ended up in the souvenir shop. Robyn idled around all the assorted books and trinkets, not really intent on buying anything, but wanting to look around all the same. There was a collection of plush marine animals in a large display and Robyn dove right in. Octopus, shark, star fish; she molested them all, checking to see which one had the softest fuzz.
Her hands fell on a light blue dolphin and Robyn froze. Cye had one just like it in his room. Sayoko had given it to him when he was young. His was old and faded; this one was new. But it still screamed Cye at her. Right then, Robyn wondered why the entire marina didn't remind her of Cye. Was it because she had been with Rowen? Was Rowen's presence, dubious as it was, making her forget Cye?
Robyn suddenly missed home terribly. She missed her own room with her own clothes, as boring as they were. She missed Cye's house and his mom. She missed the guys and she missed her Cye and her Rowen.
A hand reached out and grabbed her wrist as if it knew what she was thinking and it wanted her to stop.
"Hey, you like that?" Rowen asked referring to the dolphin. "I'll get it for you."
"This?" Robyn looked at the toy one more time before tossing it back in the basket. "Uh...no. Not really."
"You sure?" Rowen prodded. "You might want something to remember this day by." He added cryptically.
Robyn did not like it when Rowen was trying to be cryptic. She turned her back on the basket of plushies and the conversation.
"Don't worry about it." Then she brightened. "I'm ready for lunch, though."
"Lunch sounds great!" Rowen agreed.
They ate at a little outside café with uniformed waiters. Maybe a bit too fancy for just a Sunday day date, Robyn thought. It would be more of a place couples would go for a birthday or some kind of anniversary. And probably at night. Maybe this WAS a special day for them and Rowen was expecting her to remember it.
Robyn wondered about this over her salad. Rowen, however, seemed hardly disappointed that she had not made any mention of such things-or about anything at all. In fact, he appeared to be quiet content with his situation so Robyn let the thought go.
Rowen reached across the table and put his hand on hers.
"Are you having fun?"
"I am!" she answered truthfully.
Rowen chuckled. "Stop sounding so surprised," he accused, pretending his feelings were hurt.
"Sorry," Robyn replied, feeling bad it came out that way. "I really am having a nice time."
With both hands on hers, Rowen reached over the small table and kissed her lightly. Robyn let him. It was either that or cause a scene in public while trying to get away from him. Plus it was only a quick peck on the lips and it wasn't, Robyn had to admit, so awful. In fact, it was even kind of nice.
Did I just think that!
But it WAS nice. It wasn't anything so demanding as what he tried yesterday. It was soft and innocent. And extremely adorable for him. Why wouldn't he be this way more often instead of that other Rowen?
Robyn took a moment to wonder if her Rowen was capable of being like this as well. He acted more like the Rowen she was with yesterday. But if this one could change his tune when he wanted to, maybe the Rowen in her would could be sweet like this, too. As for right now, the only Rowen she could test this on was the "new world" one.
"You know, I like you better this way," she tried, curious to what his reaction would be.
"What way is that?" Rowen replied. His smile indicated he knew what she was talking about, but he wanted her to say it out loud.
"I mean when you're sweet and cute like this. Not like you were acting yesterday."
Rowen grinned slyly. "So, you think I'm cute, huh?"
Robyn gave him a tight-lipped expression. She wasn't answering any question when he said it like that.
Rowen sighed, his flirty shield going down again. "The thing is..." he said in a serious voice, but then trailed off. He looked around him before grabbing his chair and sliding it around so they were sitting side by side.
Robyn winced. The chair made a horrible screech as it was dragged over the concrete. Other people were looking up at them. Rowen didn't look apologetic and ignored the noise and the looks altogether as he sat down and took her hands in his once more. Robyn looked down. She never had noticed before how large his hands were until then. His just swallowed hers right up.
"Do you remember when we were first dating and I was nothing but lame come-ons and suggestive jokes?"
Robyn nodded. She didn't remember, of course, but she could relate.
"You still are," she teased.
Rowen gave her a tolerant, but good natured look.
"Yes, but what I'm TRYING to say is when I do that it's not...really me."
REALLY!
Robyn blinked at him. What did he mean by that? Rowen was always that way. Who was he then, if all that talk "wasn't really him"?
"What I mean is," Rowen clarified. "It isn't my intention to sound that way all the time. I guess it's just a defense mechanism. When I get nervous, I go overboard. That way, if I get rejected, I can always pretend it was a joke." He chuckled nervously. "I guess...I'm just not very confident about myself."
Robyn stared at him. That was all news to her. She wondered if it was the same with her Rowen. Was he just being a goof all those times or was he testing her in some way? Saying those things to see what kind of reaction he would get out of her? Maybe hoping for a certain reaction? Robyn felt her face grow warm a bit at the thought of maybe in her world...
"But with you," the present Rowen continued, throwing her out of her thoughts. "I don't know if you thought it was funny of it you saw right through me. But, for some reason, you stayed with me any way. You get me somehow. You understand."
In her head, Robyn was going "Aw..." No one told her Rowen could be so cute. He was adorable when he was being honest. Robyn couldn't help herself. She reached over and kissed him. Not on the mouth, but right on the side of it. Very light, very soft.
Rowen's hands flinched on hers when she did that; clenching then letting go. He smiled at her. A cute smile like a little boy's. But in his eyes glittered a look that only a man could give a woman.
"Rowen? Rowen Hashiba? Is that you?"
Both turned toward the female voice. Robyn's eyes fell on a gorgeous Japanese woman with beautiful skin and glossy hair. She smiled with full, red lips as Rowen recognized her.
"Naname, how are you?"
"I'm great," the beautiful woman beamed. "This is such a surprise to see you!" Her smiling turned teasing. "Did I catch you on a date?"
"Guilty," Rowen admitted. "This is my..."
He paused and Robyn held her breath. She could almost see his thought process on his face as he searched for the right word to call her. His what? Girlfriend? They had been living together for two years, that was more than girlfriend. But they weren't married and they weren't engaged. So just what was she to him?
"...Robyn."
"Your...Robyn?" the woman named Naname wondered. Not looking too impressed at the red head next to him.
Robyn wanted to shrink under that look. She was no match for a woman such as this, and Naname knew it.
Rowen laughed a bit awkward. "This is Robyn," he clarified.
"Ah, well, it's good to see you again, Rowen," Naname said, obviously bored with the topic of conversation. She waved politely, hardly sparing Robyn a second glance and walked off. "Call me sometime and maybe we can...catch up."
Robyn raised an eyebrow. She knew what that kind of "catch up" meant.
"Won't happen. Have a good day!" Rowen called back cheerfully.
Naname looked a bit confused at the comment, but left anyway.
"We used to date," Rowen explained after she had left. "But it wasn't for that long." He quickly added.
Robyn didn't reply. She was too busy comparing the beautiful woman to herself. That girl was drop dead gorgeous and Rowen had been dating her. Why did he ever stop? Even more, why did he stop and then end up with a girl like her? Compared to that woman, she was a joke. Even in the cute outfit she was wearing. In fact, compared to that Naname woman's looks, Robyn felt she was almost shaming her attire by wearing it. Why didn't Rowen jump at the chance to get back with that woman? Why was he still staring and smiling at her? What was wrong with him?
"Why not?" Robyn suddenly demanded to Rowen's earlier comment. "She was really hot! Why are you not going out with a girl like that? Why me? Hell, I'd even choose her over me!"
Rowen's expression looked mildly amused. "Merely the eye of the beholder." he assured her.
Robyn chewed on that for a bit. "So...when you act like every little thing I do turns you on---"
"Oh, I'm not acting," Rowen insisted. He looked at her straight faced, his voice frank and earnest. "I want to jump you about every five minutes. But I doubt you want me to do that in public so I hold back just for you."
Robyn hid her face in one hand. She couldn't believe he told her that with the seriousness he had said it.
"Thank you for your restraint," she mumbled sardonically behind her hand.
"Anything for you my love!" Rowen tittered, now back in "happy little boy" mode. He motioned for the waiter that he was ready to pay.
The last event of the day was a carnival. Robyn was more than happy to slip back into casual friendship mode as they rode on rides and played games. Robyn really enjoyed Rowen's company this way. Even in her own world. But it was this experience that made her realize just how much she enjoyed his company. Maybe, if she ever made it back to her own world, she would go to a carnival with her Rowen.
It was starting to get late. The sun was already down and the carnival lights were on full force when Robyn sat herself down on an empty bench. Her feet were really starting to hurt. She wasn't used to the type of shoes she was wearing. The only ones she owned herself were her school shoes and a pair of ratty sneakers.
She slipped them off and found angry, red marks on her feet where the straps had been. The bottoms of her feet hurt, too. The shoes were wood and not even padded. Robyn was not looking forward to walking clear across the carnival grounds to get back to the car.
"Your feet hurt?" Rowen asked as he walked up with a plate in his hand.
Robyn didn't hear a word he said. "You brought me funnel cake!" she beamed.
Rowen chuckled as he sat down and handed the plate over. Robyn heartily dug in. While she was otherwise occupied, Rowen grabbed her ankle and pulled the foot up into his lap to inspect them.
"Good grief!" he exclaimed. "How long have they been like this! They look awful! Why didn't you say something?"
"Hm?" Robyn was licking powdered sugar off her fingers and hardly seemed to care.
Rowen sighed. "You goof. You could have told me and I wouldn't have made you walk all the way--"
He stopped when a few drops of rain started to fall.
"Ah! My funnel cake!" Robyn lamented, leaning over the plate to shield it from the rain. "Quick! Help me eat it!"
"I can't believe this is your biggest worry right now," Rowen chuckled as he popped a piece of it into his mouth.
"Well what should it be?" Robyn suddenly retorted. "Maybe it should be how you had no idea how to introduce me to your ex hot girlfriend."
Rowen visibly flinched at the accusation when he was reminded of his earlier faux pax.
"I'm sorry about that."
Robyn pulled her foot away from him and moodily set about putting her shoes back on. She didn't know why she was suddenly angry. The incident had happened a few hours ago and she hadn't said anything about it then. Didn't that mean she had just lost the right to get mad about it now? Not withstanding the guy she was mad at wasn't even her guy. So why did it matter what he said? Maybe she was just feeling like she had to give him some kind of a hard time on behalf of the real Robyn in this world since she wasn't here. Or maybe, it really did hurt her feelings.
As usual for this experience, Robyn wasn't sure. But she felt it was okay to be mad at this point and continued to be as she got up and marched off. The rain was coming down harder now as Rowen ran to follow after her.
"Robyn, slow down!"
Robyn did, but only because it was pouring now. She looked at the sky, wondering how it started raining so hard so fast. She wasn't even half way across the grounds and she was soaked. Rowen caught up to her and grabbed her hand.
"Think we can make it back to the car?"
"Might as well try," Robyn shrugged. "We're not getting any dryer out here."
Rowen tugged her forward and the two jogged hand in hand between the closing displays and around others running for cover. A loud boom of thunder sounded, unleashing an even heavier dose of water from the sky. About the same time, Robyn tripped in her sandals. Her soaked clothes made it hard to move. She stumbled, but managed to catch her footing. However, she could feel the strap actually break skin that time.
Ignoring the pouring water, Robyn let go of Rowen's hand so she could stop and check out the damage. She squatted down as best she could to get a look at her foot. She slid it slowly out of the straps with a hiss as she saw the bruised skin now turning purple and the bright red where the strap had cut it.
Nice, Robyn. You just HAD to wear sandals even know you knew you'd be walking around in them all day.
Robyn squeaked when she felt a pair of arms lift her up and carry her over to an awning in front of a small building. Rowen squatted, with her still in his arms and his back against the wall, so he could drape her over his lap and inspect her foot without having to set her on the wet, dirty ground.
Robyn bit her lip as he ran his fingers near the purple and red bruise.
"Well that really did it," Rowen commented, putting her foot down. "You can't walk in those any more. I'm going to carry you."
"Oh, no thanks," Robyn insisted. "I'm not letting you do that in public in the middle of a rain storm. Plus it will take twice as long to get to the car if you have to carry me."
"I'll run," Rowen grinned.
Robyn was even less thrilled with that idea and it showed all over her face. She could just imagine how embarrassing it would be bouncing along in his arms while Rowen tried to run and carry her at the same time. And with her luck, he would probably trip, too and that would be a disaster. No, no carrying.
Rowen sighed, running out of options. He gazed out into the heavy rain and he tried to think, absently brushing back his soaked bangs from his face. The action was not lost on Robyn. So close to him, she couldn't help but notice how his hair stuck to his face like that. How his clothes clung to the body coiled beneath her. The rain had always reminded her of him. It fit him some how.
A droplet of water ran down his neck and disappeared under his collar and Robyn felt the urge to want to see as it continued on its journey down Rowen's chest.
The blue eyed young man turned his head to look at her and feelings of guilt rose up in her for thinking that way. A smile crept over Rowen's face.
"You look really good when you're in the rain."
Oh yeah, feelings of guilt gone now.
When Robyn didn't answer, Rowen let his mouth wander closer to hers. Robyn held her breath. He was a gorgeous sight, but she had to keep her wits about her.
"Shouldn't we be trying to get out of this weather?" she asked her voice shaking a bit.
Rowen was so close now, it almost felt like she was talking into his mouth. He paused in his advance, mulling over the option to kiss her or get out of the rain.
"You don't want me to carry you?" he asked, not pulling back even a bit.
Robyn didn't even have room to shake her head. She could almost taste his breath and it was mesmerizing. "...no." she managed to get out.
"You should let me," Rowen continued, his voice just a low murmur beneath the beating rain. "Walking will just tear those cute, little feet up more."
"I'm walking," Robyn insisted, though she was not looking forward to pulling away from Rowen's body heat. It was starting to get cold.
"I'll tell you what," Rowen offered. "You kiss me and I'll let you walk out of here."
"Kiss you?" Robyn asked, looking dubious. "Where did you get that from?"
Rowen gave her a look that would have made her knees go weak had she been standing.
"Seeing you like this, I have to have something or I'll go crazy. Either kiss me or I have to hold your body close until we're out of here."
Robyn stared at him. No, Rowen was never one to beat around the bush. But she was still not used to him telling her about these kind of desires so frankly.
"So what's it going to be?" Rowen continued.
Robyn looked him in the face. That extra long lock of hair was sticking to his forehead. She reached up and brushed it away as she stared into his eyes. They were beautiful. So clear and blue like the sky on a sunny day. Now they were greying with a weather and with the growing sensuality that was radiating from him. To say she had never wondered what it would be like to kiss him would have been a lie. This was her chance.
She leaned in a bit forward. True to what he said, Rowen did not move. He really did want her to kiss him. Robyn closed her eyes as if she were about to take a fantastic jump and leaned in all the way. When her mouth finally contacted with his, Rowen came alive. If Robyn had expected this to be a quick, light kiss, she had been mistaken. Rowen kissed her back hungrily and deeply, tightening his arms around to her to keep her close. When he did this, something inside Robyn broke free. Her hands flew up to clutch his head, pulling him closer and crushing his mouth against hers. She could barely breathe and she didn't care.
Robyn was pouring all the locked up tension she didn't even know she had into that kiss. It felt like she had been waiting to kiss him like this her entire life. Maybe she had. Maybe she had always wanted it to be this way between them but never realized it until now.
They broke away from each other, panting for air.
"Wow," Rowen managed between breaths. "You really wanted to walk, didn't you?"
Robyn looked away, her whole face flushing red. She hadn't meant for it to turn out that way. She peeled herself away from him and got to her feet.
"Come on, let's get to the car. It's getting cold."
Rowen stood and took her hand. The two of them ran through the rain towards the parking lot. Robyn almost didn't notice the raw pains on her feet. Her head was still buzzing from that kiss. Who would have thought she could react to Rowen like this? Who ever guessed Rowen was such a good kisser?
The rain never let up as they made it to the car and dove inside. Robyn rubbed her cold wet arms as Rowen started up the engine and turned on the heat. The storm had made it pretty chilly outside and being soaked to the bone wasn't helping. The car heater wasn't much better. It still didn't change the fact they were both soaking wet, it only blew warmer air around. Robyn had never been so glad to arrive to an apartment that wasn't hers.
By then, the rain had lifted a bit, but it was still coming down. Rowen got out of the car, being drenched anew. He opened the door for Robyn and when she got out, he promptly swept her up in his arms.
"Hey!" Robyn objected. "You said--"
"This isn't so public and the door's right there," Rowen insisted. "Just let me take you the rest of the way."
Robyn conceded with a sigh and Rowen carried her up to the front porch. He put her down long enough to fish out his keys and unlock the door and then swept her up again, kicking the door shut behind them. Robyn fought less the second time. It was late and the car ride had made her sleepy. It felt nice not having to be on her aching feet. It felt very nice to have Rowen so close. She liked having her arms around his neck as he carried her down the hall. She liked the smell of his damp hair and buried her nose in it at the back of his neck.
"Here we go," Rowen said, setting her down on the bed.
Robyn lay back with a sigh, kicking off those horrid shoes. Rowen removed his shoes and socks as well. Then he climbed up next to her and sat back on his knees, removing his shirt. The thing was dripping with water.
"Oh, we're getting the bed all wet," Robyn worried, trying to sit up.
Rowen tossed his shirt aside, now kneeling in nothing but soaking wet jeans.
"Then let's get you out of those wet clothes," Rowen offered, reaching for the buttons on her blouse.
That was when Robyn really woke up.
"No, no, I got it!" Robyn floundered, turning away from him. "Can you just...get me a blanket or something? It's cold."
"Yeah. Hold on."
Robyn sighed as Rowen turned away to do the task she had given him. Now while he went to the hall to fetch a blanket she could hurry and put on a dry shirt before he got back. Unfortunately for her, there was a blanket in the chest at the foot of their bed. He never had to leave the room. And before Robyn could decide what to do next, he was already back upon her.
"Here, just let me do it."
Before Robyn could stop him, he had already reached for the ends of her shirt and pulled it up over her head. Robyn's first instinct was to clutch herself and scream, but there was already a thick blanket wrapped around her. Rowen also had his arms around her outside the blanket.
"Better?" he asked.
Robyn leaned back into him, letting her muscles relax again.
"Mm...much better. I have never so much missed being dry." She allowed one hand to peek out and touch his arm. Rowen's skin was chilled to the touch. "Rowen, you're freezing!"
"Wanna let me in, then?" he asked slyly in her ear.
Robyn's heart jumped. She didn't want him to be cold and it wasn't the first time she had ever shared a blanket with him. But this time all she had on was a bra and a wet skirt and all he had on...she didn't want to think about what he was wearing. The mental picture was messing with her judgement. She wondered if Rowen knew how much a man in just a pair of jeans turned her on. He probably knew. He almost seemed to know more about her than she did herself.
Even more alarming, Robyn was finding that she didn't mind the idea of snuggling skin to skin with Rowen in the blanket so much. Maybe she was just getting tired of being horrified by every come on between her experience with Cye and her experience with Rowen. But either way, the idea was becoming more and more appealing.
"I...do..." The words almost slipped out unintentionally. But it was the truth. She really did.
Her heart thudded in her chest as he took the blanket from her and moved in behind her, wrapping the blanket around them both. Robyn breathed in deep as she tried to slow her heart so he wouldn't notice it was racing so fast. She tentatively leaned against his strong chest, feeling the heat from his body almost immediately. His arms and his legs were all wrapped around her and Robyn felt she would never get out of the tangle of his long limbs. Never wanted to get out.
This felt so nice and warm and safe. Robyn just wanted to drift off, forever held in this peaceful cocoon.
"Hey, are you falling asleep?" Rowen's voice reached her.
"Mmm..." was all she managed, eyes closed.
"Hey, don't go to sleep now!" Rowen urged as he ripped off the blanket. "I've got something for you! Hold on."
Robyn snatched up the blanket and pulled it around herself as she curiously watched Rowen run out of the room. He came back a few moments later with a large box and an excited expression on his face. Robyn didn't know what to make of it as he gently set the box in her lap.
"What's this for?" Robyn wondered. Maybe she really WAS supposed to remember an important day today.
It was then Rowen faltered a bit. He held back, searching for the right words.
"Remember how you were mad at me earlier? When I wasn't sure how to introduce you? Well, it wasn't that I didn't know what you were to me, it was that I was planning on changing that soon, you know?"
Robyn looked at him blankly. "No...not really." She had no idea what he was getting at.
Something inside the box moved. Robyn jumped.
"What is it?"
"Open it," Rowen beamed.
Robyn carefully lifted the lid and out crawled the cutest orange and white kitten Robyn had ever seen. The creature mewled as it climbed out, eager to be out of its box
"Kya!" she squealed as she picked up the creature and cuddled it. "He's SO cute! Is he mine?"
"Just for you," Rowen nodded. "I know you're not big into rings and all the traditional stuff. But I wanted to get you something-something I know you'd really love before asking you this."
Robyn stopped cooing to the kitten long enough to look him in the face.
"Ask me what?"
Rowen leaned in, almost as if he was going to kiss her, giving her a fantastic view of his lean, topless body. He held back a few inches from her face and whispered. "Robyn, please marry me."
Robyn stared at him wide eyed. They began to water. He wanted her to marry him out of the blue and he had given her just a little kitten as an engagement gift.
"What? What's wrong?" Rowen asked, looking alarmed.
Robyn sniffed. "You... you get me. You understand."
Rowen smiled the most beautiful smile she had ever seen from him. "Of course. I love you." He leaned in to kiss her. "So will you?"
Robyn meant to lean forward and speak her answer, but her palm slipped on the edge of the bed and she felt herself tumbling over the side. From there, it felt like she was falling into a black hole. She could see Rowen moving to grab her, but she had already fallen much farther than anyone could ever reach and she was still falling.
Robyn's eyes popped open. She sat up with a start and looked around. Everything she had known from a second ago had disappeared. She was in a different room, different bed-alone. Robyn tried to make sense of it all. This was the first time she had woken up in a strange room without a familiar stranger naked in her bed. This time there wasn't anyone at all. Nor did it look like any one had shared the bed with her at all that night. In fact, the entire room looked devoid of any male influence for a while. So where was she?
The sound of someone shuffling around in what Robyn guessed was a downstairs told her to get up. She was well covered in regular pajamas so Robyn didn't bother to dress as she decided to march right down there and see what she was put up against this time.