Flirting

There will be three chapters (total - not counting Exploration) to this. I won't be posting daily more likely every other day. I hope you enjoy their three milestones.

Robbie, Laura and James walked the streets enjoying their chips. The boys regaled her with the story of their case. Robbie smiled down at Laura, "So at least Hathaway got a glimpse of the rock and roll life. That's educational."

James smiled, "Yes, now I know what it feels like to be Britney Spears."

"Will it stop you dressing like her on your days off?" Robbie asked.

"Probably not. That's another thing I shall need counseling for. I spent all afternoon in a lake full of crap with knives in it saving your presents, doctor. I haven't begun on the matter of compensation."

Robbie looked at him, "Would you settle out of court for a pint?"

James looks at him confused, "What do you think I am?"

"Thirsty?"

"Two pints!"

"Done."

James pulled his ringing mobile from his pocket, "Excuse me."

Laura and Robbie continued walking toward the pub. She lightly hit his arm, "Oh pull yourself together, Lewis. You're only young once and that was a long time ago. I'll buy you a drink and you can bang on about how perfect everything was in your day. Now when I say buy you a drink I should point out that I don't actually have any cash."

Laura took his arm squeezing it lightly as they walked to the pub with James trailing behind them. As James ended the call, he watched the two chatting amiably. He wondered if they knew how they felt about each other. It was perfectly clear to anyone who saw them together. But he was fairly certain they were oblivious.

Laura laughed at something Robbie, her face lit from within. When Robbie opened the door she ducked under his arm spinning gracefully before smiling up at him and lightly touching his chest. Robbie was just about to cover her hand with his when he remembered they had an audience. Dropping his hand, he turned back to James. "Come on clever clogs, I owe you two pints."

Holding up his hands, "I'll take a raincheck. Nothing personal but I got a better offer."

Laura stepped away from Robbie, "What could possibly be better than an evening spent with us?"

James blushed, "Well, uh…"

She laughed, waving over her shoulder as she turned back into the pub, "Have fun, James."

He laughed as he realized she was teasing him, "Good night, doctor. Inspector."

Robbie watched him walk away, wondering what he was up to. He felt Laura's small hand clasping his and turned back to her. "What was that all about?"

She smiled up at him, "I think your Sergeant has a date."

"What? How?"

Shaking her head, "The phone call."

"No…"

Lightly stroking his chest, "Get us a drink and I will explain it to you."

He smiled down at her, confusion clouding his expression. "Your usual?"

Sliding her hand down his chest, she found his hand, squeezing it softly. "I'll get us a table."

She was gone before he could respond. Her hand slid from his and he found he missed her touch. He'd noticed it more of late. It was always a casual effort on her part. A soft touch to his arm when they talked, occasionally looping her arm into his when they walked side by side.

It was nothing really, normal intimacy between good friends. And yet, lately he found he searched for scenarios where she might touch him. It was probably nothing. They were friends, she didn't think of him that way.

Shaking his head, he turned to the bar. He placed their order and turned back to find her in the crowded bar. She waved at him, a mischievous smile lighting her face. She really was stunning.

Paying for the drinks, he reminded himself she was his best friend. He was too old for her, she wouldn't ever think of him as anything more than a friend. Lifting the drinks, he wound his way through the bar toward her.

He set her drink in front of her as he sat. Their chairs were close together, for a moment he thought about moving it away. But he caught a whiff of her perfume and decided he liked being this close to her. He slipped his arm around the back of her chair, raising his glass. "Cheers."

"You can do better than that."

Shaking his head, "No, I was never very good at toasts."

Holding up her glass, "I guess I will have to do it." He nodded for her to continue. Leaning closer, she lowered her voice, he had to move even closer to hear her. "Wise, kind, generous, sexy…but enough about me, here's to you."

Robbie laughed, touching his glass softly to hers. She smiled at him over her glass, her eyes dancing with amusement. "That might be the best toast I've ever heard."

"Thank you."

They drank in silence for a bit. Finally, Robbie asked, "Do you really think James had a date?"

"Well I think date might be a generous term but yes he was meeting someone."

"You mean…"

"Yes, I mean." Raising an eyebrow, she smiled at him, "Are you shocked?"

A blush heated his cheeks, "Not shocked, surprised maybe."

"Did you think he was celibate?"

"I've never really given it much thought. Have you?"

"Been celibate?"

He spluttered his drink, "I meant given much thought…"

"To sex? Oh you'd be shocked by how often I give thought to it."

Suddenly his heart was beating a bit faster than normal, his mouth was unnaturally dry. He took a sip of his drink, trying to settle his suddenly unsavory thoughts. She was teasing him, nothing more, it was their normal banter.

Meeting her steady gaze, "So you've given a lot of thought to Hathaway and sex."

"Well not sex with Hathaway. But as separate topics, yes."

There was something about the way she said the last part. She'd leaned in, almost whispered the words. In the past, he would have discounted the closeness, chalked it off to the loudness of the pub. But now, enveloped by her perfume, intoxicated by the heat of her body, he couldn't dismiss it. Laura Hobson was flirting with him. And, more importantly, he liked it.