Chapter 2

…

The day had been pretty hectic all round, Ronnie and Sam had been in court, Natalie trying to deal with a leak to the press protesting their suspect's innocence. By the time the end of day came, Natalie could barely keep her eyes open.

"Guv, everything okay?"

She looked up to see Sam standing in her doorway, looking a little concerned for his Boss.

"I'm alright Sam, how did it go in court?"

"They've put a hold on sentencing until they can examine the cctv footage."

"Damn it."

"He did this Guv, it was him. Whoever handed that disc to the press, it must be someone who knows him well."

"Well we've looked at his Wife, it ain't her, his Brother couldn't give a damn about him. He doesn't have many friends to speak off and the ones he does have or rather did have, well they've pretty much disowned him."

"So it has to been someone we've overlooked."

"Obviously, but who?"

"Come back to it in the morning?"

"That is a very good idea Sammy boy." Ronnie said, standing behind the younger man.

"Night Guv, night Ronnie."

Ronnie stood silently for a few moments until he was sure they were alone before walking into her office, she got up from her desk and came to lean against it. Ronnie pulled her up and wrapped his arms around her before bringing her in for a kiss, she moaned against his mouth as he held her tighter.

"I really needed that." She smiled.

"I know it's been a rough day luv but why don't we get you home, have you eaten today."

"A sandwich at lunchtime but that's it."

"Right then, how about I make my specialty for you."

"What's that then?"

"Lemon chicken Risotto, the only thing I can bloody cook right."

"Sounds perfect."

As they walked out of the office they were unaware that they were being watched, Angie couldn't help the small gasp that escaped her lips as she witnessed Ronnie's arm going around Natalie's waist as she leaned in to him.

…

As Natalie sat listening to the news, she could smell a faint smell of burning coming from her kitchen.

"RONNIE, YOU ALRIGHT IN THERE?"

"YEAH LUV FINE, TECHNICAL PROBLEM."

She got up and made her way in to the kitchen to find him fanning a tea towel over the frying pan. She let out a small giggle, causing him to turn around.

"Technical problem?" She asked.

"I eh…must have had it too high, different cooker and all that, I'm used to my own."

"That'll be it."

"Sorry luv, it's kinda' ruined."

She came up behind him, wrapping her arms around him as he set the pan to the side.

"Why don't we just order some Chinese or something instead?"

"I wanted to cook for you."

"Well, I'm sure there'll be plenty of other opportunities for you to cook."

"Well let's not over do it or anything, when you do finally try it you may not like it."

"I'm sure anything you cook will be delicious, I'll go order for us."

The Chinese was delayed and would be an hour at least so Natalie decided to run a bath, she had just got in when Ronnie appeared at the door.

"I wondered where you'd got too."

"Our dinner will be an hour at least, come join me."

"It's a bit small in there luv."

"I'm sure we'll manage."

Fifteen minutes later Ronnie had joined her in the tub, the warm water relaxing them. She leaned back against his chest and let out a small sigh, Ronnie instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist, placing a small kiss to the side of her neck.

"Wasn't this a good idea after all?" She asked.

"Not bad, not bad at all. Are you feeling any better now?"

"I am now that you're here with me."

"Stop, you'll make me blush." He joked.

"I was thinking about maybe this weekend asking the boys if they wanted to come over, maybe get to know you better?"

"They do know me, I drove you to the Hospital when you went in to labour with Jamie, remember."

"I do remember, god that was an embarrassing moment."

"Knout to be embarrassed about luv, natural thing in the world."

"What I meant before is that they only really know you as my friend and colleague, not as my…."

"Your….Boyfriend."

"Well, yes…Boyfriend makes us sound like we're still kids in our first real romance."

"It's what it's called Natalie."

"If you and I are serious about being together then I want them to know all about you, not just the work Ronnie but the real one."

"About my drinking and everything?"

"I don't want any secrets, not from my kids. I don't want them to come to resent you when they discover things they didn't know before. It's better to be upfront from the beginning, I don't want them to hate you like they have David."

"Even I'm not that bad."

"Ronnie, I'm serious."

"I know you are luv, okay we'll have dinner and I'll let them know all my deepest darkest secrets."

"Don't go terrifying them." She joked.

Natalie sat up to allow Ronnie to wash her back, she slowly turned around and did the same for him before leaning in to kiss him, he held on to her so that she wouldn't slip. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she lay her head on his shoulder as he placed soft kisses to her shoulder.

"I could stay like this forever." She whispered.

"Like wise."

The both looked up when they heard the doorbell ringing, a smile playing on her lips.

"An hour the delivery guy said." She muttered as she climbed out of the tub and wrapped her robe tightly around her.

"They're not called Express Noodles for nothing luv." He joked.

She tuned around, leaning back down for one last kiss.

"I do love you Ronnie."

"I love you too, go get the food. I'll be out in a minute."

…

To Be Continued….