*~*~*~*~*


Lindsay wakes feeling slightly disorientated. She's puzzled by the heavy weight that seems to surround her. Her mind is foggy from sleep and her body feels unusually numb. Confusion reigns supreme as she tries to will her eyes to open. Slowly the fog begins to clear only to cause a greater confusion as her senses kick in. She sees three hands on the mattress in front of her. She decides either she's grown an extra arm over night, and a rather large muscular one at that, or she isn't alone. The fact she can hear and feel someone breathing behind her tends to lend support to her latter theory. At least that would also explain the weight pressed against and over her she concludes. Her eyes open wider as she attempts to take in her surroundings. She soon realizes not only is she not alone but she's also not at home. A groan escapes her mouth. Almost immediately the large hand resting before her rises and leaves her field of vision. She feels the weight of the attached arm lift from her side and then a soft gentle caress as the hand lands on her thigh and travels slowly up to her hip. "You ok?" a croaky sleep riddled voice asks and Lindsay remembers exactly how she ended up where she is and smiles. Bobby! She kissed Bobby.

At the Christmas party last night she kissed Bobby. She gave him what was meant to be a soft friendly Christmas kiss but it caused a reaction in her she didn't expect. It forced her to finally stop listening to her head and go with her heart. "I'm fine!" she answers him leaning back contentedly into his warmth. She reaches down until her hand rests on his as his thumb continues to rub across her hip. She squeezes his hand softly before bringing hers back to rest in front of her. Relaxed she begins to drift off to sleep. She feels his hand lift from her thigh as he reaches over her drawing her even closer to him before allowing his hand to come to rest on top of hers. She opens her eyes and looks at where her hand once was, where it still is but is now completely hidden. Only his hand is visible to her now. His strong slender fingers are all she can see. His large, powerful yet tender hand completely envelopes hers. The image it creates is beautiful, magnificent, breathtaking. She can't stop the smile or the emotion the image brings forth but nor does she want to. For the first time in a long time she is happy. Completely happy. And not just because of the man sleeping behind her but because of the future. The future, that had been put on hold, until yesterday. Yesterday's verdict returned the future to them and it feels so good.

They'd all been surprised when the jury came back so soon but, as Ellenor kept saying, "It's Friday, it's Christmas!" Every one just wanted to go home. The judge, the jury, the firm, everyone just wanted to go back to their lives. The fear for the firm though was that they wouldn't have lives to go back to. She remembers looking at Bobby as the jury filed in and despite his calm appearance she knew he was terrified. She knew because she was terrified too. Questions ran through her mind. Questions she did not know the answers to. What would they do if they lost? Could they rebuild? Could they start again from scratch? If they did would it be the same, or, would there be casualties? Who would they lose? Would it be her? Would this be it? Were they finished?

"We find in favour of the defendant."

The sweetest words she'd ever heard. The sweetest words, that is, until ten hours later when Bobby told her he loved her for the first time. She'd kissed him. A soft chaste kiss immediately followed by a kiss full of passion and longing and a love she no longer denied. And he'd hung on to her. Hung on as if he was afraid if he let her go she would run from him. And he begged for her to give him a chance.

"I know you don't think we are right for each other Lindsay... I know you want someone who can pull you away from all this but ... Lindsay I love you ... and I can't go another moment without telling you that. I want to be with you ... You're all I think about ... I want us to be a couple ... I want to kiss you and touch you and love you ... please ... Lindsay, let me love you!"

And she said yes. Not with words but with another kiss and they held each other tight. They've been in each others arms ever since and there is no where else she would rather be. She can't wait to spend this day exactly there, in his arms, the whole day. And then she remembers. "Oh shit!"

"I have to go" Lindsay says hurriedly disentangling herself and standing.

"Lindsay wait!" Bobby pleads confused by her sudden flight. He manages to grab her hand preventing her from moving away from the bed.

"Bobby please I have to go!" She tries to pull away but he won't let her go.

"Lindsay" he scrambles across the bed towards her. Kneeling he pulls her against him "I thought you were ok with this ... with us ... I thought..."

"Oh I am Bobby" she kisses him caressing his face "I'm more than ok with it Bobby. I'm happier than I've ever been ... but ... now, I've really got to go!"

"Why?"

She sighs "I'm having lunch with my father ... It's our Christmas tradition. We always have lunch the Saturday before Christmas. In less than an hour he'll be picking me up and it won't look good if I'm just arriving home. I have to get home, get showered and dressed before he gets there, so Bobby, please I really have to go! Let me go."

He lets go and sits back on his heels watching as she hurriedly dresses.

"Can I see you tonight?" he asks.

"Yes! ... Definitely yes! ... I'll call you as soon as I'm free ... Bye" She gives him a quick peck on the cheek and rushes out of the room.

He flops back down on the bed letting out a long contented breath. He looks up and sees her come back into the room and jumps from the bed meeting her half way. They kiss long, deep and passionate before, breaking and sighing, she breathlessly says "I've really got to go." He nods and kisses her softly before she spins out of his arms and runs out the door again. He looks over at the bed but decides against it instead heading to the kitchen. A strong cup of coffee is in order. He finishes making it and is just taking his first sip when the phone rings.

"Bobby Donnell" he answers.

"It's me ... I was in such a rush I didn't think ... do you want to come to lunch?"

"With you and your father?"

"Yeah"

"Do you want me to?"

"Only if you want to."

"So we're at the meet the family stage already are we? That was fast."

"You're right ... it's too soon ... forget I said anything bye" she hangs up.

Bobby mentally slaps himself and dials her number.

"Lindsay Dole"

"I was only teasing Lindsay I'd love to come."

"Really? Because you don't have to."

"I know I don't have to. I want to."

"Ok ... great"

"So where are we eating?"

"I don't know it's dad's choice. I'll let you know when I find out."

"So I'll see you then"

"Yeah ... Bye"

"Bye"


*~*~*~*~*


Lindsay is sitting at the table with her father. Fifteen minutes of travel time and five minutes of waiting in the restaurant and they have already exhausted every topic of conversation. The stilted atmosphere between them is tortuous and she greatly regrets having invited Bobby to join them. It was an entirely impetuous decision. Had she given it any thought she wouldn't have made the call. These lunches with her father are always the same. She was driving home, panicked and rang and invited Bobby hoping it would make it better but deep down she knows it won't. The icy strained atmosphere between her and her father will only be made worse by including an outsider; a man who is a stranger to her father. A man who means the world to her and who, just last night, she entered into a relationship with. A relationship so new they are yet to establish its boundaries. How could she have been so stupid as to subject it to this on it's first day? "Stupid idea Lindsay stupid!" she says to herself. If she could take back the invitation she would but she can't. It's too late now anyway Bobby has arrived.

Lindsay watches him enter the restaurant and look around for her and as much as she regrets having invited him she is pleased to see him. She watches him scanning the diners searching for her and enjoys watching him. She knows instead of just staring she should signal to him but then remembers she is yet to tell her father she's invited someone to join them. "Now's as good a time as any" she thinks and turns her attention back to her father. But the words don't come. How do you tell your father you've invited someone else to join you in what is supposed to be an intimate father daughter Christmas celebration? Most people's fathers would probably take it well, she thinks, but hers won't. Once again she will be disappointing him. She's still wrestling with the words to tell him when she hears her name and looks up to see Bobby standing next to her. "Bobby!" she says surprised. He kisses her softly on the cheek and she turns to look at her father who is watching none too pleased.

"Dad this is Bobby Donnell, Bobby, this is my father."

Bobby extends his hand to shake Mr. Dole's saying, "Pleased to meet you sir."

"Likewise ... Donnell? ... You work with Lindsay right?"

"Yes"

"Well it was nice to meet you Mr. Donnell." Mr. Dole says dismissing Bobby and once again reading his menu.

"Dad ... um ... Bobby is actually joining us for lunch."

"Oh! ... This is the first I've heard of it Lindsay." He says sternly and with an aggrieved expression.

"I'm sorry Dad I should have said something sooner" she replies with eyes downcast.

"Yes you should have Lindsay ... well am I to assume then that he is not 'just' a colleague?"

"No Dad he's not"

Mr. Dole looks from Lindsay to Bobby "Well Mr. Donnell..."

"Bobby"

"Well, Bobby, sit and join us."

Bobby sits feeling like an unwelcome intruder. He looks at Lindsay and her father noting both are studying the menus as if they will be examined on them later. He's never felt so uncomfortable and given the situations he's been in in the past that's saying something. The waiter arrives shortly and takes their orders and the menus leaving Lindsay and her father with nothing to use as a distraction. After five more minutes of uncomfortable silence Lindsay gets up and excuses herself practically running to the bathroom.

The moment she's gone Mr. Dole looks at Bobby and says "So how long has this been going on?"

Bobby is startled, first, that he's been spoken to and second by the tone of the question. "Lindsay and I have been together now for um...." he pauses to calculate "17 hours." Secretly he's pleased by the shocked expression on Mr. Dole's face.

"17 hours and you're already meeting the family" Mr. Dole mumbles not really speaking to Bobby. Bobby laughs and Mr. Dole looks at him annoyed. He was only making an observation and not a humorous one at that he thinks.

"Well she's already met my dad I guess she just wanted us to be even" Bobby comments.

"She's already met your family?"

"My father yes. He came to see the office extension. You know Lindsay did an amazing job on that."

Mr. Dole nods looking away seeming to have lost interest in the conversation. Bobby doesn't bother continuing. They sit there silently watching the other diners and not acknowledging each other. Bobby's mobile rings and embarrassed but relieved he apologizes and answers it.

"Bobby Donnell"

"It's me"

"Where are you?"

"There's a payphone outside the toilets. Bobby go outside we need to talk."

"Ok hold on a moment." He excuses himself from the table and walks out. "What is it?"

"I'm so sorry."

"For what?"

"This ... lunch ... everything."

"It's not that bad"

"Liar!"

Bobby laughs.

"Bobby I don't want to do this."

"You ... you want me to go?"

"Yes ... no ... yes ... I mean ... yes but not just you ... I don't want to stay. I want to leave with you. I want to be with you ... just us."

"I like that idea very much."

"God I wish we could"

"Do you have your phone?"

"Yes it's in my bag. Why?"

"Look go back to the table and I'll call you. You can tell him you have to leave on urgent business."

"I can't!"

"Whatever. It's up to you Lindsay."

She's silent for a moment and then Bobby hears "Ok ... lets do it."

He gives a squeal of delight and she laughs.

She hangs up and heads to the table "Where's Bobby?" she asks her father as she sits down.

"He got a phone-call just after you left."

"Oh ok" she answers impatiently waiting for Bobby to call. Three more minutes go by and she is starting to get anxious when her phone rings.

"Lindsay Dole" she says grabbing it out of her bag and answering it.

"Have I ever told you how sexy you sound on the phone" a husky voice says.

Barely managing to keep a straight face she says in an annoyed voice "You've got to be kidding!"

"No I'm totally serious. I've never heard anything like it. When I hear you I can't stop thinking about you ... and how good you feel pressed against me ... and how good you taste ... and how much I want to..."

"I'll be right there!" she says jumping out of her seat and hanging up "I'm so sorry Dad but I have to go immediately."

"It's Christmas" he protests.

"I know but in this job it's just another day. Sorry but I have to go."

"Lindsay are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"What do you mean?"

"This Donnell character."

She sighs picking up her bag. She kisses her fathers cheek saying "He's a good man Dad and I love him" before walking away with a smile that just won't go away.

Bobby grabs her as she leaves the restaurant. They kiss long and hard. "Did you mean all that?" she asks when they break.

"Every word!" he answers kissing her again.

"I can't believe we are doing this" she laughs

"Kissing?"

"No ditching my father."

"No offence Lindsay but we are."

"None taken and I'm glad."

"Let's go" he reaches for her hand

"Not yet"

"What? Why not?"

"Bobby you have to go back inside."

"What! ... Why?"

"Bobby you have to tell him you're leaving. You can't just answer the phone and then disappear permanently. What sort of impression would that make? ... Besides" she grins "your overcoat is still in there."

He sighs, "Ok but don't you move."

She smiles watching him purposefully walk back into the restaurant.

"Mr. Dole I must apologize I'm afraid I can't stay. I have a panicked client who insists on meeting with me. Please apologize to Lindsay when she returns and tell her I'll call her later."

"Oh Lindsay's been and gone already also on business."

"Really? Well I am sorry I know how much she was looking forward to today." Bobby puts on his coat and places some money on the table "That should cover our food. I hope we can try this again sometime soon. Bye."

When he gets outside to Lindsay he asks her "Did you drive"

"No"

"Perfect" he grabs her hand pulling her to the carpark.

"Perfect why?" she asks when they reach his car.

"Perfect because this time you can't go rushing off on me" he puts his arms around her waist "Without your car you're stuck at my place until I decide to take you home."

Smiling she places her arms around his neck and says "Have you ever heard of a taxi Bobby?"

He leans against her heavily pushing her against the car. Staring directly into her eyes he asks "Have you ever heard of sex Lindsay?"

"I have" she grins "and I've heard it can be quite..." leaning up until her lips are against his ear she whispers "pleasurable."

He takes in a sharp breath, drops his arms from her waist and rushes to the driver's side of the car. "Get in" he shouts when he's unlocked the door. "Don't talk and don't touch" he warns as she gets in.

"What?" she laughs

"I'm serious Lindsay. My brains only working on 10% capacity after your last comment. If you want me to get us home alive you'd better behave yourself."

She giggles until he pulls out of the carpark so fast that she actually becomes concerned for their safety. She watches him grip the steering wheel so tight his knuckles are turning white and becomes just as tense and anxious to get home as he is.

The screech of brakes as he pulls up outside his apartment building is so loud that despite the tension they laugh. It feels so good to have finally arrived.

"Anyone would think you are in a hurry to get home for something," Lindsay teases.

Bobby turns to reply but when their eyes meet the smiles drop off both their faces as the tension rebuilds. Without speaking they are out of the car and into the building in a flash. Bobby repeatedly pounds on the elevator button as Lindsay leans against the wall trying to compose herself. Fists clenched, eyes closed and breathing deeply she waits for the ring of the elevator to signal it's arrival. Bobby moves to her, placing his hands on the wall either side of her head and leaning into her. She opens her eyes and stares into his. They wait for the elevator for what feels like an eternity but in reality is little more than 30 seconds. They do not speak but their eyes tell each other all they need to know. The elevator arrives and they enter almost before the doors have finished opening. Bobby pounds on the close door button with one hand and reaches for Lindsay with the other. The door begins to close and Lindsay wraps her arms around his neck pulling him towards her. A frantic voice calling "Bobby!" from outside the elevator interrupts them. Slamming his body into the doors to prevent them from closing Bobby looks out to see old Mrs. Riley from the apartment above him struggling with her shopping bags and rushing, desperate to get to the elevator. Lindsay steps out taking some of the bags from her and helping her in. When she is safely in Bobby moves away from the doors allowing them to close. He stands behind Lindsay and wraps his arms around her waist. She leans back into him with a barely audible sigh. Mrs. Riley looks over at them and smiles.

"It's about time you found yourself a nice girl Bobby I was beginning to wonder if you had your eye on me."

Bobby smiles at her "Is that an offer Mrs. Riley?"

"Get away with you you cheeky monkey" she chuckles.

Bobby introduces Lindsay to her. The door opens at his floor. Bobby, with his hands on Lindsay's hips, gently pushes and guides her out.

"You two have fun now." Mrs. Riley says as they exit the elevator.

The doors close and Bobby looks down at Lindsay. She turns in his arms running her hands up his chest. He forgets the smart-ass comment he was about to make. He forgets everything he learnt in law school and the years of practice since. If pressed he'd probably even find he'd forgotten his own name but what he does know is he wants this woman in his arms. He wants her more than he's ever wanted anything in his life and looking into her eyes he sees this same want reflected. And he loses what little sense he had as he begins to devour her. Thought no longer comes into it. Everything is now about sensation. Touching and being touched. Kissing and being kissed. More! More! More! He wants more! He wants her closer. He wants her tighter against him. Despite the fact he is already holding her firmly against him he steps forward, hoping to bring her closer still. His movement, however, causes them to lose balance and stumbling they slam against the wall and the elevator buttons. The chime as the door opens startles them. Separating they look up and are relieved to see the elevator is empty. Panting they turn to look at one another.

Lindsay is surprised to see just how successful her hands have been whilst she was otherwise occupied. Bobby is standing there with his shirt totally untucked and unbuttoned. The look in his eyes warns her she is about to end up the same way unless she acts to stop it now. She steps to the side just as he steps forward reaching for her. Ignoring his groan of protest she grabs his hand and pulls him after her as she walks intently towards his door. Realizing her action wasn't one of rejection but an attempt to get them closer to their true goal he follows willingly. Ten steps later though he decides just their hands is not enough connection. He stops and pulls her to him. She allows him one kiss before imploring "Bobby!" He compromises. Without letting her go and without forgoing another kiss he begins to move towards his apartment. She struggles with her footing as she is forced to walk backwards and contend with his roving hands but he reaches around her waist and holds her to him keeping her upright. Finally, and in an almost decent state, they manage to get to his door. He shows no interest in opening it though so she reaches into his coat pocket pulling out his keys and opening the door. Quite a considerable effort considering this was managed without breaking the kiss. She steers them inside slams the door behind them and then gives up all semblance of self control. Giving in to her own desires. Giving in to the pleasure of Bobby so totally consuming her. When he developed five extra hands she doesn't know but he must have them because she can feel him everywhere at once. Every part of her body tingles with his touch. And yet it still it isn't enough. More! She must have more.

Whereas last nights lovemaking was slow and tender, almost hesitant, as if Bobby was afraid at any moment Lindsay would change her mind and he wanted to savor every moment she was willing to give. Today he's ferocious. Last night merely whetted his appetite and now he's desperate for more, much more! An animalistic longing overtakes both of them. A desire for all the tension and uncertainty of the past months to be abated here and now. They are both sure enough this time that their own feelings are reciprocated to feel comfortable about expressing their own need. They feel comfortable about staking their claim. Comfortable about taking exactly what they need from each other and are more than willing to give to the other in return. Look out clothes. Look out furniture. Look out walls. Anything that gets in their way is meted with harsh treatment. They don't make it to the bedroom, they barely make it through the front door, but geography really isn't the issue. Why waste time taking it some place more comfortable when the issue can just as adequately be resolved here and now. And it is resolved. Resolved very well indeed. As the discarded clothes, broken vase, upturned side table and entwined sated bodies lay testament too.

"We almost did it" Bobby says.

"Did what?"

"Made it to the couch"

"Hmmm" is her only reply. She isn't concerned at all that they never made it. She is quite happy with where they are for the moment. Quite happy to be laying where she is with Bobby as her cushion. He places his hand on hers bringing it up behind his neck.

"Hold on" he says.

"I have no intention of letting go" she whispers.

He kisses her cheek before planting his hands on the floor beside him and pushing until his body slides up taking her with him until he is leaning against the couch. He relaxes against the cushions pulling her against him.

"Better?" she asks

"Much"

She settles comfortably against him. Neither one willing to break the connection they've made. Content to remain in each other's arms. Content to enjoy the feel of skin and the sound of the other's breathing. Like seeks like. Fingers play with fingers. Eyes explore eyes. Lips meet.

"What time is it?" Bobby eventually asks.

"Just after three I think ... why?"

"You promised me lunch Lindsay and the instead of lunch I get a full body workout."

"So what you are trying to tell me here is you are hungry?"

"Starved!"

"Do you have any food in the apartment Bobby because I really don't want to move."

"I have cake!"

"Just cake?"

"Oh no I have more than cake I just like to get to the best bits first."

"So I've noticed." Lindsay closes her eyes and snuggles in to him.

"Oh no you don't" he says "get up ... come on ... lets grab some food and have breakfast in bed."

"Breakfast?"

"And lunch and dinner and everything in between."

"Ok Donnell show me what you have to offer."

"I thought I already did that."

"Food Bobby! Because trust me you are going to need it."

"Is that a promise?"

"It's a promise."


*~*~*~*~*


Twenty-four hours later

Lindsay waking shifts down in the bed and grimaces with the pain that shoots through her body. A slight moan emits from her before she smiles recollecting why she feels as she does. Why every muscle aches and she feels so physically exhausted. The end justifies the means she's often thought but this time the opposite is true. The means justifies the end. She would suffer this pain again and again willingly if she could relive the pleasure involved in creating it. Steeling herself for another bout of screaming muscles she rolls over to look at the cause of her pain and the source of her pleasure; Bobby. Sprawled is the word that comes to mind when she sees him. He's sprawled across the foot of the bed. Whereas she'd rolled over and curled up when she drifted off to sleep he'd remained sprawled on his back with his arms and legs outstretched. In the exact same position he was in when she crawled off him, how long, she checks the clock, 50 minutes ago. She guesses she's not the only one who's going to be sore upon wakening. She reaches out placing her hand in his outstretched one. Without opening his eyes and in a voice riddled with sleep he asks,

"Am I still alive?"

"I hope so." She replies playing with his fingers.

He turns his head to look at her and smiles. She wiggles over until she's laying against him with her head on his chest.

"This is going to be a good Christmas" he says, "I've already got everything I wanted." He brings his arm up and around her stroking her hair "How about you Lindsay? Have you got everything you want?"

She looks up with a grin and resting her chin on his chest says, "I don't know I haven't checked my stocking yet. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what Santa brings me."

"Oh you're a hard woman to please" he groans.

"You're doing well so far Bobby" she replies sliding up his body and kissing him.

She curls back down against him and begins to look around the room. Not surprisingly considering they have barely left it in the past twenty-four hours it's a mess. She sees plates that once held sandwiches, the crumbs of which she can feel under her hip. Wine bottles, glasses, fruit some fresh some just the skins or remnants of past feasts. A tub of ice cream, she winces at the thought of the melted goo that must now contain. A cake or at least the chunk left behind from handfuls being taken and devoured, cutlery was not considered necessary at the time. A wholesome diet? No, but one that has managed to sustain them so far. She reaches out and grabs a bunch of grapes taking one for herself and slipping one into Bobby's mouth. He smiles as he chews.

"It's going to take more than grapes this time Lindsay."

She doesn't reply but gives him another.

"I feel so old" he moans.

Laughing she says "Look around you Bobby."

"What?"

"We've totally trashed this room. I bet you haven't had a room like this since you were in college."

He raises himself up on his elbows looking around and then looks at her with a sly grin "You are a bad influence on me Lindsay Dole!"

"If I recall correctly Bobby most of this was your doing." She protests.

"And if I recall correctly Lindsay you didn't make any objection at the time."

"I still don't!" she emphatically states leaning in and kissing him.

Looking back around the room he says "The only thing missing is the beer cans and empty pizza boxes."

He turns to look at her and simultaneously they say "Pizza!"

He rolls over grabbing the phone and dialing. Giggling she scoots up to the head of the bed and lays back. He hangs up and rolls over to her.

"It'll be here in 25 minutes. So, Lindsay, what are we going to do for the next 25 minutes?"

"I thought you were feeling old Bobby?"

"Not anymore!"

"Thank God for pizza!" she vows as his mouth descends to hers.




*~*~*~*~*