Sorry buddy, that's just a battle you were never going to win.

You know, my day started out as being "one of those", but between Babs, Kav, and yourself... it's turning out to be one of the best ever!

Shirtless Jack crawling into bed with you.... and then kissing you like that... what a wonderful fantasy! I love Sue, but I'm soooooo jealous.

Thank you Oreo!!!!!!

Tina

Oh that last post was deliciously shivery, though I must say, I do feel for poor Levi. Perhaps they can get a king size bed so there's room for all three of them? As to Myles and Saida. Double Maybe it's because we don't expect the romantic to come out of Myles that it feels like a double whammy when it does! And I love how he teases Saida. I have to say, for all the trouble he had with his sister growing up, I think it has made him thick-skinned enough to persevere with Saida. So, I guess fighting with siblings is good for something.

kav

This is the second to the last post. Things are heating up.

Chapter 28

Making her 7:00 a.m. rounds, Tara’s nurse smiled at the scene before her. The woman in the bed, who was doing remarkably well considering someone had tried to kill her, slept peacefully. While the man, much too tall for the fold out cot, slept beside her. He sat up instantly when Dawn started taking Tara’s vitals. “Is everything all right with Tara?”

“Fine,” she whispered. “I’m just doing my rounds.”

Tara woke when the blood pressure cuff tightened. She frowned at the nurse. “I hope you realize you just interrupted one of the best dreams I’ve ever had.” Dawn lifted Tara’s wrist to take her pulse.

Bobby squeezed Tara’s hand. “I hope it was starring a certain handsome Australian.”

“Well, if her pulse is any indication, I’d say you were,” Dawn said with a grin. “They’ll be in to get some more blood, and if it comes back okay, I’m sure you’ll be leaving us today.”

“Thanks, sheila,” Bobby said.

“And I ordered an extra breakfast tray for you ---mate.” She giggled, turned on her heal and left.

A few hours later, Jack and Sue came to visit followed by Saida and Myles. By noon, the graying doctor had arrived with the results of the blood tests. “All of your numbers are approaching normal on their own so I’m going to let you go on home. You need to take it easy for a couple of days, and I want to see you back here for more blood work on Thursday.”

“Can I go back to work?”

“Aren’t you an FBI agent?” Dr. Phelps asked.

“Yes, sir, I am.”

“Then, what part of take it easy for a couple of days did you not understand?”

Bobby chuckled. “I’ll make sure she follows you orders, doc.”

“Okay, no taking down bad guys; just lost of sleep, food, and walks in the park. -- And no soup.” The doctor grinned at Tara, but she merely rolled her eyes.

“Got it,” Bobby said as he tried to bite back his laughter.

As soon as they got to Tara’s place, Bobby could see Tara was exhausted already. “Why don’t you go catch a kip?”

“I feel like that’s all I’ve done for two days.”

“So? Hey, truth be told, I could use a kip myself.”

“I think I’ll take a shower first. Just make yourself at home.”

“Need any help?” he raised his eyebrows hopefully.

“You wish, Koala boy.”

As she headed down the hallway, she heard him call, “Seriously, luv, if you need me, just give a shout.”

The warm water cascaded over her body easing out the kinks in her muscles. She wondered how anyone ever got better in a hospital. The bed was hard and they woke you just when you got to sleep every time. Then, she remembered Bobby squeezed onto that little cot. He’d look so cute, all sleep ruffled and voice gravelly, when he woke this morning. This switch from Bobby buddy to Bobby boyfriend seemed so easy for him. She, on the other hand, found herself doubting it at every turn.

Sure, she was fun, thoughtful, and smart, but beyond that, she didn’t feel she had a lot to offer. As she soaped her curves, she thought, “This is no Barbie body,” and she knew right now that she looked even worse than usual. “Being poisoned will do that to you,” she reminded herself.

But he’d written those three magical words on her bed table, and he’d meant it. She still found it hard to believe that he loved her, but he did. She could see it in his eyes. She sighed. “And Lord knows that I love him.”

Stepping out of the shower, she toweled off and rubbed the steam from the mirror. After wrapping her hair in a towel, she studied her own cloudy reflection and laughed. The towel on top of her head almost made her as tall as Bobby --- almost. Another thought suddenly occurred to her. With Bobby over a foot taller than her, how was he ever going to kiss her. The only kiss they’d had, she had been on steps. They couldn’t go around finding steps all of D.C.

“Don’t be silly,” she chided herself. “Bobby’s been tall a long time. I can’t be the first short person he’s ever dated.”

By the time she exited the bathroom, Bobby had her bed turned down -- and he’d fallen asleep on it, sprawled over the comforter, while waiting for her. She didn’t have the heart, or truthfully even the desire, to wake him. Instead, she crawled in the half he wasn’t covering, facing away from him. Within seconds, he spooned against her, draping his arm around her waist. Her heart pounded so hard in her chest, she doubted if she’d ever sleep again, let alone this afternoon.

When she woke, he was already gone and for a second, her heart plummeted. Then, she heard dishes rattling in the kitchen. She glanced at the clock. It was nearly 7:00 p.m. and her stomach told her she was ready for dinner. Bobby cracked open the door. “So, you’re awake. Why didn’t you say something?”

“What did you want me to do? Yell Bobby come get me. I’m awake now.” He laughed and she through back the sheet and stood. She’d moved too fast and a wave of dizziness hit her.

He steadied her. “Easy. You feel all right?”

“Fine. The doctor said that might happen, remember?”

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean I like it.” He pulled her into his chest and hugged her.

“Me either.”

“Hungry?”

“Starved.”

“Good. I have dinner ready. After you.”

He followed her as she walked into the kitchen. Her apartment had a kitchen nook off to the side and the first thing she noticed was a delicious aroma. The second thing she noticed was he’d lit candles on the table, displaying a feast of foods.

“Did you do all this?”

He cocked his head and grinned. “I lit the candles.”

“Then, where did it come from?”

He pulled out her chair and seated her. “Apparently, Jack and Sue and Myles and Saida had the same idea. They both brought over the tucker for the night.”

“This is more food than we can eat in a week.”

He sat down across from her, “Speak for yourself, luv. I’m famished.”

The two of them fell into their normal comfortable dinner conversations. At the end of the meal, Bobby disappeared into the kitchen and directed Tara to the living room. “We’ll have desert on the couch.”

He returned a few minutes later with a plate and two mugs of coffee. “What are those?” Tara asked.

“Jack said they’re sweet potato tarts. He made them himself. The funniest part was he said that he and Sue didn’t need them anymore.”

Tara raised her eyebrows in question. “Don’t ask me, lug. It’s probably something from one of his classes.”

The slightly mischievous smile on Bobby’s face made her want to ask more, but he lifted at tart to her lips and she obediently opened her mouth. “These are delicious.”

Talk continued for hours. Bobby shared stories of his childhood, and Tara told him about hers. So, lug, what did you want to be when you grew up?”

“Promise me you won’t laugh.”

“Sure.”

“I wanted to be a private investigator like one of Charlie’s Angels.” He laughed. “You promised you wouldn’t do that! I know it’s funny. I had to re-evaluate things when I realized that long legs were not in my future.”

“I don’t know, I think you came pretty close to that one. You can hold a gun a lot better than Farah, too.”

“Thank you, I think. What about you?”

“A fireman.”

“Really? I can see you doing that. It goes with your M & M color, too. You know, you haven’t asked me about what yours means.”

“Why don’t you let me tell you about red lovers and you tell me if I’m right?” he suggested.

“How did you learn about red M & M lovers?”

“Tara, you’re not the only person in the universe that knows how to Google something. Besides, I have first hand knowledge of what a red lover is like.”

“This ought to be good.” She settled back in the corner of the couch, and he turned so he could see her.

He fingered her hair as he spoke. “Red is the color that stands for love and war. We red lovers are passionate about everything. We love fiercely and we fight with equal passion.”

His eyes dropped to her lips and she licked them. He went on, “Red can be the best of colors: red letter days, red carpet treatments, painting the town red. Or, it can be the worst: seeing red, a red herring, being in the red, or waving a red flag. With red, you never know what to expect. What do you think so far?”

“I’m thinking I like this very much. Go on.”

He leaned even closer to her, his masculinity engulfing her. “We red M & M’s lovers are warm extroverts. As lovers, we are consumed by fiery heat and warmth. It doesn’t take much to ignite the spark of a red and it may take hours to extinguish the flame once it’s lit.”

“It can be dangerous to play with fire,” she breathed, placing her hands on his arms, feeling the muscles ripple beneath the. She felt like she was about to combust.

He brushed her lips with the barest hint of a kiss. “But, luv, the only way to get something cooking is with fire, and our friendship has caught on fire.” He moved slowly, deliberately, and captured her lips with his own. The kiss engulfed them both, leading to flames which did, in fact, take hours to extinguish.

cath

I can't believe this story is almost over! I don't want it to be over!

Loved that Bobby spent the night with her in the hospital, on a probably too short, very uncomfortable cot; loved that he fell asleep on her bed while she showered; loved that he spooned her, throwing his arm across her; loved that he cooked those sweet potato tarts for her; found it very interesting that Tara wanted to be a PI; loved the wonderful description of red lovers by Bobby. I'm definitely melting from the heat generated by his demonstration!

Loved this whole post!

Lynn

That was a wonderfully delicious post. Are you sure the story really has to come to an end?

Kim

That scene made me think of Donny Osmond singing Last of the Red Hot Lovers.

You said it!

I won't even start quoting because that would be the entire post! Fantastic!

Red! Perfect!

Red? So perfect! And I love how Bobby described himself without forgetting the little demonstration

Three posts later and I'm in a liquified state that was awesome Lorna!!!!

It's ending sooo soon, that sucks!!! OH well I look forward to the ending:)

oooh... I feel that fire...

Red, I love red!! It fits Bobby perfectly!!!

Joy

Only one more post... bummer. But I'll take "short" over "nothing" from you anyday!

Bobby certainly fits the description of a "red", and I'm thinkink Tara's awfully glad he does!

Tina

I knew he would be red. He just strikes me as a red lover. And because of that I am . Why can't I have a Bobby?

dont want it to be nearly kover but that was a fabulously fuzzy post

Hubby and I went on date last night and had sweet potatoes with our steaks. Then, I told him they were aphrodisiacs. He laughed and said, "Are you sure we need that?" Well, this is it, folks. You all are the greatest! Thank you so much for being such terrific readers. You make writing fun.

Chapter 29

“I just think it’s too soon,” Bobby protested. He ran his hands along the length of her arms as she stood before him.

Tara kissed him. “But I want to do it. I feel fine.”

He studied her to see if her eyes gave any indication she was lying about how she felt. The sparkle had returned to her eyes and her cheeks were no longer pale but tinged with a healthy pink. “On one condition. If you get tired, . . .”

“. . . . I know we come home. We just can’t miss Lucy’s welcome home party.”

Bobby laughed. “She’s only been gone a few weeks.”

“Oh, but what a few weeks it’s been.”

They were the first to arrive at Sue’s apartment besides Jack. Myles and Saida arrived right after them. Sue was busy setting out food on the table. “What can I do to help?” Tara asked, taking a tray of veggies and dip from the hostess.

Bobby intervened, scooping up the tray and holding it over both of their heads. “You, luv, can go sit down and rest. If Sue needs help, I’ll give it to her.” He lowered the tray and turned. This time the tray was snatched by Jack.

“If Sue needs help, I”ll give it to her, Crash. Take Tara in the living room and do whatever you to do when you’re alone.”

“Sparky, she’d supposed to be taking it easy,” he teased, winking at Tara.

Tara rolled her eyes and took hold of his arm. “Come on, Mr. Red M &M Lover, let’s get out of their way.”

“So, Bobby likes red. What does that mean Tara?” Sue asked.

The diminutive agents blushed. “They are very . . .uh . . . warm.”

Bobby pulled her against him and kissed her cheek. “Don’t you mean hot, luv?”

Myles piped in. “Hot as in stifling 100 degree, insufferable days. Right, Tara?”

Bobby pulled Tara into the living room and onto the sofa beside him. “You’re just jealous, mate. I don’t remember green being that exciting of a color.”

“What are you all talking about?” Saida asked.

“Tara found this article about what your favorite color of M & M tells about you?” D explained.
“What’s yours?”

“My favorite color is only in those packages of dark chocolate M & M’s. It’s purple.”

All eyes turned to Tara for an explanation. “Well, it was on the paper, I think. Let me get my purse. It’s in there.” Bobby was up before she even had a chance to finish the sentence. He handed her purse. “Or I can just sit here and speak my every wish and have it handed to me on a silver platter. I could get used to this.”

“I doubt it,” Donna quipped. “Give poor Bobby a break, Tara.”

Saida laughed. “Okay, so pronounce my sentence? What fate awaits me because I like purple M & M’s?”

“Purple is royal color,” Tara began. “People who like it often see themselves as special."

"Oh, you got that right," Myles said. Saida promptly elbowed him in the ribs.

Tara continued. "They are mysterious and creative. They are combination of blue and red so they are loyal and intense.” She lifted her eyes to gauge Saida’s reaction. “Is it close?”

“A little. It’s interesting. Go on.”

“Purple lovers can be moody, and they don’t like things messy. As lovers, they have good judgement and seeks someone who fulfill them. They can be magical in their ability to cast a spell over someone.”

“So, Harvard, are you under her spell?”

Myles took her hand. “Most definitely.”

"More like encountering a wicked witch, isn't it?" she teased.

"I'd never say you were wicked."

“She’s coming!” Jack said when he glanced out the window. Everyone made a semi-circle around the door, coupled off, and waited beneath the Welcome Home sign Sue had crafted.

“DOOR,” Jack signed for Sue.

Seconds later, the door swung open and Lucy walked in. “Surprise!” they shouted.

Lucy’s hand shot to her mouth in surprise. “Wow! I didn’t expect this.” Then, she stopped abruptly and looked around the room. Perplexed, her head tilted one way then the other.

“You okay?” Sue asked.

“Something is . . . different.” Her eyes fell to Jack and Sue’s clasped hands, then traveled to Bobby’s arms around Tara’s waist, and finally rested on Myles placing a kiss on a woman’s head – a woman Lucy was sure she’d never seen before. Her eyes met Sue's and her best friend's glow confirmed her suspicions. “Okaaaaaaay, what have you all been cooking up while I was gone? And whatever it is, when do I get a piece?”

~Fin~

great ending to a fab story

cath

It's over! It can't be over! I'm not ready for it to be over!

Oreo, this was a wonderful, delicious, fantastic story. You've got another one cooking, don't you?

Kim

Loved the banter!

That was a fantastic ending to an incredible story!

I'm so sorry to see it end! Will there be a sequel?

Agree with everyone else! That was a wonderful story, Lorna, and a fantastic introduction for me to your writing skills. I'm so glad you decided to enter the challenge and grace us with this humorous, cliffhanging, heartwarming and fuzzilicious story, along with the introduction of a new character, Saida; else, I might not have had the pleasure of being entertained by your amazing talent!

I had declared a moratorium on reading finished stories in my quest to read all the challenge and WIP stories. Who knows when I would have found the time to go back and read finished stories. I am now looking forward to the time when I can start on your westward series. I love westerns and am anxious to see how our team fares in the 'wild west'! Thank You!

Lynn

PS. I think you do need to write a sequel, if only for poor Lucy, who missed out on all the romantic interlude!

hehe at Lucy wanting some and do we get a sequel- cos I want more Saida and how do you pronounce that !?

Great ending! I loved reading this story delicious piece, by delicious piece.

It wouldn't really have to be over because Lucy would like to find someone special. You really shouldn't leave her out, she deserves some color of M&M - maybe someone who likes the 4th of July specialty M&Ms. I think you can do it!

That was great, Lorna !!!


Wonderful! And the M&M colors added a mystery touch throughout the story ... and yes, it could make a very nice sequel

It's over? Oh, I'm so sad!!! Not because of the story, but because all of the wonderfulness is over! And I agree to the idea of a sequel. I'm beginning to like Saida, just as long as she continues to put Myles in his place. Plus, Lucy needs to find someone as well! So many possibilities!

That was fantastic, Oreo. I loved every colorful part. We ended with three unmarried couples, and one single. I'd say there are plenty of opportunities for a sequel, for sure.

I really, really, really, really, REALLY enjoyed your story!

What a treat it was to read this all in one sitting!!! And as I was reading I was even inspired to do some baking of my own--chocolate chip banana bread--yum! Janet gave me your cookie recipes, and they sound wonderful; I'm looking forward to trying them out sometime. Very creative way of working them into the story, too.

I loved all of the relationships in this story and especially enjoyed the rocky one between Myles and Saida! Absolutely wonderful work, Lorna!

I'm with everyone else, Lorna!! I don't want this to end!! But, if you must, what a wonderful ending!! Everyone happy and together!! Lucy will have fun for weeks getting caught up on all the stories of how everyone finally got together!! And, she will get to know Saida and love her as much as the rest of us do!!!

I would love to see more of Saida!! You have created a character who has so many possibilities and can definitely keep our Myles in line!! And, yes, I agree, Lucy could use a little love in her life!!!

Thanks for sharing once again!! It is always a treat!!!

Joy

Another Beautiful story, Oreo!!!!!!! I loved every minute of it... even the parts

Em

Oreo -

Thanks for the story & your never ending research! I truly enjoyed your imagination!



elj

That was great!!! I really enjoyed how the theme was carried out even to the recipe actually being the murder weapon.
thanks,
Terie

Oreo -- I can't believe I missed the grand finale! I'm not ready to see this one completed. It was masterfully done, though. Perfect ending...and while you're passing a piece out to Lucy, can I have one too? Pretty please? And I agree with duckfan...we don't know what Lucy's M&M colour is. That has to at least warrant an epilogue, though I like the idea of a little peek into Myles and Saida. Here's another pretty please!

kav

Lorna.....this story was a true masterpiece...you did an awesome job...now I know why you are one of my fave authors here at the site.

I look forward to your next masterpiece!

I'm like Tina - enjoyed reading this in one sitting. I'm glad I stayed away from this challenge long enough to do that. Of course, now I am extremely hungry and thinking I might need to go to the grocery store today to gather up some ingredients......I just don't know what try first!

Wonderful job, Oreolover.

I had a lot of catching up to do but this was fantastic Oreo. I loved the J/S fuzzies and Bobby being the Red hot M&M was well..hot. Quite the angst with Tara. Loved how Saida and Myles relationship went and the way you developed or unraveled her character was intriguing. Lucy coming home to the newness and wanting some was a perect ending. I could go on and on but I'll give it a 10 instead. (Emoticon not working again.) : (

You sure cooked up a wonderful story! I had a lot of catching up to do, but I got it done and all I can say is FANTASTIC JOB!

Thanks so much!

Jill

glad tara is going to be ok. so cute the couples. lol lucy wanting whatever the others cooked cuz love is in the air/food.

That was beautiful. I loved it.



Hope ~