Irish Coffee

CHAPTER NINE - Love

Robert had moved in within two weeks. Well, technically he had moved in with Suzy that same day, because from that first kiss, there had not been a night he had spent in his own bed. The only thing he had done at home was pick up his washing the next day, until they had eventually decided that he could as well live there for good. Since money was tight for both of them and he did not like his neighborhood anyways, it had been an easy choice. This way they both had a bit more financial breathing room and of course there were other benefits... Nevertheless, it had been Susan's decision and her choice. Even though he wanted nothing more then to be with her day and night, he did not want to pressure her into a relationship she wasn't ready for. He still found it hard to believe she loved him. She had this way of kissing him that made it hard to deny, though. He was completely addicted to her and would do anything to make her happy. Never in his had life had he ever loved anybody this much. Not a woman at least. His father maybe; if anyone had ever asked, he simply would not have been able to choose between the two of them – it would be like asking him if he'd rather cut off an arm or a leg. Suzy was definitely the arms, that he liked to place protectively around her whenever she got the chance, and to which she would cuddle up. She was love and kindness, and happiness beyond his wildest dreams. Warm and loving, as she wrapped around him.

His father was his legs, keeping him grounded and humble. But also the pillar of his strength. No matter what, his father had believed in him, and had dragged him through the tough times in his life. He owed everything to this man. And he missed him.

The states were a long way from Ireland though, especially with no money. And going back home would mean leaving Suzy. His dad would understand; he had always told his son to believe in love, even though he had not been so lucky. Robert could hardly remember his mother – she had suddenly left when he was still very little, never to been seen or heard from again. He was sure that Suzy was nothing like her though, and if they ever met, his dad would adore her... That did not make the distance easier to bear though. He should call him. Today.

~

To Susan, there was nothing better than getting home and being greeted by Robert's strong arms wrapped around her, his lips pressed to her neck. It was bliss. The reality of what she had secretly been fantasizing about on the other side of the bar as she watch him. Not in a million years she would she have thought that it would really happen, but it had.

It made it a lot harder to study though – concentration was not easy with such a wonderful man within arm's reach – even though he did everything to make it as easy as possible for her. He made her tea, cleaned the house, did laundry, and tried to be as quiet as possible as he did. It was ever so sweet of him. The only problem was that all she could think about was kissing him. It seemed like her obsession had grown worse instead of less.

Which was why she had spent her day off in the library so far. She hoped that not seeing him from the corner of her eye would mean that she'd actually be able to focus. Well, she had also needed to do some research and meet up with her study group. She had been neglecting that far too often over the past few weeks, all things she had been ignoring. So she had planned all these things today. Thus far, however, Robert had not been away from her mind for a second, As she did her research, she couldn't help looking through a few books on cocktails as well, and all the time she was with her fellow students, she kept thinking of what Robert was doing at home and how she couldn't wait to get back. She decided to go home as soon as the meeting was over.

"Susan can you do the research on sleep, the hormones our body uses to sleep and the kind of diet that can help us sleep? Susan?" George, one of her fellow students, asked.

"What?" She had totally been lost in her thoughts and struggled to recall what he had just said.

"Were you sleeping yourself?"