Book Two - Part One: Spectre

2001 (9 years ago);

Bruce clenches his fist at his side, leaning over her to check her work and equations, her hair brushes over his arm, her scent washing over him, nutmeg and coffee from her drink, her perfume a soft floral scent but it's perfect on her and it drives him crazy. It's hard enough, pun intended, being around her. Watching her work, watching her walk, watching her chew on her pen when she's deep in concentration. He wants her. Like he's never wanted anyone before. But he knows he can't have her. Married. She's married. She's married for god's sake.

"Bruce?" she asks snapping him out of his thoughts, he looks to her. "Are you alright?" she asks, he nods and leans up rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yes, I'm fine" he assures her, suddenly wishing that they weren't the only two people in the lab, it's easier to control himself when they're not alone. She stands and frowns a little, worried about him.

"Are you sure?" he nods looking down at her, her concerned eyes, he gives her a smile.

"I'm fine" he assures her but he's lingered closer to her, touched and charmed by her. He can feel the warmth of her skin brushing against his own. He'll be lying if he hasn't thought about her, about what it would be like to be with her. To be this close to her. His eyes search hers, his nose gently nudging hers.

"Bruce" she breaths softly, and the way his name sounds coming from her like that is the straw that breaks the proverbial camel's back. He kisses her, softly pressing his lips to hers, waiting for a reaction. He expects her to pull away. For her to reject him and then he can get over her, get on with his life. But then her lips move back against his. She's kissing him back and it's like flood gates. His lips move a little more needy, his hands cup her face, tilting it up so he can deepen the kiss, she clutches to his shirt. It's all teeth, lips and heat, spreading through them both like wild firs. He lifts her up onto the desk behind him, her fingers pulling his shirt free of his trousers. Both frantic, desperate....needy. His fingers brush along her thighs, a soft moan working up his throat as he pushes her skirt up her legs. "Bruce" she whispers, he presses his forehead to hers.

"We shouldn't" he starts, her hands still. "You're married" he finishes, she looks away from him, realisation crossing her face. Bruce steps back from her tucking in his shirt, Laurel pushes her skirt back down her legs as she stands.

"I'm sorry" she tells him and then flees.

"Laurel!" he calls out after her but she's already gone. He pinches the bridge of his nose before hurrying after her.

..........

Bruce ends up chasing her down almost, she's fast for a woman in high heels. He can't let her walk away without talking this through first. He catches up to her.

"Laurel, wait" he grabs her arm stopping her.

"I'm sorry" she repeats. "I'm sorry.....I don't know...." he strokes her cheek removing her tears. "I'm not a bad person"

"I didn't think you were" he assures her. "I think you're smart, kind, beautiful" he lists off warmly. "And that I get to watch you work....is amazing, because of the way your mind works" he brushes his thumb over her cheek. "Tell me to back off and you know I will...."

"My husband" she starts.

"I never thought I would be the person to suggest this, ever, but....maybe he doesn't have to know" Bruce offers, she snorts.

"An affair?" she asks him. "We're those kinds of people? And you'd really be okay knowing that I was lying and breaking vows and....sneaking around? You would be okay being the other guy?"

"For you?" he asks softly. "Yes" her eyes search his, seeking out her answers.

"No, I can't do that to him" she tells him. "I can't...."

"Okay" he gives her a sad smile, but understands, he knows she loves her husband, and she wants to be loyal. "Let me get you a cab" he tells her, she nods and lets him walk with her as they leave the building. 

.................

Laurie pulls off her jacket and hangs it up in the peg by the door before heading into the living room. Lawrence is in his usual place, in his armchair, beer in one hand, tv remote in the other. She's almost forgotten what it was like in the beginning, those days when he was the most romantic man she ever met, the way he used to hold her and make love to her, the dates, and the gifts. When was the last time he bought her flowers?

"Hey" she greets, he doesn't look up at her, his eyes locked on the screen.

"Hey" he greets back, she runs her fingers through her hair. They've been married 7 years now, and this is her life. She watches him sat in that chair and then grabs her bag and coat before leaving again, Lawrence glances up before going back to his beer.

...................

Bruce opens his apartment door to find Laurie on the other side, they share a look before she pushes him back into his apartment closing the door behind her. Once the click announces the door is definitely secure and shut he leans closer to her and kisses her, her hands finding his neck to hold herself close to him as she kisses him back. She drops her bag before pulling his shirt loose, his fingers slip under her jacket and pushes it down her shoulders, essentially trapping her arms against her body, she huffs against his lips, he nudges her nose.

"What happened?" he asks her. "Why did you change your mind?" she shrugs a little and then sighs.

"I've been married 7 years" she tells him. "He's never kissed me like you did" they share a look and he kisses her again slipping her jacket all the way off, dropping it to the floor, his fingers dance back up her arms, lips moving against hers. He moves his hand around her back and locks them before lifting her up, she wraps her legs around his waist, neither one coming up for air, he carries her backwards before turning and heading into his bedroom.