by Doc
I was shown to the table. She looked up at me and smiled. She stood and kissed me on both cheeks. We sat down. I couldn't help but stare. She looked stunning. Her hair was up, her eyes, how I love her eyes, I could look into them forever and never tire. So inviting, so intoxicating, so clear, so mysterious, never giving anything away. Her dress, oh god her dress. Thin straps, my mind wanders to how easy the dress would be to pull off, I didn't notice when she stood how long it was but I could see how low it was, her cleavage was to die for. I thought I just might if she wouldn't go home with me. I'm sure most of the ER staff have no idea of the cleavage that lives under her lab coat. Lost in thoughts of this wonderful woman I didn't notice her watching me. She moved, I looked back up into her eyes. She looked away, a blush rising in her cheeks. I blushed a little too at being caught.
We sat, neither of us said anything for a while. The waiter came over with our menus and left us. We looked them over. Occasionally we would catch the others eye over the top of the menus. A smile would be the reward. The waiter returned, we ordered and sat again, not talking. It was strange. The silence wasn't uncomfortable.
This was the seventh date we had been on. We had never been to each others place but I was sure tonight was the night. We had kissed, nothing more. Well, maybe a little amount of caressing but she wasn't comfortable with it in front of her building so I stopped. She dipped her head and looked embarrassed and so adorably cute. I took her chin in my hand and raised her face, she tried to avoid my eyes but she eventually rolled them and looked at me. I leaned in and kissed her, lightly. I pulled back, she was smiling. We hugged and I left. Holding her in my arms felt so right and so good. It was the first time I had the feeling I had read about. The one where you want to hold on to the person in your arms forever and know you'd be happy for just as long.
Our starters arrived. Finally we talked. The usual how was your day, your week. It progressed to thoughts, feelings, funny stories, embarrassing stories you swore you'd never tell anyone but find you can't help yourself. By the time out dessert arrived we had quietened down. The talk was more intimate. She slid her hand over the table and placed it on mine. I looked at her and it was like seeing her for the first time all over again, she took my breath away. I stared again, she blushed again. We both looked away with a small giggle. Our eyes meet again.
'I've enjoyed the evening.'
I smile at her. 'Me too. Kerry, tonight has been perfect.' Her smile grows. At this point I want to ask her to spend the night with me. I want to ask her to go home with me. I don't, afraid I would spoil the moment if I did.
Her fingers stroke mine. Her hand stilled except her thumb rubs gently back and forth on my hand. Such a small movement, such an unbelievable impact. I felt a familiar stirring within me. I wondered if the beautiful woman across from me felt it also.
The check arrived and to my surprise her hand remained on mine. Without looking at the waiter we both knew he was looking. I was sure she would shy away. We sat looking at each other, our hands, the other tables, which were clearing one at a time, saying nothing.
'Maybe,' she started, 'maybe we should go.'
I only nodded.
'I'll get the bill.'
I started to protest.
'Don't start. It's my turn. And anyway, this was my idea. I chose this place. I invited you out. OK?'
I was going to object, she knew this and gave me a look that let me know there was no point. Accepting defeat I nodded. She removed her hand from mine. My hand felt naked. Cold. Alone. I wanted to be touching her again. No matter how small the contact, I wanted it back. I wanted her. All of her. If I had to, I would settle for hand holding. A little was better than nothing.
After the bill had been paid and she had her credit card back we headed out to find a cab. She took my hand and led the way. I loved to be touching her again. Outside was cold. Cabs passed with people in back. We waited, we hailed, we held hands. Finally a cab pulled up. I opened the door for her and then got in myself. She gave her address as usual but didn't add on 'there will be two stops'. I took this as a good sign that I was going home with her. I smiled to myself. Kerry took my hand again. After a couple of blocks she rested her head on my shoulder. I let her hand go and rapped my arm around her. She moved her hand to take my other hand and laced our fingers. She cuddled in closer to me. And for the first time ever I felt like I would be ever so happy staying in this position with this wonderful woman, of course the image was somewhere more romantic than the back of a cab.
The ride was too short. Before I knew it she was pulling away from me. I missed the contact straight away. I got out the cab and offered a hand to her. We stood outside her building. She looked down, took a deep breath and looked into my eyes.
'Would you like to come up for coffee?'
Now how to answer? I wanted to go with her but didn't want coffee, I wanted her. 'I'd love to but,' the look on her face at hearing 'but' was unmistakable. The smile was gone and she pulled away from me slightly. I continued before she rushed off, 'I'd love to but I don't like coffee, got anything else?' Like you, I wanted to say but kept that to myself. The smile was back on her face. 'Not that it matters, I would love to come up and just talk some more with you.' Was she understanding my meaning? Even if she wasn't I would be happy to talk with her for an hour or two more.
Her smile grew. 'I'm sure I have something you'd like.'
'I'm sure you do.' The implication was there from both of us. Tonight was the night. I was sure of it. Still I wouldn't get my hopes up, just in case I was getting the signals wrong.
I paid the cab, a small argument ensued with her about who should pay, 'We're at my place.' 'I asked you out.' 'I asked you to my place.' I kissed her. That stunned her long enough for me to get the cab. The S.O.B. had kept the meter running. I slammed the door shut and turned to face her. She was so close. She pulled me close and kissed me and to my surprise her hands wandered and caressed. She kissed me deeper. She pulled back but was still close enough for me to feel her breath. She took my hand and pulled me towards her building. When I didn't move she looked back at me concerned. Then saw the stunned look on my face. There was a mischievous smile on her face.
'Coming?' She arched an eyebrow suggestively. I smiled and followed her lead. I knew for sure I was reading the signals correctly. I knew for sure, tonight was going to be the night.
Opening her front door she stopped and looked back at me. I was worried she was changing her mind. Instead she teased me and let me know that she was well aware of how much I wanted her.
'And since when do you not drink coffee Dr. Lockhart?'
All I could do was blush and follow her inside.