Disclaimer (for the entire story): I do not own any of these characters.

Constructive criticism is welcome. This story is going to be quite different from my first two, but I hope you will enjoy it nonetheless.


"... so he shall never know how I love him: and that, not because he's handsome, Nelly, but because he's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." -Wuthering Heights


It was inevitable: the gray New England sky always reminded her of unconditional love. Looking up at the clouds blanketing the quiet town of Rockport, Lisa Cuddy felt her heart swell with an intensity she had known only once before. Running a successful hospital hasn't allowed her to dwell on romantic musings, but once upon a time, as a young girl Cuddy spent quiet afternoons reading the great love stories of the past few centuries.

This fiercely independent and wildy successful doctor used to daydream about her own Byronic hero, her own tragic tale of everlasting love. She never believed in or sought out happy endings; she just wanted to feel the dark tumultuous passion that plagued the characters who captured her imagination.

Looking up at those clouds, Cuddy sighed as she indulged the jolt of emotion they evoked. Reluctantly she entered the lobby of the Somerset Spa and Resort and checked in. As she waited for her room keys, her eyes scanned the tastefully decorated room, which, true to spa style, contained neutral tones and carefully placed white orchids and lilies. A twinge of disappointment settled over her as the calming interior of the resort negated the moodiness of the sky.

"Here you are, Dr. Cuddy. You will be in suite 301. We hope you enjoy your weekend with us. "

Cuddy gave the receptionist a quick smile and grabbed the keys, which to her surprise, were old-fashioned metal. She pondered the juxtaposition of modern elegance and antique charm as she headed upstairs with her luggage.

Opening the door to her suite, Cuddy inhaled sharply when she took in the expansive view of the gray ocean touching the overcast sky. As she approached the windows, mesmerized, she didn't notice another presence in the room.

"I've been waiting for you, dear mistress."

Cuddy jumped in surprise and spun around to behold Gregory House--her arch-nemesis, her frustratingly defiant employee, and her friend of over twenty year--resting comfortably on the bed with his hands clasped behind his head.

"House! What the hell are you doing here?!" Cuddy exclaimed in anger and shock.

"I wouldn't miss one of these work-life weenkend thingies," House retorted sarcastically. "Of course, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend a weekend in bed with you. I've always wanted to have a bondage marathon."

Cuddy's mouth opened and closed in frustration. Her introspective mood ruined, she grabbed her suitcases and began unpacking, trying to remain calm. Speaking deliberately: "I'm glad you made it to the retreat. I certainly was not expecting you to come."

"Oh, I haven't come yet. But if you get over here, I might within the next half hour," House said suggestively, waggling his eyebrows.

A few butterflies began to emerge in Cuddy's stomach in response to the escalating flirtation. Avoiding House's gaze, Cuddy said loudly, "Now that you've let me know that you're here, you can leave now."

"That's not very nice of you. I just got here."

"You can go to your own room," Cuddy offered as she continued to unpack, still pretending that she wasn't flustered.

"I don't have one."

"What do you mean you don't have one?" Cuddy entered the bathroom to place her toiletries there.

House raised his voice so she could hear. "I never registered for the retreat. The resort is booked, so I checked into yours. The staff at the front desk think we're shacking up with each other."

Cuddy returned to the bedroom and began hanging up her dresses and blouses. House took a moment to admire her figure as she stood by the closet. Cuddy was dressed comfortably in tight designer jeans, equestrian boots, and a classic but fitted gray cashmere sweater. She smiled to herself as she felt House's eyes devouring her body and decided to turn up the heat a bit.

Picking up a maroon lace thong and stretching it between her hands suggestively, Cuddy snarked, "How convenient."

House's jaw dropped as he eyed the thong. He began to feel his pants tighten as he tried to imagine Cuddy straddling him while wearing it with nothing else but a matching bra. Cuddy smirked as she wondered to herself if she could actually hear the rush of blood falling from House's head to his other head.

House stood up from the bed and grabbed his cane. He walked up to Cuddy and caressed the maroon lace of the thong between his fingers. As he looked into her gray eyes, he felt a tingling in his heart, and his mouth became dry. He bent closer to whisper into Cuddy's ear. "I'll see you later tonight."

Using all of his willpower, House was able to exit the suite to cool off. He stopped outside the door to collect himself.

Cuddy remained still where House had just left her, breathless, and beginning to feel her heart swell again.