Okay, I wanted to wait a little longer to post this but the anticipation was killing me. Plus, it would be a waste of time to keep writing this story if no one likes it. This story still centers around the infamous trio (from Naomi's viewpoint of course) but I'm coming from a different angle. It might ruffle a few feathers, LOL. I honestly don't know if any of them are likable in this fic but this story kept buzzing around in my head. Just a few points to clarify: 1. Maya had a baby but she and Dink never got married 2. There was no drama with the practice, it was never in financial trouble; Naomi never left to join a new practice downstairs 3. Since there was no second practice, William and the merger don't exist. However, Fife does. I have no idea how he and Naomi met, but he exists, lol 4. For streamline purposes, Dell and Betsy don't exist either 5. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I'm letting Sam off the hook (just a little) this time. He did not leave Naomi. Their divorce was a MUTUAL decision. That's about it. XOXO

Oh and A/N: I do not own any characters or storylines from Private Practice (something like that :))


Chapter One

Naomi sat on the couch, in a tank top and pajama shorts, with a bowl of hot buttery popcorn and a glass of red wine, watching Casablanca; it was her favorite move, so romantic. Even though the star-crossed lovers eventually parted ways, the few moments of blissful happiness they shared jumped off the screen. Sometimes Naomi wondered what would have happened had Ilsa not boarded the plane. Rick claimed she would regret it, but maybe she wouldn't have. Maybe they would have lived happily ever after. A banging on the door pulled her from her musings; she jumped, startled. No one ever knocked on her door, especially not this late. Maya was the only person who visited her and she had a key. The banging started again, this time faster and louder. Putting the wine and popcorn down, making sure not to make a sound, Naomi crept towards the door and peered into the peephole. She couldn't believe her eyes. Opening the door she said "Sam" as if she was asking a question.

Sam was leaning against the door frame, obviously in a drunken stupor. "Naomi" he exclaimed, embracing her in a tight hug. "Mmmm, you feel so soft, like a pillow".

"What are you doing here" Naomi asked, still in shock.

"This is where I was dropped off" Sam said, too drunk to supply much more information.

Bourbon, cologne, and his natural masculine scent invaded Naomi's nostrils. This was not good. She tried to push him off her but he was too strong. "Sam, let me go".

"But you feel so good, the way a woman is supposed to feel" Sam said, burying his face into her neck, smelling her strawberry scented hair.

Naomi sighed; the things men said when they were drunk. She had to get him to focus enough to answer her questions. "Well, can you at least explain why you're in New York? Last time I checked, you lived in Los Angeles".

"To visit Maya and my granddaughter of course. Didn't she tell you I was coming" Sam slurred, grasping her tighter.

"No, she didn't. Why would she" Naomi asked. She reached over Sam's shoulders and shoved the door closed, satisfied when she heard the bolt click into place. "Sam, please let me go. You're cutting off my air supply". He was also making her feel hot all over.

"What do you mean why would she tell you? I'm your husband" Sam shouted. "Don't you miss me Nae, I miss you" he added, speaking softly this time. He leaned in and tried to kiss her.

Naomi moved her head back out of reach. Had he lost his mind? She looked into his glazed over eyes and concluded he had. "Ex-husband Sam. Clearly, you've had too much to drink if you forgot that. Come lay down on the couch, you need to sleep this off". Sam still refused to let go of her but he did allow Naomi to guide him towards the sofa. It was an awkward two step as she walked him backwards, his arms glued to her waist.

"For the record, I haven't had too much to drink; just five or six, maybe eight. I met some old friends for dinner and we went to a bar. But I'm not drunk, I'm just really relaxed" Sam defended himself.

"Then why did you show up at my front door? How do you even know where I live" Naomi asked.

"I forgot where my hotel was" Sam laughed, as if Naomi should have known. "I called Maya and she told the taxi driver where to take me".

"Of course she did" Naomi mumbled under her breath. It was just like her daughter to be sneaky by not telling her Sam was in town and yet have him show up on her doorstep. Maya might be a young adult and have a child her own, but the little girl inside of her still wanted her parents back together. Her obsession had grown slightly worse since she and Dink had gone their separate ways. Maybe she thought if her parents could work things out, there was hope for her relationship too. But this was the real world where life got in the way of dreams. Naomi had never admitted it out loud, but she wanted to reconcile with Sam just as much as her daughter did. It had taken nearly two years for her to realize she was still in love with him; but she'd realized it too late. He'd already moved on with the one person on earth she never expected him to fall in love with; Addison. So she'd picked up and moved to New York under the guise of helping Maya get through her undergrad years of college as a single mom; though true, it wasn't the whole truth. She'd also run away from her problems; seeing her ex-husband and best friend start a life together was a sight she couldn't bear to witness any longer; the constant switch between grief and anger had taken its toll. That had been six months ago and Naomi hadn't seen them since; their only communication had been a few brief phone calls and emails. Now Sam was here touching her, grabbing her, holding her, saying sweet things, and trying to kiss her. It took all her self-control and mental strength to realize that it was the liquor talking, not him, and not give in. She wanted desperately to feel his lips on hers but resisted the temptation. While it would be real for her, it'd be a forgotten memory for him. He was in love with Addison, not her. "Lay down Sam; I'll go make you some coffee". She pushed him again and he fell back onto the couch taking her with him.

"This is more like it; this feels good" Sam sighed in pleasure as Naomi landed on top of him. Reaching up, he grabbed her face and pulled it down . His lips crashed against hers in a fury; her lips were so soft, molded perfectly to his. Naomi tried to fight him, tried to break away but Sam wasn't about to let her go. He kept kissing her, slowly persuading her lips to part so he could explore the cavernous wonders of her mouth with his tongue.

She was in trouble; major, huge, colossal trouble. Naomi had been concentrating too hard on breaking her fall to ward off Sam's dangerous lips for the second time; his kisses were intoxicating, more potent than she remembered. She tried to break away but she grew weaker with every second that passed. Now his hands were roaming down her back and over her ass; he squeezed tight. Naomi felt tingles all over her body; she could feel herself giving in even though she would be the one with the broken heart in the morning. The bulge she felt growing beneath her snapped her out of her trance. With all her might, Naomi gave one final push and broke away. She quickly stood up to avoid being taken captive again.

"We were just getting to the good part" Sam smiled, his eyes half closed.

Part of her wanted to slap Sam for playing with her emotions. He was drunk out of his mind but that didn't stop Naomi from being hurt; hearing him say all these things and having him touch her so intimately felt cruel because it was an illusion. The feelings Sam was portraying for her weren't real. Whenever he sobered up, he'd comprehend his grievous errors and cringe; hopefully she wouldn't be around when he did. "Just lay there and relax. I'll be back" Naomi said as she walked into the kitchen. The sooner she could get him out of her apartment, the better. Going directly to the coffee machine, she turned it on and waited for the coffee to brew. She'd already prepped it earlier that evening for coffee in the morning; it looked like she would have to do it again.

Naomi felt his presence before she heard his footsteps; for someone who was severely intoxicated, he was light on his feet. Sam walked up to her and pressed his body against her backside; instantly he grabbed her waist and began kissing her neck. Naomi grasped the edge of the counter and bit her lip to keep from moaning; he didn't need any encouragement. "Sam, go lay back down" she gritted through clenched teeth.

"Are you going to come with me" Sam asked.

"No, I'm going to finish making you coffee so you can sober up. You're not thinking clearly".

Sam turned Naomi around and pinned her against the counter, trapping her. Raking his hands up her bare thighs, he said "how do you know I'm not thinking clearly"?

Naomi's breathing paused. "Because…you wouldn't be saying these things to me. You're in a relationship, remember? The love of your life is three thousand miles away".

Sam smiled lazily. "No, she's not. She's standing right here" he said drunkenly, moving in closer.

His body was pressed so tight against her, Naomi could feel the bulge pressing against her core; a core that was getting hot and moist. Sam's face was so close, their noses were touching; their lips lightly grazed each other when they breathed or spoke. Naomi grabbed his arms to steady herself. How was she going to get an unreasonable drunk man to back away; especially when she wanted nothing more than to pull him closer. Naomi frantically wanted his words to be true; she looked into Sam's eyes and again saw the unfocused haze he was in. "You don't know what you're saying" she whispered.

"Yes, I do. I want you Nae, I want you so bad. I need you" Sam rambled, his hands clinging tighter to her with each word.

For a moment, a brief moment, Naomi thought she saw a spark of clarity and honesty in his eyes; or maybe she let her mind play tricks on her because she could no longer stand her ground. She could only take so much, hear so much. This time when Sam kissed her, she didn't stop him. Inhaling sharply, Naomi let his sensuous mouth seduce her. Each earthshattering kiss sent tiny shockwaves to her heart. Her skin felt so sensitive to his touch; she moaned out loud when he lifted her and placed her on the countertop. Spreading her legs apart, Sam moved in between them and deepened their kiss. Clothes began flying all over the kitchen, landing in small heaps everywhere. Naomi could feel the wetness of her pulsing vagina running down the inside of legs. Her body was more than ready to feel Sam inside of her. Licking her collarbone, he pulled her to the edge of the counter and guided himself into her inferno; he sank so deep inside her, he almost lost his balance. Naomi threw her head back, letting out an incoherent combination of screams, curses, and moans. The back of her skull banged into the cabinets behind her but she was feeling too much pleasure to register pain; especially when Sam drew a nipple into his mouth and began to suck on it for dear life. "Sam…Oh my God…Sam…Shit…..SAM" Naomi screamed as the sensations became more intense, almost unbearable. She'd forgotten how big, long and thick he was. The memories she had of having sex with him didn't do the real thing justice. With every thrust, she felt like she might die from how good it made her feel.

Sam grabbed Naomi's hips and pumped harder and faster, his long strokes filling her completely. "Nae…Nae….my sweet Nae" he groaned over and over in her ear as their bodies collided again and again. The pace of their lovemaking became fast and furious. His thighs began to cramp and his muscles tensed as an all too familiar feeling began to creep up on him. Grabbing Naomi by the neck, he pulled her face towards him and kissed her deeply, knocking the wind out of her, as he gave one final thrust and exploded inside of her. He felt her body lose control too as a rush of fluids gushed out and her inner walls spasmed around him, opening wide and then closing tight, hugging him like a latex glove. Sam rested his forehead against hers and tried to regain his breath.

Hot, sticky, and sweaty, Naomi wiggled around until she felt Sam slip out of her. Sliding down off the counter, she stood in front of him in a near trance. She had waited so long to feel this close to him again, share a deep connection. Leaning in, this time she kissed him, pulling and sucking on his bottom lip; she pressed her chest against his, feeling the strength and power his body possessed. It was only minutes before his penis started to become hard and stiff again, rubbing up against her thigh. Sam encircled her waist and tried to insert himself again, but she stopped him. Instead, she backed up. Taking his hand, Naomi led him through her apartment into her bedroom. She had barely turned around before Sam pounced on her, pulling her into another mind-altering kiss. As they collapsed onto the bed and Sam pushed his way back inside her love, Naomi knew it was going to be a long night.

"Wow, everything looks the same. I can't believe how little things have changed" Naomi said as she walked around the practice with Violet. It was true, stepping back into Oceanside Wellness was like traveling backwards in time. There was only one marked difference….the feeling. She and Sam had built this practice from the ground up; there had been a time in Naomi's life where this place felt like home. Now it felt foreign to her, just like any other generic doctor's office. It was going to be a difficult task to get that comfortable feeling back. She couldn't believe she'd let Violet convince her to move back to California and work at the practice again after being away for a year and a half. Obviously, her immunity to Violet's mental powers of persuasion had worn off. That and with Maya studying abroad for the next three years, there was no legitimate reason for her to stay in New York without revealing the real reason she had left Los Angeles in the first place. Naomi was sure Violet and the others suspected Sam and Addison had something to do with it, but no one knew she had still been in love with Sam. She planned to keep it that way.

"Perfection doesn't need to be changed" Violet beamed. "You and Sam got it right the first time. This practice works for a reason. You were the only missing link, but now that you're back, our family is complete. I missed you so much".

"I missed you too Violet. And while I'm deeply flattered by your words, I'm sure this place ran just fine, if not better, without me" Naomi said confidently.

"We're still in the black if that's what you mean, but it was different without you Naomi. I can't put my finger on it, but it was definitely different. You were the glue that held us all together. When you left, I wouldn't say things fell apart but the puzzle pieces just didn't fit the same" Violet explained, deep in thought.

"Well, I don't know how my coming back will change anything but I'm here, so let's see what happens" Naomi said, lightening the serious vibe of Violet's comments. "I can't believe I'm back in my old office. I would have thought another doctor would have snatched it up by now. It's right by the kitchen".

"They wanted to, but everyone always had this unspoken agreement that it would remain unoccupied in case you ever wanted to return. Looks like we made the right decision" Violet said, as they completed their circle of the practice and walked into the kitchen.

"There she is" Cooper said excitedly.

"Hey guys" Naomi smiled, looking around the room at all her old friends. Despite the complications in her life, she really had missed them.

"Have you gotten settled in yet" Pete asked.

"Not quite, I'll probably come in over the weekend to get reacquainted with everything and finish unpacking my office. Come Monday, I'll be ready to hit the ground running".

"That's great, it's good to have you back" Charlotte said.

"Thank you" Naomi said mildly surprised. She'd known Charlotte for years, primarily as the chief of staff at St. Ambrose hospital. However, she'd been new to the practice when Naomi had left. It was amazing how much she'd changed in such a short time. Charlotte still had that no-nonsense straightforward attitude but there was a softer side that Cooper had managed to bring out of her ever since they began dating and got married. She was almost human now; it gave Naomi hope that they could be real genuine friends in the future or at the very least, cordial.

"I'm glad you're back too. Now, I don't have to keep looking at your office and wondering why I can't have it" Amelia said bluntly.

"Amelia" Sheldon admonished.

"What? It was a joke"!

Everyone shook their head, but Naomi laughed. "I would have done the same thing in her shoes".

"Thanks Naomi. At least someone appreciates my sense of humor".

"Whatever. I have to get back to work" Cooper said, leaving the kitchen. "Great to see you Naomi".

"You too" she called after him and watched as the other doctors one by one went back to work until she was left in the kitchen with the only two people who hadn't spoken. "You guys don't look happy to see me" Naomi joked. Honestly she didn't care how they felt because her feelings about seeing them were so mixed and confusing. The resentment, hurt, pain, and anger were all still there; but so was the love. Regardless of how she felt, they appeared to be a solid couple. They had been dating for over two years and were still going strong.

"Of course we're happy to see you" Addison said walking up to her and giving her a hug; it was slightly awkward and uncomfortable but they ignored it. "Maybe we could grab dinner tonight and get caught up" she suggested.

"That sounds great but I can't. I still have a lot of unpacking to do at home as well. I wouldn't recommend moving across the country twice in two years to anyone".

"Then what about takeout Chinese and Sam and I could come over and help" Addison amended, looking at Sam to see if he agreed. He nodded his head.

Naomi shook her head. "I don't think that's a good idea. I would drive you guys crazy. I'm really particular when it comes to arranging things the way I want them. If you don't believe me, you can ask Sam".

Sam smiled. "It's true, I remember. When we first moved in together, I finally gave up and sat in a corner like I was in timeout. Every time after that, I just let her take charge. Moving in with you Addison was so much easier".

An unexpected suffocating pain attacked Naomi's heart. Being over Sam didn't mean his relationship with Addison was magically easy to watch; it was still excruciatingly hard. "You two live together now? Wow, congratulations" she smiled, though she felt like crumpling to the ground. This was the very reason Naomi had chosen to leave in the first place. She didn't like having to pretend that their relationship didn't affect her so much; even if they didn't fall for it, it was still a better option than showcasing her true feelings. However, putting up a brave front was a full time job.

"Yeah, it's only been a few months but things are going well" Addison said nervously; she wanted to kill Sam.

Sam could've of punched himself for letting that slip so casually in conversation. "Addison, isn't your next appointment in five minutes" he asked, subtly trying to push her out of the room. He needed to talk to Naomi alone for a minute.

"Yeah, you're absolutely right" Addison said quickly, grateful for a reason to leave. She wanted to get her relationship back on track with Naomi but the current situation had become too overwhelming. They needed to take baby steps. "See you later Naomi".

"Bye" Naomi said quietly before turning to Sam. Her stomach was a ball of knots; she knew exactly what he wanted to discuss…the last time they had seen or spoken to each other.

"So about…you know…the last time we….in New York" Sam stumbled, trying to find the right words.

"As far as I'm concerned, it never happened" Naomi said, letting him off the hook immediately. There was no point in dragging it out. She didn't want to hear him say what she already knew; that it was a mistake and how he was in love with Addison.

Sam sighed with relief; guilt had been consuming him for a year. "Thank you Naomi".

"There's nothing to thank me for. You were drunk and I had more than my share of red wine and the nostalgia went to our heads" Naomi lied. "It was a disaster waiting to happen. But no one needs to know; there's no point in anyone getting hurt". Her heart had already been shattered; Naomi didn't wish feeling as miserable as she once did on anyone.

Sam was a little taken aback by Naomi's nonchalant attitude; he hadn't expected their discussion to go so well. He'd expected her to be more…more…just more. Her indifference bothered him for no discernible reason but he was grateful nonetheless. "Exactly. Thank you anyway Naomi, truly. You've always been there for me, even when I didn't deserve it" Sam said, touching her hand briefly, kissing her on the cheek and walking away, leaving her standing alone in the kitchen.

…..

Reading and catching up on the practice's case files in preparation for Monday had consumed her whole day. The sun had long set over the horizon when Naomi pulled up in the driveway of her new house. She'd sold her old one when she moved to New York; it was one of the best decisions she'd ever made. This new home gave her a chance to start over and not be haunted by her old life. Walking into the kitchen through the garage door, she called out "Danielle"?

A young woman, who appeared to be in her late twenties came down the stairs. "Hello Ms. Bennett".

"Please, I told you to call me Naomi. How is he" she asked as she put her purse and briefcase on the counter and draped her coat over a kitchen chair.

"I just put him down but he's still awake. I think he's waiting to see you" Danielle said.

Naomi smiled, she was hoping he'd be awake. "Thank you Danielle, I'll see you tomorrow" she said hurriedly as she headed up the stairs. Walking into the nursery, she went over to the crib and glanced down at her three month old son, Isaiah. He flailed his little chubby arms and legs excitedly when he saw his mother. As he smiled his toothless grin, bubbles appeared on his tongue and lips like they always did. Naomi picked him up and held him close to his heart. "How is my precious baby boy? Did you miss me? I missed you" she cooed.

He responded by trying to eat her nose. Naomi laughed; he always seemed to cheer her up when she needed it most. "Mommy doesn't like being away from you for so long either" she whispered as she sat down in the rocking chair with him and rocked back and forth, letting his fresh baby scent soothe her and his innocence wash all the uncertainties of the day away.