'Crap! What is he doing here?' Meredith thought. She had been through some hoops already this morning. Meeting the other interns. She did like George, Izzie, and Christina though. Having 'the Nazi' for a resident. Suffering under her first patient, a dramatic beauty queen. And now this.

'So, maybe fate is saying that we need to be more than even a one-night-and-morning stand,' he said suggestively, upon pulling her into the stairwell.

'Dr. Shepard?' She questioned. He nodded and grinned. 'Crap. I need a consult. My patient has been having unexplainable—'

'So you work here, Dr. Meredith…'

'Grey,' she muttered, entirely humiliated. 'I'm Dr. Grey. But not Meredith. Last night was bad, really unfortunately bad.'

'If I remember correctly, it was really mind-blowing. I wouldn't call that bad.'

'Dr. Shepard, I can't do this now. I still have everything to prove. I can't be flirting or sleeping with you.'

'Let's go to dinner tonight. You intrigue me, Meredith,' he said, emphasizing the last word in particular.

'I can't. I'm meeting some people at the bar across the street.'

'What a coincidence, I happen to love the bar across the street. After last night, it's my new favorite.'

'Dr. Shepard, you are very, very bad.'

'I do like it when you say that to me.'

'Fine. I'll go have dinner with you. Just keep it secret.'

'Anything for you, my dear. Now, away to this patient we unfortunately have to go see.'

They met in the lobby at the end of their shifts. Meredith slapped his hand away as he motioned it towards the small of her back.

'Secret!' She hissed. He laughed.

Derek led her to his excessively expensive car, opening and closing the door for her.

'I haven't lived in Seattle for very long, but the concierge at the hotel said it was a good place to go for dates.'

'When did you move here?'

'About a six weeks ago. I used to live in New York. I owned my own my practice there.'

'So, what makes a top neurosurgeon move from his own practice in New York to Seattle?' Meredith saw his grip tighten on the steering wheel.

'Adultery.' Meredith gazed at him confusedly. 'I was married for eleven years. About two months ago I found my ex-wife in bed with my best friend. He was a notorious manwhore, but I never imagined he'd go for Addison. Or that she'd go for him. As soon as the divorce was finalized, I moved out here, couldn't bear it there anymore. Too much water under the bridge, or whatever.'

Meredith was touched by his honesty. She stroked his arm in consolation. 'I'm so sorry, Derek. I didn't know.'

'Our marriage had been unstable for a while.'

'But it still doesn't excuse cheating.' Derek smiled at her. 'I mean, she'd have to be stupid for cheating on you. You're like the dream, wildly successful and good-looking. Not to mention your perfect charm.' By now they were at the restaurant. Meredith held his hand supportively. 'How do you keep yourself going? And I must say, I'm impressed. Not many guys share things like that on first dates.'

'I guess I'm just special then,' Derek grinned. He was impressed too. She was beautiful and charming. She certainly knew how to make him feel good about himself, something he had rarely felt recently.

The rest of their date had gone perfectly. They were becoming enamored with each other. Derek loved her openness and warmth. She opposed the harshness of his ex-wife. She was just what he needed, just what he wanted.

He stood outside her doorstep for the second time in the past two evenings, this time for a much purer purpose.

'Meredith, I know it's early but I really like you and see this going somewhere. I know it will be complicated, because we work together, but I think it will be worth it. I really want to get to know you better. Is this too soon?'

'No, Derek. I agree. You're a wonderful man, perfect even.'

'I think we should go see the chief tomorrow morning, then. Just put it out in the open.'

'Rip off the band-aid.'

'Exactly. I know this is frowned upon, but I want to make it work.'

'We'll make it work.'

'And you aren't freaking out, are you?' I mean, this is a lot to talk about.'

'Actually, I'm not.'

He responded by kissing her passionately.

'Derek, I'm really exhausted from my first shift. But I would love it if you would stay. Nothing dirty, just sleep.'

'I would love to, Mer.'

They climbed into bed together; she fit perfectly against him. He wasn't sure if it was their extreme tiredness or that they felt so right with each other, but they, after kissing goodnight, fell into a perfect sleep.