When I'm With You
Disclaimer: I do not own any Glee characters, songs belong to the singers and songwriters
Chapter 2
"Rachel, wait up!" yelled Clarice, trying to catch up with her friend. Rachel stopped in the hallway of the 26th floor. She and her friend had decided to see for themselves if all of the rumors about that particular floor were true.
They had overheard a group of ladies sitting at the table next to them in the cafeteria talking about the "new, gorgeous doctor"that had opened his practice on the 26th floor. They said he was a veteran, a Marine, who moved into an office on that floor last week. "He is a dreamboat."
"Have you seen those dimples?"
"I wonder if he's attached? I didn't see a ring on his finger."
"I sure would like to rock his world!"
They then started giggling like a bunch of school girls.'Were they talking about her Stranger?' Rachel thought after hearing their comments coming from the nearby table. He was a doctor? Well ladies, I'm sure none of you would interest him, you bunch of cackling hens.
She then had convinced Clarice to use the rest of their lunch break to spy on the activities up on the 26th floor. "Come on Clarice. And be quiet," Rachel said, looking over her shoulder as they exited the elevator.
"You need to slow down, then. We have time. We have 15 more minutes left," answered Clarice. They then headed toward the receptionist's desk.
The floor layout was huge. The receptionist area was decorated in a very modern decor with fresh plants everywhere and a glass wall from floor to ceiling behind her desk. "Excuse me," Rachel said as they approached the receptionist. "I was looking for a person that works on this floor."
The receptionist, Jessica Bryant according to her name tag, looked up at Rachel and Clarice, eyeing them suspiciously. "Yes?"
"Well, I think he is a doctor on this floor," answered Rachel, trying to smile politely. "He helped me with some files last week near the elevator and I didn't get his name but I wanted to thank him." Rachel knew this sounded like a lame excuse to spy on her Stranger but it was the best she had. "And, my name is Rachel, Rachel Berry. This is my friend and receptionist, Clarice Clifton. We worked on the 18th floor, in EPA. I just want to thank the man. In person, that is, and maybe invite him for coffee as thanks." Rachel finished up her rambling, waiting for a reply.
"Well, Ms. Berry," said the receptionist, with Rachel nodding in the affirmative. "Well, Ms. Berry. Can you tell me a little more about this doctor you are talking about?"
Rachel thought, 'What is this? 20 questions?' "Well, like I said. I didn't get his name. But he is real tall, well over 6 feet, brown hair, and dimples." Rachel tried to hide the blushing of her cheeks. When she said 'dimples', she noticed the receptionist eyes brighten. Don't tell me she had a crush on her Stranger, too.
"Oh, I think you are talking about Dr. Hudson. Dr. Finn Hudson. He's the tallest guy we have working here. And your description sounds just like him."
"Oh, okay." Rachel thought. Finn. Yeah, he looked like a Finn. Or a Christian Grey.
"Well," continued the receptionist, "if you would take a seat, I'll call and see if he can see you." She then lifted her phone as Rachel and Clarice took a seat in the waiting area.
"Rachel, I can't believe you! This is a new bold Rachel," said Clarice, surprised by her friend's behavior.
"Well, I needed to thank him so hush," whispered Rachel. They both laughed. Rachel didn't know why, but she had butterflies in her stomach and her palms were sweating.
"Ms. Berry," the receptionist called out to Rachel, "Dr. Hudson is just finishing up with a client and will be out in a minute." Rachel smiled a nervous smile. "And, he did remember you and the files, by the way." Rachel looked at Ms. Jessica Bryant, receptionist. So,she thought I was lying. Humph! Exactly how many women had been up here trying to meet her Stranger, anyway?
She then turned to Clarice. "Now listen. Behave. He is quite the cutie so don't you flirt. Be professional. This is just a 'thank you' visit and we'll see if he will have coffee with us after work. Okay?"
"Yes, Ma'm," Answered Clarice. "I wanna see this Finn Hudson that's got my girl acting like a stalking floozy." Clarice commented, laughing.
"Stop it, Reesie," chastised Rachel, smiling at her.
The receptionist hung up her phone and then cleared her throat. Rachel and Clarice looked up at her. "Dr. Hudson said he would be right out." Rachel nodded and noticed the receptionist had a scowl on her face. Just then, she looked up and saw her Stranger coming toward them. She heard Clarice whisper into her ear, "Damn! I see why you hunted him down."
"Shhh!" Rachel whispered back.
"Hello, again." Finn said, reaching his hand out to shake the petite brunette's hand. A woman he had been thinking about since he saw her last week. "I'm Finn, Finn Hudson by the way. I didn't get a chance to introduce myself last week."
As Rachel shook his hand nervously, she felt that tingle again. Shaking it off, she looked up into those eyes, caught up in that same trance they held as before. "Umm, I'm Rachel Berry and this is my friend, Clarice Clifton and my receptionist."
He then shook Clarice's hand as Clarice just stared at him. "Nice to meet you, too, Clarice."
"Well Finn, we were just on our lunch break and I thought I would see you in the cafeteria, on the elevators or somewhere in this building by now. You know, just to thank you again for helping me. So, when I didn't we decided to just come up here and see if we could locate you and thank you, again, in person." Rachel then stopped, taking a deep breath, realizing that she was talking very fast and running sentences together, a nervous habit of hers. She also noticed that he had not taken his eyes off her.
"Well Rachel, you didn't have to go to so much trouble just for that. But, I'm glad you did so that I can at least know your name." Then there was a quiet pause.
Clarice then elbowed Rachel lightly. "Soooo, Rachel. Didn't you want to ask him something?"
Rachel turned to look at Clarice, a little glassy-eyed, then she remembered what she wanted to ask. "Oh,oh yeah. Finn, we would like to invite you to have coffee or a drink after work, that is, if you don't have other plans," Rachel said, nervously.
"Really?" questioned Finn. "Well, I need to check my calendar to be sure but I would love to have a drink with you. And Ms. Clifton too, of course."
"Call me Clarice," Clarice corrected him, giving Finn her sexy look although she noticed that Finn hadn't taken his eyes off of Rachel.
"Well, Clarice. Would you ladies mind giving me your extension and I'll call you in a few minutes to let you know when we can go for drinks? Okay?" questioned Finn.
"Oh, that will be fine, Finn," said Clarice. They then stepped over to the receptionist's desk.
"Jessica, can I have a piece of paper, please?" asked Finn, turning to the receptionist.
"Sure, Dr. Hudson. Here you go," replied Jessica, handing Finn a pad and pen. So Rachel gave Finn her extension number and her cell number (you know, just in case, okay?) They shook hands again and he headed back down the hall toward his office.
Rachel and Clarice then headed back to their office. As they got on the elevator, Clarice turned to Rachel, "Hot damn! That is a fine hunk-a hunk-a! Girl, if you don't jump that, I'm going take him home, tie his ass to my bed and lick him from head to toe!"
"Reesie! Behave! He is just as nice as he is handsome."
"Handsome?" Clarice says as they walked into their office. "Handsome doesn't cover it."
"Well, anyway. I don't think he would appreciate some woman tying him to a bed and licking him," Rachel said to her friend, raising her eyebrows.
"Well, I would sure appreciate doing it. And get plenty pleasure out of it too! So," Clarice said, sitting at her desk as Rachel headed for her office, "you sure you want me to come with you on your coffee date?"
"Well," said Rachel, thinking about her question, "I just needed you to go with me up there. But, you can come if you want to."
"No, girl. I'm not going to be a third wheel. Enjoy your 'date' but you have to tell me all about it, you hear?"
"It's not a date, Clarice. I'm almost a married woman." Clarice raised her eyebrows. "Don't give me that look," Rachel continued. "Anyway. I'm getting back to work. Thanks for going with me."
After Finn had left Rachel in his office lobby he had sat at his desk and immediately put her name and cell number into his contact list on his cell. He had a feeling that Rachel was going to be a very important person in his life. He felt such a strong pull toward her. Not to mention the electricity he felt everytime he touched her in the slightest.
He pulled up his personal calendar on his computer. Damn! he had racket ball with his buddy Travis and errands to run the following evening. None of which could be put off. The next completely open evening he had was Friday. Bet she can't go out on Friday. A woman like her probably has a date and/or a boyfriend, he thought. Well, worth a try. He quickly dialed Rachel's extension and asked if they could meet after work on Friday. Surprisingly she agreed.
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So now Rachel sat at the bar waiting for Finn to arrive. He couldn't meet her until Friday which was perfect for Rachel. That was Steven's poker night. And Rachel had found herself really anticipating meeting up with Finn. He seemed like he was such a nice person, besides the fact that he was extremely attractive. She considered herself very lucky to possibly have him as a friend.
Finn found himself headed to the club to meet up with her for drinks and whatever came next. As he entered the club he saw her sitting at the bar chatting with the bartender. She had said she came here often and knew the bartender. Man, did she look fantastic.
Finn walked up to her and called out, "Hi, Rachel," as she turned and looked up at him. Jeez, there goes those killer eyes again. "I'm not late, am I?" Finn asked, hoping he wasn't.
"No, no Finn. You are right on time. I'm just a little early. I have this thing about time. Anyway, want to go over to a booth?"
"Sure, sure. Lead the way," replied Finn, nervously. Rachel just made him lose it for some reason. They crossed over the dance floor and slid into a booth, sitting opposite each other.
"So," started Rachel.
"Let me stop you right there, Rachel," interrupted Finn. "If you say 'thank you' one more time I'm getting up and walking out and never speaking to you again." He then smiled that little half smile that made Rachel's stomach start feeling funny.
"Well Mr. Hudson, since I'm not allowed to say it, let me show it. Drinks are on my tab."
"Rachel..."
" Finn."
They both then laughed. After that, things between them became relaxed. They talked about their careers, hobbies, backgrounds. As the night went on, they both became quite tipsy with Rachel laughing as every joke Finn slurred.
The DJ starting playing 'Superheroes' by The Script. "Oh, I love that song!" exclaimed Rachel. "That's one of my workout songs. Dance with me, Finn."
"Whoa, Rach." (a nickname that Finn had started calling Rachel as the night wore on). "I'm not that great of a dancer."
"Neither am I, but" she said, grabbing Finn's hand and dragging him toward the dance floor, "I still like to dance." She giggled as she started shaking her hips to the music as Finn just stood there for a few seconds. Finn then started doing what he called his "tiny dancing" as Rachel swayed her hips from side to side to the beat.
The dance floor was extremely crowded so Finn and Rachel were fairly close together. When Rachel turned her back to Finn, her butt actually brushed against his thighs as she danced causing a slight arousal in him. As she turned around to face him, Rachel had a small smirk on her face as if she was quite aware of what she was doing to Finn. The song next changed to "Angel of Mine" by Monica. Finn gathered Rachel into his arms. He noticed how nicely she fit in his arms, so natural, so pleasant.
Rachel closed her eyes, lying her head against Finn's chest as they swayed to the emotional song. She loved the feeling of being in his arms. How such a giant of a man be so warm, so soft, so comforting? She felt she could stay just like this, all night, feeling this wonderful man.
Finn leaned down and kissed Rachel's forehead, closing his eyes again and absorbing the calmness that was enveloping his body. Was it the 5 beers he had or was it this tiny woman he held in his arms?
Rachel listened to the words of the song. Why does this feel so right? Why does he feel so right? Was she drunk off of the wine or Dr. Finn Hudson? Did he just kiss her on the forehead? Rachel felt the heat from the kiss causing her heart to again flutter.
As the song came to an end, Rachel opened her eyes, breaking the trance she had been in. They walked back to their booth, hand in hand as she sat down facing Finn. She could still feel the warmth of his arms wrapped around her, a feeling of contentment and safety being with this man. There was just something about him, Rachel thought. Oh, Rachel. What was he doing to her?
Then, she suddenly remembered she needed to get home. "Oh, Finn. What time is it?" she asked as she struggled to pull her cellphone out of her purse.
"Well," he said, looking at his watch, "12:20. You have to be somewhere?" he asked as he watched Rachel tap in a text on her cell.
"Well," she replied, finishing up her text and placing her phone back in her purse. "I've got somewhere I've got to be tomorrow," Rachel lied. For some reason, she didn't want to mention Steven and her engagement, not now anyway. Finn hadn't mentioned a significant other and they were just establishing a friendship so, now was not the time, she rationalized.
"Well, let's get you home. I'll call us cabs since neither of us need to be driving," said Finn. They rose and headed toward the door after Rachel paid the tab and Finn left the tip. Stepping outside they waited for their cabs.
"Well, Rachel, I had a wonderful time," Finn said, smiling down at her.
"Me too, Finn. We need to do this again soon."
"Okay. Let's. In the meantime, meet me for lunch Monday?"
"Sure. I'll call you and we can work out a time," said Rachel, looking up at him shyly.
"So..." Finn looked up and saw their cabs at the stop light. He placed his hand on Rachel's elbow to guide her toward the sidewalk of the club. There goes that tingling sensation again, thought Finn. Rachel turned and looked up at Finn as she felt it too. Finn then bent down and captured Rachel's lips with his. Rachel's head started spinning as her heart beat sped up. She tilted her head up more as she stood on her toes to kiss him back. She wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him down closer so that she could deepen the kiss. Finn grabbed her around her waist pulling her closer to him, running his tongue across her bottom lip. Rachel then opened her mouth as she captured his tongue and they began exploring each others mouths. They both became absorbed in each other as the kiss became quite passionate.
The cabs blew their horns, causing them to break apart suddenly. Finn quickly gathered his thoughts and reached to open the door for Rachel. And she entered the back seat of her cab, she said, "See you Monday, Finn."
Finn looked into her eyes before saying, "Yeah, see ya. Have a good weekend, Rach." He then closed the door and her cab pulled off. Finn turned to enter his cab, his heart pounding against his chest. He like her, he thought, he liked her a lot.
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Monday morning Rachel walked into her office, ready to answer the questions she was sure Clarice had for her. But to her surprise, she wasn't at her desk. There was a note under Rachel's door when she opened it.
"Morning, Rachel.
Have a meeting with Mr. Hutchinson this morning so we'll talk at on our break. Yes, I want to hear all about it, you tramp (smile). Joking. Hope you had fun. He seems so right for you. Talk with you at 10.
Clarice
Rachel smiled as she finished reading the note. She sat down at her desk. Remembering Finn's kiss from Friday night, she could still felt that warmth all over her body kissing him caused. Wow! Could the man kiss!
As Steven took her in his arms Saturday night, Rachel couldn't help but compare the two. Steven's arms felt so much smaller now. And his kisses felt mechanical, forced compared to that kiss she had shared with Finn. What was it about him? Of course he was the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on. But he was also so sweet, so kind and gentle. And Rachel felt such a strong pull to him. They had so much fun together. She sighed. Well, back to work Rachel.
Finn was hoping to see Rachel at the elevators again but he knew he probably wouldn't. She had explained at the club that the morning they had met she was running late, which was a rarity for her. She usually arrived at work between 8:10 and 8:15. He didn't arrive until 8:45, 8:50 at the latest. His first appointments weren't scheduled until 9:15 because Finn was not a morning person. Even after all those years of 6am role calls.
He spoke to Jessica as he headed to his office to prepare for his first patient. Jessica knocked and brought him in a large coffee from Starbucks. "Dr. Hudson, I stopped by Starbucks this morning so I just brought you one, too. Sort of my Monday morning kick- start ritual."
Finn looked up at the glassy eyed receptionist as he took the coffee. "Thanks, Jessica."
"No problem," she swooned. "It is just black coffee so you can use your supply of cream and sugar to fix it the way you want it."
"Okay. Thanks again." Finn went back to studying the notes on his first patient when he heard Jessica clearing her throat. He looked up as she smiled down at him. "Did you want to tell me anything else, Jessica?"
"Umm, no sir. Just wondering did you need anything else."
"No, no. That's all. So, if you would excuse me, I need to go over these notes," Finn said, dismissively.
"Oh, sure. I'll buzz you when your first patient arrives," she said, turning toward the door. She then walked out of the office, closing the door behind her. Finn shook his head and went back to reading.
Rachel looked up from her work and noticed it was almost time for her morning break. She decided to call Finn to see what time he was breaking for lunch. Her schedule was much more flexible than Finn's most days. She didn't have a conference today until 3pm with the research scientists.
"Good morning. VA Client Services. This is Jessica. How may I help you?"
"Yes, Jessica. This is Rachel Berry. May I speak with Dr. Hudson, please?"
Dammit, thought Jessica. That's that little big-nosed stalker that came up here last week looking for her Dr. Hudson. Too bad, you little midget, he's mine. "Well, Dr. Hudson just finished with a patient and may be..."
Rachel cut her off, "Could you just check, please? And, let him know who's calling. He knows what it's about. Thank you," Rachel said sternly.
Well, the nerve! Thought Jessica. "Hold!" she said, placing Rachel on hold before she could say another word. Well, she'd better let Dr. Hudson know that his stalker was on the phone, even if she didn't like her.
She buzzed Finn and his voice came over the line, "Dr. Hudson".
"Yes, Dr. Hudson. There's a Rachel Berry calling for you on line 3. I told her you were probably busy but she insisted. Do you want me to take a message?"
"No, no Jessica," Finn replied, a little too excited. "Thanks, I've got it." He then cut her off, pressing the line 3 button. "Rachel?"
"Yes, hi Finn. I'm surprised your receptionist put me through. I don't think she likes me too much."
" Well, she needs to get over it and quickly. That's not her job. I'll have a talk with her but, in the meantime, you have my cell number so just call my cell. If I don't answer I'm either with a patient or busy. Just leave a message and I'll call or text you."
"Okay. But anyway. I don't have long cause I'm headed to my break but I just wanted to know what time to meet you in the cafeteria. I'm pretty flexible until 3 today."
"Oh, good," said Finn, excited, "because I was looking at my schedule earlier and my last patient of the morning leaves at 12:15 and then I have to do my notes on him so, say 12:45?"
"That would be perfect. See you then. Bye, Finn"
"Bye, Rach."
Rachel hung up the phone after ending her conversation with Finn. She had a smile planted on her face just as Clarice knocked on her door.
"Knock, knock. Coming in," said Clarice entering Rachel's office door with two diet sodas in her hands.
They had decided to meet in Rachel's office for a change for their mid-morning break. For what they had to discuss, Rachel wanted complete privacy. Clarice sat their drinks on the desk and Rachel handed her the half of the turkey sandwich they were sharing on their break.
"So Ms. Rachel, what do you have to say that's so private we are eating in here?" Clarice asked, leaning forward in her seat.
"Reesie," Rachel said, lowering her voice. "What I'm getting ready to tell you can not, I repeat can not go beyond this room."
Clarice held up her hand, "Scout's honor."
"Oh, shut the hell up, Reesie. You were never a scout, silly. But, these are my true feelings and no judging, do you hear me?" Rachel glared at Clarice.
Clarice shook her head. "I promise but can I say 'I told you so'?"
"You don't know what I'm going to say," replied Rachel.
"Doesn't matter what you say," Clarice retorts, taking a bite out of her sandwich, "I can see that sparkle in your eyes. Dead giveaway. So, what gives?"
"Oh, Clarice! We kissed!" Rachel said, a little louder than she had intended.
"What?!" Clarice asked, almost jumping out of her chair. "You kissed him? Mr. Gorgeous and Sexy-As-Hell?"
Rachel was rising out of her seat with excitement. "I've been wanting to tell you all weekend" They both giggled. "We met at Hap's, you know that club on East Bank and Parks?" Clarice nodded. "Well," Rachel continued, "we talked about our past, our careers. And I don't know what it is about him..."
"Besides the fact that he is drop dead gorgeous?" interrupted Clarice.
"Not just that." Rachel continued, "but when we were talking it was like, like we've known each other for years. It was so easy, so comfortable talking to him."
"So, how did all of this lead up to a kiss? Did you just jump him or what?"
"Reesie, if you don't behave, I'm not going to continue this conversation!"
"Okay, Rachel. I'm sorry. Go on," said Clarice, moving to the edge of her seat.
"Anyway," Rachel continued, her eyes getting bigger, "one of my favorite songs came on. You know, by The Script, 'Superheroes', and I wanted to dance so we did. And..." Rachel stopped and looked down.
"And what, dammit!" Clarice demanded.
"I was bad, girl!" Rachel confessed. "I turned around and intentionally ground my butt up against him", Rachel said shyly.
Clarice gasped in shock. "Rachel! You slut!" They both laughed and Clarice hi-fived her. "Girl, I'm proud of you. What can I say. Dr. Finn Hudson's got it going on! Continue," Clarice said.
"Well, when I backed up into him, he got a hard on," Rachel blushed. "And, Clarice, it just went all over me. We were both tipsy and I didn't know if it was the drinks or the man but I really enjoyed myself. I don't think I've ever felt what I was feeling with Finn."
"Is that when you kissed?" asked Clarice, getting impatient.
"No," exclaimed Rachel. "We went back to our booth and I figured it was getting kinda late so I told him I had errands to run the next morning. He called us cabs and while we were waiting outside, that's when it happened." They both squealed.
"Can he kiss? Was it any good?" said Clarice, getting Rachel to continue.
"Good! Wonderful! Fantastic! All of the above. With lips like his? So soft, warm, and kissable. Oh, my! When our lips touched, I don't know. There was just this funny feeling in the pit of my stomach, warm, turning to a hot flame that travel all over my body. And the kiss wasn't just lips either."
"Whoa, girl!" Clarice started fanning herself. "But Rachel..."
"I know what you are thinking. No, I didn't mention Steven but he hasn't mention anyone, either. I didn't see a ring on his finger," said Rachel, pouting.
"Yeah, but you rarely wear your ring, either," warned Clarice.
"You know I can't work at the computer with that thing on. Plus, I forget to put it on sometimes when I go out. Like Friday," returned Rachel, defensively.
"Rachel. So, it sounds like you have pretty strong feelings for Finn. What are you going to do?"
"I don't know. I don't think I can honestly ask your opinion, though. I know how you feel about my relationship with Steven already so I don't know if you can be unbiased."
"Listen, Rachel. I have nothing against Steven. He is a nice person. But I just don't think he is the right one for you. If he was, you wouldn't feel this way about Finn. Everything you've said about Finn should be what you feel for Steven. I think what you feel for Steven is familiarity. What you are feeling for Finn is the real thing. That's what every woman searches for, Rachel. That's why I date so many different guys, searching for that tingle, that fire, those flames. That's all I'm going to say about it." She placed her hand over Rachel's, she looked her in the eyes, saying, "So, what happens now?"
"Well, we are meeting for lunch at 12:45 and I think we are going to talk some more, hang out as friends. But when we talk about relationships, I'll tell him about Steven. I will be totally honest about everything, my feelings included."
"Are you going to say anything to Steven?"
"No, not right now. I have stuff I need to sort out and I need to find out where things are at with Finn. Things are going so fast. I feel like I'm being bombarded with all of these intense feelings for him," says Rachel, looking Clarice in the eyes.
"Well, it sounds like you have done a lot of thinking about this over the weekend but you still have more. Just know, Rachel, I'm here if you need me."
"Thanks, Reesie. I know."
"Well, Ms. Berry. What a problem to have? Can you imagine the stares and eye-rolling you are going to get at lunch time. Most of those women in there want to jump his bones, girl."
Rachel then looked up as if she just remembered something else. "Oh, yes. That's another thing. When Steven and I had sex Saturday night. Nothing. No sparks, no fire. Nothing. All I could think of was Finn and that kiss we shared. And to top that, I don't feel guilty thinking about Finn." Rachel finished, throwing her hands up in the air.
Clarice stood up, throwing her can and paper in the trash. "Well, Rachel. All I can say, you and Steven been that way all along. I'm glad you are finally starting to realize what true passion is. Anyway," she finished, walking toward the door, "let me know what you feel the first time you get a piece of Dr. Hudson." Rachel threw her paper at Clarice, laughing as she closed the door.