Chapter 2

House nonchalantly ducked into the Men's shower room while he formulated his plan; it was deserted … for the time being anyway.

How am I going to pull this off? I can probably get someone to close one of the showers for an hour without raising too much suspicion … that will give me and Cameron more than enough time to … he smiled as he corrected himself.

He could never have enough time to spend with Cameron.

Who can help me? It has to be someone in housekeeping … or maintenance.

House thought for a moment and then a sly grin appeared on his face.

"Hey Doc … how are ya …" Tony said, shaking House's hand.

"A little over-heated …" boy am I ever, thought House, "but I'm good. This must be a tough day for you …"

"Yea, I'm just tryin' to keep everything running here, but it's not easy. Fuses and breakers are blowin' left, right and centre …"

House almost felt guilty asking Tony to do him a favour on such a stressful day … almost.

"Tony, I need a favour."

"Sure Doc … anything." Tony glanced at the photograph of a smiling ten year-old on his desk.

Five years ago, Tony's son was dying and no one knew why. Little Anthony was born with a rare congenital heart defect that had gone undetected since birth, buried by a myriad of other health concerns. House unraveled the puzzle of the boy's failing body and saved his life; to this day, Tony's gratitude knew no bounds as far as House was concerned.

"I need you to close down one of the shower rooms for no more than an hour this afternoon." House said quietly.

"Ya mean shut the water off doc?" asked a confused Tony.

"No, no … I just want exclusive use of the shower room. Can you figure out a way to do that for me without getting us both in trouble?

"Yea … it shouldn't be a problem. I can close it for maintenance. Which one do ya want?" Tony said, rubbing his chin as he thought for a moment.

"Which one is nicer?" House asked, wanting to make things perfect for Cameron. "The woman's. What time … its one-thirty now … how 'bout two o'clock Doc?

"Two's good, but I need you to make absolutely sure that no one gets in …"

"That's not a problem Doc … I'm the only one with a key. I can hang around and wait 'til you're done … ya just have to remember to lock the door from the inside."

Tony's eyes sparkled when he realized what House was up to.

"You're not gonna be alone, are ya Doc?" The two men grinned at one another.

"You can't tell a soul, Tony." House said seriously. Cuddy would kick his sorry ass through downtown Princeton, if she ever found out.

"Doc House, I owe my son's life to you … ya have my word."

"I hear them rumours goin' 'round about you likin' that pretty Doc Cameron … is she gonna join ya?" Tony asked, his grin broadening into a smile.

"Yea Tony … I hope so …"

"Well good luck … I'd like to see ya happy …"

So would I Tony ... so would I ...

House strolled into his office beaming from ear to ear. He stopped in the doorway and watched Cameron; his feminine side thought about how pretty she looked in her yellow sundress while his masculine side tried to imagine the delights it was covering up. He tapped on the door with his cane to announce his arrival.

Cameron looked up from the computer and smiled. "You're looking awfully pleased with yourself."

"I am." House said coyly.

"What's going on House?" she asked with suspicion and a hint of excitement.

"Oh nothing … goodness … look at the time Dr. Cameron, it's almost two o'clock.

Care to take a walk with me?" House said with a grin.

"You didn't?"

"I did."

Cameron blushed with anticipation. Ever since House left on his mission, she had been fantasizing about showering with him, how his naked body would feel pressed next to hers, where his fingers would touch her, how he would …

"Cameron … earth to Cameron … it's time to go" urged House.

House picked up his cell phone.

"Foreman, its House … what time are you and the Wombat finished? Four? Good. Cameron and I are going to find somewhere cool to spend our lunch hour. We'll be back around three."

House and Cameron smiled nervously at each other as they rode down in the elevator to the second floor. After making a quick stop at their lockers, they rounded the corner and saw Tony setting up a yellow tent sign in front of the women's shower.

CLOSED

FOR

REPAIRS

"Doc Cameron, would ya do me a favour and check to make sure there ain't any ladies still showerin' in there? I gotta close her down for an hour to check a problem with the water heater." Tony said winking at House.

Cameron walked in and popped her head out a few seconds later.

"All clear Tony."

"Thanks Doc."

House motioned for Cameron to go back in and when the coast was clear he followed; he locked the door behind him and then turned to Cameron.

They stood and looked at each other, both afraid to make a move.