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Chapter 4

Melissa closed her shop every day at 6 PM, except for Thursdays when she was open until 9. On that night, she featured live music, usually college students playing and singing. Just like the art on the walls, she tried to encourage the creativity of the young people from the college or just around the area. Her shop was usually very crowded on those evenings.

House decided to check out the music and was surprised when he could barely find a seat. Melissa was so busy that it took a while before she noticed him. When she did, he smiled at her and raised his cup in greeting. She didn't like that he was there, but as long as he didn't bother her, then there was nothing she could do about it.

He was there every Thursday evening for the music. And almost every morning he stopped on his way to work for coffee. And if he finished early enough at the hospital, he would stop on his way home to pick up a sandwich for dinner.

He always smiled at her and greeted her with some banality or small talk, but didn't say anything more. Even though it annoyed her to have him there, he wasn't really bothering her and he had become a good customer.

After about six weeks of just showing up and behaving himself, he decided to change the pattern.

One Thursday evening, as she was closing the shop, she noticed him sitting on the bench outside. Since it was her bench and she brought it in each evening, she had to ask him to leave.

He ignored her request. "So, the way I figure it, you had an old boyfriend who was what you call a 'bad boy.' A musician right?"

"Why are you bothering me when I've already told you that I'm not interested?"

"I like it here at Mel's Diner."

She hid a smile. "The shop is called Cool Beans and it's not a diner. And my name is Melissa."

"Yeah, yeah, Mel for short. And you serve food, so people can DINE there. So, Mel's diner."

"You have an interest in old 1970's TV comedy shows?"

"Not really. But you obviously do, if you know the reference."

"Kiss my grits, Dr. House."

He smiled at the catch phrase from the show 'Alice'. "Answer the question: was he a musician?"

She stared at him, then nodded. "Yes. A musician."

"You ever have him play here?"

"No."

"So either it was a bitter breakup or he got too big to play a coffee house."

"Neither. Dr. House, I don't intend to discuss my private life with you. You're a good customer, so I'm not trying to chase you away. But if you begin to harass me, I will do something about it, customer or no customer."

"I was just trying to be nice. Thought I'd drive you home."

"On your motorcycle? I don't think so. Anyway, I live right upstairs."

"Motorcycles are fun. You should try one."

She laughed. "Dr. House, I've probably logged more hours on a bike than you have. I spent about five years traveling this country, Canada and Mexico on the back of a motorcycle."

He looked at her in amazement. This was a woman full of surprises. And plenty of secrets. He also sensed that she would share a lot of his interests if she allowed herself to get to know him.

He decided he needed to take a chance if he was ever going to get anywhere with her.

He reached out quickly and before she had a chance to move, pulled her into his arms and touched his lips to hers. Her arms reluctantly snaked around his waist as he deepened the kiss. Just as his mouth opened and his tongue met hers, she broke it off and moved away from him.

"I did not give you permission to kiss me."

"Your eyes did."

"I've admitted that I'm attracted to you. That doesn't mean I want to pursue a relationship."

"Hey, I'm a bad boy, right? I don't do relationships. I was thinking one night stand. We could both be getting some."

"The only thing you'll be getting from me is coffee. And if you harass me again, you won't be getting that either."

She turned and went back into the store.

Late that night, Melissa lay alone in her bed and thought about that kiss. And about how excited it made her. She hadn't been that excited by a kiss in a long, long time.

Not since Jess.

She had dated several very nice men since then, but none had measured up to Jess.

Until tonight.

Was she destined to only be turned on by the bad boys? She sighed and turned over, even though she knew she wouldn't sleep.