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Chapter 4

The restaurant was three blocks away. We walked arm in arm in relative silence for the first block. It felt comfortable to have her by my side. Even with no words, just a few random glances, it felt so easy, so right. I felt her staring at me as we crossed the second block. I titled my head and smiled knowingly at her. She blushed hard and looked away, unable to hide her smile that just grew ten fold at having been caught sneaking a look. It was the most endearing thing I had ever seen. I was amazed that I held such a power over this beautiful, intelligent woman. Watching her inability to control herself made me smile harder as well. I gave her arm a squeeze. "So, how was your day, Lauren?"

She cleared her throat. Taking a moment to reel in her emotions, she kept her gaze straight ahead as she spoke. I could see she still had her smile pulling at the corners of her lips even as her mouth moved. "Busy. I spent most of the day putting together a proposal for a research grant. Then, I had several patient files to work on. Today is a half day for me as far as patients go, so it was a lot of paperwork. Nothing too exciting. How about you?"

"Me? Oh you know, nothing much. Just saving the world one bad guy at a time." I chuckled. I felt bolder given the way she was reacting to me. I'm sure my answer was either completely arrogant or completely ridiculous and for a moment I felt silly, but she wasn't thrown.

"I'm sure I speak for the other citizens of the city when I say thank you Super Bo, for protecting us." She was adorable as she snickered to herself while she teased me. "So, is this your super hero uniform or do I have the pleasure of doing dinner with your alter ego?"

"Hmmm, I don't know," I arched my brow, "Which one would you prefer?"

"It would be exciting to go on a date with a super hero, but then I wouldn't want you to think I only wanted you for your powers, so I'd like regular old Bo Dennis, if that's alright with you?"

"You want me, huh?" That was all I heard. I had mostly been staring at her lips the whole time, remembering the kiss we shared moments ago.

She rolled her eyes and bit her lip. I could tell she was debating her next words carefully, but I didn't let her answer. "Here we are." I released her arm and held the door open for her. "After you."

She stood there looking at me for a moment. There was something in her eyes I couldn't place and I had to look away. I felt unfamiliar warmth inside and I wasn't sure what it meant, I just know that she put it there. I turned my attention inside the restaurant and motioned for her to enter. Lauren ran her hand down my arm as she passed and I closed my eyes at her touch. Even through my jacket I could feel the electricity between us and it hasn't lessened any since our first meeting. That alone had me excited for more since earlier today Alli reminded me that I loved the hunt. Clearly, Lauren felt what I did and I knew that I could have her if I wanted, yet it hasn't lessened my desire for her at all. I was stuck in my thoughts as I followed her to our table. There was something about the way she moved, how she used her hands to speak when she was passionate about something and the way her eyes sparkled when she looked at me, that had me finding more excitement in waiting. It seemed that every little detail I learned about Dr. Lauren Lewis made me want her a little bit more.

We took our seats across from one another in a low lit corner of the restaurant. It was a great little mom and pop owned place. The family was straight from Italy and the food was to die for. It was my favorite place to come after a long day in court when I needed a good meal and some wine to settle me down.

I glanced around the place, letting my eyes settle on her. "I hope you like it."

She smiled softly, her brown eyes directed at me with intensity. "I already enjoy the company; the food is just a bonus."

It was my turn to blush. I marveled at how she was always able to keep me on edge. Every time I thought I had her under my spell, she'd cast her own. I was relieved when the wine came. It gave me something to do with my hands. We had done this twice before, but it didn't last long and for some reason I was nervous tonight. The possibility of a full date with her seemed somehow daunting at the moment. Maybe I was afraid of what would happen at the end, or maybe that she would finally see through me with that genius IQ of hers and realize she could do better. I was good at my job and had street smarts, but I wasn't reading giant textbooks on DNA whatever, or out on missions curing diseases in small countries. I was starting to talk myself out of the date when I saw her staring at me. Any doubt I had about myself with her was stricken from my memory. Silly as it seemed, I felt like I could do anything, be anything with her by my side and we haven't even had a full meal together yet. She let me order for the both of us, saying that she never met an Italian dish she didn't like. I chose a couple of entrées that we could share, mussels in white wine sauce, chicken parmesan and beef tortellini, three of their best dishes.

Once again, the conversation between us flowed easily with the usual early date banter. I often found myself concentrating on the fine details of her face and the way her blonde hair fell over her shoulders instead of her words, but I got the highlights. She likes hockey, the Chicago Blackhawks to be exact, while I prefer the Maple Leaf's. We both agreed that we enjoy warm, sandy beaches to snowy mountains. Her favorite drink is Jameson, especially after a hard day and she does indeed have a love for fine cars. I wanted to bring up Afghanistan again. I didn't want to ruin our lovely evening, but something in me was dying to know more. I talked myself out of it. Instead I asked about her research. Her eyes lit up with that spark of passion and her hands moved eloquently as she spoke. I was mesmerized and didn't understand a single word, but I loved every second of it.

She stopped suddenly and just stared at me with a shy smile. She did that eye roll that I have come to love as she spoke, "I'm sorry Bo. I have a tendency to ramble when I geek out. I didn't mean to bore you with the details."

I leaned forward and placed a comforting hand over hers. "It's no problem, Lauren. You are very passionate about your work and I find that extremely sexy." I pulled my hand back and smiled as I leaned back in my chair again.

She smirked at my blatant flirting. I'm sure many people are intimidated by her brilliance, but not me. She could tell me about gene splicing the whatchamacallit all day and I'd be perfectly happy.

"You Bo Dennis, are extremely confident in yourself and I find that to be quite the turn on."

Touché'. I could see her relax after that and she adopted a calm, cool persona that gave her a confidence of her own. She flirted just as openly with me as I did with her. Dinner was over far too quickly for my liking as I found myself clinging to every available second with her. I caught her eyes, "When can I see you again, Lauren?"

"Always so eager and direct." She laughed at my forwardness, but I didn't back down. I could tell that behind that cool exterior, she was just as interested in me. "Unfortunately, I have a conference in Denver this weekend."

I felt my heart drop. The idea of going the whole weekend without seeing her was cruel and unusual punishment. Right now, it was hard to part ways for the rest of the evening. She must have seen my eyes dim, because she offered a solution. "I can pack early and see you Thursday night?"

Immediately, my mood picked up and I could tell I had a goofy grin, but I couldn't help myself. I caught a glimmer in her eye, as well. "It's a date."

I escorted her out into the night as we walked back much the same way we came in, arm in arm. She suggested a detour through the park, of course I agreed. We let our hands fall to our sides, slipping our fingers into one another's as we walked. We were quiet for a bit, just taking in the sounds of the city and the rising moon. I led us to the big rock where people went to overlook the pond and it's brightly lit fountain. This time of evening it was usually empty. It was mostly frequented at sunset and late at night where people would sneak and make out. I didn't have any expectations. I just wanted to be alone with her as long as possible. She took a seat on the edge and stared out into the night. Her profile was exquisite in the lighting. My breath caught as I looked at her and my nervousness returned.

She didn't seem to notice when she smiled at me and whispered, "What are you thinking Bo?"

My hand moved of its own accord and cupped her jaw. She leaned into it and smiled. I felt her grasp my wrist and she pulled my hand down, placing a soft kiss on my palm. "You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, Lauren." It was all I could manage to say, but it said it all.

Her expression had a language of its own. She brought both hands up to my face, running her thumbs over my cheeks. Her eyes appeared to be a bit glassy as she closed the distance between us. "Funny, I was thinking the exact same thing about you, Bo," she whispered back and I felt my heart thump a little harder in my chest.

I shut my eyes, letting my senses take over as she brushed her lips across mine. I let her take control, such sweet torture. Never have I ever wanted so badly to be at the mercy of someone else. Our breaths intermingled and there was the lingering taste of the red wine we had shared as her lips pressed against mine. She felt so soft, so perfect. Her fingers slid up into my hair as she parted my lips with her own. I moaned, but it was stifled by her mouth on mine and I felt her smile against my lips. My hands moved down to her hips and I gripped them firmly. She was still too far away. I needed her closer, so I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her against me, feeling the heat of her body through our clothes. I wanted to slip my fingers up under her blouse and graze her silky skin, but I was afraid I would lose control. I was already teetering on the edge. I felt her desire rising by the second as we melted into one another. Her hands gripped the back of my head, holding me securely in place, as if there were any chance I would leave right now. I was lost in the moment. In between heartbeats there was only Lauren and I as all the worries of the world drifted away. She trailed soft kisses down my chin and then pulled back, my head still firmly in her hands. Her slight smile almost seemed to ask permission to continue. I gave in. With a quick nod, I captured her lips again, a little more forcefully than before. Her soft whimper urged me on. I nipped and nibbled my way down her long, slender neck, enjoying the hiss when I bit gently on her pulse point, soothing the sting with my tongue. She tipped her head to allow me better access and I felt her hands slide up my sides, grazing the outside of my breasts. I flinched as a tremor of desire shot through me and I was at the edge of losing my mind. I knew I had to stop. I didn't want to and I could tell by her smoldering look in her eyes that she didn't like the idea any more than I did. I almost caved again at the sight of her with those kiss swollen lips and pink marks along her neck that showed the world I was there.

Between heavy breaths I closed my eyes and whispered, "Lauren, I-"

"I know, Bo," she heaved between gasps for air, "I know." She placed tender kiss on my cheek. "Thank you for a lovely evening. I can't wait to see you again."

She left me there. I watched her walk away. She probably had the same fear I did, that if I walked her to her car, we wouldn't be able to fight it again. She did turn around and flash a brilliant smile, she was practically glowing. That's how I felt inside, too.

"It's all I'll think about," I said into the night as her silhouette disappeared into the dark. That was the truth.

XXX

I was surprised that I had the strength to stand up and walk away from Bo. When I looked in her eyes, I could see the overwhelming desire oozing through her pupils. I was the one who kissed her; I was the one who started the slow burn between us that became a rolling inferno in the matter of seconds. I had never kissed anyone like that nor ever been kissed like that. I could still feel my heart pounding as I stepped closer to my car.

As I opened the car door, I quickly regretted not asking her to walk me. I knew it would have led to much more than a gentle goodbye and promises of excitement for the next date. It would have led to steaming up the windows, hurried driving to the closest apartment and a night long exploration of each other's bodies. I sighed hard as I started the car, her body. I could only imagine what her skin felt like, bare and mine to touch.

I looked up in the rear view mirror, my fingers running over the small red marks Bo had left on me. I smiled wide as I blushed. She had done her best to claim me, but the marks would be gone by morning. Driving home, I thought about Bo. How was it this woman had captured my soul and heart in such a short time, filling me with such a primal need I had never experienced before? I wanted her, I craved her, but more than just a quick fling in the bathroom or a one night stand. There was something about Bo that was drawing me in deep and pushing me to a place I had long forgotten. The words she spoke to me, about being so beautiful, I had never heard before in that tone, that intensity and so full of what I could only imagine was love.

The rest of the drive home, my thoughts were filled of Bo. How her lips felt against mine and how I wanted her in my arms all the time. I could not wipe the smile off my face as I pulled into my driveway, opened my front door and sat down on my bed. I held my phone trying to craft something, anything to text Bo. I groaned and set the phone down when I couldn't come up with anything. I moved around my bedroom, pulling down suitcases and small bags to start packing for my conference.

The Denver conference was something I had been looking forward to all year. The conference was a biomedical technology conference. The reason I was going was to view the new artificial limb prototypes that were being released to a select few hospitals for trial runs. I wanted to be able to bring some of the new technology back to my hospital so I could continue helping children and veterans. I had been excited the moment I had received the invitation, but now, there was Bo. She was my new excitement in life.

I packed quickly, forgoing my normal detailed manners in packing. I tossed random casual clothes and suits in suitcases. I could not focus as I sorted through files and other paperwork I had pulled aside to bring with me. My thoughts constantly drifted from the task at hand to a brunette's charming smile. I jammed papers into my briefcase and set it aside, reaching for my phone to just call her, text her or anything. As I started to draft a message, Bo sent me one.

I can't stop thinking about you. Is there a diagnosis for this? Doctor?

I smiled and could feel the blush warm up my face and body. I typed quickly.

There is but I would love to diagnose you in person. Lunch, tomorrow?

The response came almost as quick as I sent the message.

The diner across the street from the courthouse. I take my lunch at 1. I will be there, waiting for my exam.

I couldn't speak, her simple words had my heart pounding. I set the phone down, poured myself a small glass of Jameson and went to bed hoping the whiskey would settle my mind and my heart.

I woke up early the next morning. I felt different. I felt lighter, happier and eager to get through my work. It was only Wednesday and I had Thursday night to look forward to. All of it involved a whirlwind with brown eyes and brown hair. I worked quickly to get to lunch on time. I even surprised my intern when I allowed her to take lead on some of the minor patients that just needed their usual rounds. I was a few minutes late leaving the hospital. I did not realize I had left my white coat on until I walked into the small diner.

I immediately spotted Bo in the back of the diner, looking out the window. She was playing with her red plastic cup of water, a slight frown was on her face. I was almost fifteen minutes late. For some reason seeing Bo sad made my heart heavy. I bypassed the older woman who was about to approach me and tell me find a spot anywhere. Bo was wearing a cream colored dress blouse that looked far more conservative for her normal wear. It still hugged perfectly to places I longed to expose. The top three buttons were undone, giving just a hint of what could be. I saw her dark blue suit jacket draped over the back of the booth, envying it immediately for being one thing that held close against her. I smiled to myself, when did I become so jealous of clothes?

I slid into the booth quietly. So quietly that Bo did not notice. I peeled my coat off and as a last thought left my white coat on. I kept my voice soft as I spoke, "Ms. Dennis? I am ready for your examination now."

Bo jumped slightly and looked at me, her frown quickly replaced by a wide grin as her eyes roamed over the white coat. She suddenly reached out towards my coat, her fingers brushing across the Dr. Lauren Lewis stitched in navy blue across my chest. She pulled her hand back when I looked down at her motions. I grabbed her hand before it was lost to me across the table, I held it in mine. "I'm late."

Bo took a deep breath, "You are, but you are here now." She smiled and squeezed my hand in hers. "I only have about forty five minutes left for lunch. Today is day one of my newest case, the trial starts at two thirty."

I pulled my hand from hers and pulled out the menus. "Then we should order." I glanced over the menu, "I will make it up to you tomorrow night, Bo. Dinner and dessert will be on me." I peered over the top of the menu just in time to catch her blushing. The dimple snuck out as she tried to hold back the smile by biting her bottom lip.

"I will hold you too it, Doctor."

The older woman came by and took our order. As soon as we were alone again, Bo leaned forward in her seat. "So, Dr. Lewis, I have a small confession to make."

I raised my eyebrow in a silent prodding of her to continue. "Call it my lawyer nature to always know every aspect of a person, but I had no idea you were as amazing as you are."

I smirked lightly. "Is it really that apparent? Or is it just the doctor's coat?"

Bo looked me up and down again, slower and full of a not so hidden desire. I could see in her face that she would one day ask me to wear it in the bedroom, when we got to that point. Which I knew would be sure to come after dinner tomorrow. I was no longer willing to wait to feel her bare skin and see what noises I could pull from her as I ran my fingers over that skin.

"The doctor's coat is something, that is for sure, but I googled you at work this morning. I had no idea you were a hero."

I clenched my jaw as it began to sink in where this conversation was headed. I turned to look out the window, "You shouldn't believe everything you read on the internet, Bo."

She reached for my hand. "Your time in Afghanistan. You were a hero. How long were you over there working with the Doctors without Borders?"

I clenched my jaw tighter, closing my eyes. I wanted to pull my hand back from Bo. "Just one year. I was attached to a UN unit that also worked with the Canadian and U.S. Army. Helping them develop in field procedures to immediate amputations of soldiers and civilians." I paused and slowly pulled my hand from hers, busying it with unfolding my silverware. "Bo, this is not something I like to talk about."

Bo kept her smile, "But the articles I read about you, it was all over the world news. You saved children and soldiers that day."

I looked in her in the eyes, harder than I wanted by the way her smile dropped. "You shouldn't believe everything you read on the internet."

Our food arrived and I was about to change the subject to diffuse the rising irritation of this conversation and how much the media had altered the truth about that day. Bo beat me to the chase. "Then tell me what happened that day, you are a hero. I admire you immensely for what they said you did that day."

She pulled her salad closer, "You received the civilian equivalent of the medal of honor, from both countries and even the UN heralded you as a humanitarian hero."

I took a deep breath and set down my fork, pushing my plate of grilled chicken and rice away. I was no longer hungry and no longer interested in this conversation. I looked at Bo. "What I did that day was stupid. Lives were lost and I could not save as many as I tried to. I made a stupid mistake. I made a stupid choice and took good people with me. Soldiers were hurt and died, children were harmed." I paused as flashes of that day came rushing back, I stood up quickly, scaring Bo a bit.

I grabbed my coat and dug out a handful of bills, throwing them on the table. "I would appreciate it that you did not dig into my life, Bo." I angrily pulled on my coat. "You do not know me in the slightest to deserve knowing everything." I paused trying to keep my voice even as I saw the pain and embarrassment flood across the brunette's face. "I'm sorry I have to go back to work."

I walked away from her before anything else was said. I heard her call after me softly. Out of my peripheral, I saw her get out of the booth and come after me. I held up my hand to her and over my shoulder, "Please, just let me go." I didn't look back as I pushed through the diner's doors with anger.

I walked back to the hospital quickly, admonishing myself for falling so fast into spiral of what I could only believe now was lust for a woman that I barely knew. It wasn't that she wanted to know more about me that bothered me to infuriation, it was the fact that she didn't ask me face to face. She googled me, and took the words of PR driven fools as truths.

When I returned to the hospital I drove myself head first into work, trying to chase away the sinking feeling that was creeping in. That I had moved too fast, I had taken another stupid chance on a random woman I lusted after. I needed to take time away from Bo. I paused mid chart as I felt my phone vibrate. I pulled it out. There was a missed call from Bo, a voicemail and a handful of apology texts. My heart skipped a little and hurt as I read her name. I chose not to look at any of them, my emotions were confused now.

I sent Bo a quick text, letting her know that I would be cancelling dinner tomorrow, that my flight was moved up to tomorrow morning. I hit send, and then looked at my intern, "Call the airline for me, and see if I can get a flight to Denver in the morning or as soon as possible."

I would do what I always did when I needed to clear my mind and my heart. Work.

XXX

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