Hey! I would like to start by saying a big sorry for not updating in ages. But I've been sick and had also had a case of writers block! But now I think that I have sorted that out, so please review and let me know what you think!
I also want to thank lillilanne, bigred08 and siddika, who all reviewed the last chapter!
I also want to use this AN to mention my new Shane West forum. The address is on my profile and I would love it if you would check it out! Enough of the self promotion, on with the story!
Chapter 8: Pulse Through My Veins
It was a few days after the gig and Ray and Neela had grown even closer. They always waited for each other at the end of shifts and for the past few nights they had both stayed in and watched T.V and ate takeout. Neela was glad, feeling like she was getting a taste of what it would be like if she and Ray where a real couple, but she always quickly reminded herself that they were just friends and Ray wasn't interested in her that way. But still, a girl could dream.
Ray, on the other hand, had been waiting for the right moment to ask Neela out. Even though he knew they were closer, he didn't want to rush it and make a fool out of himself. He wanted them both to be in a good mood, not miserable after a crappy shift or too tired to even think.
However, Ray had just finished a particularly good shift, having been giving many 'slam dunk' cases, and no one hitting him in the face or head with any medical equipment, something that Ray was very happy about. Ray knew that Neela had also had a good day too, getting to go home early since the night was light and there were lots of residents on call anyway.
So that was why Ray was sitting outside in the cold ambulance bay, his coat, scarf and gloves warding the cold Chicago wind from biting his pale skin, as he sat on the bench and waited for his roommate, deciding that tonight was the night that he would ask Neela out, and she would hopefully say yes.
Sitting on his hands to keep them warm, Ray smiled as he saw his petite roommate walking out the ambulance bay doors, her raven hair hidden hanging down, but snug under a baby blue hat, with scarf and gloves to match. Standing up Ray walked over to her and wrapped his arm across her shoulders, pulling her close to him.
Neela felt a shiver go down her spine as she felt the heat radiating from Rays body, causing her to smile as he said in a caring voice,
'You O.K, you shivered?' Ray asked as he looked down at Neela as they began their walk to the EL, as Rays truck was being borrowed by Bret.
Patting Ray on the back, Neela said in a mock tone as if she was talking to a child,
'It's cold Ray, you're shivering too' and she couldn't hold back her laugh as Ray stuck his tongue out at her and gave her a light shove away from him before pulling her back and resuming their previous stance.
Ray was staring down at Neela as the snow began to dance down and settle on the ground, mesmerised by how beautiful she was, and how much he wished that she was his. He wouldn't be the type of guy who would get jealous, but he would admit that was exactly how he had felt when Neela had gone out with Michael.
Ray was jolted out of his thoughts when Neela began to run and grabbed his hand, pulling him along after her as she raced up the steps to the EL, seeing that their train was about to pull off. They made it just in time; however they were left standing, huddled close together amongst the sea of people, although neither really minded being pressed up against their secret crush.
'Aren't they a cute couple dear' Neela heard an elderly lady say to her husband, and wondered who they were talking about, as they were staring straight at her and Ray. Why would they think we were a couple? Neela thought, but soon realized that her and Rays hands were still intertwined, and she let out a laugh, earning a puzzled look from Ray.
He looks so cute when he does that, Neela thought before she lifted hers and Ray's hands up, showing Ray why she was laughing.
'Oh' Ray said, and Neela could have sworn she saw him blush. Ray Barnett embarrassed, never.
Letting each others hands go, and instantly feeling the loss of heat, Neela felt her own cheeks heat, feeling like a silly school girl who had been caught writing her crushes name on the front of her book.
'I hope you don't mind me saying that you two make an adorable couple' the elderly woman said, to both Neela and Ray, both whom got a look of shock and embarrassment on their faces.
'Thanks' Ray said, and turned to face a shocked Neela. Leaning down to her ear, Ray said in a husky voice,
'Would it be so bad?' And before Neela even had a chance to answer, the EL pulled to a stop and Ray had grabbed her hand and was pulling her out passed the mass of people and down the steps which lead to the end of the street which their apartment was on.
The first few minutes of the walk were in silence, Neela still in disbelief over what Ray had said, and the fact that he was holding her hand again, only this time he was the one who had grabbed her hand.
'So, you didn't answer my question' Ray said with a cheeky grin as they reached the door to the apartment building, and he used his free hand to open the door with his key and lead Neela inside, never letting her hand go once.
Climbing the stairs, Neela stuttered,
'Well, I...what did you mean by it?' She asked, not wanting to get her hopes up to find that it was just a cruel joke.
Opening the door to the apartment, Ray let go of Neela's hand and motioned for her to go in, and then followed and shut and locked the door behind him.
Pulling off his hat, scarf, gloves and coat, Ray made his way over to the sofa and waited for Neela to do the same. When she was sitting beside him, her winter wear gone too, he turned to her and said in a gentle voice,
'I meant would you go out with me this Friday…on a date?'
Neela couldn't stop the smile that covered her face, the expression soon on Rays as he realised that she wasn't disgusted or angered by the suggestion that she would even entertain the idea of her and Ray going out together.
'I'd love to' Neela replied, and felt her smile widen as Ray leaned over and kissed her cheek, his warm lips a contrast to her cold skin.
'Well then, it's a date' Ray said with a laugh as he wrapped his arm around Neela and she wrapped her arm across his waist.
It was Friday night and Neela was getting ready in her room. Ray had booked a table at her favourite restaurant, the gesture warming her heart itself, and she was looking for the perfect dress to wear.
It was still cold out, the snow still falling, and she didn't like the idea of freezing her butt off for the sake of showing off her skin, not that she would ever do that anyway. She just hoped that Ray would like what she chose, as she knew she wasn't like the type of girls he usually went out with.
Looking through her wardrobe she decided to wear a crimson red dress with a v-neck in it. Paired with a pair of black high heels and a bit of make-up, her hair in loose curls and down, Neela was ready.
Walking into the living room, she smiled to herself at the look Ray gave her, his eyes lighting up and a smile on his face as he said,
'Wow, Neela, you look great', and Neela was pleased that he thought so.
'You don't look too bad yourself', and she meant it. She didn't think that Ray had ever looked better than he did now. He was wearing a pair of dark denim jeans with a crisp white shirt, the top few buttons undone and showing a bit of his toned chest. He also had a black sports jacket on top.
'Thanks. So are you ready?' Ray asked as he got up and went over to Neela, who replied.
'Yeah, lets get going'.
They were sitting in the restaurant, the walls a deep red and glowing in candlelight. It was one of the most romantic places Neela had ever been on a date, and the fact that it was with Ray Barnett made it even better.
Neela smiled at the thought, knowing that Abby wouldn't believe her when she told her about the date. They had decided not to tell anyone at work that they were going out because of the rumours that were always started. No doubt Neela would be 'pregnant' within three weeks of their dating if the county general nurses and doctors had their spin on the story.
Looking at Ray in the seat beside her, their table in a cosy corner booth near the back of the restaurant where it was quiet and, Neela thought, the most romantic, as he sipped at the red wine they had ordered Neela couldn't believe that he was the same man she had moved in with a few weeks ago. She had been so sure that he was going to be a loud, arrogant, cocky jerk with no consideration for anyone or anything around him. And although at times he was loud, he could also be sweet and caring, and was always there for her whenever she had a bad day.
Looking over at Neela, Ray shot his hand up to his face as he said,
'Is there something on my face?' And as Neela laughed, he raised one eyebrow in confusion before lowering his hand again and moving so that he was sitting with his leg just touching hers, he said in a low seductive voice,
'So you were just looking at me then'
Nodding her head, Neela lifted her hand to his face, cupping his face in her hand, the skin colours so different, but fitting so well, and she leaned her head towards his, and he did the same.
Finally their lips met in a soft and gentle kiss, both of them feeling the fireworks between them, all of the desire for each other over the past few weeks coming out in that one, perfect kiss.
Pulling back and resting his forehead against hers, Ray closed his eyes as he whispered to her,
'Ready to go?' his face a picture of happiness, his feelings towards Neela evident in his face. Neela was looking back at him with the same look, and even though she had always told anyone who said that they believed in love at first sight that they were silly, she now knew how they felt.
Standing up from the booth and setting the money on the table, along with a tip, Ray took Neela's hand and led her out.
Soon they were back in the apartment, and not five seconds after the door had locked, but Neela and Ray were grabbing at each other and kissing, wanting to taste the other one and feel what they had only imagined.
Taste
I love the taste
I need its warm rush
Rush
I need the rush
To pulse through my veins
And I'll love you tonight
Oh I love you tonight
And tomorrow we may just
Feel the same
Please don't bite down
As they neared Neela's bedroom, Ray's jacket and shirt were already on the ground, along with Neela's shoes and shawl. Pushing the door to her bedroom open, Neela walked in, and pulled Ray over to the bed with her, both wanting to show the other one how much they loved each other. Sitting down Neela began to unbukle the belt of Rays jeans as he kissed her shoulder, and began to unzip her dress, showing more skin.
Standing up Neela stepped out of the dress and climbed into the bed and under the covers, waiting for Ray. Kicking off his shoes, socks and jeans, Ray climbed in beside her, cupping her face in his hand and kiss her deeply, showing her just how he felt. Pullng back, Ray began to kiss Neela's shoulders as he unclipped her bra and slide the arms down slowly, not wanting to rush anything.
I will know I'm alive
Rush
There is no rush
There is no reason
To blush
There's only us
To keep it between
And I'll love you tonight
I will love you tonight
And tomorrow we may just feel the same
And I won't bite down
'Til the moment counts
Rolling over so that she was on top, Neela began to kiss Rays neck and down to his chest and then back up again, feeling his breathing quicken and smiling that it was her who was doing that to him. Sitting up, her hands on his chest, Neela looked at the love that was shining from his eyes as he looked at her. She hadn't made love with someone in a while, and being with Ray she was afraid that he would laugh because she wasn't like the girls who she had heard him with. She felt a blush rise to her at the thought.
Seeing the look on her face, Ray lifted his hand from her waist to the side of her neck as he said,
'We don't have to do anything if you don't want to', and the caring tone that he said it in melted Neela's heart and washed away her worries, and she leant down and anwered him with a passionte kiss, her tongue running over his and exploring his mouth.
And I'll know I'm alive
And I'll know I'm alive
Give me some teeth
Give me something
Unforgettable
And I'll know I'm alive
And I'll know I'm alive
And I'll know I'm alive
And the moment's right
Swapping positions, Ray now on top, his arms holding him up as he kissed Neela, first her forehead, then the tip of her nose and finally her mouth. Sliding his hands down her slender waist Ray stopped at the top of her underwear, his eyes asking a question, her eyes telling her answer. Sliding them down Ray kissed Neela, his mouth a smile as he felt her roll them over so that she was on top again.
'What?' Neela said with a small smile as she pushed his boxers down, and tossed them to the floor with the rest of their clothes.
Soon they were both a tangle of limbs, Neela's legs wrapped around Rays waist as he moved in and out of her, gentle and caring.
And I'll know I'm alive
And I'll know I'm alive
Give me some teeth
Give me something
Unforgettable
And I'll know I'm alive
And I'll know I'm alive
And I'll know that I am alive
Lying afterwards, Rays head on Neela chest as he steadied his breathing, feeling her fingers running through his hair, Ray closed his eyes, feeling the happiest he had ever in his whole life. For the first time he wasn't just lying with someone to warm his bed after sex, but he was lying with someone who he wanted to be with after making love to them, and the thought made his heart warm.
It was the next morning, and as Neela opened her eyes she smiled as she remembered the night before, how Ray had been so gentle, not how she had expected him to be. Looking down at his head resting on her chest, and her arm wrapped around his shoulders, she glanced over at the clock and seen that she still had a few more hours to go before she or Ray had to get up and face another day in the mad world that was County General.
It was about two hours later and Ray work up due to the sound of a car horn outside. At first he didn't know where he was, the light coloured walls and perfume scent confusing him for a second, but he quickly remembered the night that he and Neela had shared together and smiled at the thought.
He never thought that he would feel the way he felt about Neela, the idea of being in love not something he thought would ever get him. But after the past few weeks, and defiantly the night he had just had, he knew that he had been hit by cupid's arrow, big time.
Lifting his head up as much as he could in his current position and craning his neck, Ray gazed down at Neela, with her black hair fanned out on the pillow and her dark eyelashes nearly touching her coffee coloured skin. He had always gone for groupies, the tight top and small skirt doing it for him, but then he had met Neela. She had shown him that real beauty wasn't all just about looks, although Ray would fight anyone to say that Neela was the most beautiful woman he had ever saw, but always about the person inside.
Glancing at the clock, Ray saw that it was two hours before he had to go to work, so sliding out from under Neela's arm, careful not to wake her, Ray pulled his boxers on and made his way to the bathroom, knowing that if he waited until Neela was awake then he would just stay in bed the rest of the day…only he wouldn't be sleeping.
Neela woke a few minutes later to the sound of water running, and smiling to herself she grabbed her robe from the bottom of the bed and made her way over to the bathroom. Quietly opening the door, Neela tiptoed over and shed her robe before opening the curtain and stepping in, slipping a slender hand around the lean waist of Ray, who turned to look at her with a cute grin on his face.
'Got lonely?' Ray said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him and she kissed her neck, leaving her mark for everyone to see.
It was nearly an hour later and Ray and Neela where just stepping out of the shower, the latter throwing a towel to her not very shy boyfriend, who just grinned at her and then wrapped it around his waist as he said,
'I guess when you said one more time…you didn't mean three' and Neela turned and gave him a mock glare as she brushed her teeth, determined not to let him keep her back anymore, no matter how fun it was.
Ray and Neela made it through the door to county general just on time, and made their way to the lounge to deposit their coats and hats in their lockers and replace them with their white lad coats and county general I.D's.
'I think that we should keep 'us' between us for now; you know what people are like' Neela said as she fixed her coat and began to pour both herself and Ray a cup of coffee.
'I know, but we should make out in closets' Ray said with a mischievous grin as he walked over beside Neela and placed his hand on her hip and gave it a light squeeze.
Slapping his hand away, but laughing at the same time, Neela began to walk out of the lounge, her face to Ray as she said,
'Was three times not enough for you' and she laughed as she saw Ray shake his head 'no' just before she left and made her way over to the admit desk to start her day.
It was Rays break and he was sitting in the lounge, his head against the back of the couch and his eyes closed, so he didn't see Abby as she walked in and made her way over to the couch beside him.
'What's that' Abby said, her eyes seeing the noticeable love bite which Neela had left on Rays neck that morning during the shower.
Opening his eyes in shock, not expecting anyone to be beside him, Ray shot his head round to face Abby as he said,
'What?' Although, in the back of his mind he was pretty sure what it was.
Leaning over, Abby traced her fingers along the mark on Ray's slender neck as she said in a joking voice,
'You little slut. We're going to have to keep an eye on you' this of course earned a laugh from Ray, the thought I wouldn't mind Neela's eyes on me now! running through his head.
'Don't you have work to do, Rockhard' Ray said as he got up and left the lounge, hoping to find Neela and tell her about the exchange.
Seeing her standing in one of the exam rooms, Ray walked over and saw that she was just going over some paper work, and was glad. Walking up behind her, Ray leant down to her ear, and brushing back some of her hair, he whispered,
'You're needed in the supply closet…something needs fixed'
Turning to look at Ray, Neela raised her eyebrow as she said,
'Sure' and she smiled at the look of shock and happiness on Rays face. The truth was that she was thrilled by the thought of having a secret love affair, she had loved reading 'Romeo and Juliet' in school…only she didn't want her love story to end that way.
'Meet me in five minutes' Neela said as she got up and made her way down the hall, knowing that someone would know what they were up to if they both went in at the same time. Even thought nobody used that closet, she knew that Morris was a little perv and would go down just in case he got to see anything.
Ray followed Neela down the hall, and as he pushed the door open, he felt Neela grab his arm and pull him in, shutting the door behind him before she pushed his lad coat off and pushed him against the wall.
As Neela kissed his neck and began unbuckling his belt, Ray ran his hand down her sides, his hear thundering in his chest.
Pulling back to kiss him on the lips, Neela ran her hands up the front of his t-shirt, feeling the muscles underneath and smiled against his lips. Moving her hands to the button of his jeans Neela opened it, and as she pulled the zipper down, she had her eyes on Ray, a small smile on her face at the look of lust and desire she could see in his eyes, knowing that the same look was in his.
Just as Ray began to unbutton the top few buttons of Neela's shirt, revealing some of her skin, the door to the closet was opened and both jumped back as they heard the voice of Abby saying,
'Sorry!'
The door was quickly slammed shut and Neela laughed as she looked at the look on Rays face, he looked like he had just been woken up by a bucket of ice cold water lashing round him. Buttoning her shirt and then walking over to Ray, who was finishing buckling his belt back up and putting his lab coat back on, Neela pulled his face down to hers and kissed him before pulling back and saying,
'We'll finish this later'
Smiling at her, Ray kissed her back again, his tongue running over hers before pulling back and walking over to the door and pulling it open, to find that Abby was still standing there. Giving her a smile and a wink he walked down the hall, laughing at the look of shock on her face.
Walking out next, Neela tried to walk on but was stopped by Abby's hand on her arm and she quickly said,
'I was looking for my necklace… I was in there earlier and thought I might have dropped it', and Neela knew that the lie was poor by the look on Abby's face, one eyebrow raised as she said in a quiet voice,
'Where you looking for it with your hand down Ray's pants'
And Neela didn't even know what to say as she turned bright red and walked down the hall, hearing Abby shouting behind her, a laugh in her voice,
'I knew it!'
Well I hope that you liked this chapter. I don't really know, because I've never really written anything smutty and didn't know what people would think.
Please review and let me know what you think!
Also the song in this chapter is 'The Rush' by Dashboard Confessional. It is a great song, so i think that you should give it a listen to on youtube when you get a chance.