Here's another installment. I think it progresses the story along as well as the budding Addison/Mer relationship with all its intensity. Remember not all of this is canon. Callie/Arizona are together but there are no children in this story for anyone. Regardless, I hope you enjoy. I'll update again as soon as the Muse strikes…probably a couple of weeks. Thanks for all the feedback. Keep it coming! As always thanks to MSonya for the formidable beta skills.


Derek scratched at the overnight stubble covering his chin. He switched on the lamp on the nightstand to provide some illumination. The sun was at least an hour away from rising, but he had given up trying to return to sleep. Yawning, he pushed the comforter off and stood. As he shuffled toward the bathroom, he opened the windows wider, letting in fresh air and the sounds of the waking forest. While brushing his teeth, he peered at his reflection. Bloodshot eyes blinked back at him, adding to his scruffy appearance. Unaffected by the way he looked, he continued his morning ablutions.

After shaving, he reached inside the shower, turning it on before stepping in. The initial blast of cold water was invigorating, waking him completely. By the time he was done, he would radiate the illusion of a man well put together. Yet, inside he was, unsettled and unsure. He had no idea who to trust. Past betrayal that took the form of his best friend, and then, there was his current heartbreak. They were the people he valued most besides his family, but now, the lines were muddled between the present and old pain of the past, making it all feel new again. He had no idea which way to turn.

He could have called his sisters. He could have reached out for their support, but that wasn't their dynamic. He had always been the rock. Derek was determined to make it through this just as he had everything else. All he needed was time and his work. So, he stood alone, and did what he had to in order to protect what was left in any way he could. Unfortunately, there were consequences.

Every time he opened his mouth the past few weeks he had hurt Meredith.

Every time he ignored Mark or turned him away, he hurt him as well.

Derek wasn't sure if he knew how to stop. It had taken everything in him not lash out at Meredith during her impromptu visit. She had been right. Every word had been on point, and Mark was just…Mark. Maybe it was better this way for the time being because in his current state, he wasn't good for anyone. He tipped his head upward toward the heated spray and wished that he could wash it all away.

Stepping out of the shower, Derek reached for a towel. He threw it over his head, rubbing it over damp locks before drying the rest of his body. He tied the towel around his waist and walked back into the hallway, stopping in front of the windows once more. The dark had lightened to a distinctive grey. He peered into the murkiness for a few more seconds before throwing himself back into what had become his morning routine. Something had to stay the same because literally everything else in his life had changed.


Bending down for a kiss, Mark murmured, "Thanks for making my morning interesting Sara."

The blonde scowled.

"Sharon. I meant, Sharon. Simple mistake." He grinned…the slow sultry one that always brokered forgiveness.

Her eyes softened. "Later?"

"I have your number." Mark replied.

She nodded and turned, making her way down the hall. Mark watched her leave. Tilting his head to the side, he further admired the view. His attention waned as soon as he heard the ding of the elevator.

Mark glanced at his neighbors' closed door. It was still early yet, but he was out of milk. "Eh, screw it." Stepping back inside his own home, he fished out a key. He'd been warned about using it for anything other than an emergency, but Mark was sure that his smile could even work on lesbians.

He chuckled to himself. It did, after all work on Addison and Callie. Mark crushed those thoughts. It felt weird to let them roam free. He wasn't that much of a pig. They were his friends. He didn't have many of those these days. Shaking off morose thoughts, he opened the door to his neighbors' home.

He gave the living area a quick scan. All was quiet. As he glanced toward the kitchen, Callie Torres brought a spoon full of cereal to her mouth and chewed slowly. She glared in his direction.

Mark grinned.

Her gaze narrowed. Callie stuck the utensil back into the bowl and set them on the counter. "I could have been naked." She grumbled.

"But you weren't. Do you have milk?" He moved toward the refrigerator.

"We could have been having sex on the counter." She added. "We've discussed this. You'd better be glad it wasn't Arizona. She would have-"

Mark snorted. "I can handle perkiness in the morning just fine." He reached in and pulled out the jug of two percent. There was barely enough to cover the bottom of the container. He raised it to eye level. "Is this all you have?"

Callie shrugged. "The rest is in my cereal and it's mine."

"I have such stingy women in my life. Why are we friends again? I need to ask Addie the same question when I see her."

Callie smiled. "I think Grey will have her occupied. Good luck with that."

He leaned against the counter next to her. "Really?"

"Uh huh."

"Huh, I knew something was going on but-" Mark scratched at the whiskers on his jaw.

"Yep." Callie interrupted. "It's gonna get interesting."

A door opened. Arizona entered the living area. She stopped and looked at them both before sighing.

"I brought you milk. Callie said you guys didn't have any." Mark held up the jug and smiled proudly.

Callie chuckled. "You need help."

"Definitely." Arizona mumbled.

"Anyway. So, she's okay with the whole Derek angle?" Mark continued.

"Do you think she cares about that?" Callie asked in return.

Mark pursed his lips and murmured. "It's Addie so probably not." He handed the last of the milk to Arizona and watched as she poured it into her coffee. "She really is serious about this whole reform thing?"

"I think so." Arizona chimed in. "We should do something to show our support."

Mark glanced at Callie, and they both stared at Arizona. "Don't think they make a Hallmark card for something like that." He added.

Arizona rolled her eyes. "We could just have a little get together…nothing formal. It could be like a welcome back combined with a… we support your foray into monogamy thing."

Pondering it for a moment, Mark nodded. It would be nice to have everyone he cared about in close quarters for once. "I'm in."

"Who do we invite?" Callie asked. "Obviously not Derek."

"I'd say that's a given at this point." Arizona answered. "Bailey and Webber if they can come. Yang, Karev and Hunt too since I'm sure Meredith is coming as well."

"We'd have to do like from six till ten to give everybody time to drop in." Callie added.

Mark clapped his hands. "Sounds good. When are we doing this?"

Arizona shrugged. "Couple days? It's only a handful of people so…"

"Okay, what do you need me to do?" Mark asked.

Arizona smiled.

Callie laughed. "Ohhh, you should have never said that."


Meredith entered the hotel lobby. She wasn't at all sure of what she was doing, but she was doing it anyway. She tightened her grip around the drink holder and the greasy bag that accompanied it. This visit had the potential to be slightly uncomfortable, but Meredith deemed it necessary to eliminate the residual awkwardness between them that remained. She didn't want any more misunderstandings.

She stepped to the side and placed breakfast on a nearby table. Fishing out her cell phone, Meredith penned a text to Calliope Torres.

Weird request…what's Addison's room number?

It took a minute or two before a reply was forthcoming. You mean you haven't seen it first hand? :D

Meredith sighed. C'mon. Make this easy please? Food is getting cold.

Aww, Thumper that's sweet. 519. Make sure you tell her I told you.

Thumper. Meredith scrunched up her nose. She didn't think that fit her at all. Thanks. I think.

The ride in the elevator should have given the nerves time to settle in, but it was Meredith's resolve that was strengthened. She couldn't get to know Addison if she counted on …just Addison. Meredith had the feeling that she had to shake things up a bit. With that in mind, she knocked briskly on Addison's door.

For a long moment, there was no answer. Meredith had to knock again.

"Yes? Who is it?"

"Room service," Meredith replied.

"I didn't order anything yet…" Addison added as she opened the door. An auburn brow rose high on her forehead. There was obvious hesitation in blue eyes, but it quickly changed to a familiar twinkle. "Well, is this what you can get delivered now days?"

"Upon special request." Meredith leaned against the door jab.

"Funny, I don't recall picking up the phone."

"New service. Just added it this morning. Comes with the suite." Meredith continued. She had no intentions of taking no for an answer.

Addison chuckled. "Good thing I was dressed."

Meredith took in the tan slacks and matching shirt. They looked soft, expensive just like the woman herself. "Mmm, maybe. So, can I come in?"

Addison took a step back and opened the door wider. "Since you're here."

Meredith brushed past her. Their shoulders touched. It was just enough to brandish heat. She soaked it in and made her way toward the couch. "I didn't know what you liked. I figured cinnamon rolls were a safe bet."

"Hmm, I'm more of a power shake kind of girl in the morning." Addison added, sarcastically.

"Ugh, really? That just seems wrong. If we're going to date, you may have to make some changes." Meredith decided to play along. She patted the seat next to her.

Quiet surrounded them, and Meredith sensed rather than saw Addison's change in mood.

"Is that what we're doing?"

Their eyes met. Addison's gaze was almost unreadable. Meredith saw something there, but she wasn't able to identify it…yet. Nevertheless, it resulted in a slow molten simmer deep in her chest.

"Yes, that's what we're doing. We settled this already." Meredith answered softly.

Addison stared. Her gaze suddenly became predatory. Blue eyes studied her intently. Meredith felt them, raking over her skin and leaving their mark. She welcomed the sizzle. Meredith cleared her throat.

"Look, just accept it. You know that's what this is. We're not friends. There's too much…" Meredith wanted to say heat. The word wasn't strong enough.

"You've done this before?" Addison husked.

"What… date?" Meredith grinned. "Sure plenty of times."

Addison glared. "With a woman?"

"Uh no. Kissed a girl once though, when I was in grade school. Didn't feel anything like when we did it."

A small smile curled Addison's lips as she snared the bottom one with her teeth. "Is that right?" She purred.

"Yes. That's right." Meredith was riveted by the action.

Addison seemed to soften. She looked almost vulnerable. "It's been…a long time since I've done this. I guess it'll be the blind leading the blind."

"We can bump into things together."

Addison smiled. This one was full blown and beautiful. It paused the growing awareness between them.

Meredith nearly sighed in relief. She patted the cushion beside her once more. "Breakfast."

Finally, Addison sat down, and just like that, things flared to life. Meredith's insides clenched as her body acknowledged their closeness. She glanced in the other woman's direction. Addison was stiff, coiled with tension. Her hands were fisted and white knuckled. Meredith's gaze moved slowly upward pausing at Addison's chest. The hardened tips of her nipples pressed against the fabric of her shirt. The bottom of Meredith's stomach crashed to the floor. Her palms itched with the compulsion to reach out and touch. Addison's chest heaved, and the patch of skin her shirt left uncovered was flushed. The pulse in her neck was visibly pounding. Meredith may not have been familiar with women but the signs of escalating arousal were obvious. Meredith didn't dare meet her eyes, knowing she would be lost. They hadn't even touched. Meredith had never felt so powerful.

They were alone. There would be no knock at the door. She could push this and things would explode in the most pleasurable way possible. Meredith took a cleansing breath and acknowledged that the left over flames could burn out quickly. She didn't want that, and she hoped that Addison felt the same. She peered at Addison's hands again. They remained fisted. Despite her obvious struggle, Addison was able to show restraint. So if she could inhibit herself, Meredith could try to do the same.

Taking a moment to steady herself, Meredith removed one of the coffees from the tray. Her hand trembled as she set it on the table. Meredith made a fist to contain it and continue her attempts to refocus. She watched silently as Addison passed over the sugar and picked up three packets of Splenda.

Addison took her first sip and peered at Meredith over the rim. "What?"

Meredith found it difficult not to smirk. "No cream?"

Addison gave her a pointed look. "No cream."

"I'll remember that."

"Mmm, I'm sure." Addison countered. "I'm sure your pastries are cold by now."

"Got them fresh. They'll still be good lukewarm." Meredith dumped several packets of sugar and cream into her coffee. She could feel Addison watching her. It left a pleasant tingle behind.

"You might as well just pour the sugar down your throat." Addison sounded disgusted.

Meredith laughed. "I like sugar, but I love food even more."

"You can cook?"

"I can when I have the time." Meredith answered.

Addison hummed as she bit into a cinnamon roll. "You're just full of surprises." She continued.

"On occasion." Meredith added.

"So I'm learning."

"You should probably be scared."

Addison laughed. It lit up her entire face. Meredith caught herself staring. Her gaze fell to Addison's lips. It had been a while since she'd tasted them. She was no saint. There was no way to turn the heat between them down completely. So, Meredith settled on a slow but definite simmer.

Addison grinned knowingly. "Of what?" She purred.

"You said liking me was dangerous, and I'm pretty sure Callie said something about tentacles."

"She left out the teeth."

"There's a story there. I'm sure you're dying to tell it. Does it have anything to do with her calling me Thumper?"

Addison snorted. "That was her doing not mine."

"Mmm, but what does any of that have to do with you liking me?" Meredith refused to let them stray too far from the subject. There were things she needed to know…things she needed to say.

"You certainly know how to push don't you?" Addison responded. The wary look in her eyes was back.

"So I've been told." Meredith wanted that expression gone. "I don't think of it as a bad thing. Some people need a push at times."

"Some…people don't respond well to being pushed." Addison countered. "At least not all the time."

Meredith heard the words and the meaning behind them. She charged forward nonetheless. "I like you Addison."

Blue eyes widened and that gentle vulnerable look returned. Addison licked her lips and her mouth opened as if she were about to speak. Nothing came out.

Meredith glanced up at the ceiling then back to Addison. "See. The sky didn't fall." She murmured.

Addison made a small sound of acquiescence and added, "No, I guess it didn't." Her gaze was heavy, intense, but she remained quiet, eating the rest of the cinnamon roll.

She could see the words, written plainly as day even if Addison could not say them, and Meredith found that she was satisfied with that. She cleared her throat. "Told you they were good."

"No, you said they would still be lukewarm."

"Well, it was inferred."

"Hmm," Addison mumbled as she reached into the bag for another one.

Several minutes passed, and yet again, Meredith found herself staring as Addison laughed. Tearing herself away, she glanced at her watch. Disappointment took hold. "It's getting late."

"Surgery soon?" Addison asked.

"Yes…in about an hour and a half."

Addison nodded and stood. She gathered the empty coffee cups and paper bag. "I guess I'll see you there eventually."

Meredith stood as well. "I'd say that's more than likely. This was fun."

Addison grinned but said nothing.

"You don't give much. Do you?"

"Old habit I suppose."

Meredith smirked. "This is why some people need to be pushed."

Addison chuckled. "Touché."

Ambling toward the door, Meredith was hyper aware of Addison behind her…her scent and her heat. She appreciated the awareness and the added stimulation. Opening the door, Meredith turned. Addison's gaze was torrid, penetrating. Meredith waited for the other woman to step forward; to reach out; or to touch, loosening the hold she had on herself. As the seconds passed, realization struck and Meredith understood that trust had to be established here. Despite the banter and their attraction, the foundation they were standing on was fragile, and she had to treat it as such. Maybe Addison deserved a bit of gentleness as well.

"Oh, I think I forgot something." Meredith muttered.

Addison glanced over her shoulder. It was just enough time-just enough. Meredith moved closer. When Addison turned back around, her gasp of surprise could be heard as well as felt. Bright blue eyes peered down at Meredith's lips. Leaning in, Meredith brushed Addison's mouth with hers. Something powerful unraveled inside Meredith's chest, and the taste of cinnamon and coffee made it nearly impossible to stop. Yet, she did. Intending to step away, the hands tangling in her hair stopped her. A soft whimper escaped. Addison held her close…enough that they were sharing the same air.

Their eyes met. Sparks crackled around them, and Meredith found that she could not breathe.

"I like you too." Addison whispered, punctuating the words with a kiss even softer than the one Meredith had initiated.


Addison was physically within the confines of the hospital, but the rest of her was still in her hotel room wrapped in that kiss. She couldn't recall ever showing such restraint. She couldn't recall wanting to do so. To do anything else would have ruined the moment. Despite the walls that attempted to impose themselves this morning, Meredith found a way inside with her humor and perseverance, and Addison was actually in awe of her ability to do so. It left her trying to figure out when a seemingly doomed series of passionate encounters culminated into this fledgling thing they were engaging in.

Despite her search for substance, longevity and a relationship, Addison was wary of it. How could she not be? Her track record was abysmal: rejection, a failed marriage, cheating and a string of one night stands combined with a myriad of unreturned phone calls. The formula for success had yet to find her, but that kiss…that kiss gave her an inkling of hope. In spite of her wariness, Addison wanted to cultivate…whatever this was. The dichotomy was confusing, but not enough to keep her from inching forward.

An arm slid over her shoulder, Addison jumped in surprise.

"You looked so peaceful staring off into space," Mark muttered. "Besides I tried calling your name that didn't work."

Addison sighed. "Sorry, I'm a little—"

"Distracted?" Mark grinned.

Addison glared. "Okay, out with it. Let's get the teasing all out of your system."

He faked an expression of hurt. "You wound me!"

"Uh huh."

"It's just that you two have always been like oil and fire. I'm happy to sit back and watch the fireworks from it, especially now. I don't think she'll have any problem going toe to toe with you."

Addison was starting to think the exact same thing. "No comment."

Mark laughed. "I knew something was going on, but I guess I shouldn't be too surprised."

"Good, that makes one of us." Addison murmured.

"Yeahh, I really feel sorry for you." Mark smiled.

"Ass." Addison retorted.

"Anyway, there's this thing at Callie's the day after tomorrow. Only a few people are coming, and it's kinda for you so I'll see you there."

Addison stopped walking. "Come again?"

"We're having this welcome back thing for you—"

"Uhmm, I've been here for a while."

"What's your point? It's happening. Starts at six. Bring Grey, and since Derek is being an ass to everyone he wasn't going to be invited anyway. So, you don't have to worry about that."

"I'm not. It's none of his business. I'm sure there will be some fall out if this goes further, but they're over." Addison didn't bother to hide the irritation in her voice.

"That's what she said you'd say."

"Who?"

"Callie."

Addison chuckled. "Of course she'd say that." She paused. "I'm not sure if Meredith will want-"

Mark snorted. "Judging by what I walked in on a couple weeks back, she wants. I thought the on call room was going to catch on fire."

Addison slapped his shoulder as they made their way further down the hall.

Mark grinned and laughed.

Glancing up, Addison saw a familiar figure turning the corner. The immediate tension in Mark's body let her know that he'd seen Derek too.

"It's fine," She whispered. "He probably won't even acknowledge us."

Mark smiled. It didn't reach his eyes. "That's the problem. I'm a little tired of being invisible."

With his nose stuck in a chart, Derek passed by them as if they weren't there.

Addison wrapped her arm around Mark's and leaned into him. "You okay?"

There was no twinkle in his eyes. "Yeahhh, I'll be fine."

Not believing him for a moment, Addison stood up on her toes and kissed his cheek. She didn't like seeing him in pain.

His gaze softened. "I'm glad you're here."

Addison smiled.


Sometime later, Addison stepped closer to the newest ultrasound, studying it for changes. She peered over her shoulder when the door opened.

"Anything?" Arizona asked.

"Only minute growth, but the fetus is showing signs of stress." Addison answered.

"So is our patient. There may be some additional complications. Her blood pressure is becoming unstable."

"I know, but right now, saving her uterus is more important to her."

"Is there any way—"

"None that I can see yet." Addison interrupted. "We may need a fresh pair of eyes on this. We have to get creative. After that stunt she pulled the other day, maybe Grey could offer some insight." This was a last second decision, and now that it was out, it made sense.

Arizona didn't respond.

Addison turned to look at her to find that the blonde was grinning from ear to ear. "Oh God, don't start."

"What?! I didn't say anything." Arizona's voice was laced with laughter. "You could be right. She could offer a fresh perspective. I'll let you do the honors." She smirked. Then, she practically began bouncing. "Sooo, Mark texted me."

"Uh good for you?" Addison raised a brow.

"I know you guys are coming." Arizona bounced again.

Addison grinned. "Tell me something?"

"Sure."

"With that blond perkiness thing going…how the hell did you fuck your way through half the hospital?"

Arizona stared. Her lips quirked. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Addison blinked and found herself laughing rather loudly.


Addison closed the chart and peered at her watch. It was time to leave. There was nothing more she could do today. Opening her desk drawer, she pulled out her phone and pushed the home button.

No texts or messages of any type. It was somewhat disappointing. Deciding to take the situation in her own hands, Addison wrote a text.

Busy day?

It took several minutes before a reply was forthcoming. Addison was on her way out her office door.

Yes! How did you guess? Every time I had a minute to text you somebody else needed my attention. Did you leave already?

I'm working on it. Addison made her way to the elevator.

Lucky you. I'm here for the night. One of my surgeries had complications I offered to stay and stand watch. Christina's here too.

Sorry but not leaving just yet. Can you break away for a minute? Something I need to talk with you about.

Sure. Where are you? Meredith asked.

Waiting for the elevator.

Come to ICU on call.

Ok. An idea began to take form. Wait. Give me thirty minutes or so. I have to run an errand. I'll be back. Addison added.

Mmmkay u sure?

Yes, I'll text when I'm back at the hospital.

Addison got on the elevator and pressed the button for the parking garage. Feeling a little anxious, she wondered how her little gift would be received.


When Addison entered the on call room, she found Meredith laying on the couch with an arm covering her eyes.

"Tired?"

Meredith sat up slowly. "Exhausted but it's the nature of the beast I suppose. Christina's taking first watch." Her eyes were nearly bloodshot. She held Addison's gaze and waited.

Addison grinned and shifted the large bag behind her back.

"Is this about the party we're going to?"

"No, I figured that was a foregone conclusion."

Meredith smirked. "Really?"

"Yes, really." Addison replied. Even talking to this woman had an effect, and she was enjoying it immensely. Something fluttered in her chest.

"Good guess." Meredith added.

"I thought so."

"Then what's up? Don't tell me you just had to see me." Green eyes sparkled. Meredith didn't look so tired anymore.

"You really don't stop do you?" Addison was glad she didn't. It was a heady feeling to know she was wanted…to know she was actively being pursued.

Meredith shook her head. "Not with you." She paused. "Oh my God, what is that smell?"

"Focus Meredith."

"I'll try but no promises." Meredith stretched and stood. She picked up a bottled water from the nearby table and took a long swallow.

It was as good a time as any. "I want you on this consult." Addison said.

Meredith sputtered and choked. "What?" She wheezed through a coughing fit.

"I think you heard me."

"I don't-I don't know how much help I'll be but yeah, okay." Meredith's eyes were wide with surprise and she nodded enthusiastically.

"It's not just because we're…well you know. I think you may have something to offer on this case."

"Well, consider it a done deal." Meredith sat the bottle down and moved forward. "Now, what's in the bag? It smells... I can't even."

"It could just be me, you know."

Meredith's gaze intensified. The air between them expanded and began to churn. "No, I'm more than familiar with the way you smell, and that's not it."

Addison's belly twisted. It was a very intimate thing to say. "Is that right?" She purred.

"It is." Meredith held out her hand and wiggled her fingers. "Now give it to me."

Addison laughed. She was beginning to wonder how it was possible to be turned on and completely amused simultaneously. She handed the bag to Meredith. "Since you're stuck here all night, I decided to be nice."

Meredith opened the bag. "Chinese. It didn't smell like—"

"Like the greasy shit down the street? That's because it isn't." Suddenly feeling a little self-conscious, Addison added. "I didn't know what you liked so I got a few things. There should be plenty for Yang too."

Meredith's smile was huge. She sat the bag down and moved closer. Reaching out, she brushed at the shoulder of Addison's shirt. "General Tso's chicken." She whispered as her gaze fell to Addison's lips.

For some reason, they became the sexiest words in creation. "It's in there." Addison mumbled. The knots in her stomach tightened and transformed into something scorching.

This time when Meredith touched her, she caressed actual skin. A finger trailed down her throat. "A thoughtful Addison Montgomery… wait until this gets out." Meredith's smirk was sultry.

"Fuck you," Addison murmured affectionately.

Meredith released a trembling breath. "Let's just… let that sit in the air for a minute. I'm trying to keep my hands to myself, but you're making it so damn hard." She husked, wrapping her arms around Addison's neck, bringing their bodies together.

Addison shivered even though it burned where Meredith touched. The protracted moment was thrilling, and this time, Addison was compelled to be the one to solidify it. Need made it impossible to resist. It wasn't a violent clash but the gentleness from the morning was absent.

When their lips met, Addison moaned as a thousand little fires lit her from within, setting her ablaze.

Without warning, Meredith wrenched herself away.

"God," she murmured raggedly. Their eyes met, and Meredith looked at her in wonder. Her hands slid over Addison's cheeks before fisting into her hair. "I—" The sentence was left unfinished as Grey surged forward instead.

This time, lips crashed together with all the vehemence that hadn't been present a moment before.

A loud beeping noise pierced the air, hampering the exchange.

Meredith pressed her face into Addison's neck. "Fuck." She mumbled. Unable to stop completely, Meredith nipped at exposed skin.

Addison melted and tilted her head back, increasing access. Her skin felt as if it were vibrating. "Your—" She swallowed. "Pager."

Teeth grazed Addison's chin creating a riot of sensation.

"I know." Meredith whispered.

Somehow Grey was able to tear herself away. She stepped back. Her pupils were nearly blown. Ragged breathing filled the air.

The door to the on call room burst open. "Dr. Grey-"

"I'm coming." Meredith told the nurse.

Meredith walked toward the exit. As she passed, their hands touched, fingers tangled. Then, Addison was alone. She closed her eyes and marveled at what she'd just experienced.