(Once again thanks for the reviews/views! There's clearly a lot of love for this story and I'll try not to disappoint!)

Chapter 8

Hanssen didn't know where to look really. He tried numerous cupboards before finally finding a solitary mug in a corner cupboard. He spooned coffee granules in the bottom and poured on water just as Serena entered the kitchen.

"Oh look at you." she marvelled. "I'd have done that!" she insisted as she went to the fridge to get the milk.

"Not at all." Hanssen replied as he allowed her to pour milk into his mug before giving it a stir. "Thank you." he pulled out a chair and sat at the table watching as Serena spooned a few sugars into her own drink before looking at him sheepishly.

"I tend to need the extra sugar these days." she smiled as she sat next to him, at the head of the table. They sipped at their coffees in silence, keeping an eye on their watches. As there was no morning meeting today, there was no great rush for them to reach the Hospital. Hanssen felt he needed to say something about last night, but he wasn't sure he could find the right words. He noticed Serena was watching him thoughtfully and he looked up, smiling at her.

"Henrik..." she began but stopped as soon as she heard a floor-board creak overhead. She looked at him in alarm..."Wait here?" she asked and Hanssen nodded. He knew Serena had a teenage daughter and the last thing he needed was to be caught in any drama. He sat and listened as he heard her run upstairs and a talk ensued.

Serena raced upstairs as Eleanor was sleepily emerging from her room. Her eyes instantly lit up when she saw her mother.

"So...how did it go? Or is that a silly question seeing as half of your clothes were downstairs, along with empty wine bottles?" Serena let out a deep breath wishing her daughter wasn't quite so observant.

"Mr. Hanssen stayed over, yes." she replied as she realised she didn't really know what to call him in this instance. Eleanor's lips curled into a smile as she headed towards the bathroom.

"There better not be any trace of you two in here." she smiled as she closed the door leaving Serena feeling more than embarrassed.

She headed back downstairs and saw Hanssen stood at the sink, washing their mugs. "Please, you didn't have to do that." she said, slightly embarrassed he would feel the need to wash his own mug.

"Nonsense. It's the least I can do." he reached behind him to pick up her mug.

"Ah no, wait!" she exclaimed before lifting the mug and draining the contents before handing it to him. He smiled as he turned and continued washing. She headed into the living room and noticed he had removed the wine bottles and glasses whilst she had been getting ready upstairs. She allowed herself to relish the feeling of someone doing things for her before she felt a hand on her arm. She turned to see him standing over her, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Are you quite alright?" he asked as she laughed.

"I'm not used to people doing things for me. It's thrown me slightly." she admitted as he smiled sheepishly and looked at his feet. "I enjoyed last night." Hanssen's head snapped up at the admission and he looked her in the eyes, feeling the usual desire burning in the pit of his stomach.

"As did I." he replied before carefully taking a step towards her. She didn't move back and he took that as a positive sign before he leant down and brushed her lips with his. Hanssen was the first to notice they were not alone. He opened his eyes and saw a young girl stood in the doorway, he instantly pulled away from Serena and held onto her shoulders to steady her before indicating her daughter's presence with his eyes. Serena turned and her entire body tensed as she saw the smug smile on her daughter's lips.

"Don't mind me." she said as she headed for the kitchen. Serena looked up apologetically at Hanssen and followed her.

"Eleanor I am sorry you had to see that..." Serena began before her daughter turned sharply to her.

"Stop it mother! You have nothing to be sorry for!" she stepped forwards and kissed Serena's cheek before returning to making her breakfast.

"I just don't want you to get the wrong impression." she explained as Eleanor moved swiftly around the kitchen.

"Why would I get the wrong impression? Look, you're an adult, he's an adult, there is nothing for you to explain to me, okay?" she smiled at her mother as she saw the look of concern on her face. "Why don't you introduce me properly?" she asked, hoping it would make her mother feel less awkward. "I know I've already met him, but this is different." Serena paused and studied her daughter before agreeing.

"Okay." She took Eleanor's hand and lead her into the living room hesitantly. Hanssen immediately stood up straighter and observed the young girl in front of him.

"Hi, Eleanor Campbell." she said as she extended her hand to him. Hanssen took it firmly and shook it, his professionalism taking over.

"Henrik Hanssen." he replied "Nice to meet you...again." Eleanor smiled and headed back to the kitchen. Serena had turned red which Hanssen thought was endearing.

"I am so sorry about that, but she asked and I couldn't say no, especially after..." she gestured with her hand and Hanssen raised his to stop her in her tracks.

"Serena, it is quite alright. I understand sometimes these things happen." he smiled as he looked at his watch and back at her. "I think it's time we headed in, don't you?" She looked at her own watch before agreeing. Hanssen left first, her close behind.


She knew she needed to say something, anything, but she couldn't find the words. Following Hanssen's car, she tried to formulate a sentence in her head, when they arrived at the Hospital. Hanssen parked his car and instantly climbed out, locking it and heading for the entrance. Serena, who had parked in her usual space beside his, watched him glide swiftly across the car park and into the building. She sat there, shocked, and swallowed the rising taste of bile in her throat. He regretted last night, otherwise why run away and avoid speaking to her? She leant her head back in her seat and closed her eyes, attempting to banish the feeling of shame washing over her. She jumped when Ric tapped loudly on the driver's side window, a look of amusement on his face.

"Coming in? Or would you rather I sent the patients out here to you?" he spoke through the glass. Serena sighed and reached across for her bag before opening the door, exiting her car to stand next to him.

"Don't even start with me today, Griffin." she warned as she locked her car and they headed for the Hospital.

"Oh no, Serena Campbell in a bad mood...should I warn the troops?" he said light-heartedly as she turned her head, smirking at him momentarily before they reached the lifts.

"Ric, you know as well as I do, the only time to worry is when I'm in a good mood." she leant closer to him "Then it's time to panic." she smiled as he let out a chuckle and they entered the lift.

Once they reached Keller, they were instantly set upon by Malick. "Good morning Seniors!" he said hastily as he thrust a file into Serena's hand before handing Ric a clipboard. "Busy day ahead! All Electives are present and correct, Mr. Hanssen will be covering on AAU today and we're another staff nurse down, leaving only Chantelle and Mary-Claire." Serena rolled her eyes as she thanked Malick and headed to her office. She threw down her bag, hung up her coat and headed back to the ward.

"Ah Chantelle!" she purred as the young nurse appeared in front of her. "Get Mr. Carter prepped for Theatre will you? Let's get this show on the road." Chantelle smiled.

"Of course Ms. Campbell!" she chirped as she headed towards the elderly gentleman. Serena headed for the locker room to change into her scrubs when she saw Hanssen exiting the lift and walking towards her. Her breathing quickened as she sped up her walk, wanting to reach the locker room before him. She was not in the mood for any awkward discussions at the moment.

As she was nearing the door, Hanssen changed his course and instead, headed for one of the beds. Serena opened the door, hurried inside and closed it quickly, leaning against it. She shook her head and went towards her locker, retrieving her scrubs and quickly changing. As she was stepping out of the locker room a voice to her left made her jump.

"Ah Ms. Campbell, I trust you received my e-mail regarding this evening's meeting?" Hanssen asked her, a serious expression on his face. She tried to think back to the last time she'd checked her e-mails...definitely not today.

"I'm sorry but I haven't had a chance to check them today yet...could you give me a brief rundown?" she asked as she noticed Malick stick his head out of Theatre and signalled to him she'd be there momentarily.

"The meeting will include all Heads of Department, Ms. Campbell. Apparently Mr. Hope has some information regarding the Hertzig project he would like to share with us." Serena tilted her head, narrowing her eyes slightly.

"What time?"

"The meeting will commence at 6pm." Serena nodded.

"Fine, I'll be there." She walked away towards the Operating Theatre, Hanssen watching her go. He wasn't certain, but he was sure he'd felt a hint of animosity towards him in her voice. He hoped she wasn't regretting last night, because as far as he was concerned, he was hoping for a repeat performance at some point. As he turned and made his way towards the stairwell he began to think maybe he had acted wrongly this morning. She had made it abundantly clear to him that nothing whatsoever could happen between them personally at work, so he had felt it best to enter the Hospital alone, thereby avoiding any rumours. He sighed and continued down to AAU hoping it wouldn't be too busy.


Serena looked at the clock, 5.54pm. She stood up, looking across at Ric and cleared her throat.

"Well, shall we?" Ric looked puzzled for a moment before realising what she was talking about.

"Oh, yes, almost forgot!" he said by way of explanation and followed her from the room. "Are you ok?" he asked as they reached the lifts. "You've been very quiet all day." he noted as she straightened up and pushed the lift call button.

"Well seeing as I've been in Theatre all day, I haven't had much time for chatting." she said drily as she stepped into the lift.

"You certainly weren't very happy this morning. Is this anything to do with Hanssen?" he asked and she bristled at his name.

"No. It has nothing to do with him." she snapped as the lift doors opened and she immediately began to march to the boardroom. Ric sighed and had no choice but to follow her. Jac and Elliot were already seated when they arrived, as was Hanssen.

"Ah, Ms. Campbell, Mr. Griffin, glad you could join us. Shall we get right to it, Mr. Hope?" Serena took her seat and Ric sat down next to her. Hanssen watched them as she turned and whispered something in his ear to which he smiled and gave her leg a pat. Hanssen felt himself stiffen at the contact between them but managed to keep his reaction hidden.

"Thank you Mr. Hanssen and thank you all for being here this evening. I genuinely think we may have reached a milestone today in the Hertzig's development. If you'd all look at the screen..." Elliot continued speaking for a further fifteen minutes, during which time Hanssen found his gaze drifting several times in Serena's direction. She was listening intently to what Elliot was saying and clearly making notes. Once his presentation came to an end they began to ask questions which quickly developed into a discussion. Hanssen found he couldn't focus on what was going on as his focus was taken by Serena and Ric continually whispering to one another.

"Well Mr. Hope..." Hanssen interrupted "...I do believe you have plenty to go on from all of us. I think it's about time we called it a night, hmm?" he asked as Elliot looked momentarily startled.

"Umm, yes, quite!" he stuttered happily as he patted Jac on the shoulder and everyone began to pack away their belongings. He knew it would be now or never.

"Ms. Campbell, I wonder if I might have a word?" he asked and saw her visibly freeze before turning to face him.

"Certainly, Mr. Hanssen." she replied. Ric gave her a 'good luck' look before following Jac and Elliot out of the room. The door closed and Hanssen walked around to where Serena was still sat. He leant against the edge of the table and suddenly became overly nervous. She was sat back in her chair, legs crossed, looking up at him with a look of expectation. When it was clear he wasn't going to begin the conversation, she spoke. "Well Mr. Hanssen, are you going to say anything or simply sit there and act like a gargoyle?" she drawled.

"Ms. Campbell...Serena...I wanted to discuss last night...and subsequently this morning." she held up her hand and he fell silent.

"Look, we don't need to discuss anything ok? Let's simply agree it was a mistake, we'd both had too much wine and emotions were all over the place." she said, noticing how Hanssen's breathing had all but stopped. "You know I'll be discreet and I know I can expect the same from you, so no-one needs to know anything, okay?" she stood up, smoothed her shirt down and smiled stiffly before heading for the door. Hanssen suddenly found his voice.

"No Ms. Campbell...that is not okay." he spoke loudly and with such feeling that Serena stopped suddenly and turned around, frowning. He began to walk towards her.

"It is not okay because I do not agree." he said simply. "I do not agree it was a mistake, although I will concede too much wine may have been consumed." Serena looked confused and reached out to lean on the back of a chair.

"Well I'm sorry..." she scoffed "...but I think sleeping with someone and then ignoring the subject all day is pretty clear-cut." she replied as he got nearer. "You acted like it hadn't even happened...the way you raced across the car park before me today, it was obvious you regretted spending the night with me." she said matter-of-factly.

"My actions were not meant to be interpreted as regretting the evening, Serena. I was intent on buying you a coffee and spending a few moments with you before we began today but I distinctly remembered you saying you did not want any aspect of your personal life to interfere with your professional one." Serena blinked a couple of times as she understood what he was saying.

"You don't regret it?" Hanssen moved closer to her and reached out, resting his hands on her shoulders.

"No." was all he said before he leant down and kissed her.