Timeline for Part 9:

This chapter explores the events of 11x11, when Amelia is clearly affected by what's happening to Jackson, Avery and their baby, how Owen notices she is not doing well and the in betweens of their amazing scene at the hospital chapel; It also includes the events of 11x12 (yaaa the part we were all waiting for), when they flirt in such an adorkable way and it leads to… well you know how this ends :) won't spoil it any more. Let's get to it!

The Journey – Part Nine Owen ran back and forth in the ER, trying to get the place running smoothly in April's absence. He knew that day was going to be especially hard. Even though people didn't address it directly, they knew about Kepner and Avery's unborn child's condition and it felt like everyone was walking around on eggshells, unsure of what to say or do.

The moment he heard Amelia Shepherd thoughtfully suggesting the others to just give them privacy, instead of getting distracted and going back to work like everyone else did, Owen was left intrigued. People were too absorbed with their own problems and tasks to notice it, but the shadow of sadness behind the blue of Amelia's eyes was immediately spotted by him.

As their coworkers scattered around, Owen quickly hurried his pace to catch up with her.

"Uh, Shepherd, you said you wanted to go over Dr. Herman's tumor plan." He reminded her of their encounter that morning. Even though they hadn't seen each other much for the past few days, Amelia had made sure to keep him informed of her surgical plan. "You want to get lunch?" Owen asked, eager to spend more time with her. Not only did he notice she'd been distant from him ever since the day he'd almost kissed the woman in the skills lab, Amelia also looked sad and he hated to see it.

"Oh, uh… I can't. I got to push it."

As she made her way in the opposite direction, Owen pondered about her situation. He wondered if she was avoiding him because she was busy, distressed or because she was still too uncomfortable by what had almost happened between them the previous week.

The chief of surgery found it hard to believe Amelia would be dodging him for the latter, considering they had almost kissed in her living room once and she had responded to the situation with teasing banter. But maybe she was in over her head with her surgical plans. Amelia was operating on a really important case that day. One of her patients had a tumor much similar to Herman's and he supposed she was probably too worked up about it, adding to her stress.

But, at the same time Owen tried to convince himself that was the cause for her withdrawn mood, he also couldn't help being sure that, judging by the pain he'd identified in her eyes, there was more to Amelia's state of mind than he could ever imagine.

.

Later that same day, after her surgery turned out to be a success, Owen expected to find Amelia in a better mood. Instead, he found her snapping at Edwards.

"Everything alright?" He asked.

Owen wanted very much to let her know that he was around too. Just like she had put herself available to him once, he was there in case she needed someone to talk to. And judging by her defensive reaction and unusual lashing out at a resident, he could see she did. The trauma surgeon had stopped fooling himself thinking his interest in her well-being was purely professional. Owen had already accepted he really liked and cared for her in a very personal manner.

"Yep." Amelia replied evasively.

Owen hesitated for a bit, unsure of what to say next. Amelia anxiously looked from the tablet on the counter to him and back. The neurosurgeon's cheeks looked flushed and her posture was stiff and uneasy. She clearly wasn't alright but he didn't want to push it. He knew exactly how it was to be a private person, and how abusive it felt when people kept pushing him to talk when he didn't want or wasn't ready to. Respecting her privacy, he opted for sharing instead:

"Hey, the candle thing does work, by the way." Earlier that day, Owen had gone up to the chapel and lit one. It had made him feel better and more at peace. "So thanks for that."

With a head nod, he walked away, hoping that whatever was bothering her could be fixed soon. And if he couldn't help, he hoped that at least some relaxed introspection and maybe even faith might.

.

Amelia walked into the chapel for what it felt like the tenth time that day. She was still battling with her emotions and struggling to keep her head leveled so she could get through with that day without losing her cool when her eyes found the unexpected amount of lit candles near the altar.

She felt her heart swelling with a mix of emotions and sat down by one of the benches, unable to believe how unexpectedly the past was catching up with her. Once, not long before, she had been in a similar situation to April Kepner and Jackson Avery.

Her baby had also been condemned to death even before being born and she could relate to the ordeal the parents were going through. Amelia had been through a lot in her life, but no pain had ever compared to holding her son in her arms knowing he would be gone from the world very soon.

Even though it had almost destroyed her, Amelia had found in herself the strength to make something good come out of an excruciatingly painful situation. The loss of her child had transformed the lives of many people, not just hers. Meeting him, being able to hold her baby and knowing the difference he'd made in the world had impacted her in a way that nothing else could have. Amelia still carried that scar and probably would all her life but her son had changed her, and for the better. She still grieved not having him with her, but she took comfort knowing that the same way he had blessed her with his existence; her son had also saved countless families that today were whole, safe and happy cherishing the miracle of life.

April and Jackson's baby would meet similar fate and Amelia knew that his presence in the world also wouldn't be in vain. She refused to believe that nothing good came of horrible situations. Just like her baby who had left a positive mark in the world, the Kepner-Avery child would transform the entire meaning of life for his parents, even if they weren't fully aware of that yet.

The uneasy silence was broken by the discreet sound of the chapel door opening. Soon enough, Amelia looked up to find Owen Hunt walking in and sitting next to her without saying a word.

The trauma surgeon was keeping his prerogative of not asking questions that the woman beside him might not want to answer. Yet, for some reason Owen still felt intimately compelled to be there for her, so he'd followed his employee upstairs. Even if it meant being in complete silence. He wanted to let her know that, whatever was afflicting her, she didn't have to go through it alone if she didn't wish to.

Much to his surprise, Amelia's voice echoed in the dimly lit room.

"My baby lived for forty three minutes."

The words hit Owen like a shock wave. He immediately turned his head to her side, looking for her eyes, but Amelia's gaze was fixated on the candles by the altar. The intensity of her confession was stamped on Amelia's face, even though it was clear she was trying to hold it together. Owen had never admired or respected her more than he did at that moment.

Of all the things he could have guessed were bothering her, never in a lifetime would he consider such an unthinkable scenario. The closest experience he'd gotten to the loss of a child had been when his ex wife terminated a pregnancy, aborting a baby he desired very much. But Owen couldn't imagine how exponentially worse it must be to get to hold or see a beloved child only to lose it so soon after.

He had no idea the circumstances in which such loss had happened. But details didn't matter. Not at that moment.

Now he understood why Amelia Shepherd had spent the day at the edge of sanity, presenting reactions like withdrawing in silence and snapping at a resident for a seemingly unimportant reason. He sympathized with her pain. It was obvious and expected that the topic hurt her very much and it touched him deeply that she'd chosen to share it with him when she could have remained in silence.

Before he could think about it, Owen stretched out his hand and gently held hers. His thumb caressed her delicate fingers, trying to transmit how sorry he was for her loss. The trauma surgeon didn't have children but he desired them more than anything and he couldn't imagine a pain worst than losing a baby.

Amelia turned her head and when she finally faced him, she read in his eyes the thousand words his heart was saying. She hadn't planned to say those words, but his presence made her feel so strangely safe that Amelia had confessed it, unconsciously yearning for comfort and comprehension.

Owen didn't know this yet, but he now was the only person in that city who knew about Amelia's most painful secret. She hadn't shared it even with her brother, because even though she knew Derek would sympathize and feel sorry for her, she wasn't sure he would be able to understand the length of her pain.

And yet, in the depth of an amazing pair of light blue eyes and the confident, powerful presence of a male figure who had given her nothing but honesty, care and concern, Amelia had found a safe spot to bear her soul, even if it's just a tiny piece of it. A piece that yet small, carried the weight of a hard lived life.

Owen had no idea how much that confession had meant to her, or how better she felt after speaking the words. That secret was consuming her and Amelia had spent the entire day at the edge of control. Now, after finally letting the truth out, she was finally able to breathe normally again.

Someone else knew now. Someone who hadn't judged, or asked further questions. Owen had simply understood, and that's all Amelia really needed.

Talking about it had made the memory of what had happened in her past more real and vivid, but at the same time, it had helped Amelia ease her pain. She couldn't change her past, but she was trying to build a better future. Her son gave her strength to do it every day and having his existence acknowledged by someone other than her felt like a blessing in a time of need.

Little did Amelia know that the man sitting beside her would one day give her the most amazing gifts of all: Five little people they would love more than anything. Together, she and Owen would share the most amazing adventure of a lifetime: parenting. And going through it with him by her side would make Amelia more fulfilled than she could ever dream of being.

When she diverted her gaze back to the candles, Owen stayed beside her, silently holding her hand. He wasn't going to let go. It was amazing how one single sentence could be so impacting. That small bit of information had elucidated a lot about Amelia. Before, he already admired how invested she was. Now that he understood why, he held her in an even higher regard.

It made sense why Amelia was so devoted to her work, especially when it involved kids. She wanted to save as many lives as she could, because she knew too well the pain that losing a child was. He thought back about the little girl she'd save with a peculiar surgical approach. That was one more family who would sleep well at night because of something the neurosurgeon by his side had done. She had a brilliant mind, a skilled set of hands but most importantly, a very generous heart.

Owen was still processing the impact of her confession when soon after, two other people walked into the chapel, whispering words and occupying seats as they prayed for their loved ones. Very gently, Amelia took her hand from beneath his and got up, ready to go back to the new page she had turned in her life when she'd moved to Seattle and once again bury that piece of information in the depths of her past.

But before she could leave the chapel, Owen spotted her hesitation as she turned around and gave him one last look, almost as if saying she too hadn't wished to let go of that moment between them.

.

For the following week, the surgeons didn't see much of each other. Amelia would eventually walk past Owen by the hallways and she often wondered if the spark she'd seen in his eyes every time she felt his gaze on her was real or just a product of her imagination.

The surgical plan for Nicole Herman despite well established was still the sole focus on Amelia's mind at the moment. For what it felt like the third time that day, she spotted her boss crossing paths with her but this time around, he stopped her.

"Shepherd, how's Herman? Any changes to the tumor?" Owen asked, genuinely interested. He'd had the most bizarre morning and was in need of some answers.

First, Callie had gone on and on about having gameand flirtation skills, to which Owen honestly replied he didn't have a lot of talent for. Being honest had always worked fine for him and at least he felt like Callie had gotten out of that conversation a little more inspired.

But then, he'd come to find out that Nicole Herman had stolen a couch from the doctor's lounge and during the already troublesome enough task of talking to her about it, the fetal surgeon had openly and shamelessly flirted with him. Owen wasn't generally very good at picking up these things, unless he was interested too, but the woman had been so blatantly forward that, that time, even he noticed.

"Hm, it's grown a little inferiorly but it's still within the margins I expected." Amelia replied with honesty. "Why?" She added, interested.

"I was just checking." Owen said and then took a step forward, standing up in front of her as he forced Amelia to stop walking so she could fully face him. "Actually, hm… Her behavior is…" Owen struggled. At the same time the situation was embarrassing and Amelia was the last person he wanted to discuss flirtation with, he felt obliged to report her patient's behavior to her, considering it could be a neurological game changer in the plan to schedule the surgery. "She is stealing furniture." He started, a little embarrassingly, knowing he was avoiding saying the main point.

"Oh," Amelia took in the information, wondering if she should be getting worried.

"And she was flirting with me," Owen finally confessed.

That seemed to particularly draw her attention. He wondered if there was more to her reaction than merely concern about her patient.

"Herman flirted with you?" The neurosurgeon asked, trying to disguise her personal interest on that information.

"I think so…" Owen replied awkwardly and in that moment Amelia noticed how embarrassed he was. "I… Yeah."

Even though Amelia often felt clumsy around his powerful confidence, at times he would involuntarily let his guard down like this, letting her know that the guy wasn't at all indifferent to her. Amelia didn't know if he held her in the same high regard she held him, but the surgeon was pretty sure he felt at least just as physically attracted to her.

And flirting was in her nature. She couldn't help it. Even though Amelia thought she didn't have that talent as sharp as it had once been, she could still pull off some moves. And seeing Owen so obviously uncomfortable was the exact opening she needed.

"Did you take her up on it?" She asked teasingly, but deep down Amelia knew she would be bothered if the answer was positive. "I mean, she is very attractive." The neurosurgeon added encouragingly, seeing her boss looked lost and taken by surprise.

"No. Yes, she is, but…" Owen heard himself stuttering.

"And tall." Amelia proceeded with her swift moves, on purpose keeping eye contact with him. "I mean, she might be the tallest person in the hospital." She tested him, looking at his chest to reinforce their height difference." You might find tall people attractive. I don't know."

"No, I don't. Not as a rule." Owen replied with honestly, feeling like a fool. How could he even think about people's heights when an adorable petite brunette deeply stared at him with the most amazing blue eyes he had ever seen? Owen felt fascinated. Completely enchanted. And belatedly, he realized he'd just fallen on Amelia Shepherd's web of seduction. "But, professionally, it's not a good idea."

"Is that a rule? No co-workers?" Amelia asked before she could help it, feeling a bit insecure. The guy had nearly kissed her, was it possible that he had refrained because of professionalism? She really hoped not.

"Didn't say that. I like co-workers." Owen said bluntly and in the way he looked at her, Amelia knew he meant her. With reinvigorated confidence, she tilted her head, giving him her best angelical look. "But the hospital, we have rules there are, um…" Owen froze and broke eye contact with her before he lost control. He couldn't believe the things she made him feel. And he barely even knew her. Doing his best to get out of there as soon as possible to avoid making a fool of himself even more, the chief of surgery cleared his throat before adding, "Thank you for the update."

Amelia felt a wave of disappointment assaulting her as she watched him walk away. It'd be a lie to say she wasn't having fun with the situation. But at the same time, Amelia knew she was walking in dangerous territory. But the more she tried to convince herself to focus on work let go of that intense dynamics with her boss, the more Owen seemed to occupy her thoughts.

.

Even though during the rest of the day Amelia was able to successfully keep her mind busy with her surgeries, once back home she couldn't find any sources for distraction. It was very late at night and everyone else in the house was already sleeping. But when she'd spotted the lights on inside the trailer parked outside on the yard, her head started to spin in circles, going back to the same source of uneasiness: Owen Hunt.

Involuntarily, a movie ran in her mind as she recollected memories about every single one of their interactions. Amelia was very confused. She had no idea how exactly she felt about him.

Well, in a way she did. Amelia knew she liked him. She actually liked him a lot. But she wasn't sure about the nature of those feelings. One thing she was sure of was that she really admired Owen. Ever since she'd met him, Amelia had noticed he was special. The guy had been there for her in a difficult transition in her life, offering her an opportunity at the hospital without an agenda while never failing to treat her with respect and consideration, both at home and at work. He had never judged her, even when everyone else around her had. Owen had always tried to hear her side of the story whenever he felt like he needed to reprimand her about something and once outside the walls of the hospital, his integrity of character remained the same.

Not only did Amelia feel an unfamiliar soothing sense of security whenever he was around, she also had developed the habit of watching him in action. Despite the fact that he was reserved and an overall private person, Owen's kind manners and respectful approaches were reserved for everyone, be it patients, hospital staff, other surgeons or people in general. He was always polite, fair and empathetic. Those were traits she really admired and Amelia couldn't say the same about a lot of people.

But even though she'd learned it was Owen's nature to act by those principles, Amelia couldn't help wondering if it was just her wishful imagination or if he was indeed a bit gentler and warmer with her than he was to others. She knew it would make no sense to expect that the guy who ran an entire surgical department treated everyone with the same courteous approach for he often had to be firm and serious, but even in the times he'd reprimanded her, Amelia had always felt like for some reason, his concern and investment had never been strictly professional.

She liked to believe that Owen actually did like her. The neurosurgeon tried not to think too much on the reason why she felt that way because Amelia was afraid of what she might discover. Leaving the room, she went downstairs to the kitchen, trying to avoid those thoughts.

The neurosurgeon walked back and forth, looking for something to distract herself with. Those were the moments when staying sober was a bitch. In another time of her life, she would simply sit down with a bottle of wine until alcohol numbed her racing mind.

But that had been exactly how Amelia had become an addict once and she was determined never to fall off the wagon again. If, in order to stay sober, she needed to deal with emotions she wasn't exactly ready to acknowledge, then she would do it.

The neurosurgeon opened the fridge, spotting what looked like a bottle of champagne and later realizing it was only sparkling water. She took it out and grabbed a glass from one of the cabinets, excited about the prospect of drinking something, even if alcohol free. But as Amelia read the label, noticing the flavor, her thoughts once again drifted to the man living in the backyard.

Not only had Owen Hunt already emotionally overtaken her, Amelia couldn't deny he was also veryphysically engaging. At first, Amelia had noticed he was an attractive guy, but it wasn't until she'd met his personality that the neurosurgeon had truly paid attention to the details of his physique. His built body, with broad shoulders, a muscular chest and strong arms matched perfectly with his masculine personality; his angled jaw revealed his stubborn, proud strength at the same time his blue eyes were warm and understanding. Amelia had noticed he had long, thick eyelashes that were the same color as his hair. Sometimes, when her boss was distracted, Amelia would stare at them with amazement, thinking that behind that the fierce, powerful façade of a solid, trustworthy leader, there was also the compassion and kindness of a special soul.

All those physical and emotional attributes combined made Owen the most challenging, intriguing and attractive male Amelia had ever encountered.

She thought back about the only meaningful previous relationships she'd ever had. Aside from a steady college boyfriend, Amelia had pretty much jumped from one casual fling to another during all her life, always completely detaching sex from romantic feelings.

When she'd met her baby's father, it had started off as a meaningless one night stand. As usual, sex had come first. Later, as they'd spent more time together, the physical attraction had made room for an emotional connection that despite brief and intense, still confused Amelia very much in regards to everything that had happened. Her experiences with Ryan had been lived mostly under the effect of opioids, making Amelia doubt if the euphoria she'd felt during the time she spent with him were truly related to her feelings for the man, to the plans of chasing a dream she'd longed for all her life or due to the effects caused by drugs. She had long ago accepted the fact that she'd never really find out, avoiding thinking about the subject completely because even though Ryan had given her a few weeks of bliss, his presence in her life was also related to her most painful experiences. First, she'd found him dead on their bed, losing the person she'd invested all her hopes on. Then, the discovery and loss of a child they had conceived together and Amelia had wanted very much would always appear in her mind whenever she thought of him.

The deep emotional pain Amelia had gone through during that period had severely scarred her, making the neurosurgeon wonder if she'd ever be able to get involved with anyone, ever again. For a while, she'd convinced herself she wouldn't. When she'd met James, Amelia had reluctantly accepted his advances, but after a while she'd let it happen, only because deep down she'd always known that the ER physician would never really be a threat to her heart. Even though Amelia loved him, she had never been in lovewith him and that had meant no heartbreak if they ever parted ways. Exactly how it had happened.

The most passionate experiences she had ever felt had been with a guy who was now dead and even then, Amelia had been under substance influence. The risk of ever going through another loss scared her more than anything and that was why Amelia tried to completely avoid admitting how Owen Hunt made her feel.

Whenever she was in his presence, Amelia felt her palms sweating, her pulse racing and that undeniably sensation of anxiety. The brain was her object of study and Amelia couldn't fool herself about what all those symptoms meant. This time, there were no drugs involved to explain those reactions.

Which meant the feelings were completely real and not chemically fabricated.

And then there was the additional of a very unfamiliar but at the same time very soothing sensation of being taken care of. It was like she knew she could count on Owen, even though they hadn't been in each other's lives very long. Amelia had trusted other people, but usually only after exhaustively getting to know them. But with her boss, it felt different because instead of rejecting his concern and worry, like she initially did with everyone else, Amelia felt strangely drawn to them.

Letting out an exasperated sigh, Amelia tried to ignore the unnerving realization that Owen Hunt could indeed become a real threat to her very guarded heart. She'd recently broken off an engagement and convinced herself that romantic relationships weren't a concept she was willing to grasp any time soon. So, maybe she and Owen could just be friends. She already enjoyed his company very much.

Or maybe, if she just attempted at something physical with him, all that wondering and the silly infatuation with the man would stop.

That was it, Amelia thought, very practically. She was confused and reacting like a twelve year old because she wasn't used to that situation. Usually, when she became attracted to guys, she successfully seduced them and quickly grew tired. The fact that Owen Hunt wasn't a virtual stranger but actually someone she'd come to care about definitely wasn't going to get in the way of that. All she really needed was to get that nonsensical sexual tension out of the way and once she'd tried and got that energy out of her system, they could remain friends.

Picking up the bottle of sparkling water, Amelia completely ignored the portion of her brain that was warning her just how irrational she was being. The guy was her boss and he didn't strike her as the kind of man who had meaningless sexual encounters with his employees. But in the end, Amelia's impulsive nature got the best of her and before she could think about it, she was already climbing up the steps to the wooden structure his trailer stood on.

Owen had just finished brushing his teeth and was ready to change for bed when he heard gentle knocks at his door.

"Uh, hi," The trauma surgeon frowned, surprised to see Amelia Shepherd standing outside.

"Hey, Sorry." She smiled invitingly. "Do you drink wine?"

"Uh…" Owen hesitated, wondering what had taken her there. After their somehow disastrous conversation earlier that day, he was expecting another full week of avoiding each other.

"I just wanted to visit, and people bring wine sometimes when they're going to visit another person. Especially if they have…" Amelia spoke and it didn't go unnoticed to him the way she was struggling. Her voice had a higher pitch than normal and she seemed a bit jumpy. "They bring a bottle."

"That's water." Owen pointed out, satisfied to notice that this time around, she was the one who seemed nervous and completely affected. "So…"

"Because I don't drink wine. I don't drink at all. Not anymore." Amelia tried to sound indifferent. "So, I brought water, and…" The neurosurgeon instantly realized how she was embarrassing herself. God, what was she thinking? "I'm sorry. I have literally no game." She humbly added, hoping Owen wouldn't have a bad impression of her insane and impulsive decision to show up at his door, in a late hour with that stupid excuse. She noticed as he chuckled and handed him the bottle, seeing the look of confusion on his face as he took it. Unlike that morning, the guy seemed to be back to his serene, controlled self. He raised both eyebrows as if expecting her to say something else, but it only made Amelia feel even more awkward. "I should go. It's sparkling."

"Mm-hmm." Owen was enjoying that conversation more than he should. Often before, it was him who hadn't been able to hide just how much Amelia affected him. This time, she was the one struggling and it completely contrasted with her usually confident and sassy manners. He thought she'd never looked more adorable than openly admitting she'd tried to flirt with him because she didn't think she had game.

Owen knew that if only Amelia realized she didn't really need to open her mouth to entice him, she wouldn't be saying those things with so much conviction. Just the sight of her gorgeous figure and her charming presence were enough to invoke all kinds of responses in him.

"Lime." Amelia added, stepping back. "Just wanted to say hi." She repeated, trying to repair the situation. Amelia couldn't believe she had pretty much given him reason to believe she'd gone there with an agenda.

As she turned around to leave, the neurosurgeon let out a heavy sigh, trying to calm down. She was feeling like a complete fool and wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. What was she thinking?! That Owen would open his door, invite her in and greet her with a kiss?

But that was the thing, Amelia wasn't thinking. She needed to start acting like the grownup she was determined to become.

Owen watched her reaction with amusement and asked, adamant on not letting her go.

"Hey, do you want some water?"

From a distance, he heard her reply without turning her back.

"Not thirsty."

It was clear she was embarrassed. Owen smiled to himself. If before he'd had doubts, now he was absolutely certain that Amelia reciprocated his attraction. He'd had two chances to kiss her before and missed it.

Owen wasn't going to make the same mistake again.

"Okay, wait." He put the bottle on the ground and gave the order. "Amelia. Stop walking." Owen finally caught up with her, noticing how insecure and adorable she looked. He assumed she was probably embarrassed thinking he'd rejected her. This time, he was going to make it very clear that there was no way she was getting out of his reach before he had the chance to do what he'd been dying to try. "I'm gonna kiss you now," He informed her with practicality, even though he could feel his own heart beating faster. Owen noticed the anticipation in her eyes and that only added to his desire to touch the woman. "So, don't say anything."

Amelia heard the sweet tone of command in his voice at the same time she felt the touch of his large hand on her cheek. The way Owen captured her eyes with his, intensely staring right through them, made Amelia lose her cool completely.

His left hand made its way to her jaw, possessively pulling her in his direction at the same his lips covered hers in a sweet, intimate kiss. Amelia felt his forehead touching hers as the warmth of his body and the softness of his lips made her knees feel weak, leading her to hold his elbow for support.

Owen had meant for it to be one simple, quick kiss. But even though he'd repeatedly anticipated that moment with anxiety and high expectations, never would he have been ready for reality.

The trauma surgeon had imagined kissing Amelia would be amazing, but he hadn't expected it to feel so right or so good. He unwillingly pulled apart, eager to find out her reaction, but when he felt Amelia's head moving forward, as if protesting the loss of contact, Owen tightened his grip on her, capturing her lips with reinvigorated desire. Seeing Amelia surrender to him with so much abandon drove him crazy and Owen deepened the kiss, wondering how he'd ever be able to let her go.

Amelia felt his thumb striking her cheek and her heart swelled with the tenderness of his touch. Owen was all solidness, power and rough strength. But the way he softly caressed her, holding her face with so much gentleness made Amelia mellow.

She kept her eyes very closed, unable to focus on anything other than how he made her feel. How could she ever, ever have considered that after kissing the guy and getting that energy out of her system, she would go back to being in peace?

Owen pulled apart slowly. It seemed like he'd just become aware of how everything about Amelia made complete sense. Her skin was flawlessly soft, her scent was intoxicatingly numbing and her gracious, feminine body felt like it had been molded to perfectly accommodate in his arms. He wanted more than anything to wrap them around her waist, take her to his bed and kiss every bit of her body.

But he couldn't. It was too soon. He didn't want to rush things, scare her off and end up regretting his lack of control the following day. Amelia deserved better and Owen already liked her too much to imagine doing anything that might slightly make her uncomfortable. It was already too late to step back, pretend nothing was happening between them or deny it. The only thing left for them to figure out was how they were going to act on it.

And Owen decided to take it slowly, anxious to enjoy every step of the way.

But now, looking into Amelia's eyes, he realized she was as confused and unsettled as him with the intensity of what they'd just shared.

"And now you can go home." He added, giving her room to recover from it. He would definitely need it too.

"Yeah, I'm gonna go home." Amelia struggled with breaking contact with him, especially when she felt his hand rubbing her shoulder. Taking longer than usual to process her thoughts, Amelia smiled at him with affection and comfortable ease. "Which is that way." She turned back one last time to look at the guy, already accepting the fact that her reaction had become quite obvious. "To my house."

Amelia had her back turned so she never noticed the way Owen kept staring at her with his hands in his pockets as she crossed the yard, feeling like she was walking in another dimension. The journey from his trailer to her brother's house seemed like an eternity. When Amelia finally made it upstairs to her room, she closed the door after her and leaned against it, finally letting out the breath she'd been holding.

Owen had completely swept her off her feet with the electrical wave of desire that ran through her body the moment he touched her with his hands and lips. And if after only a kiss Amelia had already lost control and her entire capacity to think, she didn't want to imagine how much further those feelings could grow.

The problem was, being with Owen was potentially dangerous to her heart and yet it felt so good that Amelia already knew it was impossible to try to resist it. She didn't want to try to resist it. What she really wanted was to walk into his arms and let herself go completely.

Damn it. She couldn't, Amelia realized. Going to him had been an insane idea and she needed to protect herself. She could not let her feelings get the best of her again. Determinate to never suffer another heartbreak, which was in Amelia's experience an inevitability when it came to relationships, she promised herself to solely focus on Herman's surgery and nothing, nothing else.

It was decided, she realized, finally able to breathe normally again after attempting to regain control of herself. Amelia wasn't going to think about Owen. She wasn't going to think about kissing him again.

And she definitely wasn't going to think about what might come next.