Chapter 20
Cameron had just finished setting the table for dinner and stepped back to admire her work. She had decided to use her grandmother's china tonight, which she saved for very special occasions. It was an antique floral pattern with blue and mauve delphiniums, her crystal candlesticks held pale blue tapers and her silverware sparkled in the light from the chandelier. Everything looked perfect!
She had invited House so they could work on her lecture, but in her heart this evening meant much more to her. Cameron had agonized over what to wear and settled on pale grey flared slacks paired with a soft pink cashmere sweater set.
As she put on her diamond studs and strappy black heels, she heard the sound of the entrance buzzer and unlocked the outer door of her apartment building.
Cameron glanced at the clock and thought, 6 o'clock, he's right on time.
As House made his way to Cameron's apartment, he was surprised at how excited he was about this evening. He had gone home to shower and change after work and decided to wear the new tweed sports jacket Wilson had chosen for him with black pants and a long sleeved black polo-style sweater.
House knocked and Cameron opened the door almost immediately.
"Hi there", said Cameron, closing the door behind House.
"Hi yourself" said House.
"You look lovely tonight… I brought you these…" House said as he handed Cameron a bouquet of flowers.
House had called Mr. Dean and decided to pick up Cam's flowers for today after he left the hospital; there were a dozen roses in the bouquet with seeded eucalyptus greens; five peach, four cream and today… three red roses.
Peeking amongst the flowers Cameron said, "No card?" with a smile.
"Let's save it for after dinner … it's a special one today."
"Thank you, House, I love them…" Cameron said. I love you …she thought.
"I should put these in water, but let me hang up your coat for you."
"Cameron…"
As Cameron turned back to House after hanging up his coat, he pulled her into his arms for a deep, lingering kiss.
"Ah…that's better … I've been dreaming of that kiss all day." grinned House.
"Something sure smells good…" House said as he poked around the kitchen while Cameron got ready to serve dinner.
"Ooh…those look yummy…".
Cameron had baked mini cupcakes for dessert and before she could move the plate away, House had popped one in his mouth. Playfully slapping his hand, she said,
"Out of there…they're for dessert!'
"Owwww … no slapping the cripple." said House pouting. Cameron laughed.
"So, how was your afternoon in the clinic?"
"Oh, it was fairly quiet, so I hung out with Andrew for most of the day."
"You what ?"
"Yea, he's a great guy … went to Hopkins you know…"
By that point, Cameron could no longer stifle her giggles and turned to House,
"Fished you in….gotcha!" she said, laughing at the look on House's face.
"I know you were the one who sabotaged my lunch with Andrew today, mister!"
"How did you find out? Did Wilson tell you?"
"Nope, it was your new girlfriend Cindy, the student nurse."
"I heard her telling a friend about how she talked to sexy Dr. House today and how he let her page Dr. Johnson for him."
"You are so busted, Greg House!" Cameron scolded between giggles.
"Okay, I confess… but I did it for you. That guy's up to no good."
"Yea, I know … but you know what I think?"
"What?"
"I think you're jealous of Andrew."
"Me?"
"You."
"I don't have a jealous bone in my body; you should know that." House smirked.
"I don't know how you can say that with a straight face…. but don't worry…
he's not my type."
"Oh and what exactly is your type, Dr. Cameron?" House said, sliding his arms around Cam.
"I like 'em tall, blue-eyed and scruffily handsome with just a hint of snarkiness thrown in for good measure!"
"Well that guy doesn't stand a chance, Dr. Cameron… but I, on the other hand … well … let me show you my qualifications…."
tbc ...