ZPOV

"Well that was weird," I acknowledged as I followed Wade to the bar and hopped on a stool.

"No kiddin – you'd think he was a free man," he said looking in the direction of where we'd left Dash and George.

He was right. George was acting funny. Not like ha ha funny, but like, did he hit his head and get amnesia funny. Which I guess isn't funny at all.

I shrugged, refocusing on the guy in front of me. "But it doesn't matter," I restated. "Because you'll win me and we'll have a great night." I paused repeating what I'd just said, in my head. "Wait, that came out wrong."

Wade laughed and pulled a to-go cup from behind the bar, filling it will coffee. He knew me well. "True. I already won you," he said winking at me.

I rolled my eyes, reaching over the counter to try and grab the brown sugar.

"Hey, hey," he said shooing my hand away. "This is my domain. Just because you're my girl doesn't mean you can get all up in my business."

"Sorry, sheesh, I didn't realize you were so possessive about what you hid back there," I said, sitting back in my seat.

"Do I come to your place of work and start playing with the medical equipment?"

"Wade I heard you once took a stethoscope and tried to see if your penis had a heartbeat."

"I was 18 and drunk."

"Still," I said, stirring in the sugar.

"Also, you hadn't moved here yet, so it doesn't count."

I sighed. "Fine, then no, you haven't come and started playing with the medical equipment at my place of work."

He smirked and raised an eyebrow. "Although... if you ever wanted to play doctor, I'd be happy to throw on a white coat and examine you."

I rolled my eyes, puffing out a short laugh. "Again, too pervy for 9AM."

He shook his head. "Nope just thinkin out loud of ideas for New Year's."

I put the lid on my coffee, and looked up at him. "Well keep thinking because I'm vetoing that one." I took a quick sip of the coffee. "Okay, I gotta run. Time to waste, hopefully patients to see."

"Alright doc. Gimme some sugar," he said leaning forward. I laughed a little and sat up, giving him a quick kiss. Then another. I could feel my dopey smile spread across my face as I opened my eyes and saw him grinning like an idiot too. "I'll see ya tonight," he confirmed.

I nodded and headed towards the door. "Try not to miss me too much!" He hollered. I turned around, shaking my head. "Won't be too difficult!" As I left I noticed a couple of people enjoying their breakfast had perked up and were glancing from where Wade was tending to where I was, looking confused. They'd figure it out eventually.

Work, as I predicted, was slow. One of the Fillaby kids came in to get a tetanus shot and a few stitches after 'goofing off with a friend' as he put it, and getting a good size gash from a pitchfork. Add to that that the office was exceptionally quiet because Brick was gone, and Addie was visiting family in Missouri for Christmas. So it was pretty much a ghost town.

At 1, I decided to call it a day and hung a sign on the front door with my number in case of an emergency. There was no use just sitting around.

I headed to the bakery to grab a slice of pie and more coffee for lunch. "Now, I've heard of breakfast for dinner, but dessert for lunch?" I heard a familiar voice question behind me as I paid the cashier.

"It's perfectly acceptable. I used to do this all the time in New York, George," I said, turning to look at him.

"Well if it's customary of your people, who am I to go against someone's culture?" He smiled, turning to the cashier. "A slice of pumpkin pie and a small black coffee please, Noreen."

I grabbed a fork and plopped myself along with my meal at an open table, ready to devour the berry pie in front of me.

"Mind if I join you?" George asked standing in front of me.

"Go for it" I offered, taking my first bite of pie. Heaven. I waited until I'd taken two more bites before I spoke again. "So, this morning was weird."

He looked up from his slice. "It was?"

"Yea, you know, with you and Wade..."

"Nah," he said brushing it off with a hand. "That's just Wade and I sometimes. He gets oddly competitive."

"I don't think he was competing."

"Sure he was," he pressed, putting his fork down. "He's trying to act like he's a changed man. Trust me, I've seen this act before, and I just don't want you to get hurt. We're friends."

"Okay so you're just concerned because we're friends," I reiterated, sighing. Thank god.

"Well," he said, drinking some of his coffee and putting his cup down. He leaned in whispering. "Yea, but I just... I thought I felt something the other night. I mean... am I crazy?"

Yes, yes you are. There was less than nothing there after the kiss. Before? Yea, there was and even that being as benign as it was, was wrong. But now it seemed weird to think of him that way, and I felt shallow for allowing a single kiss to change all of that. Then again, he was engaged so I shouldn't have even had those inklings to begin with.

I lowered my voice and leaned in. "George! You are engaged!" I whisper-yelled. You cannot just go around kissing people and then saying you may have feelings. That is not okay."

"I know, I know. I just... since you came to town, it's like I remember why I loved New York."

"Exactly, I remind you of a city. That is nothing more than nostalgia." I couldn't believe I was giving relationship advice. And what was with him comparing women to cities? Lemon to Bluebell and me to New York City. Although clearly, I won that comparison – hands down.

"It's more," he contended, looking down at his plate before glancing back up at me. "It feels like more."

No, this had to stop. "Well make it feel like less," I said. "You are marrying Lemon in like a month. And I am happy with Wade, really happy," I added, standing up.

"I'm sorry," he said shaking his head and looking up at me sounding frustrated. "But tell me that you still feel that way in three weeks."

I shook my head. "Just, let this thing go. For everyone's sake, seriously."

He couldn't even let me enjoy my damn pie. Irritated, I headed over to the Rammer Jammer. But when I got there, my mood did not lighten up when I saw the person talking to Wade. Leaning against the bar in a tank top that barely held in a busty chest, was a young, tall blonde girl chatting him up. I bit down on the jealousy and walked over to them, perching on a barstool. "Hey," I said over to him.

Wade and the blonde looked over at me. He grinned. "Why hello there."

"Hello yourself," I huffed. I hated the way this girl was looking at Wade, and I hated how it was making me feel. Jealous. Possessive. All those crappy feelings that I didn't know I was capable of having.

"Rough day?" He asked, holding up a pause finger to the blonde. "One sec Heather."

"Yes," I said folding my arms on the bar and laying my head on it. "Work was dead, and then I went to have pie and that got ruined." I looked up towards him. "Bottle of your finest chardonnay kind sir."

"You mean glass of whatever white we have on hand?"

"If you mean glass bottle, then yes. And yes, whatever white you have that goes with a crappy day."

"Hey Wade I can come back..." she said.

"No it's fine, just another minute."

Ohhh Heather. Heather can stay with her perky boobs and legs longer than my entire body, and flirt with Wade Kinsella because in two weeks it won't matter where he and I stand – because it'll be on opposite sides. Uh, was I really that pathetic to let a couple off hand remarks gloss over what Wade and I had?

"Hey listen," he said leaning in. "I can't exactly be giving the only doctor in town an entire bottle of wine at 1:30 in the afternoon at the bar. But if you want I can drive you back to the plantation and you can raid Lavon's liquor cabinet."

I took a deep breath sitting up, and shook my head. "No, it's fine. You're right, I shouldn't be having alcohol." At least not until after 5.

I suddenly felt like I should be anywhere but at the Rammer Jammer where this Heather was probably going to stick around and eye fuck Wade. I didn't know if, or what, I should say to Wade about my interaction with George, and I definitely didn't want to be the type of girl who got jealous every time her bartender boyfriend talked to a hot blonde that had a body like Barbie.

"No, it's okay. I'm just going to walk home, maybe the exercise will help get the endorphins going."

"You sure?" I nodded, sitting up taller in the chair. I had to shake this off.

"Alright. Are you still planning to drop by later? Remember, bingo – don't wanna miss it," He reminded me.

I wanted to ask if he wouldn't rather bring this Heather chick, but that was going to far even for the mood I was in. Instead I tried to let go some of the awfulness of the day, and laughed a little. "Yea, I'll be here."

"There we go," he grinned. He leaned in a little, "C'mere," he whispered nodding towards me. I smiled and leaned forward. I thought it was going to be a chaste kiss like we'd had earlier, but he surprised me and moved a hand up to my cheek, holding my lips against his. "Whatever's got you so upset, just know I'm here, alright?"

I bit my lip to reign in my smile. I pulled back, sitting in my seat. We turned to look in Heather's direction but she'd left. Wanda, instead, was at the end of the bar with her mouth pretty much on the floor. "Wait.. what...you" she stammered out, pointing a finger back and forth between Wade and I. Wade just shrugged, giving her a lopsided smile. "Yea, somethin' like that."

I really wanted to laugh at everyone's reactions. I guess I should have expected it would a bigger deal, and I had earlier on, but now it just felt so... normal. It was weird to think of how new this was to everyone else. Clearly Wade and I were expert secret keepers if no one had suspected. Well, I guess no one except Lavon, but he didn't really count because we all lived on the same property and were friends.

"Okay," I said, turning back to Wade and already feeling a hundred times better. "I'm going to head home for a bit, but I'll see you tonight."

"You sure you don't wanna head to the back and make out like rabbits?" He asked raising an eyebrow. "I hear my lips and hands can remedy any ailment."

I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. "Who's said that?"

"Every girl I've ever made out with."

"Not this one."

"Well let's go out back so you can."

I laughed again, my cheeks beginning to get sore because no one had every made me laugh or smile so much. "Rain check?"

"I'm gonna hold you to that Dr. Hart," he winked, nodding to someone behind me.

I left soon after, once I'd helped Wanda start speaking in full sentences again. Wade's magic worked well until well after I got home. He was able to cheer me up even when he had no context as to what was wrong. Then again he could irritate the hell out of me without realizing how either. An even split, I suppose.

After taking a long shower, I was feeling even more like myself. Like I had washed the crappy day away. I threw on a pair of jeans and a sweater, and browsed the internet for awhile looking up things to do on New Year's. When the sun had just finished setting, I walked over to Lavon's to see if he was around. To my surprise, he wasn't. All the lights were out and his truck was gone. Weird, he was usually a homebody when he didn't have a mayoral thing to handle, and he hadn't mentioned anything earlier.

I headed into town, surprised at how quiet it seemed for such a nice night. As I walked into the Rammer Jammer I suddenly realized why – nearly everyone was inside. In a frankly, super creepy way, most of their heads turned to look at me. I gave an awkward wave, "evening all," I said moving through the sea of people towards the bar.

"Make way for his girlfriend," one of the townspeople that I had never spoke with instructed. And like the parting of the red sea, Cricket and her husband moved to the side so I could squeeze between them at the bar.

Wade walked over, pulling out a wine glass. "What the hell is going on?" I asked leaning in. "I thought you were joking about how popular bingo was in this town."

"I was," he said, reaching to fill my glass with the red wine de jour. "I have no clue what everyone is doing here."

"As I reported on my blog this morning," I heard Dash's voice declare behind me. "Our very own Wade Kinsella of the... Kinsellas, and everyone's favorite female Bluebell doctor, Dr. Zoe Hart have begun a courtship."

Ignoring the fact that I was the only female doctor in town, I turned around to find Dash's hand recorder hovering in the small space between us. Clearly he'd never heard of personal space. "Now Zoe, when was the first date? How did he ask you? Or did you ask him?" He asked rapid-fire style.

"Um..." I said, a bit overwhelmed.

"Are you exclusive, or are you two in one of those open relationships," he asked with a judgmental tone in his voice at the words open relationship.

"Uh..."

I turned to look at Wade who had his arms crossed in front of him and was shaking his head. He was obviously annoyed. Thank god he didn't seem as caught off guard as I was.

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" the mass of people began to chant like they were at a wedding.

"Listen!" He yelled, dropping his arms. The room fell as quiet as a bar can, and they all focused their attention on him, and thankfully, away from me.

"What Zoe and I do is our business."

"Not when you make it public by kissing here!" A random voice shouted.

"Yea!" A few others echoed.

"No, it's still our business. And coming here to watch us like an exhibit at the Zoo is ridiculous," he said sternly. He sounded like he was scolding a room full of children. The room started to hum as people began talking to each other.

"So if you're not here to drink, eat, or play some bingo, get the hell out."

"I see her New York edge is already changing him," a pretty red head said, elbowing Dash.

"Mhmm..." he agreed giving her side eye.

"Will you at least answer the question of if you two are in fact, in a relationship?" Dash said into his mini microphone.

Wade took a deep breath and looked at me. I grinned, laughing under my breath.

His face softened and he grinned. "Yea, we're in a relationship."

"And are you exclusive?" Dash continued to pry.

"I'm not sure where you get that we wouldn't be. But yea, we're exclusive."

"And how-" he started again, with yet another question.

"Quit while you're ahead," Wade warned, finally turning his eyes from me to Dash. "Now if the paparazzi is all done here, this is a business. So like I said, drink, eat, grab a bingo card, or head on home."

Seemingly satisfied, Dash waved his arm, corralling most of the people that had been standing around eagerly waiting on the details. "C'mon folks, that's all we're gonna get out of them tonight. The affair of Wade and Zoe will continue tomorrow!"

Wade rolled his eyes, wiping down the bar. I climbed onto a newly available stool and slid my wine glass closer. He walked over, looping the towel through his belt loop and leaned his arms on the bar. "Hey," he sighed, giving me a wry smile.

"So that was... something."

He nodded. "Life in a small town. Perks – cheap booze, great fishing. Downside – the town wants to know every detail about your life. Whatcha gonna do? Anyway, how're you feelin' – aside from the ambush?"

I played with the stem of my glass, still mulling over whether to tell Wade about running into George earlier. "Better," I said truthfully.

"Glad to hear it. So are you going to be joining in on the fun over there?" He asked point to a group of ten or so people that lingered to play bingo.

I laughed. "I don't think so. I'm not good at games that involve luck. Strategy sure, but ones that are based on chance, nope."

"Well hell, you got lucky and landed me, didn't ya?" He smirked.

I leaned in a bit, shaking my head. "Who says I consider it luck and not some kind of punishment."

"Oh, so you need to be punished?" He asked, his words laced with innuendo.

Instead of berating him for his mind being in the gutter, I smiled mischievously. "Depends. Can I cash in on that rain check?"

His mouth dropped a little and the side of his mouth twisted into a grin. "Hey Wanda!" He shouted, not breaking eye contact. "I'm heading out back for a sec."

WPOV

I curved around the bar and nodded towards the back of the building. I had no idea what had gotten into the doc, but I liked it. Zoe scampered after me, and I noticed she periodically checked behind her, as if someone was going to follow us.

Then again, this was Bluebell.

I opened the closet where we kept all our cleaning supplies. If she wanted privacy, this was the most secluded spot I could think of. "Seriously?" She asked, as I stepped inside.

"You're the one being paranoid that someone's gonna chase us down," I sassed back. "No one's going to look for us in here."

She looked down the hall and back to me. "Fine."

I laughed and grabbed her by the wrist pulling her into the small closet and against me. I turned so that I could shut the door, and pushed the button to lock it. Sliding my arms around her hips, I grabbed her ass with both my hands and pushed her closer to me. I dipped my head down to kiss her, and was surprised when I felt her hands slide down the bottom of my shirt and start to undo my belt, but fuck if I was gonna stop her.

Her sweater was somewhere on the floor and her bottoms were pooled around her ankles. When I started moving against her and felt her fingers dig into my back it was all I could do to not be that guy that couldn't last two minutes. I had my hand high up one of her thighs and the other on the side of her neck as I kept kissing her. I wanted to kiss her til I couldn't fucking breathe. I'd just gotten a good rhythm going, one that was making her moan into the kiss and bite my bottom lip to avoid being too loud. I could tell she was almost there, which meant so was I.

But then someone jiggled the door knob and I heard Wanda's voice on the other side of the door. "Wade, are you in there?"

Fuck.

I slowed down to a stop but didn't pull out. We were so fucking close. I pressed my sweaty forehead against Zoe's letting out a breath. "Wanda I'll be out in a sec."

"Alriiiight," she said, stringing out the word. "Just so you know, the Nelson boy just threw up all over the floor by the entrance. When you come out bring the mop, bucket, and ammonia with you."

Zoe pushed her face into the spot where my neck and shoulder curved and started laughing. I couldn't help following suit. I cleared my throat long enough to say, "Alright. I'll be right there."

I didn't move or speak until I heard her walk off, humming the Carrier Underwood song she'd had stuck in her head all day.

We both started laughing harder, and I pulled back just enough to look at her. "Mood ruined?" Please say no, please say no.

She nodded. "I'd say so." Dammit.

We got dressed and I followed her out. Her face was pink and what we'd been doing was plain as day on her face.

"Couldn't even have the decency to get a room?" Cricket said offhandedly as we walked into the bar. Zoe looked taken aback for a second before she shot that sarcastic smile of hers. "Actually, we did find one."

Bam. That's my girl.

Cricket winced with disgust and Zoe shrugged and turned to me as if the exchange hadn't even happened. "I'll see you later?"

"Yea," I grinned.

She returned the smile and walked towards the doors, leaving me to watch her backside as she headed home.

A little after 2 I pulled up in front of her house. The lights were all off and I debated just going back to my place. But I told her I'd see her later, and I really wanted to finish what we'd started in the closet. Literally, finish.

I got out of the car and jogged up the steps, knocking on the wood frame of her screen door. No answer. "Zoe?" I whispered, so she'd know it was me. Not a peep. I don't know why I didn't just turn around and head to my place, but I didn't. I pulled out my keyring and used the spare key I had as the designated property maintenance guy to slowly open the door. As quietly as I could, I walked in, wondering briefly if she was even home. It would be really awkward if she wasn't and she found me here.

But then I saw the Zoe sized lump under the covers of her bed. I laughed quietly to myself and reached down to pull off my socks and shoes. I locked up again, and walked back into her bedroom. I got down to my boxers and carefully crawled in under the covers behind her. I could hear her breathing and lightly snoring, which she'd deny anytime I brought it up. I slid an arm around her waist and adjusted my head on the same pillow she was using.

"Mmm, Wade?" She murmured, sounding half asleep.

"Yea," I whispered.

"Good, I'd hate to think a stranger was spooning me."

I laughed a little, rolling my eyes. "Nope, just me."

She turned onto her other side and kissed my chin then my lips. "Do you want to..." I wanted to laugh at the fact that she still couldn't say the word sex when it was being used in a sentence involving her having it. "Nah," I said instead. "Go back to sleep babe."

She readjusted against me, pressing her head against the top of my chest. "Okay," she sighed. I thought she was out for the count when I heard her again.

"Thanks for making my day so much better." She paused.

I gripped her tighter in my arms and closed my eyes, pressing my lips to the top of her head. I wasn't sure what I'd done, but I'd go with it. "Anything for you," I mumbled into her hair.

Her alarm was blaring at 7:30, and the brightness of an overcast day was peeking out behind her blackout curtains. I groaned rolling over onto my stomach and pushing my face into one of her pillows as she reached to turn it off the screeching sound. She silenced it and I turned my head to look at her. "One day can we please sleep in past 9?" I begged.

She lifted one of my arms and slid under it, wedging herself tightly against me. "Yea, this weekend?"

I groaned. "It'll have to be Sunday, I open Saturday."

"Sunday it is," she smiled. I massaged the top of her head with one hand and leaned over to kiss her. She moaned and I pulled back. "Seriously? You're going to complain about morning breath again?"

She laughed and shook her head. "No, that wasn't a complaint." She grinned knowingly. Oh, ohhh... "Well alright then, I stand corrected." I went back to kissing her, slowly letting my mouth move down her neck and shoulder.

"I think," she sighed. "I can be late today." She reached down and I felt her tug at my boxers. "Very late," I murmured against her between kisses, helping her to shove them down my legs.

"Very late," she repeated.