Chapter 4

It's Official

Ray and Bret drove around in circles, waiting for Neela's shift to finish. As Neela exited the hospital in the early hours of the morning both guys sat parked, waiting for her.

Neela took a deep breath and slid into the back seat of the car. "Hello."

"Hey sweetie," Ray smirked, Bret sniggered and Neela punched Ray's shoulder from where she sat. "Ow. What was that for?"

"I don't see your ex anywhere. There is no need to pretend we're dating all the time," Neela placed her bag neatly beside her. "I don't want anyone thinking we're dating in real life."

"Harsh," Bret laughed at his friend.

"Just shut up and drive," Ray answered defeated.

"The sooner we get home the sooner we can get this over with," Neela muttered.

Bret zoomed off down the street, the car filled with an eerie silence.

"So Neela…" Bret spoke, trying to break the tension. Ray shot Bret a pleading look but it was too late. "How do you like living with Ray?"

"I don't know. I never see him anyways so it doesn't really matter. Speaking of never seeing each other, Ray you worked all day. Have you slept at all yet?" Neela spoke from the back.

Ray smiled. "No. I'm exhausted."

"You must really dislike this girl," Neela said logically.

"You have no idea," Bret said speaking up. Ray shot him a warning glance. He didn't want Neela knowing he was the one who was dumped. It would ruin his reputation. Bret noticed the look and quickly shut up. After 10 minutes of driving and uncomfortable silence Bret pulled up in front of the apartment. "Here we are."

"Thank you for the ride Bret," Neela smiled graciously and exited the car.

"Anytime beautiful," Bret called after her. Ray turned to his friend. "What?" Bret shrugged. "She is beautiful you can't deny that. Hey Ray, when you're whole charade is over mind if I ask her out?"

"No," Ray opened the car door. "She's not your type."

"Since when do you know my type?" Bret grinned.

"Since it came to you wanting to date Neela," Ray stepped out of the door.

"It's official. You got it bad. You like her. You should tell her before I decide to ask her out," Bret shouted as Ray slammed the door. Before Ray could say anything back Bret sped off. Shaking his head Ray stepped onto the sidewalk and up to Neela who held the door open for him.

"After you Dr. Barnett," she motioned for him to enter.

"Why thank you miss," Ray stepped in, warmth emitting from the building.

"Ready?" Neela asked stepping in behind him.

Only if you are," Ray smiled and feeling a surge of courage he took her hand in his. To his relief she didn't pull away.

Neela and Ray stood silently outside their apartment door. An odd feeling hung between them. Ray still held on to Neela's hand. He looked down at her. She seemed to be hesitating about something. God, she really was beautiful.

Neela felt Ray's eyes on her. What was going on? When Ray had taken her hand just now Neela felt something she hadn't felt since Gallant. Her heart jolted and she suddenly felt nervous and butterflies flew around in her stomach. Sure Ray was a sweet guy but he really wasn't her type. He was the total opposite from her. So why did she get the feeling there was something more going on between them than just playing boyfriend girlfriend. She made her decision.

"Kiss me," Neela's words shocked even herself. Ray stood still for a minute and Neela started to regret what had just come out of her mouth.

Ray let go of her hand and her heart dropped. Uh oh. "Um…Neela?" Ray questioned a little stunned. Had he just heard her right?

"You want this to look good right? So kiss me," Neela said feeling a bit bold. Meanwhile she was silently praying he didn't start laughing at her.

Without another word Ray's lips crashed into hers. Bolts surged through Neela's veins. "Oh my God," Neela thought before her mind went blank.

Ray was floating. He was kissing her. If he hadn't thought he liked her before this defiantly confirmed he did. He's never felt this way before. Somewhere in the back of his mind Ray realized that they were standing in the hall and reached down and opened the door. Neela's arms latched around his neck and he some how managed to carry her in. He dropped his bag and both his and Neela's coat seemed to vanish. Were they even pretending anymore? As Ray's arms slid around the petit girl's waist the sound of someone clearing their throat echoed through the apartment.

With all his might Ray pulled away from Neela. Both he and Neela turned to where the sound had come from. Miranda stood in the entrance of the living room.

"Miranda," Ray sputtered. Ray was really grinning in the back of his mind. By the look on Miranda's face she would be leaving before this conversation even started. "I didn't think you'd be here."

"Seems so," Miranda spat, almost jealously Neela thought.

"Right. So, Miranda, this is my girlfriend, Neela," Ray somehow managed to find Neela's hand again and took it lightly in his.

Neela grinned widely. "Hello."