A/N: So, I have two more chapters planned and that's the end. I promise this time. Two more and I'm done. I'm also trying for more timely updates. Thanks againfor your patience and for the great reviews.

The world melted away as I closed my eyes. The only sound I could hear was her heavy breathing -- I had apparently stopped that altogether -- and the pounding of my own heart. As my hand slid into her hair and my other worked its way around her waist to bring her into my lap my brain malfunctioned. Her silky hair encased my fingers, her soft lips slid perfectly around my own, one of her hands stroked my face while the other tugged gently at the hairs at the nape of my neck, her hot breath hit my face, her body pressed up against mine… nothing else could register. Every idea, every fear, absolutely everything slipped slowly from my mind until there was nothing left except us. At that moment, the past didn't exist and the future would never come; all that mattered was right then and right then all that mattered was Sara. And she wanted me.

I'm embarrassed to say that I let out a pathetic whimper as she began to pull away hesitantly after what I'm going to assume was a couple of minutes… I honestly had lost all concept of time. I felt a ridiculous smile cross my features and I opened my eyes quickly, eager to find hers. She remained hovering a few inches away from me, her head still tilted towards my mouth and her eyes lightly closed. It took her another few seconds before her eyelids fluttered open and she focused on me, a contented smile dividing her face. She leaned forward and placed her forehead to mine and closed her eyes again for a couple of seconds and waited until her breathing returned to normal. "A million and one," I managed to breathe out in a low voice.

"On a scale of one to ten?" she replied with a smirk, her pitch was noticeably huskier. I was glad that we were able to slip back into our normal rhythm and it wasn't awkward. I felt more comfortable around her now than I had in a while. I didn't have to hide anything anymore; there were no more secrets. I felt completely relaxed with her in my arms and suddenly very energetic. I was on top of the world.

"That too," I chuckled softly. "But I was still counting the reasons not to date the medic… that kiss completely counts as a reason!" I paused for a minute and reflected; that kiss really did rate a million and one on a ten point scale. "No. I think it should count for at least twenty. So, that's one million twenty reasons why you shouldn't date Hank."

"Hmm, a million twenty, huh?" she squished her lips off to one side, eyes roaming the indents on the paneled ceiling, and leaned a few inches farther away to assume a ponderous position. "I guess I shouldn't date him then…" she trailed off with a large grin as she focused on me again.

"Seems like the best route," I faintly nodded and attempted to match her playful tone. "Oh, but wait!" I exclaimed softly as if something had just occurred to me. "That means that you won't have anyone to take you out tonight!"

"Oh no! You're right!" she played along, moving closer and dramatically flopping her head down on to my shoulder. "What am I going to do!"

"Well…" I voiced after a moments pause, "I suppose I could take you out…" The suggestion came out as if it were a brand new and almost unwelcome one. I tried to force a neutral expression but there was no turning down the wattage of my goofy grin. I was sure that would be a permanent part of my appearance for at least the next two weeks.

"I guess you could…" she kissed my neck lightly and a pleasant shiver shot down my spine. I shifted her so that we were face to face again.

"Good." This time my tone was serious. We sat there gazing stupidly at each other until my wrist watch beeped twice to sound the new hour. We were both brought out of our daze and flushed slightly; it was going to take some time to get used to the fact that I could overtly study her features rather than watch her from the corner of my eye. I moved my hand so that only the fingers were still drowning in her hair, leaving the palm and thumb up against her cheek gently. "We should probably head home now…" I spoke quietly. God knows I didn't actually want to leave, but I had to if I was planning on remaining conscious for dinner later.

Sara simply nodded in agreement and pulled herself off my lap. I was immediately chilled as I lost the heat from her body and quickly clambered to my feet after her and pulled her against me once more for another lingering kiss. When I finally pulled away -- once again, as far as time goes, your guess is as mine -- she cleared her throat and confirmed plans. "So what did you have in mind for tonight?" she asked with a contradictory smile that only she could pull off: half innocent, half seductive. I chuckled appreciatively.

"I'm a little afraid to answer that," I replied honestly. She had completely set me up for a dirty answer, but I knew better than to speak it out loud. She smiled a little wider in response.

"Smart man." She stepped away from me and headed towards her locker and began swapping work items for home items.

"I like to think so," I smirked and watched her pull at her stuff, reclaiming my seat on the bench. "Do you have tonight off?"

"Nope. My free night isn't for another few days," I frowned, not bothering to hide it from her. "Why? Do you have tonight off?"

"No," I gave her my most charming smile, "But I'm more than happy to play hooky if it means more time to spend with you…" I was very proud as a crimson tinge settled into her cheeks.

"Look at you, suddenly all smooth and suave," she giggled lightly.

"Suddenly?" I stood up, puffed out my chest, and strolled towards her. I slowed my speech and thickened my accent as I advanced, adding a tip of an imaginary Stetson with a wink for effect. "Ma'am I'll have you know that Texans are born suave." I leaned casually against the side of her locker.

"So I guess you weren't born a Texan then, huh?" she quipped. She grabbed her jacket and turned to face me, closing the locker door behind her blindly.

"Ouch." I pouted, clutching at my heart. "Words hurt, Sara."

"Sticks and stones, cowboy. Suck it up." She smiled and sauntered towards the door. She paused before exiting and her confident air faltered briefly, "So… tonight…?" I love that I make her nervous.

"Yes. Tonight." I chewed my lower lip thoughtfully for a minute; not the best plan since I could still taste some of Sara's coffee there. I forgot what I was saying as my mind replayed the last ten minutes. She cleared her throat and watched me expectantly. "Right." Boy, do I feel like an ass right now. "Tonight I was thinking we could just hang out… be casual, you know?" I turned around and resumed the exchange with my locker.

"Slow and steady, eh?" I smiled and glanced over my shoulder at her as I identified the disappointment that had laced her cliché.

"No." I shook my head adamantly, "Personally, I think two years is slow enough. However, we don't have a lot of free time tonight and I know that we're both going to be tired because there aren't enough hours between now and then to get the doctor-approved amount of sleep. So, just for tonight, casual. We'll get something to eat, watch some TV or go shopping or something…" She nodded approvingly. "However, I would like to take you out, for real, this weekend?" I'm not sure why that turned into a question. I meant for it to come out sounding more self-assured; I hear girls like that.

"I'd like that too," she looked down at the floor nervously. She's so cute when she's acting shy.

"Good. That's good." I repeated dumbly. "So I'll give you a call later on, okay? A few hours before shift?"

"Perfect," she replied, "See you later, Nick." I love the way she says my name.

"Sleep tight, Sara." I replied as she disappeared through the doors. I restrained myself for a full thirty seconds -- yes, I am proud -- before pumping my arms through the air and whooping in a lame parody of a victory dance.

Life. Is. Good.