Episode 3:

If Gavin had thought nights alone would thaw Meredith's icy exterior then he could not have been more wrong. He had awoken day after day in the spare room with a far too empty bed, the mattress beside him cold and no head print in the spare pillow which only confirmed his worst fears; she had once more not been to see him during the night. Of course that was hardly surprising considering the time he had gotten in last night and the state he had been in.

Holding his throbbing head he remembered the night before, Meredith had gone to one of her charity dinners and she had taken a date, and it wasn't him; true the man was obviously gay but that still hadn't stemmed the pain. He had watched her systematically try and cut him out of her life over the past week, leaving before he had risen in the morning, no note to say where she was or when she would be back.

At first he had simply hung around waiting in vain for her to calm down enough to talk but she had made it very clear they would not be discussing their now defunct relationship. So gradually he had begun to gather the scattered threads of his life, meeting old friends and contacts, consolidating his business interests, calling in old favours and most importantly searching for Danny Abrams. Meredith of course would never approve of what he was up to but then as she had removed herself from his life almost completely he no longer felt the need to consider her opinion on his actions.

However that didn't mean he wanted her to find out about it. Things were precariously balanced as it was, him living on her good graces, she could throw him out on a whim, true she would loose two million but he would be eternally screwed. Huffing in annoyance at her continued stubbornness he practically threw himself out of bed, not even stopping to jump in the shower he pulled on his trousers and strode out the bedroom.

Downstairs Meredith was already immaculately dressed, a crisp Dior suit gracing her still desirable figure as she sipped at her glass of orange juice, her eyes scanning over her broadsheet whilst she nibbled delicately at her Danish. As a result she heard Gavin before she saw him, the tell tale thump of him stomping down the stairs alerting her to his impending presence.

"Where's the coffee?" His gruff voice demanded as he barged into the kitchen, the clatter and slam of her cupboards and drawers grating on her already tense nerves as he practically ripped the place apart in search of his caffeine fix.

"No good morning first?" Meredith asked mockingly before standing up from her stool and heading over to the sideboard and smugly pouring herself a small cup of espresso from her percolator. "Rough night was it?" She added settling herself back on her stool without even glancing across at him.

"I'll make my own then shall I?" Gavin snapped irritated by her pettiness and for the first time Meredith actually turned to look at him her eyes widening slightly but perceptibly at his informal attire, quickly taking in his naked toned chest before returning to the somewhat less stimulating sight of her newspaper.

"See something you like?" Gavin gloated sensing a momentary weakness that he could exploit, as he drifted closer to her standing and reading her paper over her shoulder until a flustered Meredith flipped it closed in annoyance.

"Do you mind?" She hissed wiggling in her seat trying to suppress the flicker of excitement just being so close to him provoked, but failing miserably as she felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle at his proximity.

"No I don't but its obviously affecting you my dear." Gavin retorted smugly, deliberately brushing his palm along her spine watching as she suddenly sat bolt upright. "After all it's been over a week I am surprised you're not climbing the walls!"

"Stop that right now!" Meredith growled pulling away from his intoxicating presence and putting the breakfast bar between them. "From now on you don't have the right to touch me, and all houseguests will be appropriately attired at all times!" She added waving her hands at his naked torso. "Oh and for god sakes smarten yourself up, I don't want people to think I am running a homeless shelter or something, you need a shower and a shave and definitely a new wardrobe!"

"And yet you still want me!" Gavin retorted knowingly slowly stalking her round the table watching as she backed away. "You can't stop yourself can you Meredith, how many sleepless nights have you had knowing I was simply a wall away? Or woken up wound up just at the thought of me in your bed, aching for me then just like you're aching for me now?"

"You're delusional!" Meredith spat in response shaking her head mockingly her hand reaching out to the back of the settee for support, but even she couldn't ignore it's tell tale tremble.

"Oh am I?" Gavin retorted. "The why are you still playing this game, you're leading me on and you know it, why not simply turn and leave?"

"I was just about to!"

"Liar." Gavin chuckled closing the distance between them till she was only inches away. "You want me…I want you…Seems like the perfect arrangement to me!" He trailed off slipping his hands round her waist and pressing his body against hers, smiling at her pretence of outrage which was quickly undermined by her whimper of excitement as she felt his obvious admiration press into her stomach.

"Gavin don…" Meredith began but was cut off by the insistent press of his lips on hers as he plundered her mouth, her hands moving of their own volition to loop round his neck. Gasping for breath when he moved to explore her neck she simply stood there helpless as he pushed up her suit skirt, however before he could rip off her underwear the tell tale buzzer interrupted.

"I'd better…" Meredith gasped, grasping his hands and trying to push them off her thighs.

"Bugger that…" Gavin hissed leaning in and kissing her hungrily almost bruisingly, ignoring Meredith's coolness. "They can get lost this is more important." He added nuzzling into her neck whilst fumbling at her jacket buttons.

"Gavin please, I have to go, I have meetings we can talk about this later." Meredith retorted soothingly trying to gently remove his wandering hands from under her silk camisole.

"Like bugger we will, you're not going anywhere just yet." Gavin smirked, winking at her in his typically cocky manner, but this only cooled her ardor further.

"I said let me go, NOW!" Meredith snapped all pretense of a consolatory approach abandoned as she put her best poker face on and stared down him down, virtual icicles appearing where before there had been sparks.

"Oh and just what are you going to do little lady if I say no?" He teased ignoring her icy gaze and running his hands down to cup her bottom and pull her firmly against him before placing little nipped kisses on her nose and along her chin. "We're perfect for each other, you said so often enough yourself, and this distance is ridiculous, I know you've missed me, why not stay and lets make up properly, all day in bed sounds like the best way to spend our time; it doesn't matter who said what before I can forgive and forget."

"Not now!" Meredith snapped trying to wiggle out of his grasp but when he refused to release her she stamped down hard on his bare foot with her Jimmy Cho's, watching as her lover immediately crumpled holding his now throbbing toes.

"Why the fK did you do that?" Gavin gagged glaring up at the fuming Meredith who towered over him quickly straightening her clothing before coolly striding over to the intercom, Gavin's eyes widening as she told James she would be right down. "How dare you leave now after what u just did…You led me on…" Gavin began but Meredith simply rolled her eyes snatching up her Gucci bag as she moved to the door.

For a moment she paused glancing back over her shoulder at the hobbling man, her eyes narrowing as she looked down her nose at him. "Oh for god's sake grow up, look on the bright side at least I didn't knee you in your brain..oh whoops I meant balls, I get confused sometimes as one seems to dictate your action on most occasions!" And with that and a smug smile on her face she turned and with a crisp slam closed the door on Gavin and perhaps their relationship as well.

- - - - -

It wasn't until later that day as she was sat in yet another boring meeting with her new financiers that her mind returned to the exchange from that morning, and now she couldn't help wincing when she recalled the horrified look on Gavin's face as she stormed out. She had really hurt him; her actions over the last week although partly justified by his pig headed behavior, had been unnecessarily cruel even by her standards.

Why was she punishing him like this, true he was a complete idiot when it came to understanding her but wasn't that partly her own fault for freezing him out and acting like the uber-bitch all the time. He was always trying to thaw her out, and break down all her barriers, was it any wonder he never took her first answer as being her true feelings?

Perhaps tonight would be a good time to lay her cards on the table, make some effort to show she still cared. Smiling to herself Meredith returned her full attention to the business at hand, the sooner she was done here, the sooner she could get home and she had just the right ice-breaker in mind.

- - - -

Meanwhile across town in his ex-fiance's apartment Gavin Cochran was trying his best to plaster his still throbbing foot and if possible his damaged pride as well. He should have never tried to thaw her out, she had made it perfectly clear all week it was over, but no he had to go push his luck and now he'd be lucky if she didn't throw him out. Perhaps it would be better if he wasn't in when she got home, gave her some time and space to think and cool down without his presence as a constant reminder of how offensive she now found him.

Deciding on a course of action he reached for the phone, pulling out the card that had been slipped him only the night before when he had been playing cool but unavailable. It would only be a drink and a little business but it would keep him out of Meredith's hair, and besides there was nothing wrong with massaging his dented ego a little, and nothing could quite do that like spending the night on the town with an attractive woman even if he wasn't intending to bed her.

Rummaging through his wardrobe he pulled out his nearly new Calvin Klein tux taking in the slight scent of perfume as he unzipped the suit bag, unable to stop the smile from springing to his lips as he recalled the only other time he had worn this particular suit. A surprise from Meredith, just one of the many little gifts she had showered him with on their weekend away, and despite the gourmet restaurant in their hotel it had only made it down to the restaurant for one dinner, the other's being somewhat more informal affairs often served in their king-size bed.

Shaking his head softly in an effort to dispel those unsettling memories he strode quickly into the shower, getting ready in record speed, calling his new acquaintance who was delighted to be invited out to dinner so soon. It was only as he stood waiting for the buzzer to go, telling him his cab had arrived, that he hoped Meredith would beat it to their door. Tweaking his necktie he smoothed down his lapels, once more swiping at his hair, he had no reason to feel nervous or guilty, it was just dinner and a little business after all.

Hearing the buzzer he strode towards the door checking his pockets for his wallet and door keys before making his way downstairs, removing his hand as he opened the cab door his fingers drew out the remnant of a napkin, one deliberately swiped from that restaurant in the country. Squinting in the streetlights he could just make out the curve of her handwriting and then the memories flooded back, they had been arguing over what name she should take, and so scrawled all over the napkin where all the alternatives; Mrs Gavin Cochran…Mrs Meredith Gates, Mrs Meredith Cochran, Mrs Meredith Cochran-Gates and lastly her final choice Mrs Meredith Gates-Cochran.

Taking a deep breath he deliberately released his fingers watching as the crisp white cloth fell from his hand and disappeared into the gutter. That part of his life was over and it was time he faced up to harsh reality, so without a backwards glance he stepped into the cab and sped away from his past and into his future.

- - - -

It was only an hour or so later that Meredith found herself once more at her own door armed with her secret weapon, fumbling with the lock as she bid James a hearty goodnight.

"Hi Honey I'm home!" She called out, unable to resist the pun. When there was no gruff retort forthcoming she added. "Don't fire I'm coming in!" Before slipping into her apartment, frowning when the lounge area appeared devoid of any sign of Gavin.

"Gavin…" She called out. "I've got a peace offering." Meredith added moving into the kitchen area. "Gavin!" She snapped when no answer was forthcoming from upstairs.

Scowling now she dumped the takeaway bag on the side and stormed over to the stairwell glaring up into the darkness, switching on the light with a slap she stomped up the stairs pushing Gavin's door open with a firm smash. But his room was empty, devoid of him completely, the bed was made, the lights were off, the only sign that anyone had even been in there recently was the empty suit bag that hung on the back of the door. A suit bag tellingly devoid of the tux that normally hung there!

Fuming now Meredith searched the bedside table, there was nothing no note, no sign of where he had gone, and an unaccustomed feeling of panic gripped her chest. Where was he, what was he up to, and more importantly who the hell was he with, and wearing her tux of all things? Leaving the room as if it had suddenly turned freezing cold Meredith headed back to the reassuring warmth of the living room, forcing back the tears that had sprung to her eyes.

Moving into the kitchen she sat dejectedly at the breakfast bar her eyes roaming over the empty space, her apartment had never felt so empty and in that moment she couldn't hold back her tears, letting them slip silently down her cheeks. Glaring at the cheap plastic bag as if it was its fault Gavin had chosen to dine out that evening, and to think she had actually made James stop so she could get out and buy the horrid food knowing it was his favorite. She had thought she was being so clever, it was the perfect peace offering considering the row they had had only nights ago when he had ordered an Indian and then foolishly spilt it over her pristine white couch.

But now her gesture had been for nothing she might as well throw it out, reaching out she grabbed hold of the bag but the smell hit her stomach and it gave a little growl. Sighing she grabbed a plate from the side piling spoonfuls of rice and masala onto her plate and polishing it all off with a nan bread, and even after finishing her serving she continued to pick at Gavin's every so often glancing up at the clock.

This was so unlike him, even last night when he had gone out on business, or to get blasted as she had put it; he had still taken his cell phone and let her know where he would be should she need him, of course she had snorted at that suggestion before leaving to her own dinner, but tonight she would give anything for a note saying where he was.

It was pondering such thoughts that she sat in the dim light till the early hours of the morning till long after the clubs had shut, he wasn't coming home that much was becoming obvious, but where else could he go? It wasn't like he could check himself into a hotel not with out risking loosing bail, so that would mean he would have to be stopping at someone else's house, but whose was the question? Some little tart he had turned to after she had given him the cold shoulder? Perhaps he had even gone back to his wife?

One thing was for sure she wasn't going to sit here waiting for him to come home, then have that whole scene with her playing the part of the shrew wife. She wasn't going to give him that satisfaction to know he had gotten to her, so instead she stood up determinedly from the couch picking up her phone and within in minutes she had reserved tickets on the next flight to Paris. The only question in her mind as she packed was should she leave him a note or let him stew like he had her?

- - --

It was several hours later as the sun was struggling to rise against the horizon, peaking slightly through the heavy clouds that Gavin found his way home. Staggering up the stairs he ran a hand across his unshaven chin, he needed a shave and a nap, last night had proven the phrase painting the town red in more ways than one. One thing was certain Katherine knew how to party, if he thought he could introduce her and Meredith without them clawing each other's eyes out then he was sure they would hit it off.

She had made it clear she was more than willing to host a sleepover if he was interested; he had politely declined reminding her he had a pregnant fiancé waiting at home for him. It had seemed like a wise precaution to maintain that façade after all he already had two difficult headstrong women in his love life he didn't think he could handle a third. Although he was tempted she was very beautiful and smart, but the more time he spent with her he couldn't help but compare all her good qualities in a Meredith context, she was admirable because she was so like Meredith rather than different.

Opening the door, he tried to keep as quiet as possible after all the last thing he needed was an irate Meredith bearing down on him when he had a hangover looming. However as he stepped into the lounge the first thing that struck him was that the alarm was set, something that Meredith never did when actually at home, punching the code in furiously, he stormed upstairs not caring if he woke her up.

However on slamming her bedroom door open he quickly discovered her bed was empty, it had never been slept in, not only that but her wardrobe was open and items lay scattered randomly around as though it had been rifled through and pillaged. It was then he noticed the conspicuous absence of her Louis Vuttion suitcase, staggering backwards in shock he sank down on her bed his head in his hands. Exhausted with worry he lay back nuzzling into her 200 thread count Chanel sheets, breathing in her perfume that lingered still on the silk only then letting himself drift off to sleep to dreams filled with her presence holding him safe in her arms.