A/N Hi, this is really a continuation of the last chapter, though obviously from Ray's POV
Chapter 8- Ray
I was in the kitchen, making coffee when Neela came out of the shower. I went into the corridor to see if she wanted some and saw her walking in just her bra and pants. I stopped walking, amazed by what I saw. She was so... sexy. The black bra and panties set really suited her dark skin and was almost the same colour as her hair. I'd always known she was curvy, but I'd never really seen her emphasise it as she was always in work stuff, or sweats when I saw her.
"I forgot my pj's," she said, as way of explanation.
"Um... yeah... I just wondered if you wanted some coffee?" I managed to ask, my mouth dry.
"Oh yes please, thanks," she said, before hurriedly walking to her room, obviously embarrassed. Not as much as I was though. I didn't realise until that moment how much I liked the way Neela looked, I'd always admired her before because of her personality and intelligence, now I realised she was beautiful too. God, I didn't stand a chance.
As I walked into the lounge I tried to mentally shake myself out of it. There was no guy alive that wouldn't like the sight of Neela in her underwear, unless he was blind. Just because I thought she was nice looking didn't mean I felt any differently to her than before. She was my room-mate, my friend, and I didn't want her to be anything more. I was sure. Then she came padding through, barefoot, wearing one of my t-shirts and a pair of shorts. This sight caused more shivers to go up my spine than before. Sure, what guy wouldn't like seeing her underwear, but why the hell would her in my t-shirt make me want to grab her and kiss her, it didn't make sense. Unless I felt something more... which I didn't. I was sure.
"Sorry about that, I'm such an idiot," she said as she sat down and took a sip of coffee, "Ah warmth and caffeine, what more could a girl ask for?"
I gave a small chuckle, "Yeah... definitely."
She looked at me with raised eyebrows, then nodded to the blank screen, "We watching anything?"
"Um yeah," I said flicking it on with the remote. "Hey Neela, is that my t-shirt."
She looked down at herself, "Oh yeah, sorry do you mind? It's just comfy to sleep in."
"No," I said, my mouth dry again, "I don't mind at all."
"Hey Barnett," Frank said as I walked into the ER the next morning. "Pratt's looking for you."
I raised my eyebrows at him but went to look for Doctor Pratt. He was examining a patient, "Frank said you wanted to see me?"
"Yeah, but it isn't urgent, go get your coat off and I'll see you in there."
I nodded and walked to the Doctor's Lounge. Once I had put my lab coat on Pratt came in too. "So what's up?"
"You know Gallant's coming home next week?"
I nodded, Neela had mentioned it.
"Well, I was thinking it'd be nice to give him and Neela some space, you know." I nodded again, a smile spreading over my face.
"You want me to stay out of the apartment so they can have a little love nest?"
"Yeah, but you have a weird turn of phrasing."
I grinned, "Sure."
"Well, I thought you could stay at mine, if you needed. I know we don't know each other that well, but I got beer and the number to the local pizza delivery service."
"Sounds good," I said, smiling and leaving the room. I wasn't sure how I felt about it to be honest, but it wasn't really my choice. Gallant and Neela would want some time to themselves and I really didn't want to be there while they were all loved up. It would just make me feel weird. I wasn't sure if that was because of my newly realised feelings for Neela or whether that's what anyone would feel and I couldn't exactly ask. Everyone here had known Gallant long before I had come, or even Neela, and everyone thought they were the perfect little couple. I knew Neela had doubts, but I was sure she felt really strongly about him. It wasn't my place to feel anything for her, she didn't need anything else apart from a friend and that's what I'd be for her.
"Ray, get your butt over here!" Abby shouted, running for the doors.
A/N Hey, I know this was short, but hopefully it was sweet and the next bit obviously needs to be Neela as we have the return of Gallant! What will happen... review and I may write it!
