Chapter 3

Sarah waited at the front of the hospital. The air crackled around her, the clouds darkened as the sun set, a storm was coming. Thank goodness, it'll break up this unrelenting heat.

"Hey you, ready to go?" Connor touched Sarah's shoulder gently as she nodded. "Where shall we go? What food is good?" Sarah thought for a moment.

"What do you fancy? There's a great little Greek restaurant not far, or a very fancy Italian a 10 minute drive away. If not, there's a British pub down the road there." Connor smiled as she presented her diverse options.

"Which is your favourite?" Sarah smiled shyly.

"The pub is friendly, I like the owner. She immigrated here around the same time I arrived. The food is great." Connor slipped the strand of hair he'd been fantasising about behind her ear and gestured for her to show him the way. Sarah could feel the heat from his fingers on her cheek like a brand.

By the time they wandered in and found a quiet booth, there were some very drunk Brits watching a soccer match, some crowing and some downing shots and some pouting. Others were sat quietly as Ed Sheeran played softly over the speakers. Connor glanced at his menu while Sarah perused hers, the tip of her tongue poking out of her lips. His fingers tingled with the urge to trace her cheeks. He wasn't sure what on earth was happening with him. In no way was he ready to jump into a new relationship, not with how broken up he still was deep down. It's just because we're so comfortable with each other.

"Reecyyyyyyyyy. How are you Sarah, my love?" Connor looked up to see Sarah embracing a larger woman with bright turquoise hair.

"I'm well thanks Carol, this is my friend, Dr Rhodes. He's new to Texas." Carol turned to him and pulled him up and into a hug.

"Please, call me Connor."

"It's gorgeous to see a new face round these parts. Lovely to meet you Dr Connor. It's not often Sarah brings a mate. What can I getcha? We're handing out free lager since MY TEAM IS WINNING." She called the last bit behind her to a mixture of cheers and groans. The laughing friends gave her their order and she sauntered off, teasing her clientele as she went. Connor laughed at the atmosphere. He could see why Sarah liked it.

"So, the other attendings sang your praises today." Connor smiled at her and took a sip of his drink. Sarah blushed.

"Yeah, they're kind here. My practise has improved a lot. Turns out that without the drama, I'm pretty good at my job." Sarah shrugged.

"They were more complimentary than that. You underestimate yourself. What about the other residents? You get on with them?"

"To a degree. The psyc residents are usually on the ward and we all go out a couple of times a month, but I spend more time in the ED. I don't have much in common with the ED residents, plus it's all so fast paced." Connor smiled at her and for a moment, Sarah imagined leaning forward and pressing her lips to his. Her eyes fluttered as she suppressed a shudder. Now was that surprise…or desire? Another quiet moment passed, one that neither felt the need to fill. Sarah broke the intense eye contact and searched for a new topic as Carol and her young blond server, Sam, brought out their food.

"Er… how are you settling in to your new place? You have an apartment right?" Connor blinked as though lost in his own thoughts.

"Still have a ton of unpacking to do, I've only been there a couple of days so far. So far all I have out is my bed and some clothes." He shrugged with a sheepish grin.

"Well would you like some help? We could go to yours and I could unpack a few…" Sarah trailed off, suddenly anxious that she'd overstepped the bounds of their tentative friendship.

"I'd like that. We'll have to buy a bottle of wine so I can properly thank you." Unbidden, an image of Sarah on his bed, her hands tangled in his silk sheets, his head between her thighs and 'properly thanking her' popped into his head. Woah boy.

"It's fine, I don't mind." Sarah breathed again, glad she hadn't jeopardised this friendship. She was enjoying spending time with him. His knee knocked into hers, spreading heat through her body. Oh dear.

They finished up their dinner of freshly made shepherds pie, split the bill and wandered out. Drops of rain splashed on their faces as Connor gave Sarah the address and they dashed to their cars.

"Drive safe please, Sarah."

The rain held off during the drive as Sarah took a moment to analyse her emotions. She was excited, happy even. She didn't know if this was romantic, really she didn't have much experience with that at all. Just see, Sarah, be his friend first. She pulled up in the underground parking and she met Connor as he got out of his car, pulling out a bottle of red wine. Sarah narrowed her eyes a little.

"Where did that come from?" She laughed.

"Bought it earlier, a man can hope right?" He winked, deliberately cheeky. They giggled as they walked up the stairs to Connor's apartment. As they walked in, Sarah's jaw dropped. She forgot exactly how much wealth he had access to. The space was sensational, even with piles of boxes everywhere. There were ceiling to floor windows with exceptional city views that Sarah was immediately drawn to. Connor followed, understanding. The view was what made him put in an offer. He stood a little behind her as she looked entranced at the city. Without considering he lowered his head a bit to hers, closed his eyes and let the scent of lavender enclose him, his hands rising to touch her hips. The contact distracted Sarah as she refocused her eyes to see their reflection. Her breathing slowed as she stepped back, relaxing into his touch, his head moving so she could feel his breath on her neck.

Their moment was ruined by the blare of a police car from the road below as it startled Connor into moving back. Sarah turned, bracing herself on the window frame, both of them breathing hard now. Fear filled Connor's eyes for a moment and panic flared in his chest. Not ready, not ready. A flash of Ava on the operating table filled his vision, except when he looked up it was Sarah's face, Sarah's neck that he was holding.

"Connor?" He tore his eyes from the floor to hers. She was in front of him now, her hand on his cheek, soothing his battered mind. How did she do that?

"It's ok Connor, I understand. We're… friends. You've been through a lot. Lean on me." Connor felt his arms surround Sarah as she encouraged him to let her hold him. Comfort overrode the panic, the lavender no longer sparking desire, but a feeling of home.

"Thank you." He whispered into her ear, as Sarah pulled away, creating space between them.

"Now, shall I unpack your kitchen boxes so that we can pour some wine? Do you mind where I put things?"

Connor took a deep breath, fully appreciative of Sarah changing the subject.

"Make yourself at home Sarah, wherever you think is fine. I'm…going to unpack my bathroom stuff for a bit." Connor fled to the bathroom and splashed his face with cold water.


As Connor left the room, Sarah breathed and slid to the floor, leaning her back against Connor's kitchen island. This… spark between them was intense. It certainly hadn't felt like this before, or had it? Memories came forward, Connor helping her, encouraging her, even Connor yelling at her about Robin's care had set her emotionally on fire, though she didn't recognise it for what it was. She took deep, calming breaths, like Dr Charles taught her once. She pulled a box toward her, opened it, and began unpacking tea towels and cloths. She thought it might be exactly what she needed in this moment.