Some parts may be longer than others, and this one is a little shorter, but honestly for this I'm writing as inspiration for each part hits! Thank you all for reading and your lovely comments so far xo

"I had a good time tonight."

They stood on her porch, and Meredith was grateful for getting a frosting over the glass door, knowing any number of eyes could've stood watching them. This might be one of the times she regretted having so many people living in her house. Part of her wanted to invite him in, prolong their evening together. But there were her kids, and Amelia, and Maggie, and now Winston. That's too much pressure.

She gave him a small grin, her lip trapped beneath her teeth as she nodded in agreement. She tucked her hair back behind her ear, looking down a little.

"Me too. Maybe we could do it again sometime." God, she'd not felt this nervous in over ten years.

"I'd enjoy that. Maybe go for an actual meal?" He suggested, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

"Sounds like a good idea." She nodded again, looking up at him with a small smile. They seemed to have moved closer together, gravitated toward one another.

He bright one hand to his chin, rubbing it slightly with a soft grin.

"I.. uh, want to do something."

"Yeah?" Her voice came out in a whisper, feeling a slight heat on her cheeks.

"Hmm." He nodded, stepping forward again and taking her hand in his.

Slowly, almost hesitating as he gauged her reaction, his head lowered to hers. She wanted this. She knew she wanted this. Everything about him drew her in. Her tongue brushed over her lips as he got closer, their fingers linking together.

His lips were on hers. They were softer than they looked, and she could feel the effects of his touch right down to her core. Her free hand moved to his shoulder, pushing her lips back against his. Their lips danced a familiar dance, slow but with a growing desperation.

They both knew they couldn't take it too far, though.

Reluctantly, their lips parted but their hands stayed joined, and her arm still lay over his shoulder. His free hand had settled on her waist.

"I've wanted to do that for so long." There was a slight husk to her voice that made her stomach churn. She really didn't want him to go, but she had to be sensible. She was an adult now, she couldn't just sleep with a guy like she'd done in her younger years. There was so much more to think about.

"I can't say I've never thought about it." She laughed, biting her lip again.

"I guess I'll see you in work tomorrow." He said with a sigh, making it clear he didn't want the night to end either.

"We should definitely organise another… date. Soon." She offered.

"I'll arrange a night for the boys to stay with their aunt. I'll cook for you."

"That sounds like a good plan." She grinned softly, her fingers fidgeting with the collar of his shirt.

"One more for the road?" He murmured.

"Please." Her voice came out as a soft breath just as their lips joined again.

He was warm, inviting, and finally doing this with him just felt so right. She hadn't felt anything as close to this since Derek, and she knew nothing could ever compare to her late husband.

Hayes understood, though. Because she would never compare to Abby. And she wouldn't ever expect herself to.