Bad Timing

Miranda smiled and left the room. Her cell phone rang. She looked at the phone and saw a number that she didn't recognize. "Hello?" She asked.

"Ms. Bailey?" A voice came through the phone. It sounded like a man.

"Speaking. Who is this?"

"This is Christopher Hunter from Brookden Middle School, Tuck's, er, William's teacher." Miranda made a face and walked into the stairwell.

"Oh, yes, Mr. Hunter, of course. Is there a problem?"

"Um, yes, William's been in a fight and—"

"What?!" Miranda screeched.

"He was in a fight, a couple of punches were thrown; both boys will be suspended. William does have a cut above his eye. He has a jammed finger and his knuckles are scratched. But he's fine… relatively."

"I can't… believe this," Miranda said sitting down on a stair. She put a hand to her head.

"To be honest, Ms. Bailey—"

"It's actually Dr. Bailey," Miranda told him.

"Sorry, Dr. Bailey. And since this is his first time getting in trouble, he's such a good kid; he'll only get two day's suspension."

"Mr. Hunter, usually, I would have to debate, discuss and argue with you about my son and the situation. But, what, exactly did he do?"

"Well, because he's getting suspended, you have to come and pick him up. Also, we can talk more when you get here." Miranda sighed heavily. This had to happen today? She had so much to do and this was one of the last things she needed. Then, she thought about it. There wasn't a good time for her son to get into trouble. "Dr. Bailey? Are you still there?"

"Yes, I am. I'll be there as soon as I can, but, Mr. Hunter, I'm a doctor and it's hard for me to drop everything to come and pick him up, but I will do my best."

"Thank you, Dr. Bailey, but this is serious," Mr. Hunter said goodbye and hung up.

"Damn it. Damn it all," Miranda said closing her eyes.

"Dr. Bailey, is something wrong?" Stephanie Edwards said as she came up from the floor below.

"Edwards," Miranda said standing up and looking at the girl. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you." Stephanie was still standing there. "Did you need me for something? Is Mr. Daniels ready?"

"N-no, he's not. Someone sent me to look for you," she said nervously.

"Who was it?"

"He—they told me not to tell."

"Well, you can tell Dr. Warren, that I'm fine. And shouldn't he be in surgery anyway?" Miranda put her hands on her hips and glared at the resident.

"Dr. Bailey, who is Dr. Warren?" The resident was obviously confused. She scratched at her temple.

"Never mind. I have to go. Can you tell The Chief that I have to leave? Tell him that I'll be back as soon as possible. And when he asks where I went, tell him that I said that it's a personal matter. And when he tries to pump you for more information, tell him that that's all you know and that I told you to walk away and to go and do something productive."

Stephanie smiled. It was quick and genuine. "Okay." She turned and walked back down the stairs.

Miranda went to the locker room and changed quickly. She grabbed her keys and drove to Brookden Middle School. On the way there, she called Tuck. "Hey, Mandy. What's up?"

"Guess where I'm on my way to."

"To Ben's house?" He said laughing loudly.

Miranda fought the urge to smile. She remembered that the call she was making was about something very important. "Funny, but no. I'm on my way to Brookden Middle School."

The laughing stopped and Tucker's voice was full of concern. "Is everything alright?"

"Apparently, your son has gotten himself into a fight. And I have to go to the school and pick him up."

"You don't have surgery?" Tucker asked.

"I do, but it's not for about an hour and a half or so."

"Miranda, why didn't you call me? I would have gone to pick him up."

"Tucker, I…" her voice trailed off. "I don't know. My career can't be more important than my son."

"Sweetie, it's a fight, he doesn't have a gash in his head. Does he?"

"Not a gash, but he does a scrape or two."

"He's going on punishment," Tucker said angrily. Lost in her own emotions, Miranda honked at the car in front of her.

"You don't even know the situation. Maybe it wasn't his fault."

"So, you don't think he needs to be on punishment?"

"I think… I think you should meet me at the school. If you can."

"I can. And I will," Tucker told her. The call disconnected and Miranda pulled into a visitor's parking spot in the lot. Tucker worked a few of blocks. She put on soft music and waited for her ex-husband. Her phone was ringing. It was Ben.

"Hello, Ben Warren," Miranda said exasperatedly.

"Miranda? Is everything alright?" Ben asked.

"I don't know. I'm waiting for Tucker. I'm at Tuck's school, he was in a fight."

"Wow," Ben said with a chuckle. "A fight?" Miranda nodded even though she knew he couldn't see her. "How are… you taking it?"

"I'm okay, I guess. I'll know more after the meeting." Miranda saw Tucker pull up. "Tucker's here. I have to go. I'll see you when I get back to the hospital."

"Call me when you get back."

"If I have time, I'm supposed to go into surgery in like an hour," Miranda told him. Tucker knocked on her window. "We'll catch up, though."

"I hope so, sweetheart," Ben said. Even in all of her anxiousness, she was still turned on by his voice.

"Yeah." Her voice was low. She said bye and ended the call. She got out of the car. "Let's go," she said to Tucker. They walked into the school silently.

The two of them found Mr. Hunter. He ushered them into an empty classroom. "Where are all of the kids?" Tucker asked.

"It is lunchtime," Mr. Hunter answered. He was a tall, dark-skinned man with a low haircut and big hands. Tucker nodded. "So, let's get down to it. As I told you, Dr. Bailey, there was a fight between William and another student, an older student. Apparently, it was about another student, a female student." Miranda nodded. It was all starting to make sense. Tuck wasn't a fighter, but he was very passionate.

"So, he was fighting over a girl?" Tucker asked. Mr. Hunter smiled and nodded. "That's my boy!" Tucker laughed.

"Tucker, stop. This is a big deal! He's being suspended." Miranda said hitting his arm. "I'm sorry, how long did you say that he will be suspended, Mr. Hunter?"

"Two days. Usually it's a week, but like I told you before, it's his first time getting into trouble." The three of them talked a little longer. Then, Tuck slinked into the room. There was a band-aid above his eye and he had an ice pack on his hand.

"Yeah, you're in trouble, William George," Miranda told him standing up. "Sit down." Her son sat in her unoccupied seat. "Since when are you a fighter?" She felt her voice getting louder and anger was forming inside of her.

"Yes, LT, since you're such a fighter, you'll start taking boxing lessons," Tuck said standing up.

"Noo, daddy!" Tuck shouted.

"Hush! You're being suspended and that's a problem. If your father says you're taking boxing lessons, you'll take the lessons," Miranda crossed her arms. Tuck started to cry and Miranda nearly broke down as well. She stayed strong. She rubbed her temples and stared at her son. "Now, apologize to Mr. Hunter and you will be writing an apology letter to the other student." Tuck nodded and several tears fell into his lap.

Tuck stood up and looked at Mr. Hunter. Miranda was glad that he was the one looking into the sad, brown eyes of her son and not her. "I apologize, Mr. Hunter. My behavior was bad and I won't do it again."

"That's okay, William. I know you know better," his teacher responded.

Tucker turned to Miranda: "I'll take Tuck with me. I know you have to get back to work." She nodded.

Tucker and Miranda shook hands with Mr. Hunter. Tuck, Tucker and Miranda left the school and went into the parking lot. "Sorry, mommy," Tuck said and he gave her a hug. Miranda squeezed him and kissed the top of his head. He was a good kid. She hugged Tuck and before she knew it, she was back at the hospital. Soon she was walking into the OR just in time for Mr. Daniels' surgery.

"Oh, man. Oh, man," Miranda exclaimed sitting down on her stool. She'd just come from Mr. Daniels' surgery. They'd successfully resected the tumor off of his abdominal wall and even with a few complications, he was now sleeping in his room.

Miranda had received a text message from Callie saying that she was going into emergency surgery and that she'd get in touch later. That was fine because the day had been long enough and her feet were hurting. She pulled a foot up and began to rub it.

"Aye, baby, I can do that for you," Ben said coming up to her. He kneeled in front of Miranda and held her foot, he gently massaged it.

She moaned as quietly as she could. "Sweetie, that feels so good."

"I have been looking all over for you," Ben said.

"Well, you definitely found me," she said and she leaned over and kissed his lips.

"Wow. What was that for?"

"Because I needed a kiss and you were the closest person." They laughed.

"Well, in that case. I'm still the closest person, so lay another one on me." Ben puckered his lips. Miranda put her hands on his face and pulled him into a kiss. She put her arms around his neck. He put his hands on her waist. His fingertips found some bare skin. She inhaled sharply. After one last kiss, they pulled apart. "I love kissing you."

"I love kissing you, too," she responded.

"So, how's LT? Where is he?"

"My son is with his father. He got into a fight… over a girl."

"So, LT's a Romantic?"

Miranda smiled for the first time about the situation. "I guess so."

"He must get it from his mother," Ben commented with a wink.

"Well, I s-suppose. And, Tuck's been suspended from school for two days and Tucker's making him take boxing lessons."

"Damn. That's wild. Tuck must really like the girl to fight over her."

"I don't know. I guess. I haven't gotten a chance to talk to him yet. I, uh, I had to get back for surgery." Her phone was buzzing again. "Hold on for a second, Ben." He nodded. She looked down at the phone, it was Tucker.

"Mr. Jones."

"Miranda," he started and she knew that he was serious because they didn't do their usual casual, friendly greeting.

"Yeah, what's up?"

"I want to keep Tuck with me during his suspension."

Miranda closed her eyes and breathed deeply. "What?"

"I want to keep Tuck with me during his suspension," he repeated. His statement still wasn't making sense.

"Why?"

"For several reasons. Jaida's out of town visiting her sister and this would be the perfect time for Tuck and I to spend some time together. And because I don't want Tuck to think that fighting is ever the only option."

"Wait, weren't you the one was cheering him on in the office?!" Miranda screeched into the phone.

"Well, to you and to my friends, I'll laugh at the situation a little, it's minor. Plus, our son is a great kid. But, I need Tuck to know that what he did wasn't right."

"And I can't give him that same talk?" She asked standing up and going to her locker.

"Of course you can, Mandy. But—"

"But you're a man and—"

"It's not just because I'm a man, but because I'm his father."

"Fine. Fine. Where's my son? Put him on the phone." The phone exchanged hands.

"Hello?" Tuck's voice hit her ear. It was small.

"Tucker Bailey Jones?"

"Yes?"

"I want you know to know that I'm disappointed in you."

"Yes, ma'am."

"And when you come back from your dad's house, we will talk, extensively. And, one of us will be using a very loud voice."

"Can't I come home?" Tuck begged.

"No, not until your suspension is over, Tuck." Her son started to sob. "I'll call you later. Put your father back on."

"Yeah?" Tucker said getting back on the phone.

"Don't jump all over my son. And I want to know everything you two talk about."

"I will tell you everything that I think you need to know, but some of it may between me and my son."

"Yeah, okay, but take it easy on him, alright? He probably feels really badly."

"Of course. I'm not going to beat him, Miranda," Tucker said laughing. She laughed as well.

"Bye, Dump Tucker." The call was disconnected. She looked up and saw Ben still standing there, looking as patient as ever. "Sorry for the long phone call."

Ben shook his head as Miranda yawned. "It's fine. I know that it's important. So what are you going to do now?"

"I'm going to go home and get some rest," Miranda said and she pulled off her scrub top revealing a black undershirt. She faced her locker as she put on the shirt that she'd worn into the hospital

Ben stared at her as she changed. She could feel him undressing her with his eyes. "You're not going to ask me to turn around."

She waved him off. "Ehh, I'm too tired." Ben chuckled lightly behind her. Hearing it, she joined in.

"So, I know you have a lot on your mind, but do you mind if I keep you company tonight?" Miranda was so glad that he couldn't see her face. She wasn't shocked that he asked, but it did take her by surprise. She cleared her throat. She did it as a stalling method and because there seemed to be something stuck in it. She couldn't speak. "I can follow you home… or not. You don't have to ignore me, Miranda." She tried to clear her throat again while uncapping a bottle of water. She took a sip and sat the bottle back down.

"I wasn't ignoring you," she said with a cough. "My throat was really scratchy."

"Oh, my bad," Ben laughed coming up behind her. "Let me help you with that," he said putting his hands on her waist.

"Mandy Bailey!" Callie's voice called out from around the corner. Miranda whipped around coming face to face with Ben. "Whoops! What's going on here?"Callie raised her eyebrows as Miranda stepped away from him. Callie's eyes darted from Miranda to Ben and back to Miranda.

"Just talking. What's up?" Miranda asked her best friend.

"I'm done with surgery and I was going to come over to your house to gab and chitchat, but Sofia's running a small fever and Arizona's going to be on-call."

"Wow, just blow me off why don't you?" Miranda said smiling at her best friend.

"My bad."

"And I have some 'in other news' news," Miranda making a face.

"Tell me."

"Nope."

"Fine, then I'll bug you until you cave. Warren, I'm sorry. How are you?" Callie asked.

"I'm good, Dr. Torres," Ben said flashing a smile in her direction. He was still standing very close to Miranda. Miranda couldn't believe that she thought that Ben had a crush on Callie. That seemed so long ago. Miranda smiled to herself. She'd been so jealous and now she felt silly about it. "Yeah, so how are you doing?"

"I'm alright. My kid has a fever, but everything's cool. Thanks for asking." Callie turned her attention back to her best friend. "So, I'll call you later, yeah?" Miranda said that was good and watched Callie walk away, but not before she made an obnoxious face that signaled that she wanted to know every detail.

"So, is that a yes?" Ben asked turning Miranda around.

"What was the question?"

"Can I keep you company tonight?"

"You think I need company?" Miranda said switching watches. She picked up her bag and turned towards Ben.

"Need company? Naw. But, enjoy and want some, especially if it includes me—yeah, you do. So?"

"Fine." Ben gave a look. She pretended to be annoyed. "Of course, Benjamin Warren, I would love for you to come to my house tonight and keep me company because I would be so lonely and so cold without your body next to mine."

"Oooo, well! Since you're begging like that. I'll come over." He stroked his beard. Miranda watched him and every movement turned her on. She shrugged and they walked hand and hand out of the hospital. It'd started raining again, for the second night in a row. Ben put his jacket over their heads and walked Miranda to her car and then he jogged to his own.

Ben followed Miranda to her house. The rain poured down around her as she unlocked the door with Ben right behind her. They walked into the house and water dripped off of their bodies forming small puddles in her living room. She put the jacket that Ben let her borrow on her coat rack. She kicked off the black booties that she was wearing. "I'll go and get some towels," Miranda told Ben. She went upstairs to her linen closet. She pulled out towels; then she walked to her room and quickly changed into dry clothes. She decided on her shortest pair of basketball shorts and a white t-shirt. When she returned, Ben had stripped down to his black wife beater. He looked so good. Rain must be an aphrodisiac because at this moment, she wanted to drag Ben up the stairs and into her bedroom. With her wet clothes in her hand, she offered a towel to Ben; he used it to dry his head and wipe off his face. "Here you go. Um, if you want, I can take your wet clothes and dry them."

Ben raised an eyebrow. "Miranda Bailey, is that your sly way of trying to get me undressed?"

Her mouth dropped open. "N-no, absolutely not," she sputtered. "I just… I don't want you to catch a cold or something and I really don't want you sitting on my furniture with your wet clothes."

"Mmmhmm," he answered.

Miranda rolled her eyes. "Follow me and bring your shirt." She led Ben to her laundry room. She told him to put his clothes in the dryer. He tossed in his shirt and pulled off his jeans and tossed them in the open dryer along with his used towel. Miranda put her clothes in as well. Then she handed him the other towel. Without questions, he wrapped it around his waist and she started the dryer. They listened to the hum of the dryer before she said: "Are you hungry?"

He shook his head. "Are you?"

"Not particularly, but I could eat."

Ben licked his lips. "So could I."

"Ben Warren, cut it out," she said blushing. "Oh shoot! I forgot the dryer sheets." Miranda turned her back on Ben and reached up to get the sheets. She could hear Ben clear his throat before she felt his breath on her neck and his hands on her hips. She breathed in his scent, she wondered what cologne that was. It made her weak, especially mixed with the powder fresh dryer sheets in her hand and the sprinkles of rain that was left on his body. "I need to, uh, put these in… with your clothes."

"Let me do it," Ben said reaching both hands around Miranda and taking the sheets out of her hand. He pulled two from the box, opened the dryer and dropped them inside. Ben held onto Miranda's body and turned her around. He kissed her cheek and then her lips. He hugged her again and in one swift movement, he lifted her up and placed her on the slightly rumbling dryer.

"Ben," Miranda breathed softly. Instinctively, she crossed her legs. Ben pulled them apart and moved between them. She was feeling so good. Almost heavenly. Underneath her, the dryer was warm and soothed her body and turned her on. Looking at Ben also turned her on, she blinked slowly and he smiled at her. Miranda wondered what was going on his head, which was funny because she hardly knew what was in her own. "Ben?"

"Yes?"

Miranda put her arms on his shoulders. "What is going through your mind right now?"

He puffed his cheeks and blew a little air. "Uhh, I'm thinking a lot of things."

"Like what?"

"I'm wondering if we'll cook something for dinner or if we'll order."

"I asked if you were hungry."

"I wasn't when you asked," he laughed. "I'm also thinking about all of the things I want to do to you and with you." Miranda gasped and pushed him back so that she could get off of the dryer. She hopped down. "Miranda, did I say the wrong thing?" His face was turned up; he looked worried.

"Baby, no, you didn't say the wrong thing. You're saying the right things. All of the right things." She grabbed his hand and walked out of the laundry room. As they were walking up the stairs, her phone started ringing. "Damn, please don't be my son or the hospital," she uttered mostly to herself. She walked to her phone and saw that the hospital was calling. She answered: "Hello, Bailey here."

"Dr. Bailey, this is Shane Ross. I was on-call and I got a call from UNOS, Mrs. Thomas has been knocked down on the list. But—"

"Damn. Okay, um, I'll come in and inform Robin and Shelley. Shit! I mean, shoot. Five years." Ben stepped close to her and rubbed her back.

"I, uh, I wasn't finished, Dr. Bailey," Shane said through the phone.

"Oh? What more could you have to say?"

"Well, an MVC just came in." While he spoke Miranda's eyes widened. "DOA and the liver is a perfect match."

"Have you informed Mrs. Thomas?"

"No, ma'am. I knew you would want to and should do it."

"Smart man. I'll be there in an hour."

"Yes, ma'am," Shane said and he disconnected the call. Inside was so happy. Robin deserves this. She said a silent and quick prayer that everything would go on without a hitch and that Robin and Shelley, with her mean self, would have years to live and enjoy each other and their family. At some point during her conversation with the resident, Ben had gone into the kitchen. He emerged with two bottles of Gatorade and a Pop-Tart package.

"Here you go, sweetheart." She thanked him and sat down on the sofa. "Is everything okay?"

"Well, it wasn't and then it was." Miranda relayed to him the situation.

"That's great, Miranda." She took a bite of her Pop-Tart and nodded.

"And I need to hurry to the hospital. What time is it?" She answered her own question by looking at her cell phone. It was about seven-thirty. "I'm sorry to cut our evening short and thanks for keeping me company, but I gotta go."

"Well, of course," Ben said standing up. The towel wrapped around his body fell. "And I guess I don't need this anymore. And I should probably go and get my clothes."

"Yeah, probably." He sat back down and planted a kiss on Miranda that she didn't see coming. There was a power behind it that made her insides heat up. She wrapped her arms around him and he pushed her back on the sofa and let his hands explore her body. She whimpered when his hands slipped inside of her shorts. "Ben."

"Yeah?" He responded, his voice deep and rough.

Miranda swallowed and said: "This is something that I'd like to do very much, but I really have to go."

"Well, I have an idea."

"What's that?"

"Why don't I come with you and be with you during the surgery?"

"You're going to be the anesthesiologist?"

"That is my job," He said smiling.

"That is… a brilliant idea, Ben Warren. That is if you can work with me platonically for four to eight hours without thinking about what you want to do to me and other aspects of our relationship."

"Ben Warren cannot make any promises at this moment." They laughed together.

"Whatever, let's go," she said. Before they left, Miranda went up the stairs to change into clothes that were more professional. "Should we go separately or together?"

"I'll drive," he told her. She locked up her house door. It had stopped raining and they were on their way. "So, you never told me what you needed from me—the favor?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You asked me yesterday about needing a favor or something. I don't know. I just want to know what it is," Ben told her smiling widely. He kept his eyes on the road and held Miranda's hand.

She thought for a while. What in the world was he talking about? Finally, it clicked. "Ohhh! Yeah, well, can I host a dinner party thing at your hou—"

"Yes! Sure!" Ben interrupted. "Tell me the day. Are you going to cook or do you want me to?" Miranda started to speak. "You know what? We'll do it together? Who or what is it for?"

"Can I speak now?" She asked giggling. They had arrived at the hospital. Ben nodded. "Well, it's for The Chief." Ben raised his eyebrow begging for more information. But she didn't know if she should say anymore. Instead she leaned over and kissed his cheek and exited the car. She was halfway to the hospital when Ben arrived by her side.

"You forgot your phone."

"Thanks. I might need this for something." Ben grabbed her hand and they walked to the elevator and up to the locker room.

They changed quickly and went to Robin's room. Shane Ross and a few interns were waiting outside of the door. When they all walked in they found that Robin was asleep and that Shelley was sitting in a chair right next to the bed reading. "Dr. Bailey, hi," Shelley said putting her book down.

"Hey, Shelley, um, I have some really good news. And so I need to wake up Robin."

"Good news? Then, let me wake my baby up." She cleared her throat and stood up. "Robbie. Robbie, wake up. Dr. Bailey's here."

Robin's eyes fluttered open. "What's the word, Dr. Bailey?" Robin looked tired and was definitely getting worse. "Is it good?" Shelley and Robin both stared at Miranda who nodded. "Well, what is it? Don't keep us waiting."

"Well, Robin, UNOS called and you were lowered on the transplant list." Miranda watched as Shelly's fell and Robin's face darkened. She felt bad for the buildup, but she knew it would all be worth it when she finished talking. "But! Dr. Ross, here, has found you a liver and it's a perfect match," Miranda said pointing at her resident. "And we're going to do the surgery tonight, in a few hours. Dr. Ross is going to prep you and then hopefully, in a few hours you will have a, uh, brand-new liver and you'll feel better and you'll be healthy."

Shelley started to cry. "Are you serious?" She hugged Shane, holding him tight. "Thank you! Thank you!" Then she went back to Robin's side. "Did you hear her, honey? You're getting a new liver."

Robin nodded. She beckoned Shane over to her side. She took his hands "Thank you, young man. Thank you. Now tell me you'll be in the surgery, helping Dr. Bailey to fix me." Shane looked at Miranda and Miranda nodded. "And I've never seen you before," Robin said turning slowly to look at Ben.

"Yeah, who are you?" Shelley asked.

Ben stepped forward. "I'm, uh, Dr. Ben Warren, Anesthesiology." He held out his hand for Robin to shake. Then he turned to Shelley. I'll be helping Dr. Bailey and Dr. Ross."

"Wow. You are really handsome," Robin said softly. Shelley nodded. "Are you single?"

"Look at her. She's about to go into major surgery and she's flirting with someone who's not even her type," Shelley said kissing Robin's forehead. Everyone in the room laughed.

"Yes, ma'am, I am single. Are you… looking?" Ben asked and he winked at Robin. Miranda smiled.

"Okay, Robin, you're going to get prepped and I'll see you in the OR," Miranda said and she smiled warmly and walked out of the room. Ben followed her. When they were out of earshot of everyone else said spoke. "You're stepping out on me already and with a patient no less." She shook her head.

Ben chuckled and looked around. "I was trying to get a threesome going on." Miranda kept her face straight and shook her head again. "I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I'm just kidding." Miranda's face broke in a wide smile. "So, do we have a little time to make out before we go into surgery?"

She shook her head. "I need to go and prepare and you need to do the same. Robin is one of my favorite patients and she's been waiting a long time and I don't want to—I can't screw this up."

"You won't," Ben said taking her hand. "You'll do great. You'll be great. I promise." Ben looked at her.

"Gotcha. I'll see you up there," she said to him. He quickly kissed her hand and let it go. She grabbed Robin's chart and walked towards the elevator. She went to the Attendings lounge to study a little.

She received a page from Shane saying that Robin was ready. She ended up getting to the OR at the same time as Ben. He watched her scrub in and they walked in together. "Ahh, Dr. Warren, such a handsome face. And Dr. Bailey, my savior. And, of course, Dr. Ross, my guardian angel. I'm ready when you guys are."

"Okay, Robin, just count backwards starting with 14," Ben said smiling. Robin took a deep breath and started to count, soon she was asleep.

"Alright, let's get started," Miranda said. "Scalpel please." She worked with Shane to save Robin and after five hours and one close-call when Robin's heart rate dropped dramatically, they were nearly finished and only needed to close. "Dr. Ross, I would love for you to close up Mrs. Thomas, but understand that she's a VIP. Do you think you can handle it?"

"Yes, Dr. Bailey. Yes, ma'am. I can. And I am grateful for the opportune—"

"Dr. Ross!" Miranda and Ben said at the same time.

"Just close please," Miranda told him. "And don't screw it up." Shane looked at her and she gestured towards the patient.

After informing Shelley about Robin's success, the doctors walked out of the patient's room. "Good job, Dr. Ross. Now, if you'll excuse me… I'm going home." Miranda walked away with Ben by her side.

"Should I leave an intern to monitor the stats? And call you if something big happens?" He called to her.

Miranda whipped around. "Did I allow an intern to close Mrs. Thomas or did I allow you to do it?"

"Me."

"Then…"

"I'll stay and watch the stats," he said and he grabbed the chart off of the desk.

Miranda took a few steps and caught up with Ben. He put his arm around her waist. Shocked, Miranda pulled away. "I don't, uh—I don't do PDA."

"Hunh?" Ben stopped walking and turned to Miranda.

"I don't do public displays of affection. You know… the holding of the hands, the k-kissing, the putting of the arms around the waist. This is my workplace, my career and I don't bring my personal life to my job."

"Miranda, I get it. And I'll oblige just because we've just starting dating. And I don't want to fight even though I love the face you make when you get angry," Ben said smiling at her. They continued to walk to the elevator.

After two people got off of the elevator, leaving it empty, Miranda and Ben got on. She stared straight ahead. "Thank you for understanding."

"Mmmhm." They changed at their separate lockers. Miranda threw her clothes on and walked towards the door. Ben didn't have a shirt on. Miranda turned away. "You don't like the view?"

"I do. I just forgot something at my locker," she said and she walked back to her locker. She took a deep breath and walked back to where she'd left Ben. He was still shirtless. "Ben Warren, did you lose your shirt?" He shook his head. "Well, put on your shirt and take me home. I'm so tired." Miranda leaned against some lockers.

"I'll put it on when you give me a kiss," he said taking one long step in her direction, coming face to face with her. He leaned. Miranda rolled her eyes and kissed him. She gave him a short one.

"Alright, let's go."

On the way back to her house, Miranda fell asleep in the passenger's seat. In her subconscious she could hear familiar music. It was still playing when she woke up to see Ben looking at her. "Oh!" Ben laughed loudly, shaking the car a little. "Are we here?" She looked out of the front window and saw that they were in her driveway. "Well, thank you for the ride home, Ben. And accompanying me into surgery."

"No problem. I had fun."

"Oh, yeah, loads of fun with a woman on her death bed hitting on you, a liver transplant and a diarrhea-mouthed resident. Yes, so much fun." Miranda smiled and Ben nodded slowly. He looked just as tired as she felt. "So… I would ask you to come, you know, into my house. But, you look exhausted and I feel extremely tired. We should call it a night and I'll see and talk to you tomorrow?" She put it in a question format because she wanted her decision to be okay with him. He nodded again. "Good." Miranda grabbed her bag and put her hand on the door handle.

"Let me get that for you," Ben said sliding out of the car. He opened the door for her and helped her step out of it, pulling her right into his chest. He thought he was slick.

"Goodnight, Ben Warren," Miranda said peeling herself off of him and walking towards her house.

He jogged to catch up with her and stood in her way, blocking her path. "Look, it's only been a little over 24 hours, but I'm your boyfriend now. And you can have all of the space you want; I don't have to come in, you don't have to come home with me, unless you want to." He added that last part quickly and it made her smile and blush a little. He was holding her hands now. "But you will not leave me without a kiss and a hug. I love doing it and I love you." She felt like she was holding her breath, she exhaled softly. "And you love me, too. So act like it… please?" His tone caught her off guard. He sounded a little frustrated and it turned her on as well as reminded her that she'd signed on for this relationship. Relationship. A relationship with a sexy and honest man who did nice things. And who was genuinely sweet and genuinely wanted to be with her just the way she was, no pretenses. And most importantly, he cared about her son. That was evident when he said that the three of them would have dinner together. It wasn't all about the sex with Ben, even though their one time together had been really, really good. He truly loved her.

"Okay. I'm sorry. Rather, I apologize."

"And you want to be with me?"

She nodded. "Of course, I do."

"And you love me?"

Miranda sighed. "Yes, I do."

"Do what?" Ben said trying not to smile.

"I do love you," Miranda answered rushing the words out.

He clapped and picked up her hands and put them around his neck, his arms landed around her waist. "Now, was that so hard?" She shook her head. "I love you, too." When he said it, her heart jumped. She put her hands on his cheeks and brought his face to her. She kissed him. "Alright, I'll call you in the morning." He squeezed her hips and walked back to his car.