Chapter 13 .

"I'll be right back Greg …" Cameron said softly after she finished lighting the candles in her bedroom. House heard the bathroom door shut as he stared out the window. Princeton was still at the mercy of the relentless winds that propelled sheets of rain down its deserted streets.

What am I going to do … should I take off my clothes … hell, I'll probably scare Cameron half to death when she sees my leg … it's a good thing that it's so dark in here.

"Greg, I put some fresh towels and toiletries in the bathroom … help yourself to anything that you want … I'm afraid there's not much hot water left." Cameron said apologetically when she returned to the bedroom.

"That's okay … I'll just excuse myself for a minute …" House kissed Cameron and limped to the bathroom, not bothering to take his cane. Cameron noticed his shoes and socks tucked neatly under the bedroom chair and his belt draped casually over its back.

I can't believe how nervous I am ... should I take everything off … no, that's not a good idea … what would Millie say…

House walked back into the bedroom with Cameron's Easter basket swinging in one hand.

"Allison … we forgot this …" House's voice trailed off when he saw Cameron waiting for him wearing only her bra and panties and a shy smile. She looked like a goddess; the soft candlelight cast delicate shadows on her body but he could see every inch of her alabaster skin, the curve of her hips and the swell of her breasts. House set the basket on Cameron's night table and turned so that they were standing scant inches apart.

Cameron lifted her glowing green eyes to meet his as she slid her hands up over his chest to rest on the top button of his shirt. Their gaze never faltered. Neither said a word. Cameron quickly unbuttoned House's shirt and pushed it off his broad shoulders. She could feel her heart race as she tried to memorize every detail of his bare body; his hardened nipples, his sinewy arms, his taut abdomen and the way that the soft salt and peppery hair on his chest narrowed into an enticing pathway that she would soon follow down to its tantalizing destination.

House trailed his fingers over Cameron's beautiful face, lightly caressing her cheeks, her parted lips and her delicate throat as he moved to her shoulders. He traced the thin straps of her lavender bra down to the cups and circled her breasts thoroughly before undoing the clasp. He held his breath in anticipation as he slid Cameron's bra down her arms and cast it aside to free her sweet breasts.

As House's pants dropped to the floor, Cameron turned her attention to his sapphire silk boxers. She had never expected to find House wearing such luxurious underwear.

"Wilson made me buy them … I was saving them just for you…" House murmured, as if he could read Cameron's mind.

"I love them … they're very sexy …" Cameron purred. Her hands roamed freely over the satiny fabric, teasing House as she brushed over his growing arousal to feel his muscular behind and his chiseled hips. "It seems a shame to take them off …"

o0o0o

"I'd like you to open your special egg now, would that be all right with you?" House asked. He was so close to coming that he had to slow things down, at least for a few minutes.

Cameron understood the biggest reason behind his request and said, "I'd love to …shall we sit …" House handed Cameron a purple egg.

She gave the egg a gently shake. "This one's heavier that the others…" she commented, giving it a twist. She found a bottle of Chanel No. 5 and a small parcel inside.

"Ah … now I know why Millie questioned your motives …"

"This was the one I liked best ..." confessed House.

"It's always been one of my favourite perfumes, thank you sweetheart …" Cameron said, kissing House, "now what's in this little present …"

"I wrapped it myself." House announced.

Cameron could tell. Her heart swelled when she saw his awkward wrapping, but it was the ribbon that touched her soul. It was meticulously knotted as if House was closing a stitch, the cut ends left longer, fashioned into a makeshift bow.

It was utterly charming.

Cameron carefully slid the bow off in one piece and slit the tape with her fingernail to avoid ripping the wrapping paper; it was destined for her memory box.

"Gee you're taking a long time, why don't you tear off the paper…" House asked impatiently.

"Because, I want to enjoy this … hold your panties on …"

"I'd rather you take them off …" House said pouting.

"Soon Greg …soon"

Cameron lifted a gold locket from its velvety backing. Her first initial was bordered with delicate engraving on its oval face.

"Turn it over, there's more…"

The back bore House's message of love … With All My Love , Greg

He watched Cameron intently. He knew that tears of happiness were close at hand.

"It's exquisite Greg … but this gift, I don't understand … were you going to give this to me in front of the others …" Cameron meant Chase, but she refused to say his name.

"I'd planned on giving the perfume to you, but when I saw this locket, I just had to buy it. It reminded me of you …" House said shyly, "I hoped I would get the chance to tell how much I loved you, before it was too late …"

Cameron tears flowed freely as House fastened the necklace around her neck.

"There, what do you think?"

As she looked at the golden locket in the mirror, she saw House standing behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist, his face full of love.

"It's beautiful Greg … I love it."

She would wear it forever to remember this night.

tbc ...