THIRTEEN

"Cuddy, what on earth is taking you so long?"

"House, it has been three minutes," she shouted from the bathroom.

"But mommy, I'm starving," he whined like a five year old, as Cuddy came out of the bathroom, dressed and ready to go. Damn, she is gorgeous, House thought to himself as she put on her coat.

"Let's go," she said, interrupting his thoughts. She grabbed his wrist and pulled him after her.

"Whoa. You can't just drag a cripple around by the arm like this," he said with a grin, pulling back and causing her to fall into him. He slid his arm around her shoulders and started leading her down the driveway.

"Where are we going?" she asked him curiously.

"My bike's parked right there," he said, pointing at the sidewalk. "and we're going for breakfast, remember?"

"Uh, no. There is no way I'm letting you drive me around on that thing," she said, pulling away from him and putting her hands on her hips. He picked up his helmet and slid it on her head as she glared at him. He snapped the helmet tight and kissed her on the cheek.

"Let's go. My stomach is starting to eat itself I'm so hungry."

Cuddy decided she didn't want to argue about it anymore, so she followed behind him with an annoyed sigh and got on the back of his bike. Her hold on him was tight the entire ride, even after the fear subsided, and she had to admit she loved every minute of it. She was slightly disappointed when they reached the restaurant so quickly and as soon as she got off the bike she missed the feeling of the wind rushing by and the warmth of House's back on her front.

"See? That wasn't so bad," House said as he took her helmet of her head.

"It was alright," she said, not wanting to let him have the privilege of being right, but the sparkle in her eyes let him know she was lying. He just lifted the corner of his lips in an almost-smile and guided her into the restaurant.

"Do you think this will make things awkward at work?"

The breakfast had been fun and they had both been enjoying each other's company immensely. They were sitting side by side in a small booth, and it felt completely comfortable for both of them. But Cuddy couldn't stop wondering how this would change things between them, so she finally asked him the question.

"What? The pancakes or the fruit? I don't really think either of them will really make anything awkward, Cuddy," he answered sarcastically, not quite sure how to answer the question.

"Seriously, House. Do we tell people? Or should we just keep it a secret? What if the board classifies it as 'inappropriate boss-employee behavior'?"

"You think too much," he replied, shoving the rest of his pancake in his mouth.

"Is that so bad?"

"It kind of gets in the way sometimes," he said, looking her right in the eye. "Like now. Here we are, perfect morning, great food, good company, and then all you're thinking is what if this gets awkward at work."

"You're right," she said, resting her head on his shoulder. "Let's not ruin this."