They descended to the garage, making slightly awkward conversation on the way. It was mostly empty now. Cameron waited by her car and Wilson went to get his car. Cameron shivered as she waited. it was a cold night.

Wilson got out the jumper cables and hooked things up. he felt a rush of testosterone, like he was the knight saving the damsel in distress. he hadn't felt quite like that for a while. He smiled at Cameron and tried to give the car a jump. But it didn't seem to work.

Wilson scratched his neck uncomfortably. "I think there must be something else wrong. This should be working..."

Cameron bit her lip in worry and rubbed her hands against her cold arms. "Well, it's late..." she said. "I guess I can call AAA tomorrow or something. I just want to get home. I guess I'll try to get a cab or something..." she gave a hopeful look in Wilson's direction.

"I...I would be happy to give you a ride home."

Cameron beamed "thanks! I would really appreciate that!"

Wilson smiled. he moved a few things off of the passenger seat and opened the door for Cameron. She smiled, shivering.

"Would you like my coat? you look so cold!" Wilson asked, wishing he had offered sooner. He had noticed Cameron shivering for a while. He took off his coat before she could protest and gently helped her put her arms into the sleeves. It was too big for her but it was warm. she smiled at him, thankfully.

"Thank you so much" she said and he helped her into the car and got in the driver's side.

"So, which way?" Wilson asked.

"Just go left up here" Cameron pointed. "It's a few miles down this road before the next turn."

Wilson nodded. they drove in awkward silence for a few miles before Cameron broke the tension with her sweet voice. Wilson had never noticed before how lovely it was. The soft, strong, beautiful tones of it made him feel slightly intoxicated.

"I guess it's lucky that you were working late too!" Cameron smiled.

"I am glad you caught me before I left." said Wilson. Then after a bit more silence he added "Phew. what a long day."

"Yeah, I know what you mean." Cameron said. She looked back and forth between his face and the road. his face was strong yet sensitive. He had a certain damaged quality, something she looked for in a man. Though the damage was not as deep as that in House the trauma of his recent divorce showed in his face. His tired eyes told the tale of tears and pain and long lonely nights. Cameron felt sorry for him and the pity aroused a sense or romance within her. She was almost distracted from giving him directions for a moment but managed to snap out of her thoughts. "Oh, take a left at this next light!"

The went on for a while, Cameron giving directions and Wilson making awkward conversation with her. finally she said "I live in the building on the right."

Wilson pulled into the nearest available spot and smiled at Cameron "You know, I only live a few blocks from here." He got out of the car and opened her door for her.

Cameron smiled "Oh, good! I was worried I was taking you way out of your way." she got out of the car. "Well...thank you so much for the ride!"

"Any time!" Wilson smiled at her.

Cameron walked towards the building and Wilson stood, watching her go. He felt his heart sink a little to think that the friendly conversation was over. He had enjoyed talking to her. she had the compassion that House lacked. The compassion he longed for. She listened and cared. He smiled to himself and began to get back into his car when he heard her voice cry out.

"Oh! wait!" Cameron had turned back toward him and was rushing in his direction. Wilson blinked up at her, surprised. For a moment his heart raced and his mind was filled with all the things he wished that she might say. Cameron looked into his face, looking embarrassed. "I...forgot to give back your jacket!"

Wilson and Cameron both laughed softly. She took the jacket off and handed it to him. for a moment their hands touched and the feeling of her hand against his gave Wilson a rush. Cameron bit her lip with and awkward smile. "I guess I will see you tomorrow!" she said, with a thoughtful smile. they waved to each other and she went into the building. Wilson smiled and sighed peacefully before getting back into his car and driving home.

Cameron got into work early the next day. No one else was in the meeting room when she entered, or so she thought. She was settling down into a chair with the latest case file in her hand when she was startled by a voice.

"Hey." Chase emerged from the shadows. His face had a hard jealous expression. "I hear you went home with Dr. Wilson last night."

Cameron looked at him, shocked and offended. "That is none of your business!" she said but then, after an awkward moment she added "Who told you that?"

"It doesn't matter." said Chase, frowning. "The thing is, you blew me off yesterday. I was asking you for a date, ok? and then you go off with Wilson and...!"

"My car broke down!" Cameron protested. "In fact I was about to call AAA about it. that's why I got here early today. What is your problem? you've been acted strange lately."

"My problem?" Chase yelled but then caught himself; composed himself. He took a breath and lowered his voice. "I just...I don't know. I mean, that thing. You know, a while back when we...well..."

Cameron looked offended. "You don't mean...when we...I mean, that was...well, you could have been anyone. I was lonely. I was confused. I was scared. I wasn't thinking right."

"Didn't it mean anything to you at all!?" Chase's eyes seemed wet, like tears were trying to break though. "It sure as hell meant something to me!"

Cameron bit her lip, a concerned expression on her face now. "Look, Chase. I didn't mean it that way. It's just, I'm not interested in...I don't know how to say this. I didn't mean to hurt you. I thought you understood that--I mean, I was so long ago now! I mean...I mean..."

Chase wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "Nevermind. pretend I didn't say anything!" and he ran from the room.

Cameron moved after him at first but it was no use. She let out a deep sigh and settled back into her chair staring at the file in her hand. After a moment, trying but failing to concentrate, she threw it down on the table and got up and began to fumble with the coffee machine. Last night felt so perfect. How could one thing seem to ruin all the good feelings she had? She knew her issues with Chase were only beginning but she hoped she could think of a way to appease him without giving in to what he seemed to want.