Allison shivered and pulled the covers more tightly around her shoulders. However, it was enough to bring her out of her slumber and realize she had an arm around her waist, a body pressed up next to her. She smiled when she remembered the activities of the previous evening. James and her. Together. She still found it hard to believe. But here she was, safely tucked in beside him and she had no intention of going anywhere, except maybe the washroom.
Carefully moving James' arm, she slid out from under the cover, and looked for something to cover herself. In the dim light, she seen his shirt, which she'd removed from him earlier. Slipping into it, she navigated her way to the washroom, partially shutting the door before feeling for the light switch. Flipping it on, she blinked in the sudden brightness and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her hair mussed, her lips swollen, a wild look in her eyes that she hadn't seen in a very long time. And she felt good. About herself, about what had happened, about her feelings for James. She washed her face before making use of the facilities.
Allison shut the light off, exiting into the bedroom. She apparently hadn't been as quiet as she'd tried to be, cause James was propped up on one elbow, awaiting her return.
"You aren't leaving, are you?" Concern laced James' voice.
"No, I just had to use the washroom. Plus, I was feeling a little cold." She pulled his shirt tighter around her, enjoying the scent of his cologne.
James got out of bed, grabbing his robe which lay on a chair near it. Going to his dresser, he pulled out an extra t-shirt he'd brought with him and handed it to her.
"Will this do? I don't have much else that will fit you."
"It's great, thanks." In an act of boldness, she slipped out of his dress shirt, before shrugging the t-shirt on. She knew his eyes followed her actions. She hoped he enjoyed it.
She watched him pull on a t-shirt and sleep pants, before going to hug him. "I'm not going anywhere, James. You have me the rest of the time we're here. Longer, if you want."
In the dim light of the room, he held her tightly, breathing in the scent of her hair, feeling her heart beating next to his chest. He didn't want to be anywhere else, with anyone else. And he didn't want to lose contact with her. He wanted to be with her, maybe permanently. House would call him a fool, heart on his sleeve, an idiot. But he didn't care. He had fallen for Allison Cameron in a way he hadn't thought possible.
They stood there for the longest time, clutching on to one another, neither wanting the evening to end. They finally climbed back into bed, facing one another. He kissed her tenderly again, smiling at her afterwards.
"I do want you around longer, Allison. Much longer. These last few days have made me wonder why we never connected when you were in Princeton. And I know it seems way too fast, but I don't want this to end after we leave here. I want to make the effort. I want to see you. I meant what I said on the phone that first night." He caught her hand with his, entwining his fingers with hers.
Allison didn't say anything. She didn't know what to say. She did like Wilson, a lot. She did want to spend more time with him, have a relationship. But if she did, how was she going to do this? Chances were that if they continued, it would involve a move on her part. Back to Princeton. Back to where she'd run from House and Chase. It scared her.
However, as much as that scared her, not knowing what would happen with Wilson scared her more. She liked him. She was falling for him, in a way she'd never have thought previously. Sex didn't make a relationship, but it had cemented the fact they had strong feelings for one another. It wasn't just a one night thing on either of their parts.
"I want to try this, James. I want this. I'm not sure where we're headed, but it scares me even more that if I run, I'll never know what may have been." Allison finally admitted her fears to him.
James kissed her again. He couldn't get enough. He finally broke away, deciding to make plans to see each other as soon as they could again.
"I can fly up in a couple of weeks. It will be my first weekend free. Next week, I have a monster truck rally with House. I don't think I can get out of it." he told her with regret in his voice.
"I can fly down next weekend. I actually have it off, despite being away this last week. But I don't have to, if you think it's too much." Allison didn't know how fast he wanted to move and didn't want to scare him off.
"Next weekend sounds great, just that I have the rally with House. But we can still spend time together. I have an extra bedroom you can stay in. Just so you know that you don't have to share a room with me. Not that I wouldn't enjoy having you share a room with me." His hands moved down her back, drawing her in closer to him.
"What are you going to tell House? About us. I don't think you can keep anything secret from him. How much are you going to tell him about us?" Although the thought bothered her, she knew it was part and parcel of being with James. Their secret would be out in no time.
"I'll tell him the truth. He might not like it, but he's going to have to accept it."
"He'll call you an idiot. He'll call me much worse." Allison blinked back tears that threatened to form.
James kissed her forehead tenderly. They both knew what House was like, but chances at happiness were rare. Both had tried and failed in the past. But maybe this time, they'd both get it right. And it would be more than worth it for both of them.
Silence fell over them, both starting to tire again. Allison fell asleep first, cuddled in his arms. It was actually the first time she slept well in a long time. James wasn't that far behind her, listening to her gentle breathing, kissing the top of her head one last time before slumber captured him too.
When morning came, they were still wrapped in each others arms. He awoke first, looking at the woman beside him. He marvelled that she was willing to do this, to go forward with him, despite her fears. He did wonder about House though. Chase too. What made her want to be with a man who was House's best friend? If anyone was ruined by House, it would be him. But here she was, in his arms, in his bed and willing to try and work on a relationship. Even if it meant coming back to Princeton and facing her past.
He found he couldn't help himself, he started feathering her neck with kisses. It didn't take long for her to wake up, smiling at him. She cupped his face, drawing him in for a kiss on the lips. It didn't take long for things to progress to more than just kissing. But, as much as she would have loved to have spent the morning in bed with him, she finally, reluctantly had to leave him to shower, get packed and be ready to leave. Their separation was going to happen, even if she dragged her feet. It was just a fact. They made plans to meet for breakfast and Allison dressed to leave. She didn't care if the whole hotel could tell what she'd been doing, slipping out of his room in her dress from the night before. She didn't care if the whole world could see it.
Slipping into her room, she set to work packing. She left an outfit out to change into, and then had a quick shower. Trying to delay the inevitable wasn't helping, she only grew more upset as time went on. She was relieved when they met up at breakfast again, happy to see him, to hold his hand. She'd never been one to wear her heart on her sleeve, but here she was, barely able to face the fact that they were parting.
They didn't talk much on the way to the airport, he held her hand, not wanting to lose touch with her. James carried one of her bags for her into the airport, she checked in and sat to wait til her flight was ready. She put her head on his shoulder, clutching his hand.
"Let me know when your flight to Princeton is next week. I'll pick you up at the airport." James offered.
"Okay. I'll phone you after I book the ticket." She held his hand, refusing to let it go.
Wilson put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to him. "It'll be okay, Allison. It's only a week til we see each other again. I'll talk to you once you get home." He said this to her to reassure himself as much as her.
"I know, I know. It's stupid." Allison fretted.
"It's not stupid. I'm going to miss you too." He patted her shoulder.
They stayed that way til they heard her flight being called. He picked up her travel case to accompany her to the gate. They stood there, hugged and he gave her one more kiss. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close, not caring they were in the middle of a crowded airport. She needed this to feel reassured that yes, they would see each other soon. Finally, the last boarding call came across the speaker and Allison finally had to break away. With a final look back and a wave, a saddened Allison left James. He watched her til she was out of sight, before turning and heading to his car. It was time to go home and face House. God only knew how that was going to turn out.