Author's note: I'm sorry for the delay, but 'tis the season of life being extremely busy! I didn't want to leave everyone hanging and frustrated by only posting one chapter this time, so I've included chapter 11 & 12. I've also done this because I'm leaving in a few days for a Caribbean Christmas holiday and might not be able to post again until the New Year. Maybe a taste of island paradise will inspire me for future chapters! Until then, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the best 2009 has to offer!

Chapter 11 – No Turning Back

With her car still showing no signs of life, Grace arranged for it to be towed to a mechanic, which meant she was relegated to taking the EL. However, with Abby arriving late to relieve Grace, she didn't want to chance the EL and took a cab home instead. She immediately jumped in the shower and in record time, had done her hair and makeup, just as she heard the doorbell ring. Still wearing a towel and not quite sure what dress to wear, she jumped when she heard the bell.

"Son of a bitch!" She yelled.

Romano, listening on her side of the door responded. "I know that's your favorite reaction whenever you hear my voice."

"No, I'm just not ready. I was late getting home." She yelled through the door.

"I can wait."

"Hold on a moment. I'm not dressed, I'm still in a towel." Romano closed his eyes and imagined for a moment. Perfect timing, he thought.

When she finally opened the door, she was wearing a bathrobe.

"And here you got my hopes up to see you dressed in nothing but a towel."

"I'm still deciding what to wear. I'll be right back. It'll just take a few minutes."

"Take your time." He said, as he looked around the apartment.

"Oh, there's a bottle of wine on the table, if you want a drink." She yelled from the bedroom.

Noticing it was very good wine, he obliged by opening the bottle and pouring himself a glass.

After a few minutes, he added, "You've got good taste in wine, Grace. How are you making out in there?"

"See for yourself," she said, walking into the living room. Flying by the seat of her pants, Grace had impressed herself at how quickly she'd pulled it all together. She finally decided on a simple, but stunning black, strapless designer dress that her ex had given to her, just before they split. It was cut short which helped to show off her toned legs, and along with wickedly high heels, she knew by Romano's face she had outdone herself.

"Wow, speechless? I never thought I'd live to see the day."

"You look…beautiful, Grace." He said seriously, and took his time drinking in how lovely she looked.

"Well, after seeing you decked out in your tux, I knew I had to pull out the big guns." She smiled.

Seeing her standing there, her eyes sparkling, Romano couldn't help himself and leaned over to kiss her almost immediately. She was excited by the fact that he knew what he wanted and just seemed to take it. It had been a long time since she'd been with anyone and she was soon feeling swept away by Romano's passion. He slid his hand up the inside of her thigh as he devoured her with his wet, hot kisses.

"You know if I wasn't the Chief of Staff I would blow this thing off and have you out of that dress in record time."

"Someone sounds awfully sure of himself."

"This from the woman who had her hands down my scrub pants a few days ago?"

"True, but you shouldn't assume you won't have to work for it." She grinned.

"I thought you were past playing hard to get."

"Well I resisted playing your games, Robert."

"But only for so long. I think you enjoyed being pursued. Come on, Grace. Admit it."

"Your persistence paid off. I'll give you that. But for now, we'll just have to use a bit of self-restraint until later."

"I used it all up when you stopped by my office on Christmas Day. I hardly got any work done after you left."

"I couldn't seem to get you out of my head either." She confessed.

"That wasn't exactly the part of me you had the strongest effect on, Grace." He admitted.

"Yes, I remember." She grinned. "I'll get my coat."

He reached into his jacket pocket and produced a long, black jewelry box.

"I didn't have time to get you anything at Christmas." He said as he handed it to her.

Surprised, Grace took the box from him, opening it to reveal a gorgeous diamond tennis bracelet. "Oh, Robert. I can't! This is much too expensive."

Ignoring her comment, he replied. "Let me help you put it on."

"It's so beautiful, but it's really too much!" She protested, as she gazed upon the stunning gift.

"Too late. It looks perfect on you."

She leaned in and kissed him gently, stroking his cheek with her hand. "You shouldn't have done this, Robert. It's too extravagant." And much too soon, she thought.

"But you do like it, don't you?"

"Of course. It's just so unexpected, and saving me from a burst appendix was really all I needed for Christmas." She said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Well I did offer it to you after surgery, but you didn't want it, so I had to get you this instead."

"You seem determined."

"Have you ever known me to change my mind?"

"That doesn't mean it can't be done. Besides, I like a challenge."

"Ever the eternal optimist." He said as they left her apartment.

Grace was a little nervous as they arrived at the gala. It suddenly seemed like a very public place to have a first date, so she asked him to get her a drink as soon as they arrived, hoping it would take the edge off her jitters. While he was at the bar, Grace ran into Carter and Susan.

"Thank God, a couple of familiar faces."She said with relief. "But I didn't know you two were…"

"We aren't." Carter smiled. "Susan was the only one as pathetic as me with no date on New Year's Eve."

"You look fantastic, Grace. That's some dress." Susan commented.

Carter nodded in agreement, a little too emphatically and Susan gave him a swat.

"Thanks. One of the last gifts I received from my ex. I think he got it from one of the fashion designers he did a look of work on."

"And your bracelet is stunning." Susan added, looking at it closely. "Don't tell me those are real diamonds?"

"Yes they are." Grace said humbly.

"Well I'm glad you got something nice from your divorce settlement."

"Actually this isn't from Steven. It was a Christmas present." She whispered to Susan and she just looked back at her inquisitively but didn't say anything.

"So are you here alone, Grace?" Carter asked.

She hesitated before answering. She hadn't thought they would run into anyone from the ER and wasn't quite sure how to address her new situation with Romano.

"No. I'm here on a date." She said, stalling and fidgeting, as Susan gave her a supportive smile.

"Do we have to guess or are you going to let us in on the big secret? I bet it's Luka. That was some kiss you two had on Christmas Eve." He grinned. Carter saw Romano walking towards them and he added, "Oh great. Don't look now, but here comes a sure fire way to ruin a great party."

"Susan, Carter." Romano said as he passed Grace her drink. "I didn't expect to see you two here. I hope someone's minding the store." Grace smiled at Carter nervously.

Carter, completely stunned was searching for words. "Uh, uh, well, the uh, Carter Family Foundation always supports this event every year." He turned to look at Susan who didn't share the same stunned look.

"Well, I hope that's just ginger ale. I'd hate to see you end up back in rehab, Dr. Carter." He said and then began to lead Grace away.

"Nice running into you. I'll talk to you later." Grace whispered.

"Okay, what the hell just happened and why are you not picking your jaw up off the floor like I am?" Carter said to Susan.

"I guess they're seeing each other."

"So, when did this happen and why didn't you let me in on it?"

"I wasn't even sure anything would happen. Look Carter, Grace has confided in me about a few things where Romano's concerned. All I can say is that they both seem to be drawn to one another. They both have pretty volatile personalities at times. Maybe they'll be good for each other?"

"I think you're completely nuts. Grace is, well, nothing like Romano. And I know first hand that he's been driving her crazy for weeks. She can't stand him."

"I think she can hold her own. Besides, you know what they say, there's a fine line between love and hate."

Grace's initial trepidation subsided and she was enjoying the evening, not having had a real night out in ages. It felt a bit decadent to be out with Chicago's elite, and not since being married had she socialized in these types of circles.

Romano was finding it nearly impossible to pay attention to anyone or anything. All he could think about was Grace and all the things he wanted to do to her once he had her alone. She had turned on a switch inside him and it was all he could do to keeps his internal stirrings to a minimum.

As the countdown to midnight began, Romano pulled Grace out onto the balcony, just off the main ballroom. It was unseasonably warm for Chicago with only a slight breeze. "I want you all to myself at midnight." He confessed. As the New Year rang in, Romano pulled her close and passionately embraced her. She was in no rush to have the moment end anytime soon and surprisingly, it was Romano who came up for air first.

Breathing heavily, he said. "I'm having a hard time controlling myself, Grace."

"Maybe it's a lucky thing we're out in public."

"Do you want me to take you home?"

"Won't it be rude to leave right after midnight?"

"We've put in an appearance. I don't think anyone will notice if we leave."

Grace nodded in agreement and they left. The ride back to her apartment was quiet, with Romano looking over at her frequently and smiling.

"What is it?" She finally asked.

"You." He said simply.