Chapter 35

Miranda rolled over and stretched as she opened her eyes to see the sun streaming through AJ's bedroom window. She was alone in his bed, but she could smell coffee brewing. Getting up she dressed and after finding his toothpaste and using her finger as a brush, she rinsed out her mouth and headed for the kitchen in the hopes of persuading him to give her a cup of coffee.

He was crossing the living room in sweaty jogging clothes with two cups of coffee when she came out of the bedroom. "I was going to bring this to you in bed," he told her with a grin and held out one of the mugs of coffee to her.

She slipped pass the outstretched mug of coffee and wrapping her arms around his neck whispered against his lips, "I'm not sure I have time for THIS in bed before we have to leave for work this morning," then she pulled his head down for a kiss.

When he lifted his head he chuckled, "I meant the coffee, Miranda."

"Oh," she sighed and pretended disappointed. "I thought we meant you," and ran her hands up under his 'Go Navy' shirt and pinched both of his nipples.

"I wish we had time for that, but if I'm going to get a shower and changed, and get you to your place so you have time to do the same, what you have in mind will have to wait until tonight."

"Why, AJ, are asking me out again tonight?" she winked.

Handing her one of the cups of coffee and lightly swapping her bottom as he walked past her to the bedroom, he teased, "No, I was actually inviting myself in," he grinned and winked.

Later that morning, Miranda returned to her chambers after hearing her first case of the day to find a beautiful Bird of Paradise flower arrangement on her desk. She didn't need to look at the card to know they were from AJ, but she grinned in delight when she read his message, 'I miss you already and I can't wait for this evening. Are you free for lunch?'

Smiling Miranda dialed AJ's cell phone number and waited for him to answer. "Chegwidden."

"I got your flowers, they're beautiful. I'd love to have lunch with you, just let me know what time and where to meet you."

"How about noon out front?" he smiled glad that she had liked his gift.

"Sounds good to me. I hope the time passes quickly I can't wait to see you. I miss you too," replied Miranda as she hung up the phone feeling almost giddy.

AJ leaned back in his chair as he envisioned Miranda's beautiful face. After his breakup with Meredith he'd thought he'd never allow himself to get close to another woman, but Miranda was different. He couldn't see her being dishonest or betraying him. His Miranda was as beautiful inside as she was outside. His Miranda? Now where had that thought come from?

Walking out in the sunlight Miranda saw AJ waiting for her by the Escalade door. Rushing over and wrapping her arms around his neck she kissed him. "That was for my flowers," she declared.

"Well I guess I'll have to start sending them to you several times a day if I get a reaction like that," he grinned, opening the door and helping her inside.

"You don't need to send me flowers or gifts to get a reaction like that, just get within my arms reach," she replied with a wink.

"I'll have to remember to do that as often as possible," he said as he climbed in his side of the vehicle.

Just as they were pulling out of the guard gate Bud Roberts returned from an interview on his current case and noticed the two of them leaving together. He smiled and waved at them. When he got back into the office, he went to the break room to get his tuna salad sandwich that Harriett had packed for him that morning. Mac was in the break room grabbing a cup of coffee and Bud asked her, "Do you know why the Admiral and Judge Love were leaving together just now?"

To Be Continued….