Romancing Dr. Bailey

How Forever Feels

Rushing around her bedroom, Miranda ran through her list in her head: "Bag, keys, phone, other bag—"

Ben touched her shoulder. "Shoes."

"What?"

"You're forgetting about shoes," he said pointing to her feet.

"I was thinking about going barefoot."

"Sure you were." He bent over and picked up her shoes that were near the bed. "Here you go."

"Thanks." She started to put the right shoe on her left foot and groaned.

"Is everything okay? You look frazzled, sweetheart."

Miranda pushed back some stray hairs. "I'm fine. I'm just a little nervous about the flight." Ben nodded. "And I haven't had a vacation in a long time and never without Tuck."

He rubbed her back. "Well, be prepared to enjoy this one," Ben said smiling.

She sent a text message to Tucker to let him know that they were on their way to the airport. There, she also remembered Scotty's message and called her while they waited. As the phone rang, Miranda wondered what was so important that demanded such a hasty message from her friend. Miranda hoped that everything was okay. Ben asked who she was calling. She waved him off. Scotty didn't answer and she left her a voicemail telling her that she was going out of town strictly for vacation and would mostly be unavailable. That should make her happy, Miranda thought. Scotty had been the one to suggest that she have a real vacation. She wrapped up her message, forgetting everything, as their flight number was announced. On the metal bird, Miranda's hand gripped the armrest. Ben put his hand over hers. The last time they were on a plane together, her father's life was in danger and Ben had been the supportive friend. This time, he was looking to advance his career and Miranda was the easygoing girlfriend. "Relax." He lifted the seat divider and held onto her. "I'm glad you're with me."

She nodded. "You're sure I'm not going to cramp your style?"

"Ah, I forgot about style. I might want to mack on the hot honeys."

"And you can't do that with your old lady on your hip."

"True." She pushed him and they laughed. An older woman looked at them crossly and their laughs got louder. "Sorry!" He whispered, half-assedly.

Less than three hours later, they were landing. It was one of the smoothest ones that Miranda had ever experienced. They walked down the ramp. The sun was gone, but the lights of the surrounding area mimicked daylight. Ben held her hand and kissed it. The darkness hid her blushing. They hopped into a taxi. "We're going to the hotel?"

"Yep. Unless you're hungry."

"You know I am, but we should just head to the hotel."

"Room service?"

"Room service." The next morning, in the cool hotel room, Miranda lay under the covers with Ben next to her. He turned to her. "Yes, sir?"

"Are you sure you're gonna be okay?"

She gave him a blank look. He raised his eyebrows. "You did not come all of this way to stay in this hotel room with me."

"I kind of did." They smiled. "And, I know, but this is supposed to be your vacation."

"And I will be vacationing." She put her arm around him. "I will, uh, hit the strip, go to the mall, eat some ice cream. Maybe go to the beach," she said teasing him.

He licked his bottom lip. "Do not go to the beach without me."

"Fine. Fine," she said batting her eyelashes.