Fake Love

10

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains. Ben and Miranda stirred from their peaceful slumber, the warmth of each other's presence enveloping them like a comforting embrace. They blinked away the remnants of sleep and a sense of contentment washed over them, the memories of the previous night's tender moments lingering in their minds like a sweet dream

"Good morning," Ben whispered, his voice warm with affection as he pressed a soft kiss to Miranda's forehead. "I had to make sure this was real" He chuckled

"Good morning," Miranda replied, her voice tinged with happiness as she snuggled closer to him, savoring the warmth of his embrace. "This is very real."

"Last night... it almost feels like a fever dream," he confessed, his voice soft with awe as he traced circles on Miranda's palm with his thumb. "I was afraid I would wake up and all this never happened, I'd be back in Seattle in my place dreaming about having the nerve to ask out Miranda Bailey."

"You could always ask me again. Just in case you were dreaming."

"You know what? You might be onto something there," he replied, his tone light and teasing.

Miranda grinned at his response as she leaned in closer to him. "So are you going to ask me out again, just to make sure?"

Ben feigned contemplation for a moment, his brow furrowing in mock thought before he leaned in to press a soft kiss to her lips. " Miranda, would you do me the honor of accompanying me on a date?" he asked

Miranda's laughter filled the room as she leaned in to return his kiss. "I'd love to, Ben,"

As they shared a quiet moment together, Ben couldn't help but let his mind wander to the countless times he had imagined what it would be like to kiss Miranda, to feel her soft lips against his, to taste the sweetness of her affection.

"You know, Miranda," he began "I've wanted to kiss you for as long as I can remember. But I always thought it was just a fantasy, something I could only dream about."

"Really?"

"Yes, really," he replied "But now that it's actually happened, now that I've finally kissed you... well, it's even better than I ever imagined.

"And what about me?" she asked "Do I live up to your expectations?"

Ben's heart skipped a beat at her question, his eyes filled with adoration as he reached out to cup her cheek with a gentle touch. "Miranda, you exceed every expectation I ever had," he whispered, his voice filled with reverence. "You're more beautiful, more amazing, more perfect than I ever could have imagined. And kissing you... well, it was the most incredible experience of my life."

"And as much as I'd love to spend the entire morning kissing you," she teased "eventually we'll have to get up for breakfast."

"You have a point. But who says we can't continue this over breakfast? I'm sure we can find a way to make it just as enjoyable."

"I'd say take me out to dinner first but you kind of have already done that" She chuckled

"I'd be happy to do it again. Say after our couple's massage. Maybe finally eat a meal without Jessica and Tucker."

"Now I look forward to meals with them."

"Why's that" He asked

"Because we are no longer pretending." She chuckled

"I never was" He winked and got out of bed "You stay right here, I'll go downstairs and bring breakfast up to bed for us."

"You don't have to do that, Ben," she protested softly "I can help."