“I know you wanted to relax me for Krista’s surgery tomorrow,” Alexis began as she slowly pushed CeCe down on the couch. “And technically, we’re not dating yet.”

“This is supposed to relax you?” CeCe asked as Alexis began to pull her pants down.

“Oh, yeah.” Alexis nodded with a gleam in her eye.

“Well, I guess it would be my way of making sure Krista has a successful procedure tomorrow.”

“There’s that generous heart of yours coming through,” Alexis said as she pulled CeCe’s undies down her thighs.

“Are you sure a nice dinner wouldn’t do the trick?” CeCe asked as Alexis leaned in to kiss her.

“Oh, no. This is just what the doctor ordered,” Alexis said and pressed her lips to CeCe’s.

* * *

As CeCe drove home later that evening she couldn’t keep the smile from her face. She was going to spend a night at Lovers Landing with Dr. Alexis Reed. On top of that they were going on a real date next week. This must be what heaven is like, CeCe thought.

A part of her still couldn’t believe someone like Alexis would be interested in her, but she had a feeling Alexis didn’t let many people see the side of her she showed CeCe. And that made CeCe happy and feel special that Alexis could be herself with her.

She thought back to how crazy Alexis had driven her before she could get her hands on her. CeCe thought they might have sex again today, but when she saw Alexis walk into the salon she was sure of it. What CeCe thought would turn out to be another hot rendezvous became so much more. Alexis cared about her. She could see it in her eyes, feel it in her touch and hear it in her words.

CeCe was surprised when she admitted to Alexis that she was scared. But Alexis made it clear what may have started as hot sex was more than that to her. CeCe could still feel the relief wash over her when Alexis explained how CeCe made her feel. That was followed by the sweet anticipation of where they were going. CeCe was sure this would be one wild ride, but she was willing to give it a go.

“You’d be crazy not to,” she said to herself as she walked into her house.

She couldn’t wait for Saturday.

* * *

“Good morning,” Alexis said cheerily as she pulled back the curtain and walked into the pre-surgery prep room cubicle. “How are you, Krista?”

“The question is: how are you, Dr. Reed?” Krista asked with a nervous smile. “Did you have a good evening? Plenty of sleep? Are you relaxed?”

Alexis smiled as flashes of last evening played through her head. CeCe’s lips on hers, their hands entangled in each other’s hair, and CeCe’s smile. That smile. Alexis's heart warmed just thinking about CeCe.

“I think from the look on your face you had a fine evening,” Melanie said from where she stood next to Krista’s bed, holding her hand.

Alexis smiled again. “I did have a nice evening. I got a pedicure.” She shrugged.

“That does sound nice. I need one,” Krista replied. “You didn’t happen to go to Salon 411, did you?”

“I did.” Alexis grinned.

“Now I know why you’re smiling.” Melanie nodded her head. “CeCe Sloan didn’t also happen to do your toes did she?”

Alexis gave Melanie and then Krista a measured look. “CeCe doesn’t do nails. I recommend Nora.”

“Oh, I see, but CeCe does your hair, right?” Melanie asked.

“Babe, can you leave Dr. Reed alone until after she does my surgery? You can talk about Salon 411 and CeCe all you want after that,” Krista said.

“Everything is going to be fine, honey,” Melanie said, giving Krista a reassuring look.

Alexis smiled. “I was thinking if everything goes the way I expect I may need to see you on Saturday,” Alexis began. “I’d be happy to come out and do a follow-up.”

“I knew you were amazing the first time I saw you. What doctor still makes house calls!” Krista exclaimed.

Alexis laughed.