IT STARTED WITH A KISS...

Meredith Grey settled herself comfortably against the wall of her living room and closed her eyes. Letting the soft music of the radio gently lull her to sleep, she firmly ignored the pangs of guilt trying to remind her that she was supposed to be thinking about her future. Tomorrow her seven-year internship would start at Seattle Grace Hospital; the hospital in which her mother's fame had grown to famous heights! Ignoring the reminder that her mother had given her – in one of the spare moments, she was still lucid – Meredith told herself that it was as a result of the stress of the move to Seattle that she felt so exhausted, so drained and so completely unable to take charge of her life and direct if firmly back into the ambitious channels, she had planned for herself during med school. She was definitely ready to follow in her mother's footsteps although her mom had told her often enough, she wasn't strong enough. Back in Boston it had all seemed so simple, she would finish medical school; she would become an intern and she would progress up her career ladder to become a famous surgeon and all that before her thirty-fifth birthday. And yet, here she was at twenty-seven; a young, troubled woman who had to take care of her mother, who suffered from Alzheimer's' disease next to a stressful medical career which was about to start tomorrow. Meredith let out a small sigh. Tonight would definitely be her last night to relax. She had to unwind and chase away the frightening thoughts her mother had planted in her head even before she'd even started. When she had visited her mom in the morning, Ellis had sarcastically laughed; "You're not strong enough to become a doctor", she'd told Meredith. "You don't have the guts to take life-threatening decisions". Meredith shook her head and slowly rose from the floor. She went upstairs to her bedroom and glanced sadly around. Slightly aware of the early start she would need in the morning, she determinedly opened her wardrobe and pulled out a tight, black dress. Tonight was time to unwind, she thought stubbornly to herself when she slipped into her high heels and put up some lip gloss.

It was on moments like these, Derek Shepherd was glad, he'd moved to Seattle. He stood in front of his trailer, taking deep breaths and inhaling fresh mountain air. The day was nearly over and the sun began to set. Derek's head followed the sun, bending his neck to soak up as much of its last rays as he could. He glanced at the horizon and then at the stretch of land that lay out before him. He was surrounded by the most beautiful wooded area, he ever could have imagined. Derek smiled, this land was all his! The grass and the trees were a dark, rich green and they swayed slightly in a breeze. Deer, mice and rabbits raced across the field and behind the trees and off to the left, a brook bubbled quietly, its surface glinting red in the sunset. Derek smiled again and stepped inside his trailer. He loved these moments, especially after a hard day's work at the hospital where he'd started his job a few weeks earlier. Derek still was glad Richard had given him the opportunity to get away from New York after his wife had betrayed him in the worst possible way. Derek still couldn't erase the awful memories from his head; images of his naked wife and his best friend making love in their bed. Derek slowly shook his head and grabbed his jacket. His euphoria from moments before was gone and he desperately was in need for a drink.

Meredith sat in the bar and nervously glanced around. She was new in town and knew nobody, not that she minded. She'd always been a very private person but now she felt a bit awkward. What would people think of her; a young, frail woman…alone in a bar? The bartender seemed to notice her state of mind and gave her a friendly nod. Meredith smiled back and remarked that it was a busy night. The bartender couldn't answer and instead took one of the four orders coming to him. Meredith watched him as he sweet talked the customers into purchasing the more expensive liquors. He poured them into pretty shaped glasses, mixing them with pretty coloured beverages. Meredith stared at the drinks in the stranger's hands, watched them laughing and getting slowly more red in the face.

Derek sat back in his chair and amusingly watched the young woman in front of him. She'd caught his attention the moment he'd sat foot in the bar. She was pretty and certainly not feeling at ease in the crowded bar but Derek also hesitated. He was clearly attracted by the young, petite blonde but it almost felt like cheating. He was still married but hadn't his wife clearly decided that their marriage wasn't worth fighting for when she choose to sleep with his best friend? Derek took in a deep breath and slowly walked towards the bar.

Meredith turned around and looked at the rows of bottles behind the bartender. He leaned over the bar and smiled politely: "What'll it be"? Meredith pointed at a bottle and the bartender frowned: "Straight tequila"? You'll be sorry in the morning! Meredith couldn't hide a smile. I'm always sorry in the morning…but tomorrow I start my first day at work so…keep them coming!

The bar stool next to the young woman was free and Derek walked past her. He nodded towards the bartender. "Double scotch, single malt please". He glanced at the young woman. "So…is this a good place to hang out"? She nervously cleared her throat and briefly looked at him. "I wouldn't know…never been here before". Derek smiled. "Ah…you know what, I haven't been either…first time here…I'm new in town"! I've never been to Seattle…a new job. He tried to look at the young woman but she ignored him and stared straight ahead. Derek hesitated. What was he doing? But instead of backing away, he tried again, "Ah…you're ignoring me." She turned to him. "I'm trying to."

Derek was glad he'd managed to get her attention again. "You shouldn't ignore me." She smiled slightly and Derek almost got lost in the most beautiful eyes he'd ever seen. He smiled confidently and softly said, "Because I'm someone you get to know and to love!" She giggled, "Really?" Derek felt more confident and he felt a flutter in his stomach, he hadn't felt in a long, long time. "Oh yeah!" She nodded. "So if I know you…I love you?" Derek nodded. "Oh, yes!"

The young girl seemed slightly annoyed but still smiled. "You really like yourself…huh?"

"Just hiding my pain." She started laughing and Derek smiled. That seemed to have broken the ice between them. He intently studied her face. "So…what's your story?" She slowly answered. "I don't have a story…I'm just a girl in a bar." Derek raised his glass. "I'm just a guy in a bar."

He took a sip from his drink and stared in the young woman's eyes. She didn't look away but smiled at him friendly. Derek noticed her glass was empty so he turned to the bartender. "I want to buy the lady a drink." Meredith pointed at her shot glass and the bartender filled it. Derek reached for his drink and in the process knocked over the glass, the bartender had just filled. Flustered with his own stupidity, he felt his face glowing but she reached out her hand to help sop up the spilled scotch. She brushed his hand and caught his eye. It was only a brief moment but Derek held her attention as green met blue in the short distance between their eyes. Derek scooted closer and chatted with the young woman for the remainder of the evening and deep into the night. He thought only briefly of the work he should be doing in the morning and the surgeries he had to prepare for the next day. He was so enjoying the young woman's company, he dismissed his duties and focused on this stunning, young woman. As many hours drifted past they became abruptly aware that with the exception of the bartender (Joe as he'd introduced himself to them), they were the only people left in the large, silent bar. The young woman pointed out that she would leave soon and Derek, with a sudden rush of panic that he would never see her again, nervously cleared his throat, "Do you wanna go somewhere else...talk...maybe have a cop of coffee?"

A million thoughts filled Meredith's head. Did he really want to go somewhere and just talk…or did he mean something else? And if that something else meant that he wanted her to go with him, did she want to? Meredith bit her lower lip. She was obviously attracted to this guy. He had the most amazing blue eyes she'd ever seen. "What do you have in mind?" she asked, her heart beating wildly as she anticipated his answer. Derek shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know but let's get out of here…before they'll kick us out". Meredith giggled and placed her small hand in his.

The fresh night air was a welcome relief after the warm bar. They walked along the sidewalk silently and Derek briefly closed his eyes. He felt himself drift into memories – memories which were slowly drifting away. The details of Addison's face had begun to fade in his mind. It was as if this young woman had chased away his demons in just one single night. Derek opened his eyes slowly and glanced beside him. He suddenly stopped to face her and the young woman turned to him, just looking at him. Strands of her hair fell out of place and were animated by a growing breeze. She slowly raised her hand and put it on his cheek. Derek could feel the warmth penetrate his skin and soak through him. She smiled and embraced him, pulling his entire body against her. She laid her head on his shoulder and whispered into his ear. "I don't this night to end." She briefly looked down and then carried her gaze up to look into his eyes. Derek smiled a knowing, warm smile. He embraced her face and pulled it close to his. She felt the smooth kiss come slowly but determinedly. Derek closed his eyes. The thought of this woman lying in his arms, made his throat go dry instantly and brought out a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time. When he spoke again, it was rapidly, as if he was trying to say the words as quickly as he could, before she would even have a chance to change her mind. "Can we go somewhere for a cup of coffee?" She nodded and all Derek could think was: to hell with everything! There was no more Addison…no more Marc, all there was…was this gorgeous woman, who had agreed to spent more time with him!

Meredith unlocked the front door of her house and opened it so Derek could enter. Before he could even look around, she was all over him. She was energy, pure energy and with one single kiss, she cooked him from the inside out. Slow and wet, the kiss turned rapidly stronger, pulling him into dark heat and longing for more. Derek's imagination went crazy, thoughts of stripping her down to her skin and making love to her right there in the hallway, swept over him like a wave. He wanted her and need rippled up his body in a hot charge. But Derek wasn't so caught up in her that he didn't realize one thing. She didn't hold back but she didn't surrender to him completely, either. Derek felt it, that she wouldn't surrender completely, that she wouldn't touch him more than her mouth on his and her hand at his waist. She held herself back, and the thought of what it would be like if she did surrender, caused him to moan. He started to close his arms around her, push his hand into her hair.

Meredith's mouth was tender and swollen from his kiss. And from that kiss, she knew she was in trouble. This guy was really into her. She could see it in his eyes but she wasn't ready to give herself completely…s.e.x. yeah but love…no chance! That couldn't happen. She couldn't let that happen, she had a medical career to think about. His tongue swept over her lips, then slid deep inside. He devoured her mouth. There was no other word for it. He kissed her as if he was dying, as if he'd never have another chance. Each touch from him raised her desire and pulled her along at a dizzying speed. Meredith's head started spinning, her blood was rushing, and she sank into the dark, hot pleasure of his mouth. He moulded her body to his length. Full contact. His strong arms closed more tightly around her and while he was going to know she wasn't all layers of clothes, she didn't care anymore. All she wanted was a little bit more. She pushed her fingers into his hair and held on, as his lips and tongue played over hers with exquisite skill. Oh, yes. She wanted to feel him, touch his chest, touch something more than his perfect hair and preferably while being naked.

Meredith opened her eyes and he gave her such an adorable smile that she felt herself sinking. Then his hands lifted her dress, and Meredith experienced a hot rush of need that shot like a bolt right to her centre. Low in her stomach, desire simmered as his hands moved upward under the hem of her dress. She shivered and then knew, she was falling hard for him. And when his hand shifted under her hem, she only wanted him to touch her. Derek felt his insides tighten. He wanted to get inside this woman's head, explore who she was. A little moan escaped her and he swallowed it. She let her hands hover over his thighs, wanting to touch and a hard jolt of desire shot through him. It left him trembling and greedy for her. Oh, God! He whispered, and sank into her mouth. His tongue speared between her lips.

His mouth was everywhere, on her face, her lips, and her throat. And when he dipped lower, Meredith didn't stop him. He zipped open her dress and she let him. A second later his mouth was roaming the swells of her breasts. He left a damp, tingling path behind, and she gasped for air. I want you, he said against her skin, then again on her mouth. I need you! He briefly met her gaze, pushing her hair back then his mouth closed over hers again, tongue sweeping the hollow darkness, and she answered him. Nipping his lips and running her hand down his chest and inside his red shirt. His hand slid down her hip, her thigh, then curled behind her knee and moved upward. He never stopped kissing her, and Meredith's mind went blank to the sensations that swept through her. He squeezed her thigh, and his knee spread her thighs a little wider. Desire rocketed through her, weakening her. And a little sound escaped her. Then he whispered hoarsely, Let me love you! His breath was hot near her ear, and his words touched something deep inside her. Do you know what you do to me? He ground against her so that she understood. Meredith's heart shot to her throat as she tangled her fingers in his hair. He hooked the leg of her panties, his fingertips running slowly under the edge, from her behind over her hip, toward her most intimate part. It was more erotic than anything she'd ever experienced.

Derek's heart was pounding so hard it almost hurt. The rushing sound of his blood filled his ears. He was mesmerized by this woman, and the way his heart and mind reacted to her told him, it was good. She was in his arms, willingly and waiting for his touch. It shredded everything that kept him from wanting her. She twisted against him, his hand lying warmly low on her belly, his fingertips beneath the edge of her silk panties. He dipped and brushed over her centre, and her kiss grew stronger. She shifted, straddled his thighs and then he realized, he was trembling a little. He broke the kiss, staring into her amazing green eyes. He slid his finger smoothly over her heat, and her eyes slammed shut. Her moan was low and rough. He carefully parted her, dipping a finger inside. Finding her slick and hot, he groaned. He pushed deeper and she gasped. He stroked his finger in and out and she clawed at his shoulders. I love what you do to me, she whispered. Derek gave, ignoring the hard throb in his groin and pleasured her, watching her soft features, feeling every pulse of her skin beneath his fingertips. She tipped her head back and swallowed rapidly, licking lips swollen from his kiss. Her features were smooth, patient, as the sensations came to her. She rushed nothing, not even this, and caught a rhythm with his touch. It was primal, erotic, and when her hand lowered to the front of his trousers, moulding the shape of him, Derek nearly took her to the floor, he wanted to be inside her so badly, he almost couldn't wait. Instead, he pushed deeper. His own arousal grew painful as he watched her rise to the summit, and when he circled her most sensitive spot, he whispered in her ear. Let me see you. Look at me! Meeting his gaze, she gripped his shoulders, fingers sliding up his neck, then into his hair as he played her body. He plunged and stroked and she met and took, and he saw the flare of her eyes, heard her breath skip once, twice, then lock in her lungs. He smiled softly, as her feminine muscles flexed wildly. He kissed her and she released the trapped breath, trembling in his arms. She whimpered tightly, again and again as her climax took her somewhere he wanted to go too, and he whispered, That's it…oh God, you're beautiful! Derek held Meredith tightly until she sagged against him. She buried her face in the curve of his neck and he couldn't help but smile, she seemed slightly embarrassed.

Meredith didn't think she ever felt more satisfied. Or more pleased. Oh, my, the man could touch, she thought, lifting her head and kissing him softly. Then he lifted her in his arms. She smiled and he kissed her as he laid her on the sofa. He quickly undressed and made her scoot over so he could lie next to her. Skin met skin, his arousal pressed to her softness, and Derek felt his control slipping. His gaze flew to hers. He dragged her between his spread thighs, trapping her, kissing her deeply, trailing his mouth down her throat and bending her back to taste her breasts. Again and again, he nibbled and licked, his hand smoothing down her hip. Naked, he pressed her to him, the contact dashing him with heat and untapped energy. She was like a storm and he was about to feel a strike of lightning. Meredith smoothed the hard contours of his chest, and her mouth followed, her tongue slicking over his flat nipples. His fingers dug into her hips, his groan like a purring tigers. The heat of him pressed to her belly, and she closed her fingers around him. In a flash, he captured her wrist. He met her gaze, his eyes almost black with desire. I'm already coming apart…take it slow! Derek swallowed hard. I want to see you too, she whispered, and her fingertips slid heavily over the silken tip of him and down his shaft. Derek closed his eyes and his breath trembled. She tasted it, sliding her tongue over his lips, then dipping inside. Derek cracked, devouring her mouth and dragging her onto his lap and spreading her thighs around him and breaking her hold. As much as he was enjoying her touch, he couldn't take much more. He needed to be inside her. He leaned forward, pushing her onto her back, her hair spreading out across the pillows. She smiled up at him, lifting her hips, inviting him to come to her. Derek trembled as the tip of him pressed to her softness. She was hot and ready, squirming beneath him. She lifted her hips. Now, please, now! Derek entered her with unforgiving slowness, smiling when she begged for more. He pushed deeply, filling her completely. Braced on his elbows he stared down at her, smoothing her hair back, dropping a kiss on her forehead. "You're so beautiful!"

He withdrew and plunged, her body closing tightly over his, capturing him, stealing more than his desire. Feminine muscles flexed and clawed, and their tempo increased, a pumping madness that fused them with every stroke. A match, a perfect fit. Derek watched her eyes. He'd seen the look when she was near once before and it had stolen his breath away. Meredith thought she'd break apart, her heart was pounding so fast. Wanting him all over her, wanting him to explore and taste and stroke and never stop. She felt the connection to him grow and fuse, her body capturing him in a slick glove and taking him deeper into her. She couldn't get enough of him. It was rapture and agony when he left her fully, then plunged home. They danced in quick rhythm. Eyes locked on each other, tingling heat spiralled through her like a tornado, gaining speed and power. Then it came, the exhilaration only he could give her. The passion she'd waited so long to feel. His arousal throbbed inside her, slick muscle and tender skin quaking with pleasure and sending it streaming through her body. "Oh, God…mmm...I'm…"

"I know, baby, I know," Derek whispered hoarsely, his gaze locked with hers as his climax roared up his spine like an animal cut loose from a cage. He threw his head back, shuddering, his body flexing against hers like a bow strung too tight. She gripped his hips, pulling him harder to her, the pulse and throb thrashing them over and over until they never thought it would stop. It shattered them and tears filled Meredith's eyes, the shocking power of their lovemaking leaving her weak and breathless. He peppered her face and hair with tender kisses before his mouth settled warmly on hers. Derek thought his heart might explode, the power of their fusion stunning him to the core. He'd never made love like this before…not even to Addison. When he caught his breath, he rolled to his back taking her with him, pulling her leg over his hip and keeping her close. She gazed into his soft blue eyes and smiled. "Thank you!" Derek grinned. "No…I have to thank you".

..........

Meredith's head was pounding, and she wondered briefly how much tequila she'd been drinking before she'd passed out. Opening her eyes slowly, she realized she wasn't lying in her bed but on the sofa in the living room. She shifted from her position and slowly sat up straight, almost immediately noticing the naked guy on her living room floor. She felt her pulse rise and a blush crept up her cheek as she grabbed a blanket to cover herself. Glancing around, she grabbed a pillow and dropped it on his naked but cute butt, only one thought crossing her mind, "Who's this and what have we done?"

Derek moaned and opened his eyes. He turned around to see who'd rudely awoken him. The young woman who he'd met the night before was standing before him and he noticed the shock in her beautiful green eyes. Trying to ease her mind, he reached out his hand and lifted a pair of black panties in the air. "This is…," she completed his sentence: "…humiliating in so many levels…you have to go!" Derek sat up and watched the young woman who he'd passionate made love to; the memory of it, still warming his blood. "Why don't you come back down here and we pick up were we left off?" But the young woman was nothing like the one he'd met last night. She cut him off. "No, seriously, you have to go…I'm late and that isn't what you want to be on your first day of work so…" Derek smiled. He understood why she was so worried. He tried to make her feel more comfortable by starting a conversation. "So…you actually live here?"

"No…yes…kind of!"

Derek grabbed his trousers. "Oh…it's nice…a little dusty. Odd…but it's nice! Why do you kind of live here?"

"I moved two weeks ago…from Boston. It was my mother's house…I'm selling it!"

Derek buttoned his jeans and lifted his head. The poor girl had lost her mother. "Oh…I'm sorry!"

She frowned. "For what?"

Derek looked up strangely. "You said: was?"

The young woman waved her hands. "Oh…she'd not dead…she's…You know what…we don't have to do the thing. "

Derek grabbed his shirt. "We can do anything you want!"

She smiled, slightly amused by his persistence. "No… the thing…exchange the details, pretend we care. Look…I'm gonna go upstairs to take a shower…OK and when I get back down here, you won't be here so…uhm…goodbye….uhm?" She studied his face but couldn't by God, remember his name.

Derek almost couldn't hold a grin but he reached out his hand. "Derek!"

She took his hand and softly said her name. "Right…Meredith."

He repeated it and it sounded like music to his ears. "Meredith!"

Derek hopped over the sofa and held her hand longer than intended. "Nice meeting you!"

She seemed embarrassed and quickly rushed up the stairs. "Bye Derek!" He watched her until she'd disappeared then he grabbed his jacket and opened her front door. He caught himself whistling when he called for a cab. He hadn't felt this good in ages and the best thing was: He knew where she lived!

And the rest is history....