New Jersey Heatwave

Chapter 1

House knew he was in for a miserable day when the temperature hit 80 degrees by 7 am that morning. The heatwave that had engulfed the eastern seaboard of the United States was in its third record-breaking day; power grids were taxed to the limit and at PPTH, Cuddy had ordered that hydro consumption be kept to a minimum in the administrative areas of the hospital – like House's office

House watched Cameron out of the corner of his eye as another bead of perspiration began its downward journey from her brow to her cheek, destined to be swept up by the crumpled tissue that was clenched in her hand.

Foreman and Chase had sought refuge in the air-conditioned comfort of the clinic while he and Cameron chose to attack House's backlog of paperwork. Cameron worked at the computer and House sat with his feet up on the desk playing with his Magic 8-Ball.

Even in a sleeveless sundress, with her hair swept up in a stylish bun, Cameron was melting. As far as she was concerned, hot and steamy were only desirable adjectives when 'sex' followed next in the sentence … a hot and steamy office didn't cut it, although when Cameron looked at House with his damp tee shirt clinging to his chiseled abs in all of the right places, her heart skipped a beat.

House could not stop thinking about her. He knew he needed to make a move … Cameron's fellowship would be ending soon and he could not bear the thought of losing her. He had to give her a reason to stay.

"I've had it … I'm going to take a shower and cool off. Care to join me Cameron?"

Cameron took off her glasses and looked at House. His flirtations had escalated ever since her break-up with Chase and as much as she wanted House, she'd given up hope of him ever making a move … until now.

"Here … in the hospital House?" Cameron laughed, "The only reason you're inviting me is because you know I can't accept; the last time I looked there were no unisex shower facilities here. You're all talk and no action …"

"Ha … all talk and no action … care to put some money on that Dr. Cameron?

I'll bet you one hundred bucks that you won't have the nerve to do it, assuming, of course that I find a way for us to shower together in the hospital, with no risk of interruption or repercussion." House said indignantly.

"You don't think I'd have the nerve to do it?" asked an astonished Cameron.

House shook his head.

"House, ever since our kiss, you're been avoiding me like the plague; and now you say that you'll get in the shower with me?" Cameron could not believe what she was hearing. "You're on sweetcheeks! This will be the easiest hundred dollars that I've ever made! So what are you proposing exactly?"

"You, me naked in the shower … soap, shampoo …" grinned House.

"Sex?" asked Cameron.

"Possibly …"

"No sex House … and you have to completely undress first." Cameron said firmly.

"Why do I have to go first?" whined House.

"Because that's the only way I'll have proof that you're willing to follow through … if you chicken out, all bets are off."

"But then you're guaranteed to see me naked." protested House, not that he minded that much.

"Take it or leave it House."

Even if I lose a hundred bucks, it will be worth it to see you naked House … thought Cameron. "So do we have a deal?"

"Deal." They shook hands.

"When …"

"Today … soon … as soon as I can arrange it."