"I can't believe this. No, no, this is not happening!" Brady said angrily throwing his suitcase next to the single bed.

"Face it. It is happening. What's the big deal?"

"The big deal is we have to spend the night together. Here, in this cheap motel." He wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"It's not that bad Brady, actually it's kinda nice"

"You know, this is all your fault."

"My fault? How is this my fault?"

"If you hadn't been worrying about your precious make-up we never would have missed the flight."

"You're the one that had to use the bathroom. 'Oh don't worry Chloe planes' never leave on time', that is what you said wasn't it?"

"You know you're right. It is my fault. It's my fault for being suckered into bringing you with me. Out of the kindness of my heart I decide to take pity on you and let you tag along on what was supposed to be one of the best weekends of my life. Man am I the idiot."

"First of all, I am not tagging along I was invited too. Belle wanted us both to be there for the last weekend on the island remember?"

"Whatever. Look, I'm tired so you take the bed and I'll sleep on the floor."

"Wait a minute, there is no way you are staying in here with me"

"Chloe you heard the guy at the front desk, this is the last room, where would you like me to go? Beside it's just for tonight. And believe me it is not by choice that I am staying here."

With that Brady grabbed one of the pillows and a blanket from the bed and threw them on the floor. He took off his shirt and unzipped his pants. He started to take off his undershirt but stopped when he heard Chloe's accusing voice.

"Uh, what do you think you are doing?"

"Uh, going to bed" he said in a mocking tone.

"And what you need to be naked to do that?"

"I'm hardly naked Chloe"

"Still I would feel better if you were to leave your pants on and if you were to keep your undershirt on too."

"God, Chloe what do you think I am going to do to you? I'll just sweat to death on my oh so comfortable bed" he said annoyed.

"Thanks. Turn around, please."

"What for?"

"So I can get changed" she said shyly.

Brady turned around and stared at the wall until she said she was finished. He then lay down on the hard floor. He tossed and turned. As much as he bickered with Chloe, he knew that being so close to her was torture. She challenged him in a way no other girl had. They had spent so much time together this summer. They had an understanding about what the other person went through in their childhood. Despite her age, she was every bit as mature as he was. He listened to her breath. It was driving him crazy. He just wanted to touch her even for just a minute. She was mere feet from him. He couldn't stand it any longer. He got up and left the room.

She was quiet. She heard him rustling around on the floor, knowing how uncomfortable it must be. She wanted to tell him they could share her bed but she knew what that would lead to. She was barely restraining herself now. How could she bare having him right next to her? Still pretending to be asleep she heard him slam the door shut. She sat up in bed quickly and looked at the door.

Where is he going she thought?

She put on her robe and went looking for him.

He submerged himself under the water blocking out all sounds. He could now only hear his own thoughts and those were thoughts he knew he should not be having. He was thinking about her. The way she moved, the way she talked. Everything about her made him weak. He cut through the water. He swam furiously through the coolness. Faster and faster he moved. His arms ached but he paid no attention. He needed to keep going. He had to keep himself occupied, swim the thoughts right out of his head. Finally the strain was too much to bare. He heaved himself on the ledge of the pool. He sat there for a while before putting his clothes back on and returning to his room.

She had watched him intently. She knew he needed to be alone. She left and went back to their room. Laying there for a few minutes before falling victim to her own fatigue.

He walked into the room quietly as not to wake her. His body was weary. It took no time at all for him to fall asleep.

The next day they woke up. They had some awkward conversation before going back to the airport to book another flight.

"Sorry, but you'll have to wait until tomorrow. The flight is over-booked as it is" said the small, Irish woman behind the desk.

"Okay, thanks" Chloe turned to Brady "Now what?"

"I guess we're going to have to wait until tomorrow. I'll phone Belle to let her know when we get back to the hotel. Then I will ask for separate rooms" Brady said while tugging at his shoulder.

Chloe noticed. He had been doing it all morning. He looked like he was in a bit of pain. Chloe guessed it was from his impromptu swim the night before. She suspected that sleeping on the ground did not help matters much.

They went back to the hotel but found that there was still only one room available. They had no choice but to take the room. They did not get the room they had the first night. Instead they got a room with a queen size bed and a view of the city.

Brady laid on the bed as Chloe had a shower. He was face down and again rubbing his shoulder.

"You must have hurt yourself pretty badly"

"What?" Brady looked up, unsure what to say. Chloe stood before him in only her robe. Her hair was wet and her eyes were concentrated on him.

"I said your shoulder must hurt, you haven't stopped touching it all day"

"It's a little sore"

"Do you want me to rub some tiger balm on it? The heat helps"

Brady still looking at Chloe raised his eyebrows. "What you carry that stuff around with you?"

"You would be amazed at what I've got in that bag" she said pointing to her black duffel bag laying next to the bed.

"Hmm, I bet."

"So do you want me to or not?"

"No, I'm fine"

"Brady you're not fine, I can tell when you are lying."

"Look I'm okay"

"Why won't you let me help you?" She said desperately seeking to make a connection with him.

"Fine, fine. Whatever" he gave in, knowing how much he wanted her help. He wanted to let her in, he was desperate for her to know him and in return he wanted to unlock the mystery that was Chloe Lane.

Chloe smiled, knowing that she had gotten through his tough exterior.

To be continued.....