"Looking for me?" Josh's voice asked as I sat on the steps up to the door of his caravan
"Yep" I informed him "I thought I could treat you to breakfast at the diner?"
"You don't have to do that" he admitted
"What else are you gonna do for food? You don't have any money" I questioned
"I don't wanna owe you anything" he informed me
"You won't. It's just one friend buying another friend breakfast" I replied
"Is that what we are? Friends?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at me
"What else would you call us?" I inquired
"We've kissed, you've done all this for me, and you're buying me breakfast. I'd say we're more than just friends" he admitted
"So you're gonna let me buy you breakfast then?" I questioned
Smirking at me, he nodded his head… "On one condition?"
"What's that?" I inquired
"You let me kiss you?" he questioned
"I'm not sure that's such a good idea" I admitted
"So you'd rather me go hungry than give me one little kiss?" he inquired
"I would if that's all I thought it was going to be" I informed him
"So you think I won't be able to resist temptation?" he questioned
"I'm not saying you won't. I'm saying I won't" I admitted
"And what if I told you I didn't think I'd be able to either?" he asked
"I'd say you're lying" I replied
"What's life without a bit of risk?" he inquired
I thought about it for a second and finally came to the conclusion that he was right. He was fun, and he made me fun and my life exciting… "Fine, one kiss…"
Smiling at me, he stepped towards me as I stood up. Wrapping his arms around my waist, I slid my hands up his arms, resting them on his biceps, anticipating what was coming next, gasping as he pressed his lips against mine softly. The kiss continued and as I wound my arms around his neck he brought one hand up to cup my cheek, tilting my head back and deepening the kiss, pulling away a moment later, resting his forehead against mine… "So, breakfast?"
"Hello, you two" Roo greeted us as we walked into the diner fifteen minutes later
"Morning. Sorry I was out so early this morning" I admitted as Josh and I stood at the counter
"It's fine, I know you're okay. What can I get you both?" she questioned
"My usual. Josh?" I inquired, turning to face him as he perused the menu
"The breakfast pizza please" he informed Roo
"And to drink?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at him
"A coffee please" he replied, smiling at her thankfully
"Go and grab us a table, I'll pay" I informed him
"You're buying him breakfast?" Roo inquired as soon as he was out of earshot
"He hasn't got any money. What am I supposed to do? See him starve?" I asked
"Maddy, sweetheart, I know you're a sensible young lady but how well do you actually know this boy?" she questioned
"I met him on the night of Heath and Bianca's wedding reception" I explained "so I'm still getting to know him but I like him and he likes me. I thought you'd be happy I was moving on from Spencer?"
"I am, darling. I just don't want to see you hurt, not after everything you've been through" she admitted
"I love you for caring but I'm fine, honestly" I assured her "can I pay my bill and get back to Josh now?"
Nodding her head, I opened my purse and handed her the money she needed. Taking my change from her, I made my way over to the table Josh had acquired, sitting down next to him…
"Everything okay over there?" he questioned
I nodded my head, signalling yes… "Roo's just worried about me"
"Maybe she's right to be, considering our history" he replied
"If you're trying to put me off spending time with you it's not going to work" I informed him "I don't give up on things that are worth it"
"So you think I'm worth it?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow at me
I smiled at him and bowed my head, raising it and locking my eyes with his as he entwined his hand with mine…
"So what is there to do here in Summer Bay then?" Josh asked as he and I walked along the beach after breakfast
"Quite a lot actually. There's the diner, the surf club, Angelo's, the gym" I informed him
"What about for fun?" he inquired
"Yabbie Creek's not too far away. Half-an-hour via bus" I replied
"Do you have plans for today?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow at me
"Lifeguard training with John but that's it. Why?" I asked
"Josh Barrett?" an unfamiliar voice inquired before I had the chance to answer
Turning around, we came face-to-face with the police…
"That's me" Josh informed them
"I think you need to accompany us down to the station, don't you?" one of the officers inquired
"What's this about?" I questioned
"The car crash involving you and a Mr. Casey Braxton" the officer informed me
"It wasn't Josh's fault" I proclaimed
"Maddy, don't" he begged
"No, I won't let you be victimised for something you didn't do" I informed him
"Can I have a sec, please?" he asked the officers
"Mr. Barrett" the officer sighed
"I'm not under arrest so I don't have to come with you if I don't want to" he replied
The officer held his hands up in defence, he and his colleague making their way a few inches up the beach…
"What're you doing? Why're you going with them?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow at him
"It's just a few simple questions. I'm not under arrest" he replied
"But you could be if you let something slip" I sighed, running a hand through my hair
"I'll be fine" he assured me "I'll call you when I'm done, okay?"
"Be careful, yeah?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him
He nodded his head, signalling yes, pressing his lips to mine softly before turning to the officers, letting them lead him up the beach to their car…
