A/N: Hey Everyone, apologies for the long delay between chapters. Life has been hectic! Hope you all enjoy this chapter.

Well after the awkward altercation of having to see Peter again I found myself in desperate need of a drink. Luckily for me I was in the an establishment that catered for that need; on the house! Tim helped me with my bags into the bar area, and swiftly grabbed a bottle of red for us to split since he bought two glasses. He really hasn't got to grips with the amount of the stuff I can consume alone. So now I find myself sitting out in the sun, under a tacky umbrella making small talk about Peter.

"So he's the ex?! The one who was cheating before you were even married?" he asks.

Tim's not subtle, but he's not rude either, just quite forward and I instantly regret telling the my failed marriages story to him during a drinking session. Of course the tatical motive had been to put him off thinking I am relationship material and it appears to be working. Being good friends is all I have the energy for right now. I nod and smirk feeling slightly embarrassed. He leans back in his chair comfortably and flashes a smile my way.

"What?" I smirk, feeling awkward at his gesture and taking a big gulpful of my wine.

"You know your blushing right?" he states with a boyish grin, showing his slightly crooked teeth.

I feel the heat rise in my cheeks even more and try my best to brush off comment, but find myself hiding further behind my glass, before going into total denial and correcting him that I am not, but I know I am and I wish it would fade.

Thankfully he changes the subject and I can try to calm and relax myself again, so as to feel comfortable in his presence.

"So what's with the paint? You decorating?" he asks with a smile.

I shrug and vaguely give the impression I am thinking about it, which only leads him to question further about which room.

"Bedroom" I reply mid gulp of more wine.

I am getting through it so quickly, that I grab the bottle from the table and qucikly top up after realising what I just said. Couldn't just say living room or something, I had to mention my boudoir.

"Nice. Want some help?" he asks with a confidence, just as I am mid sip of wine and I end up choking clumsily as I register the words.

Stuttering I struggle to say no, and I don't agree but he presumes anyhow and suddenly I find myself in a slightly odd situation where an almost stranger is now offering to help me decorate my bedroom.

Before I knew it we were back at mine. A whole bottle of wine was consumed between us, but mostly by me at the hotel, and after a quick stop at the corner shop on the way back, I know have milk, bread, a few other essentials, and more wine! I know I will end up regretting this, but I am a terrible decorator so need the help, which is why I usually employ people to do it for me. However, the sea air must be effecting me because suddenly being my own interior designer and decorator seemed like such a good idea this morning. This is definitely the alcohol, but I actually think this might be fun with a little help.

"Ok, you get the wine and I will take the supplies through" he states with a cheeky little grin.

I smirk, tight lipped of course and follow the instruction. Grabbing two glasses and a bottle from the bag after having shoved the other grocery bag straight into the fridge, I head on through to the bedroom. Tim has already unpacked the tins of paint, the wallpaper rolls and the brushes and rollers. He is glancing around the room before suddenly noticing me, and smiles in such an affectionate and friendly manner. I place the glasses down on top of my drawers unit, and open the wine to start pouring, concious the whole while that his eyes are fixed on me.

"Carla?" he asks with a smile as hand out a glass to him and sort of glance up.

He cocks his head, when he realises I am trying to avoid eye contact and then giggles. In that moment he reminds me of Nick. How he would react when you were acting suspicious or slightly off with him, and he could sense something wasn't right. It brings some painful memories back suddenly and I shake my head a little dismissively in an attempt to shake them away.

"You don't have any paste for this wallpaper!" he suddenly chuckles, and my head instantly snaps up to look at him.

His small smirk suddenly fades, and I realise it must be because I seem to be teary. The thoughts and memories of Nick to blame.

"Hey, its no problem. We can just go back to the store and get some when we are ready"

Now he even sounds like Nick! Its too much. I grab my glass and gulp the entire contents down in the most un-ladylike fashion before quickly refilling it. As I glance again at Tim I just see him frowning in confusion, and he is very concerned I can tell. He wastes not a second in invading my personal space as he rushes to me and tentatively puts his arms around me.

"No, no please don't!" I state as I hold my arms up defensively to stop him.

"Wha...whats wrong Carla? Did I do or say something I shouldn't?" he asks innocently, as he stays close but takes a step back.

"Have I upset you?" he asks solemnly.

I slowly look up at him as I shake my head and become very apologetic. He deserves an explanation of course, and so I start babbling a bit before finally spitting out what I mean to say.

"My fault, sorry, you just very much reminded me Nick"

"Your other Ex? the current one" he questions.

"Yes" I admit with a heavy sigh.

The room falls into silence for a moment or two before he suddenly starts chuckling. I don't really see what he finds so amusing, but if he isn't insulted by the fact he reminded me of Nick then I am sure that must be a positive.

"Well nice to know I remind you of him. Does that mean I am a Carla Connor reject then?" he continues to chuckle as he speaks.

I raise an eyebrow at him, confused by the comment; what the hell is a Carla Connor reject?

Next thing I know, I have no time to question him because his lips are softly pressed against mine, and find myself giving into the affection and kiss him back.