A/N A slightly longer chapter, and a bit of present day heat. Thank you for all your kind comments.

Disclaimer- still don't own John or Anna...

Present Day

John pulled onto his driveway, immediately noticing Anna sitting on the doorstep. He watched as she rose to her feet, turning off the ignition of the car and meeting her gaze. She smiled weakly. He reciprocated. In the next moment, he was opening the drivers door, exiting the vehicle as quickly and gracefully as his injured knee would allow.

No words were spoken as he retrieved his cane from the back of the car, the sound of the doors opening and closing echoing in the silence. Gravel crunching caught John's attention, and he looked to his right to see Anna closing the gap between them.

'Hey,' she almost whispered, the smile returning to her lips.

'Hey,' John shut the door and balanced himself against his walking aid. He furrowed his brow. 'You okay?'

'I'm sorry to call you a away from whatever you were doing.'

'Any time you call you know I'd come running, Anna,' He looked down at his cane, 'well, maybe not running but you know what I mean.' He gestured for her to follow him inside as they shared a laugh at his self deprecating remark.

No words were exchanged as they moved into the hallway, Anna standing awkwardly whilst John placed his keys on a hook on the wall. Shrugging out of his coat, Anna did the same. He took her jacket, squeezing the smooth material in his fingers.

'I just had to see you,' she finally said, exhaling a heavy breath. He allowed her to continue as he rested his cane against the wall under his coat. 'I was out with Gwen, we were having a chat and she clarified a few things for me, in a way only she can.'

John nodded at that, he remembered from days gone by how forthright and honest Gwen could be. 'So, what did she clarify for you?'

Anna looked through to the living room. 'Can we sit?'

'Of course.' John placed his hand in his pockets, allowing Anna to walk ahead of him. He ran his gaze over her form as she walked. She was absolutely breathtaking, he still couldn't believe she was on the verge of giving him a second chance. Anna sat on the sofa, John choosing to sit in the armchair beside her. To give her some space. 'You only interrupted a pool match with Robert. He should be grateful, you saved him from a drubbing.'

'You're very sure of yourself,' Anna's face was brightened by her smile, 'I used to beat you all the time.'

'I was being chivalrous, my darling,' John teased with a wink.

'Yeah, yeah,' Anna wasn't convinced. God, how he had missed this. The playful side to their relationship that had never really been evident in what he shared with Vera, not towards the end anyway. 'Well thank you for coming here so quickly.'

'I mean it, Anna. Any time you need me, I'm there. You're what's most important to me now.'

She bowed her head upon hearing his words, 'I'm sorry to keep you hanging on when you are so sure of what you feel.'

He reached across the gap between them, leaning over the arm of the chair as he placed his finger under her chin, lifting her head to meet her gaze. 'I'll wait forever, Anna. I mean it.'

'I know you do.' Her smile caused his heartbeat to quicken. She closed her eyes. ' Ben wants us to try for a baby.'

Whatever he had been expecting Anna to say, that hadn't been it. Had she come here today to end things? Although he knew he didn't deserve to have her back, he wasn't sure he could take losing her for a second time.

John sat back a little in the chair, pressing the back of his hand to his mouth as he processed her admission. 'Right. Well that's only natural. He is your husband, you are his wife. Husbands and wives have babies together...'

'I can only imagine being a mother to your children.' Wow. Her words hung in the air. John was astonished. He was sure he must have looked how he was feeling because Anna was speaking again, voicing her apologies. 'I'm sorry if that's inappropriate...'

'What do you want, Anna?' John found himself asking. Her admitting such a thing, although it warmed his heart, confused him somewhat when she was reluctant to give everything up and leave.

'I want you, I want to be with you. Please believe me.'

'I do.'

'But my situation is different to yours.' John narrowed his gaze on Anna as he listened to her. 'You've admitted to yourself your marriage was over a long time before you ended it. Up until a year or so ago, we were happy.'

'You're not happy now, though. Are you?'

She looked away from him, staring at the floor. 'No, I'm not.'

'Come here.' Sitting back in his chair, John gently patted his lap. Anna looked at his legs before meeting his eyes, laughing slightly. 'Please.'

Anna rose to her feet, standing before him and looking down with concern. 'Won't I hurt you?'

'Just put your very slight weight on my left leg, we'll be fine.' Doing as she was instructed, Anna lowered herself on his left leg, resting her own legs over his right one. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her tightly to him. Anna rested her head on John's shoulder. 'Alright?'

She hummed her appreciation. 'Perfectly.'

'What did you say to Ben, when he asked you?'

'Nothing,' Anna was toying with a button at the collar of John's polo shirt. 'Just asked to talk about it another time and went to bed. I want to be with you, but I can't be here to deal with the fall out. Ben won't like it, and I know more than most what can happen when he's antagonised.'

'It isn't right, Anna. You shouldn't have to live like this.'

'I know.'

'If I hadn't been such an idiot fifteen years ago you wouldn't have had to...'

'Ssh,' she silenced him, not wanting to hear his apologies any longer. 'It's done, it's in the past. We've found each other again. All that matters is what happens now.'

'I can get Robert involved,' John spoke with conviction. 'His lawyer helped me out. I'll do whatever you want me to do.'

'Thank you, but you just holding me is enough for now.' John held her tighter, turning his head to breathe in the scent of her hair. 'In your arms like this, I can almost believe we are the only two people in the world. It's just you and me, and that's all we need.'

'It's all I need.' Pressing a kiss to her hair, an idea suddenly came to John's mind. 'We could go to Ireland whilst the dust settled. Do you remember my cousin, Aidan?'

Anna lifted her head, a smile tugging at her lips. 'Of course I do. He was the life and soul when you took me to meet your mother and family...'

2002

'Anna, would you relax?' John shut the boot of the taxi with a slam. 'They are going to love you.'

'I've never met a boyfriend's mother before,' Anna replied, wrapping a strand of hair around her fore finger. 'Or his aunt or cousin.'

John paid the taxi driver before standing back as he drove away. He turned to look at Anna once more. 'Mam is the most easy going woman you are ever going to meet. You have nothing to worry about.'

She needn't have worried. From the off, Elizabeth Bates had made Anna feel nothing but welcome. His cousin, Aidan was as friendly as they came and was keen to learn everything he could about the young woman who had stolen his cousin's heart. Eileen, Elizabeth's sister and Aidan's mother was a little more reserved but no less welcoming. Gillian, Aidan's fiancée was also very welcoming and owning her own clothes shop, Anna felt she had found a kindred spirit despite the woman being a few years her senior.

'I can't believe a stunning young lass such as yourself looked twice at my cousin, Anna,' Aidan exclaimed as he patted John on the shoulder.

They had congregated for tea in the living room after the dinner that Elizabeth had made, Anna and John side by side on sofa, Aidan behind them and the two older women taking an armchair each. Gillian was making the tea in the kitchen.

'Yeah well,' Anna looked up at John who seemed a little annoyed at his cousin's goading. 'He swept me off my feet.'

'Well he certainly made a fine choice in my eyes, Anna,' Elizabeth said, her smile reaching her eyes. 'Let's hope he treats you the way you deserve to be treated.'

'Well he has up until now.'

'I bet he has,' Aidan whispered under his breath, John catching on to his hidden meaning and elbowing him in the ribs as he walked around the front of the sofa. He sat in front of his mother on the floor. 'What was that for?'

'You know what for.'

'Boys, behave,' Eileen gently warned, both men ceasing their argument.

Anna had heard Aidan's words and couldn't help the smirk that passed over her lips as she watched the bickering cousins. She chose to change the subject. 'Thank you for lunch, Mrs Bates.'

'Ahh, get away with you,' Elizabeth waved away Anna's praise.

'Here Aidan, we can't be too much longer with this party tonight.' Gillian had arrived in the living room with the tea tray she had prepared.

'Oh yes, Tucker's birthday party,' Eileen rolled her eyes. 'I hope you don't let him drink too much with that friend of his, Gill. You know how they get.'

'Old Tucker eh?' John remarked with a smile. 'How old is he turning?'

'Thirty four,' Gillian answered, offering John a freshly poured a cup of tea. 'You'd think the two of them would know better. Last time they went out drinking together, he was pushing Tucker up and down the high street in a shopping trolley as they both sang Danger Zone from Top Gun.'

John began to laugh heartily, Aidan joining in before a stern look from the three Irish women caused the laughter to stop rather abruptly. John eyed Anna who was looking on at the situation in amused curiosity.

'Here, maybe John and his lass should come along,' Gillian suggested as she finished handing out the tea before beginning to pour herself a cup. 'He could help me keep an eye on you.'

'Oh, we really wouldn't want to impose...'

'Rubbish,' Aidan brushed away John's concerns. 'The more the merrier and Tucker would loved to see you. It's a right proper do, disco and everything.'

He looked at Anna. 'Well?'

'Sounds like fun.'

A couple of hours later, they were well into the swing of things. The drinks were flowing and Anna was made to feel so welcome by people John had grown up with. He held her hand the whole time, telling everyone Anna was his girlfriend. It felt wonderful to be treated in such a way. However, what John hadn't been expecting was one of his ex girlfriends to be there.

Gillian was ruling the dance floor, taking Anna under her wing. Whilst they were dancing, John was getting another round of drinks in when he was approached by Ingrid. She had been his first love, and their relationship had ended when he found her cheating on him with one of his friends. She had begged him to give her another chance, although he had refused, moving to England soon after.

'You're looking well, John,' Ingrid squeezed his bicep. 'What brings you home? Thought you were a plod in England now.'

'I am,' John shook his arm away. He stood taller. 'I've bought my girlfriend over to meet my Mam.'

'Oh, the blonde,' Ingrid shook her long, brunette hair as she turned to take in the sight of Anna, laughing and dancing with Gillian. 'She's a bit young for you, no?'

John's tone was resolute. 'It works for us.'

'I bet it does, you being the elder party.'

Shifting agitatedly, John rested his hands on the bar. 'Was there anything else, Ingrid?'

'Come on, John.' Ingrid wrapped an arm around his shoulders. 'We were good together. How about a go for old times sake?'

'I have a girlfriend, Ingrid. No.'

'What, that little girl over there?'

'That little girl, as you deem her is my one and only. She is beautiful, and she is mine.'

'Everything alright, John?' Looking over his shoulder, John saw Anna standing behind him. 'Excuse the cliche, but they are playing our song, and I wanted to ask if you fancied a dance?'

He hadn't noticed the opening of the song, such was the distracting nature of his ex, but he smiled as he recognised Coldplay over the speakers, the song they had danced to at New Years.

'I'd love that,' John took Anna's hand, allowing her to lead him to the dance floor without a second glance back to Ingrid.

'I heard what you said, you know,' Anna revealed to him. 'About being yours.'

'Ahh,' his smile was uneasy. 'Is that okay?'

She answered him by pressing her lips to his...

Present Day

It was much later when Anna woke up, still in John's embrace. The room was darker. She had never felt so comfortable in all her life. Being in his arms was where she found peace, where she felt most safe.

'Hello sleepy head,' he whispered softly, kissing her temple.

'How long did I sleep for?'

'Only an hour,' John replied, 'I didn't have the heart to wake you. Do you have anywhere to be?'

She shook her head no. 'Ben is looking after the restaurant tonight then is off to watch the football at his brother's.'

'So you can stay for a while?'

Stretching a little, Anna answered with a yawn in her voice. 'I can stay for a while.'

Turning her head, Anna was unable to resist placing a kiss on John's neck. She swallowed thickly, before pressing more kisses to his neck then rising higher to his cheek. She heard John inhale deeply, felt his jaw clench beneath her lips and him shift underneath her.

'Anna,' she heard him gasp. She silenced him by covering his mouth with hers, caressing his lips, lingering against him.

Both their breathing was heavy, eyes half lidded. John resumed the kiss, Anna feeling the sensation of his tongue sweeping against her bottom lip and groaning aloud. Allowing him to deepen the kiss they were sharing, Anna felt his hand on the base of her spine, having found his way underneath her blouse. His touch was electrifying, Anna tangling the fingers of one hand in his hair, trying to cope with the sensations he was emanating within her.

Ben, cheating on her husband was the furthest thing from her mind as her free hand worked its way beneath the collar of John's shirt, coming to rest on the coarse hairs of his chest. This movement caused John to respond with vigour, Anna not stopping him as he began to unbutton the top few buttons of her blouse. Her bra was now clearly visible, Anna feeling the cool air against the top of her breasts.

All the while, their lips hadn't parted, the kiss reminding Anna it was only ever John who had made her feel like this. She felt out of control, like some need begged to be sated. She couldn't get enough. Then he was breaking the kiss, moving his lips to brush against the skin of her breasts and Anna moaned. Her head falling back as she clutched on to John's shoulders, she closed her eyes and allowed herself to just feel.

His hands pushed the material of her bra away, freeing her right breast. Using his left hand, John caressed her gently. It was heavenly, her heart was racing. He was kissing her cheek as his fingers worked against her skin. Before long, he was taking her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, in a way Anna had always enjoyed, it tightening almost immediately. He obviously remembered, Anna was sure she could feel him smiling against her neck.

Relinquishing his touch on her neck, Anna was momentarily confused until she realised his lips were on her breast, his teeth gently teasing her hardened nipple. Anna felt it rising from her core, that undeniable sensation that she needed to feel more.

'Ohh, John.' The pleasure in her voice echoed around them for a moment before she felt John pulling away, restoring her modesty and leaving her confused. 'What's wrong?'

His voice was breathy as he spoke. 'I lost control for a moment.'

'I didn't want you to stop.' And God knows Anna meant it.

'You are another man's wife, Anna.'

Suddenly her husband was at the forefront of her mind. 'What Ben doesn't know won't hurt him. Weren't you enjoying that?'

Anna felt John lift his hips slightly, the signs of his still lingering arousal evident in the side of her left thigh. 'What do you think? That's what you do to me Anna. I had to stop.'

She groaned, burying her head in his shoulder. 'This is so unfair.'

'Don't think I don't want it, Anna,' John whispered in her ear, his tone dark and filled with sincerity. 'It's taking all the willpower I have to not lay you on that sofa and make love to you. The noises you were making then, the feel of you. Believe me.'

'Please...' She was begging, but she didn't care. She was acting on something that went beyond words, a primal instinct that she hadn't felt since John had said goodbye all those years ago.

'We can't,' John reiterated, 'if your husband ever found out where would that leave us? What would people think?'

She knew he was right. Their actions this afternoon were enough to put her in a vulnerable position if Ben ever found out. In the next moment, John was fixing Anna's clothing.

'Thank you.'

'Well, it was me that undid it.' Anna couldn't help but release a laugh at that, she took her hand in his once he had completed his task. Clothing restored, they sat for a few moments, Anna resting her head on John's shoulder. John broke the silence. 'Are you hungry?'

'A little.'

John indicated for Anna to rise to her feet before she found herself being lead to the kitchen. 'Sit. I'll see what I can rustle up for us.'

It shouted of domesticity as John fried them some eggs, a feast of egg on toast most welcome. They ate and spoke companionably, John talking about his job and that he was currently studying a new route that would be added to his rota. It felt so natural, being here with John like this. Earlier, in the chair, there was that side to them. But this, talking to each other and the conversation flowing so effortlessly, that was what Anna wanted.

'I think we should go to Ireland.'

John's chewing instantly stilled, he meeting her gaze. 'Really?'

Anna nodded. 'Yes. Sooner than later. If Robert can help like you say he can, then please can we ask him?'

'Of course,' John replied. 'I'll call him first thing in the morning but Anna,' he reached across the table, taking her hand in his. 'Are you sure?'

'I am. I loved your family the first time around. I need you in my life and just going on like this is doing neither of us any favours, let alone Ben. He'll be angry, though.'

Placing his cutlery on the edge of his plate, John moved around to Anna's side of the table, crouching beside her despite the complaints of his knee. 'I'll be beside you. All the way.'

'I know. And that is what makes me realise I want to do this, that I have the strength to do this.'

'Alright,' John nodded. 'I'll give Aidan a ring tomorrow, too. See what he says.'

'Thank you.'

As John returned to his seat, Anna breathed a sigh of relief. She had made the decision, they had a plan. Now was the time to find the courage to carry it through. But one look at the man opposite her, and the memories of what they shared made her realise she could do anything if it meant at the end of it, she was with him.