A big thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far. All comments and suggestions are always very welcome. Next chapter will be posted at the end of June, when my exams are over.

Chapter 26: A Bit of a Shock

After her conversation with her friends, Emma thought about her relationship with Kane quite a lot over the following days. The thought of being with him, touching him and having him touch her, was exciting but also frightening. Finally she decided that the best thing to do would be to let things develop at a natural pace.

Several days later, on one particularly hot day, she and Kane took Jordan to the beach, anxious to get out. As they wandered past the Diner, Emma couldn't help but feel sorry for Lucy and Kirsty and Jade. It was a wonderful day, but also a school day and they would be stuck a hot classroom for most of the day. However, the fact that all the young people were at school meant that the beach wasn't too crowded and they were able to get a good space to sit, not too far from the sea.

They built sandcastles, which Jordan took great delight in destroying, and played in the water for a while before Kane went to get them something to eat. Then they went in the sea again before getting some ice cream and slowly beginning the walk home.

"It's been a lovely day," Emma whispered, slipping her arm around her boyfriend's waist. He was holding Jordan, who was beginning to fall asleep, but he wrapped his free arm across her shoulders and pulled her closer. "I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time."

"Me neither," he smiled and kissed the top of her head. "It feels good, being with you and Jordan. After so long, it's like I've finally found somewhere I belong."

"I'm glad. You know, after Jordan was born, I thought it would just be him and me from then on, I didn't think we needed anyone else. But we really like having you with us." As the house came into view, she stopped and fumbled in the pocket of her shorts, searching for her keys. "I think our little man needs a nap."

The house was empty, apart from the two dogs who greeted them eagerly. Slipping off her shoes, Emma took her son from Kane's arms and carried him over to the sofa. "You're getting heavy, you big lump."

"Big lump!" Jordan giggled sleepily. She put him down, placing a cushion beneath his head, taking care to ensure that he was comfortable. "Me go night-night now." His thumb found its way into his mouth and he was soon asleep.

"He's exhausted," Emma kissed her sleeping son, brushing his hair from his eyes. "Too much excitement. Do you want a drink?" Kane glanced at the clock. "Benny's working late tonight, so don't worry."

"I just don't want any trouble." He allowed her to take his hand and pull him into the kitchen. "But if you're sure he won't be back…"

"I'm sure. Relax."

She reached up to get two glasses from the top cupboard and Kane took the opportunity to attack her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her ear.

"I do love you, Em," he whispered. "Really I do."

She turned and embraced him, pressing her lips to his. He hesitated, mildly surprised, but then decided that it didn't matter and kissed her back. Though the kiss was slow and gentle to begin with, it quickly grew more passionate. Not removing his mouth from hers, he lifted her up and placed her on the top of the table. She ran her hands over his bare shoulders, his back, silently admiring the firm muscles. Kane followed her lead, slowly sliding his hands under his open shirt and around to her back, gently teasing the warm skin with his fingers. Emma made no move to stop him, even as he unfastened the clasp of her bikini top, removing it completely and throwing it aside. As her fingers slid through his hair, he moved away from her mouth and started on her neck, alternating kisses with gentle nips. She said nothing but moaned softly, urging him on. It felt right and it was what she wanted.

Suddenly the kitchen door opened and Lucy, Kirsty and Jade entered, chatting happily about their day at school. They froze at the scene in front of them, the sight of the couple wrapped around each other, Kane in just his shorts, Emma with her shirt open, both flushed. Kane drew back slightly and Emma quickly pulled her shirt closed. Both were a little embarrassed at being caught in such a position, but Emma still met Kirsty's eye and smiled faintly, triumphantly. Lucy grinned, more amused than anything else. She had suspected that Kane and Emma's relationship was pretty serious. Jade mumbled an apology and averted her eyes, while Kirsty just looked upset. She tried to make eye contact with Kane, but he avoided looking at her.

"I…guess we got a little carried away," Emma said finally, trying to break the awkward silence. She did up three of her buttons and slid off the table. "I'm sorry about that." None of the girls replied. "Come on, Kane. We should go and check on Jordan." Kane nodded briefly to the younger girls and followed his girlfriend through to the living room.

"Well that was…" Lucy struggled for words, "a bit of a shock."

"Just a little," Jade agreed, smiling faintly. "I suppose it was a good thing it was us and not your brother."

"Yeah," she winced. "There wouldn't be anything left of Kane if Benny had walked in and seen that. Are you all right, Kirst?"

"I…I'm fine!" Kirsty managed to stammer out. Seeing Kane and Emma in such a compromising position had been quite a shock. "I just…need some air, that's all."

She opened the door and fled. Lucy and Jade quickly followed her.

"What's the matter with you?" Jade asked, beginning to grow worried. "Do you feel sick?"

"I'm fine!" Kirsty repeated weakly. "I just…I didn't realise that Emma and Kane were…"

"What does it matter if they are?" Lucy asked at once, defending her sister as always. "What business is it of yours? Are you jealous?"

"No! No, I just…"

"Good! Because it's over between you and Kane and it has been for a long while. He loves Emma, everyone can see that but you!" She narrowed her eyes, glaring at her friend. "And I don't like people trying to upset my sister. You stay away from him, Kirsty, or you will have me to answer to."

She turned and walked off, back indoors. Kirsty looked at her twin for support, but Jade looked away from her and said nothing.

Next Chapter: Kirsty turns to Kane for comfort when Seb rejects her, but there are heavy consequences when they get a little carried away.