Chapter 1

"What are we doing?"

There was apprehension and worry written all over her face. Through her blurred vision she swore she could see the hint of a smile playing on his lips. He ran a hand down her face. "What do you think?"

She mirrored his smile and looked down shyly. For a moment, she blushed, not wanting to look him in the eye, but she soon looked back up and returned his gaze. "I don't think…"

He pulled her in for another kiss. Their lips met briefly, but she again pulled away. "What about everything that happened?"

He sighed, shifting on the sofa to turn towards her more. "It didn't happen between us. Our families have nothing to do with here and now." He paused, taking his turn to be embarrassed. "Nothing to do with the way I feel about you."

This time, she leant in for the kiss. He reciprocated gladly, the bottles of wine they'd shared did nothing more than relax them. The feelings had been there for months, it wasn't the alcohol creating sexual tension that wasn't three.

"Are you sure?"

Sophie nodded, and Russ snaked and arm gently and longingly around her waist.

"Step forward… And again… Bit more…" Russ had his hands over Sophie's eyes and was leading her across his living room, steering around many items of furniture. She giggled and reluctantly followed.

"Russ, what are you up to?"

Sophie couldn't see anything, his strong hands covered her eyes, but she imagined he had one of his knowing, dopey grins on his face. He was enjoying this. "Right. Open."

She did. "Babe, why have you pitched a tent on the carpet?"

He smiled. "It's not just a tent. I have sleeping bags and everything."

Sophie shook her head. "But why?"

Russ sighed. "Well obviously I don't want to camp in my house. Where's the fun three? But I thought, you know, we could go somewhere nice for a while. Maybe near a beach. What do you think?" He walked round behind Sophie and wrapped an arm around her waist, giving her a peck on the cheek.

"I think you're mad" she replied honestly, with a smirk. "I'd love to get away for a few days."

He smiled again, obviously hearing the answer he wanted. "I know this great place in Wales that I used to go as a kid. Road trip?" She turned around and flung her arms around his neck. He reply was a kiss on the lips. "Do I take that as a yes."

"Of course. I need a break. It's just…"

"Mel?"

Sophie's smile faded. "Yeah. She's not been the same since we told her about us. She says she's happy for us, but it's dragging up memories, you know?"

Russ nodded, looking at his feet. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Pushing you to tell her."

Sophie placed a hand on his chest comfortingly, their bodies still touching in an embrace. "Stop it, you were right. She needed to know, there was never going to be a good time."

"I'm not my brother."

"Good" Sophie grinned, lightening the mood. "Because it's you I want."

Sophie unlocked her front door with a grin across her face, but it fell slightly when she saw Mel sitting on the sofa, flicking from channel to channel without really registering what was on. She barely noticed Sophie come in the room.

"Mel? Mel?"

Mel blinked. "Oh, hi."

Sophie took her bag off her shoulder and put it on the floor. She joined her sister on the sofa, watching her for a minute to see if she would respond. She didn't, Sophie called her name again.

She sighed. "Are you ok?"

"Not bad, just a bit tired that's all."

Sophie didn't believe her, but let it go. She took a deep breath. "I'm going away tomorrow for a few days." She paused. "With Russ."

Mel put down the TV control and turned to her twin. "Have a good time."

Sophie studied her sister's face, trying to read her expression. It was hard, her eyes looked glazed and it seemed as though her mind was on something else. "Are you ok with us?"

Mel shrugged. "Yeah."

Sophie sighed. She didn't have the energy to try and get answers right now. She loved her sister, but it was exhausting. She didn't want anything or anyone to spoil her happiness.

The sun was setting when the car pulled into the small campsite on the Welsh coast. It was getting dark, but Russ was far from tired. It's like he had turned into a kid again, as all the childhood memories came back. He glanced over at Sophie and grinned, but she was staring out of the window despondent, and didn't turn around until he parked the car and touched her lightly on the arm to get her attention.

"Hey, what's on your mind?"

Sophie smiled, doing her best to look happy. "I'm fine."

"Soph…"

"Honestly." She put both hands on his chest and smiled again. It seemed more genuine this time and Russ nodded.

"Come on then." He climbed out of the car and locked the door, walking round to Sophie and wrapping his arms around her waist. "We're here."

"I can see that." She winked, and the smirk on her face was enough to convince Russ she was back with him and not still in her dazed little world like she had been for most of the journey.

"Let me show you the view." He stuffed the car keys into his pocket, and taking his hand, he pulled her towards the cliff. She giggled, his excitement was endearing, and when they got to the end of the cliff-top path, she planted a kiss on his lips.

"What was that for?" He asked with amusement.

"Do I need a reason?"

He shrugged. "No." He looked at her for a beat longer before turning out to see. The ocean crashed on the rocks below, the gentle roaring offered a soothing break to the silence of the secluded area pf beach. Sophie still had hold of Russ's hand and stepped closer, entwining her arm in his.

She glanced past Russ, to the beach below that stretched into the distance. "It's beautiful." She studied his face. There was a mixture of emotions on his face that she couldn't quite read.

"Yeah, it is. Just like I remember it." He looked at her, she frowned.

"Remember?"

"I haven't been back here for years."

"Ah, so this isn't your romantic retreat you come to to impress girls?" She had a glint in her eye.

"No. You're the first." Russ stepped closer, and returned Sophie's grin. "Is it working?"

"Definitely."

Russ let go of Sophie and sat down. He patted the floor next to him and she gladly sat down, snuggling into his side. It wasn't a cold night, but a gentle breeze blew past that mad Sophie shiver. Russ hugged her closer. "You need a blanket?" Sophie shook her head. "Ok, but we need to pitch the tent before it gets dark."

He started to get up, but she pulled him back down. "No, lets just sit."

"You don't want the wine I brought then?"

"Well, when you put it like that…"