Alec didn't know how he'd managed not to have another attack as the sensations washed over him and judging by the look on Rose's face as she lay at his side that he could make out in the light from outside, she'd enjoyed it even more than he had.

"Rose," he said quietly in case she was actually asleep and not just trying to recover from their not quite sexual encounter but as near as they had dared go.

"Mmm, are ya okay Alec?" she asked him, her eyes still closed but with a smile on her face.

"Me? Oh I'm just fine though it is a miracle how I just survived. Maybe if we had actually gone further I still may have survived?"

"One thing at a time, Mister. If ya can survive a few more nights, we'll see how it goes but the slightest thing Alec, I'll know so don't you go forgetting it," she warned him.

"Anything you say darlin'. I take it you are going to be the boss around here? Well until I get my surgery anyway, which I promise you I will try to re-arrange again. I'm making no promises they'll get me in any sooner though, you may have to put up with me like this a while longer."

"Yeah? I just love a challenge. Let me up, I need to get cleaned up and you need to put ya shorts back on, just in case. After the procession tomorrow night, why don't ya go get a few things? Make sure ya sneak in and out though," she teased him.

"What? Come on Rose, are we back to that again? Really?" he asked.

"Chill, I was just messin' with ya. Geez Alec, it's not gonna be easy since all we've done since we met is goad each other. Actually, it could be fun, don't ya think?"

Alec pretended to consider it as Rose sat up, trying to remember where her underwear had been tossed as she found her vest top. "Are my knickers over your side?"

Alec had to smile. It had been a very long time since a young woman had asked him that. He could feel them with his foot but thought he would make things interesting.

"They are just by my foot. Care to come and find them?"

Rose burst out laughing and decided to tease him back.

"Nah, I'll go get a clean pair."

"Then I am disappointed," he replied, folding one arm behind his head as she turned around after putting her vest top on, which just covered the essentials.

"Geez Alec, how can ya be ill and look so sexy?" she asked him as she crossed to the drawer.

"I was not aware I was sexy," he replied, seeing the top of her legs then her bum as she leaned to get some clean underwear. "Beside, if you keep showing off your cute ass like that, you may still have to get me to hospital in a hurry. Since you do actually drive, why no car? Surely you pay more in cab fares?"

"Maybe? Actually, I never really thought about getting one, it's not far to the ambulance station and I'd just leave it there through my shift I never saw any point."

"Well why don't we see about hiring one, then you'll save on cab fares. You won't have to fuss about insurance and tax, just get one on contract hire. I will make some enquires, get one in both our names. What do you think Cupcake?"

He realised what he'd just called her. Geez, she would throw him out now.

"So I'm cupcake now, Pookie?"

"Pookie?" he queried as she stood straight though he could still see her cute ass as one side of the vest top was still raised.

It reminded him of an old black and white poster that used to be seen everywhere of a sexy female tennis player hitching up her tennis skirt and having no underwear on.

"How about Snookie or Snookie Bear when we actually start having sex?"

"You stopped me, remember?" he reminded her. "I could have got further, I only reluctantly agreed to stop you from making a fuss about it."

"Oh? You did, did ya? Well excuse me for stopping ya getting over-enthusiastic and me having to put ya shorts on when I've sent for an ambulance then?"

"Geez Rose, don't be so dramatic, you know what to do if something happens. Rose, you are the only person I feel safe with."

"You do? Well even so, I can keep ya alive while an ambulance crew get here, if the pills don t start to work but honestly, having to put ya shorts on?" she giggled, trying to wind him up.

"Oh, so you don't mind getting them off me?" he replied, playing along to see how far she would go. "I may have felt your cute ass a few times and just seen it but you've not seen me yet. You may be in for a surprise."

"Geez, talk about an ego?" Rose replied, now dying to go to the bathroom all of a sudden.

She dashed out and he heard the bathroom door. Now what had he said? He'd sworn he'd never get involved with another woman after Tess had betrayed him but that rule had been blow of the window after he'd not been able to get enough of squeezing her cute ass and kissing her cleavage when he had finally got her to turn onto her back. She'd kept resisting, trying to stay on top but he'd whispered he wasn't going to attempt anything stupid.

Rose was cleaning herself with some wipes then went to put some cold water on her face. Geez, she'd blown it now, first not letting him flip her over in case he was actually going to be stupid and try to have proper sex then she'd more or less questioned why he'd called her 'Cupcake' then 'Pookie' had been the first thing in her mind as she'd heard someone saying it on TV a few nights ago. Correcting it to 'Snookie' was slightly better she supposed but they'd not yet got to the stage where they would call each other by their pet names as they got intimate.

If she kept on telling him not to attempt it either, they would never get to that stage. Alec had retrieved his shorts and put Rose's underwear on the chair, after feeling how soft and silky they were and hoped at some stage in their new relationship, she would actually let him watch her getting them on and off, preferably before she put her bra on. He knew at this rate, even though she'd not let him go too far that he'd not got as much time as he thought if he didn't bring his appointment forward. One way or another, Rose Tyler would be the death of him.

He went out and knocked on the bathroom door, since he was now out of bed.

"Rose, are you going to be long?" he dared ask, not that he'd dared when he still lived with Tess.

"I won't be long," she replied, drying her face. "Are you needing more pills?"

"No, I don't need any pills, do I have to tell you exactly why I am asking?" he replied.

He could hear her laughing. What had she done to him? They had got close to having sex and they still couldn't quit annoying each other. Still she was maybe right, who else would be able to save his ass if he had another attack? He knew he had fancied her after getting out of the squad car on his first day and on the beach that fateful morning, he was totally gone on her but something else about her made him determined she wasn't going to get the better of him, that he was the one who was going to be in charge and she'd fight him for it.

He needed that to get him through the current investigation. He heard the catch on the door being moved and stepped back.

"Sorry, I'm not used to sharing. When my mum stays, she's out like a light."

"I'm sorry too only I really need to go in there right now," he tried to smile as he disappeared.

Once back in bed, Rose made him keep his shorts on but only on the agreement she took her vest top off and they fell asleep, Rose snuggled into his side and he decided he'd take her up on her offer and let her give him the spare key, what did he have to lose? They obviously would keep having those moments when he or she would say something and get each other going but that was maybe how they both wanted it?

He needed someone to keep his secret and she needed someone who believed her about Joe Miller being capable of killing Danny. If she trusted him enough to confide her fears about it, he had to trust her she wouldn't give the game away but then there was her work partner. He doubted he had to worry on that score, Rose would make sure of that. He moved slightly but it disturbed her.

"Shush, it's okay love, go back to sleep," he told her as she said his name.

"Something wrong?" she insisted.

"Ah, no, sorry. Rose, don't take this the wrong way but I'm just not all that agreeable these days, not after Tess," he admitted.

"Well tough, I'm not agreeable all the time either so fight me. I don't care Alec, don't ya get it? Just let me take care of you until your surgery then see what happens? We might not be able to put up with each other after it."

"Why do you always have to make sense eh?" he wondered.

He was talking to himself, which was maybe just as well he supposed. Why was she putting up with him? He'd argued about coming over for dinner, he'd told her he couldn't take any action over Joe Miller so why was she staying with him? Maybe someone had also betrayed her and she knew how it felt or was it because she'd never told anyone she feared Joe Miller knew she'd seen him and now Danny Latimer had died, if it was him, she would be next if she told the police about it.

Then it hit him that was it. Now, he had to keep her safe at all costs and the only way to do that was to move in with her and not say a word about what she'd told him earlier until he was confident that if he interviewed Joe Miller, he'd be locked up.

The next morning, Rose woke and Alec was missing. His jacket was still on the back of the chair though then she heard noise in the kitchen. She put her vest top on and went to see.

"You're awake," he stated, his shirt buttons not all fastened.

"Yeah, whatcha up early for?"

"It's almost eight, I was making you some breakfast, then I will have to dash back to the hotel, change and get to work. If I get funny looks from Becca Fisher, why should I care? I will give her the good news."

"What news is that Snookie?" she grinned, putting her arms around his neck.

"I am still invited to stay?" he asked, trying to get her to let go.

"Yeah, you 'nana so don't forget the key. I might be back at the same time though, I'll call and get some food on the way. Is there anything you should avoid eating though?"

"Almost everything," he replied, retrieving the toast. "I ignore the warnings though, or I would never eat."

"Geez, no wonder you're so skinny. So whatcha gonna tell Becca? Geez Alec, don't tell her ya moving in with me."

"Is it meant to be a secret love?" he wondered, going for the pot of strawberry jam.

"Well maybe for a little while, no-one knows we're even seeing each other yet. Just tell her ya moving nearer the station or tell her it's in case she's letting any reporters stay there," she suggested.

"There is a reporter staying there, she almost made me late seeing you last night," he replied.

"Well there ya go then, problem solved. So who's this female reporter then?"

"The woman who ruined it for me on the Sandbrook case so stay away from her Rose."

Rose looked at him. "Yeah, of course I will, if I knew what she looked like. If she's not friendly, she's no chance. Anyway, she has to see us together yet and even if she's there tonight, I'll be in the ambulance, remember?"

"Yes, make sure you stay there eh? The procession finishes at the harbour, ask your partner to hang around there for a while in case anyone found the walk too much."

"Including you?" she smiled.

"Rose stop worrying about me eh? The night before last was rare, hopefully I will not have a repeat of it, since I have you with me."

"Yeah, well it won't stop me worrying about ya at work and a late night walk. If this reporter comes along, you'll have to warn me. Don't forget Alec, we work together, we're allowed to talk."

He turned around as she took her plate to the table, picking up his own. A pot of tea was already on the table.

"Alec, can ya make me coffee next time?" she smiled, going to pour some out.

"Just habit love."

"Yeah, it's okay, just this once. Thanks, for making breakfast though."

"My pleasure, best get used to it unless you happen to start work earlier than I do some mornings?"

"I will, trust me. Now ya know why I never got a boyfriend."

"Then that's over with Rose," he assured her, putting his hand on hers. "I myself may have to go out at all hours, finding someone who is willing to put up with that is somewhat difficult."

"Is that why ya married a police officer then?" she asked, since they'd managed to get that far.

"Now I think about it, there were very few candidates to choose a girlfriend. I know Rose, it's not easy with the hours we are expected to work."

"Tell me about it. It's like when a decent bloke would ask me out and I was working until midnight the following day. It looked like I was making excuses."

"Then there's no need to worry on that score, I may be working that late myself, though I will try not to. Rose, just remember that eh?"

"Yeah, let's just try to do it at the same time then? Alec, I'll still be worried if ya work late though."

"Then I will do my best not to, Cupcake," he smiled as he drank his tea.

"Can ya quit calling me that? It sounds so cheap."

"Calling me 'Snookie' is not cheap?"

"Calling ya Snookie means that you're cute Alec."

"Oh. Well maybe I should call you something more suitable, Honey?"

"Yeah, I like that. Well, you had better get going, I'll call a cab for ya."

"As long as you don't see me out like that eh?"

"Yeah, guess I'll go put something on then? The cab number's pinned up on the board. Oh, the spare key's in the kitchen drawer, don't forget it, will ya?"

"I won't. Now I will finish getting dressed, maybe I can get to see your cute ass up close eh?" he smiled, getting up.

"Well ya felt it enough last night babe," she grinned as he helped her up.

He let the name slide, it was better than the one she was trying to give him, he supposed.

"Yes, I did love," he assured her as he took her by the waist and kissed her neck.

He lowered one hand onto her rear.

"Well, Inspector, you'll have to wait, you have to get going or be late. Are ya telling anyone about us?"

"If anyone were to ask, I will not deny it but not just for the sake of it. Rose, I'm not trying to hide it love, it's just not a good idea just yet. I have to be careful around Miller, if she tells her husband?" he replied.

"Yeah, I don't wanna even think about that, thanks. Alec, it's gonna be kinda difficult, not letting her find out, she's bound to notice, don't ya think?" she asked as they went into the bedroom. "You'd best get in the bathroom before me."

"Too late love, it s all yours. I thought I could watch you getting dressed and see more of your cute ass than I did before we went to sleep."

Rose gathered her clothes, half watching him fasten his shirt.

"Hey, I just had an idea."

"What's that love? That I help you get dressed?" he asked hopefully.

"Ha, you wish loverboy," she teased him.

How many names was she going to call him? Did he actually care? Rose Tyler had just become his last night, well almost, it was just a technicality. She would be his if she allowed him to carry on where she'd stopped him but she was just being careful, he knew that.

He finished getting ready while she dashed into the bathroom and was just fastening his tie.

"Hang on, ya forgot something."

Wondering what it was, she took the tie from his hands and instead of fastening it all the way, left it slightly askew and left his top button unfastened.

"Rose, what you doing eh?" he wanted to know.

"The first time I saw ya, that's how ya looked," she reminded him.

"It was my fist day and I was being shown around."

"Yeah? Well what if I told ya it was because you looked like that, I fancied you?"

"You did? Rose, I can't go around like this all day," he told her.

"Give me one good reason," she replied, going for her phone.

When the radio controller answered the phone, Rose just said it was her and she wanted a taxi at her place and hung up.

"Do you always do that?"

"What? Oh, all the controllers know me. Here, take the number then ya can get one from the hotel later."

"Well if it s the same driver, I am not letting him know I am considering moving in with you."

"Scared he'll talk to that reporter or to Olly?"

"Both," he replied as he picked up his phone. "I had best go down then?"

"Yeah, not without a kiss though."

He went to the kitchen to get the key and Rose jotted down the taxi number for him.

"You be careful Alec, go easy since you've got tonight as well."

"I know, I will take it easy. I can easily find some paperwork love."

He kissed her cheek and went to the door.

"Rose, just be careful eh?" he reminded her.

He went downstairs and had just got to the glass door to see a red cab pulling up and it just had to be the driver Rose had called Lucas.

"Oh, it's you again?" the driver grinned as Alec got in the front. "Going to the hotel?"

Alec just nodded as he put the seatbelt on. Well at least he didn't have to say where he was going he supposed.

"So, you and Rose then?" Lucas asked him as they pulled onto the main road.

"What about me and Rose?" Alec wanted to know, thinking it was too late, most of the town would know by now.

"Come on, you two being together two mornings in a row? It doesn't take a detective to work that one out. I saw you on TV, I know who you are," Lucas replied.

Alec was now wishing he'd left earlier and walked but he needed all his strength for later and not just for the reconstruction. He needed to prove to Rose he was still capable of having sex with her or was that all she had wanted and was using his illness as an excuse?

"If you know who I am, you know if any rumours are going around the town, I will know where to look?" Alec asked him as he could just see the hotel in the distance.

"Hey mate, don't go blaming me. If you sneak around, people will talk. All the time she's been here, I've never seen her in a cab twice with the same bloke. You must be something special. You okay on this side of the road only I got another job just a bit further down?" he asked Alec.

It was just Alec's luck there was a space outside the newspaper office and Olly Stevens was just coming out. He paid the driver and tried to make his escape. He had fifteen minutes to go upstairs, get changed and walk down the footpath and he wouldn't make it, not without setting himself up for another attack, then Rose would absolutely refuse to have sex with him until he got himself fixed. At this hour though, it would be another ambulance crew that came to rescue him and though he had every faith they would get him to hospital in time, no-one would hold his hand like she had done while he'd been in and out of consciousness.