A/N; well you managed to convince me! I'm sorry it's late, i've only just got back from work... hope you enjoy this chapter. R&R please?:)
I turned my attention to Oscar as Joey climbed out the pool and went to sit by my parents. I watched as he covered himself with a towel, a part of me kind of wishing he hadn't. What was happening?
Joey's POV
I wanted to kiss her, like every part of me wanted to. I had to literally force myself to stop, to give Oscar enough time to interrupt us. She's my cousin!
I smiled to myself as I watched Lauren play in the pool with Oscar, 'She's good with him ain't she' I said chuckling to Tanya.
'She's brill, I just wish she'd pay as much attention to herself as she does with Osc, she'd be brilliant, at whatever she did.' Tanya sighed.
'She would' I said quietly.
We all spent the afternoon by the pool, drinking from the bar and just relaxing. Around 4ish, I made my way back up to my room. About 10 minutes later there was a knock on the door.
'Hey, you left your phone down by the pool Joey,' Lauren said as I let her in.
'Oh thanks' I said, smiling at her and taking my phone.
'Aint you lucky having a room to yourself!' she joked as she explored my room.
'Yeah well, you are welcome to hang out here if my sister gets too much!' I laughed and looked at her.
'I'll hold you to that Joseph' she chuckled. She turned to leave his room.
'Lauren?' Joey turned and shouted, 'You busy tonight?'
She shook her head, 'Not after dinner.' I nodded and looked down. 'Text me' she said sweetly.
I looked up and smiled, 'Will do' She smiled back and left the room.
Lauren's POV
'Hey guys, we doing anything after dinner tonight?' I asked casually.
'I think I'm gonna have a quiet night in, I'm knackered after today!' Abi suggested
'Me too, gonna join us Lauren?' Alice questioned
'Yeah maybe' I lied.
My phone buzzed.
When someone says 'text me', you never know how
long you have to wait until it is acceptable to text
them, is this okay? Joey x
I laughed and replied:
Well, you're pushing it Joseph, only been 20 minutes! ;-)
Anyway, what do you want? Lauren xx
I placed my phone on the table and headed for the shower. 10 minutes later I came out and checked my phone.
I'd like to know whether you are free after dinner?
Is it so hard for me to ask you out?
Joey xx
My heart fluttered and I couldn't help but smile.
Ask me out? Excuse me Joseph! ;-) Lauren xx
I couldn't help but tease him. I slipped on a new holiday dress and sat down to dry my hair.
'How long until dinner Al?' I asked
'Erm, an hour or so I guess' she replied.
My phone buzzed.
Are you free tonight? Joey xx
Hi grumpy, yes I am free tonight, only if you cheer up,
Otherwise you shall not be seeing me whatsoever, love from Lauren xx
I finished drying my hair and went to check my phone.
Then I'll be seeing you, around 8ish? By reception.
P.s, you are getting cheeky.
Love is returned – Joey xx
I smiled and continued to get ready. I curled my hair, changed into a play-suit and sandals, did my makeup and I was ready for dinner. Abi, Alice and I headed down in the lift to the restaurant where we saw mum, dad, Oscar and everyone else; including Joey. I felt my phone buzz as we walked over.
You look lovely Lauren – Joey xx
I smiled and looked up at him mouthing 'thank you' and he returned the smile. My heart fluttered, but why? He was only being nice! I needed to get a grip.
Joey's POV
We all headed into the restaurant and sat down, Lauren sat by Abi and her mum, me on the opposite side, by her dad and Alice. I felt my phone vibrate as we ordered our starters.
Don't make me blush Joseph, but thank you. You look lovely too – L xx
The conversation over dinner was normal, asking about everyone's day. The kids were still very hyperactive and the only thing I was waiting for was seeing Lauren later. But why? I keep having to tell myself she's my cousin and that was the only thing stopping me.
When dinner ended, everyone said goodnight and headed to their rooms. Lauren made a quick get-a-way and met me 10 minutes later in reception.
'Cheered up?' She asking jokingly
'Yeah' I nodded and chuckled.
I don't know what it was, but she made me nervous. Something about her made me show my weaker side, no girl ever made me feel like that before.
'So what are we doing then?' she asked cheerily.
'Come with me' I said smirking and lead her out of the hotel.
We walked down the path, not for long, 5, 10 minutes or so until we reached the beach. The sun was going down and it looked beautiful.
'Wow,' Lauren said, 'This is beautiful'
Part of me wanted to reply 'Like you' but the rest of me kicked it away and tried to stay casual, it was difficult.
We sat down on the sand and remained in silence for a while when I noticed her shivering. I took off my jacked and placed it around her shoulders. She looked up and smiled. 'Thanks' she said quietly.
My phone started ringing and we both looked down, seeing Alice's name flash on the screen.
'Hey Alice, you okay?' I asked calmly
'Yeah, have you seen Lauren?' she asked concerned.
'Erm, not for about 20 minutes, she went for a walk along the beach I think' I lied
'Oh okay, no worries, thanks Joey! Night' Alice replied before hanging up.
Lauren looked at me, 'I told her you were walking along the beach,' I explained.
She nodded. 'What are we doing Joey?' She asked
I shrugged, 'I really don't know Lauren.' I answered truthfully.
'Its not like we're doing anything wrong, so why are we hiding it? We are only sat on the beach talking, its not against the law' Lauren said, she sounded like she was trying to convince herself.
'Lauren..' I began to say
'Joey don't,' she said quickly.
That told me she knew exactly what I was going to say and that means she knows how I feel, which means she may feel the same but I wasn't going to risk it.
'We should probably get back,' she stated.
I nodded and stood up, holding out my hand to pull her up. As our hands touched my heart skipped, I've never met a girl that has this effect on me.
We walked back to the hotel and both got in the lift. The ride was silent and awkward. The first time this holiday I've felt awkward around Lauren and I didn't like it.
'Lauren look, what's going on? I asked straight to the point.
'I really don't know' Lauren said looking at the floor.
'Talk to me' I asked
'I can't' she replied softly.
'Then who else can you talk to?' I reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. 'It's okay'
'Joey, this can't happen,' She said looking down but still not letting go of my hand.
'Who says? If it happens, I'm not gonna do anything to stop it, I don't want to' I said reassuringly.
'Its too complicated' she sighed.
Still holding her hand, I reached up with my other hand and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She looked up at me as the lift stopped on her floor.
'It's okay Lauren,' I said smiling. We both stepped out of the lift, still hand in hand and I walked her to her room.
'I'll see you tomorrow?' I whispered hopefully, knowing we had to be quiet as not to disturb Alice and Ab. Lauren smiled and nodded.
'Bye Joey' Lauren said as she squeezed my hand.
I leaned in and kiss the top of her head, I looked down at her as I rested my forehead against hers. 'I promise you it will be okay' I whispered.
She nodded and leaned up to kiss me on the cheek. 'Night Joey' she said as she let herself in the room.
Lauren's POV
As I let myself in I was all flustered not knowing where my head was at. I tip-toed around the room before climbing into my bed. Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, my phone flashed.
We'll talk tomorrow, but I wanted to check you were okay.
Joey xxx
My heart melted, he was so caring. Why do things have to be so complicated? I didn't know what was happening, was I falling for my cousin?
I buried my head in my hands and turned off the lamp next to me and placing my phone on the side, I fell asleep.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the slightly longer chapter! I posted tonight because i'm not sure i'll have time to post tomorrow.. or monday! I may be able to but i can't promise anything...
Let me know what you would like to happen next?