A/N Sorry it's taken me so long to post this chapter, unfortunately sometimes real life has to take priority. I've got a couple for chapters written now, so I hope to be posting a bit more regularly from now on.

Chapter 14

"Carson, are you quite well?"

Carson tried to focus on the voice that seemed to be a mile away. "I'm sorry Teyla, what were you saying?"

"It doesn't matter." She offered an indulgent smile and took another sip from her coffee cup. "You seem distracted this morning."

Carson found his eyes drifting back to the far side of the mess hall to where Tamsin sat surrounded by papers and working at a laptop. Every so often, she would stop and rub her forehead. Judging by the dark circles under her eyes and the collection of mugs, she had been working for several hours.

"Mama, why does Carson keep staring at that lady?" Torren's high pitched question caused Carson to realise he'd been caught for a second time. He could feel the heat of embarrassment in his cheeks. If Torren had noticed, then Teyla had to have noticed as well.

With a mischievous glance at Carson, Teyla leant towards her son. "Why do you think that might be, Torren?"

The boy looked thoughtful for a moment, then glanced at Carson before twisting in his chair to peer at Tamsin. After a few moments, he turned back to offer his judgement.

"I think he likes her," Torren stated in a stage-whisper that could have reached the mainland. It was accompanied by a guileless smile, as demonstrated by small children the universe over.

Out of the mouths of babes, Carson thought. He thanked his lucky stars that the mess was relatively quiet this morning; just a few personnel engrossed in laptops and apparently oblivious to the observations of a six-year old.

"Aye, well, Dr Lucas and I are friends. You usually do like your friends."

Torren appeared to consider this for a moment. "I like Rissa, she's my friend. Mama, can I have more toast?" The subject apparently closed, Torren wriggled in his seat.

"You may."

Torren hopped down and trotted off towards the breakfast table.

Carson offered a rueful smile. "I'm concerned Tamsin is working too hard, that's all."

Teyla regarded him with that studied neutral look, but he knew she wasn't buying his explanation.

"I'll admit we've attempted a few dates, but other things came up. I'm not sure it's meant to be," he continued.

Teyla held up a hand, stalling any further explanations. "Surely it is worth making the best of the time you have?"

"Aye, you're right, of course. I just don't want to hurt her."

"Have you explained your feelings to her?" Teyla asked gently.

"I don't think either of us wants to admit that it can't really go anywhere," he sighed.

"Do you know for sure that she feels that way?" It was Teyla's turn to sigh, this time in exasperation. "I will never understand why your people do not just talk to each other. We Athosians find honesty the simplest solution, even if it is not always what we wish to hear."

Carson stared into his mug, avoiding Teyla's scrutiny. "I suppose we have the luxury of thinking we always have time," he murmured.

Her expression softened a little. "You and I both know there is no guarantee in this galaxy or any other. And speaking of time, I must be going. I have a mission to prepare for and Torren is spending a few days with Kanaan." A slight shadow passed across Teyla's face.

"How are things with you two?" he enquired.

"They are as well as can be expected," she said shortly. She called Torren over and rose from the table. "Talk to Tamsin."

"I will if you will," he teased.

Teyla inclined her head with a slight smile. "I believe I should heed my own advice on this matter. Goodbye, Carson."

Carson sat for a few moments, reflecting on his friend. Other than Rodney, Teyla had been one of the first to accept him, despite his part in her people's demise. Though he still felt the guilt, probably always would, most of the other Athosians had absolved him of responsibility. Kanaan was one of the few who were still uncomfortable in his presence, and had chosen to return to New Athos rather than stay on Atlantis with Teyla and Torren. As far as Carson knew, there was no formal agreement between them, but he imagined it couldn't be easy to maintain a relationship over that kind of distance.

He glanced over at Tamsin, still surrounded by papers. His head told him the sensible thing would be to break things off now, before they got any deeper. But his heart stubbornly refused to give up the feelings he had for her. Teyla was right – they both needed to know where they stood.

Draining his mug and wincing at the cold tea, he stood and walked to the coffee and tea table. He re-filled his own cup and another for Tamsin. It wasn't exactly a bribe, but years of experience had taught him it was unwise to approach someone engrossed in work without hot beverages or chocolate to distract their attention.

"Thought you might need a top-up." He raised the mug as he approached Tamsin's table.

"Sure, find a space." She didn't look up from the laptop, just waved a hand distractedly and seemed to give no impression of having recognised him. The dregs of black coffee in the mugs told him Tamsin was on a mission; she only drank black coffee as the equivalent of three espressos in one mug and there were three of those on the table.

"Um…" he began.

"Oh, hi," she blinked owlishly at him. "I'm a bit busy."

"Apparently so; you're on rocket fuel." He nodded at the mugs, then sat in the chair opposite.

She ran both hands through her hair, only the length stopped it sticking in all directions, but still giving her a distinctly dishevelled look. He couldn't help wondering if she would look that appealing waking up in his bed in the morning. No, he thought, definitely not going there.

Tamsin stifled a yawn with one hand and reached for the tea with the other. "I was on-call last night – emergency appendectomy came in about 3.00am and I've been up ever since. I knew I wouldn't get back to sleep, so I brought some work up here to watch the sunrise."

"Aren't you off-world with Colonel Lorne later? Are you sure you're up to it?" He asked.

She frowned briefly. "Don't fuss; it's only a trade mission. Besides, Evan said it's just a formality – they just wanted a medic to look over their facilities before they sign the agreement. I'm not even going armed on this one."

"Aye, and it's those kinds of missions that seem to go pear-shaped at the drop of a hat." Carson muttered. "You'll take care, won't you?"

"Of course. I don't need a gun to defend myself, you know that." Her frown melted into a look of concern. "Are you feeling alright? You seem a bit down in the dumps."

He smiled ruefully. "Oh, don't mind me, I'm just a bit tired."

"Why don't you drop by my quarters later, we can eat and watch a movie. I'll even let you choose." He could never resist that playful little grin she had and he knew she was doing it on purpose.

"How could I refuse an offer like that? I'll see you later then, and don't work too hard."

"No promises," she replied with a slight smile.

As he left the mess hall, it struck Carson that most of Tamsin's papers appeared to be botanical illustrations. He was intrigued as to what she would be doing with those.

SGA

Team Lorne emerged from the Stargate into the morning sun on Eashlum. The 'gate stood in the central square of the main city of this world. With its large white stone buildings and crowded market, the city put Lorne in mind of the souks and old city of Marrakech. It was the sort of busy, bustling hub that made him want to set up an easel and attempt to capture the life of the place.

The team quickly made their way to the mayor's office: a grand two-storey building directly opposite the gate. Although this was their second visit to the planet, Lorne found himself admiring the architecture and artwork within the building once again. It suggested a prosperous culture rarely troubled by the Wraith.

"Colonel Lorne, a pleasure to see you and your team again. I trust you are all well?" Mayor Shoib, a portly grey-haired man in his late fifties, greeted them.

"We're well, thank you, Mayor. Looking forward to the trade talks." Making nice with the locals was important, but the trick was to balance the pleasantries with the need to keep things on track. Otherwise the guy would talk all day and they'd never be back for dinner.

"Of course, of course, all in good time." Shoib rubbed his hands together, then looked between the team. "Now, I believe you were bringing a doctor along as part of the talks?"

"That's correct. Dr Lucas is one of our surgeons." Lorne indicated Tamsin standing at the opposite end of the line.

Shoib turned, started slightly, regained his composure almost immediately and offered a hand to Tamsin. "Dr Lucas, a pleasure to meet you. You must forgive me, my dear; women rarely hold positions of responsibility here. Most are content to run homes and raise their children. I sometimes forget this is not so in all cultures."

Lorne sent a silent prayer that Tamsin would accept the apology gracefully.

She took Shoib's hand with a cool smile. "I've had to settle for just my career, sadly."

"Well, that is a shame, perhaps one day…" the mayor began.

Another man approached them from a side corridor of the atrium. Where Shoib was short and round, this new guy was tall and gaunt, with dark hair and a thin beard. Lorne wouldn't have been surprised if a wise-cracking red parrot had appeared from the man's robes.

"Mayor Shoib, my apologies. I was caught up in hospital matters. These are the people from Atlantis?" The man bowed slightly, but the deference seemed feigned in Lorne's opinion.

"They are. Colonel Lorne, may I introduce Senior Physician Amdir?" Shoib replied.

Mayor Shoib quickly introduced the Lanteans to Amdir. Lorne didn't miss the lingering, calculated look the physician gave Tamsin as he shook her hand. Given the way she stiffened at the contact, she hadn't either. Damn, was this going to cause trouble? He didn't trust this Amdir guy an inch. He knew he had to stay with the mayor to negotiate and he knew Tamsin was no pushover, but it rankled that he wouldn't be able to keep an eye on her himself. Besides, Beckett would never forgive him if anything happened to the Doc.

A quick word with Reed had the Lieutenant shadowing the two doctors. As the Lanteans went their separate ways, Lorne hoped this wasn't going to be one of 'those' missions.

SGA

Several hours later, team Lorne re-grouped in front of the Stargate. The negotiations had gone surprisingly well in Lorne's opinion – fresh fruit, vegetables and grains from Eashlum in exchange for labour and maintenance from Atlantis at a rate that was fair to both parties.

"How was your tour?" Lorne asked as Reed and Tamsin re-joined them.

"I saw everything I needed to." Her clipped tone and tight jaw immediately had him concerned.

"What happened?"

"Nothing to worry about, but we need to discuss the situation."

That didn't sound good.

Lorne instructed Coughlin to dial Atlantis. Seconds later, the wormhole established and the team stepped through.

SGA

By the evening, Tamsin had completed her de-brief and report on Eashlum. A long run and shower had burned off most of her anger and frustration, and she now sat at her laptop once again. Carson had radioed to say he was on his way and she'd been to the mess to collect dinner for them both.

Her door chimed and she hopped off the bed to let him in. He stepped in but didn't speak, simply gathering her into his arms and burying his face against her hair. A few moments later he pulled back, offered a soft smile and sought her lips for a gentle kiss.

"Missed you," he murmured, nuzzling her cheek.

"Missed you, too," she replied, slightly puzzled by his actions, but welcoming the intimacy nonetheless. "Not that I mind, but what's brought this on?"

"Oh, just a bad day," Carson sighed and shrugged, his gaze drifting off to the left. He made to turn away, but she stilled him with a light touch on the shoulder.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She asked.

"Can we eat first? I'm starving."

She huffed a quiet laugh. "Sure, it's hardly five-star dining, but tuck in."

They parted and seated themselves at the desk. Tamsin was glad she'd managed to 'borrow' another office chair. It was hardly the Ritz, but at least one of them wouldn't have to sit on the floor or the couch.

After a short time, Carson broke the silence. "You're quiet, even for you. Everything all right, love?"

She shook her head. "It's not important and anyway, it's your turn first."

Carson chuckled. "I can't get anything past you, can I? I thought we'd made a breakthrough in the lab, but it seems the samples were contaminated, so we've lost nearly a month's worth of work. And I'm back off traveling again tomorrow."

She nodded, trying to keep the disappointment out of her face. She could hardly expect him to give up his work to stay on Atlantis with her, but she'd miss him terribly and they had so little time left.

"What about you?"

She shook her head again. "It really doesn't matter."

He didn't reply, just gazed steadily at her, patiently waiting.

"Stop it."

"Stop what?" he replied, a picture of innocence.

"You're doing that face again."

"So tell me what's bothering you and I'll stop. Did something happen off-world?"

Tamsin poked at her meatloaf with a fork. How could she explain the situation without sounding paranoid and over-sensitive? "I don't know. Something just seemed wrong about the whole set up. It looked too perfect somehow. Every patient in the medical centre looked a picture of health, like they weren't even ill to begin with.

"I asked about community work, how they treat outlying communities. Amdir just waved it off, as if he didn't care. It's all in my report, anyway."

Carson seemed to consider this for a moment, before meeting her eyes with one of those shrewd looks that reminded her of just how perceptive he was. "There's something that's not in the report, though, isn't there?"

She shivered, remembering the moment Amdir had shaken her hand. She'd had a bad taste in her mouth for the rest of the trip. "Amdir is a creep. He implied that he'd be willing to negotiate a better deal for certain … favours."

"He propositioned you?" Carson's expression was a mixture of distaste, shock and a hint of icy fury.

"Well… yes, although I think it extended to anyone. I don't think he's particularly fussy." Tamsin watched Carson as he leaned back in his seat, visibly perturbed by what she'd just told him. Suddenly she was desperate that Carson didn't get the wrong impression.

"Nothing happened, I promise. I know I didn't give Amdir any reason to think I might…" She felt the bile rising again. Amdir had attempted to send Reed away more than once, but he'd steadfastly refused to break Lorne's orders. "Lieutenant Reed was with me the whole time and I can handle myself. I'm recommending nobody be alone in the creep's company though.

"You're not angry with me, are you?"

Carson reached across the table and took her hand. "No, of course I'm not angry with you; it wasn't your fault. Promise you'll look after yourself while I'm away? I… worry about you."

"You shouldn't."

"Yes, I should." The anger in Carson's eyes softened to concern and something else; something Tamsin would rather not acknowledge. She looked away, breaking the moment.

"So, dessert or film first?" she said briskly.

Carson released her hand, backing off. "How about both? Didn't you say I could choose the film?"

"Of course, my DVDs are in the case."

Carson pushed out of his chair and reached for the black zipped case on the shelf above the desk. He flipped through the plastic pockets, while Tamsin gathered up plates and cutlery.

"Well, now. I haven't seen this for years." He held up a home-copied disc.

Tamsin could just make out Monty Python and the Holy Grail in her own faded block capitals.

"It's one of my favourites. I hope it still works, actually."

Carson perched on the bed, inserting the disc into the laptop's drive and setting it running. He looked up as Tamsin approached, a hint of worry on his face again.

"Is this a good idea?" He gestured vaguely to the bed, clearly wondering if she had ulterior motives.

"I'll behave if you will," she smirked. "Unless you'd rather not watch the film at all …?"

"I'm afraid I'm no good for anything beyond cuddling tonight." He seemed exhausted, involuntarily rubbing his forehead and frowning.

Her instincts were immediately on alert. "Headache? We can do this another time if you want."

"No, no, I'd rather be here with you." He flashed a reassuring grin and shuffled to one side of the mattress.

Tamsin settled next to Carson, passing him a fruit cup and spoon. They ate as the titles of the film rolled. When they finished Tamsin laid her head on Carson's shoulder. He glanced down at her, then slipped his arm around her shoulders. She couldn't help but place a soft kiss on his cheek and snuggled closer. Heat and passion were all very well, she decided, and she'd had more than a few thoughts in that direction recently, but the little moments like this were the ones that built a relationship.

The film had just reached the 'flesh wound' scene with King Arthur and the Black Knight arguing over the severity of the latter's injuries during their fight. Tamsin wryly though it wasn't dissimilar to certain moments in the infirmary. She was about to share her observation with Carson, when she spotted him rubbing at his left temple. He was trying to be subtle, perhaps hoping she wouldn't notice, but it wasn't working.

"Have you still got that headache?" she asked.

He winced a little. "Aye, but it's okay; It's a just a side effect of the serum. I'm due my weekly dose tomorrow."

"Taken anything for it?"

"Sometimes paracetamol helps, but not tonight and I don't want to take anything stronger." He shrugged. "It's a fact of my life."

She thought for a moment. "Would you let me try something?"

"Depends what it is."

"You'll like it, I promise. Lie down and take your shirt off."

Carson raised an eyebrow, but reached for the zip of his uniform top. Tamsin rose from the bed and collected a small bottle of grapeseed oil from the bathroom and a light blanket from the couch.

When she turned back, she had to take a moment at the sight of Carson half-naked on her bed. She blushed as he caught her eye with a wicked little grin that almost had her in a puddle on the floor. Headache or not, he knew she was checking him out.

He watched her as she gently laid the blanket over his chest and stomach, leaving his shoulders free.

"I don't want you to get cold," she explained. "Just close your eyes and relax."

Carson didn't reply, but closed his eyes and shifted a little, clearly trying to get comfortable.

She poured some of the oil into her palm, warming it and distributing it over her fingers. "Let me know if anything's not working for you, ok?"

A small nod from Carson and Tamsin set to work.

It had been a while since she'd done this for anyone, but she found the technique almost instinctive. As she stroked and kneaded Carson's neck and shoulders she could see and feel the tension easing from him, his muscles relaxing under her touch. She found herself relaxing as well, something that often happened when she worked on someone she was close to.

A while later, Tamsin was almost reluctant to finish the massage, but there was only so much she could do. He looked so at ease now, she thought he might have fallen asleep. It wouldn't be the first time that had happened.

She pulled up the blanket and gently touched him on the shoulder. "Carson, I'm done now, but you can stay there as long as you like."

He opened his eyes, looking sleepily at her. "Mm, lovely, thank you."

"You're welcome, love. Take your time."

He took her at her word, yawned and rolled onto his side, snuggling down with a contented sigh.

With a last glance at Carson, Tamsin went to the bathroom to rinse her hands, then collected her laptop from the desk where she'd put it out of the way. She'd leave Carson to rest and carry on with her work for now.

SGA

"Busy again?"

Tamsin looked up from her screen to see Carson lying on his side, gazing at her.

"Staring again?" she retorted mildly.

He sat up and she quickly averted her eyes as he stretched and reached for the discarded top, pulling it on.

"You work too hard. What is it you're doing, anyway?" he asked, rising from the bed and coming to sit next to her on the couch.

"I keep asking myself the same thing," she replied. "At the moment, I'm trying to work out if oleiris roots that the Belarans use for pain relief are the same thing as m'erik that the I'ha use as an aphrodisiac."

She turned the screen to show Carson two digital photographs of a knobbly root that looked very much like fresh ginger, but was purplish-red in colour.

He peered at the computer. "They do look similar… I wonder if they have an effect on serotonin levels. Have you had them chemically analysed?"

"That was my plan, but there aren't any viable samples in the city and nobody's available to go and collect more. It's not a high priority project, so I've just got to wait." She shrugged.

"I'm intrigued; what is this project?"

Tamsin could feel the enthusiasm welling up inside her at Carson's genuine interest. Apart from Jennifer, she hadn't really discussed her research in detail with anyone. "What I'm trying to do is conduct a comprehensive study of indigenous medicine for all the people we trade with. Who uses what plant for what treatment, what diseases occur where, any holistic therapies, that sort of thing. I have this crazy idea of helping people not be dependent on us for medical help if at all possible."

"That's an ambitious plan." His tone was even, but she could see the spark of curiosity in his eyes.

"I know. I've barely scratched the surface. It's next to impossible without actually seeing practical applications and the Ancient database isn't all that helpful."

"I don't imagine it would be, most civilisations in Pegasus developed independently on once the Ancients returned to Earth," he said.

She nibbled her thumbnail thoughtfully, looking into the middle distance. Of course, that explained the lack of information – why hadn't she remembered the Ancients had cleared off after the Wraith war? Idiot, she told herself.

"I didn't know you can read Ancient as well as everything else."

She smiled a little, Carson's confidence in her abilities was rather sweet, but sadly misplaced this time. "I wish I could. No, I flounder about looking for familiar phrases, then ask one of the linguists to translate passages. I'm still waiting for translations from two months ago."

He laughed softly, then turned thoughtful. "Is someone taking this over when you go back to Earth?"

"Actually, I'm hoping to continue." She bit her lip. "I've submitted a request for permanent assignment to Atlantis."

"Oh. I see," he said, seemingly a little surprised. "Won't you miss Earth?"

"Not as much as I'd miss Atlantis."

"Oh." He reached across, sliding his fingers into her hair. "I'm glad you've decided to stay."

She smiled, and brushed her lips against his. "I haven't heard whether it's been approved yet, though."

"Then we'll just cross our fingers," he said quietly, and drew her into a soft, lingering kiss. Mm, she thought, I could get used to this.

"How's your headache?" she asked a little while later.

"Much better, thank you," he replied with a grateful smile that showed his dimple.

She eased back out of his arms before her thoughts could wander to other things they could do to ease a headache. "Do you want to watch the rest of the film?" she asked.

"Aye, if you'd like to."

Carson rose from the couch, offering her a hand up as he did so. He kept hold of her hand while they crossed the few steps to the bed and Tamsin started the DVD again. She settled against him, head on his shoulder and an arm across his stomach, whilst he rested his hand on her hip. For once, she was truly content and she very nearly opened her mouth to tell him so, but a fleeting thought stopped her. To say anything now would jinx the moment.

SGA

"Tam, love, you're nearly asleep," Carson whispered a while later.

"Mm. Comfy." She really didn't want to move.

"You might want to lie down though, you'll get a stiff neck and my arm's gone to sleep," he replied.

She sat up and swayed a little from tiredness. She blinked at him and wondered when the lights had dimmed. She also spotted the laptop screen had gone dark. She'd missed the end of the film, but never mind.

"Will you stay? Here, I mean, with me." The request was out before she could stop it, fatigue loosening her tongue.

"If that's what you want," he replied gently.

She hadn't meant to ask, but he seemed okay with the idea, so she'd go with it this time. "I do."

He smiled and went to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. She quickly changed into the t-shirt and shorts she wore to bed, then slipped under the blanket. Moments later, Carson emerged from the bathroom. He toed off his shoes, placing them neatly by the couch, then slipped out of his trousers and shirt, folding them on the couch. She switched off the lights and turned onto her side as Carson climbed into the bed and curled around her back, his warm hand coming to rest on her stomach.

"Thanks for staying. G'night," she whispered.

"Anytime, love," he replied, dropping a soft kiss on her shoulder.

She smiled to herself and fell asleep almost instantly for the first time in months.

SGA

At first, Carson wasn't sure what woke him, but as consciousness returned, so did sensation. He was immediately aware of Tamsin pressed against him, his right arm around her, his hand still on her stomach. His left was beginning to protest the fact that he'd slept on it for most of the night. Slowly, he tried to relieve the pins and needles without disturbing Tamsin.

She mumbled and shifted onto her back, her hip brushing his lower stomach. Pins and needles were overtaken as sensation stirred in other places. A tiny part of his brain told him he should probably be embarrassed, but he found he didn't really care. She'd not said it outright last night, but something had told him the study wasn't the only reason she was staying. For a moment Carson allowed himself to imagine waking up like this every morning.

She muttered again and rolled to her side, now leaning against him. Her left arm slipped around his shoulder and she snuggled into him, her hair tickling his neck, her breath warming his skin.

"Hi," she whispered, pressing her lips onto his chest, then pulling back slightly. He could barely contain the rush of emotion as he gazed into her eyes.

"Hi," he echoed, risking a gentle brush of his lips against hers.

"Oh." The right corner of her mouth quirked upwards and a hint of mischief sparkled in her eyes. She leant forward and offered a deeper kiss, fingers grazing along his hairline. He shivered slightly, briefly wondering if they should be doing this now. Her breasts pressed against his bare chest and he could feel her nipples already stiff through the thin cotton of her t-shirt. That sent sharp pleasure zinging down to his groin. With a soft moan, he instinctively slid his hand down her back and cupped her backside, pulling her flush against him. She sighed and lifted her thigh over his, opening to him, hips rocking into his.

"Are you sure?" he managed to ask, easing away for a moment.

She nodded, and pulled him into a fierce kiss, shifting onto her back once again. He found himself half on top of her and couldn't help a couple of thrusts against her hip. It felt so good he had to bite his lip not to lose control there and then – it had been so long since he'd done this, but that was the last thing he wanted; it had to be good for Tamsin, too.

Forcing himself to slow down a little, he began trailing light kisses along her jaw, down her neck to that sweet spot that he knew drove her nuts. She gasped softly as he flicked his tongue into the hollow, just as she did that first time, and wrapped a leg around his lower back. He matched it with a gasp of his own and claimed her mouth with a hungry kiss.

An obnoxiously loud beeping pierced the haze and Carson flinched, drawing shaky breaths.

"Bugger!" Tamsin growled and slapped the alarm clock making the offending noise.

She met his eye with a rueful grin, her own breathing rather rapid. "I forgot all about that. I've got the early shift today."

He groaned, flopping back down beside her. "And I'm off-world in a couple of hours." He glanced at the clock. "Think we've got time for a shower?"

She gave him a thoroughly filthy smile. "I wouldn't be responsible for my actions if you joined me and we'd definitely both be late for work." She sobered a little, her expression softening. "Anyway, I thought you wanted it to be special?"

"Aye, I do. I wasn't thinking." Although the purely male part of him would take anything on offer right now, deep down he knew it would so much better if they could take their time and properly get to know each other.

"You were thinking, just not with your brain," she smirked, then trailed a finger lightly across his stomach. He yelped and squirmed away from the ticklish contact, nearly falling off the edge of the bed in the process. Smooth move, you daft bugger, he told himself.

"Minx." He huffed, and shot a dark look at Tamsin, but she only giggled, knowing it was all part of the game. It was nearly impossible to be annoyed with her when she did that. Christ, she really knew how to push his buttons.

He sat up and swung his legs out of the bed, then grabbed his shirt and uniform trousers from the couch where he had left them last night. Though he had his back to Tamsin, he knew she was ogling him and he took his time getting dressed; he could tease just as much as her. He found his jacket on one of the office chairs and casually shrugged it on, slowly pulling up the zipper. He caught her eye and from her rapt expression she was clearly imagining quite the opposite action. A little thrill of anticipation ran through him at the thought.

He walked back to the bed and leant in for a goodbye kiss.

"When I get back, we can talk properly, work this out," he promised as he stood up.

Tamsin nodded and smiled, and silently watched as he let himself out. He turned back to wave a little. As he did so he thought he saw a glimpse of fear in her expression, but it was gone in an instant and she simply said "be safe, Carson."

"Always," he replied and thought her door shut behind him.