Claire didn't even have to think about – if Rose was going to spoil her chance of getting laid tonight, she could think again.

"Don't be so tight Rose, relax, just go with him."

"No way, sorry, whoever you are but you're really not my type."

"He's got a beard, Alec's got a beard," Claire replied, trying to get to her feet again when she'd sat on the chair.

"Stop going on about Alec."

"Who's Alec?" the man who was trying to grab Rose by her waist and getting a dig in the ribs for even trying to ask her.

"Never you mind, now get lost."

"Aw come on darlin' just a little biddy kiss?"

"Gross, no way am I snogging you. Come on Claire, neither of us have enough money to get back on our own."

"He'll pay, won't you love?" she asked the man who was trying to bite her neck and who just nodded enthusiastically.

"Well I'm coming with you then, he can sit in the back if he wants to come along for the ride but if he tries anything, seat belt or not, he'll be through the cab windscreen."

"Don't get so worked up Rose, you just want to shag Alec, don't deny it."

"Who's Alec?" the other man asked again.

"Forget it Claire and if I did, what's it got to do with you?"

"He's my friend, not yours, that's what. I wish I'd never invited him down last Sunday."

"Well you did and I talked to him, so what? Oh, I get it, you invited him down to show him off to me then tell me to back off and he's out of bounds?"

Claire knew she'd been caught fair and square, that had been half her intention but it seemingly was beginning to backfire on her.

"Oh come on or we'll never get a taxi." Claire turned to the man with her. "Your mate's out of luck, you still coming then?"

The man nodded and took his mate to one side then they both followed Rose and Claire out of the bar, Claire clinging hold of her friend for support. They saw a food vendor and Claire wanted some chips, Rose saying she'd pass, then they joined the queue for a taxi and Rose was praying Alec would turn up soon but she turned around and was about to call him but sent him a quick message since she didn't want him to be used as a cab telling him to meet her at Claire's cottage.

That was when Alec pulled over at the side of the road and squinted at the small screen, reading Rose's message.

'Change of plans, we're getting a taxi to Claire's, meet me there?'

He quickly sent one back, since it was nearer to turn around then take the turnoff for Claire's than continue to Weymouth and he was already regretting coming out. Why had he though? He'd only met Rose twice and he was feeling like a teenager again and when she'd called him earlier, he was ready to go to her rescue, mainly so she'd thank him and agree to do some spying on Claire for him but now, that wasn't his only motive.

Getting to know Rose would lead to other things, romantic things he thought he'd never find himself wanting again but he had his condition to think about and she would do him no good in that regard but he'd have to be honest with her, he'd never told Claire or even Tess. He started the car again, checked the road in both directions and turned the car back in the direction he'd just come from and hoped he wouldn't have to wait too long for her or she'd find him asleep at the wheel though maybe he could close his eyes while he waited.

Rose had insisted on sitting in the front of the taxi, twice having to reach back and almost break the hand of the bloke sat behind her while Claire and hers were stuffing their tongues down each others throats and were oblivious to everyone else, including the driver, who'd seen worse before now and thought it was quite tame.

Rose vaguely remembered which turn-off to send the cab driver down off the main road and the car slowly made its way down the track to the row of cottages, she was thankful there was a car with dimmed headlights waiting just past Claire's.

Claire was aware they'd arrived and looked out of the windscreen.

"Who's that outside my cottage? Rose, did you call Alec?"

"What else was I supposed to do Claire? You were going to leave me there or make me go with him," she nodded her head in the direction of the man behind her as the car stopped.

Rose couldn't get out fast enough but Claire was even faster, leaving the other two men and the driver wanting to be paid for his troubles. Alec had heard the car and got out as Rose approached him, Claire having slowed down when she saw it was actually him.

"What are you doing here Alec? In case you've not noticed, we're with someone."

Alec took no notice and strode past Rose and Claire and held his ID card out to the cab driver.

"Take these two back where they came from."

"He's not going anywhere," Claire told him, grabbing the bloke she'd been snogging.

"Well ok then, take the other one back."

"Is he Alec?" the other man asked indignantly as Rose approached.

"Yeah and he'll kick your ass if you don't get back in that cab and leave, right now."

"Come on mate, I've got other fares waiting," the cab driver complained, wishing he could just go and leave them to sort it out.

He didn't want any trouble with the local police and this bloke still holding his ID card looked like he meant business, especially if the woman who'd been sat in the front was his girlfriend and the other bloke was trying to muscle in on her.

The man with Claire was trying to get away. "Oh no you don't, get inside you."

"But my mate," he protested, in a slurred voice as the cold night air and the alcohol were beginning to mix nicely.

"Your mate is going back, you can please yourself," Alec insisted as he grabbed at the other man's collar and reached for the back door of the cab. "Go on, go home or I'll have someone come and pick you up for being drunk and disorderly."

"But I've done nothing," the man protested.

Claire wanted to scream. "Alec, I swear if this one gets in that cab, I'll make sure Tess hears about everything."

"Not now Claire, beside, what have you got to tell her? The truth maybe?"

The cab driver had decided enough was enough and started backing up so he could turn around, since Alec's car was parked in the other turning point.

Claire huffed, grabbed hold of the man she'd somehow persuaded to stay and was dragging him towards the cottage and digging into her pocket for her key. She suddenly turned around as Alec held Rose back.

"You're not going in there with her are you?"

"No she's not, thanks Rose, you're a real mate. Go on then go off with Alec, you've been a misery all night since I told you I'd found us a couple of blokes. Tell him then, tell Alec you want to shag the life out of him. Did you know that Alec? Rose fancies the pants off you, she told me, in the ladies, what she wants to do with you."

"Stop it Claire, go sober up and whatever you think you have to tell Tess, go ahead, she knows how much of a liar you are when it comes to Sandbrook."

"I wasn't talking about Sandbrook Alec," Claire retaliated, turning around and walking off.

Rose was standing next to Alec's car.

"I suppose I shouldn't have got you into that?"

"Forget it, she'll cool down. You should have stayed where you were Rose."

"And get left with him? No thanks. I was a bit scared Alec, he's bigger than me, I may not have been able to fight him off for much longer, he could have dragged me off somewhere."

There was no point in telling him she could have taken the bloke with one hand tied behind her back, what would be the fun in that? She'd play the innocent damsel in distress and Alec could think he was her knight in shining armour. What was the harm in it?

"Well be more careful next time. Come on, it's way past my bedtime. I don't suppose there's any point in telling you do to anything like wait?"

Rose just smiled and wondered if Claire had hit the nail on the head. She decided she should maybe keep quiet on the way back, until they came to the first turn-off for Broadchurch which was a quiet country road and Rose wondered if he'd gone that way on purpose but they soon came to a village, Alec turning the car right and following the road until they came out just by the harbour and Rose was relieved to find he'd followed a shortcut on the sat nav.

"So where do you live then?" he asked as he followed the harbour road, hoping he could just go up by the side of the station if she lived up in the town.

Rose directed him past the police station and he stopped in front of the apartments. He turned off the engine and they sat in silence.

"Thanks for rescuing me."

"No problem, despite the time. You seem rather sober at the side of Claire."

"I wasn't in the mood for drinking but I'd already promised I'd go with her, I wish I hadn't now."

"Well I would not have had to come and rescue you then, would I?"

"Can I at least offer you some tea, or some hot chocolate?"

"It's late Rose, I really should get home."

What had he to go back to though? An empty house where he would be on his own, not that he wasn't used to it by now but this very pretty young blonde was inviting him in for a late night drink, when would he get another invitation? He shouldn't seem so enthusiastic about it though, he didn't want her to think he was desperate for some female company, even though he was but not that desperate to take up with Claire.

What had Claire been getting at though? What could she possibly be dreaming up to tell Tess? Tess could see right through her anyway and if it was what she had insinuated about Rose wanting to take him to bed, it would surprise his ex wife rather than anger her that someone else wanted him.

"Well in that case, how about Sunday lunch? I was going to make it for Claire but even if she's sobered up, I doubt she'll come down now after tonight's fiasco. I was just going to do chicken."

He really should accept the invitation or go to the takeaway rather than face having lunch on his own and no-one would be in the station.

"Then I accept, thank you. Don't worry about Claire, she'll be talking to you again by Monday I expect."

"Yeah, then she's off on Tuesday and I have the next two days off."

"You only work part time then and yet you can afford an apartment on the sea front?"

"I manage, everything's included, it's only temporary, the salon went a bit quiet. Besides, I've got some money saved up, a great aunt left me something in her will and I get a monthly amount from a trust fund."

That was what she had decided to tell anyone who questioned her financial position, best not tell anyone, especially a police officer she had a limitless bank card.

Alec wasn't aware what day Claire was off but maybe now, he could ask Rose to go to the Miller house with him, that was if he didn't stuff up a little thing like having Sunday lunch with her.

He started to get out of the car, reaching in the side pocket to retrieve the 'Police' sign and putting it on the dashboard.

"I doubt there will be any traffic wardens at this time of night Alec," Rose smiled, reaching for the door handle.

"I would not want any of the residents complaining a strange car had pulled up outside. I insist that I walk you to your door anyway."

"Thanks, that would be nice."

It was only a short walk but as they stopped at the steps that led to the balcony, Alec held out his hand to help her.

"I've not had that much to drink Alec."

"I was not inferring you had Rose, I was hoping you would help me?"

"Very funny Alec but I'll humour you."

He was rather hoping she would. He was disappointed hers was the first door.

"Thanks again, are you sure about the drink?"

What did he have to lose by accepting? It was now getting on for midnight and he really should go home but the way she was looking at him, she looked as lonely as he was.

"Well, ok then, I've not had any hot chocolate for a while."

In the dim light outside on the opposite low railing, he could see a smile on her face. She opened the door and put the hall light on then went across to the living room and put her shoulder bag over the chair.

"Make yourself at home Alec, I'll go put the kettle on."

Alec had followed her and was looking out at the moon on the water. He shivered at the thought of seeing Pippa in the river and if he were to contemplate taking up with Rose Tyler, staring out to sea was not going to help him. Rose came back in and he absent-mindedly ran his fingers through his hair, sweeping it back.

"You need a haircut Alec, why don't you come up to the salon and I'll cut it for you?"

He cringed at the thought but maybe if Rose was to trim it?

"I don't know exactly where it is, I just know the name of it and Claire will be there."

"She won't be on Tuesday. I'll make an appointment for you, just come in when you can but I go to lunch at twelve thirty so if you make it before then, we can grab something to eat. That's if you want to? We can go back to the outdoor café by the station again."

"I'm sure you have better things to do than have lunch with me Rose?"

"No, not really, I doubt Claire will be the same now, she'll be in a mood with me."

She went off to make the drinks and came back, being careful to give him the one without the tiny marshmallow pieces in.

"She'll get over it, you are the only friend she has and I'll be her enemy now."

"Maybe we'll both be her enemy?" Rose mused, standing by the window and gazing out.

She knew why Mickey had chosen this place – because of her goodbye at Bad Wolf Bay and even though it had been obvious she and James would take up with each other, Mickey had planned all this in case it didn't work out and she came back. She had checked her device was still working and she was going to do that every Sunday from now on, James had explained to her the other world may fade in and out, depending on the timelines and she knew she shouldn't panic if one day it wouldn't switch on, she'd just have to wait until the two worlds were back in sync with each other and he'd avoided the possibility she would go back to the wrong time which was why she'd insisted the Doctor brought her to the right year.

When she'd thought about it though, had James made a mistake by sending her a year out and would it make any difference to her getting back, should she choose to return? Maybe not, his driving had always been off although it seemed this new Doctor had perfected it somewhat.

Alec was standing behind her, wondering if he should make his move on her or not, he'd had enough of rejection from Tess and he didn't want to spoil his chances but he'd have to sooner or later or some other man may steal her away, well not any man she picked up in a bar though. They finished their drinks and Alec held his hand out to take the empty mug.

"You should close the curtains Rose."

"There's hardly anyone around at this time of night, trust me. I just like the view, it reminds me of something."

"You don't have to tell me, if you'd rather not," he replied, daring to step closer.

"It's nothing, it was a long time ago, seven years to be exact, I should have got over it by now."

"That depends on what it was. Some things are not so easily forgotten."

"I said goodbye to someone, by the sea but it wasn't here, it was in Norway."

"Why were you in Norway?"

Rose smiled. "It was someone I used to travel with, we got as far as Norway and things started getting complicated and he left me."

Alec reached his arms out to see if she would back away but wishing the curtains were not still open.

"Why would anyone want to leave you?" he asked as Rose stepped even closer and he started putting one arm then the other around her.

"It doesn't matter Alec. I found someone else eventually but we had a blazing row and I left him and came down here to forget it. I'm running away Alec."

"We are all running away from something Rose. Me, I'm running away from a case that went bad on me and my ex wife and I never found anyone to help me. That's why I'm helping Claire hide from her husband, he was part of the investigation and she turned on him."

"You don't have to explain it to me Alec."

"Well I would rather explain it than you think I'm helping her for any other reason. Rose, would you like to go out with me on Tuesday night? My DS invited me for dinner and I'd feel a bit awkward going on my own. I already told her I may bring someone with me."

"Oh. Were you going to ask Claire?"

"Hell no, I was going to ask you. So, would you come with me? My DS thinks I'm a bit of a recluse, amongst other things."

"You're asking me to go with you to prove her wrong then?" she teased, feeling herself rest her head on his chest and his arms closing around her.

What was she thinking of? He was almost the twin of James and although that was over, she really should try and get away from similar men but when he kissed the top of her head, she glanced up at him.

"I'll come with you, on the condition you let me cut your hair for you and you make it clear to her you are not a recluse."

"Well, that's not all she calls me behind my back I'm sure but yes, I'll let you cut my hair but don't tell Claire, I declined her offer to do the same."

"I'll swear the others to secrecy then. So, we have a date then?"

"You want to call it a date?" he asked, sounding surprised.

"What's so bad about it being a date? You a bit out of practice at dating then?"

"Honestly? Yes, just a wee bit I suppose. It's just dinner at the house of someone I work with."

"Fine, a non-date then?" she teased.

"Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint you by saying it was not a date, would I? If you're inviting me to lunch tomorrow, I suppose you could look at it as a second date?"

She started putting her arms around his back, under his now open jacket, making him move even closer as he felt her hands on his shirt and wished they were under it and not on top. He leaned down and went for her neck, he'd not forgotten that much as he kissed it gently then when she didn't push him away, he repeated it several times until Rose knew she couldn't resist him for much longer and moved slightly so they caught each others eyes.

He stopped what he was doing and tried to judge the right angle to get the most of kissing her properly as she reached up.

"So, what Claire said back there?" he asked, a smile on his face.

"I never said a word to her, I didn't want her to think I wanted to make a play for you."

"Ah but I was right though, she saw through you anyway and you do fancy me?"

"Alec, shut up and just kiss me already."

"Only if you want to make more of it?"

"Well you won't find out unless you do kiss me, will you?"

With that, he decided he really did have nothing to lose, she was willing to take a chance and so was he as he brushed her lips with his own and then felt the kiss deepen as she sank her lips into his.

"Alec, stay with me?"

"Rose, I would love to but I can't, really."

Rose pulled back slightly. "I must have got my wires crossed then?"

"No, you did no such thing and I really would love to continue seeing you?"

"Yeah, I'd like that too, I was just getting way too ahead of myself, maybe I've drunk more than I thought after all?"

He could tell she was disappointed.

"Rose, it's not you, really, you are far too gorgeous and I don't deserve your attention but it's me, I have this condition and I've never told anyone, not even my ex."

"Then tell me Alec, I deserve to know, don't I? You told your friend you'd be bringing someone to dinner with you, was that to prove to her you could get a girlfriend?"

"Well partly but I wanted to ask you out when I'd left Claire's last Sunday and when I saw you opposite the station, I couldn't resist the urge to go over and talk to you. Then when Miller asked me, I thought it was a good way of asking you on a date with me and I was thinking how the hell I was going to ask you to come with me and then you rang earlier and I thought if I went out to rescue you, well I'd get the chance to ask you to go with me."

Rose put her finger on his lips to stop him, he was so like James, whose gob didn't stop for anything.

"Alec, shut up and just kiss me again and if you want to leave, then fine but you can trust me, so tell me what's wrong with you and maybe I can help?"

"Oh Rose, I really wish you could help but no-one can, I can only help myself and I will. I was going to wait until I solved this case but I won't put it off now. Rose, I have a heart condition, I have to take medication for it and I'm waiting to see a specialist so I can be considered for a pacemaker."

He thought if that wasn't going to put her off, nothing would. He waited for her reaction.

"Then tell me what to do if you have an attack but please Alec, please stay with me?"

"You want me to stay, after what I told you?"

"Yes, because like Claire said, I really do fancy the pants off you."

She pulled him down for another kiss, not caring if anyone passing on the other side of the esplanade could see them or not.