"I think that's everything." He glanced over at her as he closed the lid of the suitcase, pressing hard until a click told him the metal clips were secure.

She rose from her position on the chair by the window as he lifted the suitcase from the bed and followed him downstairs, stopping at the foot of them. Her gaze followed his movements to and from the cupboard under the stairs, the deft movement of his fingers tying his shoe laces and then the familiar movement of his body as he slid into his coat. She moved forward then, straightened the lapels of his mac before placing her hands gently on his cheeks. They gazed silently at each other for a long moment until she finally spoke, her voice quiet, though steady despite the emotions she was holding at bay.

"You have a nice time. Enjoy yourself. Say hi to your parents from me." She moved her thumb back and forth against his cheek gently.

"Will do." He replied, turning his head to allow him to place a kiss to the palm of her hand.

She smiled softly at the sensation. After allowing his lips to linger there, she slid her fingers to his jaw, exerting a gentle pressure to turn his head a fraction, allowing her lips easier access to his. He happily obliged. His hands moved, sliding beneath her suit jacket to hold her firmly at her waist with the thin cotton of her blouse the only barrier between him and her skin. At the same time, her arms looped round his neck as she pressed herself close to him.

The kiss ended gently, both relinquishing the other's lips at the same time, though neither willing to break the closeness. Their foreheads rested gently together. His eyes were trained to her face while hers were lowered, her gaze resting on his chest.

"I'll only be gone for a couple of days Jill." He murmured.

She nodded, moving her head to rest on his shoulder, her face pressed against her neck.

He slid his hands from her waist to her back, tightening his arms around her as he released a sigh.

"I have to go now Jill. And you have to get ready for work."

She nodded, loosening her arms around him only a fraction, wanting to make the moment last as long as possible.

He released a heavy sigh, the sound harsh even to his own ears. "Jill, stop this, now. Let go."

At his tone, she immediately sprang away from him, putting a fair distance between them. She rapidly blinked back the tears, feeling foolish and embarrassed at her actions. Jill Weatherill was never clingy! He had every right to be angry with her.

"Sorry, sorry. I'm sorry." She released rapidly, at the same time as he softly uttered her name.

"Jill." He said again. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. I didn't mean it."

"It's fine." She shrugged, ignoring the hand he held out to her. "I don't know what came over me. Let's just forget about it, yes?"


He sighed as he drove away from his house, wondering if he should have addressed the issue before he left, though he knew it wouldn't be a conversation that could be had in a few minutes halfway out the door.

She was obviously reluctant for him to leave. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he realised she been reluctant to let him out of her sight all week. He sighed again, realising he definitely should have spoken to her well before that morning.