Sean studied Kelsey's facial expressions; the crease in her brow and the slight downturn from the edge of her lips as her eyes scanned whatever notification had grabbed her attention.

    "You good?" He all but whispered, aware of the sudden tonal shift that had taken place in this small hotel room. Kelsey's eyes darted up from the screen, blinking suddenly.

    "Umm, yeah." She replied, she turned her phone screen so that Sean could clearly see what had caused her a great distraction. "This just took me by surprise, that's all."

  Sean read his brother's words, the night before in the parent's garden flooding back in. Taking a deep breath Sean tore his gaze away from the message and held Kelsey's eyes once again in his own.

     "Well he's not wrong." He replied, throat taught. "He definitely owes you an explanation."

  Kelsey bit down on her lower lip, a turbulent storm behind her eyes. Taking her hands in his, Sean squeezed them gently, a small sigh leaving his lips as a delicate smile pulled them upwards.

     "How about I get us some breakfast?" He quipped, eyebrow raising as the tension began to evaporate. "I'm guessing this place offers something along those lines?"

      "Don't expect a five star spread but yeah, they have a breakfast selection in the room to the right of the reception." Kelsey said, her shoulders slowly returning to a relaxed state.

      "As long as there's some form of coffee, I'm sure we'll survive." Sean laughed pulling away, his hands slowly reaching for the edge of his shirt, his fingers meticulously threading the buttons through each hole until his torso and chest were covered.

      "I'll take anything." Kelsey said, her eyes lighting up with Sean's generosity. Throwing her phone to the bed she stepped forward placing her hand firmly on Sean's chest. Applying light pressure she pushed him in the direction of the door, a sly smile tugging her lips up on one side.

      "Plus I'd love to jump in the shower." She paused, a devilish glint caused Sean's heart to skip a beat. "Would equally love it if you were to join, but..." She pouted her lips before the grin fully took over. Sean felt fire ignite within him, the thought of breakfast and coffee slowly disappeared into the background.
       "...we'll leave that till we have a more spacious shower."

       "I'm sure we could make do with what we've got." Sean responded, his voice deep in lust filled desire. His eyes falling heavy on Kelsey's as his hands traced the sides of her waist downwards, teasingly playing with the hem of her T-shirt between his fingers. 

  Kelsey bit down on her lower lip, the slight pressure keeping her thoughts narrowed, no matter how much she wanted to let this play out. Shaking her head she pushed him gently away, resulting in a low groan escape from his throat.

     "I've got to keep you interested." She laughed, walking past him and unlatching the door. "Make you want to rush back to London." Turning to look to look back at him, she winked.

     "Not a chance I'm losing interest in you, Kels." He smirked walking up and stopping in the open doorway, leaning down he pecked a quick kiss on her lips. Their lips parting with symmetrical smiles.
      "I'll get us that breakfast now otherwise there's no way either of us are leaving the room for the rest of this day."

                                                                                   ...................................................................................................................

  With a final huff the zip of Kelsey's bag fastened, its teeth barely holding the canvas shut, the contents threatening to bust out at any given moment.

      "So I'm meant to believe that you only intended to stay just the one night." Sean teased, his eyebrows raised as he downed the last of his coffee.

      "I'm very indecisive." Kelsey responded. "It was also very last minute and didn't know what exactly my battle plan was at the time."
       "Definitely was not expecting this all to happen."

       "Nope." Kelsey smiled up at him, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "But I like to believe in fate. Like some invisible string was pulling us together. Hence the subconscious need to pack exactly what I ended up needing."

       "Ah yes." Sean placed his now empty cup down on the side table next to the pates that barred the evidence of croissant crumbs. "Let's blame the fates for your over packing." Laughing, he delicately held her chin in his hand as he planted a kiss on her forehead.

      "It's just easier that way." Kelsey sighed happily, the warmth of his touch never failing to make her heart flutter.
      "Then I thank the fates for pulling us back together."

   Pulling back, Sean reached down and heaved the bag off of the bed, feigning shock at the weight before easing it over his shoulder.

      "Oh Ha-Ha." Kelsey rolled her eyes. "You sure it's alright to keep this in your car?"

      "Of course." Sean gave his signature smile. "Are you sure you don't want me to give you a lift down to the cafe?"

      "It's just down the road." Kelsey replied. Her hands going clammy at the realisation of her agreement to meet up with Jake loomed closer and closer. "Plus the walk will give me time to mentally prepare for what Jake has to say."

       "I don't think the distance is long enough for that."
       "Oh shush."
       "I can provide a perfect distraction for you beforehand."

       "It's your distraction that I'm trying to avoid." Kelsey laughed, reaching for her coat from the chair behind Sean. Her body pressing against his as she looked up at him. "The last thing I need to be doing whilst your brother is being genuinely sincere is thinking about your mouth roaming all aspects of my body."

  She watched as his Addams apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, his lips twitching and threatening to pull back in a smirk.
         "Touché, Owens."

   Slipping her arms into the sleeves she smiled victoriously, flipping her red curls onto her shoulders. Taking her handbag from the vanity she scanned the room to make sure nothing had been left behind. The room looked the same as it was the day she first arrived, except the cold blues of the interior somehow looked more vibrant and the dripping of the taps in the bathroom no longer echoed but chimed rhythmically.

  Kelsey sighed peacefully. Everything had changed for the better.

  Sean extended his free hand towards her, she took it, interlocking her fingers with his.
      "You ready?"
      "Let's go."

   Giving her hand a quick squeeze Sean walked towards the door, letting go only to open the door and hold it for Kelsey to pass through.
Grabbing the plastic keycard, Kelsey tapped her fingers against it. The pit in her stomach started to open.

       "I kind of don't want this to end." She laughed, leaning her head on Seans shoulder as the door shut behind them.

        "Nothing's ending, Kels. We're merely hitting pause for a few days." He spoke softly, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as he guided her down the hallway towards the stairs.

        "Hmm, well I wish I could hit fast forward then." Kelsey sulked, trying to suppress a chuckle. Sean's body vibrated from the laughter that echoed in the small stairwell.

        "I'm sure your mates will help with making the time fly."
        "You have a point."
        "No doubt there'll be a 24hr inquisition awaiting you."
        "Oh easily. Cam has probably drafted an entire questionnaire for me to fill out upon arrival." 

   The corner's of Sean's eyes creased as his smile broadened and his laugh rang out once again.

       "Oh god, I've probably terrified you at the thought of meeting my friends." Kelsey stared on wide eyed. Pushing the door to the main entrance open, Sean just shook his head.

        "I'd be lying if I wasn't a little nervous." He said, eyes glinting in adoration. "But I can't wait to introduce myself, hopefully I live up to their expectations."

        "Cam probably has a questionnaire for you too." Kelsey joked, walking forward. Her boots clicking against the tiled floor in the usual silence of the foyer. Her eyes scanned the reception desk, a rush of relief flooding over her when she saw the back of a blonde head of hair hunched over the old printer near the back.
Her footsteps hastened as she approached the desk, leaving Sean trailing behind her casually.

    Clearing her throat Kelsey placed her keycard down carefully on the counter.

       "One moment. This blasted piece of crap he's eaten up the paper again." Sadie responded bluntly, hitting the top of the printer with a balled up fist. The machine beeped loudly before the whirring of mechanical pieces churned and spat out a crumpled up piece of A4. "Utter piece of shi-"

       "Have you tried turning it on and off again?" Sean's cool voice sounded against Sadie's rise of anger. Upon hearing the familiar voice Sadie turned suddenly. Her cheeks pink and eyes wide.

       "Shit sorry." She blurted running over to the counter, ignoring the spluttering of the printer. "I thought you were just some random people."

  Sean raised his hands in an understanding gesture as Kelsey smiled on at her. Sadie's gaze fell from their faces to the keycard that was on the counter in front of them and then to the bag Sean had hauled over his shoulder. Her smile faltered as she came to the realisation of their encounter.

      "You checking out?" Sadie asked almost in disbelief. Kelsey gave a small nod, meeting Sadie's eyes and smiling sympathetically.

      "Thank you for everything." Kelsey said. "You're amazing Sadie. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you."

  Sadie's face beamed once again. She slid the keycard towards her and started typing on the keyboard, the keys clicking loudly.

       "Just keep your eyes on those fancy beauty magazines. You'll see my name in them one day." She said not averting her eyes from the computer screen.
       "I don't doubt it."

   With a final click Sadie stepped back from the desk and folded her arms across her chest loosely.

        "All checked out Miss Kelsey Owens. I hope you enjoyed your stay." She raised an eyebrow and smirked as her eye's darted over at Sean. "Hope everything was to your satisfaction."

       "Everything has been perfect, Sadie." Kelsey replied shaking her head slightly at Sadie's implication. Taking a step away from the reception desk she gave a small wave. "I'll see you again."
      "I'll count on it."

  Turning away Kelsey walked towards the exit, the doors sliding slowly to reveal the blue sky and sun streaked pavements outside.

  Taking a deep breath Kelsey reached into her bag and pulled out her tobacco pouch. The anticipation of the conversation to come triggering her impulse to revert to her control measure.

      "You sure you don't want me to drop you down there?" Sean asked, taking in her nervous demeanour his eyes followed down to her slightly shaking hands as she rolled her cigarette.

       "I'm sure." She smiled, fidgeting with the cigarette between her fingers as she pulled her bag back onto her shoulder. "This and the walk will sort me right out."

   Sean leant down and kissed the top her head.
       "I'll just pop home to sort a couple things out and then I'll pick you up to take you to the station?"

       "Sounds good." Kelsey agreed. "I'll drop you a message when we're done."

  Sean gave one last reassuring smile before heading in the direction of his car. Kelsey watched as he loaded her bag into the boot before he walked round to the driver's side, giving her a wave before situating himself inside the vehicle. The sound of the engine being turned on disrupting the quiet of the car park.

  Kelsey watched as he pulled out of the parking spot and turn towards the exit onto the road, the hum of the engine growing distant as he disappeared up into the distance.

  Letting a sigh into the air, Kelsey put the cigarette to her lips and reached for her lighter. Flicking the flint a spark ignited the end, sending a trail of smoke up above her head. Taking a breath Kelsey checked the time. 11:44. She was already nearly 15 minutes late and it was another 10 minute walk to the cafe she agreed to meet Jake at. A dry chuckle left her lips.

  Oh how times had changed, she was now the one leaving him waiting.