The tide was rushing up onto the sand of the deserted beach, whipped up by the strong wind. The sky above was grey and overcast but there was something cleansing about it. He walked along with his hands thrust into his pockets, breathing deeply to clear his mind and lungs.

He had to admit that the break had been good for him. The past month on seaQuest II had been a trial. They'd seemed to go from one disaster to another and the lack of sleep and continuously tense atmosphere had taken its toll on even him. So much so that he hadn't even argued when the Brass had 'suggested' he take some leave – he'd needed it. He felt drained, both physically and emotionally.

He'd considered going home but could be contacted too easily and he really did need to get away. So, with Jonathan Ford's co-operation they'd dropped him in Australia and he'd made his way to a remote island in the Ausland Confederation. There were quite a few people living there, but it was easy to find an uninhabited area when you needed it.

He'd needed it today, to think… to decide where his life was going. He couldn't stay with the seaQuest forever, although it did keep him mentally challenged, but lately he'd realised something – he was lonely.

Oh, there were people on the boat that he could talk to, but in the end he was their captain and they his crew, friendship could only go so far. Then there was Lucas… but again, there was only a certain amount that he could share with a boy. And Darwin… Sharing your innermost feelings with a dolphin was the short-cut to the funny farm. Wendy… he'd realised almost from the start that that relationship was a no-go area, which left him – alone.

He'd never really been one for parties and mixing with strangers but the chances of him meeting anyone while walking on a deserted beach were less-than-zero. With a shrug of his shoulders he walked back to the beach house he'd rented for the duration of his stay – a month they'd said, at least.

Having had enough of his own company for a while, Nathan decided to visit one of the more populated areas. He'd seen a bar-come-restaurant when he'd arrived and decided to check it out. The place was quiet that night and he sat at the bar, sipping a beer and chatting to the bartender/owner who recommended that he come back in a couple of days, Friday was always their
'busy' night. He ordered a couple of bottles to go and bade the man farewell.

Well, that had been exciting – not! Instead of being lonely in his own company, he'd been lonely in other people's… Maybe, it just wasn't meant to be? Maybe he was destined to spend the rest of his life alone?

It took him quite a while to fall asleep that night, his future suddenly seemed depressing.

It was early on Friday evening and he'd debated endlessly with himself whether to try the bar again. The place hadn't been particularly inspiring and knowing his luck all the locals would be too involved with each other to pay attention to him. He'd almost talked himself out of going, when a voice inside reminded him that he needed companionship, someone he could talk to.

He had to admit that it was busier this evening but, as he'd suspected, the patrons were all in groups, or pairs – it was funny how everyone in the world seemed to have someone, except for him. Periodically, the sound of laughter could be heard from one of the private dining rooms and his curiosity finally got the better of him. When the barman returned with his drink, he commented, "They seem to be enjoying themselves."

"That's the group from the Research Station, a few miles up the coast. They always come here on a Friday. They're okay, a bit too highbrow for my tastes but some of the women are…" He made a sort of figure of eight with his hands and Bridger got the message. "There's one in particular that I'd like to get to know better but she won't even give me the time of day."

The party in the backroom had gone quiet and Nathan assumed they'd left. He'd just decided to do the same, resigned to the fact that the evening had been a complete waste of time, when a voice sounded behind him.

"Nathan Bridger!"

He turned slowly to find himself staring into a pair of very familiar eyes. "Kristin…" He was up out of his seat in a flash and pulling her into his arms for a friendly hug. "God, Kris… what's…?"

"A nice girl like me doing in a place like this?"

He smiled broadly. "Something like that."

"I could ask the same of you."

"It's a long story."

"Well, I have the time, if you'll supply the drink."

"My pleasure, Doctor."

When they had their drinks they moved to a table by the window and spent an hour or so catching up on everything that had happened since she'd left NCQ.

"How is everyone?"

"They're all fine."

"And how are you?" She questioned.

"I'm okay, I guess."

"You don't sound very sure about that. What's wrong Nathan?"

He felt the warmth of her hand on his and looked up slightly but didn't meet her gaze. "I don't know Kris, I'm just… just…"

"Lonely." She finished for him.

Finally, he looked into her eyes. "No…Yes. How did you know?"

"Because I know you."

"I don't know how or why, it just sort of crept up on me and now I can't seem to shake it." He sounded almost embarrassed.

"Hey, it happens to all of us. Nathan, it's natural to need someone – it's human nature."

"I realise that, it's just never hit me this hard before, that's all. I was fine up till a couple of months ago, and then… pow!"

"From what you've told me, I'm not surprised. Look, are you staying locally?"

"I'm in one of the beach houses up that-a way." He indicated the general direction with a wave of his hand.

"Oh, I'm the other way. I'll tell you what… I'm working in the morning but, if you like, I could meet you here at lunchtime, maybe get a bite to eat?"

"I'd like it very much."

"Right, " she smiled happily at him as she stood to leave. "I'll see you around 1pm."

"I'll be here. Kris, it really is good to see you."

She leaned down and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before heading out of the door.

They'd spent a very pleasant hour-and-a-half over lunch and now they were strolling along the beach, stopping every now and then to examine a shell or stone as she described the local wildlife to him.

"Hey, how about this?" Kristin looked up to find him holding an old boot by the laces. "Look great in a marine collection, don't you think?"

She had a quizzical expression on her face. "You know, something has always intrigued me about that sort of thing…"

"What's that?"

"How the hell can you not know you've lost one boot? I mean, surely the minute you step onto the gravel path you'd think, 'Ouch… where's my other boot? I know I left it here somewhere.'"

"Or maybe, they just buy four or five pairs in the same style and throw the worn one away?" He offered.

"But why would one wear out more than the other? And if it's always the same one then you'd finish up with a closet full of odd boots!"

"Unless of course, you only have one leg, then you'd only need one boot."

"Good point, or you could just hop everywhere."

She'd been so intent on the conversation that she hadn't noticed the rather large wave coming in behind her until it hit, soaking her from waist to feet. When she'd recovered from the shock she saw Bridger practically doubled up with laughter.

"Oh, you are so dead Nathan Bridger."

He braced himself for anything that was about to happen but she merely returned to his side and started walking with him again. Nathan glanced at her uneasily but she just grinned.

"You don't think I'd do anything when you're expecting it, do you? That's no fun… but believe me, your turn will come."

The look on his face told her that he definitely believed her.

By the time they'd walked back to the diner – after the meal they'd had earlier, it had been downgraded from a restaurant – Kristin was dry and they decided to stop for a quick drink.

"Kristin, thank you."

"For what?"

"For a wonderful day. For making me laugh… I haven't done that in a while."

"You're welcome. And thank you, I had fun too."

"Is there... I mean, could we...?"

She put her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her hand, studying him intently. "Could we what?"

He seemed to be having trouble getting the words out. "Could I see you again tomorrow?"

"Oh." She sat back in her chair. "I'm sorry, I promised to go sailing with Andrew tomorrow."

He looked crestfallen. "Andrew?"

"He's one of the research scientists I work with. He has a new boat and he's been begging me to crew for him. I'm sorry… If I could…"

"There's nothing to be sorry for. It just didn't occur to me that you might have someone…" He trailed off.

Kristin took his hand, "How long are you here?"

"Another three weeks."

"Okay, I have to go but I'll be in touch."

"Promise?" He sounded almost desperate.

"Yes. I promise." She could see that he still wasn't convinced. "Hey, I still owe you for that little stunt you pulled this afternoon, remember? And believe me, I always get my revenge."

Nathan brightened a little. "You may be disappointed."

"You could never disappoint me, Nathan Bridger. Take care." She bent and kissed the top of his head.

Bridger ordered himself another drink, a seed of hope flowering in his heart.

He'd tried to hold on to his happy mood, really he had, but he hadn't seen or heard from her since that Saturday – and now it was Tuesday evening. He found himself wondering about this Andrew she'd mentioned. Was the man better looking? ~ Not difficult. ~ He thought dejectedly. Was he younger? ~ Probably. ~ Did she love him? ~ Maybe…~

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his cell-phone clamouring for attention. He'd left word with the Commander as to where he could be reached in case of dire emergency. "Bridger." He stated flatly.

"Hello Sailor, you sound grouchy."

"Kris. I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else."

"Well, I'm glad I'm not."

"Me too. What can I do for you?" The question sounded abrupt, even to his own ears.

"You could meet me tomorrow morning, around 10:00am."

"Where?" He hadn't wanted to sound too eager but it didn't quite work out that way. He heard her laugh.

"Miss me, did you?"

He could lie or try to be nonchalant about it but what the hell. "Yes, very much."

There was a catch in her voice as she said, "Down by the jetty nearest the Research Centre, and bring some swimming trunks. Think you can find it?"

"I'll find it."

"See you then."

She broke the connection. ~ Oh yeah, he'd find it all right. Even if he had to set out right now. ~

The morning was spent diving from the boat owned by the station, checking the ocean floor to see how well the flora and fauna were faring in their environment. Nathan had to admit that the scenery was beautiful and not just the local wildlife. He'd seen Kristin in scuba gear before onboard seaQuest, even been diving with her a few times, but she was usually clad in a wetsuit.
Kristin Westphalen in a swimming costume was another proposition entirely.

There was nothing special about the design, just your basic white, high-cut variety, but the body underneath was a vision to behold. God knew she wasn't a youngster but nevertheless her figure was incredible and the outfit emphasised her curves perfectly. When they surfaced she had a broad grin on her face.

"Like what you see, Bridger?"

He knew exactly what she meant and answered her honestly. "Oh yeah." He was surprised when she blushed a little. This was a side of her he'd never seen before.

She pointed to the boat. "Shall we?"

"If we're done here."

"I think so."

The crew helped her aboard and Kristin disappeared inside the cabin to change, emerging several minutes later in a dry swimming costume with a sarong tied at her waist. Meanwhile Nathan had removed his wet trunks and put his shorts back on, although he was still bare-chested. She stopped for a moment to take in the view.

"Like what *you* see, Doctor?"

"Not bad… not bad at all." They both laughed and then she asked if he was hungry.

"Starving."

"Back in a minute."

He watched as she went to have a word with the others and then the engine started up and he noticed they were heading for a small island.

"What's here?" He asked when she returned.

"Lunch."

They were deposited on the beach, along with a picnic hamper and a couple of large bags before the boat headed back out to sea. Nathan looked at her questioningly.

"It's okay, they have some more research they want to do. They'll pick us up on the way back, probably just after sunset."

"Sounds good to me."

"Right, let's get this show on the road." She opened one of the bags and pulled out a large blanket for them to sit on and a smaller one for the food.

Inside the hamper was an array of cold cuts including chicken, sandwiches and fruit. He even found a bottle of wine. "This would be better chilled."

"No problem." She delved into the other bag and produced a strange-looking transparent container. When it was opened he could see that it was half full of ice.

"Won't that melt?"

"Nope. We use these to keep specimens fresh for long journeys." Taking the bottle from him, she nestled it inside and put the lid back, snapping the fasteners shut. "Ain't technology a wonderful thing?"

"Sure is…" he smiled.

After spending a very pleasant hour or so playing around in the water, they ate a leisurely lunch before relaxing on the blanket. She noticed that Nathan was falling asleep, although he was trying hard not to.

"You can sleep if you like."

"I don't want to but I'm not sure I can fight it." He said apologetically.

"Then don't, I'll still be here when you wake up."

"'kay." Five minutes later he was snoring quietly.

Kristin pulled a notepad and pen from her bag and took the opportunity to catch up on her notes for the morning's observations.

An hour later and he was still sleeping peacefully, having managed to turn onto his stomach, facing away from her. She gazed at him tenderly, reluctant to wake him - he definitely needed the rest. It was one of the first things that she'd noticed about him, apart from the sadness, he'd looked so damned tired. But, at the same time, she really didn't want to waste the rest of the afternoon and she knew he wouldn't want that either. An evil grin spread across her features – time for that revenge.

As slowly and carefully as she could she got to her knees and quietly flipped the catches on the cooling container before slipping her fingers inside and taking out a single ice cube. Still moving slowly, she crouched down beside him in readiness for a quick getaway before trailing the frozen object along his spine, finally depositing it at the waistband of his shorts.

Nathan was awake in seconds an almost angry scowl on his face before he turned and saw her smiling down at him. "Ah revenge, sweet revenge."

"You know, the trouble with revenge is that there's always a victim who wants revenge of his own. His hand snaked out and he knocked the lid from the cooler, grabbing a handful of ice for himself.

"You'll have to catch me first." She taunted and took off at a run, weaving in and out of the dunes with Nathan in hot pursuit.

When he finally caught her they were both laughing uncontrollably. He pulled her to him and his expression grew serious as he reached out a hand and wove his fingers into her hair, pausing momentarily to look at her before his lips found hers and he kissed her hesitantly. When she didn't pull away he captured her mouth again but this time the kiss was more passionate.

Kristin looked up at him, her expression unreadable and then she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her cheek against his chest, hearing his heart hammering wildly in her ear. His hand slid up her back and then she screamed in surprise as she felt the coldness of the ice slip under her swimming costume and down her back.

Nathan was almost in hysterics as she practically did a jig on the spot before pulling the leg of her swimsuit away from her skin to allow the remaining ice to escape.

"You… are… in… so… much… trouble…" She gasped.

As they walked back to where they'd left their gear, Nathan slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

After packing everything away they sat close together and watched as the sun began to set on the horizon, the sky turning a myriad of colours.

"You know, this is an incredible place you live in. It's so beautiful, so peaceful…" He whispered reverently.

"Yes, it is… but sometimes I miss…"

"Miss what?"

"The life I had on seaQuest. The cramped quarters, the fights with Jonathan, Lucas, Darwin, you…"

"I'm sorry, Kristin."

"For what?"

"For what happened. I just…"

"You weren't ready Nathan, we both knew that."

"Yes, but I shouldn't have…"

She placed a finger against his lips. "What's passed is past, let's leave it that way, please."

Their gazes locked for a moment and then she stood and walked to the shoreline.

Nathan felt a sadness wash through him. That look had spoken volumes, told him more than he really wanted to know. He'd hurt her terribly… he realised that now. "Kris…"

"Look, there's the boat. Are you all ready?"

He acknowledged that the subject was closed. "Yep, all packed up."

"Then let's go."

She had been very quiet all the way back and Nathan was beginning to think that he'd blown it. Finally, he could take the silence no longer. "Kris, are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

"You're sure?"

"Yes." She turned to look at him. "Yes, I'm sure. It was a terrific day, wasn't it?"

"Until I spoiled it."

She reached up to caress his face. "Don't be silly, you didn't spoil anything."

"I really am sorry, Kristin. I had no idea how much I was hurting you. I'd never intentionally cause you pain."

"I know that, I wouldn't be here otherwise."

"If it's any consolation, when I found out you'd gone, I actually cried. Something I don't do very often. It hurt me too,"

"You didn't just hurt me Nathan, you broke my heart."

Her confession, quietly spoken, tore at his soul. "I'm so sorry, Baby. I'm so sorry." He pulled her close and held her tightly.

"Like I said, what's passed is past, it's what happens now that matters."

A voice from the darkness interrupted them. "Doctor, we need to get these specimens inside."

"I'll be right there."

"Will I see you tomorrow?" He sounded uncertain.

"Of course. I still owe you for the ice cube stunt. Lunch? My treat."

"Doctor, you have a date." He kissed her softly and then let her go. "Until tomorrow."

"Tomorrow." She watched as he disappeared into the night and then focussed her attention on her impatient colleagues.

As it turned out, she hadn't been able to make lunch the next day or the one after and so it was Thursday before they saw each other again. The meal had been pleasant enough but something had been missing from their conversation. It had lacked spontaneity, they were both trying to choose their words carefully, each afraid of upsetting the other.

"Kristin… How about we go back to your island this weekend and spend some time exploring? I think we need to talk."

She'd been trying to think of a way of telling him all through lunch and now there was no avoiding it. "I can't, I'm sorry. Andrew and I are going to the mainland on Saturday morning, we'll be gone for a week."

Nathan's smile faded, "You and Andrew?"

"Yes. We have to face the funding committee to justify our continued existence."

"And that's going to take a week?"

"Well, there's travelling time and preparation. Then there are the actual meetings - they usually last a couple of days… And I promised Andrew I'd take him sightseeing."

"Just you and Andrew." His tone was almost sarcastic.

"That's right. Is there a problem?"

"No." He replied sullenly. "Why should there be?"

"You tell me." She stared at him until he finally met her eyes. "My God, I think you're jealous."

Their thoughts returned to a similar situation on seaQuest. When she had accused him of jealousy that time, he had just looked at her and walked away without a word. This time there was nowhere to run.

"You are jealous." His expression darkened and she gently stroked the back of his hand. "There's no need to be… Andrew and I are friends that's all, just like you and I."

Nathan's mood changed immediately as he felt an overpowering wave of agony. He'd had no idea that those words could hurt so much.

Kristin sensed his pain and tightened her grasp on his hand. "What is it, Nathan? What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's nothing…"

"I can see you're upset, tell me please."

"It's just that I'd thought… I'd hoped…"

"Yes?"

"That we were more than just friends." There was an almost pleading expression on his face as she searched her mind for the right words to say.

"Maybe someday we will be, but for now friends is the best I can do. When we split the last time I almost went to pieces, it took me months to get back on my feet emotionally. I can't go through that again."

He spoke to her earnestly. "You won't Kristin, I would never do that to you again, I couldn't… Not now… Kris, I…"

"Don't. Please don't say it. Not now, please."

He'd upset her again without even meaning to, and that hurt more than the fact that she regarded him as just a friend. He nodded in defeat and then said, "Still friends?"

"Always."

"Okay."

"Oh. We're having a bit of a farewell party at the base on Friday night. It's black tie… I'd love you to come, if you still want to?"

"What time?"

"About 8pm."

"I'll be there." He took her hand and pressed a kiss to the soft skin before standing and walking outside without a backward glance, knowing that if he looked at her he wouldn't be able to hold the hurt inside any longer.

Nathan slowly made his way into the building, following the sounds of music and laughter until he reached the appropriate room. Kristin hadn't contacted him since they'd had 'the discussion' but that had given him a chance to think over what he wanted to do. One thing he was certain of, letting her go a second time just wasn't an option and although it would be torture for him, if she wanted just friendship then so be it.

Familiar laughter reached his ears and he turned in the direction of the sound. She looked stunning… Dressed in a long, black evening dress, diamond earrings the only visible jewellery and hair piled loosely on top of her head, looking as though just the slightest movement would send it tumbling to her bare shoulders.

She was sitting with a group, one particular male practically in her lap, a look of pure adoration on his face. He didn't need to be introduced to know that this had to be the infamous Andrew. He felt a surge of jealousy. Just friends, huh? Maybe on Kristin's part, but definitely not on the young man's… And yes, he was younger dammit, and far better, looking. He was almost tempted to surrender on the spot and go home but Kristin suddenly looked up at him, a dazzling smile on her face.

She carefully extricated herself from her seat and walked towards him, holding out both hands in greeting. Hands that he willingly took hold of, pulling her to him and kissing her cheek as he held her. "I'm so glad you came. I wasn't sure you would after…"

"I wanted you to know that I understand. I was angry at first, but once I'd had time to think about it."

"Thank you."

"I can wait as long as it takes Kris, you're worth it. And if it never happens then I'll still have your friendship and I treasure that."

He felt her grip on him, tighten for just a moment and then she pulled away. "Come on, there's some people I'd like you to meet."

Over her shoulder he caught sight of Andrew's disconsolate expression, one that he'd worn himself earlier. ~ God, men were pathetic when it came to women. ~

Once the other guests became aware of who he was, he found himself in great demand - Obviously Kristin had given him quite a build-up. He spent a couple of hours mingling and then decided to seek her out. If he wasn't going to see her for a week then he needed to spend some time with her tonight.

He finally found her on the dance-floor with… yep, he might have guessed – Andrew. He patiently waited for the song to finish before cutting in. The younger man yielded grudgingly and Nathan took his place, pulling her close before whispering in her ear, "That young man is in love with you."

She took half a step back and looked at him incredulously. "Andrew? Nathan, you can't be serious."

"I am… deadly serious."

"But he's just a colleague, that's all."

"To you yes, but I see a young man with a very big crush on you."

"You're just jealous Nathan, you said so yourself."

He looked hurt and she relented. "I'm sorry. How can you tell?"

"Because he looks at you the way I do."

"Oh." She went silent for a moment and leaned against him. "Don't worry, I'll let him down gently."

"Gentle or hard, either way he's going to be hurt. Believe me, I know."

"But, why on Earth would he fall for me? I'm older, opinionated, short-tempered…"

"Intelligent, passionate and very, very beautiful."

"Thank you, even if you are lying."

"I'm not lying Kris. You have no idea of the effect you have on men, do you?"

"I usually make them crazy."

"Well, that too…" He flinched as she pinched his side. "Anyway, enough of Andrew. Right now I want your full attention, Kristin Westphalen, especially if I'm not going to see you for a whole week." He hugged her tightly to his body and they danced the rest of the evening away.

When the party finally broke up she walked him outside and down onto the beach.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself, Kris."

"Of course I will. I'm only going to the mainland, not a war zone."

"I know that, but I've just found you again and I have no intention of letting you get away from me, this time."

She stroked his cheek and lips. "Nathan Bridger, you say the sweetest things."

"I try." He wanted to say so much more but he'd promised. "I'd better go and let you get some sleep."

"Yes, you'd better had." Her hand snaked around the back of his neck and she pulled his head down to hers for a lingering kiss. When she tried to move away he held her fast. "I'll be back before you miss me."

"I already miss you."

"Oh Nathan…. I'll be back, I promise."

Nathan captured her lips with his once more. "I'll be waiting."

Kristin sat and watched as the coastline drew closer. She wondered if he would be there to meet her, she hoped he would. She'd had a really abysmal time of it on the mainland. She was tired and irritable, mainly with herself. She tried to convince herself that they could be just friends but no way was it possible… she'd missed him like crazy while she was away. Only a week she'd said – only… Who the hell had she been trying to kid? She hadn't been gone a day before she longed to be back on the island with him. She loved him – it was as simple as that and yet, it wasn't simple at all.

At last… the boat came to a halt and Andrew helped her out. She walked up the jetty until she reached the gravel path and he appeared in front of her, as if by magic. She practically threw herself into his waiting arms. He held her tightly and whispered. "God, I've missed you so."

"I missed you too."

Then his lips were on hers; his kiss was passionate but somewhat restrained. Breaking the contact quickly he picked up her bag and carried it inside for her, insisting on taking it all the way to her room.

"So how did it go? Did you get the funding you needed?"

"Barely." She hissed and walked into the bathroom.

"Tough competition?"

She emerged wearing a fresh t-shirt and a floral skirt. "Do you mind if we don't talk about it right now? Have you eaten or can I buy you dinner?"

"I haven't eaten but I think it's my turn to pay."

"Okay." She slipped her arm through his and led him out of the building. "Same place as usual I suppose."

"Not much choice."

"Unfortunately." She muttered.

They were seated at what seemed to be fast becoming 'their' table. The meal had been even worse than usual and they'd left over half of it. The barman/owner came up to refresh their drinks and remove the plates. "Not hungry tonight?"

"I thought I was." Kristin replied tersely.

"You know Ma'am, I'm so glad your back. This guy's been hanging around here with a face like a wet weekend recently. Been driving my customers away."

"Are you sure it wasn't the cooking." She countered almost inaudibly and felt Nathan tap her foot with his own. Kristin merely smiled politely and thanked him for her drink.

When he had left them alone Nathan asked with concern, "Are you alright Kris?"

"What? Oh yes, I'm fine just tired that's all."

"You're sure, you seem a little…"

"Bad-tempered? I'm sorry. Look do you mind if we call it a night? I really am very tired."

"I'll walk you back."

"Thank you. I'm sorry I'm not better company."

"That's okay, you've obviously got something on your mind."

~ God, you don't know the half of it. ~ She thought but said nothing.

"I'll call you tomorrow."

"No. I'm going to be busy all morning, I'll call you."

"Okay. Goodnight Kris."

"Goodnight." She kissed his cheek before going inside, leaving behind a bewildered and very concerned Nathan Bridger.

He was sitting on the beach and staring out to sea when he heard her voice calling his name from inside the house. "I'm out here."

She appeared a few seconds later, wearing a pair of cut-offs and a white t-shirt.

"This is a surprise. I wasn't expecting to see you today, you should have called and I'd have met you somewhere." He slipped his arm around her and gave her a peck on the cheek in greeting.

"That's okay, I needed the exercise, and anyway I wanted to apologise properly."

"Apologise?"

"For last night. I really am sorry Nathan… I was just in a bad mood. I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

"You were tired, Kris."

"That's no excuse." She said bitterly.

"You're being too hard on yourself, you weren't rude… not to me anyway. And the meal was awful, but if it makes you feel any better, I forgive you."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Do you feel like talking?"

"There's not a lot to say really."

Nathan sat down again and held his hand out to her expecting her to sit beside him, but she moved in front and settled down between his legs, leaning back against his chest before taking hold of his arms and wrapping them around her waist. He took a deep, calming breath.

"It took every bit of patience that I had, and then some. And you know me… God, I just wanted to go over and bang their heads together but I finished up grovelling like some bloody politician trying to get re-elected. It was humiliating."

"Sometimes there's no other way Kris, I know that from experience. But it worked?"

"Not really. In the end we had to do a bit of divide and conquer. Andrew played up to the female contingent and I did the same with the men." He felt her shudder. "Lord, I hate sucking up."

She paused for a moment, "And then there was Andrew himself… You were right, I tried to let him down gently but I know I hurt him, he's hardly spoken to me since."

"He's probably just embarrassed, he'll get over it."

"I hope so." She sighed tiredly.

They sat in companionable silence for a while. Kristin using the safety of his arms to unwind and Nathan, just relishing the feeling of holding her close. After a while he felt her sag against him.

"Hey, are you falling asleep on me?"

"I'm sorry. Perhaps we should get something to eat, I haven't had anything since yesterday."

"What would you like?"

"Anything but what we had last night, but as usual there's very little choice."

"Well actually, there is."

"Really?" She almost sounded excited.

"Mmm. I visited the local market this morning. I'm sure that I can rustle something up if you make it worth my while." She felt him smile against her shoulder.

"Anything you want."

"I'd be careful what you say if I were you, I might hold you to it."

"Anything you want." She repeated.

He felt his heart leap in his chest but he fought down the desire that coursed through him. ~ Friends Bridger. That's what she said… Friends. ~

The meal had worked out pretty well considering it was a spur of the moment thing and it had definitely made a change from the usual fare. Nathan had insisted on doing the washing up and so Kristin wandered back out to the beach to think.

He had been the perfect gentleman all the time she'd been there, even when she had snuggled close to him while they talked but that's what she'd told him she wanted, after all. Now she had to find a way to convince him otherwise so that they could deepen the relationship.

Nathan, on the other hand, had the opposite problem. Sitting with her pressed so closely had started a fire inside him that was threatening to burn out of control and it was taking all his strength to stop from doing something they'd both regret. When he ventured outside he saw her standing at the end of the small jetty, her hair blowing in the breeze as she looked out over the water. He was reminded, not for the first time, of the Sirens of the Sea who lured sailors to their deaths and suddenly he could understand how it might have happened. He'd willingly dash himself to pieces on the rocks for this woman, without even a moment's hesitation.

As he walked up behind her he found an earlier suspicion confirmed. The scoop neck of her t-shirt had slipped off one shoulder and she definitely wasn't wearing a bra. His over-stretched control slipped a little further as he slid his arms around her waist and tightened them until her back rested against his chest. Unable to resist he gently caressed her tanned shoulder with his lips, hearing her moan in response.

He knew he should stop but when she leaned her head to one side to give him easy access he was completely lost. He inched his hand under her top and used his thumb to gently stroke the flat plains of her stomach for a few moments before stilling his movement and resting his hand on her bare skin as he waited for her reaction.

Expecting her to pull away, he was taken by surprise when she took his hand in hers and moved it up until it cupped her right breast. "Oh God… Kris…"

She turned her head until he could reach her lips and the kiss they shared was deeply passionate, his hand involuntarily beginning to knead her soft flesh. Kristin moaned again and rubbed herself against him, feeling him hardening as his grip on her tightened.

The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. "God, I love you Baby, I love you so much…" He froze as she turned in his arms, panic filling him as he feared he'd gone too far.

Then she looked up into his eyes and whispered. "I love you too Nathan Bridger. I've tried so hard not to but it's no use. I love you… I've always loved you…"

His mouth was on hers again, but this time his tongue pressed for entry and she opened her lips to allow him in, their tongues tangling before he broke away to catch his breath.

"I want you Kris. Let me show you how much, please."

She could see the desire and hunger in his eyes and nodded her head. "I'd like that."

He woke with the first light of dawn, contentment permeating his entire body. The feeling of Kristin pressed close to his side filling him with a joy he'd never experienced before. They'd made love for hours, the intensity of feeling almost overwhelming him when he'd joined his body with hers for the first time. He couldn't believe now that he'd so carelessly thrown all this away eighteen months ago. If he'd known then what he knew now – but as Kristin had said, the past was passed and now he had the chance of a lifetime and he intended to hold on tight and never let go.

He felt her stir and looked down into eyes filled with love for him, the sight stealing his breath away. "Nathan, are you alright?"

"How could I not be?"

She gently stroked his chest before pulling his head down to hers and passion flared into life once more.

The next few days flew by. They spent every moment they could together, when her work allowed, trying to make as many memories as possible to keep them warm in the lonely days to follow. She'd even managed to get the Thursday off and they'd gone back to her island to be alone. To laugh and play and love the time away; even crying a little at the thought of the parting to come. Tomorrow he would be returning to the mainland and a seaQuest launch would pick him up at dawn on Monday.

He'd started to think seriously about his future and discussed with her the possibility of not signing on for a third tour, but she'd asked him to wait and see what happened over the next six months, first. At the time he'd been eager to get things sorted out but now he realised that she was right – there was so much that needed to be considered.

They'd said a tearful farewell on the jetty and he'd held her close, his arms reluctant to let her go.

"Hey Sailor, I think they're waiting for you." She indicated the boat behind him.

"I know."

"I'll be here the next time you get a few days leave."

"Promise?"

"Promise. I love you Nathan Bridger."

"I love you, Baby. Take care of yourself."

"You too."

With an effort he turned and boarded the waiting craft and as it pulled away, he stood at the stern and watched until she was just a speck on the horizon.

When the hatch opened, Nathan Bridger was back in full captain's mode. He strode into the docking bay to be greeted by the senior officers who were not engaged in other duties. They welcomed him back and he made his way out, heading in the general direction of his quarters.

Tony leaned closer to Lucas. "Well he definitely looks better than he did when he left. If I didn't know better I'd say there was a woman involved."

"Yeah, yeah he does." Lucas was surprised at just how great the transformation was and decided to see if he could find out the reason. He followed Bridger out into the passageway. "Hey, Cap'!"

"Lucas." He waited for the boy to catch him up.

"Welcome back Sir, I missed you."

"Thank you."

He decided to cut straight to the chase. "So… did you do anything interesting with your time off?"

"Yes."

"What?"

"I met the woman of my dreams."

Lucas laughed. "You're joking, right?" Bridger's expression didn't change. "You're not joking."

"Nope."

"On a remote island with hardly any population, you meet and fall in love with someone in a month." He stated incredulously.

"Not exactly, more like an afternoon."

"An afternoon! You're not serious?"

"Deadly. I met her one evening and the next afternoon I fell in love, completely and hopelessly in love."

"We are talking about a flesh and blood woman right? Not a dolphin or a boat."

"Oh, she's definitely a woman." His tone of voice spoke volumes. He was just about to turn the corner when he realised that the young man was no longer beside him. He turned and couldn't prevent the laughter when he saw him standing stock-still, mouth wide open and a look of pure shock on his face.

~ This was Nathan Bridger. Sensible, cautious Nathan Bridger… The man who was second only to Jonathan Ford in the cool, calm and collected department. Who was this woman? What if she was just after a good time? What if it was just a holiday fling to her and he got hurt? ~

"Lucas?"

"Sorry Cap', I was just thinking, that's all."

"It must have been quite some thought."

"Sir?"

"Yes?"

"Just who is this woman and how much do you know about her?"

Nathan laughed at the irony of the situation. Here he was Captain of the U.E.O's flagship and Lucas of all people, was treating him like an errant teenager. "I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with her… if she'll have me."

Lucas couldn't seem to think of anything to say to that.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to make a personal call."

"Erm, of course Sir." The boy stammered.

"Oh, and Lucas…"

"Yes Sir?"

"Doctor Westphalen sends her love." With that he closed the door in the boy's face and leaned against it, laughing loudly.

As the Captain's words permeated his shocked brain, Lucas' face broke out into a huge grin. ~ Now that, explained everything. ~
 
 

**** The End ****