One

Chapter Fifteen

The golden light flooded through the gap in the curtains as the sun rose high in the sky. A cool wind whipped around outside, leaves blowing along the pavements whilst early morning travellers pulled their coats tight against the crisp air. High above the street in a penthouse apartment, Joe and Dianne were beginning to stir. Dianne woke first, a shy smile spreading on her face as she looked at the handsome man next to her. His hand was pressing against her waist keeping her close to him. Waking up slowly, Joe rolled over on to his back still holding Dianne, and pulled her on top of him, kissing her cheeks and nose as she squirmed and giggled. His kisses travelled to her lips and she relaxed, her hand instantly coming to stroke against his stubble. They broke apart and Dianne rested her head on Joe's shoulder.
"Good Morning," Joe said softly.
"Morning," came Dianne's quiet response.
Joe stroked his hands over Dianne's back. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you," she nodded, her hair tickling the skin on Joe's neck. "Much better than usual, actually."
"Good." Joe smiled and pressed his lips against Dianne's hairline. "Doing anything exciting today?"
Placing her hands on Joe's shoulders, Dianne pushed up, her back arched and looked into his eyes. "I've got nothing planned. I am gonna need to go back to my apartment to re-pack for wherever it is we are going next."
"Leeds."
"Okay, well I need to re-pack for Leeds then." Joe pouted. "What?"
He shook his head, "Nothing, I just don't want to move."
Dianne smiled and leaned down to kiss Joe's nose. "Well, I'm not planning on leaving anytime soon so we don't have to move." She sat up, one leg either side of Joe's body, sitting on the bottom of his stomach. "But I do need a wee and a coffee."
"Go to the toilet then you weirdo," Joe laughed, "and I'll make you a coffee."
Dianne shrugged. "Coffee can wait." She jumped up and rushed to the toilet, returning in just over a minute and climbing back on top of Joe. Laying back down on his body, Dianne settled into his neck as Joe brought his arms around her and held her close, so close he could feel her heart beating against his chest. They were so comfortable with each other already, but both knew it felt right. So right. Like they had been together for years.

•••

Joe climbed out of the Uber and pulled his and Dianne's bags from the boot. Passing her suitcase to her, they walked together to the tour bus, the hands interlocking naturally as they moved. With their bags being loaded, the pair climbed the steps and found themselves a double towards the back of the bus. Dianne leaned her head on Joe's shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her back, his hand resting on her waist as they started to talk and laugh. They were so engrossed in each other that they didn't notice the eyes watching them as people going to the back noticed them.
"That's new," Janette whispered at Aljaž when they sat in their seats, a couple of rows behind Joe and Dianne.
Aljaž nodded. "That's cute."
"It is," Janette agreed and settled into her seat for the long drive to Leeds.

"I need to stretch my legs," Dianne groaned as the bus pulled up outside of their next hotel.
"Shall we go for a walk?" Joe suggested, undoing his seatbelt and reaching under his seat to get his backpack.
"Yes." Dianne stood up and lead them off the bus. They grabbed their bags and wheeled them into the brightly lit reception, waiting for the team to check them in before going up to their rooms.
"We are next to each other, that's good," Dianne said as she opened her door and pushed her suitcase in.
Joe raised his eyebrow. "Any reason?"
"Because," Dianne shut the door and slipped the room key into her pocket. "If I suddenly decide I don't want to sleep with you, I can leave and go next door." She grinned, a twinkle in her eye.
"You're a cheeky shit." Joe unlocked his own door and wheeled his suitcase through, stepping in. Who said you're sleeping with me?"
Dianne followed Joe in and shut the door, leaning against it with her arms crossed. "Me."
Laughing slightly, Joe began to undo his belt as he shook his head.
"Joe? What are you doing?" Dianne asked, watching his fingers with caution.
"Going for a wee? Jeez woman, get your mind out of the gutter."
Dianne rolled her eyes and pushed Joe towards the en-suite. "Hurry up."