A note from the author:

As suspected, I missed writing about Neil and Andrea (Aneil as I like to call them - as dodgy as that sounds). So I decided to write a short story based around episode 237 which is June and Jim's wedding. I loved that episode. The frustration of both Neil and Andrea and the whole awkwardness of the situation. Therefore I have written that episode from Andrea's perspective but it is extended and also has an alternate ending.

Please let me know what you think; I might feel encouraged to write some more Neil/Andrea stories if I feel people are enjoying them. I have some other plans for The Bill based stories too. Thank you.

Jade Marie xo

WEDDING FEVER

We'd agreed it was 'just a kiss', Neil and I. He was married and I was only a probationer in comparison to his rank of DI. Of course, there was also the matter of my biggest secret: I was an undercover reporter. A relationship would complicate things too much. Yet, despite us both agreeing that things were over between us before they really began, the attraction between us was awkwardly present every time we interacted at work.

Things had changed since we had kissed. We had got on well before then; he was always complimentary towards me and sometimes I wondered if his words were even a little flirtatious. However, I knew he was married and I never expected anything to grow between us despite our instant connection. But now he almost seemed to want to see me at work, yet every time our paths crossed he'd appear to become uncomfortable as if he was fighting some kind of internal conflict.

I understood. I knew he was fighting the idea of having an affair. From what I'd heard during my short time at Sun Hill was that Neil was very career driven and a man of principle. I could see that in the way that he worked; he was methodical, thorough and pushed his team hard. However, the static electricity between us every time we were within a few meters of each other was undeniable; I knew it was going to be up to me to do something about the awkward but sexually charged colleagues that we had become. We couldn't just keep on like this.

My hands quivered as I picked up my mobile phone and called the number of the venue of Jim and June's wedding that was happening today. Most of the relief were going to be joining in the celebrations at the reception in the evening, me included.

"Hello, I am part of the reception at hotel tonight," I said before taking a deep breath. "I was wondering if you had any rooms available?"

I knew it was a long shot asking on the day of the wedding but I knew I had to call to see. I felt like the answer would be fate: it was either meant to be or not.

"You do?" I almost squealed down the phone upon hearing their answer. I didn't realise until that moment that I had been holding my breath in nervous anticipation of their answer. "That's great. If I could book one double room in the name Andrea Dunbar."

After confirming the booking and hanging up I felt myself shudder. Partly from being excited and partly from being nervous. I left the locker room and headed up to CID to see if I could find Neil.

As I entered through the double doors I saw him walking away from me along the corridor. Thankfully, it wasn't too busy.

"Sir," I called out. Neil turned around to glance at me but he carried on walking and I had to do a little jog to catch up. "Can I have a word?"

He stopped then, turning to face me.

"You are going to the reception?" I asked, hoping it would be the answer I wanted.

"Of course," he answered looking nervously to his side to check that nobody was listening.

"I got us a room," I nodded before rushing off down the front stairs, not waiting to see his reaction. I think a part of me was afraid to see it; whether I'd be rejected. I think the guilt made me disappear quickly too. I was painfully aware that I could be leading a married man astray but I was desperate to address whatever it was that was going on between us. He would either show up and agree to spend the night with me, even if just to talk, or he'd refuse. Either way, I didn't see I had much to lose.

As I wandered across the lawn in my pink frock I noticed Phil Hunter, his brother Steve and Gary Best watching me as I approached. They all looked smart in their suits, Phil looking like a James Bond wannabe as he'd paired it with some incredibly dark sunglasses. I thought I heard one of them whistle which made me smile, thinking that hopefully my appearance would have the same effect on Neil later.

"Hello boys," I said, greeting them. "Have I missed all the champagne?"

"I'll get you one." Both Steve and Gary spoke the words in unison before looking at each other with annoyed expressions. I laughed awkwardly while Phil smirked and turned away.

"I'm getting a pint anyway," Gary said while quickly heading inside. I followed Phil and Steve further down the lawn towards where more of our colleagues were chatting.

"So is there anyone else here from CID yet?" I asked Phil, trying to be nonchalant.

"Well I don't know, I've only just got here," he mumbled before taking a look around. "Oh here comes Manson."

Upon hearing that I felt my heartbeat increase in excitement and turned to smile at Neil as he approached. However, as I looked in that direction my excitement evaporated instantly as I saw him heading towards us with another woman hanging off his arm. I now felt a mix of emotions overcome me: disappointment, frustration and jealousy to name but a few.

Thankfully Neil wasn't looking at me and I had time to try and compose myself and neutralise my expression.

"You alright Guv?" Phil said, walking towards the couple.

"Alright Phil?" Neil responded, still paying no attention to my presence.

"DS Hunter, you're a sight for sore eyes," the woman beside Neil grinned, her short dark hair and black and white polka dot dress oozing an air of sophistication.

"Pippa," DS Hunter said, giving her a kiss on the cheek and confirming what I already suspected, this was Neil's wife. He'd brought her with him. "I didn't know you were coming," Phil added, saying exactly what I had been thinking.

Neil used this moment to look in my direction. I had expected to see some kind of emotion whether it be lustful, apologetic or even awkward but his face was completely blank, giving nothing away. I think I may have frowned involuntarily. I wondered if he felt as uncomfortable as I did in this moment.

"I thought it was about time I met the people that saw more of my husband than I do," Philippa said to Phil. They almost seemed close and it was then I recalled that Neil and Phil had previously worked together before Sun Hill. Clearly, Phil was already well acquainted with Neil's wife.

"This is Steve, Phil's brother." Neil said, regaining his wife's attention and both parties greeted each other before Neil added, "and Andrea" as he nodded in my direction.

"Hi," I said while trying to plaster a fake but believable smile across my face as I looked at Pippa.

"Hello. Lovely dress," Philippa responded politely.

"Thank you. Makes a change from the uniform," I observed, meaning it. If the boys reactions upon my arrival showed me anything it was that the uniform clearly did nothing for me.

Philippa let out a little laugh. "I don't know, I used to love Neil in his." As she spoke she sidled up to Neil's side, resting her arm gently on his back. I let out a small, awkward noise acknowledging her words. I wanted to be sick. I knew I was overreacting. She was his wife after all and I knew he was married; I hadn't expected to feel jealousy at seeing the two of them together. Aside from the one kiss and perhaps a little flirting, nothing had even happened between Neil and I. Just seeing the couple together wasn't something I'd expected to happen.

"They're here everybody!" I suddenly heard Sam Nixon call out and I turned to see her pointing at a beautiful carriage pulled by two dark horses. Everyone was now absorbed in the Bride and Groom's arrival and I couldn't have been more grateful for the distraction.

Most of the group began to wander towards where the carriage would be pulling up and as I noticed Steve move in that direction I rushed to join him, leaving Neil and his wife behind. Honey suddenly appeared by my side too, ecstatic at seeing June and Jim. Her enthusiasm was infectious and despite my own frustrations I couldn't help but grin as everyone started to cheer.

Confetti began to fly as the couple kissed before they exited the carriage when suddenly Gary reappeared with my champagne.

"Thanks," I said, before beginning to gulp it down just a little too quickly. But in that moment, it was exactly what I needed.

I continued chatting to Steve, Gary and Honey and started to feel myself relax a little as I was no longer in the presence of the DI, that was until we were called in for the wedding breakfast.

I sighed as I looked at the seating plan, feeling my heart sink. Defeated, I wanted to make my excuses and leave but I couldn't be so rude at a wedding.

"Damn, bad luck." Gary muttered as we stood looking at the plan to find our table. "Rather you than me."

"Yeah," I mumbled, hardly being able to believe my own bad luck.

"Well, I'll see you in a bit," Steve said shyly, throwing me a hesitant smile before Steve, Gary and Honey all headed towards the table they were seated at together. I noticed there were two full tables of uniformed officers sat together and I guessed that I'd unfortunately been upgraded to a CID table, probably because I'd spent so much time helping them lately. That had well and truly came back to bite me in the ass.

I slowly approached my table which consisted of myself, Rob Thatcher, Neil, Philippa and Phil. I was the last to reach the table as I took my seat next to Rob, which was inconveniently directly opposite Neil.

"Promoted to CID?" Phil teased.

"Looks that way," I mumbled.

"Well aren't you honoured," Phil chuckled. "You easily got sat on the best table in the room."

"So if you're not CID, what do you do?" Philippa suddenly piped up, much to my dismay. I knew she was only trying to make conversation but it wasn't one I desired to have.

"Oh, I'm just a probationer." I admitted reluctantly to my green status.

"Everyone has to start somewhere," Philippa said, sickeningly sweet.

I could feel Neil's eyes staring at me then, trying to gauge my reaction. Truly, I felt humiliated and I wished a hole would just open in the ground and swallow me. I was thankful for my newly refilled glass of champagne as we waited for the first course to be served.

I didn't know if Neil could read how I was feeling but he suddenly spoke up. "Andrea has been helping out CID; she shows a lot of promise. She's been assisting you and Ken, hasn't she Rob?"

"Yeah, she's been really great. Just a shame our budget doesn't stretch to pay to have her on overtime with us." Rob added the last bit with an unimpressed tone. I laughed then, remembering how Neil had refused my offer to continue working after my shift. I knew that he'd only said no to try and keep a distance from me which seemed ironic as here we were, sat on the same table.

Thankfully it didn't take the first course long to arrive and the meal as a whole was prompt, making the time go faster which I was relieved about. Phil and Pippa had been the most dominant talkers on the table, mainly talking between themselves, leaning across Neil who was sat in between them, though he occasionally joined in the conversation. I mainly made small talk with Rob although he didn't really seem himself and kept pretty quiet.

Many times my gaze met with Neil's across the table and I soon realised we were both feeling as uncomfortable as each other. However, it was made worse by that tension that was always there whenever Neil was close. The more times our eyes met the stronger it became. I couldn't really explain the feeling and I wondered if it was just in my head; invisible to the naked eye. But I felt it. However, I was also painfully aware of not only Philippa's presence but also of being in a room surrounded by colleagues. I knew anything between Neil and I was wrong and I wished I could just turn off my feelings. I wondered if Neil was feeling the same way but overall he was good at staying composed.

Soon the speeches began which brought with it lots of cheers and laughter from across the tables. It actually surprised me at what a good public speaker Tony Stamp was. But best of all, because my chair was facing away from the speeches, it gave me a reason to turn around which blocked Neil and Philippa from view.

However, as Tony said the words, "if ever there was meant to be a couple it's them" in relation to June and Jim, I couldn't help but turn around to look at Neil. I immediately wished I hadn't. I turned just in time to see Philippa gaze lovingly at Neil and clasp her hand over his.

He glanced over at me to see me swallowing a large amount of champagne. I threw him a look and turned away in disgust to focus back on the speech before raising a toast to the happy couple. I knew I shouldn't have been disgusted by Philippa; she was the innocent party here. My involuntary jealousy was almost too much to bear and I couldn't leave the table quick enough to join my friends once the speeches were over.

We all went to stand back outside to enjoy the bright, sunny, summer evening. Honey was talking excitedly about weddings and romance, the fever clearly having hit her almost as if cupid himself were talking. I was half paying attention but I was distracted as the Superintendent, Neil, Philippa and Phil had just walked by and sat on a set of benches just a little way down the lawn. Not quite close to enough to hear what they were talking about but close enough that I could feel Neil's eyes almost watching my every move. I glanced behind and saw him sitting alone on the bench facing me. Interestingly Philippa and Phil had chosen to share and had their backs to me. I just gave Neil a blank stare before trying to invest myself in my friend's conversation.

After talking for a few minutes Honey announced that she was going to the bar and unsurprisingly Gary followed her which left me alone with Steve.

"So, are you enjoying the wedding?" Steve asked, clearly feeling slightly uneasy at us being left alone together. I could tell he was into me and I knew that it was something I could possibly use to my advantage.

"Yes," I lied. I obviously couldn't explain the reason behind my complex feelings. "It is a beautiful venue."

"That it is, many beautiful things here." Steve muttered under his breath and I knew he was referring to me.

I sat on the wall next to the building, directly in the view of Neil but being careful not to even so much as glance his way. I leant in towards Steve as he stood in front of me and began to play with the small white flower that was attached to his suit jacket. I felt Steve tense up as I made contact with him.

"Just sorting it out," I whispered reassuringly. I could sense that Steve was inexperienced and a little uncomfortable, though he also seemed to be enjoying the attention. "There." I said, allowing my hand to fall away from him and I gave him a huge, flirtatious smile, knowing full well that Neil would be watching.

We continued to small talk for a couple of minutes. I was giggling at almost everything Steve said, probably unnecessarily, just to draw attention.

"Steve!" I suddenly heard Neil's voice ring out and I peered behind Steve to see the DI approaching us.

"Do us a favour? The Superintendent has left his present in the car. Go and get it for us will you?" Neil requested politely.

"Sure," Steve said as he sighed and walked away, leaving Neil and I alone.

"What are you doing?" Neil questioned me, sounded annoyed.

"If you'd have told me you were going to bring her." I shrugged.

"She's my wife. What do you expect?" Neil said, though I could hear a little frustration behind his words.

"Yes, but I did tell you that I booked a room. Remember?"

"Do you honestly think I'm going to creep away upstairs with half the station here?" He looked at me seriously. "Just put Steve Hunter down."

Neil then turned on his heels to return to his crowd. As I sat there alone I couldn't help but smirk to myself. I affected him. This conversation had proved that more than ever; I wasn't the only jealous one. I doubted very much that it was the Superintendent's idea to get Steve to fetch the gift from the car; I knew it was all Neil's doing. A plot to separate myself from Steve.

A few moments later June came outside, bouquet in hand, followed by a gaggle of women.

"Come on, Andrea!" Honey yelled, motioning for me to follow her. "She's going to throw the bouquet!"

I trotted over to Honey and followed the group a little way down the lawn, the excitement slightly contagious and I started to laugh happily as June turned to throw the bouquet. I was probably a little tipsy from the several glasses of champagne I had already consumed. I stood behind Honey, allowing her to be near the front as I knew it would probably make her day if she caught it. Many of the men joined us too but stood at the back.

As June threw it backwards there was an eruption of enthusiastic screams and I was pleased to see it was Mark who had caught it. He was the boyfriend of my fellow colleague, Lance. Cheers filled the air and everyone was beginning to feel that joy that weddings brought. Even me, despite everything.

The party made their way indoors to watch June and Jim's first dance. I stood at the back of the room almost out of sight, purposely picking the opposite side of the room from Neil and Philippa. Spandau Ballet suddenly echoed throughout the room and June and Jim took to the dance floor, everyone watching them diligently until about a minute into the song where other couples were invited to join. Honey and Gary were the first out there.

"May I have this dance?" I heard a voice say and looked up to see Phil Hunter standing next to me. He had a playful, mischievous look on his face despite his gentlemanly request.

I simply nodded and held my hand out to him just as I saw Steve heading in our direction, his face falling as he saw me take to the dance floor with his brother. I threw him an apologetic look though in truth I didn't have any desire to dance with either of them. There was only one man I wanted to dance with in this room but thankfully I couldn't see him through the sea of people.

"I do hope my brother has been behaving himself?" Phil whispered in my ear as he pulled me close. We swayed steadily to the rhythm.

"He has," I muttered back. "You're not very alike."

Phil laughed at that then, knowing exactly what I meant. Steve was sweet and innocent where as Phil was known as a bit of ladies man.

I was saved from the small talk only moments later when Jim's ex wife crashed the party. All of us stopped dancing as she screamed down the microphone and we promptly turned into her audience. Tony and Reg removed her from the room rather quickly but the moment had gone and all everyone could do was stand uncomfortably until the DJ played another song.

Another ballad began and I was relieved that Steve grabbed my hand and announced it was his turn as he pulled me to the centre of the floor. I knew dancing with Steve would feel much less strange than with Phil. However, as Steve pulled me into an embrace I could feel Neil's presence nearby. I glanced to my side and there he was cuddled against Philippa, moving at the same rhythm Steve and I were. He was watching me. I buried my head in Steve's shoulder; my eyes only just able to look over. As we turned in slow circles I couldn't help but watch Neil every time I faced his direction. He was doing the same.

I wanted to be able to enjoy the moment. I knew Neil probably felt the same way watching me dance with Steve as I did about watching him with Philippa but I couldn't even revel in the mutual jealousy anymore. It was all too much, that forbidden desire. I didn't like it, being the other woman. Although I wasn't sure that's even what I was as you couldn't really call our one kiss a full blown affair. I didn't understand why I couldn't shake these feelings, longing for a man that I hardly knew. As the song ended I excused myself from the dance floor, telling Steve that I was going to get some air but instructing him to stay inside and enjoy himself. I just wanted a moment alone.

I went outside, by now the sun just starting to set. I sat on the wall facing the vivacious lawn that sprawled out ahead of me, lost in my thoughts for a few minutes.

"Hello." I heard his voice and turned my head briefly sideways to look at him. As Neil stood next to the wall with his hands in his pockets I looked out over the lawn again, remaining silent.

"I didn't have a chance to warn you about Philippa," he continued. "I'm sorry."

"She's your wife. Of course you'd bring her." I said, still keeping my gaze fixed firmly ahead. I was hurt but I meant those words. It had been a stupid idea for me to book a room. I should have known his wife would come with him to the wedding. What kind of married man goes to a wedding alone?

Neil paused for a moment before speaking again. "This is going to be difficult isn't it, you and me?"

"Yes it is," I agreed, this time allowing myself to face him as I was wanting to see his reaction. However, I never got to know where the conversation would lead as we suddenly got disturbed by DCI Jack Meadows who said Neil needed to go with him to Barton Street urgently. Of course Neil immediately obliged and I was left alone once more.

I sighed heavily. I had no desire to go back to the party and feel smothered by Steve. I knew that it wasn't his fault. I'd encouraged his attention at certain points, but for me, the night was now over. The hotel was luxurious and a relax in my Jacuzzi bath tub followed by an early night sounded as good as it was going to get.

I went back inside for a second to say goodnight to my friends, including a disappointed Steve, using a headache as my excuse to leave. I then headed upstairs intending to pamper myself while wallowing in my own sorrow.

I awakened to the sound of a soft knock at the door. For a moment I wondered if I'd been dreaming until I heard it again. I glanced at the time on the digital clock that was shining from the TV. It was almost 2am. Through my sleepy haze I didn't give much thought into who it could be. I wondered if one of the wedding party hadn't made it home and was hoping to crash in my room.

I swiftly grabbed the bath robe that I'd hung over the chair and wrapped it around myself before hesitantly opening the door.

As I peered round the edge of the door I was surprised to see Neil standing there.

As soon as he saw a glimpse of me he came tumbling in the room, closing the door firmly behind him before his hands grabbed the sides of my face and he pushed me up against the wall with his body, followed by a kiss filled with lust and desperation. I felt a similar urgency in my response, as if that's all my body had been waiting for, when suddenly he stopped and took a step back. He was breathing heavily and looking at the floor.

I observed him for a moment. He looked tired and stressed and I could see there were many thoughts running through his mind. I could relate as I had a million conflicting thoughts of my own: We shouldn't do this. Why did he stop? I don't want him to stop. Why has he come here? We could get caught. Maybe this was a stupid idea.

"I don't know why I'm here." He said in almost a whisper, his eyes remaining to be fixed firmly on the floor, almost as if he were afraid to move.

I didn't respond, knowing his statement wasn't requiring an answer. We both knew exactly why he was here. We'd driven each other crazy all evening, I'd had to suffer watching him play the doting husband while he watched me flirt with Steve Hunter. I knew it had frustrated him. I felt his eyes on me almost all night, whenever he could at least. Now he seemed unable to look at me at all. It made a chance to see Neil's more shy side. Usually he was so confident and demanding.

"I don't usually have anything to do with married men," I said, breaking the silence in an attempt to carry the conversation forward. I knew he was feeling confused and guilty and somewhere beneath the lust, I was too.

"I am sorry," Neil said, looking warily at me. "About Philippa."

"I know, but she is your wife," I sighed. "I know you had to bring her."

I had a flashback to our conversation from earlier, before Neil got pulled away. I wanted to ask about Barton Street but I didn't want to spoil the moment, not when we may actually start to have an honest conversation with each other.

"I wish I didn't," he mumbled as his gaze averted back to the floor. "Watching you with Steve..."

"I get it," I interjected. "I'm sorry to have done that. It's just when you showed up with..."

"I get it," he said, repeating my words, a mutual understanding shown. He looked at me now. We both knew we'd felt jealous. We wanted each other; it was just complicated. "But you are single. You can do what you want," he added dejectedly.

"What do you want Neil?" I asked.

His gaze flickered over my body, observing the robe I had on. Little did he know that underneath all I had on was my underwear. I saw him swallow, his eyes stopping as they reached back to connect with mine. I could feel the atmosphere become more static, as it always did when he was near. It was that which drove me crazy.

"I think we both know why you're here right now. We need to be honest with each other," I muttered.

"Okay," he said, more confidently now. "This is me being honest."

He instantly closed the gap between us and his lips reached mine with as much passion as they had a few minutes before. I knew I should have stopped it. My real career, the fact he was married: it was dangerous to be entertaining this affair but I couldn't resist. His hands slipped under my robe and I knew that for at least tonight, he was here to stay.