January became February and there was a thaw in the icy weather and gradually longer days eased the bleakness of winter. Mike had not seen Nathalie for nearly two weeks, owing to having to work away and returned home for the weekend in time to attend his step brother's 40th. It was on the Saturday and he arrived at his sister's around tea time. There was a buffet tea, which meant he could mingle and was keen to catch up with Nathalie. He felt a rush of emotion when he saw her and would have loved to have been alone with her. To kiss her. To caress her. He remembered where he was and put on a brave face. He tried to spend equal time with Nathalie and Hayley and began to wonder what Hayley would have been like if her role had been swapped with her twin. Hayley was an altogether more level-headed, academic girl, but bright and bubbly with it. Her figure was just as sexy as her sister's. She was a size slimmer maybe, but with gorgeous breasts and bum. The more he thought about it the more he fancied her, but there remained something special about Nathalie and in any case he had no intentions of complicating matters further by involving Hayley in the situation with his other niece. He had resolved that no matter how erotic it would be, it would become exponentially difficult to manage. The risks involved were enormous.
However, Hayley was not just bright but highly intuitive and Mike sensed that she knew there was something unusual happening. Twins have a certain connection. Not quite telepathy, but almost and Mike noticed once or twice that Hayley looked suspicious when he was talking to Nathalie. Maybe he was imagining it. Was there though, something in their body language that she had picked up on? She couldn't possibly have deduced what was going on, but his fears were realised later in the evening when Nathalie grabbed a minute alone with her uncle.
'Hayley has asked me what the secret is? What do I do?'
'What have you said?'
'I said it was a secret and couldn't say. I thought that would be better than lying outright.'
'Hmmm maybe.'
'We need to make a secret up though!'
'I realise that babe. Have you got any bright ideas?'
'How about something special for Mum's 45th in June?'
'Such as?'
'For fuck's sake, I don't know Mike!'
'OK, OK, sorry baby.'
As they were chatting, Hayley caught them in conference.
'Hey come on you two, what's going on? I know you're up to something!'
Mike had to think quickly to get her off the scent.
'It's something special for your Mum's birthday. We were going to tell you.'
'And...?'
'A hot air balloon ride.'
'What? Why couldn't you tell me earlier?'
'Well...'
'I don't believe you. You're bullshitting. What's going on Nat? Why are you keeping secrets from me?'
Hayley was quite worked up. This was tricky.
'We'll have to tell her Mike.'
'Oh fuck Nat!!!'
Hayley looked seriously concerned now. She was looking from one to the other waiting for an explanation. Mike felt uncomfortable and anxious, but knew he was running out of options.
'Hayley, calm down. I have to tell you something and I'm not sure how you're going to take this.'
Nathalie put her arm around her sister and cuddled her.
'Please be understanding Hayley. I love you.'
'I love you baby girl. What is it?'
'Hayley. Me and your sister have been seeing each other.'
Hayley looked stunned. She knew straight away what he meant. She looked at her sister, still holding her close. They shared a closeness; a level of affection that only twins understand and she did not easily let her go.
'Nat. Seriously!'
'Yes, honey.'
Nathalie looked forlorn. She looked lost. Mike was a mere bystander as the two had a heart to heart.
'Nat. You and Mike?!'
'Yes. Please don't hate us.'