---She slowly raised the glass to her lips, never taking her eyes from his electric blue ones. She sipped the champagne, barely noticing it. All her attention was focused on the gorgeous man in front of her. Her breath caught in her throat when he reached out and took the glass from her hands, their finger touching, both feeling the jolts run through their bodies."I want tonight to be perfect." he said softly, pulling her into his arms, the warmth of his body draping around her like a blanket.
"It already is." she whispered. "I'm here with you."
A small smile played at the corner of his full sensuous lips. She couldn't tear her eyes away, wanting, no, needing them against hers. She wanted to feel his hands on her, and more importantly wanted the freedom to caress his body with wild abandon, the way she had done so many times in her dreams.
"Brett, please!" she begged, unable to take anymore. He caught her off guard as his mouth came crashing down on hers, but she quickly regained her senses, as their tongues dueled fiercely. She went up on tiptoes, pressing her body closer yet to his, tunneling her fingers through his blond hair.
She gasped when his lips left hers and found the sensitive spot below her ear, then traveled lower to her neck, licking, nibbling and sucking the entire time.
He raised his head and looked deep into her eyes, his own heavy lidded and smoky with passion. "God, I want you." he moaned as he crushed her against him, once again claiming her lips in a heart-stopping kiss.
He laid her back on the bed, following her down and covering her body with his own. She closed her eyes when she felt his lips leave hers and begin their slow decent down her body---
Her eyes flew open when the alarm clock next to her head screamed at her impatiently. She sat up and looked around, her heart pounding.
"NO!" she cried, burying her face in her pillow.
"Not again." she wailed. A dream...that's how it always was. So real, yet only a dream.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One
~~~~~~~~~~~~
�It happened again.�
Dakota Lewis looked up from the book she was reading, and met her roommate and best friend�s gaze in confusion. �What?�
IreLyn Hunter sat down on the couch, her lower lip stuck out in a pretty pout. �It happened again.� She repeated as she rubbed her temples.
�You�ve lost me. What�s happened again?� Dakota asked, trying to catch up with the conversation.
�I had that dream again!� IreLyn clarified.
�What dream? Oooh, that dream!� Dakota�s eyes got wide as she realized what her friend was talking about. �Geez, that�s like the fourth time isn�t it?�
IreLyn nodded. �They are getting more and more frustrating! Each time getting a little farther, but still ending too soon!�
�Ever since you went to the Fuel concert, you�ve had it bad!� Dakota teased. IreLyn nodded in agreement. She�d always liked their music, and when a friend had offered to take her, she had happily accepted. From the second the concert started, she had been completely captivated, but not with the music. Her complete attention had been focused on the lead singer, Brett Scallions. Every time she closed her eyes, she would see his amazing blue eyes. Even now, over a month later, she was still seeing him in her dreams.
Dakota smiled, seeing how deep in thought IreLyn was, and also the wistful look that crossed her face. Dakota shook her head and said with a laugh, �Man, you�ve really got it bad! Aren�t you a little old to have a crush?�
�I don�t have a crush!� IreLyn said defensively, but much to her dismay, she felt the rush of heat on her face, and knew she was blushing like a schoolgirl. It only caused Dakota to laugh harder.
�Oh shut up!� IreLyn laughed with her. �You can�t tell me there isn�t someone out there that just makes you turn into jelly.�
Dakota stopped and thought about it. �Honestly, if there is, I haven�t met or seen him.� She finally answered.
�You�re kidding, right? Everyone has someone out there they lust over.� IreLyn exclaimed.
�Well, not me.� Dakota crossed her arms over her chest. �I�m not saying that there isn�t someone out there that I could go all Ga Ga over like you.�
�I haven�t gone Ga Ga!�
Dakota simply raised an eyebrow at her, and IreLyn backed down with a sheepish shrug.
�I don�t know what to do about these dreams though.� IreLyn sighed. �They are driving me crazy!�
�I�d say, go back to sleep, hope you dream and finish what you�ve started.� Dakota laughed when she got hit in the side of the head with a pillow from the couch.
�Are you going out tonight?� IreLyn asked, trying to change the subject. Dakota shrugged.
�I haven�t decided yet. I�m thinking about just renting a movie and staying in for the night. What about you?� she asked.
�That sounds good. Why don�t we make it a Blockbuster night? We�ll both just stay in and veg.�
Dakota grinned knowingly at her friend. �Yeah right, you just want to stay in so you can get to bed earlier!�
IreLyn grinned back as she got up and walked into the kitchen to start breakfast. She only hoped that sometime soon either the dreams would stop, or she would be able to finish what was started. If not, it was going to drive her insane.
***
�Hello, may I please speak with Dakota Lewis?� the voice on the other end of the phone asked.
�Sure, hang on.� IreLyn replied, then set the phone down. She walked to the bathroom door and knocked. �You�ve got a phone call.� She yelled thru the door. She heard the shower stop, and a few seconds later the door was opened.
�Who is it?� Dakota asked, covered with a terry cloth robe, as she wrapped a towel around her head.
�I don�t know. Not your secretary.� IreLyn called over her shoulder as she disappeared in her room. Dakota shook her head after her as she turned towards the phone on the table.
�Hello, this is Dakota.� She said in to the phone.
�This is Jacqueline Roads, with MTV. I�m pleased to announce that you are the winner of our 2001 Music Awards contest! You and a friend will be flown to Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida for four days and five nights. All expenses will be paid for, including a complete make over before the awards show. You will be staying at the luxurious Grand Floridian Hotel, and your passes to the parks will also be taken care of. Congratulations, Ms. Lewis!�
�Huh?�
The voice on the other end sighed. She got this reaction all the time. �Ms. Lewis, you just won the 2001 Music Awards---�
�I got that part,� Dakota interrupted. �I was just waiting for you to tell me this is all a joke and to have a nice day.�
�Ma�am, this is no joke. You will be receiving all your information by carrier within the next few days.� Jacqueline smiled. She loved her job, surprising people, and when they realize it is for real, the excitement and disbelief in their voices.
�Oh my God!� Dakota whispered. �Uh�when?�
�The awards show is in two weeks.�
IreLyn was lying back on her bed, her eyes closed when she heard her door open. She was trying to get as much rest as she could, without actually falling asleep. The dreams hadn�t gotten any better since she and Dakota had last talked about it, nearly a month and a half ago. Now it had been going on for two and a half months, and she wasn�t sure how much more she could take. She was constantly frustrated, and biting everyone�s heads off, including Dakota�s.
She opened her eyes and saw Dakota standing there, looking completely stunned. �What�s wrong?� IreLyn jumped to her feet, afraid the call had been bad news. Dakota blinked, then broke out into a radian smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
�We�re going to Disney World.�
�Why, did we win the Super Bowl?� IreLyn laughed, thinking Dakota was teasing her.
�No! That was Jacqueline Somebody from MTV. Do you remember a while back when we went to the mall and we entered the contest for the MTV Music Awards?� she asked. IreLyn thought back and remembered.
�Yeah�OH MY GOD! Are you telling me you won?!?!� she exclaimed.
�Yes!� Both girls screamed with excitement as they danced around the room.
***
Later that night, they were sitting in the living room watching TV, when a commercial for the awards show came on, sending both girls into another screaming fit.
�Shhh!� Dakota said, calming herself down. IreLyn stopped also, both wanting to hear what they had to say.
�---the 2001 MTV Music Awards, hosted by Jamie Fox, with guest appearances by Christina Aguliara, Backstreet Boys, Creed, Destiny�s Child, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Sir Elton John, N*Sync, Will Smith, Ben Stiller and more. With live performances by Dave Matthews Band, Mary J. Blige, Fuel, Nelly Furtado, Macy Gray, Ja Rule, Janet Jackson, Linkin Park, Brittany Spears, Stained and Uncle Kracker.�
IreLyn turned wide eyes to Dakota. �Did they just say�?�
�They sure did. Looks like this may be your chance.� Dakota grinned. IreLyn turned back to the TV. Her heart was pounding. Four days and five nights being that close to Brett�Would she see him? Would she get a chance to talk to him? Would she make a total fool of herself if she did get to talk to him? It didn�t matter, she didn�t have to talk to him. Just knowing she was at least going to see him on stage, when she and Dakota had front row seats, was enough of a dream come true.
She glanced over at her friend, as a wide smile spread across her lips. �Kody, this is going to be the best time of our lives!�
~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Two
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next two weeks passed in a flash, yet agonizingly slow at the same time, but finally the day arrived that Dakota and IreLyn would be leaving for Florida. Dakota was nearly bouncing off the walls with her excitement as they finished packing before laving for the airport. IreLyn was so nervous that her stomach was tied up in knots. Her dreams had become much more frequent and vivid. Just the thought of seeing Brett again�even if only up on stage was enough to make her feel faint. She thought for sure that she would die when the moment came. At least she would die happy though.
Dakota had another good laugh at her friend�s expense when a limo pulled up in front of their house to take them to the airport. �I told you that this was going to be lavish and that we are going to be pampered this weekend.� Dakota was still chuckling at IreLyn�s disbleief.
�I may not want to return home.� IreLyn commented as she grabbed her bags and set them by the door for the driver to carry. She was certainly going to take full advantage of this temporary �easy life.�
�So who are you hoping to meet?� IreLyn asked Dakota as they rode in the back of the limo to the airport. The limo was decked out, complete with champagne, beer, liquor, hors d� oeuvres, a TV, and several dvd�s.
�Hmmm,� Dakota thought about it for a moment. There really wasn�t anyone that she wouldn�t want to meet, except��Anyone except that redneck Nascar racer Dale Earnhardt Jr.. I can�t believe that MTV is even allowing him to present an award. What the hell does he have to do with MTV and the music. He�s a hick and I bet he loves the twanging guitar country music shit! And I also bet that he�s only doing this appearance for his own self promotion.� Dakota paused for a moment as she crossed her arms over her chest and released an annoyed huff. She did feel better after getting that off of her chest. �I�d really like to meet Incubus though if they are there. I love the song �Wish You Were Here.� And�not to mention those amazing abdominals on Brandon Boyd�� She added on and smiled a slightly wicked smile.
IreLyn remained silent and Dakota again saw the faraway look that had become not so unusual in her bright green eyes. She was thinking of her dream man again and this was probably the best time as any to put the proverbial icing on the cake for her friend.
�Hey, Lyn�� Dakota began, successfully bringing IreLyn back to reality for the time being. �There were a couple of things that I forgot to mention to you.� She continued, her statement spoken a little too innocently to be sincere and IreLyn knew it.
�What?� IreLyn questioned, almost afraid to hear the answer. She was sure that Dakota was going to tell her that they were really going to the MTV Music Awards.
Knowing IreLyn�s thoughts, Dakota smiled reassuringly. �Well, the day before the awards ceremony, which would be Friday, there is a fan fair. You can go there and meet other fans, buy or trade merchandise. Many of the musicians will be there to do autograph signings�including Fuel.� Dakota paused and waited for the scream. IreLyn let her have it a few seconds later after what Dakota had just told her finally sunk in a little.
�Oh my God�� IreLyn breathed softly as her hands began to tremble just at the thought.
�There�s more Lyn,� Dakota warned her ahead of time so that she could prepare herself for the bigger news. If that was even possible. �After the awards show there is a special VIP party�which we also have passes to.�
IreLyn opened her mouth to say something, but no sound other than a barely audible squeak would come out. She was shocked speechless�Momentarily.
�Oh hell!� IreLyn exclaimed with an exasperated sigh. �I have no idea what I�m getting so worked up about. Even if I do get lucky enough to meet him, that doesn�t mean shit! He�s got to be married or at least have some stunningly beautiful girlfriend that I can in no way compete with. And it�s not like he�s just going to kick her off to the curb just because I�ve been having dreams about him. Hell, he�d probably want to get as far away from as possible and think that I�m some lunatic stalker.� IreLyn moaned miserably as it all came to her just how silly and childish that she was being.
Dakota watched as IreLyn buried her head in her hands, refusing to say anything more on the subject for the time being. Dakota felt a little bad for her friend, knowing just how frustrated she was by the dreams she�d been having. Dreams that never ended or stopped. She knew nothing about Brett Scallions except what little IreLyn had told her over the past couple of months, but she did know that if he and IreLyn did end up meeting over this weekend and he threw his chance with her away, he was a fool. Not only was IreLyn as stunning as any current supermodel on the runway, but her beauty went further than that. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.
As the driver turned the limo into the airport, Dakota said a silent prayer for both IreLyn and herself that this weekend would be one that they would never forget.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Three
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�Okay, now I know I�m never going to want to leave!� IreLyn exclaimed as they walked into the hotel. It was�magnificent.
�Wow.� Dakota whispered as she took in everything surrounding them. �I�m with you on that one.�
�You think they�d just let us move in?� IreLyn laughed.
�For some reason I�m thinking �No�. Come on, let�s go check in.� Dakota practically drug IreLyn behind her up to the front desk.
�Welcome to Disney�s Grand Floridian Resort.� The petite girl said behind the counter, whose nametag read Danielle. �How may I be of assistance to you today?�
�We�re checking in.� IreLyn told her, handing her all the information that had been sent to them. Danielle took it and looked over all the information.
�I see here you won the trip for two to the MTV Music Awards. Congratulations!� she exclaimed. �You two are really lucky, you�re going to be with people like Brad Pitt, who was just announced to be there, N*Sync, Destiny�s Child��
IreLyn looked over at Dakota who just grinned. The girl sounded like the damn commercial. ��Backstreet Boys, Creed, Fuel, and let�s not forget Dale Earnhardt, Jr.� she sighed dreamily. She had hoped he was staying at the hotel so she could meet him, but he was booked somewhere else.
IreLyn again looked over at Dakota and saw her rolling her eyes. �I�m just going to go put your information in the computer, I�ll be right back.� Danielle informed them, then walked away.
�What do you have against this Earnhardt guy?� IreLyn asked curiously. She never remembered Dakota watching NASCAR, but she seemed to really dislike him. She, herself, didn�t watch either, but she had heard of the name.
Dakota simply shrugged her shoulders. �I told you he�s a redneck, and he has no business at the MTV awards.�
�How do you know he�s a redneck?�
Dakota shot her a look. �Come on! It�s NASCAR! Who in NASCAR isn�t a redneck?�
�I don�t know, I don�t watch NASCAR. I didn�t think you did either.� IreLyn commented. Again Dakota rolled her eyes and shook her head with a laugh.
�I don�t�anymore. When I was younger my father was a huge NASCAR fan, and I was forced to watch races. It wasn�t bad, but all the guys were pure 100% redneck hicks!�
�Who listened to that twangy country music shit, right?� IreLyn laughed. She knew Dakota despised country music and anything affiliated with it. She wasn�t exactly a fan of country music herself, but she didn�t hate it with a passion like her friend did.
�Exactly.�
They both looked up when Danielle came back to them. The look on her face told them the news wasn�t good. �I�m afraid we have a slight problem. It seems we have overbooked our rooms. There is a convention going on along with the awards. I�m not quite sure how this happened, and I do apologize. Unfortunately, we have no rooms available right now, and won�t until Saturday.�
�That�s two days away! What do we do until then?� Dakota asked. She knew this whole thing was just too good to be true!
�Well, we�ve had to do this with several other guests, but we can book you a room at Disney�s Wilderness Lodge. It�s our newest resort, and a lot of the guest enjoy staying there almost as much as here.� Danielle said. She felt bad for this, and knew someone was going to get a major ass chewing for this mistake. Disney has always had a flawless reputation, but things like this could easily bring it down.
�I guess we�ll just have to stay there then.� IreLyn sighed, looked around the luxurious hotel�s lobby, feeling disappointed that they wouldn�t be staying there.
�Did you want me to go ahead and book the rooms here for Saturday? We can send someone over to get you and your things.� Danielle offered.
�Let�s wait and see how things go over at the other resort first.� Dakota responded.
�Okay, well, if you decide that you would like to just stay here, let the front desk know and they will get everything in order for you. Thank you for your understanding, and I am sorry for this inconvenience.�
Twenty minutes later the girls were pulling into the long drive of the Wilderness. When the resort came in to view, both girls� mouths fell open. It was like being in the mountains in Wyoming.
They walked in the lobby, both giddy with excitement again. �Is it just me, or is this whole Disney thing really magical?� IreLyn asked with a smile.
�I don�t think it�s just you.� Dakota answered. �I think we�re going to just stay right here for the trip.�
�Oh good! I was hoping you�d say that. I bet most people like this place more than the Grand Floridian�not that it wasn�t spectacular, but this�� her voice trailed off, unable to find the words.
Inside it looked like a huge log cabin. There were totem poles in the Lobby with the Disney characters making up each section. Everything was wood. There was a huge fireplace with many rocking chairs around it, and just beyond that was the doors leading out to the pools and the lake.
�Welcome to Disney�s Wilderness Lodge. We already got your information from the Grand Floridian, and we have upgraded you to a suite.� The desk clerk said after getting the name.
�A suite?� IreLyn asked in disbelief. �Oh wow!�
�Just so you know, and are not shocked when you come across them, there are some people here for the Awards show. Apparently the overbooking did not just affect you. It also affected some of the stars. They will be staying here for the duration of the stay also.� He smiled at the two beautiful women in front of him.
�Uh, thanks.� Dakota answered, a little overwhelmed at all this, as she signed her name to the paper he had passed her. He then handed her what looked to be two credit cards, but with Mickey Mouse on the front.
�These are your keys to Disney World. Not only are they your room keys, but they are also your passes to the park. You do have unlimited admission which means you can go to any park as many times as you want. The nightspot of Disney World is Pleasure Island. This is where all the clubs are and is open from 6PM until 3AM. Every night at midnight they do have a huge New Year�s celebration. This is also where the VIP party will be after the awards show. It is not open to the public, but you girls are permitted. Also, these cards can also be used through out the Disney property as credit cards. As of right now, each card has a thousand dollars on it. So please, do not loose these cards. If you should, simply call us when you discover it missing, and we will take care of it.�
�Wait a second!� Dakota exclaimed. �What do you mean �thousand dollars�?�
�It goes along with the package you won. You and your friend each get the one thousand dollar shopping spree here in Disney.�
IreLyn turned wide eyes to her friend. �If I wake up and find out this is all a dream, I am not going to be very happy.�
***
�This is the life!� IreLyn declared as she sank down on the bed in the room she has claimed as her own. The suite was better than their own apartment. And bigger! It had two bedrooms with king size beds, an adjoining bathroom with was nearly bigger than their whole apartment itself, living room, and kitchen area complete with dining area.
�You�re not kidding! Damn, even the fridge is loaded with food. I could really get used to this kind of living. Hey, IreLyn, are you going to pamper me like this when we get home?� Dakota called from the living room.
�Only when you kiss my ass.� IreLyn called back. Dakota laughed as she picked up the ice bucket.
�I�m going down the hall to the ice machine.� She called.
IreLyn jumped up off the bed and went to the door connecting �her� room to the living room. �You mean to tell me this room is stocked with everything a person could imagine and there isn�t any ice in the freezer?� she asked.
Dakota paused and looked back with a sheepish grin. �I�m sure there is, I didn�t check. There�s just something about ice from the machine that I like. I don�t know, I�m just weird.�
�You said it!� IreLyn laughed.
�Just remember who brought you on this trip.� Dakota warned playfully.
�I�ve always thought weird was good! Big fan of weird!�
Dakota laughed as she walked out the door. She looked down the hall both ways, trying to figure out exactly where the ice machine would be. She turned to the left and a few minutes later heard the unmistakable sound of ice falling into a bucket. She turned the corner and nearly collided with someone who was just coming out of the room, holding a full bucket of ice.
�Ahhh!� she exclaimed as the bucket tipped and all the ice fell down the front of her. A few pieces even got down the front of her shirt, causing her to shiver at the sudden coldness.
She lifted her head and met their eyes. She shivered again, but this time she wasn�t sure if it was because of the ice or because of the man standing before her. He was gorgeous. The first thought that ran through her mind was that she found the person she could go �ga ga� over.
�I�m sorry, I wasn�t watching where I was going. Are you all right?� he asked, and she could easily hear the drawl in his voice. She wasn�t one for the southern drawl, but his voice she could definitely get used too. Just give her a few minutes.
He reached forward and put his hand on her arm, his touch nearly burning her. She took a shocked step back, breaking the contact, hoping he hadn�t noticed the effect he was having on her.
�Uh, no, I�m the one who should apologize, it was my fault.� She said, finally finding her voice. She looked at the ice scattered around their feet. �I made you drop you ice.� She said, then wanted to kick herself. She sounded like an idiot!
He smiled, and nearly took her breath away. �It�s not a problem. I�m sure they had lots more in the machine.� Yeah, she liked his voice�didn�t even take as long as she thought.
�Here, why don�t I get you�re ice while I get mine.� He offered as he reached out and took the bucket from her arms. She watched him in silence as he proceeded to fill the buckets. He was slightly taller than her own 5 foot 8, so she guessed him to be around 6 foot. He had short brownish hair, with the ends blond. His blue eyes left her heart pounding, and his body. She couldn�t think about that right then.
He turned his head and those blue eyes met her smoky gray ones. �Here you go.� He said as he held out the bucket. She took it from him, their hands meeting, again sending electric currents through her entire body.
�Thank you, and again, I�m sorry about that. I�ll be sure to watch where I�m going from now on.� She smiled up at him.
�I didn�t mind.� He said. �I�ll see ya around.� He then turned and disappeared around the corner. She stared after him, still clutching the bucket to her chest. After a moment, she shook herself mentally, telling herself to pull it together. She walked back to the room just as the door opened.
�There you are! I thought you got lost or some---� IreLyn trailed off as she took in her friends wet tee-shirt and the dreamy look on her face. �What happened? Why is your shirt all wet? Was there some wet tee-shirt contest that I didn�t know about? Hello? Are you listening to me?� IreLyn demanded as Dakota walked by her, still in her own little dream world.
�Hey!� IreLyn yelled, finally snapping Dakota�s attention back.
�Oh, sorry. What?� she asked a little breathlessly. She couldn�t get her mind off that guy. If she kept this up she was going to have to make many more trips back ice, fill up the tub with it, and just soak herself in ice.
�That�s it!� IreLyn exclaimed, taking the bucket away from Dakota, sat it down, and then turned to her friend. �I�ve never seen you like this. What happened? And don�t tell me nothing. I can see it in your eyes. So, spill it. What just happened out there in the hall?�
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Four
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dakota�s eyes took on a soft faraway look and IreLyn had a pretty good idea just from that expression what had happened to her friend while she�d bee on her ice run.
�I just bumped into the most incredible man,� Dakota said, confirming IreLyn�s suspicion.
�And?� IreLyn questioned impatiently. �Details!�
�Uh�� Dakota trailed off as his image flashed before her eyes, causing a fresh wave of heat to course through her body. �He�s gorgeous�� Dakota stated with a dreamy sigh.
IreLyn let out an exasperated huff. �I can tell that! But what does he look like?�
�Oh!� Dakota finally snapped herself back to reality somewhat. �He�s about six foot, the most amazing blue eyes, and the sexiest southern drawl that I�ve ever heard.�
�Southern drawl?� IreLyn questioned as she gave Dakota a curious look. �Doesn�t that mean �hick?� I thought that wasn�t your thing.�
Dakota shook her head and smiled broadly. �Not in his case. This guy is definitely not a redneck.� Dakota said as she rummaged through her bag for a dry shirt.
�So how did your shirt get wet then?� IreLyn asked.
�He dumped his ice on me.�
IreLyn laughed as that statement. �Guess he thought that you needed a cooling off.�
�No! Not like that! When I ran into him, the ice in his bucket went all over me and down my shirt.� Dakota tried to explain but she saw that IreLyn wasn�t buying it.
�Like I said�A cooling off.� IreLyn said still laughing as Dakota left the room to change her shirt.
*****
Lifting her up slightly, he slid her shirt over her shoulders and off her body before dropping it to the floor beside the bed. Pressing his lips to hers in another mind tingling kiss, he undid the tiny clasp on the front of her bra and removed that as well. Breaking the kiss, he pulled back slightly allowing his eyes to devour the beautiful woman before him.
�Brett!� She pleaded breathlessly for him to continue. He ignored her pleas and moved himself just teasingly out of her reach. Unable to take another moment of his sweet torture, she caught him off guard with her quick cat-like movements. The next thing he knew, he found himself on his back with her astride his body. He grabbed her hips and pressed the hard length of his arousal against her body causing her head to fall back as a moan thick with desire formed on her lips.
Quickly regaining her senses she tugged on his arm until he rose to a sitting position. She began working the buttons on his shirt and then moaned in frustration when her fingers wouldn�t cooperate with her. Not one to have the patients to keep trying, she grabbed two handfuls of his shiny, multi-colored shirt and tugged until the buttons gave and flew across the room.
Eyes glazed with desire, she ran her hands over his chest up to his shoulders. She slid his shirt off and it fell unnoticed to the bed behind them. Capturing her face within his hands, he caught her lips in a kiss that made time stand still as he lowered her back to the bed. He quickly rid her of her remaining clothes before standing and discarding his own leather pants. Then he moved back to the bed and covered her body with his---
---Tunneling her fingers through his blond hair, she arched her body tighter against his as his lips burned a trail along the line of her throat. She sucked in a sharp breath as he moved down further and ran his tongue along the length of her collarbone while he slid his hands between their bodies and slowly began working on the buttons that lined the front of her blouse.
IreLyn bolted upright, her body bathed in sweat, her heart pounding as her eyes darted around the room before finally realizing where she was. She looked down at the blankets that were twisted tightly around her body.
�Damn it!� She yelled in frustration as she launched one of her pillows across the room. The dream again. It had gone further than it ever had before, but not far enough. It had seemed so real. IreLyn swore that she could still feel his lips on hers and smell the combined scent of leather and Cool Water cologne�just like she had in every other dream that she�d had about him.
Sighing deeply, IreLyn glanced at the clock as she began unwinding the blankets from around her. She groaned when she saw the early hour of the morning, but got up anyway. Sleep would be a long time coming anyway.
*****
�Hey Lyn,� Dakota greeted when she emerged from her room nearly three hours later and found IreLyn sitting out on the balcony that was connected to their rooms. �Whoa, how long have you been up?� She questioned when IreLyn turned to look at her and she saw the dark smudges underneath her eyes.
�Couple hours,� IreLyn relied as she tried to stifle a yawn. �The dream again.� IreLyn knew that she didn�t need to explain further. Dakota knew well by now.
�Please tell me it went to the end this time.� Dakota said as she poured herself a glass of orange juice from the pitcher sitting on the art in front of them. There was also coffee, which IreLyn had nearly polished off, rolls, bagels, and fresh fruit, along with two plates heaping full of eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and toast. IreLyn had obviously taken advantage of the free room service.
�No�� IreLyn let out a sigh that turned into an anguished moan. �Kody, I don�t know how much more of this I can take! Am I losing my mind? I feel like I am! Every time I close my eyes, all I see is him. Every time I sleep, I have the same dream of him over and over. I am insane, aren�t I?�
Dakota smiled as she placed her hand on her friend�s arm. �No, you�re not insane. It�s perfectly normal for a woman to dream about a good-looking man.� She reassured IreLyn.
�But every night!!??� IreLyn nearly cried in frustration. �And don�t normal dreams usually play themselves out?�
�Okay, I know what you need.� Dakota said as she got up and pulled IreLyn to her feet as well. �Go shower and get ready. I�ll do the same. There�s a spa downstairs and I think we could both use a little extra pampering before we head off to fan fair, which starts in�� Dakota glanced down at her watch. �Three hours. Just enough time.�
IreLyn couldn�t help but smile at her friend�s suggestion. �Thanks Kody! You are the best!�
Dakota smiled �I know, aren�t I?!� Her vain reply received a playful punch in the arm from IreLyn.
�Come on, let�s get going!� IreLyn exclaimed as she rushed to her bathroom, both she and Dakota ready to get the day started.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Five
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�Kody, I am really going to owe you big for this one.� IreLyn said in awe as she took in the scene before her, as she and Dakota stepped into the huge arena where the fan fair was being held. Never before had she seen so many people in one place. But just knowing why they were all there excited her to no end.
�I know, I�ll let you know when I think of how you can repay me.� Dakota teased as she too looked around.
�I�m sure you will.� IreLyn gave her a sideways look. �There is so much going on here, I don�t know where to start!�
�I do, we are going to find Fuel!� Dakota declared, looking around for any kind of clue that would lead them to the band.
�We�re going there now?� IreLyn shrieked, her eyes wide and heart pounding. After the most recent dream, she wasn�t sure she could face Brett Scallions this soon.
�Yup. We are going to get this over with. I�m hoping once you see him, these damn dreams will stop!� Dakota said, then grabbed her friend�s arm and started dragging her to where she had seen some people with Fuel T-shirts.
�Where are they?� IreLyn asked when they got to their destination, only to find people selling T-shirts, but no band.
�Excuse me, but is Fuel going to be here?� Dakota asked the woman behind the counter closest to her. The woman sighed. If she got asked that question one more time, she was going to scream.
�Yes!� she snapped. �If you would read the program, they are not due to arrive until 10:00. Look at your watch, it�s only 9:45.� Before either girl could say anything further, she turned and stalked away.
�Man, what a bitch!� Dakota said through clenched teeth.
�Forget her, come one, let�s go see who else is here.� IreLyn said, already headed off in another direction. She stopped when she saw a sign that caught her eye. �Hey, let�s go over here.�
�Come on, its Alien Ant Farm. You know I�m not crazy about them.� Dakota sighed following after her. IreLyn stopped and pointed.
�No, I want to go over there.� Dakota eyes moved to where she was pointing and she rolled her eyes when she saw a sign that read NASCAR Winston Cup Driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
�Oh hell no!� she said backing up. IreLyn stopped her.
�I want to see what he looks like!� she begged.
�No! I told you, he�s nothing but a hick, and I have no intentions of being around NASCAR people.� Dakota wrinkled her nose.
�Aren�t you even a little curious as to what this Earnhardt guy looks like?� IreLyn asked, trying to see through the mob of people surrounding the area where the racer was.
�No.� Dakota huffed.
�Well, I am.� She walked over behind the mob of people and waited, hoping to catch a glimpse of this �hick�. Dakota stepped up next to her, mumbling under her breath the whole time. The crowd parted, and IreLyn saw a guy with his head bent down as he signed autographs for the people around him.
�I can�t see much, but from what I can see, he�s not bad. Younger than I thought he�d be. Looks like he�s rather cute though.� IreLyn said. �Let�s get a closer look.�
She took a hold of Dakota and moved through the crowd before Dakota could protest. By the time IreLyn finished pushing through people, they were practically standing right in front of him. He raised his head to talk to the person whose hat he was signing, and IreLyn heard Dakota gasp from behind her, and before she could turn to look at her, Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned and looked at them. She couldn�t help but think he was a very attractive man, and even more so when he gave her a big smile.
�So, we meet again.� He called. IreLyn wracked her brain to try and think of where they could have met before. Surely she would have remembered meeting him. She then noticed the southern draw in his voice and realized he wasn�t talking to her. She spun around to face Dakota, who looked stricken and as if she could be knocked over with a feather.
�Uh�yeah.� Dakota stuttered. This could not be happening! The man of her dreams turned out to be none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr.? Of all the luck! She realized she was staring at him like a crazed fan and her face flushed with embarrassment. �Sorry to bother you.� She mumbled, then turned on her heel and pushed her way back through the crowd.
Biting her lip to keep from laughing, IreLyn took one last glance at Dale, seeing he was staring after Dakota, then hurried and raced after her friend. She caught up with her a few moments later.
�Care to explain that one?� IreLyn asked, grinning over at Dakota.
�No.� came the short reply.
�Let me see if I�ve got this straight. You don�t like NASCAR because it�s nothing but rednecks. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a NASCAR driver, therefore a redneck, and you don�t like him. But you met a guy last night in the hallway that made you all hot and bothered so much you needed ice dumped all over you, and you haven�t stopped talking about him since, and yet even though he has the southern draw, he�s not a redneck. Now, today, we find that same man to be none other than Dale Earnhardt, Jr. himself! What do you make of that?� IreLyn asked, pretending she was really pondering over the whole situation.
�IreLyn, I�m only going to say this once. Drop it.� Dakota said, never taking her eyes off of the people in front of her.
�Oh come on!� IreLyn exclaimed. �What�s the big deal? So you�ve got a crush on Dale.�
�I don�t have a crush on Dale.� Dakota clarified.
�Oh, okay, so it�s okay to be completely taken with the guy in the hall, until you find out who he is. Is that it?� IreLyn asked.
Dakota stopped, and turned to IreLyn. �Look, it really doesn�t matter if I did like him or not. He�s famous, and doesn�t any thing to do with someone like me. And that�s not even the point, I don�t like rednecks. Plain and simple. I don�t care who it is, I�m not getting all worked up over him. Okay? Now let it go.�
�Fine! But just one more thing. I thought you said he wasn�t a redneck.�
Dakota shrugged. �I was wrong, obviously.�
�But you two shared a �moment�. That�s something!� IreLyn protested, trying to make her friend see, but also knew how stubborn she could be when she set her mind to something.
�You said one more thing, and I believe that was two.� Dakota said then walked away.
IreLyn sighed as she walked after her, shaking her head. It looked as if it might be up to her to make her friend see how ridiculous she was being. As far as she could tell, the moment that was shared hadn�t just affected Dakota. She sighed again. Maybe Dakota was right, it was best to leave it alone. He was pretty much unattainable�just like Brett. Not that Dakota couldn�t out do most of the other women there. She could, hands down. She was breathtakingly beautiful, but there was more to her than that. She was honest, and real. And, she was a friend for life. She snapped out of her thoughts and stopped suddenly when she realized where Dakota was heading. �What are you doing?� she asked, rushing to catch up.
�I�m going to go check out the Karaoke stage. Sounds like fun.� Dakota called over her shoulder. She needed to do something to get her mind off of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. She was still shaken up about it. �Get your self together girl.� She told herself. �Even if you didn�t care about the redneck hick thing, he wouldn�t want you. Just remember that. He could have any female he wanted, and there is no way he would choose you.�
She stopped in front of the Karaoke stage and watched as people made fools of herself. After about five minutes, she broke out into a grin as a thought came to mind. She turned and looked at IreLyn, who was engrossed in what was happening on the stage.
�I think you should go up there.�>
IreLyn whipped her head around and looked at Dakota as if she had suddenly sprouted another head. �Have you lost your mind?� she demanded.
�No, I think it would be fun!� Dakota laughed.
�Then get your ass up there.� IreLyn retorted.
�Nah, I would hate to blow all these people away with all my talent.� Dakota snickered. �Seriously, though, I would, but you know I have this definite fear of being in front of people. You don�t. I think you�d be great! Please?�
�Listen carefully and read my lips. Hell no.�
IreLyn saw Dakota�s smile broaden and knew what was coming. �I dare you.�
Dakota knew there was no way IreLyn could resist a dare. �Damn it!� IreLyn growled. �Fine, I�ll do it. But believe me when I say, paybacks are going to be a total bitch!�
�Yeah, yeah whatever.� Dakota dismissed her threat. �You go on and get ready, I�ll got tell the guy what to play for ya.�
�Wait! What are you going to tell him?� IreLyn called.
Dakota grinned wickedly at her. �It�s a surprise!�
A few minutes later IreLyn was waiting to the side as she was announced, her heart pounding with nervousness, anticipation and excitement. She knew she wasn�t the world�s best singer, and in all honesty probably couldn�t carry a tune in a bucket, but what the hell. It was going to be fun, and it wasn�t as if she was ever going to see any of these people again. She just wished she�d had a couple drinks or shots before hand.
�And our next performer comes all the way from Colorado! She and her friend were the lucky winners in this year�s MTV Music Awards contest. She�s a huge fan of Fuel and will be singing �BitterSweet�. Everyone, please put your hands together for Ms. IreLyn Hunter!�
~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Six
~~~~~~~~~~~
IreLyn glanced over at Dakota as she walked out onto the center of the stage and stood in front of the monitor that the displayed the words of the selected song. After picking up the microphone, she moved away from the screen. She didn�t need it. She knew all of the words by heart. Closing her eyes, she took in a deep breath and slowly released it as the first strains of the song began. Instantly she was lost in the music, it being one of her favorite Fuel songs. She began singing with everything that she had, not caring what everyone thought of her.
Dakota tried to suppress the giggle as she listened to IreLyn. She had to give her friend credit though for having the nerve to get up there and go through with singing the song. And IreLyn truly looked like she was having a good time singing her heart out.
IreLyn was oblivious to the hush and then the roar that came from the crowd gathered around the karaoke stage. It wasn�t until she glanced over at Dakota and saw her urgently trying to get her attention and motioning at something. IreLyn gave her a questioning look, but kept on singing. A moment later she sensed a presence behind her. In the same instant the combined sent of leather and Cool Water assaulted her senses. Her whole body froze including her voice when she felt his body brush against hers as he leaned over her shoulder and began singing into the microphone that she held in her hand.
IreLyn swallowed nervously as she glanced over at Dakota, pleading with her to do something. Dakota just shook her head as she smiled broadly at her friend. IreLyn began shaking. She knew with out having to look who it was standing behind her with his body pressed against hers as he leaned over her shoulder to sing along with her.
Before she knew it, the song had ended and Brett had moved around to stand in front of her. He smiled down upon her bent head. IreLyn could have kicked herself. There she was with the man of her dreams standing right in front of her and she was scared to even look at him. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, but was only a few seconds in reality, IreLyn gathered every ounce of courage within her and lifted her eyes.
The instant her eyes touched on the bright blue of his, IreLyn felt her legs go weak and threaten to give out from underneath her. Her heart thudded loudly against her ribs as he began to speak to her.
�That was great.� It hadn�t been really, but he had to applaud her for trying. And although she didn�t quite have the right tune, she�d put all of her heart and soul into the song. �It was really nice to come in here and hear one of our songs being done. I really appreciate it.� And that was the honest truth. He and the other band member were always very appreciative of their fans and loved to interact with them.
IreLyn was not able to drag her eyes from his lips as she remembered how they felt against hers in her dreams. A wave of heat blazed through her as she recalled the intimate details of his naked body from her dream the night before. A gasp formed on her lips that she was just barely able to hold back.
Giving herself a mental slap, IreLyn managed to drive those thoughts from her mind�Somewhat. She managed to drag her eyes from his lips and lifted them until they locked with his once again. And once again, her knees threatened to buckle. She gave herself another mental shake and managed to choke a few words out.
�Thanks�but I really didn�t do that good of a job. You�re a much better singer than I am.� God, she sounded like a complete idiot! Of course he was a better singer than she was. It was his career.
Brett smiled down at her and IreLyn was certain that her heart was going to burst right through her chest. �Well, we better get over to our booth,� Brett said, although reluctantly. He really wasn�t ready to leave the presence of the beautiful woman standing before him. But a yell from Carl, Fuel�s guitar player, got him moving. �Make sure you stop by and get a T-shirt and an autograph.� Leaning forward he brushed his lips across her cheek. �And thanks again for doing our song.�
�Okay,� Was all IreLyn was capable of saying as her hand rose to where his lips had been. She touched her fingers there, trying to hold on to the delicious, tingling sensation. �See ya.�
After he�d said good-bye, IreLyn watched as he turned and walked away. It was then that what had just happened really hit her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Seven
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�Oh my God, tell me that really happened.� IreLyn said, her voice shaking just as much as her legs when she stepped off the stage. Dakota was waiting for her, nearly jumping up and down with excitement for her friend.
�That was awesome! God, you should have seen your face when you realized who was behind you. It was priceless!� Dakota squealed. �And yes, it really happened!�
�Excuse me.� Both girls turned to see an older woman looking at IreLyn. �I thought you might like to have this.� She handed something to IreLyn.
IreLyn looked down and saw that it was a Polaroid of her and Brett on stage, him bending down to kiss her check. �Wow.� Dakota breathed.
�This�this is perfect. Thank you so much.� IreLyn lifted her eyes to the woman standing before her.
�Not a problem. It was a moment I thought you�d like to keep forever.� She smiled then walked away.
�Man, you have all the luck.� Dakota whistled, taking a good look at the picture. �That�s amazing! Now you can really remember this forever!�
IreLyn smiled at her friend. �I don�t need a picture to remember what just happened. I�ll never forget, but this is an added bonus.�
�Hey, I�m going to go get something to drink, you want anything?� Dakota asked.
�Yeah, that�d be great. Listen, meet me over to the Fuel booth. Brett told me to stop by to get a T-shirt and autograph.� IreLyn said, her eyes shinning with happiness.
�Awww, how sweet. You�re first date.� Dakota teased, receiving a playful punch in the arm.
IreLyn couldn�t believe what had just happened. It was almost as if her dreams were trying to tell her something�were they meant to be?
She shook her head, and had to stop herself from laughing out loud. Now she was thinking crazy thoughts. He would have gone up on stage and sung with anyone who was doing Fuel�s song. She would just go get her T-shirt and his signature, then go on with her day.
That was the plan, and it was going great, until she stepped up to the booth and saw him talking with other fans. She found it hard to breathe and couldn�t move. She saw him look up at someone who walked over to the side of the booth. Her heart skipped a beat when a smile spread across his face, and he got up out of his chair and walked over to the person standing there. She watched as he shook hands and greeted them, easily reading that they were friends.
She turned her attention away from Brett to glance at whom he was talking too. She, herself, broke out into a smile when she saw that he was talking to Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
�Oh, this is too perfect.� She thought to herself. She said a silent thank you to the man upstairs, and crossed her fingers, hoping this would work out to both her and Dakota�s benefits.
�Here ya go.� Dakota said as she stepped next to her and handed her a soda. �Did you get your autograph?� she asked.
�Nope, going now. And you�re coming with me.� IreLyn grinned slyly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Eight
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�Oh hell no! Don�t even think about doing what you�re going to attempt, Lyn!� Dakota exclaimed as IreLyn drug in the direction of where Brett was signing and she saw whom he was talking to. There was no way in hell that she was going to associate with the likes of that redneck Nascar racer Dale Earnhardt Jr.
IreLyn spun around and fixed Dakota with a vicious stare. �You might as well give up trying to convince yourself that you don�t like him. I can see it plain as day in your eyes, Kody. And incase you missed it, he looked more than a little interested in you himself.� IreLyn paused as she planted her hands firmly on her hips the way her mom always had when she�d been lectured. �You should at least give him a chance�Talk to him�get to know him as a person before you decide whether you like him or not. What could it hurt?�
�What good would it do?� Dakota shot back, answering IreLyn�s question with one of her own. �Besides, even if I did decide that I like him, which will never happen� he�d never want anything to do with me anyway. He could have is choice of any beautiful woman and I highly doubt that I�d be his choice.�
IreLyn let out an exasperated sigh, rolling his eyes skyward as she glanced back over her shoulder. A smile curved her lips when she saw that Dale had spotted Dakota and was making his way through the crowd toward her, �Looks like he may have already chosen you.� IreLyn said as she motioned to the approaching figure.
Dakota�s eyes grew as they met the brilliant blue of his. She felt her heart flip and then speed up the closer he got�Okay,� Dakota thought, giving herself a mental shake. �I can do this�even if only to appease IreLyn. I�ll never have to see him again after this weekend anyway.� He was a redneck Nascar driver. It wasn�t like she really liked him anyway�did she? �No!� Dakota tried desperately to convince herself.
IreLyn smiled knowingly at Dakota as she brushed past her and walked up to meet Dale. No matter how hard Dakota tried to convince herself that she felt nothing when she looked at, or thought of Dale, she was fighting a losing battle. That would be like her trying to convince herself that she didn�t want Brett. And there was no way in hell that she was even going to attempt that. Turning around IreLyn started back towards the Fuel booth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Nine
~~~~~~~~~~~~
�Taking a break from signing autographs?� Dakota smiled as she stepped up to Dale.
�There�s only so much a person can take before you need a break.� Dale nodded. �I�m actually glad I saw you. I wanted to talk to you earlier, but you ran off to quickly.�
�Uh, yeah, sorry about that.� Dakota said, looking down at the ground, feeling the heat rush to her face. She tried desperately to not let his words affect her, but to no avail. Her heart started pounding, and here she was blushing. All because he had wanted to see her. �I could tell you were really busy with all your fans, and I didn�t want to interrupt.�
�Are you a fan of NASCAR?� he asked as he crossed his arms over his chest, which anyone who knew him would know it was his �comfortable� stance. He doubted she was, otherwise their meeting in the hallway the night before would have most likely been much different. But she hadn�t known at all who he was, and it was refreshing. And since then, he hadn�t been able to get her off his mind.
�Me? No.� she answered quickly, then felt like biting her tongue. �Way to impress, Dakota.� She scolded herself. �Wait! You aren�t trying to impress him, remember?�
�I don�t watch NASCAR.� She said, deciding since she wasn�t interested, and wasn�t ever going to see him again, why not just be completely honest. �I used to with my father when I was a lot younger, but when I got older I stopped watching.�
�Why?� he asked.
She shrugged. �Too redneck for me.� She said without thinking. Her eyes grew wide when she realized what she had just said. She wished the ground would open up and swallow her.
Dale, however, didn�t seem phased. �You know, that�s what a lot of people think, but you�d be surprised. It�s changed a lot over the years, and more and more people are getting into it. I�ll tell you what, why don�t you come to a race, I�ll get you a pit pass, you can meet all the driver, then you can decide if it�s still too �redneck�.� He grinned.
Dale couldn�t believe he just said that. He never just invited someone to the races. Even when he was in a relationship he didn�t bring his girlfriend; he just didn�t want the distraction. But there was something different about the woman standing before him. Something he found himself drawn too. And he didn�t even know her name.
�You want me to come to a race?� Dakota repeated in disbelief.
�Sure. But first, I�d have to get you�re name.�
�Oh, sorry. It�s Dakota.� She answered, her mouth going dry when he held out his hand. She slipped her smaller one in his.
�It�s a pleasure meeting you, Dakota.�
She couldn�t suppress the shiver that went through her body when he said her name. �You�re not interested�you�re not interested.� She kept repeating to herself. But somehow she knew she was fighting a loosing battle.
***
�Hey, you made it.� Brett smiled as IreLyn stepped up to him, glad to see her. He didn�t want to admit it to anyone, but he�d been looking for her.
IreLyn smiled shyly, and looked away, unable to meet his eyes. Every time she met his gaze, images from her dreams flashed in her mind.
�Y-yes.� She answered breathlessly. His smile broadened when her amazing green eyes finally met his. It was if everyone around them had disappeared, and all his attention was focused on her.
�What�s your name?� he asked. He and the band had arrived shortly after she had started singing on stage. After getting a closer look, he knew he had to meet her, and before thinking twice about it, had walked on stage and sung with her.
�IreLyn.� She replied.
�Tell me, IreLyn, do you like rides?� he asked suddenly, as a thought formed in his mind. He wanted to get to know her�and he knew exactly how to do it.
�Rides?� she asked dumfounded.
�Yeah, you know, like Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Tower of Terror�� he clarified.
�OH! You mean the rides in the parks.� She realized what he was talking about. �Well, I don�t know. This is my first trip to Disney World, and so far we haven�t made it to the parks. We were planning on going there this afternoon.�
�Well, how about this? They guys aren�t big into rides and are just planning on going to Pleasure Island tonight.� He said as he motioned towards the other band members. �I, on the other hand, love rides, and can�t wait to get on them. Disney has decided to open the parks late tonight for all of us. A bunch of us are going to go partake in the Disney magic and have some fun, then later hit Pleasure Island. Would you like to come?� he asked, hoping she would say yes.
IreLyn�s mouth fell open in shock. Had he just asked her to go with him? YES!
�I don�t know, I�d have to see what Dakota wants to do.� She said, then felt like kicking herself, as she inwardly cringed at her words. What the hell was she thinking? Dakota would kill her if she didn�t go! She�d kill herself if she passed up this opportunity!
�Well, isn�t that you�re friend over there talking to Junior?� Brett pointed. �Hey, Junior!� he called.
IreLyn turned and looked around, confused. She thought Dakota had been talking to Dale. She smiled when she saw Dale and Dakota still deep in conversation. She realized then that Junior was Dale�s nickname.
�Junior!� Brett called again, finally getting the other man�s attention. �Were you still planning on going with me tonight to the parks?� Brett asked his friend when Dale and Dakota walked over.
�Absolutely.� Dale grinned. He was just as much a �ride� fanatic as Brett was. �Hey, you want to go?� he asked, looking down at Dakota.
Dakota glanced at IreLyn, who was sending her a silent plea to say yes. IreLyn breathed a sigh of relief when Dakota�s lips curved into a smile. �Sure.�
�By the way,� she said, turning to look at Brett. �I�m Dakota, nice to meet you.�
�Likewise.� Brett grinned, then looked at Dale. �And this is IreLyn.�
�Nice to meet you.� Dale shook her hand. �I heard you on stage, you did a great job.�
�Liar!� IreLyn laughed. �But thank you.�
�What time are they opening the parks?� IreLyn asked, looking back at Brett.
�Around 10. It closes to the public at 9, and they wanted to have enough time to clean up a little before they let us all in. I have practice for tomorrow night until 7:30, so how about Junior and I meet you two at eight, we�ll got get something to eat, then hit the parks.� Brett suggested.
�Sounds good to me.� IreLyn agreed as Dakota nodded.
�Where are you two staying?� Brett asked.
�Same place we are.� Dale grinned. Brett threw him a confused look. �I bumped into Dakota last night. We�re even on the same floor.�
�Oh. OH! Wait a second. This is the girl you dumped ice down?� Brett exclaimed. He�d heard about this mystery woman non-stop since Dale had run into her. He could easily see why Dale had been so taken with her from the start. He was just glad it hadn�t been IreLyn Dale had run into and been so into.
�Uh, yeah.� Dale said, as he flushed with embarrassment as Dakota grinned up at him.
�Brett! Man, you gotta get back to signing autographs.� Carl came over, smiling at both girls. �Hey, Junior, how�s it going?�
�It�s cool.� Dale replied then glanced at his watch. �Damn, I gotta get back too. I told them I would only be gone five minutes. That was nearly twenty minutes ago.� He grinned sheepishly. �I�ll see you tonight.� He said, looking at IreLyn, Brett then Dakota, allowing his gaze to linger for a moment before turning away.
Brett picked up two T-shirts, scribbled something on them, then handed one to Dakota and one to IreLyn, their fingers meeting when she took it. Her eyes flew to his, and she could see that he had been affected the same way.
A few minutes later, the girls walked out of fan fair and headed back to the Wilderness Lodge, neither saying a word. Finally, IreLyn broke the silence.
�Pinch me, and let me know I�m not dreaming. No wait! Don�t pinch me! If this is a dream, I don�t ever want to wake up.� IreLyn sighed happily.
Dakota couldn�t prevent the big smile that crossed her face. �You never know, IreLyn, maybe you�ve found your Prince Charming.� Dakota said, remember the way Brett had been looking at her friend. She knew it would only be a matter of time before IreLyn�s dreams became a reality.
�Not just me.� IreLyn grinned. �You aren�t still denying that you like Dale are you?�
�What�s the point?� Dakota laughed. �I was hooked the second I bumped into him last night!�
�I don�t think you�re the only one.� IreLyn laughed with her.
Dakota blushed, but this time, with happiness. �Okay, game plan for today. We�re going to go lay out by the pool for a couple hours just to relax, get lunch, then go back to the room and get a nap!� She had a feeling they were in for a big night.
�You know, it�s almost like a fairytale. A fairytale come true. �Once upon a time��� IreLyn quoted with a grin.
Dakota shook her head with a soft smile. �No, IreLyn. In this case, it�s Once Upon A Dream.�