Chapter One Hundred and Forty Five

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�I�m thinking that clubbing might not be such a bright idea.� Kristin commented as she watched all the people waiting to get into the club across the street from where she and Marshall were standing. �Looks kinda crowded, and the odds are, you�re gonna get noticed.�

Marshall nodded with a sigh. Sometimes being a celebrity or whatever was a real bitch. �So what now?� he asked, looking down at her. Although it was obvious they wouldn�t be dancing the night away, he wasn�t ready to leave her. Not yet.

�Hmmm.� Kristin bit her lip as she thought out it.

�How about a walk on the beach?� Marshall proposed before Kristin could come up with anything.

�Sounds good to me!� she agreed, as they both turned and started back towards the hotel.

Later as they strolled slowly along the white beach, a little ways away from the hotel, they were both quite, not needing to really talk, each just enjoying the moment.

It was a truly beautiful night. It was full moon, with not a cloud in the sky. The way the mood lit up the night, and reflected off the water and the white beach, was nearly breathtaking.

�What are you thinking about?� Marshall asked, breaking the silence. Kristin turned towards him and smiled.

�I�m thinking that in a few days, I�m really not going to be happy when it�s time to go home. I could seriously stay here forever and away from reality.�

�I know what you mean. If my daughter was here with me, I could stay forever too.� Marshall commented.

Kristin studied him for a moment before talking. �It must be hard�living the kind of life you do.�

Marshall shrugged. �It�s no different for me than it is for anyone else who�s in the public eye.�

Kristin nodded. �I�ve seen what Brett and Dale have had to go through. I just can�t imagine!�

�Some days are harder than other.� He sighed. �So, I know that you�re from Colorado originally, and I know you moved away. Where are you living now?� he asked.

�New York City.� She answered. �The best place on earth.� She smiled. She had always thought that it would be nearly impossible to find a place she loved as much as Colorado, but New York had won her over the instant she stepped off the plane. Now, she couldn�t imagine living anywhere else.

�Busy city.� Marshall laughed.

�Yeah it is, but I love it. I�ve always been more of the �busy life� type. More so than my sister or friends. I think growing up we all knew it would only be a matter of time before I left Colorado.� She replied. �I was the first to leave. It was hard leaving Lyn, Kody and Lissa, but I love my job and my home.�

�What do you do?� he asked.

�I�m a photographer.� She smiled. �Again, growing up, everyone used to tease me saying wherever I went, I always had a camera with me.�

�What about you? Have you always wanted to rap?� she asked as they sat down on the beach and got comfortable.

Marshall nodded. �It was the only thing I was ever good at. No matter what was going on in my life; that was the one thing that never failed me. Coming up with lyrics and rhymes have never been a problem for me.�

�Okay, now tell me all about your friendship with Lissa. How did you guys meet?� he asked, turning on his side to face her.

�Me and Lissa?�

�Yeah, you two intrigue me. I�ve never seen two people have the kind of connection that you do. Well, aside from Dakota and IreLyn.� He said.

Kristin grinned. �There are very few people in the world who are as close and know each other the way Kody and Lyn do. Lissa and I don�t even hold a candle to them.�

�Anyway, my parents and Kody�s parents are best of friends. Always have been, always will be. Kody and Lissa were born two weeks apart, and have been inseparable ever since. I�m exactly nine months younger than Lyn, so we all grew up together. Threw eighth grade it was the three of us. Then Lissa�s family moved to town. We met in school and she instantly fit in perfectly with us. Then as we got a little older, we kind of broke a part a little, Kody and Lyn doing their thing, Lissa and I doing ours.� Kristin explained.

�Moving what the toughest decision I�d ever made. I was ready to see what the world had to offer, but yet leaving Lissa, Lyn and Kody behind was tearing me up. But, they were the best friends imaginable, and encouraged me to go and live my dream. So, that�s what I did. And they made it a lot easier on me, coming to visit whenever possible. So in the end it all worked out perfectly!� she smiled at all the memories.

She glanced down and happened to catch the time. She sat up. �Good lord, have you seen what time it is? I didn�t realize it was so late�or should I say early! We should probably head back.� She said as she moved to stand up, but Marshall stopped her by putting his hand on her arm.

�What�s the rush? We�re on vacation, remember? I�ll even let you sleep in the morning, and not bug you for breakfast.� He grinned. �But that doesn�t mean I won�t be knocking on the door at lunch time.�

Kristin�s heart jumped at his words, but she covered up her excitement as well as she could, trying to act like he wasn�t affecting her the way he really was. �Alright, you convinced me. But, fair warning. If you knock on my door before noon, you could seriously get hurt!� she laughed.

Marshall held up his hands on mock horror. �I�m scared shitless!�

Kristin sat back a smug smile on her face. �As you should be.�

Marshall watched her in silence for a moment, before slow smile spread across his face, the look in his eyes growing mischievous. �Say, what do you say we go for a swim?�

�Huh?� she asked thinking she�d heard him wrong.

�A swim.� He repeated.

She caught on to the look and started moving across the sand away from him as he moved closer. �Uh, I don�t think so. No suit.� She quickly got to her feet. �Marshall, I don�t like that look in your eyes!�

�What look?� he asked innocently as he too got to his feet and slowly began to stalk her.

�The look that tells me that you�re up to something.� She saw him glance to the water than back at her, her own eyes widening when she realized what he was thinking. �No way! Don�t you dare! Marshall!� His name came out more of a shriek as he lunged for her. She spun away, narrowly escaping, and took off running down the beach.

She didn�t have to look back to know he was right behind her, gaining on her. Yet she was still caught a little off guard when his arms came around her, lifting her easily off the ground. She laughed with him as he tossed her over his shoulder and started towards the ocean just a few feet away.

Catching her breath she tried her best to get out of his grasp, but to no avail. She knew she was about to get dunked, and there wasn�t much she was gonna be able to do about it.

�You really don�t want to do this!� she protested one more time.

�Oh but I do!� Marshall laughed.

�I promise you this, pay backs will be hell.�

�And I am looking forward to it.� He replied lazily as he waded out into the water.

�Ready?� he asked.

�NO!�

�Too bad,� he laughed as he dropped her in the water. He frowned when she didn�t resurface immediately, and was about to get a little worried when his legs were suddenly taken from underneath him and he went down with a resounding splash.

He came up coughing and sputtering, having not been prepared and found Kristin laughing proudly. �Told ya.� She grinned.

�You do realize this means war, don�t you?� he teased, moving closer to her.

�Just be prepared to loose.� She countered, holding her ground.

�Oh, I never loose, sweetheart.� He grinned cockily. She rolled her eyes towards the sky. Marshall shook his head, completely taken by the woman before him. She was funny, witty, intelligent, and absolutely beautiful. But most importantly, she was able to look past his public persona and see the real Marshall Matthers. And that was why he was having a hard time reminding himself that he just wanted her as a friend.

�I already had lyrics in my head the instant you pulled me under.� He challenged.

�Well then, might as well give you more to write about.� She said as she threw herself at him and easily took him under again, surprising him with her strength and ability to move so quickly.

They laughed as they continued to splash and dunk each other, engaging in an all out water war.

***

�I told you that you were gonna loose.� Kristin grinned as they walked back towards the hotel. They were both dripping wet and completely exhausted from their water activities.

�I didn�t loose.� Marshall argued. �I simply gave in, seeing that you were getting tired and all.�

Kristin laughed. �Uh huh. Sure ya did. Whatever helps you sleep at night, Marshall.�

�So, will you have lunch with me�in a few hours?� he asked as he looked at his watch, seeing the time, as they arrived back at the hotel.

�Just as long as you don�t bother me before noon.� She grinned.

Marshall froze as he reached for his wallet, which held his key card, and suddenly remembered he�d slipped it in one of the bags that Kevin had taken back to the hotel with him.

�Shit!� he muttered. Kristin looked at him questioningly.

�What�s wrong?� she asked.

�Good thing we decided not to go clubbing. I don�t have my wallet.� He said. He couldn�t believe he�d done that. He never went anywhere without his wallet, but his hands had been full and instead of slipping the wallet back in his pocket, he�d just put it in the bag, which contained stuff for Hailie, then forgot to take it out.

�Oh, well that�s no big deal.�

�Uh, yeah actually it is. It has my key card in it.� He grumbled.

�So where is it?�

�In a bag, most likely in Lissa�s room.� He grinned sheepishly. Kristin burst out laughing as they got on the elevator.

�Oh boy! I�ll just be sure I�m safely tucked away in my room when you knock on the door and, um, disturb Lissa and Kevin.� She giggled.

�Gee, thanks so much for your support.�

�Anytime!� she continued to snicker as they arrived on her floor. As they neared the door she started having second thoughts about interrupting anything that was going on behind Lissa�s closed door.

She glanced at Marshall and saw that he was just as apprehensive about it as she was. Taking a deep breath, she spoke before she had a chance to change her mind.

�Um, listen, don�t bother them. You can just stay with me.� She offered, then blushed and looked down.

�With you?� he echoed in disbelief. Why was that so shocking? Hadn�t he pretty much stayed the night before with her? Nothing happened then, so why did the thought of staying with her tonight make him both nervous and excited?

�Sure.� She smiled, trying to hide her own nervousness. I mean the room is more than big enough. It�s a suite after all.�

Marshall hesitated a moment, battling with himself. There were so many reasons not to in the room with her, but yet there was something inside him telling him to throw caution to the wind and do it. His heart was telling him that she could very well be everything he had dreamed of and hoped for�the only problem was he wasn�t sure if he trusted his heart.

�Uh, okay.� He finally agreed.

Kristin could see he was having a hard time with decision and wanted him to relax. �But the same rules still apply. Don�t even think of disturbing me until the clock reads 12:00.� She sighed inwardly with relief when he grinned.

�Yes ma�am!�

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Chapter One Hundred and Forty Six

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Breaking the heated kiss, Lissa turned lifted herself off of Kevin and turned around. She sat back down on his lap facing him and instantly brought her lips back to his. She moaned into his mouth as she felt his hard length pressing against her. With a mind of it�s own, her body moved against him, causing a loud groan to rumble threw his chest.

Hauling her tighter against him, Kevin moved until she was seated on the edge of the hot tub. His breath caught when he looked into her eyes as saw all of the desire, the heat, the passion, the longing, and so much more. God, he wanted her. More than anyone ever before. In a way it was hard to fathom�that he�d only known her a few days, yet he felt more connected to her than he ever had anyone. And it wasn�t just the physical attraction�it was what was on the inside that stirred him the deepest.

Lissa's mind raced at how fast everything was happening. She was completely helpless to stop it...then again, she didn't want to stop it. She knew that this was right.

She tipped her head back when his mouth came down on hers in another soul burning kiss. Needing to be closer, Lissa opened her legs and he slid between them. Kevin pulled her against him until the most intimate parts of their bodies touched. The next thing Lissa knew, he was underneath her again; her straddling his lap.

Lissa tangled her fingers through his hair, moaning softly as his lips left hers and traveled down the side of her neck. He easily found the spot just below her ear and nuzzled it until she was nearly insane and begging for mercy. Finally after some very deft wiggling, she was able to move back and put some space between them.

Kevin smiled smugly as he lifted his hand and ran his finger down the other side of her neck. �Are you just as ticklish here too?� He asked, seeing the shiver that raced through her body and the goose bumps that rose on her skin.

�You better watch it, Mr. Miller.� Lissa warned playfully as he traced the line of her spine with his fingers, causing her to quiver again. �This could back fire on you, ya know.�

�And how�s that?� He asked as he brought his fingers around and brushed them across her stomach, causing her to scoot a little further away.

�Because I happen to know where your most ticklish spot is.� Lissa answered, returning his smug smile.

�Is that so?� Kevin commented nonchalantly, his eyebrow raised in query. If she did some how know, he was in big trouble. Before Lissa could say anything further, he pulled her against him, holding her tight with one arm while he tickled her unmercifully with his free hand.

Finally after several moments, Lissa was able to break free of his hold. She narrowed her eyes as she looked at him with a smile on her face that Kevin couldn�t quite decipher, though he had a feeling that she was about to get some payback on him.

Before Kevin had a chance to say or do any, Lissa very skillfully thrust her hands inside and up the legs of his shorts until she reached his inner thighs. She positioned herself against him so that her weight would hold him down�for a few seconds anyway. She looked at him and Kevin groaned out loud. He knew she had him right where she wanted him. �I told you this could backfire on you.�

�Lissa, please�no!� He begged, but it was too late as she began tickling his thighs and legs.

It was only a few seconds before he was able to get her to stop, but it was the longest few seconds of his life. �You got me good there.� Kevin admitted, smiling as he shook his head.

Lissa smiled triumphantly as she pulled her hands from his shorts, running her fingernails along his legs as she did so. Her heart sped up as she felt the muscles leap beneath her touch. As Kevin wrapped his arms around her and drew her close again, she slid her hands up his chest, feeling those muscles twitch and jump. She brushed a finger across his taut nipple before tugging gently on the ring that was there. The thunderous groan that rumbled through his chest vibrated through her and inflamed her even further. Leaning forward, she placed light, taunting kisses across his chest and teased his sensitive nipples with her tongue before she moved up to his neck and across his jaw until she found his lips again in a searing kiss.

Kevin skimmed his fingers down the length of her back and then up again, stopping when he touched the ties to her bikini top. He pulled back and looked into her eyes, wanting to make certain that it was okay to take things further. Or if not, that was fine too. He knew that he could wait forever for her. One look into her beautiful blue eyes told him all he needed to know.

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Chapter One Hundred and Forty Seven

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�What the hell are you doing?�

Kristin jumped, barely able to hold in her yelp of surprise as she spun around and faced Marshall. She grinned guiltily when she saw the knowing smirk on his face.

�Uh�nothing.� She said feebly.

�Sure, so you didn�t just have your ear to the door, trying to hear what was going on in Lissa�s room?� Marshall asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

Kristin blinked at him, having hardly heard a word he said. All her attention was focused on him and how he looked in the white robe that was currently concealing his body from her view. The knowledge that the only thing under the robe was his bare skin was making her loose all her focus.

When they had gotten in the room, Marshall realized he didn�t have any change of clothes, and staying in the wet ones he had on was not an option. Kristin had found the robe for him, which he was glad to have after a nice warm shower.

�Um�what?� she asked trying to get her fuzzy brain working correctly.

�Friends, Kristin, remember that!� she silently scolded herself. She mentally shook herself then turned her attention back to Marshall and what he was saying.

�You were eavesdropping on Lissa and Kevin.� Marshall accused with a grin.

�No I wasn�t! I was�um�simply checking to make sure everything was okay!� Kristin countered.

�Uh huh, sure you were. So, did you hear anything?� he asked, curiosity getting to him. She laughed as she shook her head and went to get her own stuff ready for after her shower.

�No. Couldn�t hear a damn thing.� She muttered. �Alright, my turn for the shower.� She said as she started for the bathroom.

She paused before going in. �You did leave me some hot water didn�t you?� she teased.

�Just a little.� Marshall threw back, grinning when she closed the door behind her. He walked over to the bed and sat down, turning on the TV. Unfortunately nothing was keeping his attention. His thoughts kept wandering to the woman in the bathroom. It definitely didn�t help when he heard the shower water turn on. The thoughts he was having of her in the shower were definitely beyond friendly.

He bit back a groan when she came out a little while later, dressed in a tank top and light weather pants, which rode low on her hips. It was obvious it was clothes to sleep in, but looking at her in them, sleep was the last thing on his mind.

�See anything you like?� she asked.

His eyes snapped up to hers, his own face flushing. �What?�

�On the TV.� She gestured towards the television, which was still playing.

�Oh! Not really.� She gave him a funny look at his sudden odd behavior but ignored it as she walked across the room to turn off the light. She then slid in the bed and got comfy.

�I�m gonna sleep like a baby.� She commented, her eyelids already beginning to droop. Marshall stood up and started for the living room area of the suite.

�Well, good night.� He said. She gave him another look.

�Where are you going?� she asked, a little confused.

�Uh, to the couch.� He said, speaking of the living room area of the suite.

�Why?�

�There�s only one bed.� He stated the obvious. Kristin rolled her eyes as she shook her head.

�Marshall, it�s a jumbo king. More than big enough for both of us. I�m not about to let you spend what�s left of the night on the couch.� She motioned for him to get in the bed.

His heart jumped as he thought of her making that same gesture to him, but under different circumstances.

�Uh�� he couldn�t seem to find his voice.

�Would you get in the bed! I promise not to take advantage of you in your sleep.� She laughed, seeing the look on his face.

Marshall nodded as he walked to his side of the bed and lay down. She was right, the bed was huge. There was enough room for her, him, Lissa and Kevin to all sleep comfortably. He had absolutely nothing to worry about. So why was he suddenly disappointed to the fact that she was so far away?

�Thank you for a fun day.� She smiled as she settled in. �Good night.� She said softly as she closed her eyes.

�Night.� He returned. He watched her silently, and within minutes she was sound asleep.

Sleep was a long time coming for Marshall. It wasn�t that he was worried about her taking advantage of him, that thought had never crossed his mind. He was worried about the fact that he was having a hell of a hard time keeping his hands off her.

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Chapter One Hundred and Forty Eight

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Lissa sighed contently as she snuggled deeper into Kevin's arms. Hearing the steady thump of his heart under her ear had her more than ready to drift back to sleep. What had taken place just a few hours ago had been so intense and profound that she was not only exhausted physically but mentally as well. She opened her eyes a few seconds later, feeling herself being watched.

"Hi." Kevin whispered gruffly when she tipped her head back and her eyes met his.

"Mmm...Good Morning." Lissa replied with a sleepy smile before she laid her head back down on his chest and placed a kiss there.

"I'll say...the morning was definitely good, but it's afternoon now." Kevin smiled when he saw Lissa's cheeks burn red at his comment.

Lissa remained silent for a minute or two before she lifted her head again and looked him in the eye. "I've never done anything like that before." She admitted.

"What?" Kevin asked, his handsome features masked by confusion.

"I've never..." Lissa paused as she searched her mind for the right words. "Been with someone so soon after just meeting them. I'm not like that...except with you..."

Finally understanding what she was saying, Kevin leaned forward and kissed her lips. "I know you're not. And for the record, neither am I...except with you... It scared me last night how fast things were moving, but being with you...It seems like the most natural thing in the world. Now the only thing that scares me is being without you."

Lissa stared at Kevin, speechless by his words...not so much that he had said it, but it was exactly the same thing she would have said to him. "As long as you want me around, you won't have to be without me." Lissa promised. Before Kevin could say anything, she leaned forward and captured his lips in a burning kiss, trying to forget the fact that in just two days, they had to leave Jamaica and go home to reality. The reality where Kevin lived on one end of the United States and her on the other.

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Chapter One Hundred and Forty Nine

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Kristin moaned softly and tried to get closer to the warmth surrounding her, as a knock on the door disturbed her sleep. She slowly opened her eyes and blinked a couple times when the knocking continued.

Her eyes then suddenly snapped open when she realized the position she was in. Sometime during the night, both she and Marshall had found their way to the middle of the bed, and were cuddled very tightly together. The only thing that kept her from being totally embarrassed was the fact that he was still sound asleep.

She gently eased away from him, careful not to wake him, holding her breath when he mumbled incoherently in his sleep, rolling over reaching out, as if searching for her, then falling back to sleep a moment later.

�Whew.� She whispered to herself. She got up and walked out to the main room, and opened the adjoining doors, knowing that the knocking had come from there and not the main door. She immediately grinned when she took in Lissa�s face.

�Wow, someone sure looks�uh�different today.� She grinned even broader when Lissa�s cheeks immediately turned red. Without saying anything, she walked past Kristin and into the room.

�Late night?� Lissa asked as she turned to look at her friend, easily seeing she had just gotten her out of bed.

�Oh no you don�t. You do not get to change the subject. I want to know about YOUR night.� Kristin giggled as she sat down.

Lissa got a dreamy look on her face as she recalled every detail. �He�s amazing. Perfect.� She sighed. It took her a few minutes, but she briefly informed Kristin of her night, without going into much detail, knowing Kristin had already figured it out.

Kristin squealed happily as she hugged Lissa. �I�m so happy for you! You deserve this!�

Lissa�s face fell. �Do I?� she asked sadly. �I mean, in a few days we all go back home, and back to the real world. What if I don�t fit into Kevin�s �real� world?�

Kristin tipped her head as she thought about it. �IreLyn and Brett were pretty much in the exact same predicament, and look at them now. Happily married. If it can work out for them, it can work out for you and Kevin. And believe me when I say, I definitely think you�re more than capable of fitting into his world. If you haven�t seen the way he looks at you, then your totally blind!�

Before Lissa could answer, the bedroom door opened, and Marshall came out, still in his robe, looking sleepy eyed and sexy as hell. Lissa�s mouth fell open as she looked from him to Kristin.

�Hey,� he greeted them both, not seeing the shocked look on Lissa�s face.

�Uh, hi. I didn�t realize you were here.� Lissa answered, shooting a glare at Kristin who simply grinned.

�I didn�t realize it was so late.� Marshall said, smiling at Kristin. He�d woken up soon after she left the bed, immediately missing her warm body next to his. �We must have really exhausted our selves! I�m gonna hit the shower, then we�re having lunch, right?�

Kristin nodded, holding back the laugh as he disappeared in the bathroom. Lissa spun around to look at her friend, her eyes huge. �Exhausted yourselves?� she nearly shrieked. �Oh you�ve got to explain that one! How could you not tell me?�

Kristin gave up the fight and burst into laughter. �It�s not what you�re thinking! We went out to the beach, and ended up having a water fight. We got back here and he realized he left his wallet with his key card in one of the bags in your room, so I offered for him to stay here. It was completely innocent.� She assured her friend, trying to ignore the waves of disappointment that washed over her.

�That�s it?� Lissa asked, not even trying to hide her disappointment. �Well, damn.�

�Hey, you and Kevin wanna join us for lunch?� Kristin asked as she stood up, getting ready to go get dressed.

�Sure, I�ll go ask him, be right back.� Lissa said as she moved to the door.

�Wait!�

Lissa stopped and turned back around. �Yeah?�

�Is he still over there?� Kristin asked, her own eyes wide.

Lissa grinned and blushed. �Yeah, he�s still asleep.�

�Naked? Can I see?� Kristin wondered out loud with a smirk.

�Kristin!�

�What? Sorry! I�m not blind, he�s got a killer body!� Kristin protested. Lissa shook her head laughing as she headed through the door, her smile turning devilish as she thought of the way she intended on waking Kevin up.

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Chapter One Hundred and Fifty

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About forty-five minutes later, Kristin heard a knock on the adjoining doors again. She walked over, pulled it open, and found Lissa on the other side looking very stricken and on the verge of tears.

Kristin grabbed hold of Lissa�s arm and pulled her inside the room and closed the door behind them. �What�s going on?� She asked compassionately, wanting to be able to do anything to help take that expression of anguish off of Lissa�s face.

Lissa glanced at Marshall, not wanting to say anything with him within listening distance.

Marshall immediately picked up on her unspoken hint and rose from the chair that he was sitting in. �Uh�I think I�ll grab my stuff from your room and take it down to mine. Is Kevin still there?�

�He went back to his room to get clean clothes before he go for lunch.� Lissa managed to say.

�Okay, I�ll see you guys a little while then.� He said before he made himself scarce and disappeared through the doors that led to Lissa�s room so he could collect his things.

Kristin immediately turned back to Lissa. �Now tell me what is going on?� She demanded.

�Is Kevin too old for me?� Lissa asked straight out.

�What?� Kristin asked, dumbfounded by Lissa�s question.

�Is Kevin too old for me?� Lissa repeated her question, her voice strained.

�What? Where did that come from? I thought that it didn�t bother you?�

Lissa sighed deeply as she lowered herself into a chair. She looked down at her hands for a few moments before speaking. �I honestly never gave it a second thought before�until now.� Lissa paused, but continued when Kristin gestured for her to go on.

�What happened?� Kristin questioned again. She sat down in the chair across from Lissa and waited for her to go on.

�I just got off a phone call with my sister and my mom. I wanted to let them know that we�d be home in two days. Then I told them about Kevin and they were ecstatic�until my sister asked how old he was. When I said that he is 40, they went crazy. They said that he is way too old for me and that it�ll never work because of it. It�s a good thing that I didn�t get a chance to tell them what he does for a living!� Lissa laughed humorlessly and then fell silent as a tear slid down her cheek. From the time that she�d met Kevin until just a few minutes ago, the fact that Kevin was ten years older than she was, never distressed her one bit. She knew that there was so much more to a relationship than age. But what if her mom and her sister were right?

�Is ten years really that big of a difference?� Lissa cried, begging Kristin for some reassurance.

Kristin cleared her throat and did her best to get the shocked expression off her face that she knew was there. She had honestly not known that Kevin was that old. She had thought maybe 34 or 35. But she agreed with Lissa that age shouldn�t be a hindrance in a relationship�especially in Lissa and Kevin�s case where they so obviously belonged together.

Rising to her feet, Kristin walked over and gave her friend the hug that she could tell she needed. �I�m not really sure what to say, Lissa.� Kristin began as she searched her mind for the words that would give Lissa the reassurance that she needed.

�I�m sorry that that they reacted like that�I�m not sure why they would. I think that maybe they were just shocked and once the surprise wears off a little bit, they will think differently. And after they meet Kevin for the first time, they are going to more than approve of him.�

�I think that what is most important,� Kristin continued after a few moments. �Is that you are comfortable with it. As long as the age difference doesn�t bother you or Kevin, then I don�t see what the problem is. I know you want your family to approve, but it�s what you and Kevin feels that really counts.�

Lissa remained silent as she thought about what Kristin has just said to her. It still hurt that her family had reacted so negatively, especially when they hadn�t even met Kevin yet, but Kristin was right.

Lifting her head, Lissa looked at Kristin and gave her a small smile that had Kristin feeling very relieved. She hated to think that Lissa would let something so trivial as age come between her and Kevin.

�You know what?� Lissa asked, her smile growing. �You are absolutely right! If it bothers them so bad, then they are going to have to deal with it. Because I am not letting go of Kevin just because they don�t approve of the age difference.� Lissa vowed as she jumped to her feet. �Now, let�s go get our men! I am starving!�

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Chapter One Hundred and Fifty One

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Any little lingering doubts Lissa had about her and Kevin disappeared the instant she and Kristin walked into the restaurant and saw Marshall and Kevin waiting for them at a nearby table. When Kevin looked up and gave her that smile, she knew nothing would take her away from him, not even her family.

He stood up and immediately pulled her into a tight hug, having missed her terribly in the little while they had been apart. He�d never had any woman affect him the way Lissa did. Normally, he would be second guessing himself, and trying to talk himself away from what was happening between them, but he found himself not wanting to do that. Instead he wanted the exact opposite. He wanted her.

Kristin watched them quietly, a soft smile on her face as she sat down at the table next to Marshall. She could honestly say that she had never seen two people more meant for each other than the couple still embraced in front of them.

�Is everything alright?� Marshall asked softly, not wanting Lissa and Kevin to overhear him. Kristin turned towards him and nodded.

�Everything is fine.� She smiled happily. �Sorry to make you leave like that.� She apologized.

Marshall waved off her apology. �I understood completely. I just want to make sure everything is okay with Lissa.�

�It is. I think right now everything is perfect with Lissa.� She laughed as she look back at the couple who were just now sitting down to the table.

�So, how did you guys spend your night last night? Did you work off all that energy?� Kevin asked with a teasing grin.

�It was purely innocent, thank you very much.� Kristin replied. �Unlike some people I know.� She added a few seconds later.

�Kristin!� Lissa gasped, burying her face in her hands as Kevin and Marshall struggled to keep in their laughter.

Kristin simply shrugged. �He started it.� She pointed at Kevin.

Lissa shook her head then looked over at Kevin. �Sorry about that. I can dress her up, but I can�t take her anywhere.�

�Hey, it�s okay. Besides, I asked for it.� He laughed.

�So, what�s on the agenda for today?� Marshall asked a few minutes later after they had ordered their lunch.

Kevin and Lissa both shrugged, and then they all looked at Kristin. �What? I�m not the social director of this trip! Besides, I don�t know about you guys, but I�m spending what�s left of the afternoon by the pool. I refuse to go home from this trip with no tan.�

Lissa raised an eyebrow as she studied her friend. �You�re already tan.�

�Well, I want tanner.� Kristin replied with a grin. �I plan on spending the next few hours out by the pool, sipping on some tropical drinks�you know the kind with the little umbrellas in them.�

�Well, why don�t we all go hang out on the beach?� Kevin suggested.

�Oh no! I had more than enough beach last night!� Kristin laughed. �I�m still trying to get sand out of places I didn�t even know I had!�

She paused, then immediately turned bright red. �That really didn�t come out the way I intended it too.� She mumbled, unable to look at Marshall, or anyone else at that moment.

�Are you sure last night was strictly innocent?� Kevin jumped at that opportunity.

***

�Oh, this was just a perfect idea I had.� Kristin mumbled to herself as she and Lissa walked out to meet the guys who were already by the pool.

�Is that sarcasm I hear?� Lissa asked, having heard her.

�Ya think?� Kristin swallowed hard as her eyes traveled over Marshall�s shirtless body. Damn but she was good at torturing herself. She wasn�t sure how much more of this she was going to be able to take.

�I think you should just jump him.� Lissa said, earning a shocked look from Kristin.

�Lissa!� she hissed.

�I knew one day you would rub off on me!� Lissa giggled.

Kristin shook her head. �He and I are just friends.� She said, trying to remind herself of that just as much as Lissa.

�Uh huh, sure. I still say that before this trip is over, you two will be more than just �friends�.� Lissa bet.

Kristin sighed. �I hope your right, I really do.�

�Oh by the way, for an old man, Kevin is sexy as all hell! I could seriously start drooling!� Kristin commented on Kevin�s toned muscular body.

Lissa grinned and sighed. �I know! But hands off!� she teased.

�I wouldn�t dream of it, Lis. Besides, he way too old for me.� Kristin snickered, earning herself a nice punch in the arm.

�Ouch! Oooh, you�re so gonna pay for that one�later.� Kristin promised, smiling at the men as they arrived at their chairs. She allowed herself to meet Marshall�s gaze for a second, but looked away quickly as her heart started pounding.

�But first I need a drink. A really tall stiff drink.� She mumbled as she headed over towards the bar.

***

�Have I told you today how beautiful you are?� Kevin asked as he leaned down and brushed his lips across Lissa�s.

�Only a few times.� She grinned as they lounged in the pool. Her smile faded when she looked over at Marshall who was currently swimming laps, then at Kristin, who was laid out on the lounge chair soaking up the sun.

�Stubborn aren�t they?� Kevin asked, having followed where she was looking. He was waiting for the right opportunity himself to have a little chat with Marshall, unfortunately that time had never presented itself.

�They would just be so perfect together.� Lissa pouted. �We�ve got to find a way to make them see that.�

Her eyes widened at that moment when she saw the sexy lifeguard crouch down by Kristin�s chair and start talking to her. She watched them talk for a few moments before turning to look at Marshall, who was watching the conversation intently before turning his back, pretending like he hadn�t noticed.

�Well, that was interesting.� Kevin grinned, having seen the jealousy in Marshall�s eyes.

�Oh this could work out too perfectly! Here comes Marshall, follow my lead.� Lissa whispered as Marshall swam up to them.

�Hey you two, gonna stay over hear by yourselves all day?� Marshall asked.

�That was the plan till you came along and ruined that idea.� Kevin threw water at him. Before another water battle could start, Lissa interrupted them.

�Wait a second.� Lissa feigned surprise. �Who is that talking to Kris?�

Kevin grinned when he fully realized where she was going with this. He glanced over his shoulder then turned back around. �That�s the lifeguard I told you about. You know, the one that had been eyeing her for the past couple hours.�

�Wow, he�s really sexy.� Lissa commented. She sneaked a peak at Marshall and saw the muscle in his jaw jump. This was definitely a good sign. She knew, just as everyone else did, that he had a short fuse. She didn�t want him to get in a fight, or anything, but she was certain from the look on his face, he was beginning to realize that the just friends thing with Kristin was bullshit.

She opened her mouth, ready to say more, but found she didn�t have too. At that precise moment the lifeguard laid his hand on Kristin�s leg and leaned in closer as he talked to her.

Marshall instantly saw red, and all his self-control snapped. Before Kevin or Lissa could react, he swam quickly over to the edge of the pool and vaulted out, moving purposefully towards Kristin.

�Now we�re getting somewhere.� Lissa grinned as she and Kevin watched with anticipation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Two

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All Marshall could see as he stalked toward Kristin and that lifeguard was his hand on her leg and the way that he smiled and looked at Kristin as he talked to her. He instantly saw red when the lifeguard placed his other hand on her arms, running it in a slow, almost sensual motion over her skin.

When Marshall reached his point of destination, he stood behind the lifeguard for a moment, his hands clenching into tight fists as he fought to control the temper that he was so notoriously known for.

Before he was able to stop himself. Marshall reached out and grabbed the lifeguard�s arm and roughly turned him around to face him. �What the fuck do you think you�re doing?� Marshall demanded through clenched teeth, his voice low and holding a hint of danger.

Marshall paused for a moment. �What the hell am I doing?� he wondered to himself, but instantly dismissed the thought. He could try to convince himself until the day that he died that he and Kristin shouldn�t be anymore than friends, but he�d only be lying and making himself and probably everyone around him, miserable.

Marshall quickly glanced around, taking in all of the eyes that were on him. Before, he would have very well not cared if people were watching or what they thought of him. But now�since knowing Kristin, all of that seemed to have changed. He knew that he wouldn�t beat the hell out of the poor kid like he usually would have done. Yet, he couldn�t let the guy of Scot-free.

Marshall snapped his eyes back to the lifeguard, who he still held by the arm. He tightened his grip slightly, causing him to yelp in pain. �Ya little pussy!� Marshall sneered�he was barely holding on to the kid. Certainly not enough to cause pain.

�Get the fuck out of here!� Marshall warned, his blazing blue eyes narrowed. He let go of his arm and gave him a little shove for emphasis.

The lifeguard stared at Marshall with wide eyes for a few moments, his hands trembling slightly from his confrontation with the well-known 'bad boy'. "I'm s-sorry. I-I...I didn't realize that she was with you. I wouldn't have approached her if I'd known." He tried feebly to apologize. He looked at Marshall a little bit longer, and briefly contemplated asking him for an autograph, but quickly thought better of that idea. An instant later he turned and walked away.

Marshall watched the lifeguard until he was completely out of sight before he turned his attention to Kristin, who was still sitting in the chair and stunned. Her ginned crookedly when he saw her shocked expression...hell, he was pretty shocked at himself as well. But, he didn't at all regret doing it. Finally, for the first time in a long time, he felt like he'd done the right thing.

Marshall stepped closer to Kristin and took hold of her hand, pulling her to her feet. He stared into her eyes for a moment before he pulled her tight against him. Before Kristin even had a chance to comprehend what was happening, Marshall lowered his head and proceeded to thoroughly kiss her senseless.

The kiss ended only when both Marshall and Kristin were completely breathless. Kristin, knowing that she couldn't be put off any longer grabbed his hand and quickly led him out of the pool area, through the hotel and back to her room.

Lissa smiled as she turned to Kevin, who had a grin on his face as well. "Well, that worked well."

"Yes, it did...thank goodness because Marshall was beginning to become unbearable." Kevin commented as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him.

"Kristin too. Course I can't blame her. I think I'd be just as crabby if I'd been in that situation." Lissa replied as she leaned her head back on Kevin's shoulder and looked up at him. A shiver rushed through her body when his blue eyes met hers just before he dipped his head and brushed his lips across hers.

"Let's go hit the beach." He suggested, wanting to get a swim in the beautiful ocean before they had to go home. That, and he wanted to go somewhere where there weren't any people around. Lissa smiled and nodded, immediately liking his idea.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Three

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The instant the door to the room closed behind them, Kristin whirled around to face Marshall, the confusion on her face stopping him in his tracks. He really couldn�t blame her for being confused, and knew she wanted to talk about it, which was fine�for later. Right now talking was the farthest thing on his mind.

Kristin, however, was not going to be swayed�quite yet. �What was that out there?� she demanded to know. �You scared the shit out of that guy!�

Marshall nodded as he started purposefully towards her slowly. Now that he�d admitted to himself just how much he wanted her, he wasn�t sure he could hold himself in check much longer. �Yeah, and I�m truly sorry about that.� The glitter in his eyes telling her otherwise.

Kristin crossed her arms over her chest as she backed up a little, knowing that if he so much as touched her, she wouldn�t be able to think clearly. �I�m sure you are.� She replied rolling her eyes. �But why did you do that?�

�Isn�t it obvious?� he asked softly, still moving closer to her. He stopped when the confusion and doubt hit her eyes.

�No, Marshall, it really isn�t.� she sighed, looking away from him, trying to gather her thoughts. �One minute I�m getting vibes from you that tell me that your interested, and that what I�m feeling isn�t just one sides. But the next instant, you�re putting up that �friends� barrier. Which is it? You can�t have both.�

Marshall ran a hand through his hair then reached out for her, but stopped himself, knowing full well that this conversation they needed to have wouldn�t take place if he laid one finger on her.

�You�re right, and I�m sorry. I�ve sent you so many mixed signals, and it�s not fair. You know I�ve been fucked over, and honestly, I was scared of my feelings for you. It�s hard for me to trust after my ex-wife.� He replied honestly.

Kristin�s expression softened with compassion. �I know it is, but I�m not her.�

�You�re right, and again, I�m sorry.� He said, his heart in his eyes, telling her all she needed to know. But, that still didn�t mean she was gonna make this a walk in the park for him.

�So, the signal I�m getting right now is that you want to be more than friends. Would that be a correct assumption?� she asked as she tried to calm her racing heart. More than anything she wanted to just throw herself in his arms, but she held back�barely.

Marshall didn�t say anything as he started to grin and again move towards her, causing her breath to catch in her throat. The way his eyes darkened nearly brought her to her knees.

�What if I only want to be friends?� she asked, her eyes sparkling letting him know that she wanted anything but that.

�Then I�ll just have to convince you otherwise.� He said smoothly. Kristin tilted her head at him, a slow smile spreading across her lips.

�Oh really? And you think you can do that?� she challenged.

�Come here and I�ll show you.� He answered confidently, that cocky yet sexy look in place.

�No.�

Marshall stopped in his tracks, caught a little off guard at her answer. She tossed her hair over her shoulder, then gave him a sexy look of her own. �You come here.� She said huskily.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Four

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lissa immediately willed herself to go back to sleep when she woke up on the morning of their final day in Jamaica, foolishly letting herself believe that when she woke up again, it wouldn�t be the same day. She sighed inwardly a few minutes later when she found herself unable to sleep any further.

Being careful not to disturb Kevin, who she thought was still sleeping, Lissa turned her head and looked at the clock. She frowned when she saw that she only had a little only over seven hours left to spend with Kevin before her flight was due.

�Can�t sleep?�

Lissa nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Kevin�s voice. After getting herself calmed down, she snuggled deeper into his arms and laid her head back on his chest. �I�m sorry I woke you.� She said, yet at the same time, she was glad that he was awake.

Kevin pulled her closer until she was nearly completely on top of him. He wrapped his arms tight around her as his eyes met hers. �That�s okay, I was awake anyway.� He told her before he lifted his head and captured her lips in a soft kiss.

�I wish we didn�t have to leave today. I think I could stay here forever if that was an option.� Lissa was more than a little depressed that not only was this the last time that she would be the last time that she�d see Kevin for how long she didn�t know, but she was also returning back to Colorado by herself. Kristin was going back to New York. Dakota would be returning to North Carolina with Dale and IreLyn would be in Tennessee with Brett when they returned from their honeymoon. She also didn�t feel like facing her family when she got home now that she knew how they felt about Kevin. She knew that they would try and try to talk her out of seeing him, but she wasn�t listening to them. It was just disheartening that they could be so judgmental without knowing him.

�We�ll come back soon.� Kevin promised, not wanting to leave anymore than she did. It wasn�t so much leaving Jamaica, but it was leaving her that was killing him. He knew that once they all got back home, he and Brett, along with the rest of the band would be very busy finishing the album and then they would begin touring soon after. His time with Lissa would be very limited and they would just have to make the best out of what little time together that they would get. He could tell that the same thoughts were weighing heavy on Lissa�s mind as well.

�I�d like that.� Lissa said softly, but honestly she didn�t care where she was, as long as she was with him. But right then, she didn�t want to think about that. �But right now, let�s just concentrate on the time that we do have left here today.� She said to him as she ran her hand up his chest and gently tugged on his nipple ring before she dipped her head and ran her tongue tauntingly over it.

Kevin groaned roughly as his arms tightened around her and he rolled her over until his body fully covered hers. As his lips came down on hers, he suggestively grounds his hips against hers in what was only the beginning of what was a long and extremely passionate good-bye.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Five

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brett looked up from the paper he was reading and smiled when IreLyn came bouncing in the room, the happy and content he�d grown used too firmly in place.

She practically skipped over to him and sat down on his lap, completely ignoring the paper that was crinkled beneath her. �Guess what?� she asked excitedly. �You�ll never guess, so I�m just gonna tell ya!�

�I just called Kristin, so see if she had a good time, and if she�s ready to go home, and when I called the room, guess who answered.� IreLyn�s eyes sparkled happily.

�Hmmm�� Brett stroked his chin as he pretended to really ponder the possibilities. �I give up!�

IreLyn swatted his shoulder. �It�s not a hard guess, honey! It was Marshall!�

Brett grinned, having hoped the two would get together. The sparks that flew between the two of them, from the very beginning, had reminded him of when he had met IreLyn.

�Maybe they are having breakfast together.� He suggested. IreLyn grinned as she shook her head.

�I woke him up, I could tell.� She giggled. �Kristin too, and when he handed her the phone, it didn�t take her long to answer, like she was right next to him.�

�Really?� Brett laughed. �Well, good for them! So, what did she have to say?�

IreLyn bit her lip. �Not much�I think she was, uh, distracted. Didn�t talk too long. She did tell me that Kevin and Lissa were together! I�m so excited!�

�I couldn�t tell.� Brett teased her as he nuzzled her neck, causing her to squeal in delight.

IreLyn pulled back as an idea hit her. �Hey! Can we have a party?� she asked, looking around the house. They had just arrived back home earlier that morning, not having a lot of time to honeymoon, since Fuel had engagements for later that night. Brett, however, had promised her a longer honeymoon in the future. For her though, as long as she was with him, it was a honeymoon, no matter where they were.

�A party?� he asked.

She nodded. �Yeah, kinda like Junior throws�but at the same time not.� She laughed. �I just know it�s gonna be really hard on Lissa and Kris, when they have to say good-bye to the guys, and I wanna give them the opportunity to spend more time together.�

�My little matchmaker.� Brett teased.

�Hey, if it weren�t for a little matchmaking, you and I wouldn�t be together. So don�t knock it buddy!� she playfully poked him in his ribs.

He leaned forward and kissed her softly. �I�ll see what I can arrange.� He promised.

�Thank you.� She hugged him. �Can we make it for soon?� she asked.

***

Kristin sighed as she set her last bag by the door, then turned around to survey the room. It was almost time�time to say good-bye. She looked up when Marshall walked in from the bedroom, her eyes meeting his. She gave him a shaky smile.

�This is the part I�ve been dreading.� She said honestly.

Marshall sighed as he stepped up to her and pulled her against him in a tight hug. �Me too.� He whispered. Now that he had gotten over his own stubbornness, he wasn�t sure how he was gonna let her walk away. He put on a brave face for her, just as much as himself.

�Hey,� he said as he pulled back, framing her face with his hands, kissing her softly before continuing. �We�ll make this work. I promise.�

�I know.� She smiled up at him. She wanted to believe him, she really did. But they lived in two totally different worlds. He was getting ready to start filming on a movie, not to mention all the public appearances he was scheduled to do. It left very little time for them.

But, she kept hope in the fact that IreLyn and Brett had found a way to make it work, just as Dakota and Dale had. So if they could do it, then so could she and Marshall. She knew that Lissa was going through the same thing, and what made it even harder, they wouldn�t have each other to lean on the way Dakota and IreLyn did. With her being in New York and Lissa being in Colorado their only form of communication was email most of the time.

They pulled apart just a little when there was a light knock on the door, and Kevin suck his head in. �It�s time to go.� He sighed, dreading this moment just as much as everyone else did. He wanted more than anything to beg Lissa to come with him, but he knew it was too soon.

Kristin nodded, swallowing hard past the lump in her throat. �Okay.� She said softly. Marshall bent down to pick up her suitcases and followed her out the door into the hallway, where Lissa was waiting, her expression mirroring Kristin�s.

Since Kristin and Lissa�s flights left within minutes of each other, they were going to the airport together. Marshall and Kevin were leaving a couple hours later, and wouldn�t be headed to the airport until later.

After going downstairs and putting all the luggage in the cab, they all knew it was time.

�I�ll call you later.� Marshall promised as he looked into her eyes. She nodded then threw her arms around his neck as she held him, not wanting to let go.

�Be careful.� Kevin told Lissa. �You have my numbers, call me anytime, please.�

�I will.� Lissa�s lower lip trembled slightly.

�God, I�m gonna miss you.� Kevin groaned as he pulled her to him. She blinked back the tears as she returned the hug. She tipped her head back to say something, but was silenced by his mouth coming down on hers in a kiss that left both of them breathless.

Marshall leaned down and kissed Kristin softly, the kiss immediately growing more and more passionate. She finally pulled back when air became a necessity, and with one final smile and soft kiss, she turned away and got in the car, knowing that if she didn�t do it then, she wouldn�t.

Lissa got in beside her, neither saying a word as the cab started pulling away, each leaving their hearts behind. Neither noticed the silent tears that streamed down both their faces.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Six

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lissa groaned irritably when the phone beside the couch that she was lying on began ringing. She�d been home maybe ten minutes and she could well imagine that it was either her mother or her sister on the other end of the phone. Not feeling like dealing with them yet, she decided to let the machine pick up the call. She was surprised and immediately grabbed the phone when she heard IreLyn�s voice on the machine.

�Lyn, I�m here!� Lissa exclaimed, happy to hear from her friend. �How are you? How was the honeymoon? How�s Kody? Brett? Dale?� She fired off question after question.

IreLyn laughed as she went through Lissa�s questions in her mind before answering. �Fine, absolutely wonderful, fine, fine, and fine.�

�Good, glad to hear that. Are you back home now?� Lissa asked, knowing that they were returning back soon after Kristin and herself, but didn�t know exactly when.

�Yes, but enough about me. What�s this I hear about you and Kevin?� IreLyn demanded, anxious to hear all the details.

Lissa�s heart immediately sped up, her entire body growing warm at hearing Kevin�s name. Before she was able to stop it, every detail of the time they spent together, right up to their good-bye flashed through her mind.

�Yo�you there?� IreLyn asked when Lissa didn�t say anything after a few seconds. She laughed softly, thinking how much Lissa reminded her of herself when she�d first met Brett.

Lissa cleared her throat and laughed when she realized that she�d been stuck in a daydream. �Uh�what was your question again?�

IreLyn laughed again. �Never mind, I got my answer. Anyway, the reason I�m calling is to tell you that we�re having a little get-together this weekend. I hope that you can make it. If you could fly in Friday after work, that would work wonderfully. Kristin and Kody are coming as well.� IreLyn informed her, but left out the fact that Kevin would be there. That was a surprise. Just as Marshall being there would be a surprise for Kristin.

�Do you ever do anything other than on the spur of the moment?� Lissa asked with a laugh. Already she could feel her mood lightening s little bit.

�Hey, that�s six days notice! How much more time do you need, Lis?� IreLyn teased. �Can you make it?� She questioned a second later, holding her breath in anticipation for Lissa�s answer.

�Let me check my planner quick.� Lissa replied as she jumped up. She was pretty sure that her weekend was free, but sometimes she had conventions and things for work on weekends so she needed to be certain.

�Well, it looks like you�re going to be blessed with my presence this weekend.� Lissa answered a few moments later. She was looking forward to seeing her friends. There was only one thing that could have made it even better.

�Cool!� IreLyn exclaimed, nearly jumping up and down with excitement. �Call me back when you have all your flight info. Don�t worry about a place to stay. There is more than enough room here.�

�Thanks Lyn,� Lissa said sincerely. �I�m looking forward to this.�

They talked a few moments longer and then after saying their good-byes, they ended the call.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Seven

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dale walked in the house and stopped when he saw his wife on the phone. He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched her. The excitement in her voice was clearly seen in her motions, her hands moving just as wildly as the words coming out of her mouth.

�So Lissa�s definitely gonna be there, and so is Kristin?� Dakota confirmed. After getting the answer she was seeking, she squealed. �And they don�t know that Marshall and Kevin will be there as well! Lyn, sounds like another party that was held a little over a year ago!�

�Hey, does Kristin have picnic table fetishes like you? Just wondering if it runs in the family. Cuz you know we can probably bring it with us and have it there�for either of you.� Dakota teased, spinning around when she heard Dale laughing.

�Hey!� she greeted him, not having heard him come in. �Everything is all set for this weekend.� She told him. He nodded.

�So I heard. I also heard a little scheming is going on.� He grinned. Dakota simply shrugged.

�That�s what friends are for. To scheme and get other friends together�and don�t act all innocent to me, Earnhardt. You�re the kid of schemes.� She laughed then turned her attention back to the phone.

�Sorry about that Lyn�Lyn? Lyn? You there?� she asked when she didn�t get an answer. She listened closely, rolling her eyes when she heard particular sounds. �Lord, Brett�s home. Lyn, call me back later when you're not�busy!� she told her friend then ended the call, shaking her head.

�I swear, those two are worse than bunnies!�

Dale, who had been headed towards the kitchen, nearly tripped over his feet at her last statement. �Bunnies?� he repeated, nearly doubling over with laughter when she nodded.

She grinned as she walked over to him, abruptly cutting off his laughter when she slid her hands up his chest and around his neck. He leaned down to kiss her, but just before his lips touched hers, she pulled back, looking around.

�Where�s Bud?� she demanded.

�Huh?�

She gave him a look. �You went to go pick up Bud from Teresa�s. Where is he? I miss him!�

Dale rolled his eyes. �I swear, I�m almost jealous of that cat!� he joked, kissing her quickly before answering.

�Teresa is rather attached to him now, and told me I can�t have him back just yet.� He laughed at the shocked look on Dakota�s face.

�What? Oh hell no, I don�t think so! I want Bud!� she grumbled, ready to head to the phone.

Dale caught her arm and stopped her. �We�ll get him back later on tonight after the party.� He promised.

�Oh�good. I was worried there for a sec�� she trailed off, then look at him confused. �What party?�

�The party Teresa and the guys are throwing us at DEI. And I think that was supposed to be a surprise.� He grinned sheepishly.

�Oooh! A party�for us! Sounds like fun.� She said excitedly. �What time?�

Dale checked his watch. �In about an hour and a half.�

Dakota bit her lip before asking. �Is Kerry going to be there?� she asked tentatively, not wanting to spoil his good mood. Ever since Kerry had confessed to Dale, they really hadn�t spoken much. Kerry had been at the wedding, just because Dale didn�t feel that he couldn�t invite him, and no matter what he wanted his brother there, but with as hectic as everything was, they didn�t get the opportunity to talk there. Although Kerry did single out Dakota and apologize profusely to her, which she accepted. She could easily tell that Kerry wasn�t a bad person. He�d just let jealous and insecurities overtake him.

�Yeah, he�ll be there.� Dale replied, although he didn�t appear to be upset about it. After the entire ordeal and going through hell when Dakota was missing, he hadn�t really had time to think about the situation with his brother. But once Dakota was back safe and sound, they had talked about it. He decided not to tell anyone of Kerry�s involvement, not even Teresa. Which, in his own way, was an acceptance to Kerry�s apology.

But now, he was looking forward to reestablishing a relationship with his brother. He broke away from his thoughts when Dakota grabbed his hand and pulled him after her.

�Come on, let�s go get ready.� She announced.

�We have an hour and a half.� He reminded her.

�I know.�

�It doesn�t take either of us that long to get ready.� He said as they walked into the bedroom. His heart started pounding when she turned to face him, her eyes burning with passion and need.

�I know.� She grinned as she pulled him towards her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Eight

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Lyn, would you hurry up! We need to get to the airport now!� Dakota exclaimed, exasperated as she watched Brett and Lyn say good-bye for what seemed like an eternity. �We�re only going to be gone a couple of hours! Christ, you two act like you�re never going to see each other again!� She sighed loudly and finally Brett and Lyn pulled apart.

�Ya never know, Kody. Anything could happen at anytime and we might not ever see each other again. I need to make sure Brett knows how much I love him.� IreLyn told her as she walked to the closet in the front hall and got her coat and pulled it on. �Ready to go?�

Dakota looked at her friend for a moment as she contemplated what IreLyn had said to her. �Yeah, hang on a minute.� She said before she turned and ran down to the basement where Dale was getting things ready for when everyone would start arriving shortly. She returned five minutes later.

�You�re right.� Dakota said to her with a smile.

IreLyn grinned back. �I know. Now let�s get going!� She replied, anxious to see her sister and Lissa again.

�You know Christmas is only about a month away.� IreLyn began as she and Dakota drove to the airport. �What are you and Dale planning for the holidays?�

Dakota thought about it for a moment. �Honestly we really haven�t gotten a chance to talk about it yet. What about you and Brett?�

�No clue yet. I suppose it�ll depend on his schedule and everything.� IreLyn paused for a moment and then continued when an idea hit her. �But wouldn�t that be a great time for us to get together again? Even if the guys are committed to other things, us girls can get together. Maybe you, Kristin, and I can all go home for a few days or something. The guys can come along or fly out later.�

�That is a great idea, Lyn! We�ll have to make sure to run that idea by everyone this weekend. But I think everyone is going to love it.� Dakota said, her voice filled with excitement.

A short time later they arrived at the airport. �Maybe we should have sent a limo for them.� IreLyn muttered as she eyed the crowds of people everywhere.

It hadn't taken long for the media to find out about the weddings that had taken place in Jamaica. Their pictures had appeared in nearly every news paper, magazine and gossip column in record breaking time. Now something as minor as going to the grocery store or anyplace public was a major ordeal. Both Dakota and IreLyn quickly understood fully what it meant to be the wife of a famous person.

Dakota grinned at her friend as she parked the car in the short-term parking. �I planned ahead for this.�

�And how�s that?�� IreLyn questioned, eyeing her friend suspiciously.

Turning around, Dakota grabbed a bag from the back seat. She pulled out two baseball caps and two pairs of glasses that looked very familiar. �Remember these?� Dakota asked, her eyes shining.

IreLyn burst out laughing as she remembered the fiasco between Dale and Brett that night over the Budweiser hat. �Disguises! Oh this ought to work real well!� She gasped between laughing. Kody quickly joined her and they both stopped laughing only when they had tears streaming down their cheeks and their sides hurt and they had to get inside to meet the flights that Kristin and Lissa were on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Fifty Nine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Well, that was exciting.� Kristin grinned as they all got in the car, having had to run from a mob of screaming women who were trying to get Dakota and IreLyn�s autographs.

�Is it like that all the time?� Lissa asked, looking out the back window as the group of women stood staring after them.

�It�s all part of the package.� IreLyn grinned over at Dakota, knowing that it was worth it. Well worth it.

�Get used to it guys, you�ll be experiencing it first hand soon enough, I think.� Dakota grinned as she drove towards Brett�s house. She and IreLyn both laughed at Kristin and Lissa�s sputtering in the backseat.

�Speaking of which, how are things going for you two?� IreLyn asked, turning in her seat so she could look at her sister and long time friend as they answered.

Both their eyes lit up, each eager to talk about their men. Lissa spoke up first. �I talk to Kevin every day, most the time more than once. He�s wonderful! My family hasn�t been the most supportive and usually get me in a foul mood, but when the phone rings, it instantly brightens me up, just knowing it�s him.� She smiled.

�Your family is still having problems with Kevin?� Dakota asked, frowning when she saw Lissa nod through the rearview mirror. �That�s so lame!� she hissed. �Well, I know for a fact that Kevin�s feelings are mutual.� IreLyn grinned at Lissa�s shocked look, effectively steering the subject away from Lissa�s family. �Whenever he�s over to the house, or I go with Brett to practice, you�re all he talks about. Or if something isn�t going right, and I can tell he�s in a bad mood, all I have to do is mention your name and he�s all smiles again.�

Lissa blushed and smiled happily. She hadn�t had any doubts as to Kevin�s feelings for her, but hearing it made it even better. She turned and looked at Kristin. �So, what about you and Marshall?�

�We don�t get a lot of time to talk, unfortunately.� She sighed, looking down at her hands. �He�s been on location shooting his movie, so when he does call, I can tell he�s exhausted and try to not keep him too long. But just hearing his voice, even if only for a few moments, is enough.� Her smile matched the one still on Lissa�s face.

Kristin and Lissa both sighed and said at the same time, �I miss him.�

Dakota shook her head. �You two sound just like Lyn and myself a year ago!� she commented. �But don�t worry, I�m sure you�ll see them soon.�

She cast a sideways look at IreLyn, both of them sharing a secretive grin as they pulled into the driveway. IreLyn covered her mouth to hold in the snicker, when she saw Kevin�s vehicle in the drive. Since Kevin was picking Marshall up from the airport, that only meant that both men were waiting, most likely impatiently, inside.

�Wow, nice place.� Kristin commented as they all climbed out of the car and grabbed their bags.

�Thanks! Brett really is an awesome decorator. I hardly had to do anything when I moved in. Just a few feminine touches here and there.� IreLyn laughed.

Dakota took a couple bags to help out as she started towards the front door. �Well, come on you guys! Let�s get this weekend started!� She couldn�t wait to see Lissa and Kristin�s reaction when they saw who was on the other side of the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kristin and Lissa stepped inside and looked around Brett�s house with wide eyes.

�Wow, this is really ni-�� Kristin began but trailed of when a lone figure standing outside caught her eye. He was leaning against a tree in the yard with his head bent and his back to her, but even then she knew exactly who he was.

Kristin quickly spun around and looked at IreLyn and Brett, and Dale and Dakota, who were all grinning back at her like a bunch of Cheshire cats. She turned back around and stared out the windows on the French doors that would take her outside and to Marshall. Yet, all she could seem to do was stand there dumbly. She really was that shocked to see him.

Her feet finally allowed her to move when Marshall turned around and gave her a heart-stopping smile as he opened his arms to her. With a squeal of happiness, she took off and was in Marshall�s arms seconds later.

They all watched Kristin and Marshall embracing for a moment before Lissa turned and looked at them with a hopeful expression on her face. Brett met the eyes of Dale, Dakota, and IreLyn and gave them a wink that Lissa didn�t see. He stepped over to Lissa�s side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders in a comforting gesture.

�Kevin really wanted to be here. He just couldn�t make it.� Brett told her, his blue eyes filled with compassion. He almost felt bad for tricking her when he saw the disappointment immediately in her eyes. He glanced at IreLyn before turning his eyes toward the ceiling to let he know that that was where Kevin was waiting.

�That�s okay�I understand.� Lissa replied quietly. She didn�t really, but she was at least trying.

�I�ll show you your room and then you can help me with dinner, okay?� When Lissa nodded, IreLyn turned and led her to the stairs that led to the second floor of the house.

�Third door on the left. You have your own bathroom�there�s towels and everything of you want to shower or whatever.� IreLyn told her with a smile all the while fighting back the urge to shout out and tell her that Kevin was waiting up there for her.

�Thanks, I�ll be down in a bit to help with dinner.� Lissa promised before she picked up her bag and began climbing the stairs.

�Oh, she is in for a hell of a surprise!� IreLyn turned once Lissa was at the top of the stairs and said loud enough for only Brett, Dakota, and Dale to hear. They all waited in anticipation for the excited scream that they knew was coming.

*****

�Oh my goodness!� Kristin breathed after a long, passionate kiss. She was still having a hard time believing that Marshall was there. She hadn�t expected at all to see him and this had to be one of the most pleasant suprises that she�d ever had in her life.

�Are you surprised?� Marshall asked with a grin, right proud of himself for being able to pull it off. She light that he saw shining in her eyes right then made seeing her all the more better.

Kristin�s smile broadened as she stood on her toes and gave him another quick kiss. �Surprised? Yeah, that�s one word. Shocked, stunned, astonished, flabbergasted, are a few more!� She exclaimed happily. She was extremely grateful to him, Dale, Dakota, and IreLyn and Brett for taking the time to plan this out this way. She would have been happy to just see him, but being surprised like she was, was ten times better.

�Thank you..� She whispered sincerely as she met his gaze and held it.

�Was all my pleasure.� Marshall replied gruffly. Lifting a hand, he framed her face with it while keeping his other arm securely around her waist. Lowering his head, he captured her lips a slow, burning kiss that quickly intensified.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty One

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dakota and IreLyn hovered near the steps in excitement, waiting anxiously for the response they were sure they were gonna hear in just a few short seconds.

�Would you two give them some privacy?� Brett laughed.

�No.� they said together before turning their attention back to the stairs.

Brett shook his head as he looked over at Dale, who shrugged. �Must be a woman thing.� Dale grinned. �Come on, let�s go finish setting up the basement.�

Brett sighed as he followed after his friend. �I keep telling you Junior, it�s a plain ordinary basement. Nothing you can do will miraculously turn it into Club E. Not everyone can be cool enough to have their very own night club.�

Dale smirked as he took the stairs. �So you�re saying I�m cooler than you, right?�

Brett opened his mouth then closed it with a frown. �I don�t think that�s what I meant.�

�No, I heard you, too late to take it back now.� Dale laughed.

�Fuck off.� Brett tossed the roll of paper towels that were sitting on the table at Dale.

�Now now, only us cool people are allowed to use that like of language.� Dale grinned, laughing when he heard Brett muttering under his breath.

***

Lissa�s shoulders slumped more and more as she made her way down the hall to her designated bedroom. She was so happy for Kristin, she really was. But she was also a little envious.

She understood completely that Kevin couldn�t be there, but it didn�t make the disappointment fade. When she had seen Marshall outside, her own heart had leapt into her throat as she held her breath waiting Kevin to appear. She�d had to blink back tears when she realized he wasn�t there.

Sighing softly to herself, she decided then and there to still have a great weekend. She reached the door and slowly pushed it open, struggling to get her big suitcase through the door. When it stuck in the doorway, she turned and yanked on it, stumbling backwards when it finally made it through.

She gasped when her back ran into something, stopping her momentum, and most likely stopping her from falling onto the floor. She started to turn around, but was stopped by two very strong hands on her shoulders. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open when she heard the whisper in her ear.

�Surprise, baby.�

She spun around and looked up into his blue eyes, her breath catching. It took her a moment, but she was finally able to find her voice. �You�re here.� She whispered. �You�re really here!�

"Nothing could have kept me away." Kevin smiled down at her before lowering his head and capturing her lips with a kiss that stopped time. She moaned softly as she thread her fingers through his hair, and went up on tiptoes to increase the intensity of the already hot kiss.

When they finally broke apart, they were breathing heavily, both their eyes glazed over with passion. She smiled happily up at him, still unable to fully believe that he was there.

�I�ve missed you.� She said softly, resting her head on his strong chest. She smiled contently when his arms tightened around her.

�I�ve missed you too,� he whispered. �More than you�ll ever know.�

He grinned as he pulled back a little ways and looked down at her, realizing the image he�d been caring around of her in his head in no way did her justice.

�Since I doubt Lyn or Kody will be waiting for you to help them with breakfast, what you say I run you a nice hot bath, so you can relax after your flight.� He offered.

She shook her head. �All I need right now is you.� She said truthfully.

Kevin grinned devilishly. �The bath includes me.� His eyes twinkled with promises. She returned his grin with a seductive look of her own that made him nearly forget how to breath.

�Well then, in that case�� she trailed off as she started towards the bathroom, then squealed when he scooped her up in his strong arms and carried her there.

Upon hearing the squeal from upstairs, Dakota turned and grinned knowingly at IreLyn. �Well, I think that�s two less places we need to set at the table!�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty Two

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The weekend passed much too quickly and before everyone knew it, it was time to go back home. The following weeks had passed just as quickly. The holidays had came and went and the New Year found everyone falling into a comfortable routine with theirs lives.

Now that recording on their new album had been completed, Brett and Kevin, along with the other Fuel band members would be hitting the road again for an extensive tour to promote the new album.

Marshall had finished shooting the film project that he�d been working on and had also finished production on his new album. He was also kicking off a tour, starting in New York and running all along the East Coast. Kristin had two weeks vacation time coming and would be spending the majority of it with Marshall while he toured.

Dale was busy gearing up for the new Nascar season that began in one month. He looked forward to getting back to the tracks and with Dakota being able to travel with him a good part of the time, he was even more excited for the season to start.

Everything was seemingly perfect.

*****

�There she is.� Logan pointed out the woman walking across the parking lot that was connected to the office building where she worked. He�d been watching her for the past week. Her habit of working late and leaving when the place was virtually deserted would make this very easy for Jean-Claude and himself.

�You sure this is going to work?� Jean-Claude questioned skeptically, wondering about Logan�s latest plan to find out where IreLyn, and her bastard husband was at. They knew that Dakota and Dale were in North Carolina, but they were hardly ever there. Jean-Claude and Logan guessed that they spent a lot of their free time with IreLyn and Brett. Unfortunately neither Logan nor Jean-Claude knew where that was.

�Of course it�s going to work!� Logan hissed angrily. �She is friends with both of them and she was IreLyn�s neighbor.� Logan would have kicked his own ass of he could have for forgetting about Lissa�Until he saw her in a restaurant one evening with none other than one of Brett�s band mates. �Not only that, she is seeing one of the guys from that bastard�s band. So I know she is in contact with them. Now let�s get ready.� Logan demanded as she was quickly approaching her car, which they were hiding behind.

�What if some one sees us?� Jean-Claude asked, still not sure about Logan�s plan. He knew Logan�s temper and knew how quickly things could get out of hand.

Logan�s head snapped around and he glared at Jean-Claude. �Do you see anyone around to see us?� Logan growled as he gestured pointedly to the dimly lit parking lot that was empty apart from them and her. �Now do you want to know where Dakota is or not?�

Jean-Claude�s entire manner changed at hearing Dakota�s name. That familiar tingle coursed through his body and he knew that there was no way that he could back out. �Let�s get it over with.� He muttered.

Logan and Jean-Claude waited until exactly the precise moment to make their move. When Lissa was occupied unlocking her car door, they stepped out of their hiding place.

�Hello Lissa.� Logan said, his voice low�sinister.

Lissa spun around, her eyes wide with shock. She gasped softly she saw Logan. She had met him a couple of times when IreLyn was dating him and she knew full well what he�d done to her and Brett�and what he�d helped do to Dale and Dakota.

She took her eyes off of Logan for a moment and looked at the man with him. He looked very familiar, but she just couldn�t place whom he was.

�What do you want?� Lissa asked again, turning her attention back to Logan. She looked at him through narrowed eyes as she tried to keep herself calm, but she didn�t have a good feeling about this.

Logan smiled at her, but it wasn�t a friendly smile. It was almost a smug and threatening at the same time. �Well, we need a little favor.� Logan began and continued when Lissa didn�t say anything. �All you have to do is tell me where IreLyn is.� Logan said, knowing that wherever IreLyn was, Brett was�and most likely Dale and Dakota too.

�I don�t think so.� Lissa replied simply as she turned to get into her car. She was stopped short when Logan grabbed her arm and roughly spun her back around. She gasped out loud when she saw the cold look in his eye.

Logan glared at her for several moments before he spoke again. �We can do this the easy way, or the hard way. But either way, we�re going to find out what we want to know and you�re going to tell us.�

�Go fuck yourself!� Lissa spat furiously, wondering who the hell he thought he was. The next thing she knew, she felt a blinding pain race through her head as Logan back handed her so violently that it fractured her jaw and busted several blood vessels in her cheek and eye. She staggered back against her car, fighting to stay coherent.

Logan growled furiously as he clamped his hand around her neck. �I�m going to give you one more chance to tell me what I want to know.� He said and significantly increased the pressure on her throat to let her know how serious he was.

Lissa�s mind raced. She knew that she couldn�t take longer of this. She could already feel darkness settling in as Logan deprived her body of the air that it needed. Yet at the same time, she knew that there was no way she could tell Logan where Lyn and Brett lived. But she had to tell him something.

�Florida.� Lissa choked out the first state that came to mind. She gasped desperately for air when Logan squeezed even tighter on her throat.

�Where in Florida?� He demanded.

�Orlando.� She answered and sagged in relief as she fought urgently to take air into her lungs when Logan released his hold on her a little bit. But no air was able to get past her throat due to the swelling that was beginning caused by the pressure that Logan had applied to her throat.

�If you are lying to me, I will find you and I will kill you.� Logan warned. �And if you tell anyone about this little visit, I will kill you, and everyone you hold dear to you.� Logan threatened as he pulled her forward and then viscously slammed her back against her car.

After Logan and Jean-Claude left, Lissa had just enough presence of mind and strength left to get her cell phone from her purse, which had fallen to the ground nearby. After putting in a call to 911 for help, she punched in Kevin�s cell number. Just as he picked up his phone, Lissa�s slipped from her hand as she lost consciousness. All Kevin heard when he answered was eerie silence and then the sound of sirens rapidly approaching from the distance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty Three

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kristin came out of the bathroom, rubbing her hair with the towel as she hummed softly to herself. Life, in her opinion, was absolutely perfect. Marshall had just arrived in New York the day before, and their time together had been�heavenly, and she had two more weeks to look forward too.

She glanced over at him, her smile fading and her humming stopping when she saw the look on his face. He was staring down at his cell phone, his face completely white.

�Marshall?� she asked, swallowing hard when his head came up and his eyes met hers. She�d heard about his temper, but had never really experienced it first hand, but she had a feeling she was about too. The iciness of his blue eyes was enough to send chills through her.

He blinked and took a deep breath, trying to control the rage that was going on inside him. He knew he had to keep it together.

He stood up and walked over to Kristin, pulling her tight against him, just holding her for a second before pulling away, taking her hand and leading her over to the bed, where he sat down beside her.

She watched him quietly, knowing he would tell her what was going on when he was ready. Whatever it was, she had a very bad feeling about it.

�There�� he trailed off when his voice cracked, then cleared it and tried again. �There�s something I need to tell you.�

�Okay.� She said, dread starting to spread through her body.

�While you were in the shower I got a phone call.� He paused and took another deep breath, trying to figure out the best way to tell her this.

Kristin�s patience had reached their limit. �Just tell me! What the hell is going one?� she demanded.

Marshall reached over and took her hand, wanting to offer all the support he could for her, knowing she was gonna need it in the next couple minutes.

�It was Kevin. Logan and Jean-Claude are back, and this time they went after Lissa.� He said, his voice gruff with many different emotions.

Kristin�s eyes widened, her mouth falling open but no sound coming out. Her face drained of all color as she absorbed his words. She felt his hands tighten around hers, and that�s when she realized she was trembling.

�W-what do you mean �went after�?� she asked, her voice low and shaky.

Marshall sighed as he ran his fingers through his short blond hair. �They cornered her after work in the parking lot. There wasn�t anyone else around. They demanded to know where your sister is. From the information Kevin told me, she didn�t tell them where they are. She made up some place. He�s on his way to Colorado now, he�s just going off what she was able to tell the police.�

Kristin looked away, her heart pounding. Not only had those bastards hurt IreLyn and Dakota, now they were going after her best friend. They were gonna pay for this, she swore to herself.

�Is she okay?� she asked, her voice void of emotion. She was going numb, she knew it, but was afraid if she let herself feel at the moment, she wouldn�t be able to pull herself back together.

Marshall studied her silently, feeling her withdrawing from him, and he wasn�t about to let that happen. �She has a fractured jaw.� When he saw the pain look that crossed Kristin�s face, he moved to pull her into his embrace, but she jumped up from the bed and went to her closet and pulled out her suitcase.

�I have to get to Colorado.� She said dully, almost as if she were talking to herself. �I need to get a flight, as soon as possible!�

Marshall got up and followed her over to her closet, taking the items from her hands and making her look at him. �Kevin�s already booked us a flight. We need to get to the airport soon.� He told her.

�We?� she asked.

Marshall smiled softly as he tucked a lock of her wet hair behind her ear. �Of course we. Do you think I�d actually let you go there on your own?�

�But, your tour�� she trailed off at the look on his face.

�Fuck the tour, this is much more important. You are much more important.� He emphasized as he framed her face with his hands and made her look into his eyes. The sincerity she saw there was too much.

Tears flooded her eyes, and before the first found their way down her cheeks, he had pulled her tight against his hard body, giving her the comfort and strength she needed. She clung to him as she wept, feeling as if he were her lifeline. Without him, she wasn�t sure how she�d make it through this hell.

After a few moments she pulled back and wiped her face. �What about Dale, Kody, Brett and Lyn?� she asked.

�I think Kevin was contacting them. But you might want to call your sister.� He told her softly.

She nodded. �I�ll call her from the car. Let me get dressed and we�ll leave.�

�Are you gonna pack anything?� he asked. She hook her head, not having the time or patience to worry about that.

�I still have stuff at Mom and Dad�s so I�ll get whatever I need from there.� She said as she pulled out jeans and a shirt. Within minutes they were out the door and on their way to the airport, and Kristin was calling her sister. She held her breath waiting for her to answer, hoping and praying for some miracle, but knowing that the hell was just beginning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty Four

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kristin was very relieved to find IreLyn, Brett, Dale, and Dakota at the hospital when she and Marshall finally arrived there after what seemed to take forever. All through the flight, her fear for her family, which included Lissa, Dakota, Dale, Brett, and Kevin, grew steadily until she thought she would go crazy. Even though she was not blood related to them, Kristin still considered all of those people a part of her. And knowing that something had happened in the past and in the present to them, and that something was going to happen, but not knowing what or when, sometimes seemed to be much more than she could bear.

"How is she?" Kristin immediately asked Dakota, who had seen Marshall and herself first when they came in and had gotten up to meet them.

"She's doing all right now." Dakota told them. "They had to give her a breathing tube because she wasn't getting enough air in. But once the swelling in her throat from Logan choking her goes down a bit, they'll be able to remove that. They don't think she'll need surgery on her jaw. It's not a true break, just cracked so they're hoping that it'll go on its own. If it doesn't look like it's healing properly when they check the x-rays again in a few days then they will consider surgery. She's got a lot of bad bruising that looks much worse than it really is. She'll be sore as hell for a while, but she'll be fine." Dakota finished and felt a cold shudder travel through her body, knowing first hand what it was like to be at the mercy of Jean-Claude and Logan.

"What about the bastards that did this?" Marshall asked, not being able to remember their names. But as far as he was concerned the only names they that they deserved to be called were a choice few four letter names.

Dakota sighed as an expression of frustration and anger crossed her features. "Before they had to put the tube in, Lissa was able to tell the police that Logan and Jean-Claude were responsible. But so far nothing else has happened. I don't know if the police just can't find them or if they're even trying. But it's frustrating as hell knowing that they're out there, most likely just waiting for the right moment to strike again. I know they will."

"Not if I get my hands on them first." Marshall stated, his blue eyes ice cold. He knew that just as well as Brett, Dale, and Kevin would do anything to see those bastards put in their place, he would too. And it would have to happen soon. Too many people had been hurt already. Something had to be done before anymore lives were affected.

"But right now," Marshall began as he took hold of Kristin's hand. "Let's go see Lissa for a few minutes."

*****

Lissa's mom sighed deeply as she stood outside the door watching the man at her daughter's side. When he'd first arrived at her room and introduced himself, her first instinct was to blame him for what had happened to Lissa. And she had. After all, Lissa had been working the same schedule for 3 years with out incident...until now. It seemed that not only was he all wrong for her daughter in age, but all around he was bad news.

But even after having words with him, which were all on her part...he just stood there silently and took it, she saw his clear refusal to leave her daughter's side. It was then that she allowed herself to put all of her issues aside and see him for what he truly was. And that was simply a man who genuinely cared very deeply for her daughter. Her hard feeling gradually began to soften as she realized that, wasn't that all that she'd ever truly wanted for her daughter?

She guessed her biggest problem was the fact that Kevin was only a few years younger than she was. Six to be exact. It just seemed very odd for her daughter to be dating someone that was essentially the same age as she was. But she'd had Lissa when she was very young...Not that that really made a difference. If they were meant to be together, they would be. And if Lissa could get passed it, she supposed she could too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty Five

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lissa�s mother looked up at the sound of approaching footsteps and smiled a true genuine smile for the first time in hours. She came forward and pulled Kristin into a big hug.

�I�m so glad you�re here.� She whispered to the woman who was like another daughter to her. Kristin and Lissa had bee inseparable since the family had move to Colorado, and she would always be grateful for the friendship that Kristin, IreLyn and Dakota had given her daughter, Kristin especially.

�Nothing could have kept me away.� Kristin replied honestly, blinking rapidly to get rid of the tears that had formed the instant she�d seen Lissa�s mother. �How are you holding up, Joyce?�

�I�ve had better days.� Joyce sighed as she turned and gazed at her daughter through the window. �He truly cares about her doesn�t he?� she nodded toward Kevin who continued to stay by Lissa�s side, holding her hand.

She also hadn�t missed the man Kristin had arrived with. It was clear to anyone who was looking that Kristin had found someone special, and she couldn�t be happier for her. She glanced over at the blond man, her lips curing when she saw the way he kept a watchful eye on Kristin. She turned her attention back to Kristin when she heard her answer.

Kristin nodded, her own eyes softening. �It�s like watching Brett and IreLyn, or Dakota and Dale all over again.� She responded, knowing that anyone who truly knew them would understand just how much Kevin and Lissa meant to each other by comparing them to her friends.

�I-I�m glad she has him.� Joyce looked down at her hands. �I was horrible to him when I first came in. I blamed him.� She whispered, guilt spreading through her.

Kristin�s eyes got wide. Ever since knowing Joyce, she had always been the most open and caring person she had ever met. She had wished her own mother had been more like Lissa�s, so her whole reaction towards Kevin had been a shocker�to all of them.

�Why? And don�t tell me it�s the age thing again. Like Lissa says, it�s just a number.�

�I guess I never really looked at it like that before. When I first saw him, then saw my baby lying there�� she trailed off when her voice cracked. �I needed to blame someone, and he was there.�

Before Kristin could say anything they were interrupted by a shout down the hall. �Mom!�

They both looked up, and Kristin sighed inwardly when she saw Lissa�s younger sister Victoria coming toward them. There was only one good word to describe Lissa�s sister. Bitch. She and Kristin had clashed from the instant they met, and over the years, nothing had changed.

Victoria rushed towards her mother, not even sparing Kristin a glance. She had never understood why Lissa would pick people like Kristin, IreLyn and Dakota as friends. They were beneath her, as far as she was concerned, and never held back in letting them know it.

�I got here as quickly as I could. How is she?� she demanded, her eyes going to the room. �Who the hell is that?�

Joyce followed her sister�s gaze, surprising herself by smiling at the man still with her eldest daughter. �That�s Kevin.�

�What the hell is he doing here?�

Kristin rolled her eyes and was unable to stop herself. �I believe that would be called holding her hand, Tori.�

Victoria spun around, her eyes flashing as she glared at Lissa�s best friend in contempt. �This is all your fault!� she hissed. Joyce took a shocked step back at the venom in her daughter's voice and was about to jump in to protest, but saw the look in Kristin�s eyes and knew she could handle herself.

�Should we intervene?� IreLyn whispered as she Dakota, Dale, Brett and Marshall stood by taking in the scene before them. She eyed Marshall out of the corner of her eye and felt as much as saw the tension radiating off of him. She knew he was ready to move forward to help Kristin out when he was needed.

Dakota shook her head as she leaned against Dale, who wrapped his arms around her. �Nah�not yet. We�ll at least let Kristin get one good punch in then step in.� She muttered, not liking Victoria herself�none of them did.

Kristin�s eyes narrowed dangerously. �My fault? And how do you figure that?� she snapped.

Victoria looked down her nose at the woman before her and tossed her hair over her shoulder. �You�ve been nothing but a bad influence on her, from the get go! Then you go and get her hooked up with some pervert who�s old enough to be her father and look what happens!� She stepped closer as she jabbed her finger in Kristin�s face.

�If you really were a good friend, you�d walk away not and never look back.� She nearly growled.

Kristin looked from the finger still in her face to Victoria�s angry eyes, and raised her head a little, her own eyes flashing with barely controlled anger. �Back the fuck off.� She warned, then took a deep breath to regain some kind of control.

�This isn�t the time or place for this, Tori.� She deliberately used the name she knew Victoria despised. �We�re in a hospital for Christ sakes! I�m not doing this here. But believe me when I say we will have this conversation again�soon.� Her eyes held a promise.

Joyce took a step forward when Victoria tried to respond, having heard enough from her daughter. �That�s enough!� she said sharply. �If anyone should leave, it should be you.� She told her daughter sternly. Kristin and Victoria looked at her in shock.

�I�ll call you later and let you know how Lissa is, but for now, I want you out of here. None of us need this right now. Leave Victoria�now.�

After she had stormed out, Joyce turned to Kristin. �I�m sorry about that.� She apologized, as she looked at all the people standing near, all there for her daughter.

Still fuming from her confrontation with Victoria, Kristin needed some time with Lissa. �I�m going to go see Lissa.� She muttered, needing to be near her friend. She walked quickly in the room, Kevin glancing up and sensing that she needed some time alone with Lissa. After giving her a tight hug, he walked out.

Dakota saw the worry on Marshall�s face and lightly touched his arm, gaining his attention. �It�ll be okay. When she gets pissed, Lissa�s one of the only people I know who can calm her down. Just give her a few minutes.� She smiled reassuringly. He nodded in understanding before turning his attention back to the two women in dark hospital room.

Joyce took a deep breath and stepped forward, looking up at Kevin. �I have to apologize for my actions earlier. They were inexcusable and wrong. I see now that you truly do care about my daughter, and I was horrible to judge you before giving you a chance.�

Kevin smiled down at her, instantly forgiving the woman before him. �Apology accepted.�

She smiled up at him. �I�d very much like it if we could start over Kevin. Obviously my daughter cares a great deal about you, and therefore I would like to get to know you better, since I have this feeling you�re going to be around for a long time to come.�

�I�m here for as long as she wants me.� He promised as he lead her over to a nearby chair where they proceeded to talk and get to know each other a little better, finding a bond in the woman they both loved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty Six

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Logan did a double take and then slammed on the brakes as he drove past the hospital.

�What the fuck are you doing?� Jean-Claude demanded as he searched through the glove compartment for a napkin to wipe the coffee that had been spilled down the front of his shirt when Logan hit the brakes.

Logan ran his fingers through his black hair, his gray eyes narrowed as he scanned the area in front of the hospital. He swore that he�d just seen Brett and Dale out there. But they weren�t there now. But he knew that he�d seen them.

After figuring out quite easily that Lissa had lied to them, he and Jean-Claude were on their way to her house to find out where IreLyn and Brett really were. Before they got there though, Jean-Claude mentioned to Logan that after what he�d done to Lissa, everyone was likely to be there as well.

Logan turned and looked at Jean-Claude with an evil smile on his lips. �Looks like you were right�our �friends� are in town.� Logan told Jean-Claude. �Now all we have to do is figure out what to do with them and quickly.� He finished with a malicious laugh.

*****

Kevin sat up straighter in the chair that he sat in when he saw Lissa beginning to wake up. Since he�d been there, she�d only awakened once before, but just as quickly as she was awake, she was out again. The doctors were keeping her pretty drugged up though while she still had the breathing tube and just so she was able to rest with the amount of pain that she would be in if she wasn�t being given the medication.

Standing up, Kevin moved to the bed and sat down beside her. He squeezed her hand tighter to let her know that he was there. He watched as her eyes fully opened and after a few moments she turned her head slightly and looked at him.

�Don�t try to talk. You have a tube in your throat to help you breath.� Kevin told her when he saw her trying to say something. "They'll be able to take it out once the swelling goes down a little bit."

Kevin smiled as she gestured for a pen and paper. He knew she'd find some way to communicate if she had her mind to it. It took Kevin a minute to be able to decipher her unusually sloppy hand writing, abbreviations, and short questions, but once he did, he was able to answer her.

"They haven't found them yet." Kevin reluctantly told her, speaking of Logan and Jean-Claude. He didn't say anything more about them, knowing that at the time, his emotions were too fragile.

Kevin had to smile before answering her next question. At least some good had come out of this senselessness. "Yes, I met your Mom. It was rough going at the start, but after things cooled down we were able to have a nice talk. Now I think she likes me." Kevin laughed softly. It was a good thing that Lissa had talked to him on a couple of different occasions about how her family had reacted to them being together or he'd have been even more shocked by her mom's actions earlier. He decided not to tell he that he thought that her sister was still going to give her problems where they were concerned.

"Kristin is here...with Marshall." Kevin told Lissa, answering her final question. He smiled when she took the paper back from him and wrote that she'd thought that she'd heard Kristin talking to her. "That is a true friend that you've got there." He said, referring to Kristin. "She's very upset and worried about you." Kevin paused for a moment a brushed away a tear that had escaped her eye.

"Dakota and Dale, and Brett and IreLyn are here too. " He said and waited as she began writing on the paper again. When she finished, she handed the paper back to him.

It said simply 'thank-you' but Kevin knew by the way that she looked into his eyes that she was talking directly to him on that one. "There's no place I'd rather be." He whispered gruffly as he leaned forward and placed a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead.

After moving back, he gazed down at her, watching as her eyes grew heavy. "Get some rest, baby. I'll be right here when you wake up again." He promised her as she drifted back to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty Seven

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IreLyn rubbed her throbbing temples, barely able to bite back the groan. She looked up when a cup appeared in front of her. She gave Dakota a grateful smile as she took the cup. Dakota sat down next to her sipping her own cup of hot coffee.

They were both silent for a few moments before IreLyn sighed wearily and turned towards her friend. �I thought this nightmare was finally over.�

�I think we all did.� Dakota answered, looking over to where Brett, Dale, Marshall and Kevin were talking quietly. Neither Brett nor Dale had said much, but she could only imagine what was going on inside them at the moment.

�But now they are brining innocent people into it.� IreLyn whimpered. �What did we deserve to have all this happen?�

Dakota shook her head. �I wish I knew, Lyn, I really do.�

"They aren't done." IreLyn said, her voice almost dead. "This is only the beginning." she spoke her true fears out loud. As badly as Dakota wanted to argue with her, she knew she couldn't. She, along with everyone else, dreaded what the future had in store for them.

***

�Do you really think this is going to work?� Jean-Claude asked for what seemed to be the millionth time. Logan threw down the papers he hand in his hands and spun around to face the other man.

�For the last fucking time, YES!� he yelled. �What the hell is your problem lately?�

Jean-Claude turned his back and stared out the window into the dark night sky. He sighed deeply. �I just don�t think you�ve completely thought this through, that�s all.�

Logan�s eyes narrowed dangerously as he advanced towards Jean-Claude. �What�s wrong, getting scared?� he sneered. �Don�t even think about backing out of this now. Not only will you loose Dakota forever, but also I�ll make damn sure that you take the fall for all this, understand? You're in this way too deep to think of chickening out.�

�I�m not backing out Logan, I never said that. All I said was that we need to really think this through. We need to make sure we do this right, or our asses are going to land behind bars.� Jean-Claude tried to reason with him.

Logan�s temper calmed somewhat and he took a deep breath. He nodded his head, knowing that since discovering Lissa had deliberately lied to them, and then to find out Brett and Dale were right there in Colorado, he�d gone a little crazy. No, that wasn�t true. He�d gone crazy from the instant he�d learned through the news that IreLyn and gone and marred that bastard.

He closed his eyes and counted to ten, then opened them slowly to look at Jean-Claude. �I want them to pay. And pay dearly.� He said, his voice low and lethal.

For the first time Jean-Claude smiled, the look just as cold and sinister as Logan�s. �Oh they will, don�t worry about that. But when we do this, we have to do it right. Nothing half-assed. When we�re through, they are going to wish to God they�d never even met Kody and Lyn.�

Logan grinned. �And heaven help their friends if they try and interfere.� He swore viciously.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty Eight

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next two days passed uneventfully. Everyone kept a watchful eye for Jean-Claude and Logan, but they tried not to let their worry take over their lives. Lissa was being released from the hospital and would be leaving with Kevin after a few more days of rest. Kristin and Marshall were leaving the next day as well as Dale and Dakota. Brett and IreLyn were going the same day as Lissa and Kevin, where the guys had appearances to make to promote the new album. The new tour kicked off that weekend, although both Kevin and Brett were willing to postpone a few dates if Lissa felt like she wasn�t up to the traveling. She assured them that she would be fine.

"We need to figure out a date when we can all get together again." Kristin suggested as they all sat around their hotel suite on their last night all together in Colorado.

"Can ya�ll make the first race next month?" Dale asked, thinking how wonderful it would be to have them all there when the Nascar season kicked off.

"Well, I don�t know about Brett, but I�ll for sure be there!" IreLyn exclaimed excitedly. After having been around the races as much as she was the last season, she had developed a great love for the sport.

"Count me in." Kristin said. She�d never been to a race, only watched them on TV. To say that she was thrilled at the thought of seeing a race in person was a huge understatement.

Dakota, IreLyn, and Kristin all turned and looked expectantly at Lissa. Her eyes lit up as she smiled at her friends. "Of course I�ll be there." She said softly, her voice still raspy.

The guys laughed as the girls began excitedly making plans. They were glad to see them trying to forget about what was going on with Jean-Claude and Logan.

"When is the race?" Marshall asked, knowing that he�d love to be there too, but it all depended on his schedule. The same went for Brett and Kevin.

"February 16." Dale answered. "I hope you guys can make it." He continued, speaking to Brett, Kevin, and Marshall. "But if you can�t, believe me, it�ll be my pleasure to be surrounded by all of your women when I win." Dale teased, a cocky smile on his lips. He ducked, barely missing the pillow that Kevin launched in his direction.

*****

Logan pulled his car up in front of Jean-Claude�s house and hit the horn to signal the other man that he was there. A few moments later, Jean-Claude appeared at the door and exited his house and walked to Logan�s car.

"You ready to do this?" Jean-Claude questioned, knowing that from this point on, there was no turning back.

"More than ready." Logan assured him. With their plan, IreLyn and Brett were guaranteed to rue the day they�d ever laid eyes on each other. The same with Dale and Dakota.

"Then let�s do it!" Jean-Claude stated, anxious to get this going.

They drove in silence until they reached a small caf� on the outskirts of town where they were meeting the reporter from a widely read gossip paper that they�d contacted earlier that day. When they went inside, they found a man sitting at the counter and knew that it was the reporter because he�d told Logan and Jean-Claude that that was where he�d be waiting for them.

"You Jason Martins?" Logan questioned as he and Jean-Claude approached him.

"The one and only." He replied rather smugly, knowing that he was about to get a huge story. "Now let�s cut the shit and get down to business.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty Nine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dakota ignored the phone on her desk as she rifled through all the papers on her desk. They�d been back for a few days, but the pile of paperwork on her desk hadn�t diminished any, no matter how long or how hard she worked on it. But, she thrived under presser, and there was plenty of it for her to be doing some of her best work.

She looked up and smiled when her mother-in-law, Teresa walked in the office, but her smile faded when she saw the look on the other woman�s face.

�Is something wrong?� Dakota asked.

�You could say that.� Teresa put a magazine on top of the papers in front of Dakota and motioned to it. �Can you explain this?�

Dakota looked down at the magazine, her eyes widening in shock, her face draining of color when she read the title of the article. �Oh my god.� She whispered as she quickly scanned the article, the words confirming her fears.

Teresa crossed her arms over her chest, her stern gaze unwavering as she continued to look at Dakota. �I take it you know all about this.�

Dakota was at a loss. She honestly didn�t know how to respond. �Uh�� she trailed off as she stood up and grabbed the magazine. �Where�s Dale?� she demanded.

�That�s what I�d like to know. He�s got a hell of a lot of explaining to do.� Teresa said angrily. At that precise moment, Teresa�s assistant stepped timidly into Dakota�s office.

�Sorry to interrupt, but you asked me to tell you when he got here. He just pulled up.�

Dakota immediately brushed past them both, knowing full well whom they were referring too. She ran down the stair, by passing the elevators, not wanting to waste any kind of time. She needed to get to Dale before anyone else did.

She raced out the back door just in time to see Dale walking towards the garage area. �Dale!� she yelled out, effectively gaining his attention. He turned and smiled when he saw her coming towards him.

She stopped in front of him, but he pulled her towards him, hugging her tight. �Now that�s what I call a greeting. Miss me that much in the past hour and a half.� He teased as he nuzzled her neck.

Fighting against her instant reaction to him, Dakota pushed out of his embrace. �We need to talk. NOW!� she emphasized, her eyes letting him know she wasn�t kidding.

Dale frowned a little. �What�s going on?� he asked. Dakota looked over her shoulder, sighing with momentary relief when she saw no one had followed her out, but knew it would only be a matter of minutes before Teresa and lord only knew who else would be out there demanding some kind of explanation. She didn�t want Dale blindsided by all this.

She grabbed his hand and pulled him behind her over to a door in the garage she knew lead to an empty room. After closing the door behind her, she turned to her husband and handed him the magazine.

�We�ve got a little problem.� She stated as she waited for him to read the article.

Dale didn�t even get past the title of the article before he exploded. �Fuck!� he swore as his blue eyes quickly read the rest of the article. Once he was finished he threw the magazine across the room as he began pacing the small area.

He stopped and looked at Dakota, his eyes blazing. �How the fuck did they find out?�

Dakota shook her head sadly. �I�ll give you one guess.� She mumbled. Dale nodded as he closed his eyes and tipped his head back, taking a couple deep breaths. He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to figure out what the hell to do.

�Has anyone else seen this?� he asked, his voice low and filled with emotion. This was bad�really bad.

Dakota nodded. �Teresa brought it to me.�

�Shit! Now what the hell am I gonna do?� he sat down heavily in a nearby chair. Dakota moved forward and knelt down in front of him, putting her hand on his leg.

�You can only do one thing. Tell the truth.� His head jerked up at her words.

�Do you have any idea what this is going to do? Not only will it probably destroy the season, but more importantly it�s gonna tear my family apart.� He groaned as he rubbed his eyes.

Dakota sighed. �Dale, I know you had your reasons for not telling your family or NASCAR about Kerry�s involvement in everything, but now it�s here in black and white.� She gestured towards the discarded magazine. �You can�t keep covering for him now.�

Dale nodded sadly. �Things were finally getting back on track.� He muttered, referring to his relationship with his brother. He and Kerry had pretty much worked through their problems and were starting to get close again. This article that exposed everything Kerry had done, and how Dale had covered it up was going to destroy everything.

�I�ve gotta call and warn Kerry.� Dale suddenly sat up straight, reaching for his cell phone. Before his hand touched it, another voice stopped him.

�You�ll do no such thing.� Both he and Dakota looked up to find Teresa and Tony Sr. standing in the doorway looking madder than either had ever seen them. �What you are going to do is tell us both what the hell is going on!�

***

�Lyn!� Brett yelled as he walked in the house. They were set to leave for the tour later that night, so he knew she was there still packing.

�Up here, baby!� she yelled back from their room. He quickly climbed the stairs and found her in the spacious walk in closet pulling out clothes. She paused in her movements at the distressed look in his face.

�Honey?� she asked as she came towards him, worried.

�Jean-Claude and Logan aren�t done.� Was all he said as he handed her the magazine that had come in the mail, addressed to both of them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Seventy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After she finished reading the article, IreLyn looked up at Brett, her eyes wide with shock. �What the hell is this?� She asked, although she knew full well. �This is some kind of joke, right?� She questioned, daring to hope that Brett would tell her that it was. She felt her heart sink when Brett looked away and run his fingers through his hair as the distress look on his face deepened.

�I wish it was.� Brett told her, watching as she went over to the beside table and picked up the phone.

IreLyn bit her lip as she listened to the line connect and then ring. After five rings, she sighed in frustration when the messenger picked up. She hadn�t really expected Dakota to pick up, but she�d been really hoping that she would.

�Kody, this is Lyn. Please call me back on my cell phone as soon as you can.� IreLyn said into the phone. There was no doubt in her mind that she and Dale and probably three-fourths of the United States population had seen the magazine and article by now. It made her sick knowing the depths that Logan and Jean-Claude would sink to in order to ruin their lives.

�God, what next?� IreLyn hung up the phone and muttered to herself as she sat downs on the edge of the bed. She laid her head in her hands and rubbed her temples in an effort to calm the headache that she could feel building. Damn, but she regretted the moment she ever laid eyes on Logan Brooks.

Brett knew that she was putting a lot of the blame on herself. Walking across the room, he sat down beside her and wrapped his arm around her slumped shoulders. He drew her close against him and held her for a moment before he hooked a finger around her chin and forced her to look at him.

�Stop blaming yourself.� Brett told her. �It�s not your fault that Logan turned out to be such a bastard and he brought Jean-Claude with him.�

�Jean-Claude would have never done any of this without Logan�s influence. I know he wouldn�t have. I should have never gotten involved with him. I honestly had no idea that�� She trailed off when she felt Brett�s arms tighten around her.

�If you need to blame someone, then blame me. If I hadn�t been such a jerk to you, then you would have never gotten involved with him.� Brett told her, feeling pretty low at the moment.

Before he could stop her, IreLyn jumped to her feet and began pacing the room. �I should have at least handled things differently at the party. That was what drove him over the edge.�

Reaching out, Brett caught her arm as she passed by and pulled her down onto his lap. �Again, my fault. I knew that you were there with Logan and I should have left you alone. If I had, none of this, starting with Dakota losing her job, would have happened.�

"You did nothing wrong, Brett. When I realized what was happening between you and I, I should have ended it with Logan first. I really think that things would have turned out a lot differently if I had.�

Seeing that she wasn�t going to listen, Brett gathered her close, laying her head against his chest. �There�s nothing that we can do now to change how things went. There is no use dwelling on it Lyn.� He told her as he soothingly ran his fingers through her hair. �What we have to do now is concentrate on what is happening right now. Dale and Dakota are going to need us right now and even though we can�t be there physically for them, we have to do our best to be there for them.� IreLyn lifted her head from Brett�s chest and looked into his eyes. �I know�you�re right. I just wish�� She stopped when Brett placed his finger across her lips to silence her.

�Lyn, I can guarantee you that Dakota nor Dale blames you. And I can also say that I sincerely believe that Lissa doesn�t blame you for what happened to her. And I certainly don�t blame you for what happened to me. So why do you blame yourself?�

�I�m sorry, Brett.� IreLyn replied softly. �I promise to do better.� She said as she closed her eyes and let the steady beat of his heart comfort her.

They were startled a few minutes later when the phone began ringing. IreLyn instantly grabbed it, praying that it was Dakota and that things weren�t really as bad as she knew deep down they were.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Seventy One

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�It�s me.� Dakota said when she heard IreLyn pick up.

�Are you and Dale okay?� IreLyn immediately asked, knowing full well from the tone of Dakota�s voice that they had indeed seen the article.

Her heart broke at the ragged sigh that came over the line. �Okay really isn�t the word I�d use right now.� Dakota said sadly.

�Kody, I�m so so�� she started but Dakota immediately cut her off.

�Don�t you dare apologize, Lyn. None of this is your fault, do you hear me? None of us are to blame for those sick fuckers actions.�

IreLyn didn�t comment, still feeling horrible. �How is Dale?�

�He�s hanging in there I guess. Just got his ass chewed from his stepmother and uncle. They are livid that he kept this information from him. We still don�t quite yet know how this is going to affect everything though.� Dakota rubbed her tired eyes.

�Are they still mad?� She asked, referring to Teresa and Tony.

Dakota let out a humorless laugh. �Mad is a huge understatement.�

IreLyn winced. �I can only imagine how that went.�

�Actually Dale kept his temper in check, well until they started blaming me, saying that it was probably my influence that got him to keep it all a secret. Then he went off, grabbed me and stormed out of there.� Deep down Dakota had been relieved to leave. The tension that had been mounting in the little room was suffocating.

�Where is he now?�

�He�s gone over to Kerry�s.� Dakota answered.

�How is Kerry handling all of this?� IreLyn wanted to know, reaching over to take Brett�s hand. �Dale�s okay.� She whispered to him, knowing he was just as concerned as she was.

�I haven�t talked to him myself, but from what I could gather when Dale called him he was pretty much hysterical�understandably so.� Dakota sighed heavily again.

�So what now?�

�I don�t know really. Dale did say that he was going to stand by his brother and his decision not to tell anyone.� Dakota really was proud of the way he was handling the entire situation. She would have cracked�a long time ago, but that inner Earnhardt strength had come out, and watching the way he composed himself made her love him all the more.

�How are you doing?� IreLyn asked softly, unable to imagine what her friend was going through.

�I don�t think it�s all set in yet. And like I said we don�t really know what the repercussions of all this is going to be. Only time will tell. But right now, as long as Dale alright, then I�m going to be fine.� IreLyn nodded, understanding that all too well. She knew she would be the exact same way with Brett.

�Do you want me to fly out?�

Dakota smiled, grateful to have such wonderful people in her life. �No, that�s okay, but thank you. You need to be with Brett.�

�You�ll call me if you change your mind though, right?� IreLyn asked.

�Of course. I have to get going, thinks are pretty hectic right now. Give Brett a hug for me, and I�ll call you soon.� She promised.

�Love you.� IreLyn said, her voice cracking with emotion.

�I love you too, Lyn. Bye.�

Book Twelve of Once Upon a Dream
2001 K&K Productions

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