Chapter Twenty Five

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Rayne jumped out of bed the next morning and immediately grabbed the phone. She punched in Caelin's number on the speed dial, wanting to make sure she caught her sister before she left to work for the day. She giggled when she heard Caelin pick up after a few rings and mumble a sleepy 'hello' into the phone.

"Good morning, sleepy head." Rayne greeted her sister, her good mood very obvious. "I thought you'd be up and about for the day already, but it sounds like I got you out of bed."

"Oh, I don't have anything booked for today so I thought I'd take advantage and sleep in." Caelin explained as she walked into the kitchen to get the coffee started.

"Sorry I woke you." Rayne apologized, feeling bad, knowing that her sister got to sleep in about as much as she did, which was hardly ever.

"Oh, that's okay." Caelin assured her. "I needed to get up and get ready to leave tomorrow."

"Oooo, where are you off to this time?" Rayne asked, always loving to hear about her sister's excursions.

"New York. I'll be there for about a week doing shoots and runway shows. Should be fun!" Caelin was excited about the trip, but she also knew that she was burying herself in the work to keep her mind off of certain things...or a certain person to be more exact. She really did love the trips to New York though. The shows and shoots were always very high energy with all the top models, designers and photographers. Not to mention all the shopping that she could do when she did have a bit of free time and there were always lots of parties going on.

"Cool! Maybe I'll be able to catch you in action while I'm there." Rayne commented, still unable to believe that Dale had asked to be his date for the awards banquet. She was still floating and could hardly wait to get over to her parents' place to see him again.

"What? You're going to be in New York?" Caelin questioned excitedly. "Doing what?"

"Well, that's actually most of the reason I'm calling. I just have to tell somebody or I'm going to explode!" Rayne paused for a moment, letting the suspense build for Caelin. She could practically feel her sister's anticipation through the phone.

"God, spill it already!" Caelin demanded, never being one to have many patients for things like this. She wanted to hear her sister's good news and she waned to hear it NOW!

"Dale asked me to attend the awards banquet with him in New York on Friday." Rayne finally spilled the news that she was dying to tell. The smile that she already had on her face broadened when she heard Caelin's soft gasp of surprise.

"Wow! That is wonderful! I'm so happy for you!" Caelin exclaimed, genuinely happy for her sister. She could just tell that Dale and Rayne were meant for each other and she was so glad that Rayne had decided to give him a chance.

"Thank you. I'm really happy for me too!" Rayne said. "Hey, you're going to have to help me find the perfect dress and everything. You're a lot better at picking out all that than I am. When can you go shopping? Please say you have time before you have to leave tomorrow!"

Caelin giggled at her sister's enthusiasm. "Well, I'll have some time later this afternoon, but don't you have to work?"

"Nope, I took the day off since Dale is still in town." Rayne replied, smiling again just saying his name.

"He's not going to want to go shopping. You know how guys are!" Caelin laughed.

"I figured he could hang out with the folks. If he wants to see me look smashing that night, he won't mind." Rayne said, looking forward to spending a little time with her sister. And while they were shopping, she wanted to see how Caelin was doing...coping with the whole Kevin situation. She'd seemed so sad the night before when their Mom unintentionally brought it up. She knew that there wasn't a whole lot that Caelin could do about wanting the man so bad and not being able to have him, but it had to be hard. She was broke out of her thoughts when she heard Caelin's voice again.

"All right, sounds fun! I'll pick you up around four o' clock? At your place or Mom and Dad's?"

"Sounds good! And we'll meet you and Mom and Dad's. See you later!" Rayne said, getting ready to end the call. After hearing Caelin's good-bye, she turned off the door and hurried to get ready for the day. She couldn't wait to see Dale again!

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

Chapter Twenty Six

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Caelin swore softly as she rummaged around the hotel room, hunting frantically for her right shoe. She was supposed to be meeting her sister for lunch and a little shopping, and she was running beyond late.

She had been in New York for three days, and Rayne had just arrived the night before. And although most of her time would be spent with Dale, he had previous commitments during the morning and afternoon, which gave the sisters time to spend together.

Their shopping trip in Lake Tahoe had been unsuccessful, mainly because Rayne had been too anxious to get back to Dale. So Caelin had decided that they would find the perfect dress in New York City.

�Finally!� Caelin exclaimed as she found the shoe hiding under the bed. She grabbed it, shoved her foot in, and picked up her stuff as she headed out the door. She hurried down to the lobby, foregoing the elevators, knowing full well her sister was already waiting for her.

Sure enough her sister was sitting in the lobby of the hotel, trying to ignore a man who had sat down next to her, talking her ear off. Rayne�s face lit up, a relieved expression crossing it as she quickly stood up. She glanced down at the man beside her.

�It was lovely meeting you.� She said, and Caelin had to bite her cheek to keep from laughing. Rayne may have sounded sincere to anyone listening, but her sister could hear the sarcasm dripping off her words.

Rayne quickly turned away and hurried over to her sister. She gave Caelin a big hug. �Thank you for getting here when you did!� she whispered in her ear. �Thirty more seconds with that man and I was gonna strangle either him or myself!�

Caelin giggled. �That bad huh?� Rayne rolled her eyes.

�He actually used the come on line �Hey baby, come here often?�� she sighed, her lips twitching when Caelin burst out laughing.

�Sad!� she exclaimed through the laughter. She calmed down as they walked out of the hotel. �So, how are you enjoying New York so far?� she asked. It was Rayne�s first trip. It was the one place she had always wanted to go, but her schedule hadn�t allowed her to accompany her sister on all of her previous trips.

Rayne�s eyes lit up. �Oh my goodness, it is wonderful! I absolutely love it!�

Caelin smirked. �And the fact that you�re here with Dale has nothing to do with it right?� she teased.

Rayne grinned. �He has everything to do with it.� She beamed. �So where are we going?� she asked.

�To find you a killer dress for tomorrow night�s show.� Caelin stated as she smiled at the limo driver who held the door open for her and Rayne. Rayne nodded her thanks as she slid in behind her sister. She used to be in awe over traveling in a limo when with her sister, but by now she was used to it. The people Caelin was doing shoots for wanted to keep all their model�s happy, so there were plenty perks to the job.

�I know that, but where?� Rayne asked, excited about shopping. Caelin grinned.

�Excited aren�t we?� Rayne nodded enthusiastically. �Well, since you have pretty much all afternoon free, I figured we�d take our time and just cruise the shops until we come along something you really like. Oh, and the best part, I have an account at Tiffany�s, where they allow me to borrow jewelry, and I�ve already talked with the manager, and they are more than happy to loan you a few diamonds for tomorrow.�

By this point Rayne�s eyes were huge. �Tiffany�s?� she whispered. �But I can�t do that! What if I loose something!�

Caelin giggled, having felt the exact same way when she first started wearing the expensive jewelry. �You won�t, trust me. Just relax and have fun with it! Besides, you�re going to be at the head table, on stage, with the NASCAR Champion. You�ve got to look better than ever!�

Rayne raised an eyebrow. �Are you saying I don�t look good enough now?� she asked, teasing. She laughed when Caelin playfully swatted her in the arm.

�Of course you do! I didn�t mean it like that. Oh, damn, you know what I meant!� Caelin pouted.

�I knew what you meant.� Rayne giggled. �Oh hey! I nearly forgot. Dale wanted me to ask you if you�re free for dinner tonight.�

Caelin�s grin turned evil. �Ahh, he�s trading you in for the better sister already huh?�

Rayne glared. �Ha ha, not likely.� She deadpanned, rolling her eyes when Caelin laughed. �Seriously though, we�re going out to dinner tonight, and Tony Stewart will be there and he and Dale were wondering if you were free.�

Caelin smiled and nodded. �Sure I�ll go. I liked Tony from the night of the party. He was funny!� She knew she didn�t have anything to worry about from Tony either. He was someone she could see as a good friend, but nothing more at all, and she could tell the feelings were mutual.

�Cool. Okay, let�s get this day underway!� Rayne bounced in her seat, ready to introduce herself to the shops in New York City!

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Chapter Twenty Seven

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"So are you having a good time?" Rayne asked as she and Caelin freshened up after having dinner and they had all decided to head out to a new club that was close by their hotel.

Caelin smiled at her sister through the mirror. "Yes. Tony is a great guy." She replied truthfully. The whole day had been perfect so far. She and Rayne had found the most perfect dress and diamonds to go with it for the awards banquet the next night. Rayne looked absolutely stunning in the dress and jewelry and Caelin knew that all eyes would be on her sister at the banquet. She had thoroughly enjoyed talking to Tony during dinner and they had a great conversation about anything and everything. And as always, Rayne and Dale were a blast.

Rayne returned Caelin's smile. "Good. You definitely deserve it."

Caelin flipped her long hair over her shoulder and grinned at Rayne. "I sure do!" The last few weeks hadn't been easy to say the least. Kevin was on her mind more often than not. She realized that for the first time in a while, she'd gone a few hours without thinking about him. She then also realized with a bit of despondency that that was all blown to hell now that she'd just thought about him.

"What's wrong?" Rayne asked, seeing Caelin's smile fade and her expression became troubled. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at her sister, having a pretty good idea what was bothering her.

Caelin sighed and gave herself a mental shake. Determined not to let the night be ruined, she pushed all thoughts of Kevin as far out of her mind as she possibly could. She looked at Rayne and smiled again, hoping that it didn't look as fake as it felt. "Nothing." She replied, not sure of whom she was assuring more; herself or Rayne. "You ready to go? I'm ready to party!"

Rayne smiled as she grabbed Caelin's hand and they headed for the door. "Me too! Let's go!"

*****

Caelin smiled as she watched Dale and Rayne out on the dance floor swaying to the beat of a slower song. They truly were a perfect couple.

"Do you want another drink?" Tony asked, gesturing toward the empty glass sitting in front of her.

"Are you trying to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me?" Caelin teased, watching the color creep into Tony's cheeks. She knew that he would never, ever do anything like that, but she couldn't help but tease him. And it helped lighten her own mood too. "I'm just kidding." She laughed. "But yes, another drink would be great." She sat back, her eyes again falling on Rayne and Dale as Tony motioned the waiter over and ordered their drinks. She really was very, very happy for her sister but she couldn't help being jealous at the same time. She wished that that was her and Kevin too, but at the same time she knew that it never would be.

"Here ya go." Tony said as her took Caelin's drink from the waiter and set it down in front of her.

"Thanks." Caelin told him as she picked up the glass and took a long drink. She felt a little better afterwards.

"Can I ask you something?" Tony asked after a few moments of silence, his expression more serious than just seconds ago.

"Um, sure." Caelin answered, not quite sure what to expect though.

"Well, uh..." He began, suddenly nervous. Although he knew that he and Caelin would never be anything more than friends, he felt like a teenager about to ask a girl out on a first date. "Junior was mentioning that you're going to be in town for a few more days and that you might not have anything going on tomorrow night. I was wondering if you'd like to go to the awards banquet with me?" He asked and waited for her answer.

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Chapter Twenty Eight

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Rayne looked over at her sister, and took in the smug grin she had on her face as they all walked back towards the hotel where Caelin was staying. Rayne then looked at Dale, who smiled down at her. She looked back to her sister then to Tony, wondering just what in the hell was going on.

She snuggled closer to Dale when he put his arm around her, pulling her closer to his body, leaning down just slightly to whisper in her ear. �What�s wrong, babe?� he asked. She shook her head.

�Something is up with Tony and Caelin.� She whispered back, keeping her eyes on her sister and new friend. Dale lifted his head and quietly studied the two people ahead of them in silence. Finally he nodded.

�You�re right, they both look awfully smug.� He decided. �You don�t think�� he trailed off. Rayne�s eyes widened as she immediately started shaking her head.

�No way in hell! Not that Tony isn�t a great guy, he is, and cute too, but in all honestly he�s not really her type.� She said softly. Dale grinned.

�She�s more into the longer hair, drummer types huh?� he asked.

�Yup, and since he�s still so heavily on her mind, I seriously doubt anything would happen with Tony, or any other man for that matter.� Rayne sighed, her heart going out, once again to her sister. All she had ever wanted, along with her parents although she didn�t voice it out loud as much as her parents, was for Caelin to find someone, settle down and start the family she knew her sister desired and deserved.

Dale hugged her to him as they walked. �Believe me, it�s eating away at Kevin as much, if not more so that Caelin. I�ve never seen him like this.�

Rayne looked up at him. �But what good is it doing either one of them?�

Dale shrugged. �Who knows, maybe he�ll decide that this up and coming wedding isn�t really what he wants. I have my doubts that the wedding will take place.�

Rayne looked a little startled. �Really? You really think he�d end things with his fianc� for Caelin?�

Dale stopped and looked deep into Rayne�s eyes. �Absolutely. After all, I know I�d do the same thing for you.� Rayne�s cheeks flushed slightly, unable to find a response, her heart was so full. Luckily she didn�t need any words as Dale lowered his head, his lips meeting hers in a brief, but no less passionate kiss that left them both breathless and wanting more.

***

Rayne giggled excitedly as she danced around her sister�s hotel room. �Oooh, this is so exciting! I can�t believe you�re going to be at the banquet as well!� she nearly jumped up and down in all her excitement. Caelin laughed but was right there with her sister.

�I know I was shocked at first, but then thought why the hell not? Tony�s a great guy, a good friend. Besides, I can�t be letting you have all the fun now can I?� Caelin teased.

Rayne grinned and glanced down at her watch. �We better hurry. We�ve got twenty minutes until our appointment.� She stated, grabbing her jacket.

They were getting their hair, makeup, nails etc. done by only the best in New York City. For Caelin, it was nearly an every day thing, but for Rayne who never got that kind of pampering, was overly ecstatic.

�What time are the guys picking us up again?� Caelin asked as she checked her pockets making sure the room key was there, then closing the door behind her.

�They will be here around six. The banquet itself doesn�t start until nine, but before then there are pictures to be taken, interviews to be given, then dinner, then finally the awards.� Rayne ran down the list, trying to remember all Dale had told her.

�Well, let�s get a move on it! By six o�clock, Ray, I�m going to make sure you completely take Dale�s breath away.� Caelin promised, ushering her sister towards the elevator.

She knew the upcoming evening was going to be filled with thrills and excitement�she just didn�t realize the biggest surprise in store wasn�t for Rayne�but for herself.

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Chapter Twenty Nine

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"Damn." Caelin breathed softly as Rayne came into the room, fully ready for the banquet. "You look absolutely beautiful!" She told her sister, the dress that they'd found fitting her like it had been made exactly for her. The lavender color was the perfect contrast against her darker complexion.

Rayne's cheeks flushed slightly at Caelin's comments. She'd hardly been able to believe her eyes when she'd first looked in the mirror after everything was done and she'd gotten into her dress. She always knew that she was pretty, but ...right then she was stunning. And was even better, she truly felt beautiful.

"Thanks." Rayne replied almost sheepishly. Then she took a good look at Caelin. "Have you looked in the mirror yet? Talk about beautiful!" She commented.

Her sister was dressed in what Caelin called a 'simple' floor length black dress with spaghetti straps. While the front was higher cut, the back dipped way down, exposing almost all of her back. On Caelin's perfect body, the dress looked anything but 'simple'.

Caelin snorted as she turned around and gazed at her reflection in the full-length mirror. She did look beautiful, there was no doubting that. But what good was it doing her? None...none at all!

Rayne had no problem seeing the frown on her sister's face. "What's wrong?" She asked gently, having a pretty good idea already what was troubling her.

Caelin looked at Rayne through the mirror. She had to bite her lip to keep back the tears that were threatening. She knew that Rayne would kick her ass if she ruined her make-up now. Hell, she'd probably kick her own ass too.

'It's nothing...stupid really. I must be pms'ing or something." She laughed humorlessly and gave as an excuse, but she could clearly see that Rayne wasn't buying it was wasn't going to let her off so easily.

"Nothing that you feel is stupid." Rayne encouraged her sister. "Now come on, Cae! Spill it!" She demanded.

"Oh alright!" Caelin huffed as she turned and sat down carefully on the edge of the bed. Damnit, her sister was too stubborn sometimes. She turned her head and looked in the mirror, and again frowned.

"All my life people have been telling me that I'm so beautiful that I can get any man that I want. But what good is it doing me when the one that I want, I can't have!" She nearly cried.

Rayne's heart immediately went out to her sister. She remembered what Dale had told her the night before about Kevin, but she didn't want to say anything to Caelin and get her hopes up just incase Kevin didn't end up leaving his fianc�e. She really didn't know what to say to Caelin. What could she really say that would be enough to ease her sister's anguish?

Stepping forward, Rayne hugged Caelin before she pulled back and looked her in the eye. "I'm sorry, Cae." She said, her voice filled with compassion. "But for tonight, can you at least try to forget about it and have fun?"

Caelin nodded as she sniffed and wiped away the few tears that had managed to escape. "I'm sorry." She apologized, feeling bad for burdening Rayne with this, even though she knew that Rayne would never see it as a burden.

"You have nothing to apologize for." Rayne assured her. "Are you going to be okay?" She asked as she glanced up at the clock and saw that it was only a few minutes before Dale and Tony were due to arrive.

Caelin waved off her sister's concern as she rose to her feet. "I'm fine." She promised Rayne, although she knew it was about as far from the truth as she could get. "Tonight will be fine. I think that this night out is exactly what I need. The guys will be here soon. We better get ready to go." She said, already feeling a little better and she was really starting to look forward to attending the banquet as she had been when Tony first asked her to go with him.

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Chapter Thirty

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Kevin sighed heavily, running his hand over his face when he hung up the phone. He�d been trying to get a hold of Julie all day, to no avail. He was beginning to get a little more than irritated. Course if any of his band mates were asked, they�d have said he�d been in a constant pissy mood as of late.

He leaned his head back against the seat, closing his eyes. Instantaneously images of Caelin flashed in his mind. He bit back a groan as he thought about the kiss they had shared at the club.

�Man, you�ve got to either get over this, or act upon it once and for all.� Kevin�s eyes flew open as he shot up in his chair, his eyes narrowing when he saw Brett standing there.

�Fuck off.� He mumbled and sat back, trying unsuccessfully to relax once more. Brett shook his head as he walked further into the room and sat down across from his long time friend.

�Kev, man, I�m serious. You can�t keep doing this to yourself. You�re falling apart and don�t even realize it. The guys and I have stayed quiet long enough. The only reason I�m saying anything now is because I�m the only one brave enough to approach you on this subject.� Brett smiled. Kevin just glared at him.

�Brave or stupid?� Kevin growled.

Brett shrugged. �Little of both I guess. In all honesty, thought man, you�ve got to figure this thing out. It�s affecting your relationship with Julie now.�

Kevin looked confused, but before he could say anything Brett continued. �I�m not surprised you haven�t noticed it. Damn, dude, every fucking time you talk to her any more, you end up yelling at each other and hanging up pissed off. How is that any way to be?�

Kevin closed his eyes and massaged his temples. He sighed heavily once again. �You�re right.� He admitted softly. �I didn�t even really see what I was allowing to happen. This isn�t fair to Julie and it isn�t fair to Caelin.�

�It�s not fair to you either buddy.� Brett interjected sympathetically.

He and Brett fell silent for a few moments before Kevin spoke up again. �What do I do?�

Brett looked out the window then looked back at his friend. �I say follow you�re heart.�

***

�How did the talk go?� Carl asked when Brett walked back in the room a little while later. Brett shrugged.

�I think okay, but he�s got some major decisions to make. Come on, let�s give him some privacy. Besides, we�ve got to get ready for this big shindig tonight!�

Jeff grinned and stood up. �Yeah, man, it totally sucks for the band that had to cancel, but I�m totally psyched about doing this! Hey, does anyone know we�re gonna be performing tonight for the NASCAR banquet?�

Brett shook his head. �Nope. Was all a last minute decision to have us there when 3 Doors Down backed out at the last minute.�

�Yeah I�m sure Junior didn�t have a thing to do with us performing tonight.� Carl laughed. Brett shook his head.

�From what I understand, he doesn�t even know we�re gonna be there tonight. It�s gonna be a blast!� Brett said excitedly as he, Carl and Jeff turned and walked out of the room, leaving Kevin alone with time to reflect.

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

Chapter Thirty One

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Rayne, Dale, Caelin and Tony walked into the auditorium where the awards banquet would be held. They were immediately met by members of the press and fans. After Dale and Tony answered questions and signed a few autographs, they met back up with Caelin and Rayne, who had stood off to the side to allow the men time to do what was needed.

They had only walked a few feet when Caelin spotted someone up ahead of her and immediately froze in her tracks. Her eyes darted around the area and a little bit of the color fell from he cheeks when her eyes touched on two more very familiar faces.

�What�s wrong, Cae?� Rayne turned around and questioned after realizing that her sister was no longer walking along side them.

�What are they doing here?� Caelin questioned, her voice a little shaky as she motioned towards Brett, Carl and Jeff. If those three were there, Kevin had to be around as well. She couldn�t deny that she would be happy to see him, but how was she supposed to get over him when she kept seeing him?

Rayne looked in the direction that Caelin was motioning and then turned back around, her eyes wide with shock. �I don�t know, maybe Dale does.� She offered before looking at Dale. �Any idea why Brett, Jeff and Carl are here?�

Dale looked around, spotting the three men. The surprise in his expression couldn�t be hidden. Before he could say anything, a voice yelled, �Junior!�

�Well, I guess we can ask them ourselves.� Dale said, seeing the three members of Fuel making their way over.

�Hey man, good to see you again.� Brett greeted Dale as he stepped up and shook his hand. He then said hello to Tony before he turned to Caelin and Rayne. He was unable to hide the shock from his eyes.

�I�m a little surprised to see you too.� Caelin told Brett, smiling in spite of herself.

�Well, at literally the last minute, Three Doors Down had to cancel, so we were asked to fill in. Luckily our schedule was free, so here we are.� Brett explained, grinning when Caelin and Rayne looked pointedly at Dale.

Dale held up his hands defensively. �I know nothing about it, I swear.� He told them. �I swear!� he promised again when both Caelin and Rayne continued to look at him skeptically.

�So�you�re all here? Um, the whole band?� Caelin asked Brett, her heart beginning to speed up knowing that she would be seeing Kevin again. Yet at the same time it only reminded her once again that she couldn�t have him.

Brett was about to reply to her question, but noticed that Caelin was not longer paying attention to him. He turned and followed her gaze, seeing that her eyes had found Kevin, who had just entered the room. And his eyes had met and here holding hers as well.

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

Chapter Thirty Two

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

Rayne watched silently as Kevin and Caelin continued to stare at each other, neither willing to break the contact, nor willing to move closer towards each other. She could easily read the longing and want in both their eyes.

�Shit.� She muttered softly to herself. She knew as of lately Caelin had only been putting on a brave face, even while she was trying to get over Kevin. This turn of events would do nothing to help her sister.

It was time for her to take some matters into her own hands. Starting right now. She turned towards Tony, who was standing back, taking in the scene before him. She nudged him in his side, effectively gaining his attention.

�Distraction would be good.� She said softly, pointedly looking at her sister then back to Tony. Tony nodded and moved forward so he was standing next to Caelin and gently touched her arm. She snapped her head around and looked up at Tony. He offered her a smile, which after a moment�s hesitation, she returned. He offered her his arm and she graciously accepted, allowing him to turn so her back was to Kevin and led her away, towards the tables where they would be sitting.

Rayne couldn�t help the small smile that formed on her lips as she watched her sister. She knew there was nothing romantic between Caelin and Tony, on either side, but she believed that for the night Tony could provide the distraction that Caelin desperately needed.

She looked back at Kevin, who was watching Caelin walk away with Tony, and didn�t miss the tightness in his stance, nor the jealousy in his eyes. �Serves you right.� She thought to herself. Now, she truly believed it would only be a matter of time before they found out if Dale�s prediction was correct or not. Nothing like a little competition�even when there really wasn�t any, but Kevin didn�t need to know that!

�What�s going on in that head of yours?� Dale asked softly, leaning down to whisper in her ear. She turned and grinned up at him.

�Nothing�much.� She giggled, her eyes shinning. �Just moving things along.�

Dale laughed and nodded. �I noticed that. Good move, I might add. Impressive.�

Rayne�s smile grew bigger. �Coming from you, I take that as a high compliment Mr. Earnhardt.� She took his arm and together they started towards their table where they would be eating dinner before moving to the stage for the ceremonies.

�Now, let�s just hope Tony can keep up with distractions, and also get the green eyed monster to come out in Kevin a little more.� She said softly, waving to Michael Waltrip who was motioning frantically for them to come over and join him and his wife Buffy.

�Oh if it�s one thing Tony is up for, it�s a challenge.� Dale snickered. �I have a feeling tonight could get rather interesting.� He glanced over at Tony and Caelin, smirking at the way Tony kept his hand on her lower bare back while they talked with Tony�s team mate Bobby Labonte. Dale looked over his shoulder and saw Kevin continuing to glare holes into Tony.

�Interesting indeed.� Dale thought to himself, before turning back to lead Rayne over to their table with the Waltrip's.

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

Chapter Thirty Three

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

Kevin continued to watch Caelin all the while telling himself that he had no right to feel the jealousy that he felt ripping through him. Yet at the same time he was unable to stop or deny what he was feeling. The way that Tony kept touching low on her bare back was driving him insane. He could only begin to imagine how soft her skin must be to touch. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath in effort to give himself a good mental shake when he felt desire course through him.

�Kevin!� Brett yelled and effectively gained his band mate�s attention.

�What?� Kevin questioned somewhat irritably. Brett just shook his head at him. This situation had to be resolved and soon; his friend was a mess!

�Come on.� Brett motioned Kevin over to where he, Carl and Jeff were waiting. �We�re on in a few minutes.�

Kevin nodded slightly as he began walking towards his friends. He glanced back over his shoulder, needing to look at Caelin once more.

***

Caelin stood up and clapped whole heartedly, the smile on her face true and genuine when Dale was announced as the Nextel Cup Champion and he made his way across the stage with Rayne on his arm. Her sister positively glowed, like she had never seen her before, and she knew it had much more to do with the man she was with than with the fancy dress, hair and makeup.

�They really do make an amazing looking couple.� Tony said, close to her ear. She turned and nodded with a soft smile, her heart nearly overflowing with joy and pride for her sister.

�They truly do.� She whispered back. They all sat down once Dale and Rayne were seated at the head table, waiting for the ceremonies to begin.

Rayne sat down with a small sigh of relief. She hadn�t tripped walking across the stage, which had been one of her biggest fears. She looked out at the crowd and met her sister�s eyes and smiled at her, more relief washing over her when she saw the smile she got in return was genuine.

�Caelin looks better.� She said, leaning closer to Dale. He nodded as he studied Caelin.

�Unfortunately I don�t know how long that will last.� He muttered with a sigh. Rayne turned and looked at him.

�Why would you say that?� she asked. He took her hand and gave it a squeeze.

�Because Fuel is up next.� He answered. He felt Rayne tense next to him and saw the distress enter her eyes.

�Shit.� She mumbled. The words had barely left her mouth when the lights went down and the announcer came across the loud speakers.

�Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together for, Fuel!�

***

Carl and Jeff both looked at Brett as they prepared for the opening chords, casting a doubtful look towards Kevin. They had been prepared to do �Falls On Me�, but at the last moment before they took the stage, Brett had pulled Carl and Jeff aside and changed it up. They knew the reasoning, and could agree with him, but they still weren�t sure how Kevin would react.

Carl took a deep breath and started the song, sensing the shock that Kevin was feeling when he heard what song was being played. It didn�t take him long to recompose himself and get into it, but he knew, along with Carl and Brett that after the performance there would be hell to pay.

Brett took a deep breath, and sent a silent prayer that this plan would work and help Kevin to see what was right in front of him, and help him to make his decision with his heart.

It was then and there she made her decision�she needed to stay as far away from Kevin as possible�her heart just couldn�t take it any more.

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Chapter Thirty Four

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The rest of the banquet went off without a hitch, although Caelin didn�t have a lot to say, staying pretty quiet. Fuel�s performance had affected her in a way she honestly hadn�t expected. She did smile and clap when Dale got up and gave his speech. It was finally time to go to the after party, and she was more than ready to get out of there.

�Are you okay?� Tony asked. Caelin took a deep breath and gave him a somewhat shaky smile.

�I will be.� She answered honestly. She stood up and gave her sister a soft smile when Rayne and Dale came up to them. Even with everything on her mind, she couldn�t help but notice the way Dale kept Rayne close to him, even when they were just walking. It was more than obvious she was very special to him. Not that she blamed him for keeping her close, for her sister had received appreciative looks and smiles from just about every male there. Not that her sister had even noticed, all her attention was focused on the man she was with.

�You�re speech was wonderful, Dale. Congratulations again on winning the championship.� She said sincerely.

�Thank you.� Dale smiled, his eyes searching hers, easily seeing the turmoil she was under. He did all he could to lighten the mood. �Who�s ready to party?�

Caelin bit her lip and sighed. �Um, I�m really not up to partying right now. I think I�d like to just go back to the hotel.� She said softly. She saw Rayne�s eyes darken with concern and as much as she wanted too she couldn�t offer any kind of comfort.

�I�ll go with you.� Tony offered, surprising them all. He could only imagine what Caelin was feeling and didn�t want her to be alone. He could honesty see them being good friends, and he wanted to give her a shoulder to cry on.

�Oh no, Tony, thank you for offering but you don�t have to do that. Please, go ahead to the party and enjoy.� She turned and looked at her sister, immediately reading the look there and shaking her head. �And don�t you even think about it young lady. I�m a big girl, I can handle myself. You are going to that party as well and having a great time.�

Rayne pouted. �Yes Mother.� She mumbled, earning a true grin from her sister.

�You two go ahead to the party. I�ll meet you guys there after I take Caelin back to her hotel.� Tony said, then held up his hand when he saw Caelin was about to protest. �I�m taking you back to the hotel and that�s final.� He stated.

�It�s not gonna do any good to argue with him,� Dale said with a cheeky grin. �His mind is made up and he�s one stubborn son of a bitch.�

Tony couldn�t help but laugh. �Me? Oh that�s classic. An Earnhardt calling someone else stubborn!�

�Fuck off Stewart.� Dale shot back.

Rayne turned to her sister as the men continued to joke back and forth. �Are you going to be okay?� she asked softly. She herself had been near tears during Fuel�s performance just knowing what the words had meant to her sister.

Caelin didn�t say anything for a moment then nodded slowly. �I think I will be.� She answered finally.

***

�Are you sure you don�t want to go to the party?� Tony offered again as he walked Caelin to her room. She smiled and nodded.

�I�m positive.� She said. �Thank you so much for taking me tonight. Overall, I really did have a great time.�

Tony nodded. �We�ll have to do it again sometime.�

�Definitely!�

He paused by the door, then walked back over to her. �If you ever want to talk�� he trailed off.

She smiled up at him. �Thank you, again. Tonight was a jolt, but I think it might have been the jolt that I needed.�

�How so?�

�Well,� she paused trying to get her thoughts together. �It just kind of put everything in perspective. No matter how much I want Kevin, he can never be mine. I will not break up someone�s relationship. That would tear me apart. Yet wanting him so badly is also tearing me apart. So the solution is simple. I stop wanting him.�

Tony looked doubtful. �Uh, it�s that easy?� he asked.

She smiled sadly and shook her head. �It�s not easy at all, especially when you see the person everywhere you go. So, I�m just going to make sure I don�t see him. I�d been offered a job in Australia, it�s a two month long shoot. I was going back and forth on it, not sure if I really wanted to be away that long. But now, I think it�s the perfect thing for me. It will get me away and keep me away from Kevin, and allow me the time I need to move on.� At least she hoped and prayed she was right.

�I hope you�re right, Caelin, I really do. I wish you the best of luck.� He said, giving her a hug and quick kiss on the cheek. �And my offer still stands. You have my cell phone number, any time you need someone to talk too, about anything, just give me a call.�

She gave him one more hug before stepping back. �I will definitely call you Tony. Definitely.�

***

Brett knocked on the door and opened it cautiously, sticking his head in. �Are you still pissed man?� he asked. Kevin looked at him over his shoulder as he paused in packing his suitcase.

Kevin sighed and ran his hand through his hair. �Nah, not so much. That doesn�t mean you�re off the hook completely though, what you did tonight was below the fucking belt.�

Brett maneuvered completely in the room and closed the door behind him. He stuffed his hands in his pockets. �I know man, and I wish I could say I was sorry, but I�m not. You needed it. You needed something, anything to open your damn eyes. I just hope it worked a little.�

�It did.�

�Huh?� Brett asked, thinking he might have heard wrong. Kevin closed his suitcase and turned to fully face his friend, the same friend he swore he was going to murder with his own bare hands just hours before.

�I said it did. It worked. I may not like the way you went about it, and pay back is so gonna be a bitch, I promise you that, but it did open my eyes.� Kevin admitted.

�And?� Brett pushed, dying to know what affect it had on his friend.

�And I�ve already booked a flight home.� Kevin said. Brett�s shoulders slumped slightly, although he tried to remain upbeat. He had honestly hoped tonight�s performance would help Kevin to see just how much he belonged with Caelin, not Julie.

�Oh, well, uh, that�s good.� Brett coughed. Kevin couldn�t help but grin and shake his head.

�You didn�t let me finish. I�m going home to end things with Julie.� He paused, rolling his eyes at the way Brett brightened up. �As you said, I need to follow my heart, and there is only one woman in my heart. Only one woman I want in my life forever.�

�Caelin.� Brett said excitedly. Kevin nodded, his heart jumping just at her name. �Well, then what the hell are you waiting for? Go get her man!� Brett encouraged.

Kevin shook his head, taking some of the wind out of Brett�s sails. �Well why the fuck not?� Brett pouted like a little kid.

�Because, when I do see her again, I want to be able to do all that I�ve dreamed from the moment I met her, without anything holding me back. I�m going to end things with Julie, so that way I am completely available to pursue things with Caelin. She deserves that and so much more.� Kevin told him.

�You�ve got more will power than I do man.� Brett commented with a grin. �But good for you!�

�Oh believe me, I�ve had to stop myself many times from heading over to that party, finding her and telling her exactly how I feel. Not to mention the fact that I�d love to rip Tony fucking Stewart�s arm off for even touching her.� He grumbled darkly. His head jerked up when Brett laughed.

�I�ve never seen you jealous before! I love it!� Brett chuckled.

�Fuck you!� Kevin shot back. �And while you�re at it, get the fuck out of my room so I can finish packing and get out of here.� Still laughing Brett slipped out the door and closed it behind him.

Kevin sighed and turned back to his packing. He knew he was doing the right thing. Ending things with Julie wasn�t going to be easy. He did care about her, hell up until meeting Caelin, he was all ready to marry her. But, when he truly thought about it, his heart wasn�t completely into it. He had known something was missing from the get go, he was just afraid he�d never find anything better.

But now he knew he had. It wasn�t just the performance either. It was also seeing Dale and Rayne together. Much like him and Caelin, the instant Dale had set eyes on Rayne, he had known who he wanted, and he hadn�t given up. Seeing them together, the perfect couple they made, the way they looked into each other�s eyes, made him realize he wanted the exact same thing. And once he got everything squared away with Julie, nothing and no one was going to keep him from making Caelin Hudson his�forever.

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Chapter Thirty Five

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Caelin groaned softly at the sound of the phone beside her ringing the next morning. She didn�t have to look at the clock to know that she hadn�t been sleeping very long. After tossing and turning for a few hours, she finally got up and got most of her stuff packed and ready to leave later that day before finally falling into a restless sleep a short time ago.

She had originally planned to stay in New York for one more day, but with the change in plans she was heading home that day and leaving for Australia the day after next. Thomas had been more than delighted to hear that she was going to do the Australia shoot when she had called him shortly after getting back to the hotel the night before.

Realizing that the phone wasn�t going to stop ringing until she answered it, Caelin rolled over and picked it up. After mumbling a sleepy hello she waited knowing without knowing that it was Rayne on the other end.

�Morning, Cae.� Rayne greeted, sounding equally as tried, and in all honesty Caelin was surprised that her sister was awake already. It was barely past seven. �How ya doing?� she asked, having thought about her sister most of the time that she was at the party.

�I�d be better if I was still sleeping.� Caelin answered grumpily.

�Rough night?� Rayne questioned the obvious. �Sorry to hear that.�

�Ahh, that�s alright. I needed to get up and get moving anyway.� Caelin said, deep down glad for the distraction Rayne was providing.

�Well, I was calling to see if you wanted to meet Dale and I for breakfast. He only has a couple hours free before he has to go and do some promotions or something. I thought we could hang out today and have some quality sister time if you�re free.�

Caelin hesitated for a moment, not really feeling like going out for breakfast, but she did want to see Rayne and talk to her before she left. �Um, sure. When and Where?�

�The hotel restaurant? Half hour enough time?�

�Just enough.� Caelin answered as she got up and grabbed some clean clothes. �See ya then.� She said before ending the call. Tossing her cell phone down on the bed she headed to the bathroom to take a quick shower.

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Chapter Thirty Six

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Rayne hung up the phone and frowned. She knew her sister had a lot on her mind, but she had sounded really strange�even for all the shit that was going on.

�Something is up.� She mumbled to herself, chewing on her lower lip. She drummed her nails on the table next to the phone as she sat there deep in thought, going over everything in her head.

She�d had a good time at the party, even though she had been distracted most of the time by thoughts of Caelin and how her sister was doing. She had tried to stay upbeat and keep her attention focused on Dale and the people around her, but it had been difficult. She was more than a little concerned about her sister, and now even more so after the way she had sounded on the phone.

She snapped out of her thoughts when there was a knock on the door. She got up and walked over, smiling when she opened the door and was greeted by a tight hug and kiss.

Dale pulled back and grinned sleepily down at her. �Morning.� He said, his voice deeper than normal, obviously having just woken up himself. She leaned forward and gave him another soft kiss.

�Good morning to you too.� She said, stepping back to allow him in the room. The entire time they were there, they hadn�t shared a room. Although they both wanted too, both weren�t quite ready for what that would lead too, also with all the fans running around, Dale knew it really wasn�t the best time. Judging from the fan reaction to Rayne the night before at the banquet, he knew having her by his side wouldn�t be a problem. She had received a very positive response, but if she was seen with him entering his hotel room, the fans could quickly turn ugly. And when they were �together� he wanted complete privacy and no prying eyes. Most of the fans were cool and gave the drivers the privacy they deserved, but there were always those few that liked to screw things up.

With this being the first time he and Rayne really got to spend time together and get to know each other, he didn�t want to have to worry about exposing her to that part of his life just yet.

�Did you call Caelin?� he asked, sitting down in a nearby chair, stretching still trying to wake himself up completely as Rayne moved around the room, finishing getting ready.

�Yup, just got off the phone with her. She�s going to meet us for lunch.� Rayne said as she started pulling her hair back, deciding on a ponytail, not feeling like really messing with it. �Something is up too.�

Dale nodded, having a feeling it was. �Do you think she�s okay?� he asked, leaning forward resting his elbows on his knees, watching Rayne as she did her hair.

She shrugged. �I don�t know. Like I said something if up with her, I just got this vibe. But I guess we�ll find out what�s going on at breakfast.� She finished up with her hair then turned to face him.

�Come on, let�s get going.� She said at the end of her patience. She knew something was going on with her sister, and after having to wait how many hours, she couldn�t wait any longer.

***

Rayne�s mouth dropped open as she started at her sister in shock. She felt Dale take her hand in his under the table, and squeezed, feeling like she really needed his strength at the moment.

�For two months?� she echoed softly, staring at her sister in shock. This was the first she had heard of the Australia shoot, and never had her sister taken any jobs for that amount of time, nor that far away from home. She blinked rapidly, fighting against the sudden sting of tears.

Inwardly she was silently cursing Kevin for the pain and heartache he was causing her sister and for basically sending her around the world just to get away from him. Caelin hadn�t said anything to that extent, but Rayne had instantly read between the lines, and judging from the way Dale stiffened beside her and the sudden narrowing of his eyes, she knew he had come to the same conclusion.

Caelin could easily read what her sister was thinking. She put on her best smile, trying to chipper and upbeat, not wanting to cause her sister any more worry. �It�s something I�ve been thinking about for awhile now, but I wasn�t sure about my schedule.� She fibbed just a little, feeling horrible for lying to her sister. �Thomas just called and informed me that he had changed a few things around and now I�m completely free to do the shoot. I�m really excited for it!�

As she watched Rayne look down at her plate, fiddling with her fork, her throat suddenly tightened as she realized just how much she was going to miss her sister. Maybe she had been a little hasty on deciding to go.

�No!� she silently scolded herself. �This is what you need, it might be hard at first, but in the end it�s for the best.�

Rayne took a deep breath and lifted her eyes, giving her sister the best smile she could muster. She knew she had to put on just as good of a face as her sister was. She wasn�t about to make things harder on Caelin, in any way.

�Well I think it sounds wonderful!� Rayne exclaimed. �You better call all the time, and I expect gifts! Lots and lots of Australian gifts! In face, I want a Koala bear!�

Caelin burst out laughing, fighting the sudden urge to get up, walk around the table and hug her sister. �A Koala bear?� she giggled, feeling a hundred times better. Rayne nodded enthusiastically.

�Hell yeah! And no stuffed one either. I want a real one!� she said, her eyes shinning. �A Koala for my very own.�

Dale laughed as he listened to the two sisters. �Uh, should I mention that Koala�s are mean spirited and don�t make good pets?� he asked, having read it somewhere.

Caelin nodded. �I�ve heard that myself.�

Rayne shook her head. �Not my Koala. Mine will be loving, tender and just�well, a teddy bear!�

Caelin shook her head as she continued to laugh. �I�ll see what I can do for ya, Dr. Doolittle.�

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

Chapter Thirty Seven

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Kevin sighed heavily as he went to the front door of his home that he shared with Julie. He knew in his heart and in his mind that what he was about to do was right. He'd done a lot more thinking on the flight home and it was glaringly obvious that things weren't as they should be between Julie and himself. If it had been, he would have never been attracted to Caelin. He would have found her attractive, of course; there were many men, if any, who didn't. But he wouldn't have been attracted to her as he'd had been, and still was. He wouldn't have kissed her that night at the club and she wouldn't have been on his mind constantly since the instant he first laid eyes on her. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that even before he met Caelin, things between Julie and himself weren't all that great.

Yet despite all that, it was still hard. He'd been with Julie almost two years and he did love her. But he now realized that it was a friendship kind of love. It had been great at first, but lately they had been more like roommates than two people who were in love and about to get married. As much as he didn't want to hurt Julie, he knew that what he was doing was right. He was thankful that he'd come to realize this before they'd gotten married. And as much as he hated to admit it, he had Brett and his little conspiracy at the awards banquet to thank for that.

Taking in a deep breath and slowly letting it out, Kevin opened the door and stepped inside the foyer. He frowned slightly at the silent house that greeted him. He knew that Julie was home/ He'd seen her car in the garage. She might have been out with one of her girlfriends though since it was the weekend and she didn't have to work.

Setting his bags down, he went further into the house. He stopped and listened when he heard laughter coming from out back at the pool area. He walked into the kitchen and looked out the open french doors that led out to the patio and pool, his eyes widening in surprise at what he saw.

Julie and some man that he didn't recognize were in the pool, their arms entangled as they shared a very passionate kiss. Hurt was the first emotion that hit him. He may have been attracted to Caelin, but he'd at least stayed faithful...for the most part. It really didn't take him long to get over it though. Julie had just made it a hell of a lot easier for him to end things with her.

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Chapter Thirty Eight

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Kevin stood there with his arms crossed waiting to be seen. He didn�t have to wait long. Julie was laughing when her eyes landed on her fianc�. If the situation hadn�t been what it was, he would have laughed at the look on her face.

She stood perfectly still in the water, still pressed up against the man with her. Her smile immediately dropped, her eyes widening, all the color draining from her face. Suddenly, she pushed the man away from her and water sprayed everywhere as she hurried to get out of the pool. In doing so she lost her footing and went under. She came back up gasping for air, sputtering and coughing. Kevin had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling.

It was then the man realized something was wrong and turned around as well and found Kevin standing there. He immediately moved to get out of the pool, both he and Julie careful to keep their distance from each other, although it really was useless, both knowing they had been caught red handed.

Kevin shook his head and turned his back on them, walking back in the house. Once inside, he took a couple deep breaths. Yes he was upset, but he wasn�t near as upset as he would be if it weren�t for the decision he�d already made. But still, he just walked in on his fianc� blatantly cheating on him, and he couldn�t help but feel hurt and betrayed.

He heard the door open behind him and kept his back to it. �Kevin?� he heard her say timidly. �I-I�� she trailed off when he turned around.

He again shook his head. �Save it.� He told her.

Tears filled her eyes and spilled over as she stood there dripping wet and shivering. �But�� again he cut her off.

�I said save it. I don�t want to hear your pathetic excuses. And don�t you dare even begin to tell me it�s �not what it looks like�. It�s over Julie. Pack your stuff and get out.� He told her plain and simple.

�NO!� she screeched, stepping forward. �I made a mistake! It won�t ever happen again, I swear!�

Kevin couldn�t help but snort at that reply. �Whatever.� He said. �You have one week to get the hell out of my house. I mean it Julie.�

She shook her head frantically. �You can�t do this!� she sobbed, coming closer to him, growing more and more desperate when he kept moving away. �Dick means nothing to me!�

It wasn�t the right time, but Kevin burst out laughing. �Dick?� he gasped between laughter. �His name is Dick?� Julie glared at him.

Seeing she wasn�t getting anywhere she turned tactics. �I was lonely! You�re always on the road, I hardly ever see you, I�ve been stressed trying to plan this wedding by myself, what did you expect?�

Before he could stop it, his temper and anger kicked in. �What did I expect?� he roared causing Julie to jump. �I expected you not to be fucking some other guy in MY pool!� he snapped. He took a couple deep breaths and ran his fingers through his hair.

�Look, to be perfectly honest, we were never going to make it to the alter, even before I found you with Dick.� Her eyes narrowed but he didn�t give her time to interrupt.

�We�re not meant to be, what happened here today only proves it. I came home early to tell you the wedding was off.� He said.

�Like hell it is.� She hissed. Kevin took a couple steps forward and leaned down until they were eye to eye, and she swallowed hard, seeing just how serious he was.

�Don�t fight me on this, Julie. You won�t win.� He growled. Taking a small step back from him, she nodded. �One week, get your shit, and get out.� He told her again, keeping eye contact with her for just a moment. When she nodded once more, he turned and walked out, suddenly feeling as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

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Chapter Thirty Nine

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Kevin sat in his living room with the TV on, but being deep in thought, he really wasn�t seeing it. After Julie had left, he took a while to get his self calmed down and to get his thoughts together. Then he reached for his phone, his number one priority at the moment was to get a hold of Caelin. An instant later, he realized that he didn�t have her number. He called Dale, hoping that he would have it, or could get it from Rayne. He nearly slammed his phone down in frustration when he got Dale�s voice mail. After leaving a message that it was very important that Dale call him back as soon as possible, Kevin began pacing as he waited�and waited. After a couple of hours, he sat down, trying to think of what to do next. He was about ready to get on the next flight to California, but then he didn�t even know if she was there or not.

He was startled out of his thoughts when his phone rang. He snatched it up off the table beside him and looked at the Caller ID. �Finally.� He grumbled, seeing Dale�s number on the screen.

�I need a favor.� Kevin stated, not even saying �hello� first. He had one thing and one thing only on his mind right then.

�Well, hello to you too.� Dale joked at his friend�s seriousness and lack of greeting.

�Fuck you.� Kevin snapped. He wasn�t really pissed, he was just out of patients. Now that Caelin was within his reach, he was really anxious to get there. �Can you help me or not?� He demanded.

�Sorry, sorry�� Dale apologized, able to tell that Kevin was not in the joking mood and that whatever was going on was very important to him �What�s up?�

�I need Caelin�s number.� Kevin told Dale, not beating around the bush. �I know that if you don�t have it, you can get it from Rayne.�

Dale sighed heavily as he ran a hand through his hair. There was no way he could give Kevin Caelin�s number. It wouldn�t do either of them any good. Plus with her being in Australia now, he wouldn�t be able to get a hold of her anyway. �Kevin, I don�t think that�� Dale began, but knowing what he was going to say, Kevin stopped him.

�No, its over.� Kevin started to explain the situation to his friend. �After the banquet, I came home to end things with Julie. Brett�s little stunt really made me realize a few things. I cared for Julie, but I don�t love her. Not the way I do Caelin. She stirs things inside me that I never experienced before. Just thinking of her makes me feel more alive than I�ve ever felt before. She the one that I want to be with now and in the future.� Kevin paused for a moment and then continued. �It would have ended with Julie anyway. You knew that�so did I. But when I came home, I found her with another man.�

Dale�s eyes widened in surprise as he sat forward. �Damn�man, I�m sorry.� He said, knowing that even though Kevin was going to end things with Julie, that had to hurt.

�I�m over it.� Kevin told Dale. And he was, although he was still a little pissed, but in no way was he hurt. Not when this opened him up to being with Caelin. �Can you give me Caelin�s number or not?� Kevin asked, not wanting to waste another moment.

Dale sighed heavily, wishing he didn�t have to tell his friend. �Well, I can give you her number, but you can�t call her.�

�Why?� Kevin demanded, his temper beginning to rise a bit. What the hell was going on?

�Because she�s gone to Australia for some photo shoots. She won�t be back for two months.�

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

Chapter Thirty Forty

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Rayne slumped tiredly in her chair with a heavy sigh. She was bored, hungry, depressed, tired and lonely. She hadn�t heard from Dale since leaving New York, and her sister hadn�t called but once from Australia. She was beginning to feel completely left out and abandoned.

She didn�t even blink when the phone beside her began ringing. Here she had just been thinking of how lonely she was, now the last thing she wanted to do was answer the phone. With a frustrated sigh she reached over and grabbed the phone.

�What?� she demanded crankily.

�Wow, someone is in a foul mood.�

Rayne immediately sat up straighter, a smile lighting her lips. �Cae!� she exclaimed, suddenly her smile fell. �It�s about damn time you called. What, go to Australia and forget all about the little sister left at home?�

Caelin shook her head. �I�m sorry. It�s been hectic here with the shoot and all. But I called the first chance I got!�

�Did you get my koala yet?� Rayne demanded with a grin, suddenly feeling a thousand times better.

�Not yet, but I�m working on it.� Caelin laughed. �So, what�s going on around there?�

�Absolutely nothing.� Rayne mumbled. �Nothing new, anyway.�

�How�s Dale?�

�Don�t know. Haven�t talked to him either.� Rayne sighed.

�Did something happened?� Caelin asked worried. She honestly couldn�t imagine it, they had been so happy in New York.

�You�re guess is as good as mine. Everything was perfect when we saw each other last, but I haven�t heard from him since.�

�I�m sure it�s nothing. He�s probably just really busy. You�ll hear from him soon.� Caelin predicted.

�I miss you. How is everything in Australia?� Rayne was anxious to find out. She didn�t tell her sister, but she was contemplating joining her sister in the land down under. She just really felt the need to get away.

�Oh my god, Raye, it�s beautiful. If I ever move it will be here. It�s perfect.� Caelin breathed, and Rayne smiled. Her sister truly did sound happy and content for the first time since meeting Kevin. Neither sister ever spoke of him; Caelin never mentioning his name, not wanting to hear he�d gotten married, and Rayne not bringing him up in fear of bringing back all the pain for her sister.

Although Rayne hated having her sister so far away, she had to admit that it was probably the best thing for Caelin. It honestly seemed as if she were moving past Kevin, once and for all.

***

�A-Australia?� Kevin whispered, unable to comprehend what he had just heard. �Are you sure?�

�Positive. I was there when she told Rayne about leaving.� Dale told him. �I�m sorry man.�

Kevin was quiet for a few moments, when suddenly he bolted upright in his chair. �Her location doesn�t matter. Just find out from Rayne exactly where she is. I�m going to see her.�

�Uh, why don�t you just wait until she comes back?� Dale offered, but deep down he knew it was pointless. He�d never heard such determination in his friend�s voice.

�Would you wait for Rayne?� Kevin asked, and got the answer he knew was there by the silence on the other end of the line. �I didn�t think so.�

Dale couldn�t argue. He couldn�t even begin to imagine how Kevin was feeling, knowing that he was now free to be with Caelin, yet she was on the other side of the world. He wouldn�t hesitate on going to be with her either. He felt horrible for not calling her since New York, but he had done it for his own selfish reasons. Talking to her on the phone just wasn�t enough. It would never be enough.

He grinned sheepishly as he looked out the plane window. Rayne was in for a surprise, and he just hoped she would forgive him quickly for not calling. He hadn�t been able to stand not being with her any longer so on a whim he had decided to jump the plane to be with her. He was also hoping that if he got his way, he wouldn�t be going back to North Carolina alone, otherwise his flight would become a one way flight. He wanted Rayne with him, always, and if she didn�t want to move East, then he would be relocating to California.

�I�ll get all the information you need, just give me a few hours. I�m on my way to see Rayne now and will be landing in about a half-hour. Once we, uh, say hello, I�ll call you back.� Dale promised.

Kevin laughed, feeling better than he could ever remember feeling. �Just don�t take too damn long saying �hello�.� He teased.

�Yeah right.� Dale grumbled back at him, determined to not be rushed. �You just sit your ass by the phone. I�ll call ya later.�

�Talk to you then Dale, and remember, hurry!�

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Chapter Forty One

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�Well, I have to get going. Thomas is here and we�re off to another location.� Caelin told Rayne after they�d been talking almost an hour and she heard a knock on her door. She walked over and answered it, seeing that it was indeed who she thought it was. She motioned for Thomas to set down and then to the phone, letting him know that she�d be just another moment.

�Okay, call me again soon though.� Rayne al but pleaded, missing her sister badly. She winced when she heard her voice quiver. Only slightly though so she hoped that her sister hadn�t picked up on it. She sighed inwardly with relief when Caelin went on with the conversation as usual.

�Actually I�m going to be here in Melbourne for about 2 weeks. We�re staying at the Crown Towers Hotel so I�ll give you the hotel number and you can call me anytime you want to also.�

Rayne smiled genuinely. �I�d like that.� She said sincerely and after Caelin gave her the information, they said their good-byes.

After hanging up the phone, Rayne slumped back in her chair, feeling completely alone again. She stared blankly at the wall for a long time before she heard her doorbell ring and nearly jumped out of her skin. After getting her heart calmed down a bit, she went to the door, figuring that it was her parents. Who else would be visiting her? She opened the door and opened her mouth to greet them, but her words died in her throat when she saw who was really there. She tried to say something but no words would form. All she could do was stand there, staring wide-eyed at him.

Dale chuckled softly to himself. This was the exact reaction that he was hoping to get from her. �Surprise.� He whispered gruffly.

Rayne blinked a couple of times at the sound of his voice and then she snapped out of the daze that she was in. �Oh my gosh!� She exclaimed excitedly. �What are you doing here?�

Unable to wait any longer, Dale reached out and pulled her against him as he lowered his head and caught her lips in a kiss that sent both of them reeling. He brought her even closer to him and deepened the kiss even further when she moaned softly and ran her hands up his chest. They pulled apart only when it became necessary for them to breath.

�Yeah, I�m definitely surprised.� Rayne told him breathlessly. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled up at him.

�I had to see you.� Dale told her.

�You have no idea how happy I am to see you.� Rayne replied as she stepped back and held the door open. �Come on in.�

Dale walked inside and turned around. He was about ready to take her into his arms again when he suddenly remembered. He thought that he might as well go ahead and get the information for Kevin and get that out of the way so that he wouldn�t have to worry about it later. �Oh, um�before I forget, I need to know where in Australia Caelin is.� He stated, seeing confusion cloud Rayne�s eyes at hearing his request.

�Well, it seems that Kevin-� He began, but Rayne cut him off the instant that she heard Kevin�s name.

�Oh no!� Rayne stated, anger jumping into her eyes. �He isn�t going anywhere near her. I just talked to her Dale, and she sounds happy�genuinely happy for the first time since she met him. I know Kevin is one of your best friends and I think he�s a really nice guy too, but there is no way I�m letting him see her and destroy that happiness that she has found.� She finished as she began pacing, all the while silently cursing Kevin for even thinking that he could see Caelin, knowing how she felt about him when he was engaged to be married

Dale had to grin at her spirit and determination to protect her sister. �Rayne, you didn�t let me finish.� Dale told her as he took a hold of her arm and gently turned to face him.

Rayne rolled her eyes. �Fine. Finish then, but I really doubt that what you say is going to change my mind.� She stated as she pulled her hand out of his and crossed her arms over her chest.

Dale took a deep breath, wondering where to begin. He figured that it would be best to just get to the point. �After the banquet Kevin went home. He ended his relationship with Julie.� He paused when he saw the shock register on Rayne�s face. �He knows that Caelin is the one that he wants to be with. And things between him and Julie would have never lasted anyway. It was only a matter of time. I�m just glad that Caelin walked into his life and made him realize it before it was too late. And now, all he wants is to be with Caelin and he�s willing to fly around the world to do it.� Dale finished, seeing a soft expression replacing the hardness in her eyes. �So if you�ll let me know where she is, I can let Kevin know and those two will be very happy very soon.�

Rayne didn�t hesitate as she walked over to the phone and picked up the piece of paper with the information that Caelin had given her. �She�s in Melbourne for the next two weeks at this hotel.� She told him as she handed the paper to Dale. A huge smile spread across her face as Dale took out his phone and dialed Kevin�s number. Her sister was in for a hell of a surprise.

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Chapter Forty Two

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�Damn this is a long flight!� Dale exclaimed with a huff, earning a grin from his two companions. Kevin rolled his eyes at his friend, although he�d been thinking the same thing. Since finding out exactly where Caelin would be, he couldn�t get to her fast enough. Once finding out where Caelin was, he�d immediately booked a flight and wasn�t at all surprised when Dale and Rayne decided to go with him.

�We�ve only got about a half hour left.� Rayne told Dale softly, glancing down at her watch. She was a bundle of nerves herself. She couldn�t wait to see her sister, and more importantly she couldn�t wait to see her sister happy, finally with the man she loved with nothing standing in their way.

�So how ya gonna do it Romeo?� Dale teased, grinning broadly at Kevin. Kevin shook his head.

�I haven�t rehearsed anything if that�s what you mean.� Kevin admitted. Actually he was lying. He had pictured that moment in his mind many times, but it always just consisted of him walking up to her and taking her into his arms and never letting her go again. Words weren�t needed.

He looked at Rayne. �You know your sister better than anyone. What should I do?� he asked. Rayne smiled and shook her head.

�Sorry, you�re on your own on the one. If you want to sweep my sister off her feet, you�re getting no help from me. I�m rather curious on how you�re going to do it myself!� Rayne exclaimed. �The only advice I�m going to give you is�make it romantic.� She sighed dreamily. She and Caelin both had always been hopelessly romantic. She knew for a fact however that Caelin had never had it in her life. Now, that was about to change, and very shortly.

***

�Wow, that�s it! I�m never going home!� Rayne breathed as she took in the beautiful scenery around her. To say Australia was breathtaking was a huge understatement. Never had she seen anything more perfect in her entire life. As soon as they landed Rayne made a few calls and quickly found out where her sister would be shooting. They had immediately driven there, foregoing the hotel until later. Some things were just much more important.

The shoot was taking place in a little cove with aqua blue waters, and it�s own waterfall. The surrounding wildlife was breathtaking in itself. Everything was as green as green could be, and looked like a picture of paradise.

Dale watched Rayne as she took it all in, and knew this was the perfect time to talk to her about moving. Well, maybe not the perfect time, but he couldn�t put it off any longer. Besides, he knew Kevin wanted alone time with Caelin, and he was more than happy to provide that.

�Why don�t you go talk to Caelin�Rayne and I will look around. We�ll catch up with you in a little while.� Dale suggested.

�But I wanna see my sister!� Rayne protested hastily. She stopped long enough to see the look on Kevin�s face when his eyes finally touched on Caelin who had just walked out of her trailer and was taking her spot on the other side of the cove. �Oh, okay.� She conceded. There would be plenty of time to see her sister�later.

�Good luck, Kevin.� Rayne told him quickly as Dale took her hand and began leading her in the opposite direction.

Kevin didn�t hear her, all his attention focused on Caelin. He took a deep breath. It was time. �Be romantic,� he thought to himself. Suddenly he grinned. He knew exactly what to do.

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

Chapter forty Three

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Kevin began walking towards where Caelin was shooting, his heart pounding harder and harder with each step that he took. She had her back to him so she didn�t see him approaching. He felt lightheaded just thinking of the moment when he would be able to take her into his arms and not have to let her go. His eyes swept over her, the bathing suit that she had on, not leaving much to the imagination, but that wasn�t what he was focused on. He was within a few feet of her, ready to set his plan into motion when she suddenly turned around, her eyes immediately touching on him. He froze in his tracks when he saw the shock in her eyes, then for a brief moment it was replaced with a look of complete happiness, before her face fell and she went pale. He watched her lower lip begin to tremble and tears filled her eyes just before she turned her back to him, her body shaking.

Kevin immediately rushed forward, wanting more than any thing at the moment to soothe her and let her know that everything would be okay. He cursed himself for not even thinking that she would react this way. All that he had pictured was how perfect it would be, but he should have known that this might have happened. She jumped, a little whimper escaping her when he placed his hand on her shoulder. She kept her head down and her back to him, not looking at him.

Caelin took a deep breath as she fought to get herself under control. She thought that she had gotten over him, but seeing him just now proved her terribly wrong. She really could not take seeing him, knowing that she would just have to walk away again. Her shoulders began shaking again as that thought brought on whole new wave of tears.

�Caelin�� Kevin whispered her name as he tried to turn her around to face him.

�Don�t.� Caelin said, her voice thick from the tears. She jerked her arm out of his grasp and took a couple of steps away from him, still keeping her back to him. �Just go. I can�t take anymore of this torture. I can�t stand seeing you, knowing that Ill just have to walk away. That will� Kill. Me.� Kevin stepped up to her again, his own eyes misty from hearing her words. He reached out and tenderly caressed her shoulder, feeling her tense up at his touch. But he pressed forward and if she wouldn�t look at him, he would give her no other choice. He stepped around, standing in front of her.

�That�s where you�re wrong, Caelin.� He paused for a moment, hooking a finger under her chin. He gently lifted her head until she met his eyes. What he saw there broke his heart, but he knew that soon, everything would be okay.

�You don�t have to walk away. Neither do I. Not this time.� He told her, his eyes never leaving hers.

Caelin staggered back a step, stunned at his words. �What?� She questioned, her voice barely a whisper.

Kevin sighed inwardly. This wasn�t going at all like he thought it would, but he should have known. �I�ve ended things with my fianc�e.�

Caelin stared at him for a moment, her eyes wide. Then she took another step back, slowly shaking her head as realization dawned on her. �Because of me.� She stated shamefully. One thing she never wanted to do was come between someone�s relationship and now she had. It was too much. � I have to get back to work.� She muttered, seeing Thomas and the rest of the crew watching them curiously. She brushed past him, intent on getting back to what she was doing and forgetting this whole mess. She didn�t get very far before Kevin caught her arm, turning her to face him again.

�Caelin, wait��

Caelin stopped, her shoulders slumping defeatedly. �Please Kevin, don�t do this.� She nearly pleaded before she tried walking away once more.

Again Kevin stopped him, causing Caelin to nearly scream in frustration. �Caelin, no�� He began quickly, not giving her a chance to say anything when she opened her mouth to protest. �The only thing you did was make me realize what I�ve always known deep down. It would have never lasted with her anyway. Hell, everyone else could see that. I just thought that I could never find, or deserved anyone better. But now I have found someone better and she is the one that I want to be with.� Kevin told her, his eyes looking directly into hers, letting her know that she was the one that he was talking about. �She wasn�t happy in the relationship either. I found her with another man when I got home after the banquet.� Kevin added just so Caelin would see that she was not at all to blame for them breaking up.

Caelin immediately softened, all of the anger and other emotions leaving her within an instant of hearing his words. �I�m sorry Kevin.� Caelin said sincerely as she reached out and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Kevin smiled softly at her. �It�s okay. I�m not dwelling on that. All I care about now is what is right before me, now and in the future�You.�

That was all Caelin needed to hear. Her eyes holding his, she stepped fully up to him, her arms going around him as his did her. Their eyes held for a few more moments before a soft groan of desire escaped Kevin and he lowered his head and he kissed her with all the love, desire, passion, and promise that he had for her. She returned it with the same intensity and more.

The END
2003/04/05 K&K Productions

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