Chapter One

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Kevin Miller sat back in his chair, sighing contently for the first time in months, as he looked at the people closing in around him. He was careful to keep his head down, not wanting to be recognized. It would be a sure way to ruin his good mood.

�Told ya this was what ya needed.�

Kevin grinned and turned to look at his new friend and nodded. He had to give it to the younger man, he knew how to party, and how to brighten even the lowest of spirits. Never in his wildest thoughts had he ever imagined himself out with the likes of his companion. He just wished now that he�d met his new friend sooner.

His friend smirked. �Bet you�re also wishing you�d come to a race and met me a hell of a lot sooner too, huh?�

Kevin laughed. �What are you, psychic now?�

The two laughed then fell silent for a moment before Kevin broke it. �Listen man, I really appreciate this. I�ve been down in a slump lately, and I wasn�t sure how to get myself out of it. I�m not saying that everything is fine and wonderful now, but I feel better than I have in ages, so thank you, Dale.�

Dale Earnhardt Jr. smiled and nodded. �Anytime, Kevin, and I mean that seriously. I always liked Fuel, but what they did to you totally sucked. I was pissed when I heard about it, and I�m pissed now. Don�t let it get ya down man. Remember something, they need you, you don�t need them.�

Kevin thought about it for a minute then grinned broadly. �Damn man, you�re right!�

For years Kevin had been the drummer for Fuel. And for the most part he loved it. He had friends, who were more like family, and he was doing the one thing he loved more than anything�music. But then things had gone from perfect, to not so perfect, to bad�to horrible.

Before he knew it he was out of a job, out of friends, and feeling like he was flailing around aimlessly in life. Finally, the day before, his closest friend Garrett decided it was time for Kevin to get out of his house and get on with life. Starting with a Nextel Cup NASCAR race. He�d been to one race before, when Fuel was invited. But it hadn�t been a very good time. They hadn�t met any of the drivers they�d wanted to meet, mostly because something had pissed Carl off and they had all decided to just leave early, instead of staying and meeting everyone. Kevin had not been happy about that, but in order to keep the peace with Carl, he�d pretty much kept quiet. They all had.

Unfortunately, a year or so later, Carl hadn�t shown the same maturity and the next thing Kevin knew, he was fired.

Shaking his head, Kevin pushed those dark thoughts from his head. He was grateful Garrett has pushed him out of the house, where he had holed up the past couple weeks. He was also glad he�d allowed Garrett to drag him to the race, where he had met and was now hanging out with one of NASCAR�s top racers. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale had surprised Kevin. He was everything he seemed to be on TV and more. There was nothing fake about him, he didn�t put on airs, and seemed comfortable with just being himself. At least that was until the hoards of women flocked around him, asking him to marry them, father their children, or to remove articles of clothing with his teeth.

Kevin snorted at the last thought, chuckling a little, having gone through the same thing himself many, many times.

�What?� Dale asked after taking a swig of his Budweiser.

Kevin took a sip of his own Corona and grinned. �Just thinking about you back at the track and the women who were throwing themselves at you.�

Dale frowned at the memory�the many memories he had just like that and sighed. �Yeah, it�s a bitch. Just once, I�d like to meet someone who wants me for me�not because I�m an Earnhardt. I�ve met women who come off that they don�t care, but it doesn�t take look to see who they are and what they are really about.�

Kevin nodded in understanding, thinking of his last failed relationship. �Oh man, I know. I know all too well.�

They fell into silence once again, each lost in thought when something caught Dale�s eyes. He straightened in his chair, keeping an eye on what was unfolding before him. �Damsels in distress at twelve o�clock.� He said, motioning with his head towards the two women who were fending off two obviously drunk men who didn�t know how to take �no� for an answer.

Kevin looked over and frowned. �That could get ugly.� He said softly, seeing how the guys were trying to handle the women. He couldn�t see the women, he knew Dale couldn�t either, since they had their backs to them, but it didn�t matter. No woman deserved to be in that kind of a situation. �I think we should step in.�

The words were barely out of his mouth when Dale was off his barstool, making his way over, with Kevin close behind.

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Chapter Two

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�I believe the ladies said �no�.� Kevin fairly growled as he and stalked up behind the two drunks. As the two men whirled around, Dale and Kevin saw the two women for the first time and instantly recognized the relief in their eyes.

�Now I suggest that you move on. The ladies aren�t interested.� Dales stated, turning his famous glare up a notch when the drunks looked very irritated at the interruption. But then feeling more than a little intimidated by Dale�s glare and the muscular man standing beside him, the two drunks decided to tuck their tails and get out of dodge before they got their asses handed to them. Dale and Kevin watched after the two men until they were gone out the door, then they turned their attention back to the two women.

�Are you two all right?� Kevin asked, the concern in his eyes genuine.

�Yeah, we�re fine.� The blond haired woman replied. �Thank you for stepping in. Things were fixin� to get ugly there.� The dark haired woman beside her nodded in agreement.

�Thank you.� She said quietly, keeping her eyes trained on the two men. �We should be going.� She stated, glancing down at her watch. She knew that Taryn had to work in the morning and after dealing with the two drunks, she didn�t much feel like partying anymore.

�Can we buy you two a drink?� Dale asked abruptly, surprising himself as much as Kevin and the two women. �We promise we�re not drunk and if you say no, we�ll let you go.� He added, a grin teasing the corners of his mouth.

Taryn looked over at Ashlyn, seeing that she was about to decline the offer. But she wasn�t. �We�d love to!.� She answered before Ashlyn could get a word in. She cringed when she saw the glare that Ashlyn was now giving her.

�Excuse us.� Ashlyn muttered as she grabbed Taryn�s arm and drug her towards the ladies room. Kevin and Dale watched in confusion as they disappeared through the door.

�Did I say something wrong?� Dale asked, smirking. Kevin shrugged, unable to help the grin that was forming. �Real smooth, Junior. Scare the ladies way!� He teased, ducking when Dale took a playful swing at him. Laughing, they ordered another round and sat back down at their table.

*****

�Are you insane?� Ashlyn demanded the instant that she and Taryn were inside the bathroom.

�What?� Taryn questioned, exasperated. �All they did was ask to buy us a drink.� Taryn told her nonchalantly. �What harm could it do? Besides it�s the least that we could do after they saved us from that scum!� She tried to reason with her friend.

�Sorry, I don�t feel like being pawed all night long!� She shuddered, feeling dirty at the thought of the two drunks that they�d just dealt with. Surely these two were same! �And besides, you have to work in the morning.�

Taryn rolled her eyes. �Not until 10:00. So I don�t have to be to the shop until�oh�9:55.� She said, speaking of the place where she did tattoos and piercing for a living. She�d taken over the business three years ago when the owner had wanted to retire and put it all up for sale. It was a great success and she loved doing it. �And those two guys out there aren�t like the two drunks that we just dealt with. I can tell.�

An unladylike snort escaped Ashlyn. �Yeah, I�m sure you can tell.� She said, rolling her eyes this time. �Just like you could tell with the last asshole that you met in a bar.�

Taryn looked shocked for a moment and then hurt. �Screw you, Ash.� She said quietly. It was the truth though. Her last relationship had been nothing short of disastrous�much like most of them had been. With this last one though, she was certain that it was going to be different. She remembered telling Ashlyn that she could tell that it would be. She had been wrong�very, very wrong.

�I�m sorry.� Ashlyn immediately apologized, feeling bad for what she�d just said. �You know how I talk sometimes before I think. I�m sorry.�

Taryn waved off her unneeded apology. �No, you�re right and we should go.�

Ashlyn shook her head, having a change of heart. �No, YOU�RE right. There are two very handsome men out there, wanting to buy US a drink! No harm, like you said. Now, lets go!�

Taryn hesitated for a moment, but then smiled as she followed Ashlyn out the door.

*****

�You know, it just struck me that I don�t think that those two recognized us.� Dale said, a little dumbfounded by his sudden revelation. �If they did, they hid it well, but I don�t think they know.�

Kevin thought about it for a moment. �Damn, I think you�re right.� He had to admit, his interest was even further peaked. He was about to continue, but stopped when he saw the two women headed in their direction.

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Chapter Three

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�I hope this means you�ve changed your mind about letting us buy you a drink.� Dale said to the dark haired woman when she and her friend stepped up to them, glad to see more warmth in her eyes, although like before no hint of recognition.

She nodded as she sat down, smiling sheepishly at both men. �Yes, and I apologize for being such a bitch before. I guess those two buffoons from before just put me in a bad mood.�

Kevin nodded, smiling as the blond sat down next to him. �It�s understandable.� He murmured. He couldn�t quite figure out what it was, but there was something very intriguing about these two women, and he could sense Dale was thinking the same thing.

�Maybe it�s the fact that they really don�t seem to know who you are.� A little voice inside his head said.

�So, what can we get you?� Dale asked.

�I�ll take a Miller Lite.� Taryn answered, smiling friendly at both men. Her initial instincts still seemed to be correct. The two men seemed just fine, not like the normal men she was able to meet. Course then again, just as history had proven, she had been wrong before. She just really hoped she wasn�t this time.

�I�ll have what you�re having.� Ashlyn said, pointing to Dale�s Budweiser. He nodded and signaled over the bartender, ordering the two drinks.

�Do you two live around here?� Kevin asked. He was surprising himself at how open he was being with the two women. Normally, he almost came off as shy, although he really wasn�t. But it was just a way to protect himself, and from what Dale had told him before and what he had witnessed with the women at the track, he knew Dale was the same way.

Taryn nodded, putting the bottle down after taking a sip. �Born and raised right here in California. What about you?�

�Nope, just in town for the race.� Kevin jumped, nearly spilling his drink when he felt a rather hard kick in his shin. He glared over at Dale, who was giving him a glare of his own. That�s when he realized what he�d said.

Ashlyn and Taryn looked at each other. �Race?� Ashlyn asked. �What race?�

Dale inwardly groaned, knowing that at any second they would figure out who he was, and the good time he�d been having would be gone. He literally had to hold himself back from banging his head on the table.

�Uh�� Kevin paused, looking helplessly at Dale. �Um, stock car racing.� He hoped that would appease the two women and not make them dig any deeper.

Taryn�s eyes lit up, while Dale and Kevin�s hearts plummeted. �Oh yeah! Now I remember!�

�Remember what?� Ashlyn asked.

�Well you�re normally out of town this time of year, but every year NASCAR holds a race here at the Fontana speed track.� Taryn explained, not realizing the two men were holding their breaths.

�Oh.� Ashlyn said, with not even a hint of enthusiasm. �And how do you know about that?� she grinned, knowing her friend paid just as much attention to sports and anything surrounding sports as she did, which was absolutely nothing!

Taryn shrugged. �I�ve heard about it. Guess somewhere along the line it sunk in.�

Dale perked up, sitting up straighter in his seat. He definitely liked what he was hearing. �Uh, do either of you like racing?�

Ashlyn thought about it for a minute. �You know, I don�t think we can really answer that, one way or the other. At least I know I can�t. I�ve never watched it, nor paid any kind of attention to it, so I don�t know if I�d like it or not.�

Taryn leaned forward. �We�re not much into sports, if you couldn�t tell.� She grinned.

Kevin laughed. �No, no that�s fine!� he said. �It�s rather refreshing. I�m Kevin by the way, and this is Dale.�

Taryn shook his hand, barely able to suppress the tiny little shiver that went through her when her hand touched his. She quickly shook it off. �Nice to meet you. I�m Taryn and this is Ashlyn.�

�What do you do, Taryn?� Kevin asked, having an overwhelming urge to find out everything he could about her.

�I own a little tattoo shop.� She said softly, the pride for her shop shining in her eyes. Ashlyn swatted her friend�s arm.

�Quit being so damn modest.� She scolded her, before looking back at the two men. �Don�t let her fool ya. Her �little� shop does more business than all the other business in the state combined! She�s the best!�

Taryn blushed as she looked down at her drink. �I�m not all that.� She mumbled.

Ashlyn rolled her eyes. �Yeah, right. Whatever. Anybody who is anybody goes and gets all their stuff done by Taryn.� She informed the two men.

Kevin nodded thoughtfully. �Hmmm, I�ve been thinking about getting some more ink. Now I just may be been persuaded to definitely do it.� He grinned, loving the way Taryn�s cheeks reddened and she wasn�t able to look any of them in the eye.

�Take it from me, she�s wonderful.� Ashlyn continued to rave. �I got her to do my tats, and I absolutely love them!�

Dale scanned her from head to toe, not seeing anything. �Are they hidden?� he asked. Ashlyn turned and gave him a mischievous grin.

�Yup. Only a very select few have ever seen them.� Dale grinned as he let his imagination take over.

�What about you? Any tats or piercing?� Ashlyn asked. Dale paled at the thought, quickly shaking his head.

�Hell no! The thought of needles touching my skin makes me shaky.� Dale exclaimed. Ashlyn couldn�t help but laugh.

�Aww, poor thing.�

Before anyone could start teasing him, Dale quickly changed the subject. �Okay, you�re turn Ashlyn. What do you do?� For the first time since he could remember, he was actually enjoying a conversation with a complete stranger of the opposite sex. He was beginning to think Ashlyn was someone he would like to get to know a little better.

�I�m a writer. I write for a local magazine.� She answered.

�Yeah but she�s got an interview this week with a big time magazine. People.� Taryn quickly added.

Dale and Kevin both looked impressed. �Wow, good luck.�

Ashlyn shrugged. �I�m really not too worried about it. I only sent in the application because someone dared me too.� She shot a look at Taryn who grinned cheekily. �Much to my surprise they called back.�

Taryn sat back and studied the two men. It suddenly occurred to her that the men were not giving up any kind of information about themselves, other than they were in town for some race.

�Okay, enough about us. What�s the story with you two?� she asked, wondering why she thought she saw a suddenly panic in both their eyes. She looked closer and told herself she was imagining things.

She wanted to know more about them, and from knowing Ashlyn nearly all her life, she knew her friend was interested as well.

�Well?� Ashlyn prompted when neither man spoke for a few minutes. Dale shot Kevin a �what the hell do I say now look�, but Kevin wasn�t much help, for he was sending the exact same look Dale�s way.

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Chapter Four

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�Uh�� Kevin stuttered as he wracked his brain. He was very close to blowing this whole thing and if he did, he was going to be severely pissed off at himself.

�I�m a musician�a struggling musician.� Kevin said the first thing that came to mind. He heard Dale snicker beside him and had to resist the urge to slug his friend. �I�ve played with a few of the local bands, but I�ve yet to hit it big. I do some song writing too, but I haven�t had much luck in that department either.� He said somewhat gloomily. He felt a moment�s remorse for not telling the whole truth, but he wasn�t exactly lying either. He was a musician and he did write songs and music. He knew that he should tell the whole truth�and he would, but right now it was really nice to have someone interested in him for HIM and not his band status. He also knew that Dale felt the same way.

�Wow!� Taryn breathed, her eyes wide with awe. �I would have never guessed you to be a musician. That�s totally cool though! What do you play? What kind of music?� She questioned before realizing that she might be being too nosy.

�Drums, and mostly rock, though I do like several genres.� Kevin replied, the pride evident in his eyes and in his voice.

�He�s damn good too.� Dale added, easily falling into the story. �It�s a damn shame that he hasn�t played anything more than local bands. He could be a huge star.�

Taryn smiled, knowing without knowing that he was that good. �I�m sure you�ll hit it big real soon.� She told him confidently. Kevin returned her smile as his eyes met and held hers. He knew that this could have serious potential, and if he was reading her right, he knew that she felt the same. The moment was abruptly broken by Ashlyn�s voice.

�So�what about you, Dale?� Ashlyn asked, curious to know more about the handsome man sitting next to her.

Dale panicked for a split second, but then smiled coolly. �I�m a mechanic. I own a repair shop back home. Cars are my passion, which is what brought me out to California for this race. I try to catch as many as I can during the season that are within driving distance and one that I have to travel for as a vacation. This race is my vacation this season.� Much like Kevin, Dale felt a bit of regret at not telling the complete truth, but again like Kevin, he hadn�t exactly lied. He was just so tired of only being known for his name.

�So you had to travel a ways for this race? Where are you from?� Ashlyn asked, not sure if she really wanted to hear the answer. She knew if he lived a long ways away, she would be crushed. In the few minutes that she�d known him, she knew that she�d like to see where things could go with him. She glanced over at Taryn and saw the panic in her eyes at her question to Dale. She knew that if Kevin lived far away, Taryn would be quite disappointed too.

�I�m from North Carolina.� Dale answered quietly, realizing that after he left California, he may never see this wonderful woman ever again.

�And you?� Taryn asked Kevin, very afraid to hear the answer. If he and Dale were friends and Dale was from North Caroline�

�Pennsylvania.� Kevin replied, his shoulders dropping, realizing that that was clear across the country from California. Hell, it might as well have been the other side of the world.

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Chapter Five

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�Our luck sucks.� Kevin commented as he and Dale walked into the hotel where they were staying. Normally after a race Dale would head home with most of his team, but since he�d met Kevin, he�d decided to stay a few extra days, since he didn�t have any prior commitments for the week, which was very unusual for him.

�I know what you mean. Here we meet two great women, who don�t know who we are, seem to be interested in us, and they live across the country!� Dale exclaimed in frustration.

They were quiet as they walked up to their room, both thinking of Taryn and Ashlyn. They had ended up staying and talking until nearly three in the morning, all but getting kicked out of the club when it closed. They had all just felt completely at ease, and hadn�t wanted the night to end. But�now what?

Dale finally broke the silence after following Kevin into his room. �You know, we did get their phone numbers, we�re gonna be in town until tomorrow night, and I don�t know about you, but I�m more than willing to extend my �vacation� and stay longer. I say we see them again, in a few hours.� He said looking at the clock and noting the time.

Kevin wanted too more than anything, but there was something bothering him. �Don�t you feel just a little bad about lying to them?�

Dale�s shoulders slumped a little. �Of course I do. But what else could we do? They don�t know who we are! I don�t know about you, but I really like that, and I know it�s wrong, but I�d like Ashlyn to think of me as just Dale and not �Dale Earnhardt Jr.� for awhile longer. I mean, if things work out, and I think there is a definite future for us, of course I�ll tell her. But for now, I wanna just be me!�

Kevin couldn�t argue with him. �I know, you�re right, I just feel like I�m deceiving Taryn.�

�I understand and feel the same way. But let�s just see how things go, and when the time comes, we�ll tell them exactly who we are and what our lives are like. With any luck, they will understand, especially when they start seeing first hand what it is we go through.� Dale said, and Kevin had to admit it made sense.

Kevin nodded in agreement. �Alright. I just hope when we�re with them no one recognizes us. Then we�ll be screwed.�

Dale thought about it for a moment. �Well, we�ll just have to make sure it doesn�t happen. From the other times I�ve been there, the people seem pretty cool. I�ve been out before here and never had anyone bother me. Just like tonight. You know in the club we were in someone had to know who we were�but not one person came up to us.�

Kevin knew he was right. �Okay, so when should we call them?�

�Now?� Dale grinned, anxious to talk to Ashlyn again. He couldn�t really remember a time when a woman had intrigued him as much as Ashlyn had. He knew it would be difficult with them living so far apart, but he wasn�t going to let that stop him. He just hoped she would understand why he hadn�t been completely truthful as to who he was when she found out.

Kevin laughed. �It�s nearly four in the morning, Junior! Do you really think they would appreciate us calling them now?�

�Only one way to find out.� Dale said as he grabbed his cell phone and started punching in the numbers Ashlyn had written down for him on a napkin.

***

�I should really be getting home. I�m gonna be in no shape to go to work in the morning.� Taryn stated as she stretched and yawned. After leaving the guys, they had come back to Ashlyn�s place, which luckily was right down the street from Taryn�s house.

�I know what you mean. I�ve got a meeting that I am going to be no good for.� Ashlyn giggled. �But it was so worth it. And I�m too worked up now, I highly doubt that I�ll be able to sleep.�

Taryn nodded. �I know what you mean. Do you think we�ll ever hear from them again?� she asked, her heart pounding.

Ashlyn sat down and looked thoughtful. �I hope so, I really do. I just don�t know how things are going to work with them living so far away.� She finally voiced what they had both been thinking since finding out where the guys lived.

Taryn sighed and looked down at her hands. �I don�t know, Ash. But for some reason, I don�t want to just write this off. I really like Kevin�and I know you�re more than just a little interested in Dale.�

Ashlyn didn�t even have to answer, her eyes told all she was thinking and feeling. �Well, I say we don�t worry about the geography of it all right now. They have our numbers, if they call, we see them again and just go from there. One day at a time.�

�Good thinking.� Taryn replied, then grinned. �I told ya these guys were different.� She laughed as she ducked the pillow Ashlyn playfully threw at her.

�Alright, alright, I�ll give ya this one. And I�m very glad I listened to you and didn�t go with my first instinct of leaving.� Ashlyn admitted with a smile. They both jumped when the phone started ringing.

�Who on earth would call you at this hour?� Taryn asked as Ashlyn got up and walked over to the phone.

�Aside from you, I can�t think of anyone.� She replied, looking at the caller ID. �No name, must be a cell phone, but I don�t recognize the number.�

It hit them both at the same time who it must be. Taryn jumped up to stand next to Ashlyn as she brought the phone to her ear, both their hearts pounding with anticipation.

�Hello?�

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Chapter Six

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The next morning, although very tired, Taryn was floating on cloud nine. Just seconds after Ashlyn�s cell phone had rang, hers had. She was extremely excited to hear Kevin�s voice on the other end. After making small talk for a few minutes, he asked if he could see her again, which Taryn immediately agreed. He was going to meet her at the shop just before she closed and then they would decide what to do from there. Upon ending the call, she found out that Ashlyn was also seeing Dale that evening also. After saying their good nights, Taryn drug her happy self home, and fell asleep with a smile on her face.

After finishing up with her last client, Taryn glanced up at the clock. Her heart jumped when she saw that it was only a half-hour before Kevin was due to arrive. All day, she hadn�t been able to get him out of her mind�not that she�d really wanted too. She�d never felt so comfortable and at ease with any other man so quickly before. She sighed dreamily as she remembered the way his eyes brightened when he smiled and the jolts that had shot through her when they�d shook hands after meeting. Sure, she�d had jolts before, but this was much different. She found that she couldn�t even find words to accurately describe it.

Sitting down at her desk, Taryn quickly did up the paperwork for that day and finished up with only five minutes to spare. She sat back in her chair, forcing herself to relax as her nerves suddenly kicked in. She didn�t just have butterflies in her stomach�it felt like elephants trampling around in there! She smiled, knowing that Ashlyn was probably feeling about the same right about now.

She nearly jumped out of her chair when she heard the little bell above the door jingle. She knew without being able to see that it was Kevin. Standing up, she took in a deep breath and slowly let it out, forcing herself to relax.

Her breath caught as she walked out into the front and saw Kevin standing there. His back was to her as he looked over some of the examples hanging on the walls. Taryn took a moment to take in the fine scenery before her. He was dressed casually in a nice shirt and jeans and the man definitely fit his jeans well. �Hey.� She greeted softly and nearly fainted when Kevin turned around, a heart stopping smile on his face. She noticed that she had his long hair pulled back, allowing for his sinfully handsome features to be even more prominent.

�Hey yourself.� He said warmly as he stepped up to where she still stood. �This is a nice little place you�ve got here.� He told her, impressed by what he�d seen in only the few moments he�d been there.

�Thank you.� Taryn replied softly, her cheeks reddening.

�You have quite a wall of fame there.� Kevin commented as he looked over at the wall that housed the pictures of famous people that she�d had as clients.

Taryn�s cheeks reddened even further. �Yeah, I�ve had a few celebrities in here.� She said lightly, but Kevin could see the pride shining in her eyes.

�Do you have any openings tomorrow? I�d like to get that new ink done.� Kevin asked, holding his breath, waiting to hear what she would say.

�Tomorrow? I thought that you were leaving tomorrow?� Taryn asked in a rush, daring to hope that their plans had changed.

Kevin grinned sexily at her, nearly making her melt into a puddle at his feet. �Well, it seems that Dale and I have fallen under the influence of two very exceptional women and we�ve decided to extend our vacation a few more days.�

�Oh! I think I can fit you in tomorrow then!� Taryn squeaked as shock and delight raced through her. Holy shit! He and Dale were extending their stay because of Ashlyn and herself! She knew if she died right then, she would die happy with that knowledge. �Uh�give me a call in the morning and I�ll let you know what time to come in.� She managed to say, her voice calm, although on the inside she was shaking terribly at the thought of doing his tattoo�being so close to him�touching his skin.

�Cool. Thanks!� Kevin said, smiling to himself as he could easily see her reaction and he was very much looking forward to spending even more time with her. �So what do you want to do tonight? Have you had dinner yet?�

�No, actually.� Taryn answered, pausing for a moment before speaking again. �I really don�t feel like going out though. Why don�t you come over? I can cook you a steak like you�ve never tasted before.� She suggested, shocking herself with her boldness. She never invited someone over that she just met. But this was much different�she was so comfortable with Kevin.

Kevin sighed inwardly with relief. He really didn�t feel like going out either. Mostly because the risk of someone recognizing him and blowing his cover was high. And two�he was feeling a little greedy and wanted Taryn all to himself. �Now that sounds like an offer that I just can�t refuse.� He said, giving her a smile that nearly stopped her heart.

*****

�Come on in.� Taryn said as she unlocked the door to her house and stepped inside. �It�s not much, but it�s home. With the amount of time I spend at the shop, I haven�t had time to do a lot of the remodeling that I had planned on doing when I purchased the house.� Taryn told him and then stopped, realizing that her sudden nervousness at having him in her home was making her ramble. She immediately relaxed though at the smile that he gave her as he stepped past her inside the house.

�It�s a great place.� Kevin commented as he looked around. It wasn�t anything fancy, but it was warm and comfortable. He immediately felt at home.

�How about a beer?� Taryn asked as she put her jacket and things away and then headed towards the kitchen to begin getting dinner ready.

�That sounds great.� Kevin replied as he followed her. �Thank you.� He said as she handed him the drink.

�You�re wel-� Taryn began, but Kevin stopped her before she could go any further.

�No, I mean it, sincerely, thank you. The time that I�ve spent with you so far has been fabulous. I never really met anyone quite like you.�

Taryn blushed ten shades of red while her heart pounded wildly at hearing his words. Good Lord, she hadn�t even known him twenty-four hours yet and she was falling hard for him. He was everything that she ever wanted in a man; kind, gentle, sincere, warm, and extremely sexy.

�Thanks.� Taryn murmured as she looked up into his eyes. �I�ve never met anyone quite like you either.� She admitted.

�So, um�how do you like your steak?� Taryn asked, finally tearing her eyes away from his after several moments. She busied herself taking the ingredients from the pantry and the refrigerator that she would need for the marinade.

�Medium-well, please.� Kevin answered as he leaned against the other side of the island where she was working. He smiled in awe as he watched her. She didn�t use a recipe or measure anything. �How do you do that?�

�What?� Taryn questioned back, not quite sure what he was asking.

�Know how much of what goes in that.� Kevin clarified.

�I just know.� She answered, a smile curving her lips before her expression turned serious. �You do realize, however, that now that you�ve watched me make this and know my secret ingredients, I�m gonna have to kill ya.� She fought to keep her expression serious, but the look on Kevin�s face was priceless.

�I was teasing.� She said, grinning over at him.

�I know.� Kevin smiled back. �I was just trying to figure out how you could keep so serious while you were saying that.�

�Three years of acting classes that my mom made me take while I was in high school. I never thought they�d come in handy, but now I see I can use this to my advantage.� Taryn laughed, letting him know that she was again joking as she put the steaks back into the refrigerator to marinate a while. Her smile widened when she heard Kevin laugh quietly. She had taken acting classes, but she would never use them to her advantage�at least not with him. She was still smiling to herself as she went over to the pantry and took out a couple of baking potatoes.

�Baked or twice baked.� She asked as she took the potatoes over to the sink to clean them.

Kevin�s eyes widened. �Well, twice baked, but you really don�t have to go to all the trouble.�

Taryn smiled over at him. �It�s no trouble at all. It�s nice having someone to cook for. Well, Ash and I cook for each other all the time, but that�s�um, different.� She said, her cheeks reddening slightly.

�So you and Ashlyn seem like you�re really close. How long have you two known each other?� Kevin asked, wanting to know all he could about this extraordinary woman.

�Well, we�ve been friends since Jr. High. I originally lived down by San Diego, but when my dad died, my mom moved us up here to be close to her parents. We moved into the house next to Ashlyn and her family and the rest is history.� Taryn told him, smiling fondly as she spoke of her friend.

�I�m sorry about your dad, but I�m glad that you were able to find Ashlyn. That�s awesome. Good friends are hard to come by. It seems like you and Ashlyn are as good of friends as they come.� Kevin felt a moment of sadness as he thought of the friends that he once had, but had lost, but he brightened when he thought of his newest friend. He had a lot of thanking to do to Dale because for the most part if it hadn�t been for Dale, he wouldn�t have been at that club the night before and he would�ve never met Taryn.

�Thanks." Taryn said softly as a wave of saddness engulfed her. It had been fifteen years since her dad had died, but she still missed him horribly sometimes. But pushing back the saddness as she always did, she continued. "I�ve had a few friends, but none like Ashlyn. There isn�t much that I wouldn�t do for her.� She told him, her eyes shining with sincerity.

�How�d you get into tattooing?� Kevin asked, following her out onto the patio when she motioned for him to.

�Well,� Taryn began, but paused as she lit the grill and placed the potatoes on it. �It�s what my dad did for a living and it always fascinated me.� She continued as she sat down by the patio table. She smiled at him when Kevin took the seat beside her.

�As far back as I can remember, I remember watching him work. That infuriated my mother since I was her only daughter. She was bound and determined that I was going to be a beauty queen or some famous Hollywood actress. She was crushed when I didn�t go on to acting school after high school, but I knew where my heart was and after my dad died, the desire to follow in his footsteps became even stronger.�

�Up until three years ago, I worked under someone until I was presented with a fantastic opportunity to go out on my own.� Taryn stopped, looking over at Kevin. She was impressed to see how intently he was listening to what she was saying. She wasn�t used to that. �But enough about me. What about you? How�d you get into music?�

Kevin sat back in his chair and took a long drink of his beer. �It all started when I began taking band classes in like 5th grade. I found out that I had a knack for the drums and it went from there.�

�You�ll have to let me hear you play sometime.� Taryn told him, her heart beginning to pound all over again as she imagined how sexy he must look behind a drum kit. And she just knew that he was good and wanted to hear him play.

�I will.� Kevin replied softly as he met her eyes all the while thinking that she most likely had already heard him play�she just didn�t know it.

*****

�Damn, that was the best meal that I�ve had in�forever. That was absolutely delicious!� Kevin complimented as he sat back and patted his flat stomach. �I am stuffed!� On top of the steak and potatoes, she�d made a delicious garden salad and had some homemade apple pie that she�d made the day before.

�Good. I�m glad that you enjoyed it.� Taryn said, smiling as she moved to get up and begin clearing away the dishes. She was stopped when Kevin placed his hand on hers.

�I�ll take care of this.� Kevin stated, gesturing to the dishes on the table.

Taryn�s eyes widened, sincerely impressed even further by his offer to help clean up. That was another thing that she definitely was not used to hearing from a man. �Thanks for offering, but I can�t-� She was cut off before she could finish.

�You can and you will. At least let me help.�

Taryn grinned, feeling happier than she had in a long, long time. �Alright then, I�ll wash and you can dry. Fair enough?� She asked, looking down to where his hand still lay over hers. A shiver of delight raced through her as she watched and felt his thumb gently brushing her skin.

�Fair enough.� Kevin agreed as he stood, and still holding her hand, he pulled her to her feet as well. �Except I�ll wash and you dry.� He said as he reluctantly let go of her hand and picked up some of the dishes, bringing them into the kitchen.

Taryn followed him into the kitchen and began filling one of the sinks with water for washing while Kevin set down the dishes that he had in his hands and then went back into the dining room to get the rest of the dishes.

�That�s all of them.� Kevin said as he came back into the kitchen. Having her back to him and not having heard him come back in, Taryn nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard his voice. She�d been spraying off the plates and when she jumped, she somehow managed to spray the water all over herself. She spun around when she heard Kevin�s laughter behind her.

�That is not funny!� Taryn exclaimed as she fought to keep her expression serious, although the humor shining in her eyes would have given her away anyway.

�Yes it is.� Kevin replied back, a huge grin on his face as he set down the dishes that he still held in his hands.

�No, what is funny,� Taryn began, realizing that she still held the sprayer in her hand. �Is this!� She quickly aimed the sprayer at him and depressed the handle, hitting him straight on.

�Oh, you�re gonna pay for that!� Kevin exclaimed, grinning as he lunged forward, grabbing the sprayer out of her hand.

Taryn squealed as she barely ducked out of the way of the stream of water. She quickly grabbed a glass off of the counter and dunked it into the sink, which was now full of water. She quickly emptied the glass all over Kevin an instant later. In seconds, both of them, along with most of the kitchen was soaked.

�Well, so much for cleaning up.� Taryn laughed as she looked up at the water dripping off of the ceiling.

Kevin smiled as he gazed down at her. He hadn�t felt this happy in months. And she may have been soaking wet with the water dripping from her, but she looked so incredibly beautiful to him. The smile on her lips and the light in her eyes was breathtaking. Stepping forward, he cupped her chin in his hand, gently tipping her head until their eyes met. Then he slowly leaned forward until his lips touched hers.

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

Chapter Seven

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

Ashlyn hummed happily to herself as she stepped out of the shower, grabbing the towel from the wrack. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, and shook her head at the smile that had been permanently stuck to her lips all day.

Dale was due to arrive in a half-hour, and she was absolutely thrilled. She wasn�t as nervous as she thought she would be. Instead of feeling nervous, she felt�content. It was strange, but she almost felt as if she had known Dale forever and felt completely comfortable around him. When he had called, they had ended up staying on the phone talking until she absolutely had to get off the phone or be late for work.

As she walked to her room to get dressed she noticed the clock in the hallway, noting the time. �Hmmm�Kevin should be with Taryn by now.� She grinned, talking to herself.

�You better behave yourself tonight, young lady!� she said sternly, not taking her eyes off the huge Himalayan cat that was sitting on her bed. Her baby, Mystique, was in a word�a bitch. Especially when it came to men. She detested them, and did everything and anything she could to get them out of her presence.

�I swear, if you run this one off, I�m sending you to live with Charlie.� She threatened, speaking of her older brother, who had a 150 lb. German Shepherd who was the only animal, or human, who wasn�t intimidated by Mystique and her attitude.

The cat in question yawned and closed her eyes, obviously not at all scared by the threat. Her eyes snapped open and she looked towards the doorway when the doorbell rang. Her ears went flat on her head, and her eyes narrowed.

Ashlyn hurriedly threw on her jeans, and as she hurried out the door she looked over her shoulder sending her cat a warning look. �I�m serious!�

She took a deep breath before opening the front door. Her eyes immediately met Dale�s and her heart jumped in her chest. �Hi.� She said softly.

Dale�s eyes swept over her appreciatively as he moved into the open door. �How are you?� he asked, immediately liking her house. Her decorating tastes matched his own.

�I�m good. Did you find the place okay?� she asked, leading him into the living room.

�Oh yeah, your directions were perfect. Yum, what�s that smell?� he asked, breathing in deeply. Ashlyn grinned.

�Well I hope you don�t mind, but I changed my mind on going out. I should have called and told you, but I hoped you wouldn�t mind. I cooked dinner, it�s shrimp scampi.� She informed him, knowing her decision was indeed all right with him with the way his eyes lit up.

�That sounds perfect!� he exclaimed, his stomach choosing that moment to growl loudly.

�From the sound of things, I better finish cooking.� She teased as she got up and led the way to the kitchen.

As they walked in, they were met by a low fierce growl. Ashlyn closed her eyes and inwardly groaned. �Hey, beautiful cat!� Dale exclaimed, squatting down to put himself more on the cat�s level. The growls stopped, but she continued to look at him cautiously.

�Um, please be careful, Dale. She�s not the friendliest of felines�especially with males.� She warned. Dale grinned.

�I�ve got one just like that, believe it or not, but he�s not too big on females. What�s her name?� he asked.

�Mystique.� She answered, her eyes widening with surprise when Mystique slowly began making her way over to Dale. He reached out a hand, giving her time to sniff him, deciding he was okay, before scratching behind her ears. The cat�s eyes closed and before long, her loud purring filled the room.

�Unbelievable.� Ashlyn whispered in awe. Dale grinned at her over his should.

�What can I say? I have a way with women.� He joked. Ashlyn nodded, thinking just how right he was.

A little while later, both their stomachs full, they sat back down on the couch to relax and just enjoy each other�s company.

�So, tell me about yourself.� Dale asked, wanting to know everything he could about the woman before him. He had the feeling this could really turn into something special, and he was pretty sure she felt the same way. He just hoped she still felt that way when she found out the truth about who he really was.

�Well, there really isn�t much to tell. I was born and raised here. Actually I�ve never even been too far away. The farthest I�ve ever traveled is Las Vegas for vacation. My family is around here, so I don�t ever have to travel too far. As you know I work for the local magazine, but have an interview this week. I could be traveling a little more then, which excites me. I�ve always wanted to travel�just never really had the chance.� She explained.

�And how did you meet Taryn?� he asked.

He could see the closeness between the two women, just by the way Ashlyn�s eyes softened at her friend�s name. �We�ve been friends for just about forever it seems. She and her mother moved here when we were in Junior High�they moved next door to us. I was so glad to have a new friend my age. I�ve got three brothers and no sisters, so I was ecstatic. We very quickly became friends, and have been ever since.� She told him. She shifted on the couch so she could face him better. �And what about you? What�s your story?�

Dale paused for a moment, pondering how to answer. He wanted to be as truthful as possible, without giving away his true identity. He decided to just go for it, and if she figured out who he was, then he would see what happened after that.

�I grew up in North Carolina. Lived with my Mother for a while, then with my father. He was big into racing, which of course got me into it. I have one older brother, older sister, and a younger sister. We�re all pretty close now, didn�t used to be that way, but over the years we�ve all gotten a lot closer.� He told her, still not seeing any kind of spark of recognition.

He took a deep breath, deciding to be a little more open and honest. �Racing is the one thing that has connected the family. Like I said my father was really big into it, actually he was one of the best. He was killed a couple years ago in a race.� He said quietly.

Ashlyn put her hand on his arm, her heart going out to him. �Oh, Dale, I�m so sorry.� She whispered, unable to imagine what that must be like. Both her parents were still alive, but she had seen what Taryn had gone through, and still continued to go through when her father died. It had been horrible.

Dale shrugged. �He died doing what he loved�it sounds strange, but it�s almost a comfort.� He tried to explain. �There�s a danger that comes with racing�everyone knows is. You just don�t dwell on it.�

�Was he into stock car racing?� she asked, remembering that was the race he and Kevin had come to town to see.

Dale nodded, holding his breath. �That�s amazing.� She said, her respect level for him rising even higher. �I mean to lose your father like that, but not blame racing and still travel all over to see the races.�

Dale smiled. �It was hard at first, I�ll admit. There was a huge part of me that didn�t want to race�uh, I mean watch racing anymore. But I knew that�s not what my father would have wanted. I love the sport as much as he did, and I couldn�t just give it up.�

�Taryn went through something very similar. Right before she moved here she lost her father.� She could see the sympathy in Dale�s eyes. �He�d been battling cancer for years�and eventually lost the battle. It know it was horrible for her, but apparently, it was almost a relief when he did finally pass away, because he�d been in so much pain for so long.�

Dale shook his head. �I couldn�t imagine watching someone I loved suffer like that. With Dad, it was instantaneous. No suffering at all.�

They were both quiet for a moment before moving on to more cheerful things. They continued to talk, learning more and more about each other, and before they knew it, it was almost midnight.

Dale�s eyes widened as he glanced at the clock. �Damn, it�s almost twelve.� He commented. He couldn�t believe how at ease he felt with her�or how quickly the time had gone by. They hadn�t watched TV, listened to the radio or anything. They had just simply spent the entire night talking.

Ashlyn looked shocked as she too looked at the clock. �Wow, that time really flew by.� She grinned.

Dale reluctantly said what he really didn�t want too. He wanted to stay longer, but knew he had kept her up nearly all hours of the night before, and knew she had to work in the morning. �Well, I guess I should head out and let you get some sleep.�

Ashlyn nodded sadly, not wanting to see the night end any more than he did. �I guess.� She mumbled, getting up after him and following him to the door.

Dale turned to look at her. �I had a really great time. I haven�t just sat and talked to someone like this in a very long time.�

Ashlyn smiled. �Me either.� She admitted almost shyly. Her breath caught in her throat when he reached out and gently ran his finger down her cheek. She was quite sure her knees were going to give out on her at any second.

�I want to see you again.� He stated, his voice a little gruff. The look in his eyes left no room for argument, not that she would have anyway.

�Okay, but aren�t you leaving tomorrow?� she asked, her heart pounding even harder when he gave her a slow sexy grin and shook his head.

�I�ve decided to stay a few more days.� He answered, moving closer to her. Her eyes lit up.

�Really?� she asked breathlessly.

�Really.� He answered before closing the distance between them, capturing her lips, and her heart, in an earth moving kiss.

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

Chapter Eight

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

The next few weeks flew by in a flash. After spending two additional days with Kevin and Dale, Taryn and Ashlyn knew that they were in love. Although they hadn�t seen each other since then, they talked every day�usually more than once a day. And in just a few days, Kevin and Dale would be returning for a visit.

Things were going very well. Taryn�s business was doing better than ever and Ashlyn had breezed through her interview with People, easily landing the position. And she now had her first big assignment coming up. She had been assigned to interview the candidates for the upcoming 50 Sexiest Men issue.

�Hey girl!� Ashlyn called Taryn after getting home from work the night before Kevin and Dale were due to arrive. �What time are you going to get home tonight?� She asked, knowing that Taryn would still be at the shop.

�Should be an hour or so. What�s up?� Taryn asked as she sat down at her desk and glanced at her schedule for the rest of the day. Her last appointment was due in five minutes and it was just a piercing so it wouldn�t take very long.

�Well,� Ashlyn began and then paused, letting the anticipation build. She laughed when she heard Taryn sigh impatiently. �I just got the promo pictures and biographies for the sexy men candidates. I thought that you might want to stop by and go over them with me.�

�Oooo! 50 sexy men! You know I can�t turn that down! I�ll grab some pizza and beer on the way.� Taryn told her, looking forward to spending the evening with her friend. They hadn�t been able to do that much lately with work taking up most of the hours in their days.

�Sounds good! I�ll see ya in about an hour then.� Ashlyn told her and after saying their good-byes, they ended the call.

*****

�So you want the first half or the second half?� Ashlyn asked as they walked into the living room after having finished eating the pizza. She grabbed the packet that she�d brought home from work and sat down on the couch.

�The first half! George Clooney, Matt Damon, Ethan Hawke� and Omigawd� Orlando Bloom!� Taryn exclaimed, a huge grin on her face. She may have been head over heels with Kevin, but she could still appreciate a sexy man.

Ashlyn shook her head and laughed at her friend. She could understand Taryn�s enthusiasm though. She had to admit that she was quite looking forward to seeing these herself.

�Alright, here ya go. A through�K.� Ashlyn said, handing Taryn the photos. �Just remember, no drooling all over the photos!� Ashlyn teased, laughing when Taryn flipped her off as she sat back and began looking through her half.

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

Chapter Nine

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

�Oooohhh, here�s one you�re gonna like.� Taryn grinned as she held up the photo. Ashlyn returned the grin and nodded.

�Ahhh�Johnny Depp. Whew, that man is all kinds of fine!� Ashlyn laughed. Taryn knew all about Ashlyn�s love of the man in the picture. She owned all his movies.

�This is so awesome, and just think you�re gonna get to interview them all!� Taryn exclaimed, reading a couple profiles before continuing to flip through.

�I�ll only be interviewing a couple in person. Most of them will be by phone.� Ashlyn said as she looked through her own stack. The people were impressive. �Oh man�Brad Pitt? The one person I really can�t stand. Watch him be someone I have to interview in person.� Ashlyn wrinkled her nose at the thought. It took her a minute, but she realized she didn�t have Taryn�s attention.

�Hello? Anyone home? Who�d you get stuck on?� she teased. �Uh, Taryn?�

Taryn snapped out of her daze and looked over at her best friend. �Ash, I think you better take a look at this.� She handed over the photo with the biography, with shaky hands.

Ashlyn looked confused until she saw the picture. �Oh my god.� She whispered, her eyes widening in disbelief as the rest of the papers and photos in her hand fell unnoticed to the floor. She couldn�t believe what she was seeing�and reading.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the number 8 Budweiser Chevy. One of the top superstars of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.

�Did you know about this and not tell me?� Taryn asked, although she knew that wasn�t possible. Not only would Ashlyn keep something like this from her, but also the look on her friend�s face spoke volumes.

Ashlyn shook her head, trying to find her voice. �I-I had no idea.� She whispered. �No idea at all. Why wouldn�t he tell me?� she asked, completely shocked and confused. Had he not trusted her enough to tell her? He knew she wasn�t into sports and therefore had no idea who he was. Hell, she wouldn�t have really known even if he had told her. And it wouldn�t have mattered! She could care less about his �status�. She liked him�for him, damnit.

�I have no idea�but I have a feeling he�s going to have some explaining to do.� Taryn commented, wanting to know why he had kept this information to himself as well. She wondered if Kevin knew. �He has too.� She told herself. She winced as she thought about Kevin keeping such a big thing from her as well. But she couldn�t really blame Kevin, maybe Dale had told him not too. But she was still a little hurt. She could only imagine how Ashlyn was feeling.

�Oh shit. Taryn, it looks like Dale isn�t the only one.� Ashlyn said as she leaned down and picked up a photo that caught her eye. Taryn looked over at the photo, her own breath catching in her throat as Kevin, with his sexy smile, looked back at her.

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

Chapter Ten

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

Taryn�s hands trembled as she took the photo and the biography attached to it from Ashlyn. She held her breath as she began to read.

Kevin Miller. Former drummer of mega rock band Fuel. Credits include multi platinum album �Something Like Human� which produced hits such as �Hemorrhage(In My Hands), �Innocent�, �Bad Day�, and �Last Time�.

She glanced over at Ashlyn, her eyes wide with disbelief just as her friend�s were. Then she looked back at the paper, thinking that she must have been mistaken. But she wasn�t.

�They�ve been lying to us all along.� Taryn whispered, finally finding her voice.

�There has to be some explanation�� Ashlyn�s voice trailed off. She knew that until she found out exactly what that explanation was, she couldn�t make any kind of decision concerning this.

Taryn�s eyes suddenly darkened, the anger of being lied to momentarily overriding the hurt. �Explanation?� She nearly yelled as she threw Kevin�s photo across the room. �There is no excuse for lying, Ash! And if they�ve lied to us about who they are, what else have they lied about?�

Ashlyn could only shake her head as she rested it in her hands, the beginnings of a killer headache beginning to form. Her head snapped back up when Taryn suddenly bolted from her seat and stalked over to where her cell phone was in her purse.

�What are you doing, Taryn?� She asked, almost afraid to hear the answer when her friend�s head snapped around and she saw the look in her eyes.

�I don�t know about you, but I�ve got a few things that I need to say to Mr. Mega Rock Star!� She stated as she began punching in the numbers that she knew by heart.

�No, wait Taryn!� Ashlyn jumped from her seat and rushed over to where Taryn stood and snatched the phone from her hands and snapped the phone shut.

�Give me my phone!� Taryn demanded, her eyes dark with fury.

�No wait.� Ashlyn said softly, relief flooding her when she saw Taryn relax a little bit.

�What?� Taryn asked, knowing by the look in her eye that Ashlyn was up to something.

�You will get your chance to something to Kevin, but not over the phone. Trust me, they aren�t getting away with this.� Ashlyn began and then continued. �Although Dale knows that I got the job with People, I didn�t tell him yet that I was the one assigned to do the interviews for this issue. I just saw the list of the ones that I�m interviewing face to face and Dale and Kevin are on the list. We play it cool until then, acting as if we haven�t found this out. And then when the time for the interview comes, we can bust their asses.�

�But they�re going to be here TOMORROW and the interviews aren�t scheduled until the day after.� Taryn knew this because Ashlyn had asked her to come along to help her take notes and things. �I can�t pretend for one whole day that I haven�t found out who Kevin really is!�

Ashlyn sighed, understanding what Taryn was saying. �I know its going to be hard, but you�ve got to trust me on this. You can do it. The looks on their faces when they realize that we know will be worth it.� Ashlyn tried to convince her. �This is where you can make good on all those acting classes that your Mom made you take.�

Taryn thought about it for a few moments before finally relenting. �Okay.� She replied hesitantly. �I�ll go along with it.�

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

Chapter Eleven

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

�Are you sure everything is alright?� Dale asked, watching as Ashlyn moved around the room, picking up and moving things that looked fine where they were. He�d been soon relieved when he stepped off the plane and saw her waiting for him. There was really nothing in particular to say something was wrong, but ever since he�d arrived earlier that morning, he�s just sensed something was�different.

Ashlyn threw him a smile over her shoulder. �Of course, everything is great.� She answered. She really was fine. She was finding it easier than she thought to act like everything was fine. She�s been awake most of the night before thinking things over and came to the decision that she really didn�t care why he was keeping his �true� identity secret. She didn�t care about whom he was in the spotlight�she cared about him. Sure she did want to know why he hadn�t told her, she just wasn�t going to make a big deal over it.

Taryn, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. Of course Taryn had also been through more bad relationships than Ashlyn. Being lied too was something she could not tolerate, but with every relationship is always seemed to happen.

Ashlyn sighed, knowing no matter how good of a reason Kevin had for keeping his secret, in Taryn�s eyes he had lied, and it was going to take a lot to get her to think otherwise. She only hoped that Kevin would be able to get through the walls that Taryn had now put up, even if Kevin was unaware at the moment.

�How�s the new job?� Dale asked, smiling when she came over to sit next to him, snuggling closer when he put his arm around her, pulling her against him.

�It�s going well, actually. Got a big project I�m working on, and I�m looking forward to the outcome.� She grinned.

�Oh really and what�s that?� he asked. She shook her head.

�Nope, not telling. You�ll fine out soon enough. It�s my first big project, and I want to see your reaction�like everyone else.� She explained.

He nodded. �Okay, sounds interesting.�

�Oh you have no idea how much.� She thought to herself, out loud she asked. �So, what�s on the agenda for tomorrow?� Although she knew full well.

�Uh, I have something to do in the morning, but after lunch I�m free.� He said. The longer it was going on, the more he hated not telling her who he really was. He and Kevin had discussed it in great length, and both decided that before their stay was over, they would tell the women the truth. He only hoped and prayed that their feelings would stay the same.

***

Kevin watched Taryn, out of the corner of his eye, even though he was supposed to be watching TV. Something was definitely off with her. She appeared as attentive and loving as normal, but he didn�t feel her heart was in it as before.

�I�ve missed you.� He said softly, leaning down to nuzzle her neck. He thought he felt her tense for a second, before she relaxed and leaned into him.

She tilted her head back to look up at him. �I�ve missed you too.� She said softly, silently thanking her mother for those acting classes, otherwise she knew there would be no way she could pull this off�she was having a hard enough time as it was.

She just couldn�t get past the fact that he�d lied to her. He�d lied! In the short time she had known him, she had trusted him more than anyone. She called herself all kinds of fools for allowing herself to open up and be completely honest with him, when he wasn�t in return. How could she have been so blind? So dumb?

She swore she would never ever again allow herself to be so vulnerable. With anyone.

***

�Are you sure you�re ready for this?� Ashlyn asked as they stood outside the conference room, where Dale and Kevin were waiting to be interviewed. Taryn took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves and emotions.

�I�m as ready as I�ll ever be, I guess.� She mumbled. Her stomach was in knots and she felt like she was going to be sick. �No, I�m ready. I can�t go on pretending with Kevin. Last night was horrible. I couldn�t enjoy his presence. Everything has to get out in the open.�

Ashlyn nodded. �You�re right, and now is the time. Come on, let�s get this over with.� With that, she turned and opened the door and walked in, Taryn right on her heels.

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

Chapter Twelve

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

Kevin choked on the water that he�d just taken a drink of and Dale felt his mouth fall wide open when Ashlyn and Taryn walked into the room. Taryn�s eyes locked with Kevin�s and he cringed, seeing the outright anger there and the hurt lying just underneath. He now knew that he hasn�t been imagining it when he thought that something was off with her the day before. He also knew that his whole charade was over.

Dale looked at Ashlyn, his heart seeming to fall to the floor. �W-w-what are you doing here?� He stuttered, still shocked after a few moments.

�I�ve been assigned to interview some of the 50 Sexiest Men. I was told that my next two appointments were here and ready so here I am. What are YOU doing here?� Ashlyn questioned. Although she had pretty much decided that it didn�t matter why Dale hadn�t told her the truth about who he was�she knew he had his reasons, she still wanted to see if he would come completely clean with her now that he�d been put on the spot.

Dale was silent for a moment as he looked away, but then returned his eyes back to Ashlyn�s. �We need to talk.� He stated quietly as he rose to his feet and walked over to where she still stood by Taryn, just inside the door. He glanced at Kevin and then at Taryn, seeing the devastation on both of their faces. He knew that they also needed to talk. �Some where else.�

Ashlyn bit her lip as she looked over at Taryn, but she didn�t think that Taryn was even aware of her presence anymore, all of her concentrating on Kevin and the fact that he�d lied to her. Deciding that Taryn would be okay, she looked back at Dale and nodded.

�Okay.� She agreed, her voice quiet as she turned and walked out the door, Dale following her.

*****

Once the door was closed behind Dale and Ashlyn. Kevin stood up. �Taryn,� He began cautiously, but that was all that he got out.

�Don�t you fucking �Taryn� me!� She spat, her eyes dark with anger. �You lied to me and I want to know why.� She demanded. �Not that anything you say is going excuse what you�ve done.�

Kevin remained silent as he moved a little closer to where she still stood. He stopped when Taryn crossed her arms over her chest and turned her glare up a notch, signaling him to not come any closer.

Kevin sighed wearily as he ran his fingers through his hair. In a way he was relieved that everything was out in the open because he HATED lying to Taryn. But now knowing what his lies had done to her�that was killing him.

�First of all, I want to apologize. I guess by now you know who I really am and I am so sorry that I wasn�t truthful with you from the beginning. Please believe me when I tell you that that was the only thing that I wasn�t completely truthful about.� He was again cut off.

�The only thing?� Taryn nearly yelled. �You lie about a very big part of your life�WHO you are, and you stand there and say that it was �only� that? How am I even supposed to believe that you�re telling the truth when you say that.�

Kevin looked into her eyes, but she refused to look back at him. �That is the truth, Taryn,� He stated firmly. After pausing and gathering his thoughts for a moment, he continued.

�Dale and I had a lengthy discussion before coming here and we decided that were going to tell you and Ashlyn the complete truth before leaving again. The reason why I wasn�t honest with you from the beginning is because you didn�t know who I was and I liked that. It was different�refreshing for someone to be interested in because of ME and not because I was in a famous rock band. Being someone famous, it�s hard to come by someone like you and I meant every word when I said that I�d never met anyone like you�I still mean that, Taryn.�

�No, I didn�t know you. Even if you had told me, I still wouldn�t have known so what fucking difference would it have made? Why did you have to lie to me?� Taryn was nearly at the end of her rope with this. After having to put up the fa�ade the whole day before, her nerves were shot. The anger was rapidly beginning to take backseat to the hurt.

Kevin shook his head, not really knowing how to answer her question. �At the time, it seemed like the best thing to do, but now I see it was a completely selfish thing to do and I�m sorry.�

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

Chapter Thirteen

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

�Dawn, can you please hold all calls for me until further notice?� Ashlyn asked her assistant as she lead the way to her office. She paused outside the door. �Oh and there is a meeting in the conference room if anyone asks, they are not to be disturbed.�

Dawn nodded, her eyes a little wide with shock as she looked at Dale. �Um, okay.� She answered, watching the door close behind them.

Ashlyn turned to face Dale, leaning against her desk. She couldn�t help it, her heart went out to him, she could see he was really struggling with this, and just wanted to ease things for him. Before she could say anything, he took a deep breath.

�Ashlyn, I owe you a huge apology. I�m not who you think I am. Well, actually I am. When I explain this, I know you�re going to think that you don�t really know me, but I swear, you know me better than anyone has in a very long time.� He told her, his eyes imploring with her to believe him, and although he was too upset to realize it, she did.

�Do you remember when I told you my father was big into racing?� he asked. He waited for her nod then continued. �I kind of down played it. He was one of the best in the NASCAR Cup series. Then it was Winston Cup. Because of him I got into racing. I started out small, then moved to the Bush series, which I�ll explain all that later. It�s not important now. Anyway, I won two championships there, then moved up to the Cup Series. Things were great, then a year later my father was killed. I continued to race, and did pretty well. I�m not quite sure how, but I became pretty popular, even though at first I think it had a lot to do with my Dad.�

�I�ve been in contention for Cup Championships, won a lot of races, made a lot of money, and have a huge fan following. I know you don�t understand racing, or follow it, but if you did, you would understand why I didn�t tell you right away.� He moved closer to her.

�Ever since moving into the Cup series, my life has been a whirlwind. I�ve had a couple relationships here and there, but nothing serious. They were all too hung up on who I was, what my name is, and how much money I have. No one cares that I�m Dale. They all just care that I�m Dale Earnhardt Jr. Then I met you. You didn�t know who I was, could care less what my last name was or the size of my bank account. You got to know me for me. I know I should have told you right away, but I didn�t want things to change.� He tried desperately to explain, but even to him it sounded lame.

�I�m sorry Ashlyn, I truly am.�

�I know you are, and for some strange reason, I understand.� She said, flooding him with relief. She could see the tension leaving his body. �I don�t know what your life is like, but it doesn�t worry me. True I don�t know you as the Nextel Cup Driver, but for me, that�s not who you are. But at the same time, now I know this is going to sound strange, I�m kind of glad you didn�t tell me who you really are.�

�Huh?� he asked, not expecting that one.

�If when we had first met you�d told me exactly who you were, I would have held back. I wouldn�t have been as open, and not just because you�re famous, but because the doubts would have kicked in. But instead I got to know you, and I like you. Now who you are doesn�t matter. Well, it matters, don�t get me wrong. It�s just that now that I�ve gotten to know you, the fame part of it doesn�t mean so much. It doesn�t change who you are inside, and that�s the part I got to see, that I may not have seen had you told me from the get go about your �identity�. � She grinned. Dale smiled and pulled her into his arms.

�You�re amazing, you know that?� he asked. It hit him then and there just how truly special she really was. And he wasn�t letting her go, for anything.

�Yeah I know.� She teased. �But you�re something else yourself. And I don�t mean anything having to do with driving a race car.�

�My life is hectic.� He said, not wanting to scare her away, but wanting to be completely honest with her.

�For you, I�ll endure hectic.� She promised.

�You�re going to be in the public eye, being with me. And probably more than you�d like, because I want you with me.�

Ashlyn thought about it for a minute. True the idea of being in the spotlight really wasn�t something she had ever really wanted, but to be with him she was willing to make the sacrifices.

�That�s something I�m going to have to ease my way into, but to be with you, it will be worth it.� She said, meaning each and every word.

�I�ll never lie to you again, I swear.� He vowed, knowing had she reacted in another way, he could have very easily lost her forever. Again he was struck by how truly lucky he was to have found her.

She smiled lovingly up at him. �I�m going to hold you to that.�

�You won�t have to worry, because-� she cut him off.

�Dale, shut up and kiss me.� She demanded. He grinned and complied.

She leaned into him when his lips touched hers, instantly knowing she had done the right thing by being understanding and not jumping to conclusions. She only hoped Taryn would find a way to forgive Kevin and be understanding as well.

All thought of Taryn, Kevin and anyone else flew from her mind when Dale deepend the kiss. She gave herself up totally and completely to the kiss and all that she was feeling. She was startled when she suddenly felt the desk against the back of her legs. They pulled apart reluctantly.

It took them both a moment to catch their breaths. �Wow.� She whispered, her lips still tingling.

�I�ll say.� He grinned, his voice a little breathless.

�Was it just me, or did the earth move?� she asked, then wanted to kick herself realizing how that sounded.

�I thought it was me.� Dale replied, running a hand over his face, trying to reign in the desire that was burning inside him. He wanted nothing more than to finish what they had started, but now wasn�t the time.

�Oh fuck the time.� He thought to himself as he leaned down. Their lips had almost touched again when she found him full up against her, knocking her off balance and landing them both, with him on top, on her desk.

�Uh, Dale?�

He pulled back, looking around a little confused as he helped her up. �That wasn�t me.�

They both jumped when the picture on the wall came crashing to the ground, and then the earth literally did start moving not only beneath them, but all around them.

�Oh shit,� Ashlyn exclaimed at the same time Dale demanded, �What the fuck is going on?�

She looked at him, seeing the realization setting in even before she said it. �Earthquake.�

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

Chapter Fourteen

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

Back in the conference room, things weren�t going so smoothly. Taryn began pacing as she thought over all he had told her, both at the beginning when they first met and then now. She spun around and continued to glare at Kevin.

�If I recall correctly, you told me you were a �struggling musician�. You played for local bands but hadn�t hit the big time. What was that? Lies!� she spat.

Kevin�s shoulders dropped. �The only part I did lie about was not hitting the big time. Fuel was huge, and I loved it. But I�m not with them anymore.�

�Why not? Did they find out you lied to them too?� she asked angrily. Kevin�s head snapped up, and his own anger was coming to the surface rather quickly. He knew he had no real reason to be mad with her, but Fuel and his departure was still a very sensitive subject for him.

�I was fired, alright!� He nearly yelled. �One of my long time friends and band mate stabbed me in the back, and I was let go.�

She bit her lip, feeling a sudden wave of sympathy for him. She shook her head, hardening her resolve. �Why you aren�t with them anymore isn�t what is bothering me. The fact that you never told me is the issue. And not just you�but Dale lied to Ashlyn as well! How could you do this to us?�

Kevin started to speak but she held up her hand, silencing him. �Ashlyn and I have been nothing but completely honest with you both. We deserved the same in return, but we didn�t get it. You said you and Dale had decided to tell us before you left, well quite frankly I don�t believe you. I don�t know if I believe anything you say!�

She knew she was being irrational and harsh, but she couldn�t seem to help herself. She�d been hurt way too many time in the past, but to have Kevin be the one lying to her�it was like a slap in the face.

Kevin took a deep breath trying to calm himself down. They weren�t going to get anything solved if he stayed angry as well. �You have no idea what it is like to be me or Dale.�

She snorted and crossed her arms over her chest. �You�re right�mainly because you haven�t told me!�

�Look, Taryn, our lives are very complex. Neither Dale nor I can go anywhere normally without getting mobbed by crowds and women, who only want the chance to say they touched us, met us�whatever. They are all fake. I�d nearly give up hope on finding someone who would want me for me. Who would be able to look past my public persona. Then out of the blue, at probably the lowest point in my life, you came along. You and Ashlyn were like breaths of fresh air for us. You weren�t caught up in who we were. To you, we were just normal every day guys, and that�s something you lose when you�re in the spotlight like we are.� He tried desperately to explain.

Taryn closed her eyes and took a moment to get all her emotions under control. She could understand why he had done, she really could. But she was having a very hard time getting past the hurt.

�Kevin, I do understand why you didn�t tell us right away. But after getting to know us, you had to see that it wouldn�t matter. Hell, neither of us knew anything about your �public personas� anyway. So what would it matter?� she asked.

�You�d be surprised. You haven�t tasted what stardom does to your life. Your privacy is gone, every move you make is watched, closely.� He said.

�And what? You were going to shelter us from that forever?� she demanded.

�No, damnit!� he growled, sending shivers down her spine. �I already told you we were going to tell you everything!�

Taryn turned away taking a couple deep breaths. Finally turning back to face him, the desperation she saw on his face nearly doing her in. �Alright Kevin. I need some time�time to think about all this. I�ve been lied to and hurt way too many times to just sweep this under the rug and act like it�s nothing.�

Kevin stepped forward. �Please don�t let this ruin us. I know keeping this from you was wrong, and you�ll never know how sorry I am. But we can get past it. I know we can. We have something strong here, something with a hell of a lot of potential.�

�That�s what I thought too.� She said quietly before turning back towards the door. She nearly had her hand on the knob then everything around her started moving. She heard someone scream outside the door and instantly knew what was going on.

Before she could turn around to warn Kevin, he grabbed her from behind. She was getting ready to tell him that the doorway was the safest place to be when she realized why he grabbed her. The large oak bookshelf that was standing close to the door was now on the floor, right where she had been standing.

She looked around, suddenly realizing where they were standing. �No! Kevin, we need to get away from the windows!� the words were barely out of her mouth when the glass shattered, showering down upon them both.

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

Chapter Fifteen

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

Acting purely on instinct, Kevin all but threw her down to the floor and sheltered her face and head from the flying glass with his body, using his arms to cover his own head.

�What the hell is going on?� He shouted over the noise. He wasn�t sure if a bomb had hit the building or what.

�Earthquake!� Taryn shouted back as the glass continued to rain down on them. �Feels like a pretty strong-� She suddenly stopped and cried out, her body stiffening as she felt pain shooting through her abdomen. Her hands flew to her stomach and she felt the large shard of glass that was now embedded there.

Having felt her tense up and hearing her cry out in pain, Kevin lifted his head enough to be able to see what had happened to her. But before he could say or do anything, the building shook violently again. The walls buckled and the floor where they lay, caved in beneath them.

As they fell, Kevin fought to get his arms around Taryn. After what seemed like forever, but was only an instant, he was successful. Struggling greatly, he managed to get his body underneath hers so that he would take the brunt of the impact when they landed. She was already badly injured, but even if she hadn�t been, he would still take the impact for her. Holding tight to her, but being careful not to jar the glass in her stomach, he closed his eyes, hearing nothing but the sound of her terrified scream, he readied himself for what he knew was going to be a very rough landing.

*****

Grabbing Dale�s hand, Ashlyn pulled him over to the doorway. �This is the safest place.� She said loudly over the noise when she saw his questioning look. �Find something to hang on to. It could get a little bumpy here.�

With one arm around each other, Dale and Ashlyn grabbed onto the doorframe they best they could with their other hands. They closed their eyes, praying for their safety, as well as for Kevin and Taryn�s.

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

Chapter Sixteen

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

Just as suddenly as the earth started shaking, it stopped. Everything was eerily quiet, aside from a few people crying which could be heard echoing in the now silent hallways.

�Is it over?� Dale whispered, afraid to talk too loud, paranoid at setting off more tremors.

�Uh, for now.� Ashlyn answered, looking around, grimacing at the destruction that had occurred in less than a minute. Dale looked down at her.

�For now?� he repeated, trying to clamp down on the fear inside him. He wasn�t from California, and although he�d heard of the quakes, he�d never lived through one until now, and it was something he preferred never to experience again.

�There could be aftershocks. Hopefully they won�t be as strong.� She explained, moving slowly from the doorway, stepping over all the broken debris.

She halted when Dale grabbed her arm. �Is the floor safe to walk on?� he asked. He couldn�t imagine how it could be, after what the building had just gone through.

She shrugged. It wasn�t her first earthquake, and she was certain it wouldn�t be her last. She loved California, but times like these were the only times she ever contemplated moving elsewhere.

�There�s really only one way to find out. Besides, it�s the only way out of here and I want to get to the conference room to make sure Taryn and Kevin are okay.� She explained. Dale didn�t say anything but nodded. He then moved in front of her, slowly making his way down the now unrecognizable hallway.

What seemed to take forever, they finally made their way through hysterical people and rubble to the door of the conference room. Thankfully, thus far, it didn�t look like anyone was hurt.

Ashlyn reached for the door handle, but Dale again stopped her. �Be careful.� He pleaded. She nodded and pushed the door open, taking a tentative step in as she did. Unfortunately the floor where her foot should have landed was no longer there. She really didn�t have time to register the fact that the entire room was gone or that she was about to take a nasty fall before Dale grabbed her, pulling her to safety. They both stared at was once considered a room in shock and terror.

�Oh my god.� Ashlyn whispered, knowing full well Taryn and Kevin had been in there when the floor collapsed.

�Shit.� Dale breathed, unable to believe the devastation before him, or that anyone could have lived through it. �We�ve got to find them�now!�

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

Chapter Seventeen

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

They landed hard, a loud, pain filled grunt escaping Kevin as his body slammed into the concrete of the lower basement floor where they had landed. Fighting against the pain ripping through every inch of his body, he carefully slid himself out from underneath Taryn so that she was lying on the ground. The best he could, he gingerly removed the debris that had fallen down on top of them as he looked down at her, his eyes filling with concern. By the bits of sunlight streaming through the debris that surrounded them, he was able to see how pale and motionless she was. He looked down at the shard of glass sticking out of her stomach and the feeling of fear overwhelmed him when he saw the blood soaking her shirt.. His first instinct was to pull the glass out, but he quickly dismissed that idea, knowing that it could cause more damage and that she could quickly bleed to death if he did.

His eyes snapped back to her face when he heard her soft moan. �Taryn�� He whispered as her eyes fluttered open. He fought to keep the worry that he felt out of his eyes as she looked into them, but she saw it and he saw it too in her own eyes. He winced in pain as he lifted his arm to be able to touch her cheek.

�It�s okay. Everything is okay.� Kevin told her, trying to convince himself as well. He�d never been so scared in his entire life. �Hey, come on, Taryn. Stay with me.� Kevin implored as he watched her eyes take on a far off look. �Taryn, come on, please.� He pleaded again, but to no avail as an instant later, her eyes closed and she became unresponsive.

Kevin looked around desperately, knowing that he had to find help for her�now! Biting back the groan of pain that was building, he struggled to get to his feet. He was successful after a few tries, but he immediately swayed drunkenly and fell back to the ground as a wave of dizziness engulfed him. He took slow, deep breaths as he fought to stay conscious while he put his hand to the back of his head, wondering why it hurt so damn bad. As he pulled his hand away and saw the blood there, he remembered his head hitting the ground extremely hard when they landed. Gritting his teeth against the pain still ripping through out his body and dizziness, he struggled to his feet once again, only to fall back down. And this time he was not able to fight that blackness that had been threatening to consume him.

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

Chapter Eighteen

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

�I don�t think we can make it through this way.� Dale said, fighting against the panic that was threatening to consume him. He knew he had to try to stay as calm as possible, not only for himself and Ashlyn, but for Kevin and Taryn as well.

�It�s the only way down. The elevator�s are out, which I wouldn�t want to get in even if they were working, so these stairs are the only way down.� Ashlyn cried, biting her lip the need to get to her friend overwhelming her. She blinked rapidly, fighting against the tears that were there, knowing she had to stay strong.

Dale moved over towards her, pulling her against him, giving her as much comfort as he could at the moment. He needed it too.

�They will be fine, and we will get down there, I promise.� He swore. She nodded and wiped her eyes, taking a deep breath.

�Come on, it may take awhile, but we�ve got to get through this mess.� She said, again picking her way down the stairs.

***

�Finally.� Dale said softly to himself when they reached the bottom landing. Before he could stop her, Ashlyn took off to where she knew Kevin and Taryn would be.

�Taryn!� she called, her heart dropping when she didn�t get an answer. �Kevin?� Again nothing.

Dale was about to follow her, but paused when he heard a soft moan. He turned, his eyes widening when he finally spotted the two bodies lying amongst the rubble. �Oh my god.� He breathed. �Ash, over here!� he yelled as he quickly made his way over.

�Shit.� He mumbled under his breath, moving fallen objects away from his two still friends. First he saw Kevin, who was trying to find his way to consciousness, but it was no wonder he couldn�t, from the amount of blood that was pooling under his head.

�Oh no.� Ashlyn gasped as she got over to where Dale was kneeling. She moved over towards Taryn, seeing Dale was with Kevin. Like Dale she had to move things away from her friend, and when she did, she gasped in terror.

�Dale!� she tried to yell but came out barely more than a whisper. He heard her though. His eyes widened when he saw the glass protruding from Taryn�s abdomen.

�We need to get them help, now!� he said, the urgency clearly heard in his voice. Before she could answer, what was left of the landing before them, creaked, tilted, and then began to fall.

�Ashlyn!� Dale yelled, but knew he couldn�t get to her. He saw her throw herself as best she could over Taryn to protect her, and he did the same with Kevin as everything that was left standing came caving in around them.

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

Chapter Nineteen

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

After what seemed like an eternity, but was really only a few seconds, everything was eerily quiet again. Dale hesitantly lifted his head and looked over at Ashlyn, who was also stirring. Although some of the debris had fallen on them, miraculously all of the large, heavy pieces that would have surely injured them, or worse, fell just short of where they were.

Their eyes met and both Dale and Ashlyn knew what needed to happen next. �I�ll stay here with them. You go for help.� Ashlyn said, her voice calm, although on the inside she was scared to death. Kevin and Taryn were in bad shape and she knew that if they didn�t get help quickly they could�she shook her head, forcing those negative thoughts from her head.

Dale swallowed hard, not knowing if he could leave her there, but he also knew that he had too. The lives of Taryn and Kevin depended on it. �Are you sure that you�ll be okay?� He asked, needing to be sure.

Ashlyn continued to hold his eyes as she nodded her head, although wasn�t so sure. �You have to go now, Dale.� She told him as she walked over to where he stood by Kevin. �Please be careful.� She pleaded as she stood up on her lips and softly kissed his lips. After pulling back, their eyes held for a few moments before Dale turned and began picking his way through the rubble, in search of help.

Turning back to her friends, she went over to Kevin first, seeing that he was trying to sit up. She kneeled down beside him. �Stay still or you�re going to hurt yourself worse. Dale is going for help.� She told him as she gently pushed his shoulders back down.

Getting his vision to focus, Kevin looked at Ashlyn, allowing everything that he felt�the fear, the pain�everything, he allowed to show through in his eyes. �Taryn?� He questioned, knowing that he didn�t need to say anything further.

Ashlyn bit her lip as she tried to decide how to answer his question, but she knew that she had to tell him the truth�or somewhat of the truth. She could see the worry and concern in his eyes and knew that he knew how badly injured she was. She glanced over to where Taryn still lay, motionless except for the labored rise and fall of her chest as she breathed.

�She�s okay�for now.� Ashlyn told him truthfully.

�Is she-� Kevin began, but stopped abruptly and an instant later, he was unconscious again.

Ashlyn watched him for a few moments, making sure that he was okay�as okay as he could be anyway. Then she looked over at Taryn, her brow furrowing deeper with worry. Carefully she crawled over to where Taryn lay.

Taking hold of her friend�s hand, Ashlyn gently brushed back the strands of hair that had fallen into her face. �Oh Taryn.� She whispered brokenly, allowing the tears that had been threatening since the moment that she realized that her friend was in trouble.

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

Chapter Twenty

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

Ashlyn paced the waiting room at the hospital, biting her lip as she kept looking towards the door, waiting for some kind of word on her friends. Dale was off trying to track down a doctor or anyone who could give them news�any kind of news.

It had taken Dale nearly an hour to finally find someone who would be able to help them. Apparently the earthquake had been widespread and it was pandemonium all over the city. Everyone was in need of medical attention.

Thankfully both Taryn and Kevin had held on, although Taryn did stop breathing right after the paramedics arrived, and Ashlyn had thought her own heart had stopped as well, watching as they frantically tried to save her best friend�s life. Thankfully Kevin had been unconscious during the whole ordeal.

It hadn�t taken them long to get her breathing again, and they quickly loaded both Kevin and Taryn in the ambulance and raced to the hospital, where she and Dale were currently waiting on the condition of their friends, and had been for the last hour and a half.

She looked up when Dale came back in with a doctor in tow. Dale immediately came over to her and put his arm around her as they held their breaths waiting for what the doctor had to day.

�I�m sorry you had to wait so long. Your friend Kevin is doing well. He�s resting comfortably. He needed a few stitches in his head, and has a mild concussion, but otherwise is fine. After some rest he�ll be back to his old self in a matter of days.� The doctor informed them.

�Taryn was a little more complicated. She is stable now, although it was touch and go for a little while. She lost a lot of blood. We were able to remove the glass, and found that it didn�t do any damage to her internal organs, which is what we were most worried about. She did not require any surgery, but it did take a little while to stitch her up. We have her on a pretty powerful sedative, keeping her asleep for the time being. We want the area to have time to start healing, and even deep breathing, coughing, anything could aggravate the area. She also dislocated her shoulder, but that was the least of her problems. We did get it back into place, and although it will be sore for her for a while, it shouldn�t cause her any further problems. All in all, both your friends are doing very well, and should make full recoveries. They were very lucky, very lucky indeed, especially compared to some of the people we�ve had brought in since the quake hit.� He sighed. It was his job, but he hated this kind of devastation.

Ashlyn and Dale both sighed with relief. �Thank you so much.� Ashlyn said softly. �When can we see them?�

He smiled at her. �You can both go in now if you�d like. Kevin should be awake any time, but remember Taryn will not be, not until we take her off the medication she is currently on.�

They both nodded and started out of the room but stopped when the doctor�s voice called them back. He grinned sheepishly at them.

�I hate to ask this, but if I miss this opportunity I�ll be kicking myself forever.� He started to explain. Ashlyn looked completely confused, but Dale just smiled, knowing full well the question that was coming next.

�I hate to ask you this, under the circumstances, but here goes. I�ve been a huge fan of yours and your father�s for years. I was hoping I could get your autograph.� He reached in his pocket and pulled out a pad of paper. Dale nodded and stepped forward taking the paper and pen.

�It�s not a problem.� He told the doctor. �In fact, I�ll do one better.� He said as he scribbled his name, which he could do in his sleep.

�For all you�ve done to save our friends, you deserve more than just a signature. Give me your name and address and I�ll make sure you get some awesome stuff.� Dale promised. The doctor�s eyes lit up and the thanked him as he wrote down his information.

Ashlyn turned to Dale with a grin when the doctor left the room. �That was really nice of you.� She commented.

�I don�t normally do that, mainly because they have a fit back home when I do, but in light of the situation, I think everyone will understand.� He said, taking her hand. �Come on, let�s go see Kevin and Taryn.�

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

Chapter Twenty One

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

�Hey. How are you feeling?� Kevin greeted softly as he walked slowly into Taryn�s room. After ten days in the hospital, she was finally able to go home. He�d been released only three days before. He was still very sore, but felt good.

�I�m doing all right, and very ready to get out of here.� She answered as she rose carefully to her feet. Much like Kevin, even the slightest movements were painful, but day by day, it was getting better. �Where�s Ash and Dale?� She asked as she looked around for her friend, but didn�t see her, or Dale.

�They decided to stay at the house. There�s a media mob out there like you wouldn�t believe. The driver had a hell of a time getting past it to get the limo up by the private entrance. And that was with just me in it. It would have been ten times worse if Junior would have been along.� He finished telling her and stepped forward.

�Let me help you.� He offered, seeing her trying to get her jacket on.

�Thanks.� Taryn replied quietly, her eyes meeting his.

�I�m really glad that you�re going to be okay.� Kevin told her for the first time, his heart in his eyes as he spoke. Since he�d been released from the hospital, every time he saw her, Dale and Ashlyn were always there too, so they�d never really gotten a chance to talk�about anything. When they did talk, that subject, among others was always avoided. �I don�t know-� Taryn stopped him before he could finish getting the words out.

�I�m glad that you�re okay too. And I want to thank you for what you did that day. First you saved me from being squashed by that heavy bookcase and then you taking the impact of the fall for me. Things would have been a lot worse if you hadn�t done what you had. And I�m very, very thankful that you weren�t hurt any worse than you were because of what you did for me. I wish you hadn�t been hurt at all though.� Taryn spoke truthfully�from her heart. Their eyes continued to hold as Kevin spoke again.

�There isn�t anything that I wouldn�t do for you, Taryn. Taking that fall was nothing if it meant assuring that you wouldn�t be hurt any further. I would do it over and over if I had too.� He said, his voice choking a little bit as he watched a tear slide down her cheek. As he lifted his hand to brush it away, he continued.

�Taryn, I-� He began, but Taryn held up her hand to silence him before he could go any further. By the look in his eyes and the tone of his voice, she knew what he was going to say next and she didn�t want to talk about it.

�Kevin, it�s okay. I�ve had a lot of time to think about everything and I understand. I forgive you, and I�m over it, okay?�

Kevin hesitated for a moment, thinking that he saw something in her eyes, but dismissed it when he looked again and saw nothing. He smiled softly, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. �Okay.� He answered gruffly, dismissing the subject as he leaned forward and tenderly kissed her lips. When he moved to pull back, she held onto him, deepening the kiss.

�Lets get going.� Kevin said after they did move apart. �I know a couple of people who are very anxious to see you.�

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

Chapter Twenty Two

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

�Wow, there really is life outside of California.� Ashlyn exclaimed as she looked around the club they were currently in, grinning at Taryn who laughed.

It was three months since the earthquake. Taryn was completely healed, side from a few lingering side effects, which mostly included tenderness in her abdomen. Kevin was back to one hundred percent, and they were all currently in North Carolina, visiting Dale, who had invited them the race that was being held in Charlotte that weekend. Kevin had surprised Taryn by being there as well.

Ashlyn and Dale�s relationship was going beautifully. Although they really didn�t get to see each other near as much as they wanted too due to Dale�s hectic race schedule, they did talk every day, and made time for each other when ever they could. So far, things were perfect.

Kevin and Taryn were also doing well. Although the times they saw each other were becoming more and more scares mainly because Taryn would find reasons to cancel trips planned. But she kept insisting everything was fine between them, and just like Dale and Ashlyn, they talked every day.

�I�m glad Kevin came, aren�t you?� Ashlyn asked, looking closely at her friend. She could see the change in Taryn since the earthquake, actually since finding out the truth about Kevin, but they had never really talked about it. She knew Taryn hadn�t really talked about it to anyone, and also knew that wasn�t a good thing. But whenever she tried to get Taryn to open up, she would change the subject.

Taryn nodded. �Of course I am.� She smiled, but Ashlyn didn�t miss the way the smile did not show in her eyes.

They both sat up straighter when the guys made their way over to the table, drinks in hand. Kevin leaned over and gave Taryn a light kiss. �Everything okay?� he asked, realizing he�d been asking her that a lot lately.

She nodded. �Yup. Just relaxing enjoying some down time.� She smiled.

�Yeah, I�ve heard you�ve been really busy lately at the shop.� Dale commented. He couldn�t help but wonder if she really was as busy as she claimed, or if she was simply avoiding Kevin. He�d talked with Ashlyn about it, and she thought it was the latter.

�I was lucky to get the time away for this weekend, but it�s definitely worth it.� Taryn said sincerely, smiling at her friends.

�Is everyone ready for the race on Sunday?� Dale asked. Kevin enthusiastically nodded. He�d become a die-hard NASCAR fan in the recent months and couldn�t wait to get back to the track. He�d also made a lot of new friends he was anxious to see. For Ashlyn and Taryn, it was their first race.

�I am!� Ashlyn answered. �I finally get to see what all the hype is about.� She teased. She�d been watching on TV, but according to both Dale and Kevin, it was nothing like being there in person.

Their conversation was interrupted when someone walked up to the table. �Excuse me, I don�t mean to interrupt, but Mr. Earnhardt, I�m a huge fan. Could I please get your autograph?� the man implored.

Although Dale really wasn�t in the mood to deal with fans at the moment, he obliged. There were times when he just wanted to be left alone, and now was one of them. �Sure thing.� He responded.

Kevin shook his head with a grin, knowing all too well what it was like. Thankfully neither woman seemed to mind the interruption. He was about to say something when something caught his eye. The man was standing there, waiting for Dale to finish signing, but instead of his attention being on Dale as it should have been he was focused on Ashlyn.

She must have realized it as well, because she started fidgeting uncomfortable under his penetrating stare. �Who are you?� the man suddenly asked almost viciously, his question directed at Ashlyn. Dale�s head snapped up.

�Excuse me?� he asked, his voice taking the low dangerous tone only his close friends were able to recognize. Kevin leaned a little closer, as Taryn moved more towards Ashlyn.

The man pointed on fat stubby finger at Ashlyn. �Who is she? I�ve never seen her with you before.� He stated, almost angrily. He blinked, and then must have realized how he sounded because his whole demeanor changed. He visibly relaxed and even smiled; trying to calm down the situation he had started.

�She�s very pretty, I was wondering if she was your new girlfriend.�

Dale�s eyes narrowed as he stood up. He didn�t even feel Ashlyn grab at his hand, or see Kevin stand as well. �Who she is none of your damned business.� Dale snapped.

Before the guy could respond, or tempers could flare even farther, two security guys suddenly appeared, one on either side of the man. �Is there a problem here Dale?� one asked, having become friends with his favorite driver, since Dale frequented the club.

�Just get this asshole away from here.� Dale demanded, turning his back on his �huge fan�. Within seconds the man was removed from their presence and the building. Everyone was quiet for a moment.

�Well,� Taryn finally spoke up, trying to break the tension. �That was interesting. Are all your fans that �pleasant�?� she asked.

Dale shook his head, taking a couple calming deep breaths. �There are a few.� He looked at Ashlyn, who had yet to say anything. �I�m so sorry, Ash.� He started to apologize, but she stopped him.

�For what?� she asked. �You can�t control what other people do. Don�t worry about it.�

Dale nodded, then reached out and took her hand, pulling her to her feet. �Come on, let�s all get out of here. I�m not in the mood for this anymore. We�ll go back to my house, where thankfully no one, aside from a select few, know the location.�

They all readily agreed as they gathered their stuff and left the club.

Book Two of Shaken
2004/2005 K&K Productions

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