Nick had fallen asleep in the car shortly after his conversation with AJ. The sleep was deep, since he slept through all of the traffic, loud music blaring from other cars, and the beeping of other cars.

"Nicky Gene, you're home!" Juliette yelled, shaking him. The blonde boy still wouldn't wake up.

"NICKOLAS GENE CARTER! WAKE THAT LAZY ASS UP!" She screamed even louder, shaking him harder.

"Mmmmmph, shut up Juliette and let me sleep for Christ's sake!" He mumbled.

"Nick, get up. I think your bed is more comfortable than a stiff leather car seat," she pleaded. He mumbled something again and lifted his head.

"I feel like I'm hungover," he said, looking at her. She bit her lip and got out of the car.

"Get up, sleepy head," she said sweetly, opening his door. She took his hand and pulled him out forcefully.

"I have to thank you for this one day. I'm not even drunk or anything."

***

Nick had finally walked straight and went into the house. Juliette followed close behind, watching to catch him if he fell. Fortunately, he didn't.

"My car's right in the driveway so I can just leave right now. So, goodnight Nick and-" she started saying.

"You honestly think I'm gonna make you drive home at this hour of the night? You gotta be kidding me, Juliette! You can crash here if you want," he interrupted, a flirty smile forming on his lips. Juliette returned the smile, softly biting her bottom lip. Nick held out his hand for her to hold and led her upstairs.

"Okay, I sleep in the guestroom. Can you lead me there?" Apparently, Nick had led her into his room without her noticing. Since she had never been in his new house, she didn't know where anything was.

"Where do you think you're going?" He grabbed her by the hips and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her neck.

"It's only been three and a half weeks, Nick. I don't want to get too far." She whirled around and faced him, her hands on his shoulders.

"Who said anything about sex? I just want to wake up in the morning having you lay next to me like I've been wanting all these years. And, I also want to talk to you for a while," he replied. Juliette nodded and headed towards his bed. She sat on it and started to play with her hair.

"I just want you to know everything that I have felt for you over the years, even if you don't feel the same way too. I told Brian everything, but I still feel like there are bricks in my chest. I have to tell you for those bricks to go away." Nick wasn't facing her, he had been taking off his shoes and socks and put them neatly by the door.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but is the room gonna stink soon?" She smiled, now putting her hair up.

"My feet aren't stinky, Juliette. Not like yours. Don't think AJ doesn't tell us everything about you. You grew up with him, you know he can't keep secrets," he replied with a smile.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm a lady, and lady's feet don't stink. Well, except for some athletes who may have sweaty feet. But I am very feminine and do not play sports of any kind. I am not an outdoor person, as you can tell from today. I do not like bugs, I do not like reptiles�and I especially hate it when things stink. So if you want me to sleep beside you tonight, those shoes of yours have to be safe in another room." Nick laughed at the sudden outburst.

"Wow, what a lecture." He picked up his shoes and socks and left the room. Juliette smiled, deep in thought. Am I doing the right thing? I mean, the boy is two years younger than me. But what should stop me? It doesn't matter what the age is. What matters is the person within, and if you're truly into that person. I am into Nick, I am. I won't let a silly thing like age stop us. It's not like we're going to do anything, she thought.

"Okay, Juliette, they're gone!" Nick said, closing the door behind him. "Um, get comfortable, you're gonna be here for a while. Do you wanna, like, borrow something to sleep in? I suppose you don't want to sleep in the clothes you wore all day."

"I guess," she replied slowly. Nick smiled and opened his drawer, pulling out a long Nike shirt. He threw it to her and turned around, not wanting to look.

"Don't worry, I'm going to the bathroom." She got up and headed towards the bathroom. While she changed, Nick changed. And during this process, he was thinking about her. I wonder if she's uncomfortable. I have been waiting for years for this moment�hell, I've been waiting my whole life. Never have I been truly in love with someone like I am with her. I can't believe I said yes to Amanda Williford�she was just a fling that stayed around for too long. Wasted my money, used me, abused me. I know that Juliette would never do anything like that to me. I've known her for seven years, and never has she done that to anyone. But really, Nick, you do feel kind of weird asking her to sleep in the same bed as you. Hmm�