| Kelci finally made it to Orlando early Saturday morning after a hard all day work-out on Friday and Randy was there to greet her. He smiled at her exhausted face and gently led her to baggage claim, where he collected the two pieces she pointed out. She barely spoke the entire ride to the compound and Randy laughed at her near zombie state. JC had mentioned that her work-out schedule was pretty demanding, but no one had expected this. "Thanks, Randy," Kelci managed as he placed her bags inside the condo door. "Do you want to see JC before or after you sleep?" "Before." He nodded and led her to the main building. They made their way down to the huge dance studio where Wade was watching the guys run through Pop. Kelci quietly slid inside the door and watched them hit every move. Wade nodded at her and she smiled in return as the guys froze in the last position. "That was good. What do you think, Kelci?" Wade asked and JC's head popped up. "Baby!" "Hi," she smiled tiredly as he picked her up in a massive hug and she wrapped her limbs around him. "You looked good, baby." "You look exhausted." "I am and I hurt all over. Double days kill." "Awe, my poor baby. Why don't you go soak in a hot bath and take a nap," he suggested softly as he nuzzled her neck, loving that she hadn't batted his sweaty body away. "But I'm here to take care of you." "We can take care of each other." "Hiya, C! How's it going?" Lance asked cautiously as he approached them and JC allowed her to slide down his body. "Pretty good, but tired. How are you?" "Ready to see Rachel on Tuesday." "You know, she needs to rest...you should go to HER," Kelci pointed out, still a little pissy with him. "I know, but I can't...besides it was her idea. I think she was hoping to do some baby shopping with you. You know....we would both love for the two of you to be the baby's God parents." "Absolutely!" JC shouted and hugged Kelci from behind. "As a God parent, I won't allow you to hurt him or her. You sure you want me?" Kelci questioned and Lance smiled. "That's exactly why we want you. That protectiveness is what we all need. Will you do it?" "Of course. I'd do just about anything for Rachel and her baby, even if it means forgiving you for your momentary stupidness." Lance smiled and hugged her, "Thank you, C. I won't screw up again, I promise." "I don't take promises lightly. Just remember that." "Look! Kelci sandwich," Chris declared and the other four guys wrapped their arms around the three. "I'm being consumed by testosterone," Kelci's muffled voice managed to be heard as someone brushed her breast. "OK, if that's not JC, someone is about to loose a hand." "Not me!" Wade declared and backed up followed by Justin and Chris. "Not me," Lance smiled, but pinched her hip. "It's me," JC whispered as Joey moved away. "Have I told you that I've missed you yet?" "Your eyes have, but not your lips." They shared a soft kiss then both sighed contently as he pressed his forehead to her's. Neither could suppress a bright smile and Kelci rubbed her nose against his while their hands rested on the other's hips. She pulled herself in closer and nuzzled his neck. "I should let you get back to work." "If you must," he sighed playfully as her hands slipped down to cup his ass. "Hey now!" "I love you, Joshy." "I love you, too, baby. Go take a good long nap." "What time are you stopping tonight?" "About 7." "Guys," Kelci stated as she turned in JC's arms. "Dinner's on me tonight. What should we have?" "Whatever you want?" Chris said and the others agreed. "What about chicken stir fry or...lasagna..." "Or take out, so you can sleep," JC stated. "Ale house?" "Yeah!" She took their requests, kissed JC good-bye, and found the guards. All of them declined her invitation and she nodded, then found Johnny in his office. She was introduced to his wife, who seemed to adore Kelci. The actress smiled politely as she listened to the gushing adoration then invited them to dinner. To Mrs. Wright's dismay, they had to decline the offer. "Oh, Kelci. Before you go, I wanted to offer the use of the weight room. JC said your fitness regime is pretty demanding and running outside the compound won't be easy. There is a treadmill, stair master, and weight bench down there. You are welcome to it," Johnny smiled politely. "Well, thank you. Is it still OK to use the pool as well?" "Absolutely." "Maybe I'll join you for a run or something," Erika Wright suggested. "That'd be nice, but I'm taking today and tomorrow off." "Understandable. Would you like a massage? The guys have one on-call this month," Johnny offered. "I don't want to impose or piss anyone off." "Brit's not here so Mr. Pissy won't show up." "Oh, but..." "I'll ask Janet to arrive in about an hour so you have time for a bath." "But...she doesn't work for me," Kelci protested. "Invite her to stay for dinner." "Really, I'm fine. I don't need a massage, but thank you for your offer. Maybe another time." Johnny laughed as he leaned back in his chair and finally spoke, "JC said you were tough, but your outer shell is delicate. Makes men want to take care of you. Protect you." "Well...Josh can be tough and challenging himself, but I can protect myself. Thank you," Kelci mused. "As for the massage, if I decide I need one later, Joshy can do it. I have about 5 IOUs from him." "I think you're good for JC BECAUSE you challenge him. Make him work sometimes then other times you soothe him...you seem to know what he needs....much like Rachel and Lance." "Rachel and Lance are just so sweet and romantic," Erika swooned. "Lance can be an ass at times," Kelci stated. "He was just surprised. Now he's damn near giddy. He wants to go public," Johnny informed. "Better ask Rach first. She's the PR expert and it's her life, too." "I know. We have a meeting on Thursday." Kelci nodded and said good-bye before trudging over to the condo. She was too tired to carry her bags upstairs so she borrowed a pair for JC's jockey shorts and a t-shirt. The relaxing 2 hour bath with the Jacuzzi jets was just what she needed. She managed to get to the bed and under the covers, too tired to pull on the clothes. She set JC's alarm for 6 the buried herself in the cool sheets, snoring softly moments later. |