Chapter 10
The trip from the airfield to the hotel was relatively peaceful. There had been two teenage girls, who recognized the guys as they exited the plane, but no one else was aware of their presence. Their father, who worked at the airfield, had brought them with him to obtain some paperwork from the office. At first, both girls looked annoyed and impatient to be there. As soon as Justin came down the stairs from the plane, though, the smaller girl grabbed her sister's arm with so much force, she screamed. �God,� she complained, �Cathy, if you don't let go of me, I'm gonna beat your...� As she followed, her sister's gaze, though, her grievance was soon forgotten. Both girls smiled wide as they stood waiting for the men to approach.
Melissa, who was walking between Joey and Lance, smiled at the girls, then looked to Joey. �Hey Joe, is your fly fastened?�
With this Lance stopped dead in his tracks and began to laugh aloud. The others, who were now talking with the girls, looked back at the trio, wondering what could possibly be so funny.
Joey laughed in spite of himself. �Woman,� he threatened with a smile, �Don't make me finish what I started earlier.�
�I guess you're right,� she replied maliciously, �I'd hate for you to end up on your ass again.�
Lance laughed again and Joey joined in, as he playfully grabbed Melissa, picking her up roughly as she dropped her purse. Lance looked thoughtfully at the two. In all the years he had known Joey, he had never seen him act this way before. Melissa's every move held Joey's attention and he seemed completely happy each moment she was near. Watching Melissa, Lance understood completely. She was a beautiful woman, but that was not what caught his attention or Joey's for that matter. It was something inside of her, something that could not be contained. Lance smiled, shaking his head. 'He'd better hang onto this one,' he thought.
After the guys had signed autographs for the lucky fans, and taken several pictures, a very large stretch limousine appeared and they were soon on their way to the hotel. �Man,� Justin complained again. �Wanna nap. What the hell did I drink last night anyway?�
�What didn't you drink?� Chris answered a little too loudly as Justin closed his eyes again.
�Well,� Johnny said, �It's just after 1:00. You don't have to be at the arena until 3:00, so I think you'll have some time for a nap. You sure you don't just want a bloody Mary, buddy?�
�Dude, just shut the hell up. That is so not cool,� Justin whined.
�Justin, I had no idea you felt so bad, hun. You ate like a horse this morning,� Melissa commented, smiling.
�Yeah, it's mainly my head. I didn't sleep too well either. There were all those eyes, all those... well, me's looking down at me. It was kinda creepy,� he said as the others laughed.
�I hafta agree, hun. That would creep me out too,� Melissa teased, receiving a glare from Justin. �I dunno,� she continued. �I don't find the pictures all that unpleasant. Especially that one I was looking at last night. It, um, well Joe, you were wearin a cowboy hat. In fact, you were all kinda country. It was, um, well, um, it was nice,� she said fumbling for words.
�Oh,� Joey said as he smiled mischievously. �So you like the cowboy hat there, do ya darlin?�
�Oh, well, I see cowboy hats all of the time, Joe. They don't do a thing for me,� she said, defending herself as her friend began to laugh at the obvious lie. �Well, they don't...usually, but that picture is, um, well, yeah, I'm gonna shut up now.�
�Damn,� he smiled wide, �Gotta get a cowboy hat.� Everyone, including a blushing Melissa, laughed as they pulled into a large parking garage.
Lonnie got out of the front seat first, checking to make sure the coast was clear. Upon finding it was safe to emerge, he gave them all the go-ahead.
�God,� Cassie marveled as they walked toward the elevators. �This has been entirely too easy.�
�Hey girl,� JC said, only half-complaining, as he poked Cassie in the ribs. �Don't jinx us.�
A full floor had already been reserved and now the hotel manager, an older man that made Melissa think of a butler in an old mystery movie, stood waiting in front of two open elevators. "Welcome to the Hyatt Regency, The keys you will be given not only give you access to your accommodations, but also private admittance to your floor. We appreciate your choice of staying with us at the Hyatt Regency. If there is ANYTHING we can do for you, do not hesitate to let us know. We will be happy to help you in any matter possible." After the manager had met everyone, Joey, Melissa, JC, Cassie, Johnny, and Tiny piled into the elevator on the right.
�The other guys got in last night. Melissa, Cassie, these are your security passes. You know Tiny and Lonnie, and you'll meet the rest of the crew soon. They'll know you in no time flat. Hotel security on the other hand, is another story entirely. Not exactly rocket scientists if you know what I mean,� Johnny informed, smiling
Lonnie cracked a smile. �You can say that again. In Kansas City, Randy and I had lunch with one of em. The next morning he didn't even remember who we were. Sucker wouldn't let us pass til Tiny came over to straighten the boy out.�
Melissa and Cassie both giggled. �God Lonnie, it takes a special kind of idiot not to remember you, darlin,� Melissa commented. Lonnie smiled as he chuckled at that statement.
Joey stood again, staring at Melissa, contemplating again just how happy and at ease she made him feel at all time. Considering all things, that was quite a feat. Joey wasn't in the habit of letting his guard down. He could hardly afford to in his position. With Melissa, though, he simply couldn't help it. Knowing that these past two years were nothing short of heartbreaking for her, he just hoped he could make her feel the same. All he really wanted was to take away her pain, to make her happy. He smiled to himself as he placed his arms around Melissa and she again settled back into his embrace. He took in her scent as he buried his face in her soft hair, kissing her head lightly.
Joey leaned toward Johnny as the elevator came to a stop. He'd been so caught up that he had almost forgotten the request he had made of Johnny. �Hey, man,� he whispered, �Didja take care of that thing for me?�
�Yeah, I got it. Here's the extra key, Joe,� Johnny responded with a smile. Joey had asked secretly that Johnny reserve the best room for he and Melissa tonight, and in her hand, Melissa held the card to the presidential suite. He could scarcely wait to see her face. Joey smiled wickedly to himself as she began to open the door. �So, Mr. Fatone,� she stopped looking up through her long lashes. �Will I have the pleasure of your company tonight, or do you have another room?�
She looked almost distraught upon asking this question, and Joey thought he would laugh aloud. �Well, Angel, I thought I would stay here with you if it was alright,� he cooed.
�Yeah, I GUESS that�ll work� she teased as she walked through the door, still looking at Joey.
As soon as Melissa walked through the narrow foyer, she stopped in her tracks, almost unable to breathe. �Oh my God, Joey, this is beautiful.�
Upon entering the room, Melissa looked to her right. Eight matching chairs surrounded an immense oak table, and a mixture of fresh flowers served as a centerpiece. Across from the dining room, sat a large kitchen, holding a large bar.
Throughout the suite high ceilings met large, oak crown molding, which occupied two feet of wall space. The cream-colored walls melted into the hardwood floors, which occupied the bottom level of the suite.
Directly in front of Melissa was sort of a parlor, containing a dark blue couch and love seat, both of which stood behind small glass coffee tables. Two large chairs sat across from the couch and loveseat. Each of the chairs held throw pillows in various shades and textures.
In the room to Melissa's left were two large chairs across from a massive entertainment center containing a big-screen television, VCR, DVD player, and stereo system. The walls were covered by large prints, which completed the room. Melissa took a particular liking to a painting in the dining area. It was of a courtyard, containing a cream colored bench. The bench was surrounded by a flower garden, which held various colored roses and other flowers. Two doves sat nestled upon a birdbath, which matched the bench in color and texture. Melissa smiled as she took in the peace of the scene.
To the right of the entryway was a set of stairs leading up to a large loft. Melissa simply stood for several moments, looking around, attempting to take in all that lay before her. Joey smiled wide as he held out his arm, signaling her to go ahead. �After you, milady,� he said chivalrously. Melissa smiled as she ascended the stairs, followed closely by Joey who grinned madly.
The stairs were covered by plush camel colored carpeting, into which Melissa felt her feet sink. She grinned as she imagined how it would feel against her bare feet. Immediately to the right of the stairs was a small bathroom and dressing room nestled in the entrance of a large study, which held a brown leather couch with a matching chair. Across from the couch was an enormous oak desk before a bulky leather office chair.
Melissa came to the loft hallway and noted she was able to look down into the parlor from that vantage point. As she made her way down the hall, she came upon a large door, which stood open, awaiting her arrival. She slowly walked into the colossal bedroom, looking around in wonder. Melissa had always been proud of her own home, particularly her bedroom, but it was nothing compared to this one. This room was, in a word, opulent. The carpet, which covered the rest of the loft, flowed into the room, meeting the cream walls. A king size bed adorned in a black satin comforter overflowed with fluffy pillows varying in shape and size. Some were the leopard print that matched the trim of the comforter, while others were colors that appeared in the print. It was very exotic while remaining tasteful. The four-poster bed sat high above the floor, majestically, commanding attention. Across from the bed sat a dark armoire, which held a small television, and to the right was a black leather chair and ottoman. The far wall jutted out and contained a loveseat, which matched the other furniture. Tall windows covered by leopard print curtains surrounded the sofa.
To the right of the bed was the master bathroom, which was breathtaking as well. The floor was covered by shiny marble, leading up to an enormous shower nestled by a Jacuzzi tub. Black and tan towels hung near the large tub, which was surrounded by various candles, one of which Melissa immediately picked up. Joey watched with a grin, as she lifted the candle to her face to take in its scent. �Mmm,� she sighed, �My favorite, vanilla.�
He laughed to himself, noting that though she was obviously appreciative of her surroundings, she was still able to notice what some might consider insignificant. She beamed brightly at Joey. Her eyes twinkled with excitement and Joey felt something deep inside awake. Ever since the moment he had met Melissa, he had been acutely aware of this feeling and it only grew each moment she was near. �Joey, I don't know what to say. This is...amazing,� she said smiling. � I mean it's beautiful. Everything, though, is just...Thank you. And not just for the room, for...well, for everything. Do you have any idea how long it's been since I've been away from home?�
Joey shook his head as he grinned at her thoughtfully. �I'd say too long, Angel.�
�Yeah,� she said as she smiled distantly, �Almost three years, I'd say. The last vacation I took was when Robert and I went to Disney World. It started raining...� Melissa suddenly stopped. How did it make Joey feel to hear her talk about Robert? Sharing stories about an ex-boyfriend was bad enough. She couldn't imagine her late husband could be any better.
�Melissa,� he said appearing to read her thoughts. �It's ok. Don't feel like you can't talk about him. You were married for God's sake. He made you happy,� he concluded taking her hands into his own. She smiled back at him, realizing just how wonderful he was.
�Yeah,� she spoke slowly. �Everyone else was running for cover or leaving. The rain though, was just this wonderful warm summer rain. We just walked around until it stopped. I still remember the way it smelled,� she said, closing her eyes.
Joey watched her pensively, a smile crossing his lips as she recounted the distant memory of a love he knew she would always have. He knew that Robert would always hold a place in her heart. Strangely, though, he felt no jealousy toward this man he would never meet, only gratitude for having made her so happy. Joey almost felt a kinship with Robert, because this was what he wanted as well.
�Hey,� she grinned. �You're from that area. I mean from Florida, right?�
�Yeah, My home is in Orlando. We moved there from Brooklyn when I was fourteen, so it's where I spent my teenage years.�
�Brooklyn, huh? So that's where ya get that sexy accent,� she teased Joey as she batted her eyelashes.
He laughed as he walked slowly toward her. �Oh, so you likes da way I talk? Do ya?� he said exaggerating his accent. �Well, you know us Brooklyn boys can be pretty bad.�
�Oh really?� she flirted, raising her eyebrows suggestively. �How bad?�
�You're about to find out,� he purred, closing the distance between them, and placing a hand on the back of her head, taking Melissa's mouth in the most consuming kiss she had ever experienced. Her knees went completely weak as he worked his tongue into her mouth, kissing her so passionately she felt she might explode any minute. His other hand, which rested on her back, began to travel upward, tracing the small of her back as she trembled beneath his searing touch. Wherever his hand was, a small fire seemed to follow. She moaned against his lips as his hand began to work the clasp on her bra. She made no attempt to stop him, but instead pressed her body firmly against Joey, feeling the intensity between them. In moments, his expert hands had unfastened her bra and he now traced her shoulder blade as he pressed more fully into her body, making his need evident.
They somehow made their way to the bed, and Joey laid Melissa down, and joined her, never breaking their kiss. As Joey began to work the small buttons on the front of Melissa's shirt, she began to unfasten his belt, yearning to feel him. All of the nervousness she felt earlier was completely forgotten as she gave her body over to the pleasure he was giving her. She felt as if she had to have him now, no more waiting. She finished unbuckling his belt and began to unzip his pants. She moaned aloud as she felt his hands upon her breasts and felt his tongue invade her mouth over and over again. Joey and Melissa were so engrossed in one another that they almost failed to hear the knock at the door.
�Oh hell,� Joey moaned as he forced himself to halt his explorations, rising from the bed. �If that's one of the guys, I swear to God...� he mumbled as he stalked toward the door.
Melissa smiled through her frustration as she began to follow him closely, straightening her clothing all the way. When she finally caught up with Joey he was tipping the young bellhop who had delivered their luggage.
Just as the door was about to close, an excited Chris bounded through the door, followed closely by Lance, JC, and Cassie. �WUZZUUUPPP???� he shouted as Melissa laughed aloud.
�Don't encourage him,� Joey said, rolling his eyes at his friend. It was too late, though. Once Melissa had started giggling, only a force of nature could make her stop. �What do you guys want yo? Joey said, forcing a smile.
Melissa's laughter had begun to spread and Lance now answered, chuckling a bit, himself. �We were gonna get a pizza. Y'all want it on it?� �
�Ummm, Well, I...� Melissa fumbled for words as her laughter subsided. Honestly, all that Melissa wanted to do was continue what had begun upstairs only moments before. She wondered if there was any way to convince them they had already eaten. She looked to Joey for help.
Joey's thoughts reflected Melissa's. He wasn't interested in pizza right now, but he knew it was useless to argue with his band mates. He looked back to Melissa, and simply shrugged. �Well, I'm not really all that hungry...�
�Yeah, whatever,� Lance said, rolling his eyes, as he dialed the phone.
While waiting for the pizza to arrive and then as they ate, Joey watched Melissa as she interacted with the others. It was like watching siblings in action, the way they picked at her, and the manner in which she returned their taunts. Had he not known better, he would think they had known each other for years instead of hours. �So I guess Justin is still sleepin it off, eh?� Melissa inquired.
�Yeah,� Cassie answered, �When Jace knocked all we heard was a thump and then a string of profanities, so I guess he's still recovering.�
An hour later not a scrap remained of the large pizzas they had ordered. Melissa wondered if they ever had leftovers. She doubted it. After a few moments more of conversation, they all began to file out the door, to get ready for the sound check. Joey and Melissa sat on the large couch, folded in one another's arms, as they kissed softly. �Well,� Melissa sighed, not wanting to move, �I suppose I should get ready. Looks like we only have about an hour, so...I guess I�m gonna jump in the shower.�
�Hey,� Joey responded, an evil grin upon his lips. �You need company? Maybe someone to wash your back?�
Melissa looked back at him teasingly. �And if I drop the soap?�
�Look out girl,� he growled.
�I think I had better take a rain check,� she said giggling. �After all, I only have an hour to get ready, and you can't rush perfection,� she said, leaving him to wonder what she was referring to. On her way up the stairs, she stopped, kissing Joey full on the lips, savoring the feel and taste of him for a few brief moments. �Maybe later we can break in that Jacuzzi tub, though.� Before Joey could say or do anything, Melissa ran up the stairs, leaving him to stand and watch her.
Joey watched Melissa, shaking his head. He couldn't quite figure it out; never had he been so enthralled with a woman. He'd never had these butterflies in the pit of his stomach, or felt so much so quickly. He had also never wanted a woman so badly in his entire life. He found that he took advantage of any opportunity to touch her or hold her in his arms. To tell the truth, what he felt was a little discerning. �Damn woman's gonna be the death of me,� he muttered, smiling wide.