Chapter 11
Upstairs, Melissa stood under the warm water as she rinsed her hair. Any nervousness had completely abated. Now all she could think of was the excitement Joey had created within her, and of the happiness she felt. Every moment she was with him filled her heart so full it almost felt heavy. She truly could not believe how deeply she felt for this man she had not even known the previous morning when she woke. She knew too, that Joey felt something for her. She just didn't know what.
She also knew she had to be careful. The last thing she needed to do was to confess an undying love. After the short amount of time, they had known each other, that admission would be enough to send any man into a dead sprint.
She laughed at herself as she rinsed the conditioner from her hair. Why was she acting this way? Hadn't she already resigned herself to the fact that she and Joey could never have a relationship? She knew she just had to take this for what it was, two people enjoying each other. She knew better than to read into his actions, or the situation. Her head did anyway. Her heart, however, was another matter. She smiled, shrugging off those worries, as she lathered her body with vanilla shower gel and began to sing.
Melissa was so involved in her aquatic performance, that she didn't even hear Joey enter the room until he spoke. �Hey, Angel? You've been in there 30 minutes. You okay?� he said, laughter in his voice.
�Oh, yeah,� she answered as she jumped in surprise. �I was just about to... Oh hell!�
�Whasammata?� he asked.
�Um, I forgot to grab a towel. Can you hand me one?�
�Yeah, sure. Hold on,� he said as he walked over to the towel rack, grabbing the first towel he laid his hands on. The shower door was opaque, and did little to conceal Melissa's naked form. Joey felt his palms begin to sweat as he passed the towel over the door. 'Good Lord,' he thought to himself, 'it's not as if you've never seen a naked woman before. Get a hold of yourself.' This was somehow different, though. He silently cursed himself as his body began to respond against his will.
�Um, Joey, honey?� Melissa said with a giggle.
�Huh? Um, I mean, what?� he answered, his husky voice cracking in surprise.
�I think I may need something larger than this honey,� she laughed as she threw the hand towel back over the door.
�Oh,� he smiled, as he laughed at himself and handed her another towel. �Here ya go.�
�Thank you. Much better,� she said, toweling off her long legs, as Joey watched, unable to look away. Soon, she wrapped the larger towel around her body, and stepped out of the shower.
Joey was suddenly and undeniably captivated by the way the sun shone down upon her, large drops of water glistening upon her shoulders, her damp hair falling around her face. Dammit! Why was it she could make him feel like a sixteen-year-old boy, he wondered.
�So, I guess that I have about 30 minutes to get ready, huh?� He nodded, stepping back into the reality that they did have somewhere to be. �You need the shower, Joe?�
�I'll shower before the show. Speaking of which, don't you believe in real soap? All I could find this morning was a bunch of foo-foo junk. I smell like a woman, yo,� he complained lightly.
She couldn't stop herself from laughing aloud at Joey's dilemma. �Well, Joe. I'm not sure if you've noticed this, but I happen to be a woman,� she whispered.
�You'd better believe I have,� he said as he walked toward her.
�Ok,� she said, �I have GOT to get ready. I'll see you downstairs in a few,� she said with a smile as he leaned down to kiss her softly.
Though it was meant to be short, the kiss deepened as Joey gathered Melissa into his arms. He held the back of her head as he massaged her lips with his own, their tongues dueling. His other arm was snaked around her waist, pulling her body against his. She moaned his name as he concluded the kiss, gently biting her bottom lip as he pulled away. They stood in each other's arms for several moments, both dazed by the kiss.
�Why does this always happen when you kiss me?� Melissa asked, her cheek resting against his rapidly rising chest.
�Ya got me girl,� he laughed as he kissed her forehead.
�Ok,� she sighed in resignation, once she had recovered. �If I'm ever going to get ready, I guess you need to leave.�
�Alright, I'll see you downstairs,� he said, before kissing her forehead again and leaving the room.
About twenty minutes later, Melissa strolled down the stairs. She wore a pair of fitted hip huggers, paired with a black t-shirt, and on her right arm, she carried a small bag, holding a change of clothes for the concert. Her hair had been curled and was now pulled up in a scrunchie.
The others sat in the living area, awaiting her arrival, and Joey was the first to see her as she descended the stairs. He sighed silently as he watched her. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Joey rose to greet her with a smile and a kiss.
She smiled as she eyed his ripped jeans and a black Superman t-shirt. �You and Superman. First the hat and now a shirt?�
�Oh, that's not the half of it,� Lance lamented, rolling his eyes. �He's got tons of junk.�
�Well,� she said with a wink, �it's fitting.� Melissa sat down, joining in the conversation. Joey excused himself and wandered upstairs for several minutes before coming back down to join the others in conversation, sitting on the arm of the chair that Melissa occupied.
Soon, a knock was heard at the door. �Well,� Joey said, �That must be Johnny.�
�All right! Let's go,� Cassie said, almost shouting, as they began their journey.
A large tour bus sat in wait near a side entrance. Apparently, repairs had taken place that morning and the bus had just arrived. The guys all smiled as they saw their home away from home sitting before them.
By now a few fans had gathered outside of the hotel, waiting to catch a glimpse of their idols. Melissa looked out at them, a little nervous to take the short walk ahead. How would the fans react, she wondered, to him being so close to her?
Joey sensed Melissa's reluctance and grabbed her hand, squeezing as he winked at her. �Don't worry Angel, It'll be ok,� he said, appearing to read her mind yet again.
As they opened the door, the frigid wind whipped around them, causing Melissa to cuddle closer to Joey, who had put his arm around her.
They made their way to the bus slowly, stopping to take pictures or sign autographs for their admirers. Melissa was really surprised at how calm most of them were. She giggled inwardly as she pictured herself at thirteen. She was not sure she would have been so composed.
When they made their way onto the large bus, Joey turned to Melissa. �So, ya want the grand tour?� he asked. She nodded with a giggle.
The vehicle itself had all the amenities one could imagine. A sizeable couch sat in the front, facing a large entertainment center. Next to the living area was a kitchenette, holding a booth that would seat several as well as a small refrigerator and microwave. The final section of the bus was the largest, containing a restroom and several bunks, which were larger than Melissa would have pictured, and almost the size of a full bed. Thick curtains, which would certainly block out light, surrounded the bunks. Joey had made comments regarding each room and when they reached this area, he smiled mischievously. �And this,� he said, opening the curtains to what must have been his bunk, �Is my bed. Wanna give it a test drive?�
�Maybe later Romeo,� she said playfully as she rolled her eyes. �Of course.� She continued, smiling maliciously, �We do have, what, about ten minutes. That should be��
Before she could finish her taunt, Joey had picked Melissa up, throwing her on the bed as he followed closely. �Girl, I'm bout to show you ten minutes,� he threatened as he began to tickle her mercilessly.
�Dammit, Fatone...Cut...it...out,� she said disintegrating into wild laughter, shrieking as she attempted unsuccessfully to escape her captor. �Joey, you're messin up my hair. Cut it out dammit.�
Joey laughed as he halted his attach. �At's right. I'm da man.�
�Well...I wouldn't go THAT far,� Melissa taunted as she giggled.
�Heeeeeyyyyy,� he whined as he began to tickle her again. �Say it,� he commanded when she again begged him to stop.
"Say what?� she shrieked through her laughter.
�Say it. Say Joe's da man!� he said, making her laugh even harder. �C'mon. You know you wanna. Three words. That's it.�
�OK, OK, stop and I'll...stop, I can't. OK, You're the man. You're the man,� she shouted as Joey finally concluded his attack.
�Yeah baby,� he said gleefully as he bent to kiss her.
�Ewwwww! Don't you two ever give it a rest? I'm too young to be exposed to this,� Justin shrieked as he came upon the couple. Joey and Melissa both laughed as they climbed down off of the bunk.
�Yeah, I suppose you are just a baby after all,� Melissa teased, rubbing his shaved head as he stuck out his tongue.
The three of them headed back up to the front of the moving bus. Chris and JC concluded an Xbox game, and Chris taunted JC. �That's right! Kicked your ass, AGAIN!� Melissa giggled as she and Joey took a seat.
Johnny gave everyone the rundown of the schedule. The men, who probably heard this daily, patiently listened, though Chris couldn't keep still. �Yes, yes, and then a microphone won't work, and 4:30 will turn to 5:30 and then...� Johnny looked only mildly annoyed as he continued.
Once they got to the arena, the girls met more of the crew, including Melinda who was glad to finally see the men. They also met Joey's brother, Steve, who was almost as charming as his brother.
The actual sound check went very smoothly, though Chris was right and his microphone had to be replaced twice. Melissa and Cassie marveled as they watched the men work together. Their voices harmonized so perfectly that sometimes the five sounded like one.
Melissa was so amazed by the blending of their voices that her breath was literally taken away and she found herself crying. Joey, who had barely taken his eyes off of her, almost stopped singing when he saw tears trickle down her face. For an instant he thought something was wrong, until he saw her smile. He stood, wondering why she cried. Then, he remembered how she had told him how music could affect her. At that moment, he felt more honored than by any reward he could receive. If the other guys were aware of her feeling, they would react in the same manner. He smiled tenderly at Melissa and her smile intensified.
After the actual sound check, the sound check party took place. Fans who had obtained passes sat near the stage snapping pictures and giggling. The men sang two songs and answered several questions. Joey waved and flirted with the fans and Melissa had to smile at their reactions. Chris kept up his part as the comedian, commenting on every little thing. After the second song, the men waved goodbye to their adoring fans and disappeared beneath the stage.
Melinda called the girls back once the room had been cleared and escorted them back to the dressing room the men now relaxed in. The opening act could be on in a little over an hour she told them, so that gave them a little downtime before their performance.
Melissa instantly took a liking to Melinda. She was friendly and warm, and like all the others seemed very real. She had to respect her, too. Keeping up with these five must be quite a task.
The men, along with a few others were sitting in a large room talking when the girls entered. Joey met Melissa, kissing her and the room erupted in wolf whistles, prompting a giggle from Melissa.
After they had met everyone in the room, they took seats near JC and Joey. After chatting for quite some time, it was apparent that they needed to start getting ready for the show. �Shoot girl, you two can change right here. I'll close my eyes. Swear to God!� Justin coerced playfully when Cassie asked where they should go.
�You wish, little man,� Melissa said rolling her eyes as Justin stuck out his bottom lip.
Melinda laughed as she showed Cassie and Melissa to a small room in which to get ready and change. �If you need anything, just let me know,� she said with a smile as she closed the door.
�So, how ya holdin up girl?� Cassie asked as Melissa began to touch up her curls.
�Oh. I'm fine. A little nervous, but nothing like this morning. So how's your little vacation with JC?� she asked with a wink.
�Girl that man is truly amazing,� Cassie answered evoking a giggle from her friend. �So it looks like Joey hooked you up with a sweet room.�
Melissa blushed. � I know. Cass, I REALLY like him. I mean...� she sighed.
�I know ya do girl, and from what Jace says, he never acts this way.�
�It just sucks that this will all be over,� Melissa complained, almost weeping at the thought of this ending. �Anyway, not gonna think about that right now. I'm just gonna enjoy the time we do have.�
Cassie smiled at her friend as she nodded. She knew it wouldn't be easy for Melissa. Hell, it would be difficult enough for Cassie, but Melissa was different. Joey was the first man since Robert she had opened up to, physically or emotionally. She seemed to trust Joey immediately and Cassie knew what she felt for him was more than physical. She also knew that Melissa cared more than she was willing to admit.
�Well,� Melissa said as she smoothed down the silky skirt. �You think he'll like?�
�Girl, he'd be blind not to,� Cassie said with a giggle as Melissa pulled on her strappy black shoes. �Well,� she continued, �It's time. You ready?� Melissa smiled and nodded as she checked her reflection one last time.
While looking for the guys, Cassie and Melissa ran across Melinda. She explained that the guys usually spent the last fifteen minutes before a show alone. She escorted them under the stage to wait.
Melissa felt like a teenager, as she stood, waiting to see Joey. She fluffed her hair, smoothed her skirt, and asked Cassie if she looked all right at least ten times. The butterflies in her stomach grew and multiplied, as time seemed to crawl by. What would he think? What would he say? She found that she actually had to remind herself to breathe.
�Melissa,� Cassie said from beside her. �Calm down. You're gonna give yourself an aneurysm, or at least a zit.�
She knew that though Cassie was exaggerating, she was right. She smiled at her friend as she forced herself to calm down. At that moment, she turned to see the guys coming toward her. As soon as she saw Joey, the butterflies came back to life. She looked him, waiting for a response, as she unconsciously pulled the right side of her bottom lip between her teeth.
When Joey saw Melissa standing there, her long curls framing her face and flowing over her shoulders, he almost stopped in his tracks. The short black skirt she wore accentuated her long legs, and the material of her blouse hugged her curves just as it should. The neckline revealed much of her shoulders and she wore a necklace holding a small heart-shaped diamond pendant, which glittered beneath the lights. Joey also noticed how the color of her top seemed to be reflected in her beautiful eyes, which had darkened. She was, in a word, breathtaking.
Melissa didn't know what to make of his reaction. 'Why is he just standing there? Why doesn't he say something? Oh God, it's the skirt. It's too short,' she worried as she chewed at her lip.
Finally, Joey broke the deafening silence between them. �My god, Melissa. You look beautiful,� he said tenderly as he gathered her hands into his.
She smiled as Joey leaned in for a soft, longing kiss. �Thank you,� she replied smiling against his lips. �You don't look so bad yourself.�
Justin, who was suddenly all business, interrupted the embracing couple. �Ok guys!� he shouted in excitement. �Are we ready?� The men all screamed back and after a final goodbye, they were all in place.
�Break a leg!� Melissa shouted as she laughed. Cassie simply looked back at her, giggling at her giddy cohort. The two walked from beneath the stage and found their empty seats on the side just in time to hear thousands of screams as a video began to play. They laughed aloud at the commotion. Each time Justin or Lance came on, the screams were almost deafening.
At the conclusion of the video, the men came up through the stage and the crowded arena was so loud one could scarcely hear their own thoughts. The show was absolutely phenomenal. The guys sounded amazing and moved flawlessly upon the stage. They performed arrangements of all of their popular songs as well as a few that Melissa had only heard coming from Brandi's room. Melissa and Cassie were both surprised at how much of the music they knew as they danced to the songs, singing along.
The two were obviously enjoying themselves a great deal, and upon several occasions Joey caught himself watching Melissa. She seemed so happy that he couldn't help but to smile. As he watched he thought how amazing she looked as she moved and laughed. For one of the first times in his life, he didn't want to be on stage. He didn't want to be anywhere that was more than two foot from Melissa. He wanted to be there next to her, dancing against her, kissing her neck, his hands running over her entire body. Joey actually had to stop himself, to come back to the reality that he was performing and that their fans deserved all of his attention, or as much as he could muster. He turned his attention back to the audience, all the while holding the picture of Melissa within his mind.
He had to laugh at himself. Several times in the past there had been others who he'd had feelings for, but never strong enough for him to feel as if he could commit to her alone. He had told himself, that logically, this was not the time for a serious relationship. First of all, he was still young. He knew that one day he wanted to settle down completely, but not yet. Secondly, Joey knew it wouldn't be fair to start something when he was always away. How could either of them expect the other to wait for a few stolen moments between concerts or projects? When Joey thought of Melissa, though, his objections seemed unimportant. He didn't have the overwhelming feeling that he was too young, and the thought of commitment didn't make him shudder.
Of course, he did have to consider his other reason for hesitation. Was it fair to her to start something and then leave? She knew about his reputation, so would she be able to trust him? He knew without a doubt, it was possible, though when he looked at her. He smiled again as he watched her smile. With one glance, any doubt he might have had, all but vanished. He just hoped that any uncertainty Melissa might have could be just as easily dismissed.
Melissa smiled wide at Joey from the side of the stage, watching his every move. Several times, she caught sight of him watching her with what looked like desire and she blushed hotly under his gaze. She was so excited she could barely stand still. Cassie looked at her questioningly as she laughed. �What?� she laughed, �He's just as sexy as hell, all sweaty, and, did you see that stage hump? Oh, just hush,� she commanded as Cassie giggled, amazed to see the change that had occurred in Melissa in the last 24 hours.
Melissa couldn't help but to watch him. When he sang, especially his solos, there was so much passion in his voice. The way he moved on the stage captivated her, holding her attention.
After a few songs, the men sat on stools as they sang �God Must Have Spent.� Again, the way the voices mixed touched Melissa deeply within her soul. She closed her eyes, allowing the music to wash over her, as her emotions took over. Large tears flowed from her eyes and every note resonated through her body as she trembled. When Melissa opened her eyes, she noticed Joey staring intently as he sang. Maybe it was her imagination, she thought, but his brown eyes seemed moist, as if he might be near tears himself. She smiled vibrantly as the last few notes played and he looked back, with a warm, beautiful smile that made Melissa's knees weaken. If there had been any doubt before, it would have disappeared at that moment.
Several songs, and dozens of hi-jinks later, the show was finished. As the men took made their final exits, Cassie and Melissa made their way beneath the stage to meet them, clapping and screaming wildly as they drew near.
As Joey drew closer, Melissa's smile widened. �You were great,� she shouted. �And you guys were okay too,� she teased as she placed her arms around Joey's neck and reached up to kiss him, ignoring groans of the others.
�Hey, that's not fair! Joey gets to kiss a girl and what do we get?� Chris complained in his most infantile whine.
�Oh Lord! C'mon over here you,� Melissa said, rolling her eyes as she held out her arms.
�Yea!� Chris screamed as he ran to Melissa and grabbed her, squeezing so hard she could scarcely breathe.
�Okay Chris,� she strained. �Good job, now lemme go, babe.� He finally released Melissa and she ran back to Joey who was laughing. �You coulda warned me,� she scoffed playfully as they walked to the backstage area.
Several fans stood in wait, all noticeably excited to see the guys. After about an hour of signing autographs, chatting with admirers, and posing for pictures, they said their goodbyes and headed back to the dressing room. Though the men were obviously tired they were still elated. �So guys, where we gonna go?� Lance asked the others.
�Yeah, ladies, where should we go?� Chris inquired.
�Let's go clubbin!� Justin echoed.
�Yeah, let's go to that club we were at last time,� Chris said as he picked up his cell. �You ladies ready?�
Melissa attempted to think of an excuse as Joey placed his arms around her, kissing and then blowing softly at the sensitive skin on her neck. She didn't want to go anywhere but back to the hotel. �Well it is after midnight, guys, and I got up early, so I'm pretty tired. I should turn in.�
�No way!� Chris shouted. �You gotta go with! If you and Cass don't go, whose gonna dance with me?� he argued, pouting.
�I'm SURE someone will be willing, Christopher,� she answered, rolling her eyes. �I'm REALLY tired.� Couldn't he take a hint? Did she need to come out and say it?
�Girl, we might as well go ahead and go,� Joey said in explanation. �Chris never shuts up until he gets his way.�
�Damn right!� Chris shouted.
�Besides,� Joey whispered in Melissa's ear seductively, �We can always sneak away.�
Melissa shook visibly as she felt Joey's hot breath on her neck and his mouth inches from her ear. She nodded in agreement as they made their way to an awaiting limousine.
On the short drive to the club, Melissa sat cuddled against Joey as he periodically kissed her neck, or nibbled her earlobe, making her crazy. A crowded club was the last place she wanted to be when he touched and kissed her. �Do we have to?� she whispered to him.
Joey chuckled. �Patience, love,� he said as he smiled against her hair, breathing her in.
The VIP area of the large club wasn't as crowded as Melissa expected it to be and the men were able to move around with relative ease, though several large men still shadowed them, never too far behind. Melissa recognized a few of the girls, who talked and danced with them, from the concert and wondered how the girls had known where they would be. Joey told her that Steve probably informed most of them. She rolled her eyes and giggled, mumbling something about Fatone's.
Melissa had to admit that even though she had been an unwilling participant in this outing, she was having a good time. The clubs patrons, even Steve's guests, were closer to her age than in the clubs at home, which were swarmed by minors. She enjoyed being out with Joey and his friends and found dancing with each of them to be an experience within itself. Of course, dancing with Joey made the trip worth the wait. He danced so close she could feel every inch of him. She moved slowly, sensuously against him, giving back some of the torture he had dealt to her all night, making him ache for her.
Chris was, as she would have expected, a ham even on the dance floor. One moment, he danced close, and the next, he jumped about. JC and she chatted as they swayed to the music until Cassie interrupted them. Lance moved flirtatiously, though he seemed a little timid, almost unsure of his movements at times.
She had to admit that Justin was, indeed, a natural on the dance floor. The way his body moved to the slow, sensual music was so natural, fluid, and almost animal. She had no problem recognizing what Brandi saw in the confident young man. As one song gave way to the next and Justin continued to move against her, she found her eyes searching the room. Though she was enjoying dancing with Justin, it was not truly his body she yearned to feel against her own.
Just as she was about to turn around to continue her exploration, she felt someone behind her and she immediately knew it was Joey. He pressed against her hungrily as he gently pushed her hair aside, kissing her neck. A quick chill, which was felt by both men, ran through Melissa's body.
Justin knowingly chuckled under his breath and kept moving as Joey continued his assault. As he licked and kissed her neck, his hands slid around her waist and under her shirt to her stomach. His skilled hands caressed her skin, running under the waistband of her skirt, making her burn. Melissa moaned aloud, almost having forgotten the Justin still stood before her. Placing her hand on the back of Joey's neck, she pressed against him. �I'm ready to go. NOW!� she moaned into his ear, not caring if Justin had heard her.
He nodded in agreement and motioned to Justin as he said, �We're gonna go, man. Let the others know, okay?�
�No problem,� he agreed as he eyed the pretty brunette who was approaching.