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A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes Chapter 36 Kristy reluctantly returned to Portland and work as Kevin and the Boys continued with their tour. Things began to resemble the way it was in the beginning with frequent, lengthy phone conversations between the two - much to the relief of everyone around them. Kevin also spent time making plans for after the tour. The Boys would end that leg of their North American tour in Florida before restarting a "mini-tour" in February, and Kevin knew exactly what he wanted to do with his down-time. During one of their nightly phone calls, Kristy accepted Kevin's invitation to come out to Orlando for the last few shows and stay with him for awhile. Kevin wanted to make the most of their time in Orlando, but knew he'd have to take care of some business. He wanted to finalize some details before he surprised Kristy with his plan. Kristy wasn't sure what to expect as she walked into the boarding area at the Orlando airport. Kevin had reassured her that someone would be there for her, but she was surprised to see her boyfriend standing near the gate with one of the security team next to him, signing autographs for a handful of fans. Nelson spotted Kristy before Kevin could since the latter was bending down to talk to a little boy of about three. The security guard tapped Kevin on the shoulder and moved to dismiss the small crowd that had gathered around Kevin as Kristy approached. Her smile broadened as their eyes met and as soon as she was within arms reach, Kevin pulled her to him, enveloping her in a loving hug. "Oh my God, I've missed you," he whispered roughly in her ear. Kristy raised smiling eyes to his and nodded in agreement, swallowing the lump that had suddenly formed in her throat. Kevin caressed the side of her face and Kristy closed her eyes as she savored the feeling of being with him again. She opened her eyes and met Kevin�s gaze. Kevin pulled back, glancing around at the people who remained in the boarding area, and took Kristy's hand. "Let's get out of here." Kristy tried to hide the disappointment and frustration she felt as she realized how much she'd wanted Kevin to kiss her, while she quietly followed him out to a black Explorer. She and Kevin made themselves comfortable in the back seat while Nelson retrieved her luggage for her. Behind the tinted windows of the SUV, Kevin pulled her close and held her in his arms. "I'm so glad you're here." Kristy rested her head against his shoulder, her mind swimming with questions about where they stood. "Are you really?" Kevin heard the uncertainty in her voice... though her tone was even and controlled. He pulled back and looked down into her face, trying to gauge her response. The thing he noticed most was the guarded expression in her normally expressive eyes. For the first time since they'd met, he couldn't tell what she was thinking by simply looking into her eyes. Kristy steeled herself against Kevin's intense stare. She cared about him very much and certainly couldn't deny her attraction to him, but she wasn't ready to open herself up to him again completely. She wanted to take things slowly this time, and was holding back on purpose. She didn't know how Kevin felt, but from his relative lack of affection in the airport, she guessed he had his own reservations. "Of course. As wonderful as it is to talk to you on the phone, it's even better to have you here... with me." Kevin recognized a flash of hope - mixed with doubt - in her blue-green eyes. Kristy nodded. "It's just... inside... you didn't..." She averted her eyes, willing herself to remain emotionally detached. 'If he doesn't want a relationship it's better to know now - before I fall in love with him all over.' Kevin tipped her chin up so he could look into her eyes. "You think because I didn't kiss you that I don't really want you here." Kristy nodded slowly, her gaze even. "That's not it at all. I just want to keep things from getting too crazy - as much as I can." Kristy frowned slightly. "Kevin, you can't keep trying to protect me from everything..." "I know, I know... but I still want to." He caressed the side of her face. "I'm used to having things in control... but I know I can't control your life. I'm trying here, Kris - I'm just going to need some help on occasion." Kristy smiled. "Don't worry, I'll let you know when you're getting too overbearing." Kevin chuckled. "Somehow I knew you would." He pulled her to him. "Oh, and Angel... I wanna kiss you so much, it was almost physically painful for me not to before." He leaned forward and brushed his lips over hers in a soft, leisurely kiss. * * * * * Kristy stepped through the door of Kevin's house and took in her surroundings. "So, is it what you imagined?" She turned to the handsome man behind her who was carrying her bags. "Actually, yeah... kinda weird, huh?" "At this point, I wouldn't have expected any less. We're connected, Kristy." Kevin held her gaze as he set her suitcases down and moved towards her. Kristy stood frozen as Kevin approached her. Despite her head telling her to go slow, her body had a tendency to respond to Kevin on its own - leaving her heart stuck somewhere in the middle, being pulled both ways. Kevin drew closer and began to lower his head to kiss her when the phone rang. He saw both relief and disappointment on Kristy's face as he moved away to answer the phone. "Hello... Yeah, we just walked in the door... She's fine." Kristy giggled as Kevin mouthed "Nick" and rolled his eyes. "No, you can't come over to see her. Wait till tonight like everyone else... No, you're NOT special." Kevin groaned. "Fine. Kris, Nick would like to talk to you." Kristy laughed as she took the phone from Kevin. "Hey, Sweetie... what'd you say to Kev?" Nick chuckled. "I threatened to call every two minutes for the rest of the day if he didn't let me talk to you now." Kristy giggled. "Mature, Nicky, very mature. So, what was so important that you were willing to resort to harassment?" "I just wanted to make sure he was behaving himself." Kristy met Kevin's gaze and smiled. "So far." Nick had continued to be a great friend and they'd had many conversations since she and Kevin had reunited. "Okay, just checking. Let me talk to Train again. And Kris?" "Mhmm?" "I'm glad you're here. Kevin's been pretty lonely without you." Kristy passed off the phone after saying goodbye. "Yes?" Kevin asked his younger friend as Kristy examined a painting on his living room wall. He had apologized to all of the guys for his behavior, especially to Nick. Since then, their friendship had become even stronger. "Kev, I know you're thrilled to have Kristy with you again, but remember to take things slowly." Nick had talked to Kristy enough to know she wasn't ready to just pick up where she and Kevin had left off. "And when in doubt... go by the book." * * * * * Kevin took Kristy's bags up to the guestroom, as they'd discussed prior to her arrival. "Are you okay with this?" Kristy asked as she set her carryon on the bed. "I understand... we're taking things slowly." He pulled her into his arms for a hug. "But I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish you were staying in my room." Kristy rested her head on his shoulder - happy that they were together, and that Kevin was willing to essentially start over a bit. "As much as I wanted to keep you to myself tonight, the rest of the guys wouldn't hear of it. So we're meeting everyone at A.J.'s for a Bar-B-Q... unless you're too tired." Kristy bit back a smile at the hopeful look on Kevin's face. "No, I'm fine... besides, you know if we don't show up, Nick and the others will probably come over here, so we might as well be social." Kevin laughed at how well she knew the guys. She really had become part of the group. Kristy and Kevin headed over to A.J.'s after she'd freshened up from her long flight. Kevin glanced at the attractive blonde beside him in his 4Runner and felt his heart swell with love. Even casually dressed in a lightweight, white sleeveless sweater and a short, blue cotton skirt, Kristy looked fantastic. She'd braided her shoulder-length hair into a French braid and tied it with a blue ribbon to match her skirt. Kevin tried to keep his attention focused on the road as Kristy applied some lotion to her long, tan legs. She slipped her feet out of her brown leather sandals and propped one foot at a time on the dashboard as she rubbed the scented lotion into her skin. Kevin cleared his throat unconsciously as he watched her out of the corner of his eye. Kristy heard him and turned her attention to him. "Kev, you okay?" She put her sandals back on and tucked one leg under her as she twisted in the seat slightly. Kevin nodded and slowed the car down, realizing he'd been speeding. "Yeah, I'm fine... now." He turned to his girlfriend and smiled warmly at her. "But if I'd gotten pulled over for speeding, any male cop in the world would've let me off once he saw what you were doing over there." "What was I doing?" Kristy asked innocently, her eyes twinkling. "You know exactly what you were doing, so don't give me that angelic look," Kevin chuckled. "If anything, you would've gotten the ticket... for reckless endangerment." Kristy giggled and slipped her hand into Kevin's whose right arm was propped on the armrest of his truck. Kevin smiled as he felt the warmth from her touch. He used his thumb to caress the back of her hand as they continued to drive in relative silence - each enjoying the comfortable feeling of being in each other's company once again. As they walked up the front steps to A.J.'s house hand-in-hand, Kristy held back a bit. "Are you okay, Princess?" Kevin asked, his concern evident in his deep voice. Kristy nodded and blushed slightly. "I know it's silly, but I'm a little nervous. I mean, I already know you guys... but this is different than joining you on tour. I don't want to intrude on your private lives." Kevin smiled as he pulled her to him for a reassuring embrace. "Kris, you aren't intruding. You're already a part of that aspect of my life. And everyone here feels the same way about you." Kristy gave Kevin a teary smile. "But if it makes you feel any better... I'm a little nervous too." Kristy raised an eyebrow in question. "What do you have to be nervous about?" Kevin caressed her cheek. "I don't want to screw this up. You mean too much to me... I can't lose you, Kristy." He leaned down and claimed her lips with his, coaxing them open in response to his. Kristy sighed as Kevin slid his tongue into her mouth and deepened the kiss. "Hey, you two, planning on joining the rest of us?" Howie asked as his form filled the open doorway. Kevin reluctantly ended the sensual kiss and smiled as his friend and Kristy hugged. He knew he needed to rebuild their trust and the best way to do that was to take it slowly, but he couldn�t help himself when Kristy was involved. He loved her. Kristy stepped through the door and was quickly greeted by Leighanne and Brian, missing the slightly annoyed look Kevin sent Howie as he also entered the house. Kristy was in the middle of exchanging welcomes with the couple when Nick bounded into the room. "Kris-Kris!" he exclaimed, using his special nickname for his friend as he pushed Brian aside and practically bowled Kristy over in his enthusiasm to greet her. "Put� me� down�" Kristy managed to plead between giggles as Nick lifted her off the ground in a giant bear hug. "Kev, help!" Kevin chuckled at their antics and what he now recognized as the sibling-like bond the two blonds shared. "Hey, Kris. Kev," A.J. welcomed. "I guessed it was you guys from the way Nick bolted into the house. How�ve you been, darlin�?" the host asked, hugging Kristy after Nick finally released her. "Just fine� though I�ve missed all you guys a lot." Kristy smiled at the group around her, thankful for the friendships she�d made with these extraordinary people. Nick puffed out his chest and smiled smugly as he draped his arm around Kristy�s shoulder. "Well, most of you guys," she giggled as Nick stuck his lower lip out and pouted. The evening was one filled with good food, great music, and wonderful friends. Kevin watched as Kristy and several of the others danced on the patio around A.J.�s pool. Her laughter drifted across the backyard and Kevin smiled broadly, his eyes watching as she and Leighanne combined an assortment of moves from the Boys� videos and concerts � much to the chagrin of A.J., Howie, Brian, and Nick. "You look like a man in love." Kevin turned and smiled as Denise stepped into the backyard. "That obvious, huh?" Denise smiled as she made herself comfortable in a lawn chair. Like the rest of the Boys and their band and crew, Denise had been happy to hear that Kristy and Kevin had made up� though she�d been less than thrilled to hear what Kevin had done to cause the problem in the first place. A.J. and Erin had filled her in and the younger Butler sister had asked her to provide another pair of watchful eyes while Kristy was in Orlando. Denise knew that there wasn�t anything to worry about however, as she saw how Kevin looked at Kristy that day they had gotten back together. Her initial impression was confirmed as she once again heard and saw Kevin while he and Kristy were apart� the way his face softened when he heard a special song. How his smile brightened at the mention of her name. The warmth that filled his voice whenever he talked about her. "Only to someone with eyes," Denise laughed as Kevin blushed slightly. Kristy�s laughter filled the night air again and again Kevin�s face reflected his happiness. "She means everything to me." Denise nodded as they each watched the dancing, laughing group across the backyard. "How are your plans coming?" Kevin had told Denise about his idea for his down time and she was helping him with some of the details as they finished up the tour. "Everything�s pretty much taken care of� I�m going to tell Kristy while she�s here." Kevin smiled in anticipation of her reaction. "I�ve got something special planned for how I�m going to tell her too." Denise was about to ask what he had planned, when she saw the dazed smile on Kevin�s handsome face. She followed his gaze to see Kristy standing on the edge of the group with a small smile on her full lips. She tipped her head slightly to the right and raised her right hand to face-level and, holding Kevin�s gaze, crooked her index finger a couple of times. Kevin rose from his seat, forgetting to excuse himself to Denise, and made his way straight to Kristy. He reached her quickly, never taking his eyes off her. "I can die happy now." Kristy�s eyes twinkled as raised her eyebrows and waited for her boyfriend to continue. "I�ve been on the receiving end of your infamous �come hither look�." Kristy chuckled as Kevin wrapped his arms around her waist. "And here I am." "Then I can die happy now too." Kevin caressed the side of Kristy�s face and lowered his head to kiss her, but paused as he heard a chorus of "Ooohs" coming from the small group behind them. Kristy bit back a smile as Kevin kissed her on the forehead instead. They moved back to the deck with the others, and Kevin sat against a half-wall that edged a portion of A.J.�s yard, pulling Kristy to him so her back was to his front and she stood between his legs. As they listened to the conversation around them, Kevin took Kristy�s hands in his and rested them on top of his knees. His thumbs brushed the tops of her hands gently before he moved his entire hand over her forearm. He smiled to himself as he heard her contented sigh. He continued to caress her skin with long, purposeful strokes up and down her arms. Kristy leaned back against Kevin�s chest � more out of necessity�s sake than to actually get cozy with Kevin� though both had the same results. Her legs felt weak, and she was fairly certain they weren�t going to be able to support her for much longer if he kept doing what he was doing. If that wasn�t bad enough, she could also feel her heart pounding inside her chest from the way his strong, powerful hands felt on her body. Kevin leaned forward, long ago disengaging from the conversation going around them. He was only focused on the woman in front of him. He bent his head near her ear, the sweet scent of her perfume and shampoo filling his senses. "Mmmm, you smell yummy," he whispered, his deep voice low enough so only Kristy could hear. Kristy shivered slightly in spite of herself. She recognized the line, his actions - practically the entire scene from "Once" � but it didn�t make it any less effective. In fact, she was touched by his willingness to make her feel special. She turned slightly in his arms. "Thank you," she said, referring not only to his compliment. "You�re welcome," Kevin replied with a warm smile, also aware of the great significance of their exchange. As he lowered his head to kiss her softly, the rest of the group smiled as they watched one of Kristy�s very own scenes get played out before them. "That�s not how the story goes," Brian chuckled, shaking his dark-blond head. "Though, I guess we�re already past the first kiss at the wishing well, huh?" Nick grinned at the attractive couple. �That�s it, Kev. Just go by the book.�Next: Chapter 37 |