Chapter

Ali had started to get worried at 2:15am.

She knew the bar closed at 2am, and thought that fifteen minutes was more than enough time for Kaylee to get back to the room. Now, it was 2:20am, she peeked out the door, and saw no sign of Kaylee on the floor.

"Well missy, I think its time to find you.," she said outloud as she grabbed the key card and headed out the door to the elevator.

She wasn't really sure why she was so nervous. Sure, Kaylee was out with a strange man. Someone she had just met, but good lord, he WAS Kevin Richardson. A celebrity .. who, in spite of the celebrity label, seemed to be a very normal man. And, she wasn't quite sure why THAT fact made her nervous. Kaylee had been out a couple times since that terrible night, but nothing ever developed. She always put up a wall that no one could get through. And, now here she was, out with a famous man. A man that she obviously had been attracted to from the first minute, and who could blame her. Ali always thought Kevin was handsome, actually he was more beautiful than handsome. But, she was starting to wonder about the "blonde". The fans never really took a liking to her. Ali never saw them as a couple. She didn't seem to be Kevin's type at all. But, they were a couple... so what happened?

The elevator doors opened in the lobby, and Ali stepped out and to her left.

"Well...I'll be damned.......", she said as her voice trailed off.

She saw Kevin take Kaylee by the hand and head toward the front doors, just as Luke showed up with a hat that Kevin put on. She took a few steps closer into the lobby and saw Kaylee head out the doors while Kevin was obviously laughing. She hung back for a few minutes, and then decided that maybe following them wasn't such a bad idea. She just wanted to make sure Kaylee was ok.

He's got a body guard around, nothing out of line will happen.....but, I just want to be sure, she thought, as she slowly made her way out the door and down the sidewalk. She saw Kevin grab Kaylee's hand and start to run into the park.

"OH MY GOD! Kevin Richardson is riding the swings!!" She just stood with her mouth open, amazed.

Then she saw it....it happened so fast. His foot stuck on the ground .. he fell off the swing.

Damn that Luke is good. He showed up outta nowhere to see what happened, she thought.

She started to feel awkward spying on them when she saw Kevin lift Kaylee and drag her onto the grass. Holy hell....Kaylee....wow....what came over her....touching him...touching his HAIR!

"OK," she said outloud, "now I'm intruding....I am so outta here!"

She turned to walk away when she saw Kevin kiss Kaylee's hand...and then start to lay in the grass.

"Yo....excuse me...miss......"

She heard the voice, and turned around. Luke was coming right toward her.

"You're Kaylee's friend, right?"

"Ah....yeah, we met this morning....well....I guess that would be yesterday morning now," she answered.

"Yeah, I guess so. You are.....ummm...Ali, right," he asked as he extended his hand to her.

"Good memory Luke," she said as she shook his hand.

"So, Ali, what brought you here?"

"Needed a walk....couldn't sleep......oh hell......I was worried, ok? I mean...YOU know your boy, but Kaylee doesn't, and neither do I.......so .. I was worried."

"Ali....you don't have to worry about him. He IS a good man. C'mere....sit down," he said as he patted the bench seat next to him, and Ali sat with him.

"I need to be able to see him, but I try to give him privacy....so, this is good here. Kevin wouldn't do anything wrong. He's a southern gentleman. Doesn't matter how big the group gets, he's still just a southern boy at heart. He loves his mom....his family...he respects women, hell...he even respected Trish, and I'll never understand that one."

"OK...there ya go Luke....Trish...now that you mentioned her, why is he out here...in the grass....with my best friend .. when he HAS a girlfriend?"

"It's not that simple Ali. Kevin .. well...its not really my place to say, but, let's just say that he does NOT have a girlfriend anymore.... he sure doesn't have a fiance....and we'll leave it at that, ok? It's up to Kevin to say what he wants, when he's ready. And, if I know Kevin....," he turned to look over at the two in the grass with there heads close together, "he'll tell Kaylee everything in time." And, he turned back to look Ali right in the eyes.

"He doesn't lie, Ali, and he will tell her what happened. But, until he does, I won't say anything. It's not my place."

"Luke, I understand that...and honestly, I do feel better that there is no girlfriend. I thought this would've been a really shitty thing to do to both of them if he did. Kaylee's been hurt in the past Luke. REALLY hurt.......and to take the same position as you....its not my place to say. I just want her to be happy."

"And, I want Kevin to be happy, Ali. I have to tell ya....I've never seen him this worked up. I mean, he was a damn wreck since he saw Kaylee on the street the other night. Fussing about having to meet her...to thank her. Then it just about blew his mind when he looked in the audience and there she was....and at that particular moment.....well...you know what I'm getting at....he freaked backstage. I can't tell you how grateful I am that she showed up at the bar."

"You can pretty much ditto all of that for Kaylee. She kept talking about him, and frankly, when they saw each other....she was crying her eyes out. I think THAT freaked him out a bit too. I could see it in his face. I KNOW what that song means to him.....Kaylee doesn't. But, trust me, it means the same thing to her. She lost her mother...and that is the only Backstreet song she knew before tonight."

"I knew it! She's really not a fan. I told Kevin that.....he's so skeptical ... everyone always wants a piece of him ... but, I wasn't sure. I'm so glad to hear that.......for his sake."

Luke glanced back over at the couple in the grass. Kevin on his side now....pointing up at the stars. He heard them laugh....and saw Kevin sit up. Kaylee got up to her knees.

"Ali...I think they're going to be making a move to leave...so unless you want Kaylee to know you were here..........."

"NO...I don't want that......I'm gone.......Luke....thank you so much. You put my mind at ease...please don't let on that I was here, ok?"

"Not a word will come outta this mouth! It was nice having someone to talk to....it gets lonely and boring sometime just sitting and watching him," he said with a chuckle.

"Somehow I can't imagine that ever getting boring," she laughed as she walked backward down the sidewalk, "thanks for the reassurances, Luke."

"You too, Ali....you're a good friend. Good night and be careful."

"G'night....I will...Oh...and Luke...YOU are a sweet man.......Kevin doesn't know what a great friend he has in you."

Luke watched her walk away, and smiled, thinking about what she had said about her friend.

He turned and started to walk back toward Kevin and Kaylee. It was getting really late, and he knew Kevin needed to get to bed, or he wouldn't be worth shit for the show. He stopped quickly when he saw that they were now standing......very close together.

This, he thought, is good. Kevin might not mind missing some sleep tonight.

Kevin had never been with a woman like Kaylee. She was so down to earth. She didn't give a damn about who or what he was, and it had been years since he'd even met a woman like her. As much as he wanted to stay out there all night....to make it last as long as he could...he knew he had to get her back to the hotel....and he had to get himself to bed.

He stood up and reached down offering both hands to Kaylee.

"Kaylee....I've gotta get goin'......I don't want your friend worryin' and I need to get to bed. I don't wake up too easy to begin with...and gettin' to bed this late....well, lets just say, the guys will be drawin' straws to see who gets to wake me."

Kaylee reached for his hands and he pulled her to her feet.

With a gentle tug on her hands, he drew her closer to him. He leaned his forehead against hers and pulled her hands up to his chest where he continued to hold them. He felt her shiver...

"You cold," he asked in a whispered voice, suddenly unable to say much else.

"Uh huh....just a little....."

He reluctantly let go of her hands, while he took his jacket off.

"Kevin....that's not necessary...I'm not that cold...."

He stepped around behind her insisting that she put the coat on. He then stepped back in front of her..ran his hands down her arms, and took her hands in his again.

"Better now," he asked.

Kaylee found that he had taken a step closer and suddenly she was only able to nod her head.

"But, you're still shivering......what's wrong," he whispered as he stood even closer, and leaned his head to her ear.

"K...Kevin.....I......I don't know.....this.......it's........you.....," she stammered, unable to say what she was feeling.

She looked up only to find him staring down at her. His eyes were partly covered by his hair, but she could still see their brilliance, even in the dark. She didn't know what was happening to her....but she suddenly was aware of everything about him. His beautiful eyes, his silky soft hair on his cheeks, the tightness of his tee shirt across his chest and over his arms. Even his cologne....it was all making her head spin. and it was way too soon for that to be happening.

"Kevin....I.....can we......I mean...I had a great night....but, can we head back now. I know you need to get to bed, and Ali is probably worried sick about me."

"Whatever you want Kaylee," he answered while never looking away from her gaze, "let's get you back to the hotel."

He dropped her hands....and circled his arm around her shoulder drawing her in to him.

They turned to walk toward the street and met Luke as he came from the opposite direction.

Smiles were exchanged, and Luke moved behind them to resume his duties.

They reached the hotel lobby, and moved toward the elevator. Fortunately all the fans were gone, and they were able to get to the elevator without an interruption. Kaylee put her key card in the slot, and pressed 12. All the while, Kevin never removed his arm from around her shoulders.

When the elevator stopped at 12, Kaylee turned to Kevin and started to thank him.

"Do you think I'm going to let you walk to your room by yourself? No...I don't think so."

Kevin turned to Luke and said, "go on up...I've got a key. I think I can handle this much by myself."

Luke smiled, nodded his head, and replied, "yeah boss, I think you can, too."

With that said, the elevator doors closed and the pair made their way down the hall to Kaylee's room.

Kaylee put her key card in the door and turned the handle. Kevin reached over and put his hand over hers, while he put his foot in the opening of the door. He gently pulled her hand on the door handle...and turned her to him.

"Kaylee......I had a great time tonight. In fact, I don't remember the last time I had so much fun doing nothing. I'd like to see you again while we're here.....if that's ok with you?"

"Oh Kevin....I haven't had a night like this in ages, either. A night that my mind was just able to be open and not think about anything......well....that's not entirely true," she said, suddenly at a loss for words.

"What," he said softly, "what's not entirely true?"

"The not thinking part," she answered shyly. "I did alot of thinking tonight actually."

"Really," he whispered, as he leaned closer to her, taking her hand and placing it on his waist. Then he reached his hand up to her face and brushed his fingers over her cheek.

"What were you thinking about? Because I was thinking alot tonight too. Thinking about how the night would end. How I was going to ask you if I could kiss you goodnight. How I was hoping you'd say yes...."

"Kevin........," she interrupted, "I thought about how the night would end, too. How I was hoping you'd ask for a goodnight kiss....because the answer would be yes."

Without ever moving from where he stood, with his foot holding her door open, Kevin drew his hand from her cheek, along her jawline and gently drew her face closer to his. He tipped her face up to his...and slowly leaned down so that his lips were on the corner of her mouth. He kissed her so gently that she trembled, and he caught himself lingering longer then he had planned. He pulled his head away, looked at her face and smiled. She still had her eyes closed, but she now had a small smile on her face.

"And, ....was that what you expected for a good night kiss," he asked her teasingly, as he rubbed his thumb over her cheek.

"Ah....no...ummm......that wasn't......that was better ....," she whispered, as she felt herself blush.

"Really...and here I was thinking I could do even better than that."

"Oh..do you really? You're awfully sure of yourself mister," she answered, as she now looked him directly in the eyes, "maybe you should just let ME be the judge of that."

Kevin's eyes widened at her suggestion, but he never looked away.

"Well...do I get scores just on presentation...or on technical merit too?"

Kaylee opened her mouth to answer him, when he gently pulled her head back to him.....dropped his arm from her shoulders and wrapped it around her waist. He lightly pressed his lips to hers, and as she started to respond, he pressed his lips more firmly to hers. His other arm slid from her neck down to her shoulders. She slid her hands up his chest and around his back as Kevin pulled her closer to him. He let his tongue gently glide across her lips.

Kevin felt as though a current was running through his body...he found himself getting aroused yet he knew that as much as he wanted to deepen the kiss, it wasn't right. It was too soon.

He moved his lips up her face and kissed her cheek, then kissed her gently and lightly on the neck...and across her shoulder. He picked his head back up and placed her head to his chest.

"Kaylee...I'm so sorry. I never should have done that.....it...it just wasn't right...."

Kaylee was so overcome by the sensations her body was feeling, that she couldn't speak right away. She took a deep breath and held on...afraid to let him go. She was so overwhelmed with the essence of him...his eyes, his voice, his touch.......his soft gentle touch...his kindness...everything about him.......She was confused...and scared.

Kevin was fighting his own demons. He knew that he wasn't ready for anything like this, but he had never met anyone like her before. Yes, she was beautiful...but more important...she seemed to care about him...not who he was. He just wasn't ready to think about another relationship.
It was too soon, and Trish's cuts went too deep.

Mistaking her silence for anger, Kevin kissed the top of her head, and whispered to her.

"Kaylee...please....don't misunderstand me.....ok? Please......," he pleaded, "I'm just not ready .. it's too soon, and I shouldn't have started something like that just now."

Kaylee was deeply touched by his honesty, a trait she'd not seen in men before. She tilted her head up and looked at his face. His eyes still closed, yet his brow was furrowed.

"Kevin.....," she spoke softly and pressed her hand to his cheek, "Kevin...look at me .. please"

Kevin opened his eyes and gazed down at her face....so open and trusting.

"Kevin....now..would you please listen to me. I had what can be safely said...the best night of my life tonight. I owe that to my best friend...and to the beautiful man standing in front of me. Do you understand Kevin....YOU .. and believe me...I understand. Whatever happened to you is still fresh...I know how that feels....trust me. You are an unbelievable man, and it was very easy to get caught up in the moment. I won't hold you to anything....understand? You have a life to live...and so do I....," she stopped talking as the tears started to fall down her cheeks.

"Kaylee....oh no....oh my god...I made you cry," he sounded so remorseful, that it made Kaylee cry more.

Kevin used his thumbs to brush away her tears, and he could feel his own eyes fill up.

"Please Kaylee...I have another two and a half days here....PLEASE tell me you'll still be here. We could spend some time getting to know each other...c'mon....what do you say," he asked almost shyly, and could feel himself starting to blush.

"I have the whole week off," she said with a big sigh. "I don't know how long Ali planned on staying here...but...maybe we can work something out.........I have to talk..............

Just then a voice yelled out from inside the room..........

"Good Lord....we can stay.....will you two just please say good night and let me get some sleep."

Kevin touched his forehead to Kaylee's as they both started to laugh.

"Well, I guess I got my answer darlin'. So...can I see you later?"

"Mr. Richardson....I would be thrilled and honored to see you later."

"Well...good...yeah....that's great....ok....I'll......ummm...call you when I wake up. Don't expect me before noon, ok," he stammered, angry that he was suddenly so nervous.

"Please...call me. And, no...I won't expect you before noon........12:01 and all bets are off!"

Kevin leaned down to kiss her cheek, and he chuckled as he made sure she had the door, before he moved his foot.

"Good Night Miss Kaylee Barrone......," he said as he made a sweeping bow.

"Good night Mr. Kevin Richardson, " she replied with an emphasis on Richardson, "I had a wonderful night."

Kevin was furious at the way he was blushing, but he replied, "me, too Kaylee.......me, too"

She watched him walk down the hall to the elevator....saw him make the turn to press the button...sighed and walked into the room...closing the door behind her.

"Kevin," she whispered as she leaned against the door, "God Kevin....what are you doing to me?"