Chapter

Luke followed Kaylee and Kevin into the Hall of Fame and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was a relatively slow day. The woman at the ticket counter definitely recognized Kevin, but had the good graces to keep it to herself. Luke chuckled to himself when he thought about Kevin going out in public. He seriously thought that wearing a baseball cap would make him relatively invisible. But, Luke, even from a man's perspective, knew that trying to hide a face like Kevin's was fairly difficult. And, if his face gave anything away at all, his voice finished the job.

Luke stayed a safe distance away and let Kevin and Kaylee enjoy themselves. He hadn't seen Kevin this relaxed in a long time, and he was going to make sure he stayed that way.
Luke had seen far too much over the last few years...things that would have broken a man not nearly as strong as Kevin. He respected Kevin and had really grown quite close to him. Kevin was a hard worker and he admired that about him. But, Luke also remembered the night he sat with Kevin and offered him comfort when Kevin broke down talking about his dad. THAT is what Luke admired and respected the most. Kevin's love for his family...Kevin's heart. Luke also knew that Trish was an idiot. She had Kevin's heart and threw it away. Looking at Kevin with Kaylee, Luke started to really believe that maybe...just maybe... everything does happen for a reason. And, if possible...maybe this was the second chance that Kevin deserved and needed.

Luke also saw something different in Kaylee that he'd not seen with any of the other women Kevin had known. She didn't throw herself at him..hell, how could she..why would she...she didn't know who he was when they first met. Even after the night before, she still treated Kevin like a normal man.

He looked over at them walking from one display to the next, and smiled. Kevin was an openly affectionate person...with everyone...and he was certainly showing it with Kaylee.   He had never let go of her hand, even if he needed both of his to point something out, or to explain something. He just held onto her, as though she'd disappear if he didn't. All at once, something caught her eye and she tried to pull Kevin along with her, but Kevin wasn't moving. When she felt his resistance she tried to tug again, but Kevin tugged harder, and pulled her back to him. She hit into his chest with a giggle and a groan. He heard her say something to Kevin, and smack him in the arm. This made Luke chuckle. She sure didn't take any of his crap...and then he saw Kevin lean down and kiss the top of her head...they stood like that for a few minutes...neither of them moving.

Luke happened to glance at a clock on the wall and was shocked to see the time.

"Kevin....we gotta get you out of here...you got soundcheck in 40 minutes!"

He could see Kevin's shoulders slump as he bumped his forehead to Kaylee's and took both of her hands and held them to his chest. They were speaking quietly, and Luke just waited patiently. Finally with a sigh...Kevin turned, and walked toward Luke.

"OK.....I lost all track of time......we gonna make it," Kevin asked, as they all headed toward the door. Luke had already called for the van, and expected it to arrive at the door at the same time they did.

"Well...if we just drop Kaylee off at the hotel...and don't walk her up...we should only be about 10 minutes late......OR...we could drop you off at the venue....and send the van back to the hotel with Kaylee."

Kevin shrugged his shoulders and said, "guess it really doesn't matter...either way I feel like I'm just dumping her out," casting a sad look in Kaylee's direction.

"Kevin...don't worry about me...I'll be fine, either way. You do whatever makes more sense. I enjoyed this time with you so much....and I'd like to end it on a happy note, ok? Now..Luke, which way would be faster for Kevin?"

"Honestly...I think they're both about the same. We're probably better dropping you at the venue Kevin...no fan run-ins to slow you down....just get you out of the van..and in the door. I'll call ahead and tell Marcus to meet us...this way, he can keep an eye on you...and I can see to it that Kaylee gets back alright. Would that make you feel any better?"

Kevin looked at Luke .. nodded and smiled, "yes....yes...that would make me feel a lot better. Thanks Luke."

They stepped out of the front doors just as the van came to a stop in front of them. Luke was grateful that there were no other people around. Kevin hated to be late for anything...and certainly hated being late for sound checks. He got them both into the back...he took his spot in the front...and they were on their way.

There wasn't much traffic yet, so they made fairly good time to the venue. When they arrived, Kevin jumped out and pulled Kaylee out with him, dragging her in the doors and past a waiting Marcus.

"What's up man," Marcus asked a confused Luke.

"Not a clue Marcus....whoa...Kevin...I thought Kaylee was going back to the hotel...what the hell are you doing?"

"Sayin' goodbye to my date, if you don't mind. And, I want to have some privacy....as if that's possible," Kevin said sarcastically.

Once inside the doors, Kevin walked to a dimly lit area of the hall leading to the dressing rooms. He looked around, and when he was satisfied that he wouldn't be interrupted, he gently lifted Kaylee's chin, bent his head to hers and placed a gentle kiss on the corner of her mouth.

"I had a great time today," he whispered the words so closely to her face that she could feel them as well as hear them.

"Me, too.....thank you....," she murmured back, "you made it easy to have fun though."

"Well...I was definitely inspired by the company...," he interrupted, looking deeply into her eyes, suddenly aware that conversation was not what he wanted.

He slid his hand around her neck and kissed her again, as he wrapped his other arm around her waist. Kaylee placed her hands on his chest...and tentatively started to move them around to his back. She knew not to be afraid of Kevin...but she had never been so scared in her life. Their kiss the night before had burned her lips, and she had no reason to believe this one would be any different.

"Go ahead," he whispered, "don't be afraid.....put your arms around me...let me really kiss you."

Kaylee reached her arms around him and he pressed his lips to hers again. Kaylee's thoughts turned to how good his lips felt on hers, how good he smelled, and at that moment all her fears disappeared as she took half a step closer into his embrace.

Kevin pressed his body closer to hers, and found that he could think of nothing but kissing her. He felt every nerve in his body come alive when she responded back to him. He pulled his head back, and took in a deep breath. Without ever opening her eyes, Kaylee reached up and pulled his head back down to her, kissing him fully on the lips. Kevin gasped at the feel of her tongue on his lips. He opened his lips slightly and allowed his tongue to brush against hers. When he heard the small moan escape from her, he smiled and tossed caution to the side as he slid his tongue further in her mouth, teasing her as he learned every contour of her mouth. He pulled her closer still and knew that she could feel the affect she was having on him.

Kaylee felt a million things at once, all of them coming from nothing other than his kiss. She drew her hand up to his cheek and felt the softness of his face against her palm.
She wasn't quite sure what was happening to her, but she knew she had never been kissed like this before. She felt a wave of sensation washing over her that she had long ago forgotten. Parts of her body that had been neglected for so long were awakening under the gentle caress of his lips on hers. She was reacting on pure instinct and an urge from deep inside her when she traced her other hand down his back, over his waist and gently brushed it across the back of his jeans where she hitched her thumb in his pocket.

Kevin was the first to come up for air. His breathing was rapid and his heart was racing.
He pressed her head to his chest while rubbing circles on her back with his other hand.

"God Kaylee...I've wanted to do that since last night....to give you a good...proper kiss. I...I just hope....I mean...I hope you don't think....I came on too strong."

"Umm..Kevin...I've wanted you to do that ...," she said with a sigh, "you didn't come on too strong....remember...I'm the one that started round two....."

Just then Kevin heard the voices. Luke and Marcus were having a rather loud conversation as they approached the hallway. He laughed as he kissed the top of Kaylee's head and said, "I think we're about to have company....and I think I better go...."

"I know Kevin....go....you have so much to do before your show. I don't want you being any later because of me....so get moving," she said as she tried to step out of his embrace, but he was not letting her go that easily.

"Ah..do you think...I mean......would you...aaahh...," Kevin found himself stammering out the words, "tonight....you...ummm..wouldn't want to come back....here....for the show would you? I mean...I know it's short notice...but....well...I..."

Kaylee touched her finger to his nose and was flattered and deeply touched by his sudden shyness and vulnerablity.

"I don't know Kevin...I don't think I should leave Ali alone...this trip was her idea....and...I don't want to get in your way......."

"Please," he whispered softly into her ear as he leaned closer, "bring Ali with you....do whatever you need to do.....just .. please...come to the show tonight."

"Do you know that when you talk like that....no one...NO ONE could say no to you.   Alright....I'll talk to Ali...I'm sure she'd love to see the show again....so...yes ...I'd love to come back here tonight."

Kevin squeezed her tightly and then walked her out to Luke explaining that Kaylee and Ali would be coming back for the show.

"Luke will come back to the hotel for you....he'll get you in...and take care of everything. Now...I've really gotta go......"

He kissed her on the forehead, and while holding his lips there said, "until later. I'm so glad you're coming back.....thank you."

Kevin walked backward down the hall as he waved and blew a kiss to Kaylee.

Kaylee watched him go until she heard someone's voice yell out, "RICHARDSON........move your ass!!! It's nice..but it ain't so nice that we won't KICK IT!!!!"

He shrugged his shoulders, smiled, turned and started to jog down the hall. Kaylee turned to Luke and he walked her out to the van.

"Luke...what have I gotten myself into?   I have to be out of my freaking mind letting myself do this......acting like a teenager. Damn him for doing this to me!"

Luke just looked at Kaylee and smiled. She wasn't alone...he knew Kevin was feeling the same way...questioning himself and what was happening.

The ride back to the hotel was relatively brief and quiet. Kaylee was fighting a battle in her mind...unsure of everything that was happening to her. Millions of questions were flying around in her head. Luke saw the look on her face...he knew she was deep in thought, and unsure of what she was doing. The van pulled up to the front of the hotel, Luke got Kaylee out, and walked her to the elevators. Fans were standing around in the lobby, not aware that the Boys had already gone to the venue. Some of them recognized Luke..but without Kevin, they just let him pass, casting curious glances at the young woman with him.

"I'll come up for you around 6:30, this way you can see him before the show if you want. And, Kaylee...would you relax. I don't know what's happened in your past...but I know Kevin's been badly hurt.....recently...VERY recently. So trust me when I tell you...he's not going to be taking any foolish chances with his heart....believe me."

"Oh Luke...I knew from that first night...outside...that he was hurting....what happened? NO...don't answer that...it's not your place...and I shouldn't ask. I'm sorry. But, this...all of it...it scares me. I don't know why .... I mean....why does he want to see me," she asked...taking in a deep breath and looking him square in the eyes. "After tomorrow night..it's all over, right? Where can we go from here??? Me...back to Pittsburgh....Kevin .. he'll just continue doing his job. He's certainly thanked me enough.....I don't know....maybe I shouldn't even go tonight," she said as her voice trailed off.

"Kaylee....listen to me. Why not just take this for what it is," he asked.

"And, tell me Luke...what is it?"

"The way I see it....it's two people...that fate threw together for whatever the reason. Two people that have fun together....right? Yeah...you do...I see it. Just enjoy tonight...and whatever else the next day brings. Trust me....Kevin is a very strong and determined man. If he wants something...he works for it...and he does that with EVERYTHING! So don't dismiss this so quickly as something that could never be....and ya know what....maybe it won't ever be...but...don't shut the door on it. OK?"

Kaylee looked at Luke with tears in her eyes and slowly nodded her head.

"Now...here's my cell number...if I don't hear from you..I'll be knocking on your door at 6:30...understand?"

"Geez....," she said, in between sniffles, "now I see where Kevin gets it from. Pushy aren't you?"

"No ma'am...he didn't get it from me....I got it from him," he said with a chuckle, as he gave her arm a gentle squeeze. "Later Kaylee....ya know...his heart can only take so much...remember that....I HOPE I don't hear from you....and that I SEE you later."

"That was not fair," she said with a big sigh. "Not fair at all.......alright....you WON'T hear from me. I'll be ready by 6:30....and God, please help me..I hope YOU know what I'm doing...because I sure don't and I doubt if Kevin does either!"

She gave him a weak wave goodbye as the elevator doors closed.

Luke turned to walk back to the van and looked at his watch. Not too much time before I come back...don't over think it Kaylee..yeah God DOES know what you're doing...what you're both doing....I think you AND Kevin know too. I just hope you stop fighting it...you'll never know what can be if you don't let your guard down and just go for that second chance.