Kaylee and Kevin spent the next day together doing nothing and everything at the same time. Kevin wanted to go shopping in the mall attached to the hotel. Luke thought this was a terrible idea, but Kevin was being stubborn. He wanted to shop and nothing was going to stop him. So..shop they did! Kevin tried to convince Kaylee to let him buy her a beautiful dress. She tried to argue with him, but he told her had plans for her and "it". Luke reminded her how pointless it was to argue with Kevin when he had his mind made up about something. In the end, she agreed to let him buy it for her, but drew the line at a pair of shoes to go with it. Kevin smiled when she pushed him away from the counter and threw her charge card at the startled clerk. Kevin was having a difficult time keeping a safe distance between himself and Kaylee. He knew the fans would be scrutinizing his every action with her, and he had noticed some of the stares directed at her, so he was careful not to show any outward affection. Kaylee had been confused by his actions at first, but when they had a few minutes alone, he explained why he was doing what he had to do, and she understood. Before they knew it, it was time for Kevin to leave for the sound check. He did manage to convince Kaylee and Ali to go to the show and to come backstage before it started. The guys noticed that Kevin's behavior was different around Kaylee. He was more relaxed and certainly more fun than he had been for quite some time. And, Ali certainly had relaxed around them. In fact, she was having a very animated conversation with AJ that abruptly stopped when Kaylee tried to join in. It was another wonderful performance, and Kaylee, now fully aware of the show, was able to truly enjoy it. She focused on Kevin, and found herself totally captivated by him. Everything about him caused everything in her to come alive. She felt herself flush with embarrassment when she became the object of his attention during "I Want It That Way". His dancing captivated her. There were two songs that she thought were choreographed perfectly for him. He took her breath away during their encore, and it was then that she finally gave in to her tears for the second night in a row. She knew the moment she had been dreading was fast approaching, and she didn't know if she would be able to stay strong. She had agreed to meet Kevin for dinner again, except this time he specified that she was to change into the dress he bought her earlier, meet him at his room, and they would go upstairs together. The women made it back to the hotel where Ali promptly threw herself on the bed. "Ali, for goodness sake...start getting dressed. We've got dinner plans." "Kay...I don't know if I can do this. I really don't feel that good. I think I've been too thoroughly overwhelmed these last few days. Please....please don't be mad if I just stay here." Kaylee was torn. She didn't want to leave Ali behind, but she wanted to spend all the time she could with Kevin. Ali finally convinced her to go alone, and that if she felt up to it, she would join everyone later. "God Kaylee...," Ali said, her voice catching in her throat, "you look beautiful. Kevin has exquisite taste." Kaylee had changed into the dress Kevin had bought her earlier in the day. It was a simple yet elegant charcoal grey silk dress. The hem was cut on an angle with the left side ending just abover her knee and the right side dropping down to her ankle. The neckline was cut low, revealing just enough, and the thin spaghetti type straps were accented with rhinestones. There were rhinestones randomly placed on the entire dress. It hugged her curves perfectly. Her shoes were strappy pumps that made her considerably taller, but still not as tall as Kevin. She wore her same silver hoop earrings and silver cuff bracelet that she wore to the first show. She clipped her hair up with one big clip and whatever hair fell out of it, just stayed where it landed on her face. "Ali...I wish you were coming too. I'm shaking inside. I mean...God...look at me. I feel like Cinderella....I just hope I don't do something stupid to embarrass Kevin in front of his friends." "Kaylee...listen to me. You will be fine! Don't you worry about the other guys. Kevin is going to take one look at you....and he won't even remember they're in the same room! You go and enjoy yourself...enjoy him. So, take a deep breath.... ok...now... get your beautiful self out of this room and upstairs." Kaylee gave Ali a quick hug, took a deep breath and headed out the door. She tried to calm herself down in the elevator, but found that she was just making herself more nervous. Geez Kaylee...you've been with him for a few days now...relax! You can do dinner....yep...you can....shit...who am I kidding...it's after dinner I can't do.....I don't want to say goodbye, she thought to herself. Before she even realized it, she found herself staring at the corner room. Room 1425. Kevin's room. "Kaylee...you look beautiful," the voice behind her said. "God Luke...don't scare me like that. I'm so nervous as it is.....," she said with a deep sigh. "If it helps...he's as nervous as you are....so...just go in there and wait for him. He'll be ready soon." With that said, Luke reached around her, inserted a key card, opened the door, and gently pushed her in. "Remember what I said before....Just enjoy each other," he said, never moving, as he pulled the door shut, "and....good night." It took Kaylee a few minutes for her eyes to adjust, but when they did, she gasped outloud. The suite was very dimly lit, and there were candles everywhere. The dining table was set for two only. Kaylee made her way slowly to the table, looking around, taking everything in. There was a single rose on the one plate. "Kevin," she said, in a voice barely above a whisper. It was all she could manage, as she turned to look around the room. Not sure if Kevin was even there. "You look so beautiful in the candle light," his voice came from behind her. She turned and when she saw him standing in the middle of the room, her heart leapt up into her throat. He looked incredible. He was wearing a dark brown suit with tailored pants that fit his long legs perfectly. He had on a dark brown shirt and a brown tie. He had taken the cornrows out of his hair, and it was now pulled back in a ponytail. He made his way over to where she stood, put one finger under her chin and lifted her lips up to meet his in a gentle kiss. "I hope you'll forgive me," he said, while looking around the room, "I guess you can tell no one else is coming." "Yes Richardson....this looks remarkably like a set up to me. You sneak....you AND my best friend...she's not sick, is she?? No...she's not. And YOU, mister...of course, I forgive you. In fact, what did I ever do to deserve someting like this? But, I have to tell you.... I'm glad it's just us," she said shyly, looking away from his gaze. "Yeah," he whispered, "me, too." And, he pulled her into his arms, and just held her. Kaylee felt all her emotions swirling around her again, she felt light headed and breathless. He was making her head spin. His cologne, the smell of his hair, his strong arms around her, his breath on her ear, the way he looked at her. She didn't know if she should stay and try to take him all in....or if she should run like hell. The knock on the door made them both jump. "Damn," he said, as he reluctantly let her go to open the door. It was room service with their dinner. They got through the meal...quietly, and when they were done, Kevin took her by the hand, and led her onto the balcony. "Wait here," he said, as he went back inside to turn the stereo up louder. He rejoined her on the balcony, took her hand, and gently pulled her toward him. "Dance with me." Kaylee allowed herself to relax in his arms, as he led them under the stars. He held her one hand to his chest and wrapped his other arm around her waist. He bent his head, resting his chin on her shoulder and she put her cheek on his chest. They both sighed deeply and Kaylee knew that Kevin had to be able to feel her heart pounding in her chest. After three songs, Kevin stepped back, never letting go of her hand, and slowly walked back into the room. He slipped his jacket and tie off, then undid the top two buttons of his shirt. He led them to the couch where he turned her and sat her down. He got down on his knees, in front of her, and helped her take her shoes off. He then sat up next to her and they both turned to face each other. He leaned forward, touching his hand to her face, studying her with his eyes, as if he was trying to memorize everything about her. He traced his finger down the side of her face, and ran his thumb across her lips. She trembled, and not from the cold. His hand then travelled lightly down her neck, reaching around to her hair. "Do you mind," he asked softly, as he reached for the clip in her hair. Her reply was so soft that Kevin had to bend closer to hear her and to see her shake her head no. He undid the clip in her hair, and let it fall onto her shoulders. He tilted his head to look at her as he slid his hand under her hair, and gently pulled her face closer to his. He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. Kevin felt the same jolt he felt every time he kissed her. He kept his lips close to her mouth. "Kevin...I....what.....what are we doing? Where is this ever going to go," she asked in a shaky voice. "Darlin'...I don't know where this is going....," he sighed, "but...I sure as hell would like to find out." His lips never moving from near her mouth. "All I know is when I'm with you, I feel normal...and when I'm not with you..I feel like something isn't right. Kaylee...I have to tell you....I don't know if I'm ready for anything...but, I'd sure like to find out if I am." He sat back and took a deep breath before saying, "I need to tell you something.......something about me...about the night we met. The night you saw me on the street...." "Kevin.....you don't need to tell me anything if it upsets you that much." "No...I don't keep secrets....I need to tell you," he said softly, as he took a shaky breath, "I had just proposed to my girlfriend.....and.....needless to say...she didn't say yes." "Oh Kevin....God......I am so sorry for that. It makes sense now........oh...Kevin," she whispered as she touched her hand to his face. Suddenly that whole night made sense to her. How could someone do that to him.... "Kaylee...don't be sorry...she never loved me....better I found out now then a few years from now. But, I just don't know....I mean....I......aw shit....I feel things with you I never felt with her. I wanted to feel them...but I don't think I ever truly did. YOU make me feel good about me....she never did that.....and......I don't know......dammit...I just don't know....but if there is any chance to find out about US....I want to go for it. Kaylee....I want to see where this goes..." Kevin looked down at his hands, suddenly feeling very vulnerable at his confession. "Kevin....you dear sweet beautiful man. How could anyone hurt you like that " Kaylee replied in a soft voice, placing her finger under his chin, lifting his face. She was able to look directly into his eyes and was shocked to find them so full of emotion. "Do you have any idea what these last few days have meant to me? You can't....I know you can't. But....trust me....I can't even put it into words. I've been through so much this last year...so much pain. You Kevin...you make me forget that pain. I'm just afraid....I can't open myself up to the hurt and pain again.....I can't." "Kaylee....look at me.....I mean......really look at me. Look at these eyes....I can't hide anything. I never could. They give me away at every turn. Don't matter what I try to do or say.......they give me away." He took her face in his hands and held her gaze with his own. "Baby...I would never hurt you. Never inentionally. I'm a man....I screw up. I'm not easy to deal with...I'm too focused on things...I'm a perfectionist. And...I never do anything halfway....so listen to me......if you agree that we can try to see where this goes......I can promise you that I will romance you right off your feet." "What?!?!?! You mean more than you are now?!?!?! I don't think that's possible." "Oh hush up....and come here pretty lady." Kevin wrapped his arms around her tightly. Kaylee finally reached up and drew her hand along his jaw and around his neck reaching for his ponytail. "Now it's my turn........do you mind," she asked as she gently tugged at the band on his hair. "No......," he replied, his voice sounding strange even to him. Kaylee reached behind him with both hands and gently removed the band holding his hair back. She put her hands in his hair and held it while she pulled his mouth down to meet hers. The intensity of the kiss caused them to both moan as they explored each others mouths more thoroughly. "God Kevin," she whispered breathlessly against his mouth, "you feel so good. Every part of you. Your hair is so soft...just like your lips...and your skin...but....the rest of you.......," she mumbled barely loud enough for him to hear her. "The rest of you isn't soft.......", as she traced her finger down his throat and slid her hand in his open shirt, resting it at the base of his neck He swallowed hard, but never looked away from her. She looked so intently at him that it made his heart skip a beat. She was so beautiful, he thought. Her big brown eyes so trusting .. her soft skin...her soft hair....the rise and fall of her breasts. "So..," he said in a deep low voice, "what's it gonna be? You never answered me." She touched her finger to his lips and said, "Now it's time for you to hush." She laced her other hand in his hair, pulled his face so close to her own and spoke with so much emotion in her voice, he almost cried. "Sometimes words aren't enough Kevin...." She lightly kissed his forehead, then gently kissed each closed eye. She feathered kisses across his cheekbones, his jaw and then kissed the tip of his nose. Kevin sucked in his breath trying to ignore the feeling in his groin. "Kaylee....," he muttered, his voice cracking. He reached for her head and pulled her mouth back to his, kissing her deeply, their tongues dancing and teasing each other. He let his hand slide down her neck and graze lightly across her chest. He heard her moan into his mouth, and this excited him on a completely new level. Is this what it's supposed to be like, he wondered. Why didn't I ever feel this with Trish.....why? "Whoa....," Kevin said somewhat breathlessly, "I......awww.....damn.. woman....please tell me that means yes." "Kevin....," she said looking directly into his eyes, "yes....that meant yes." "C'mere," he said, pulling her onto his lap, "I want to make sure I heard you right....you might need to tell me again." "Mr. Richardson...exactly what do you mean by that," she asked looking him directly in the eyes. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are," he whispered as he rubbed his thumb across her cheek. She dropped her head, blushing furiously, and Kevin gently lifted her chin to meet his gaze. Kaylee's heart leapt in her chest when she saw the way he was looking at her. She couldn't believe how beautiful HE was. He slowly lowered his head toward hers, never taking his eyes off her, as he pressed his lips to hers, and pulled her closer. She ran her hand around his neck, letting it drop inside his shirt. She lightly traced her nails along the soft skin of his back. Kevin ran one hand up her back and under her hair keeping her lips pressed tightly to his. He slid his other hand gently down her arm and took her hand in his pulling it up to his chest. She opened her hand and placed it against his chest, feeling his heart beating. As Kaylee shifted in his lap, Kevin let out a deep moan. She became suddenly very aware of his growing arousal. "Kevin.....," she whispered against his mouth. "Ssshh....I'm don't wanna talk anymore," he replied, his breath becoming ragged. "Kevin.....stop.....please," her voice soft and pleading. Kevin picked his head up suddenly and looked at her face. Oh God, he thought, she's gonna cry. What the fuck was I thinking? He stroked her head and bumped his forehead to hers, whispering his apology over and over. "God Kaylee....ssshhh...please baby...I don't want to make you cry...but that's all I seem to do....I'm sorry," he said as he gently slid her off his lap, and got on his knees on the floor in front of her. "Oh Kevin....it's not you.....well.....yes.......it is you...but it's not JUST you......it's us...it's THIS...it's..........it's........all of it! I'm so afraid. And, you....you're so....well......you're YOU...and you just....are....and...shit, now I don't know what I'm saying...." "Hush....not another word. I told you....I'd never do anything to hurt you, and I mean it. And, I think......as much as it's killing me....I better take you back to your room." "No Kevin...I don't want to say goodbye....I don't.....and once I'm in my room again.....that's it......you're gone...and......and....," she was now overcome by her tears, and he leaned into her, wrapping her in his arms, as she put her head on his shoulder. "No Kaylee......no goodbyes," he said in an emotional voice, as he slowly stood up, lifting her with him. He cupped her face in his hands and looked into her eyes. Kaylee remembered what he had said earlier about his eyes giving him away, so she looked deeply into them and what she saw there made her shiver. All his emotions...the confusion...the sincerity.....his eyes said so very much. "I mean it Kaylee......NO goodbyes....this is just 'see you in a little bit'.....that's all." She nodded and then bent down to pick up her shoes. "C'mon then handsome," she said as the sobs slowed down, "take me back to my room....before we both regret it." With his arm tightly around her shoulder, they headed out the door, and down to the 12th floor. "Please just a quick kiss...I can't do that again......I can't," she pleaded. "Well...it'll have to wait....because you have to go inside and get something for me.....I need your phone numbers......all of them......home.....work.....cell.......ALL of them!" Kaylee opened the door and slid in and back out quickly with a notepad and pen. She scribbled all her phone numbers on the paper. Kevin took the paper and slipped it into his pants pocket. He then leaned over and lightly kissed her lips. "Kaylee Barrone....you take my breath away. This is too hard for me to understand right now...I'm so damn confused. But you have to know what you've done for me. I just can't believe the way you make me feel.....I'm so grateful to you...you'll never know what it meant to me the night you reached out to me on the street. Thank you," he stopped speaking, his voice overcome with emotion. He pulled her close and hugged her tightly. "Now go.......good night.....and......I WILL call you.....I promise." "You better Richardson," she said in a broken voice. He backed away from her and continued to watch her as he headed down the hall. She opened her door again and before she stepped inside she blew him a kiss. Kevin caught the kiss, held it to his heart, blew her one back.....and disappeared around the corner. Kaylee let the door shut behind her and she headed to the bed. Not even taking her clothes off, she sat on the edge of the bed, and the tears flowed. She could still smell him on her clothes.....on her skin. Never saying a word, Ali got up and simply held her friend. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kevin got back to his room and shut the door behind him. He slipped out of his socks and pants. He unbuttoned his shirt, but left it on. He smiled...he could smell her cologne on it. He poured himself a small glass of wine and sat on the sofa thinking about the last few days. He finished the wine in three big gulps, put the glass on the floor and stretched his long bare legs out on the couch, crossing them at the ankle. He put one arm across his forehead and sighed deeply. He thought about Trish...and all the pain she'd ever caused him. How much had he missed with her? He thought about Kaylee and how much she brought to his life...to him. Dammit...how is this ever going to work....how, he thought. As he relived every moment with her, the tears slowly slid down his cheeks. Fuck it, he thought.....I gotta find out what this can become....and I ain't gonna give up. He rubbed his one hand over his cheeks brushing the tears away. She thinks I can be overwhelming, he thought....well...Miss Kaylee....you ain't seen nothing yet. I am NOT going to let what may be the best thing to happen to me in a long time...just walk away......and stay away. No damn way...no....I won't let it happen. He reached into his pants pocket and took out the paper with her phone numbers, As he started to doze off, he clutched the paper to his chest and smiled....yes Kaylee....prepare yourself....I ain't sure what I'm going to do......but........I'm going to do something...yep....I'm gonna do something. |
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| Chapter 32 |
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