| "Kevin.....hi," Kaylee whispered into the phone, still not completely awake. Her sleepy voice sounded so incredibly sexy to Kevin, he found himself shifting in bed, trying to ignore the part of him that lately seemed to have a mind all it's own. "Hi yourself, sleepyhead. Didn't wait up for me," he asked softly, his drawl more pronounced at this late hour. "I'm so sorry Kevin....it's just.......I.....I had.....a really shitty night......and I guess the wine kind of caught up with me......but......I didn't want to miss your call.....and...oh God......I'm so embarrassed...I went to sleep with the phone." His laugh enveloped her in such warmth it always took her breath away. "The phone.....you're sleeping with the phone?!?! Oh baby...sleeping with me would be so much better than the phone." "Really Kevin....ya think? Cause I don't know......the phone doesn't snore...it doesn't hog the covers....it sure doesn't take up much space....." "God, a smartass at this hour. Wonderful. But, for the record. I wouldn't take up much space either. Ya know...it is possible for two people....aaahh...in bed.....to......only take up space....for....ummmmmm......" "What's wrong Richardson? Get yourself into something that you can't get out of gracefully," she asked softly. "Shush up woman...I'm very graceful. Furthermore...I can fit into a small space on the bed....," his voice becoming husky and deep, "I'd fit perfectly into your space." "Really...and what would you do with me.....push me off the side?" Kaylee was well aware of what he meant, and for the first time, she teased him back. The more comfortable they had become with each other, the further the teasing went. Kaylee was always the one to pull back, never wanting to give Kevin the wrong impression, but tonight was different. Kevin, for the first time, was at a loss for words. She had never allowed the teasing to go in this direction before, and the affect it was having on him was overpowering. He looked down his body, grateful that this was not a video call. "Shit," he muttered when he realized he was getting aroused just listening to her. "What's wrong sweetheart? Or is shit the answer? You'd say shit AFTER you pushed me off the bed???? I think I would be the one to say shit." He took a deep breath and decided it was time to give it right back to her. "Baby....," he said, dropping his voice even lower, "I wouldn't push you off.....I'd pull you in....closer....we'd be sharing that space. "Oh.....I think I get the picture," she said softly while blushing furiously, "SO.....how was the show??" Kevin laughed again, picturing her twisting that one piece of hair like she always did when she got nervous. And, quite pleased that he had acheived the results he hoped for.....she'd been teasing him back... but playing dumb. He sighed knowing that she was going in the exact same direction with the teasing that he was. Having succeeded in changing the subject, Kaylee listened while Kevin talked about the show. He told her how he had messed up a dance routine, and how he heard about it from the guys afterward. She was relieved that he seemed totally into what he had to say tonight, and that maybe he wouldn't bring up her earlier comments. She was wrong. Kevin never forgot anything anyone said to him. It might take him a while to get back to it, but he never forgot. "Kaylee....talk to me. Why was tonight so shitty? You sounded a little shaky earlier....everything ok now?" Oh God, she thought, not now Kevin...please...I can't do this now. I can't do this over the phone...Ali was wrong.....this shouldn't be over the phone...... "Kaylee....you fall asleep on me? My company that good, huh?" "No...no...Kevin, I'm here.....just thinking ... yeah....it was a shitty night. But, I don't want to get into it now...ok?" "Baby......are you sure you're ok," Kevin said, sensing the change in her voice. "Yes Kevin......I'm fine.....really.....we can talk about this when I see you...ok?" "You promise???" "Yes .. I promise." "Well...alright then.....but, since you did bring it up......I hear there's a group coming to your little town there....doing a couple concerts....not sure who they are, but I hear one of them....he's supposed to be crazy about some local woman. I hear she's drop dead gorgeous....beautiful...but supposed to be a real smart ass. Hear anything about that?? Hmmm?? Huh? Did ya? Did ya?" Kaylee was laughing so hard, she could hardly answer him. "YOU sound like a spoiled 10 year old!! Oh my God....how can someone that sounds so freaking sexy one minute sound like a spoiled brat the next? YOU, Kevin Richardson, are quite the man." She had sounded so sad earlier, that now the sound of her laughter filled his heart. They talked until they were both yawning, neither wanting to hang up, the same as it was every night. Finally Kevin had to call it a night...his throat was getting tired. "Kaylee....I hate to do this.....but...I gotta end this or I won't be able to sing tomorrow.....tonight...whenever it is......." "I know Kevin...and I have to get to work early....I know we NEED to hang up...but I don't WANT to hang up." "Baby, I could talk to you all night....you soothe my tired soul.....but, my tired voice...needs to rest. So....until tomorrow, my lady....good night." "Good night you wonderful man. You always know the right things to say....." *********************************************************** Kevin put his cell phone down...and just sat on the edge of his bed. He had never been so totally and utterly confused in his entire life. This woman was getting to him in ways he never even knew existed. She was a strong woman, yet vulnerable. She made him laugh....she made him cry. Dammit ... what the hell is going on with me, he thought to himself. Always so in control....and she comes along and my control gets shot to shit. Hell...Trish never made me this way. Wonder why? I loved Trish.......didn't I?? He jumped off the bed and walked toward the front of the bus. "Luke....you awake?" "Guess I am now, ain't I," Luke replied, rubbing his eyes and yawning. "Dawg......I am so sorry......" "Kev.....just cause you can't sleep....don't mean I can't sleep. You make me crazy during the day....give me my peace at night, ok?" "Well.......I.....I just......umm..well.....SHIT man....don't get all pissy on me...I AM sorry!" Luke opened one eye and looked at Kevin. This was a side of Kevin he'd not seen in years. He was shifting his weight nervously from side to side...something he did only when he was excited or nervous. And, he was running his hands through his hair......repeatedly. Damn, he thought, he's gonna pull it all out if he keeps that up....why'd he blow off the braids tonight? "I'm just giving you grief boss.....it's ok.....I wasn't having any good dreams anyway. What's up?" "OK....just humor me......one more time........." "Yes Kevin," Luke interrupted his nervous boss, "I spoke to Ali the other day. She's cool with it....said she'll make sure she gets Kaylee down to the hotel in plenty of time. Then the rest is up to you boss. Gotta give her the old Richardson charm....although....I think you've been giving her that.....and she's been giving it back too, hasn't she?? Kevin looked his friend in the eyes and said softly..."charm isn't what she's giving me, Luke. It's so much more. She's giving me so much....but each time she gives....I want more. I want her to let me in...all the way. I need her in my life Luke....dammit....I want her so bad...hell....I can still smell her. But, I know this ain't right....it's too soon..." "Whoa...whoa....Kevin....take a breath, ok? Why is it too soon?? Think about it.....why is it too soon? Trish? C'mon Kev....come up with something else...cause it ain't about Trish." Kevin shrugged his shoulders and rolled his eyes. "I don't know Luke....I'm afraid of coming on too strong with her....but, I have to let her know how I feel.....I have to...." "How do you feel about her, boss?" "I'm not sure I know," Kevin replied emotionally. "I am learning that what I FELT......before....it wasn't love...at least I don't think it was...but, what I'm feeling now.....is it love???" A tear slowly made it's way down Kevin's cheek. "Kev.....I can't answer that for you.....the answer is deep inside you," Luke responded while standing, and turning, Kevin toward the back of the bus. "Get yourself back to bed.....and think about it. You don't need an answer right away......but...try Kevin......listen to what your heart is trying to tell you....please. I think I know......and I'm pretty sure Kaylee's having these same feelings....but, YOU need to know....YOU need to be sure." They had reached the bedroom....and Kevin walked in and turned back to Luke. "Yeah....you're right. As usual," he laughed. "I'm going to take your advice.... think about it...and then have a really good talk with my heart.......and then.......get me some shut eye! Shit I'm tired....." Luke pulled the door shut......said his goodnights and went back to the front of the bus. Kevin stripped out of his clothes and opted to put on a pair of silk boxers. "Damn buses," he mumbled when he stepped into them. Kevin preferred to sleep in the nude, but being on a bus made him think twice about doing that.....what if there was an accident? Did he want the world to see the family "jewels"??? He decided that sleeping in boxers was a necessary evil. Didn't like it....but had to do it! He laid down on the bed, putting one arm over his head.....and the other across his chest. He was exhausted, and yet so many emotions played in his mind....over and over. But as he finally fell asleep...four things kept replaying in his mind..... Worry......she seemed upset tonight. Fear.....what if she doesn't feel the same way I do?? Confusion...feel the same way as me?!?! I don't even KNOW what I'm feeling. Love.....now where the hell did that come from???? |
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| Chapter 35 |