Chapter 20
Brian and Rachel walked into the coffee shop and sat down at a table. They both ordered mochas and sipped them quietly. Rachel caught Brian staring at her in between sips.
"What?" Rachel asked as she set her cup down.
"Hmm?" Brian said as he snapped out of his trance.
"You were staring at me."
"I was? Oh, sorry I was just...thinking."
"I see," Rachel said with a nod and a smirk.
"Hey, have you ever been to the beach during the day?"
Rachel shook her head. "No, why do you ask?"
"Well, everyone is going tomorrow afternoon. You wanna come?"
"Sure, it'll be fun," Rachel said with a smile.
Brian looked at her and smiled. He loved her smile. It seemed to brighten up the whole room. Her brown hair draped over her shoulders perfectly in his eyes. He watched her as she took a sip of her drink. I wonder what it would be like to kiss her. Wait a minute B-Rok get ahold of yourself. You've only known this girl for a week.
"Brian, you're staring again," Rachel said with a grin.
Brian blushed. "Sorry," he said.
"What's with you tonight? Why do you keep staring at me?"
"I wasn't staring," Brian denied.
"Then what were you doing?"
"Admring," Brian said shyly.
Rachel blushed. "There's nothing here to admire."
Brian looked deeply into her eyes and grabbed her hand. "There's more there than you think."
"Thank you," Rachel said shyly.
"Anytime," Brian said with a warm smile.
"You wanna go somewhere else tonight?" Rachel asked, trying to change the subject.
Brian smiled. "Well, we could go to your place and watch a couple of movies."
"Why my place? Why not yours?"
"More privacy at yours."
"But I don't have any movies."
"So we'll rent some," Brian said as he stood up. "Come on, let's go to the video store," he said as he held out his hand.
Rachel took his hand and they went to Brian's BMW. The two of them drove to the video store and rented "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Dumb and Dumber." When they got to her apartment, the two of them settled down on the couch.
"What do you want to watch first?" brian asked.
"Dumber and Dumber. Jim Carrey is da bomb!" Rachel said with a laugh.
Brian smiled. "Finally a girl who agrees with me," he said as he popped in the movie.
He sat next to Rachel and the two of them laughed at the movie. When the movie was over Brian got the next movie out.
"Wait, don't start the movie yet. I wanna change my clothes. I'll be right back."
"Okay I'll wait," Brian said as he sat back down on the couch.
A few minutes later Rachel came out wearing blue jogging pants, UCF sweatshirt and her hair pulled back in a bun. She sat back on the couch next to Brian.
"Okay I'm ready," Rachel said.
"Great," Brian said then pushed the play button on the remote.
Rachel wasn't into the movie much. She was into watching Brian. She studied his features. His eyes were an unusual color of blue, unlike anything she had ever seen before. She liked how his face was square and you could see his jaw bones. Gosh, I've never seen someone so good looking in my life. I can't believe I've had a crush on him for so long and now I'm sitting on the couch next to him, Rachel thought. She noticed Brian turning his head so she quickly looked away. She felt him grab her hand. Rachel's heart began to melt. I can't believe he's holding my hand. I am so lucky.
Brian's eyes were on the screen, but his mind was somewhere else. Man, why do I have to like her so much when I barely know her? This is confusing. I've never met someone like her before. She's everything I've ever wanted in a girl. He looked at her. The way she looked made it tempting for him to put his arms around her. Brian sighed and watched the rest of the movie.
The movie had ended and Rachel look over at Brian. Brian smiled shyly.
"So what do you want to do now?" Brian asked.
Rachel smiled and put in a Brian McKnight CD in the CD player. "I've got an idea," she whsipered.
"What's that?" Brian asked quizzically.
"I'll show you," Rachel said as she moved closer to him.
Slowly their lips brushed and they began to kiss. Brian put his hands on her waist while Rachel ran her fingers through his hair. The two of them remained kissing for a few more minutes then Rachel laid in Brian's arms. Brian kissed her on the top of her head. The two of them lay there in silence and enjoyed each other's embrace.
Chapter 21
Kristin and Nick danced under the stars within the headlights of Nick's car. Soft music was playing in the rhythm of the waves. Kristin could smell the scent of Gravity come from the collar of Nick's shirt. Nick stopped dancing and looked down into Kristin's eyes. He slowly moved closer and kissed her gently on the lips then wrapped his arms around her.
"I haven't had this much fun with a girl in a long time," Nick said softly.
"Why not?" Kristin asked.
"Most girls don't treat me like I'm normal."
"Well, Hon you are normal."
"I know, but most people tend to forget that."
"Well, I'm not like most people," Kristin said.
"And I'm thankful for that," Nick said as he let go of Kristin. "You ever stood at the shore of an ocean?"
Kristin shook her head. "To be honest, this is my first time on the beach."
Nick took her hand. "Come on I wanna show you something." The two of them walked to the shore. "Now stand right here."
Kristin waited and soon the tide splashed up against her feet. "Oh my gosh that's cold!" Nick laughed.
"What are you laughing at?"
"The first time is always the worst. After that it's great."
Kristin waited for the tide to come back. She closed her eyes tight and felt the water come up to her feet. This time, the water wasn't as cold. "Hey that wasn't so bad," Kristin said with a smile.
"See, what did I tell you," Nick said as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.
Kristin looked on into the ocean and saw something jump out of the water. "What was that?"
"What was what?"
It jumped up again. "That," Kristin said while pointing to it.
"Oh that was a dolphin. They jump out of the water at night sometimes."
"Wow I've never seen a real dolphin before."
"You're kidding."
"Well, they don't exactly have an ocean in Chicago."
Nick laughed. "Okay I see your point."
"One of these days I'll take you out on my boat. Don't you think that would be fun?"
"A boat?"
"Yeah."
"You have a boat?" Kristin said with a grin.
"Yeah, I just got one not long ago. I take all my girlfriends on it."
"I can't believe you have a---wait a second. Did you say girlfriends?" Nick nodded. "Wait a minute does that mean I'm---" she trailed off.
"Well, if you want to be. I'm hoping you will."
Kristin laughed nervously. "Well, yeah of course I'd be your girlfriend. I mean, what girl wouldn't? I mean, she'd have to be crazy not to. Of course--"
Nick interrupted her with a kiss. "Are you through?"
Kristin drew in a breath. "Yeah, sorry I was just in shock."
"Why would you be in shock?"
"Well, I mean you've got all these beautiful girls who would love to have you. Why would you choose me?"
Nick looked Kristin in the eyes. "Kris, most of those girls only want me for my looks or my money. They don't see the real me. You do. That's why I like you. Not only are you yourself, but you're beautiful too."
"Me? Beautiful? No guy has ever told me that before," Kristin said shyly.
"Well, those guys were blind. They don't know you like I do."
"Are you sure we're being rational about this? I mean we've only know each other for a week. Maybe we should--"
Nick placed his finger on her lips. "You're thinking too much."
"What about your fans?"
"What about them?"
"Won't they be upset that you have a girlfriend? I mean, you are the most popular Backstreet Boy."
"Kris, my fans understand that I have to have a love life too. Sure, there are a few out there that get mad, but that's their problem. I've had other girlfriends and it's not been a problem."
"How many other girlfriends have you had?"
Nick smiled. "Does it really matter?"
"No, I guess not," Kristin said with a smile. She leaned against Nick and closed her eyes. "Just out of curiosity, how many girlfriends have you had?"
Nick laughed. "Okay, if you must know I've only had two."
"And--"
"And they dumped me. I didn't dump them."
Kristin gave out a sigh of relief. "That's good to know."
Nick lifted up her head with his fingers under her chin. "Kris, I promise you I won't do anything to hurt you. I'm not that of kind of guy. So you don't have to be afraid."
Kristin smiled. "I'm never afraid when I'm with you."
Nick kissed her then slowly led her back to his car. He looked at the clock. It was almost one AM. "We should go on home."
"Yeah," Kristin said as she sat back in her seat.
Nick smiled and turned on the ignition. They drove to her apartment with the radio on low. The song was beginning to get on Kristin's nerves.
"Mind if I change the station?"
"No go right ahead."
Kristin changed the station and the song "Quit Playing Games With My Heart" was on. Kristin laughed and Nick rolled his eyes.
"Gee I wonder who this is," Nick said with a grin.
"I don't know, but I hear the guy singing right now is really cute."
"Cute? He's not cute. He's a guy not a little boy."
Kristin laughed. "Oh yeah I forgot, you hate being called cute."
Nick laughed. "Yeah, well it's one of my pet peeves."
Kristin grinned and sat back in her seat. "So how big is it?" she asked while they were heading to a stoplight.
Nick nearly slammed on the brakes. "What?"
"How big is it?"
Nick swallowed. "How big is what?"
"Your boat silly. What did you think I was talking about?" Nick blushed then Kristin gasped. "Nickolas Gene Carter!" she said while smacking him on the arm.
"Sorry, but I couldn't help it. I mean you just blurted it out like that. What was I supposed to think? I am a guy you know."
"Well, I certainly hope you're a guy. You'd make a very ugly girl," Kristin said while laughing.
"Oh I feel loved," Nick said while driving again. Soon he pulled up into the parking lot. He turned toward Kristin. "You've made me so happy tonight."
"You've made me happy too. God pinch me and tell me I'm dreaming." Nick pinched her on the arm. "Ow! I didn't mean for you to actually pinch me you goof!"
"Aww I'm sorry did I hurt you? Here let me kiss it and make it better." Nick kissed her arm. "There is that better?"
"No, you missed a spot," Kristin said while smirking.
"Where?"
"Right here," Kristin said while pointing to her lips.
Nick kissed her gently on the lips. "There is it all better now?"
"Much better, Kristin said.
"Good," Nick said while getting out of the car.
The two of them walked up to her apartment. Kristin unlocked the door and there they found Rachel and Brian asleep on the couch.
"Aww don't they look cute?" Kristin whispered.
"Yeah...let's wake them up."
"Nick, you're evil," Kristin said with a grin.
Nick smiled and kneeled down next to Brian. "Oh B-ROK. Wake up sweetie. Time to get up stud muffin," Nick said in a sing song voice.
Brian stirred, then opened his eyes. "Holy Geez Frack!"
Nick busted up laughing. "Sorry I had to get you up somehow."
Brian got up from the couch, waking Rachel up. She looked around in confusion "What's going on?"
Brian laughed. "Nick woke me up."
"Oh," Rachel said while rubbing her eyes.
"Well, we better go. We'll see you guys tomorrow," Nick said.
"Okay," Kristin said as she gave Nick a hug.
"Good night," Brian said.
"Good night," Rachel said as she shut the door. She turned around to see Kristin standing there with a big grin on her face. "What are you so happy about?"
"Guess who is Nick's new girlfriend?"
Rachel squealed in excitement. "Oh my gosh I'm so happy for you," she said as she gave Kristin a hug.
"Thanks," Kristin said. "So, what's up with you and Brian?"
"Nothing, we just like each other a little," Rachel said while blushing.
"Then why are you blushing?"
"No reason," Rachel said mischeviously.
"Girl you're too much," Kristin said as she walked to her room. "Good night."
"Good night," Rachel said then went off to bed herself.
Chapter 22
Sarah woke up the next morning in Kevin's bed. At first she had forgotten where she was then the memories of the night before came back when she felt the pain on her cheek. Sarah sat up and yawned. The smell of pancakes reached her nose. She suddenly realized that she was hungry and walked toward the kitchen. There stood Kevin at the stove cooking pancakes. Sarah leaned against the doorway and admired him. She smiled when she noticed his tall, well built stature. He's so cute, she thought to herself. Kevin put some pancakes on a plate and turned around.
"Good morning," he said as he sat down at the table.
"Good morning," Sarah said shyly.
"I was wondering when you were gonna get up," Kevin said as he piled some pancakes on his plate. "Have a seat." Sarah sat down next to Kevin. "I hope you like pancakes."
"I love pancakes," Sarah said as she put three of them on her plate.
"Good," Kevin said with a smile.
Sarah took a bite of one of her pancakes. "Mmm, this is really good. What's in them?"
"I can't tell you. It's the Richardson family secret. It's been in my family for many years."
"Well, whatever's in them, they're the best pancakes I've ever eaten."
"Thanks," Kevin said.
"You're quite welcome," Sarah replied.
Just then the phone rang. Kevin picked it up. "Hello?" he said.
"Hey Kev, it's Brian."
"Hey, what's up?"
"Not too much here. I was just calling to see if you were doing okay. You seemed pretty upset last night."
Kevin chuckled. "Nah, I'm fine Bri."
"Good because I hate to see you so bummed. That Sarah girl wasn't worth it. You can do better."
Kevin grinned. "Well, cuz I'm sorry you feel that way because Sarah's sitting next to me right now."
"She's what?! Kevin what's going on?"
"It's a long story. I'll explain later."
"All right," Brian said, not so sure. "Hey are you coming with us to the beach this afternoon?"
"I don't know yet. If we decide not to go I'll call you."
"Okay, talk to you later man."
"Bye," Kevin said then hung up.
"Who was that?" Sarah asked.
"That was Brian. He was wanting to know if I was okay because of last night."
"You weren't that bummed were you?"
"Yeah I was. I thought you stood me up."
Sarah gave Kevin an apologetic look. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."
Kevin smiled. "Don't worry about it. It wasn't your fault."
"I know, but I can't help feeling bad about it."
"It's all in the past now." Kevin was silent for a moment. "Would you like to go to the beach with everyone this afternoon?"
Sarah smiled. "That sounds like fun."
"Good, then let's go get ready so we can meet up with everyone."
Sarah picked up her plate and started to put it away. Kevin stopped her. "No don't worry about that. You go ahead and take a shower first. I'll do the dishes."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'll do the dishes. You just go get ready."
"Okay," Sarah said as she headed toward the guest bedroom. Sarah picked out her clothes and got into the shower. The water felt good on her hurting back. After she got out of the shower she put her clothes on and began drying her hair. When she finished, there was a knock on the door.
"Sarah are you almost finished?" Kevin asked.
Sarah opened the door. "Yeah, I just got to put on my make up. I can do it in the other room if you want."
"No, it's okay. Take your time," Kevin said as he walked in. He placed his towel on the edge of the bathtub and sat down.
Sarah started putting on her foundation and noticed the bruise on her face. Tears began to fall. Kevin walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. "Why did he have to do this to me?"
"Shhh, it's okay. You're safe now."
Sarah looked up at Kevin with fear. "Do you think it's possible he could know where I am?"
"How could he? He was out cold when we left. He doesn't even know me so how would he know where I live?"
"He's always found me before."
"He's not going to find you this time," Kevin said gently as he stroked her hair.
Sarah sniffled. "I'm sorry. I'll just finish getting ready in the other room," she said as she picked up her make up bag.
"Okay," Kevin said. He looked down at Sarah. Her eyes were shimmering with tears. He gently caressed her face. "We don't have to go to the beach if you don't want to."
"No, I want to go. Besides it would do me some good to get out."
"Are you sure?"
Sarah smiled. "I'm positive. Now go get ready and lets go."
"Okay," Kevin said.
Sarah started to leave, then turned around. "Thanks for being such a friend," she said then left the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.
"Yeah, a friend who wants to be more," Kevin whispered then got into the shower.
Chapter 23
AJ rolled over to find Amanda still fast asleep. He smiled as he watched her. Careful not to wake her, he got up and went to the bathroom. When he came back he found Amanda lying awake with a smile on her face. AJ grinned and got back in bed with her. He kissed her lightly on the lips.
Amanda smiled. "You were great last night Mr. McLean."
"You were too," he said as he wrapped his arms around her. Amanda was silent for a moment. "Hey, you okay?" Amanda just nodded. "Why is it that I don't believe you?"
Amanda sighed and faced AJ. "Do you love me?"
"Of course I do."
"No, I mean do you really love me?"
"Amanda, what are you getting at?"
"It's just...well...I think we're moving a little too fast."
"How so?" AJ asked.
"Here lately it seems like all we do is have sex. I just don't feel that our relationship is going anywhere."
"You think we moved into the sex too fast?"
"No, just maybe we're doing it too much."
"So you don't like the sex?" AJ said, still trying to grasp what Amanda was trying to say.
"No." She sighed. "Just forget it," she said as she rolled over.
"No, I'm not going to forget it. Finish what you were saying." He put his hand on her back; she didn't move. "Amanda talk to me."
Amanda rolled back over. "AJ, you know I love you right?" AJ nodded. "Then that's all that matters," she said then kissed him.
"That didn't answer my question."
"We'll talk about it later. I don't want to ruin our day."
"So it's a bad thing?"
"No not bad. It's just complicated. If we talk about it now we'll get frustrated and fight."
"Amanda!" AJ whined. "Please tell me. I want you to be happy," he said with a puppy dog face.
Amanda smiled. "You're too cute."
AJ ginned. "Gotta love me."
"Yes I do," Amanda said as she cuddled closer to him.
AJ wrapped his arms around her. "So are you gonna tell me now?" Amanda smacked him on the stomach. "Ow!" he shouted.
Amanda laughed. "Serves you right."
AJ rubbed his stomach. "That hurt."
"Aww poor baby," Amanda said with a smirk.
"You are a big pain in the ass you know that?"
"Oh and you aren't?"
"No, I'm a perfect angel."
Amanda snickered. "You wish."
"I feel so loved."
Amanda laughed. "Oh you know you are," she said then kissed him.
"Sometimes I wonder," said AJ.
Amanda sat up and looked down at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"
AJ laughed. "Chill babe. I'm just kidding."
Amanda laid back down next to him. "You better be."
AJ kissed her on the top of her head. "Can we stay in bed all day and just cuddle?"
Amanda snicked. "I don't think so."
"Aww come on!"
"Come on lazy butt. Get out of bed," she said as she got up and put a robe on. She turned around to find AJ still in bed. "Get up!"
"I can't. I'm stuck to the bed," AJ joked.
Amanda laughed and gabbed AJ's hand. "Out of bed before I have to kill you."
AJ hopped out off the bed. "Okay I'm up."
"I knew that'd get you up." AJ wrapped his arms around her waist and started kissing her neck. She pulled away from him. "I'm going to go take a shower. I'll be back." She took her shower then went into the living room to find AJ laying on the couch watching TV. Amanda bent down and kissed him. "You better get ready before we're late meeting everyone."
AJ got up. "All right I'll be ready in a few minutes." After his shower he came out wearing only a towel. Amanda was sitting on the bed putting her hair in a pony tail. When she noticed AJ she stopped and stared. "What?" he said.
"Nothing," Amanda said quickly then continued brushing her hair. AJ laughed then went back into the bathroom the coming out with his swimming trunks on. He walked over to Amanda and kissed her full on the lips. "What was that for?" she asked.
"Becuase I love you. . .and because you look so sexy in that bikini."
Amanda blushed and looked down at her red and blue bikini. "Thanks."
"Anytime." He looked at his watch. "We better go before we're late. You ready?" Amanda nodded and took AJ's hand. The two of them got in his car and went to the beach.
Chapter 24
"Rachel take your inhaler with you!" Kristin said.
"Why? I'm not going to need it," Rachel said as she changed her shorts. She put on a pair of denim shorts over her bikini bottom. "Does this look okay?"
"Yeah, it looks fine. Now take your inhaler."
"I told you I won't need it!"
"Just take it in case you do. You never know."
"I'm telling you, I won't need it," Rachel shouted, getting slightly irritated.
"Quit being so stubborn and take it."
Rachel sighed and took the inhaler from Kristin. "Fine I'll take it. But I won't need it."
"Well, maybe not, but at least you'll have it if you do."
Rachel stared herself in the mirror. "What do you think? Hair up or down?"
"I'd wear it up since it's hot outside. Are you purposely trying to ignore me?"
Rachel gave Kristin a sarcastic grin and rolled her eyes. "I heard you and I'm taking the stupid inhaler. You worry way too much girl."
"I'm only looking out for you. Besides--" she was interrupted by the doorbell. "That's probably Nick and Brian," she said as she went to go answer it. She opened the door and smiled as she saw Brian and Nick standing there. "Hey guys! Come on in. We're almost ready," she said as she let them inside. "Nick you wanna help me get some stuff into the cooler?"
"Sure no problem," he said as he followed her into the kitchen.
"Hey is it okay that I use the restroom real quick?" Brian asked.
Kristin peeked her head out from the kitchen. "Yeah go ahead. Down the hall, third door on the left."
"Thanks," Brian said as walked down the hall. He walked past the first room and noticed Rachel standing at the foot of her bed staring into a mirror. He knocked lightly on the doorway. Rachel looked up and smiled.
"Hey," she said softly.
"Hi, what are you doing?"
"Just finishing getting ready. You can come in if you want." Brian stepped in her room and sat down on her bed. Rachel continued to study herself in the mirror. "Can you hand me that brush laying on the bed please?" she asked, not looking at him. Brian reached over and handed her the brush. "Thank you," she responded while brushing her hair out. Brian admired her with a smile on his face. She noticed him watching her. "Yes?" she asked turning around.
"Nothing," Brian said with an innocent grin.
"Yeah, okay," Rachel said quickly and continued brushing her hair. She put it up in a pony tail and sat down next to Brian. She looked over at him, his eyes were locked into hers. Slowly he brought his hand up and brushed her cheek. Softly but sweetly his lips touched hers. Rachel gently pulled away, keeping her eyes closed. The kiss still lingered on her lips, tasting as sweet as honey. Taking a deep breath she opened her eyes and looked at Brian.
He smiled at her and whispered, "I've been waiting to kiss you like that for a long time."
Rachel was speechless. All she could do was kiss him again. The two of them remained kissing until they were interrupted by the sound of Kristin's voice.
"Did you take a detour route to the bathroom Brian?" Brian and Rachel jumped, blushing with embarrassment.
"I told you he'd get lost," Nick said.
"Ha ha funny," Brian said as he stood up.
"Come on guys help us get the stuff loaded up so we can meet everyone on the beach," Kristin said, Nick and Brian walked into the other room. Kristin caught Rachel by the arm. "Are you two. . .?"
Rachel shook her head. "No. . .not yet," she said with a sly grin.
Kristin laughed. "Reeling him in girlfriend!"
Rachel laughed with her. "Come on let's get the stuff."
Brian picked up a big cooler and took it out to Nick's Dodge Dorango. Nick was in the kitchen putting ice into another cooler. Kristin smiled as she watched him pick up the ice bag and pound it into the cooler, his muscles rippling from his white wife beater. She walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"For being so cute." Nick gave her an evil look. "I know I know you hate being called cute. Get used to it." Nick stuck his tongue out at her. "Where did you put the soda? Hey! I saw that Mister! Stick that tongue back in your mouth before I bite it off."
"Kinky," Nick said with a snicker.
Kristin started to make a comment, but stopped and shook her head. "Nevermind I'm not gonna go there. Anyway Nickolas where did you put the soda?"
"It's sitting over there on the counter," Nick said while pointing to it.
Kristin picked up a six pack of Pepsi when she noticed a piece of ice fly past her, followed by Nick's laughter. "Nick you're supposed to keep the ice in the cooler. Not throw it at your girlfriend."
"But this is so much fun," he said as he picked up another piece of ice.
Kristin turned around and looked at Nick playfully. "Well, if you keep that up you'll be in trouble."
"Oh really?" Nick said with a sexy grin. He walked over to her and put his hands on her waist. "What would you do if I were to kiss you right now?"
"I would kiss you back," she said as she slowly moved her lips towards Nick's then began to kiss, wrapping her arms loosely around his neck.
Brian walked into the kitchen and grinned. "Okay you get on to us about kissing and look what you're doing. I thought you guys were supposed to be helping us load up the car. By the time we get there it'll be dark. Come you two love birds."
"All right all right we're coming," Nick said as he parted from Kristin. They put the sodas into the cooler and each held onto a handle. Grinning at each other, they carried the cooler together to the car.
