Chris nearly made it to his car before someone grabbed his arm and spun him around. He was met with JC's curious stare and he glared, just wanting to be left alone.
"You wanna tell me what all that was about?"
"No, it's none of your business."
"Well, I'm making it my business. What the hell is going on?"
Chris shook his head and looked away. �You wouldn't understand."
"Chris, how long have we known each other?" Chris just shrugged his shoulders and JC continued, "I know you well enough to know that there's something going on that you're not telling us."
Chris knew that JC was tenacious and wouldn't give up until he had spilled everything. He looked at his feet, scuffing his shoe on the pavement. He knew JC was waiting, but he couldn't say it. He couldn't tell his friend that he was jealous.
"Chris?"
Ash's tentative voice made him wince. He'd acted like an ass and he knew it. She hadn't deserved him yelling at her the way he did. Chris chanced a look at her and again marveled at how pretty she was. She looked at him with concern and he felt like an even bigger jerk. He had to look away. JC had backed off, moving just out of earshot, but close enough that he could still keep an eye on Chris. Ash stepped closer and Chris fought the urge to run from her.
"Chris...what is it? What's wrong?"
He didn't answer. He just kept staring at the pavement, feigning interest in a crack that he kept rubbing the toe of his shoe across. His eyes swept over the parking lot, seeming to look for a way out. Ash stepped closer and touched his shoulder.
"Look, I think I know what's going on."
Chris's eyes widened as they shifted to meet hers. He was surprised at what he saw there. Understanding...and maybe, just maybe a little of the same attraction that he felt.
Ash trembled, thinking that she was nuts for doing this, but she had to do something. Tentatively, she placed a hand on Chris's shoulder and leaned closer. His eyes widened even more, but he didn't pull away. Ash licked her lips nervously and pressed them to his.
At first, the shock of what Ash was doing rendered Chris immobile. He was completely frozen, his hands at his sides, clenched into fists and his body rigid. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion as Chris unclenched his hands and raised one to cup her cheek. His lips settled more definitely on hers.... searching...tasting.
When at last they pulled apart, neither one of them could speak. They stood there, in the parking lot, gazing at each other. They were so caught up in each other that they didn't notice when JC went back into the club. They didn't even notice when Justin poked his head out the back door and JC had to pull him back in before he embarrassed them.
~**~
2 Days later
The pinkish hues of the early morning promised that the day was going to be clear and warm. The quiet solitude of the morning gave way to the steadily increasing sounds of the traffic below and Ash watched the already bustling activity while sipping coffee from her favorite mug. Chaz wasn't up yet and Ash cherished these moments. She could drink her coffee and just let herself relax before starting the new day.
She turned from the window and walked slowly over to the kitchen. Refilling her cup, she brought it up to her nose, savoring the aroma. She walked back over to the window, wanting to enjoy a few more minutes before Chaz came out wanting breakfast. As she looked out over the busy city below, the honking cars and rushing people began to fade. A face started to form in her vision. One that she couldn't get out of her mind no matter how hard she tried. The round cheeks, deep brown eyes and silly smile seemed to be burned into the backs of her eyelids. Every time she closed her eyes, he was there.
Ash didn't know if kissing him had been a good idea, but at the time she hadn't cared. She'd just done it. Now, all she wanted was to feel his lips against hers again, his hand caressing her face. Ash's lips curved into a smile as she relived that moment again.
"Mom?"
Ash shook her head, ridding herself of the images dancing there and watched her son pad barefoot into the room, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. "Hey there champ," she said, "You hungry?"
The look he gave her told her that that was a dumb question and Ash laughed, heading to the kitchen. As she made omelets and toast for the both of them, they discussed the routine and decided to get to work on it right after eating. For now, Ash would concentrate on work. Later, when she was alone, she would let her mind wander back to Chris and would try to figure out what to do.
~**~
Ash had no idea that while she was eating breakfast with Chaz, Chris was sitting on his balcony, overlooking the ocean, and thinking of her too. Chris's eyes scanned the horizon, not actually seeing any of its beauty. He saw another beauty instead. One with glossy brown hair and gold-green eyes that bored right into his own whenever he looked at her.
Two day later and he was still reeling from that kiss. Whatever he had thought she would do, that definitely wasn't it. He smiled, thinking about the way she'd looked at him after they'd pulled apart. She had felt it too. There was something there that neither of them could explain, but it was there nonetheless. Then she had surprised him even more by blushing and stammering shyly. After such a bold display he hadn't expected her to look at him as if she'd just finally kissed a high school crush.
He had to see her again. He'd decided that the night before when he'd been puttering around the house not knowing what to do with himself. All he could think about was the softness of her lips, the sparkling gold in her eyes, the husky velvet of her voice. Chris stood up and went inside, glancing at the clock. It was too early to call her. He didn't have any idea if she was an early-riser or liked to sleep in. The phone rang, shattering his thoughts and he picked it up off the counter.
"Hello?"
"Hey doofus, what's up?"
Chris laughed at Joey's cheerful greeting and leaned on the counter. "Nothin' much Joe, 'sup with you?"
"We're all gonna get together at my place later. Shay's having one of her famous barbeques. I'll expect you around six."
Chris hesitated at first, but then thought about it. This would be a great way to get Ash out. He'd invite her and Chaz so they could get to know the guys better and in doing so, he could spend the day with her.
"Sure, I'll come, if you don't mind a couple more guests."
"Hell," Joey snorted, "You know we don't. Wait...you're gonna invite Ash and her son aren't you, you sly dog?"
The knowing tone of Joey's voice made Chris blush and he was glad his friend couldn't see him. Chris drew a pattern on the countertop with his finger, waiting for Joey to laugh.
"It's cool, bring 'em. I gotta go, Shay's dishing out orders. Remember, six o'clock sharp."
"Yeah, I'll be there."
They hung up and Chris smiled. He'd wait a couple hours and then drive on over to Ash's apartment. It was harder to say no to someone in person. Plus, he was sure that Chaz would be all for it and then he'd have a backup. She just wouldn't be able to turn them both down. Chris set the phone down and went to shower. He sang cheerfully as the hot spray pricked his skin. This was going to be a good day.