Chp 3
Morning came too soon. I woke up about 9, and as much as I wanted to crawl back under the covers and go back to sleep, I knew I needed to drive home. I got up, showered and dressed. I came out of the bathroom to see Nick sitting there yawning. I stopped what I was doing to admire the bed hair he’d acquired. It made him absolutely adorable.
“Morning” he yawned at me. I smiled as I continued to put everything in my case. I zipped it up and sighed deeply. I did not want to leave. As soon as I walked out the door, reality would hit me again. I watched Nick as he got up and wandered towards the bathroom. I waited until he came out.
“You’re leaving?” he asked, placing his arms around my waist. I ran my hand through his hair and smiled.
“Yeah, but as soon as I’m gone, I'm sure Bambi will reappear to keep you company”
“Ah, thanks for reminding me” he joked. when he kissed me, I could taste the mouthwash on his breath. How cute, he didn’t want to have morning breath. I made sure he had my phone number, email address and home address. He kissed me again at the elevator doors and waved as they shut. I was halfway home when the freaking out commenced. I giggled, screamed and shouted. I felt like the luckiest girl on earth. Who cared if he didn’t call, I had these memories for a lifetime. But I knew I wanted him to call;. When I got home, I only told my family bits and pieces. I told them I had been chatting with the hairstylist of the boys and he offered to help me out a bit. They didn’t need to know about Nick.
I went on with my life. I didn’t know if it had been real or not. I could have cared less. I think everyone thought I was on drugs because of my perma good mood. I didn’t want anyone to know about Nick so I kept the secret from even my best friend.
Two weeks to the day I left Nicks company he called. I was at work of course and when I came home it was all “Who’s Nick?”. If I’d said “You know, Nick Carter, from the Backstreet Boys, DUH” I would have been laughed at. I was disappointed I’d missed his call, but ecstatic he’d called. A week later, I got the letter. It was sitting on the hall table, the top of the pile. I knew instantly who it was from and tore it open. Talk about sweet sentiments, a hand written letter. I ran to my room.
Corina,
Hey! Baby! What’s skakin? I tried calling you, but they said you were at work. I was disappointed I missed you. I'd decided to write instead. I like snail mail better then email, it seems so more personal, ya know?
I want you to email me your work hours so I know when to call. My addys ScubaSteve@aol.com
Anyway, we’re in Knoxville, TN right now. It’s nice around here, quiet. Maybe I’ll move here. No, I could never leave the ocean. My new house will be right on the ocean and quiet and beautiful. I’ve already seen a few houses, but I can’t wait to finally select ‘the one’. Oh! I almost forgot! We’re coming back around this summer, and I want you to come join me. Stay on the road with me a week or so. I really hope we can do that. I’m not quite sure of the exact dates, but I’ll keep you posted. Well, I better go. Kevin is yelling at me to move my ass. Send me your hours so I know when to call! I want to talk soon.
Nick
I stared at the letter then screamed. I had to remind myself I wasn’t 12 anymore. Freaking out would do no good. He was coming back sooner then I expected and I had no doubt in my mind we’d meet up. I’d spend quite a few fun filled days with Nick. Then I started thinking, will he want sex? Would we even still be at that level? I was more then ready to get rid of this virginity thing and Nick seemed up to the job. Oh shit, I’m jumping to conclusions. Nick was still in gods know where, months away from me. I had to calm down.
I soon realized I couldn’t eat. Well, I could barley eat. The second time Nick called, I was home and nearly died of joy. He told me all about where they were what the fans had been like what jerks the other guys could be. Then he asked about my life. How everything was going.
That was basically the theme of all our conversations. As time went on, they got deeper, longer and more flirtatious. He became my confidant. I figured he told me everything as well. We built a great friendship. Sometimes he’d call twice a week, sometimes 4. Whatever his schedule allowed. I never pushed him on his time spent talking with me and I felt like he was grateful for that. Sure we had disagreements and one big fight via phone, but I let him be him and he let me be me. I understood how hard it was for him to spend time on a phone trying to build any type relationship, romantic or otherwise. I liked him a lot more then I thought I could, he was more mature, more quiet and more secure then I had ever imagined. I grew to understand how hard it could really be. He had grown up in the public eye and something’s just weren't the same with him.
The tour came back in July. They were set to play Philly the night of my birthday and I was beyond excited. I had lost 20 pounds from lost appetite and I was feeling quite skanky. Nick told me to meet ho, at the hotel and to be packed for at least 2 weeks. I drove to Philly sick with nerves. My hair had gone from chin length to down my back and my face looked ultra bony from my weight loss. It was probably the most insecure 30 minutes of my life. I got to the hotel and asked the hotel clerk for Nicks assumed name. She told me where to go, not sparing the evil eye. I ignored her and went off. The butterflies were swarming in my stomach as I made the trek down the hall. I only had to knock once before the door flew open and I was captured in Nicks grasp. I gave him a big smacking kiss as he spun me around.
“Did they stop feeding you at home?” he asked as he put me down and looked me over.
“Yeah, mom said if I didn’t want to pay rent I needed to stop eating.” I responded as I grabbed my bag from the hall and heaved it in the room. I closed the door and wrapped myself around Nick again. All of the butterflies were gone, I felt at ease.
“How was your drive up?” he asked, sitting on the couch. I sat beside him.
“Nerve racking” I replied.
“Why?” he laughed.
“I was afraid you’d think I was ugly because of how skinny I've gotten” I replied. It was a dumb thing to say, but oh well.
“I’d never think you were ugly. Do I think we need to find you some food? Yes. But you aren’t ugly.” He replied seriously. I knew he meant it and it made it that more special.
“Speaking of food, have you eaten yet today?” I asked sternly. During one of our conversations, Nick had told me how he sometimes forgets to eat.
“No, Mom, I was waiting for you” he said sarcastically. I smacked his arm.
“Well, then, if you were waiting for me, lets go. I’m starved” I stood and tugged him up.
“What do you want to eat?” he asked.
“A cheese steak. My friend showed me he best place to go” I replied. “So lets go get your bodyguard and eat”
“But, wait, do you eat onions on your cheese steak?” he asked suddenly.
“No, why?” I turned and eyed him.
“Well, I figure we should get all our kissing in now because you won't want to kiss me with onion breath”
“You don’t own a toothbrush?” I asked moving closer to him.
“No” he relied, sliding his arms around my wait and pulled me into him. My lips met his softly at first. He tried to deepen the kiss but I backed off slightly and nipped at his bottom lip. He pushed me closer and took charge, slowly separating my lips with his tongue. I felt my body respond as I pressed into him and smiled. I didn’t just like him, I cared about him. I could fall in love with him. And I’d fall hard. But I wanted to be in love. Another thought popped in my head. He tasted sweet. I started laughing at myself and Nick put his head to the side and frowned.
“What’s so funny?” he asked defensively.
“I was just thinking....?” I paused then laughed. “No, I can’t say it. It’s dumb.”
“No, you have to tell me. I’ll think you’re making fun of me” Nick said shaking my arms. I turned and walked towards the door.
“It keeps getting dumber by the minute” I replied.
“Just spit it out”
“I was, uh, thinking how good you taste” I could feel myself blush. It sounded even more idiotic spoken aloud. I walked to the door and stopped and turned to look at him. He had a doofy little smile on his face as he walked towards me.
“Was that a compliment?” he asked. I frowned at him.
“See, I knew it was dumb. I feel ridiculous for even thinking it” he took my face in his hands and kissed my lips gently.
“It’s not ridiculous at all. It was a sweet thing to say and I’ve thought almost the same about you” he kissed all over my face, soft kisses on my nose, cheeks and forehead that made me feel soothed and shaken at the same time. He kissed a trail down my neck. “I mean, we’ve only kissed about 10 times, but I crave you. Your taste is addictive. Especially right here” he kissed me right below my ear. I sighed deeply and wrapped my arms around his neck tighter. “The way you taste right there, the way you just melt when I do” I couldn’t take his lips not on mine so I brought his mouth to mine and took greedily.
“Let’s go eat” I said, pulling away from him.
“Tease” he murmured as we walked into the hallway. I followed Nicks lead as we passed the elevators and around the corner of the hall.
“T doesn’t usually stay near you?” I asked as we stopped. Nick knocked loudly.
“All depends who grabs what keys.”
He barely finished the sentence when the door was flung open and t scowled at us.
“Morning, lets go eat” Nick laughed.
“Corina!” T ignored me and gave me a little hug then scowled at Nick again. “You could have told me she was coming. I would have been awake hours ago”
“Surprise” came Nicks sarcastic reply.
“Such a card. Let me go grab another shirt and smooth the hair. Give me a second” he shut the door and Nick and I were left standing in the hallway.
“Are you ticklish?” Nick asked out of the blue. I narrowed my eyes.
“No” I snapped. Perhaps too quickly. I was terribly ticklish. I knew it was coming before Nick even started. We were engaged in a tickle war, laughing and screeching. T came out of his room and groaned.
“C’mon kids. Let's go eat. I’m starved” I gave Nick a final poke then jogged up to T.
“So, T, tell me how many women has Nick had in his room over the past 5 months?” I asked lightheartedly.
“10, 12.” He replied. “But they all resembled you”
“Ah, how sweet he is” I bumped into him playfully.
“It hasn’t been 12. Only Bambi” Nick defended himself. Bambi was our long running joke and Nick claimed she was terribly jealous of me.
We got into my car and Nick was upset I hadn’t built a shrine to him in my backseat. T hit Nick for me.
“So, what’s planned for tonight?” I asked casually. I was too tired to do anything too strenuous.
“Fool around” Nick replied.
“Sounds good to me” T replied from the backseat. “But, what will you do Nick?” Nick turned and smacked his arm
“In all seriousness, I figured we’d just sit around and chill. All that driving today must have made you tired.’
“Aw, you’re concerned. that’s so cute” I gushed, kissing his as we pulled to a stoplight.
“God, this mushy business gets me sick. You just wait, Corina. Nick will be whining and complaining and you’ll be thrilled to leave” T interjected.
“Probably” I joked. Nick elbowed me but smiled. We got to the place and ate without any problems. I had yet to attract fan pandemonium and I was thankful. All those girls could be vicious.
When we got back to the hotel, T declined our offer of watching movies all night. It was only 6, but I knew Nick had his heart set on some quiet time alone with me. To tell you the truth, I was looking forward to it too. We opted for the living area instead of the bedroom and flopped onto the couch. Nick sat and I lay across him. He was surprisingly comfortable to lay on. We watched a few movies, sat and talked, kissed a little. It was weird. We did nothing for about 6 hours straight but I hadn’t had more fun. He made me feel right at ease. After the third movie, I was sure Nick was asleep. He hadn’t poked me or annoyed me for at least 20 minutes and his breathing had gotten steady. His head was on my lap, so I brushed a strand of hair off his forehead. I knew if I tried to move I’d wake him up so I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
I awoke the next morning in the bed. I squinted at the clock and grumbled softly. I knew I should wake up, so I turned and stretched. I looked and saw Nick lying close to the edge of the bed. I yawned then got up. I came back out of the bathroom and sat on the bed under the covers. I glanced Nicks way, hoping he’d wake up. He’d gotten at last 20 more minutes of sleep then I had and he should be awake. I scooted closer to him and thought about the best way to wake him. I could push him off the bed but he’d be mad. I could poke him till he woke. I could yell in his ear. Or grab him. Or pull his hair. He’d old me the guys threw stuff at him to get him to wake up. I hoped I wouldn’t have to resort to that. I finally decided on a combination of poking and yelling. I leaned over him and gave him a little jab in his shoulder.
“Nick” I sing songed right above his ear. He didn’t even move. I shoved him and yelled Nick. That did it. He awoke with a start and fell off the bed. I didn’t laugh I just sat there and smiled. Nick slowly appeared from the side of the bed and frowned at me.
“Good morning sunshine” I said cheerfully. He continued to frown at me as he stood. He walked to the bathroom without a word. I shrugged to myself then lay down. I closed me eyes, thinking maybe I could go back to sleep now that I had the whole bed.
“I don’t think so” I heard Nick say sharply. I peeked my eyes open in time to see Nick getting ready to pounce. I screamed as he landed right on me.
“You are NOT sleeping after you woke me up” he exclaimed starting to tickle my stomach.
“You fell off the bed!” I retorted trying to squirm away from him. He grabbed my hands and pinned them in front of me and sat on my legs so they couldn’t kick.
“That’s a bunch of shit! You screamed in my ear then pushed me”
“I didn’t push you” I pouted as I tried to wriggle my hands free. “I just hate being awake when someone else is sleeping. By the way, how’d we get on the bed? I fell asleep on the couch.” I hoped my change of subject would work.
Nick relaxed his grip and stopped frowning. “I woke up and you looked really uncomfortable, your head all squished weird so I carried you to bed”
“That’s so sweet! You’re so strong! Can I feel your muscle?” I teased. Nick smiled then flexed his biceps for me. I ran my hand over it, letting my fingers slowly graze the tattoos.
“Have you been working out?” I asked.
“Yes. And for just such an occasion” He somehow flipped us so I was laying on top of him.
“Now kiss me” he demanded. I couldn’t help but oblige.
“So, Muscles, what do we do today?” I asked, leaning up on my elbows.
“Well, about 1, we go over to the place, sound check. We fart around until 4. We leave and then go back about 7ish. 8:30, main attraction goes on”
“That’d be you” I stated.
“I didn’t say all that. Why, am I your main attraction?” he asked, starting to play with my hair.
“At the time being.” I responded. I leaned down so our lips could meet. We were interrupted by a knock on the door. That seemed to happen a lot. Nick cursed and got up. I ran my hand through my hair and sat up. Nick went through the living room and I could hear the door getting knocked on even louder. Nick shouted at the door then I listened closely as I pictured him opening the door. I could hear the voice but couldn't make out who it was. The conversation was short and Nick came back with an unhappy expression.
“What?” I asked.
“They moved the radio interview to today because we’re doing a photo shoot tomorrow.” He replied, sitting on the edge of the bed. I crawled down the bed and started rubbing his shoulders.
“What’s wrong with that?” I asked softly.
“I don’t get to spend my extra few hours with you. I’ll be cooped up at the radio place for at least an hour.” He grumbled. I hugged him tightly, hoping to comfort him.
“Don’t worry. We have plenty of time to spend together. You have work to do, I understand.” I replied, kissing the back of his neck.
“ok, well, we have about 20 minutes. We both have to shower. I figure I’ll save time if we share.”
“Nice try Carter” I swatted him with a pillow. “Not today”
“That sounds promising” he said as he stood. I just smiled at him.
“You first. I know how long it takes you pretty boys to primp.”
“Funny” he grabbed a few things from his suitcase. “You wouldn’t like it if I never primped. I’d look like Kevin.”
“Aw, that’s harsh,” I couldn't help but laugh. He came over and kissed my forehead then went to shower. He was in out and dressed in 10 so I took a quick shower and grabbed my purse.
“So what do I do as your doing your interview?” I asked as we left the room.
“Well, LeighAnn had seemed very eager to meet you when she heard you were coming so I figured you could go off and do girl stuff and meet us men at the center about 2ish.”
I couldn’t help the pit of dread my stomach had become. I was being forced to spend the afternoon with a woman I didn’t know. She probably thought I was a groupie. We walked trough the lobby and Nick introduced us. He gave me a quick kiss then ran out to the van. I was sure as the van pulled off, the bitch would come out and attack.
The bitch never came out and attacked. LeighAnn turned out to be very nice. I never once got the impression she thought I was a groupie. We had decided to go to South Street for some shopping. I was a little taken back when she wandered straight into Condom Kingdom. But I zipped my immature lips as we started browsing the stock.
“I love this kind!” She exclaimed as she spotted several flavored varieties. I just looked on as she grabbed several handfuls. She eyed me suspiciously. “Aren’t you going to buy any, or did you come prepared?” she asked. I could feel the blush. I kind of laughed.
“Well, actually, Nick and I haven’t had sex yet.”
That stopped her dead in her tracks. “Oook, I think its time for lunch. Let me pay then we can girl talk.” She announced. She bought the condoms and we walked to a nearby place. We were seated and she smiled at me.
“So, you and Nick haven’t done it yet?” she asked, leaning forward like it was the biggest news of the year.
“Not yet” I replied. Where was this going?
“I knew it! Kevin said Nick was already pussy whipped. Nick hasn’t fucked anyone since you guys met. I don’t believe a word that cock Kevin says because that'd have to be some impressive pussy to make a man celibant for 5 months.” I looked at her in shock then started laughing
“Should I be insulted?”
“Please, don’t get insulted. Especially by anything Kevin says. He’s such an ass once we get on tour. He’s just pissed Kristin won’t come with us. She says it’s too boring for her. Regal bitch.”
"Is it?” I asked. She nodded enthusiastically.
“God, yes”
“Then why are you here?’
“To make sure Brian doesn’t try to stick his dick into one of these diseased cesspools known as groupies.”
‘Brian definitely doesn’t seem like that type.”
“I know, but month after month of masturbation can wear you down and the girls are always there. Plus, I do love being with him all the time. Most of the fans are nice.” Bread came and we both grabbed a slice. I bit into mine as she continued talking.
“I’m glad you’re here. Nick has been talking about you non stop. I mean, were all cynical at first to new people, especially new women, but I knew that once we had talked I’d know if you were a really good liar or really real.” She sipped her water as I continued to munch my bread. She was getting more fun by the minute.
“I’ve never seen Nick so happy. And he is definitely in love if you haven’t fucked yet.” That’s when the bread got lodged in my esophagus. I coughed then took a sip of water. I had expected to fall head over heels in love with Nick, but I had never assumed he’d love me. LeighAnn gave me a worried look as I started to breathe again.
“I’m sorry. He hasn’t told you? Well, you won’t really believe it until you hear it from his mouth”
I nodded, trying not to let the words sink in too fast. LeighAnn wasn't Nick, just because she said it didn’t make it true. I tried to push it to the back of my mind. I didn’t need to stress about his feelings, my feelings. LeighAnn must have sensed my discomfort and tactfully changed the subject. After lunch we headed to the First Union Center.
“Nick didn’t give you your security pass?” she asked as we walked towards he open garage doors. She had already slung hers around her neck.
“No”
“He has the memory of a goldfish sometimes” she sighed. She must have noticed my worried look. “Don’t worry if you’re with me they won’t boot you out”
I followed her as we wandered into the depths of the arena.
“Are they here yet?” she asked a guy with a pass on him. He nodded yes and kind of shrugged in the direction down the hall.
“That’s Tom, one of the drivers. He doesn’t talk much. Weirdo.” She whispered as soon as we were a distance away. “Now, if Kevin or anyone gives you shit, just ignore it, ok? Or let me know. Remember, I used to be the new girl. You have to earn their respect. Idiotic boys club thing, you know?” she continued. I mumbled a yes. She was nice, but when it came to a matter involving one of the guys she acted like a mother hen. I never enjoyed feeling like the baby chick. I followed her into a room, still feeling like the loser outsider. Which I still was.
“We’re here” LeighAnn announced as we entered the room. Just so everyone knew to look at us.
“Damn, I was hoping you’d been kidnapped” AJ responded from watching a TV.
“Eat me” LeighAnn responded sharply.
“Brian would get jealous” AJ replied. I watched as LeighAnn went and sat in Brian’s lap and gave him an affectionate kiss. I looked around at Nick, who was playing video games with Howie. I figured he was pretty engrossed since he didn’t even say hi as I sat on the floor beside him.
“Hey Babe” he said, not taking his eyes off the game.
“Hey yourself” I watched the screen as one of the people died. I figured it was Nicks, since he was suddenly cursing. I turned to him and he leaned over and kissed me.
“Did LeighAnn scare you?” he asked as he sat the controller down.
“Scare me?” I inquired.
“Yeah, last girl Nicky brought around, LeighAnn and she went out and we haven’t seen her since.” Howie put in.
“I’m not an easy scare” I said.
“D, you remember Corina, right?” Nick said, putting his arm around my shoulders.
“How could I forget? She’s in practically every other sentence you say” Howie said. Nick smacked him. I just grinned.
“Well, don’t let me keep y’all from your game. I’ll just sit and watch” I said as we sat.
“Are you sure?” Nick asked. He got that cute little confused look on his face.
“I wouldn’t gave said it if I didn’t mean it” I replied. I didn’t really mind at all. Kept me from having to converse plus I decided Nick could be really adorable when he was concentrating hard enough. I mostly messed with Nick for the duration of their playing. I’d distract him, make faces whatever and Howie ended up winning.
“You guys, its 3:30. You wanna go eat or stay?” Kevin hollered our way sometime after I’d really settled into the game.
“Eat” Nick said quickly. I laughed as I stood up. Nick loved to eat. Nick practically knocked Kevin over as they went into the hall.”
“Hey, Corina, I didn’t mean to embarrass you with that comment.” Howie said as we walked out of the room. “I don’t often get a chance to rib him”
“Not a problem” I replied. Nick stuck his head back into the room and sighed.
“Come on people. I’m starved” he whined.
“We’re coming. I mean, you haven’t eaten in what, 3 hours?” Howie said.
“Shut up Howie. I’m a growing boy.”
“That probably worked 4 years ago, but the only thing growing these days is your head.” I shot in. Howie started laughing.
“Ok, no more talking to Howie. I don’t need all these people picking on me.” Nick grabbed my hand and pulled me down the hall. I spun around him and jumped on him and planted a big kiss on his lips.
“By the way, I don’t have a security pass” I got off him and laced my arm through his.
“Oh, ok, it’s in my bag” he responded. We reached the outside and walked to the van. “But as long as you’re with me, sweetheart, they won’t keep you out.” We got into the van and headed for a place to get some food. The entire van felt compelled to silence so I kept poking Nicks leg, hoping to get him to talk. Pretty soon we were play fighting with each other until Kevin turned and gave Nick a stern look. One of the bodyguards ran in and grabbed food for us all. We ate going back to the arena. I really didn’t dig the set up, but I couldn’t complain. When we returned to the center it was about 7. I could see people on the bridge awaiting the arrival of the guys. As I exited the van, I looked up and remembered how it had felt to just be a fan. I knew they could see Nick take my hand and I immediately felt self conscious. Fans could be mean. Not like the other guys weren’t.
“You’re going to watch the concert?” It came out more of a question. We were moving quickly through the cement halls.
“Um, yes?” I asked in return.
“Well, we have a seat for you, and T can help you get set p there. You’ll have to exit before we’re done because we leave as soon as the concerts done.” We went though a big black door and I looked around the room at the racks of clothes, the shoes, and the mirrors. Already, AJ was disrobing and someone was fussing around his head. Nick grabbed his pack from one of the seats and produced a sticker and a neck pass.
“Here” I took them from him. “Now, enjoy the show and I’ll see you after, ok?”
“Ok” I looked around, feeling the need to say something. “Sing well”
“I will” he smiled and kissed me. I turned and found T had materialized from somewhere.
“You ready?” he asked. I shrugged and followed him. I stuck my sticker on my shorts and put the pass around my neck.
“So, about 3rd song to last song, I’m gonna meet you at the back entrance to the backstage area. I’ll show it to you. Then we’ll head right out to the bus” Again we were walking quickly. What the hell was the hurry?
“So, what do you think of all this now? I mean, last time you were with us, you didn’t really experience this aspect of it” IT said. We stopped right at the entrance to the seats. The lights were up and people were talking nosily, awaiting the boys.
“Well, it’s different.” I responded.
“Yeah. It’s fast paced, takes some getting used to.” He squeezed my shoulder and handed me my ticket. I walked out towards to my seat. Second row, middle section. Not bad at all. I guess a few girls realized what my sticker and pass meant I could go backstage because I received a few dirty looks. I got to my seat and was friendly to some girls surrounding me.
‘I know where they’re staying and I’m gonna wait outside until Nick comes out.” One of the girls told me. I just smiled and pretended like I cared. When the concert started I tried not to scream my head off, but I knew I couldn’t help it. I didn’t get on my chair when they passed right overhead though. Nick blew me a kiss and I knew all around me the girls thought it was for them. Those suckers. I left when I figured it was he last song and T was standing there waiting.
“hey. You got all your stuff?” he asked as we walked away from the crowd. I shook my head, my throat aching from screaming.
“Well, we’re a little early so I’ll show you around the bus.” We found our way outside and T moseyed over to one of the big black buses. I couldn’t help but gawk as I went up those steps. The front had leather couches and a little kitchenette. The middle were the bunks and in the back was more leather and a huge TV and stereo.
“Man, this is nice” I said.
“Were you screaming? Your voice sounds like shit. You want a water?” T asked.
“Please,” I responded. I went up to the front of the bus and he grabbed a bottle from the fridge. I sat on one of the sofas and took a deep sip.
“So, do all of you guys stay on this bus?”
“We’re always with our guy. Sometimes they’ll switch. AJ likes to ride the band bus or the dancers bus so you’ll rarely see him in this one. Howie sometimes switches, but Brian Kevin and Nick are basically always on this one.” T said.
“ Does it ever get boring?” He sat beside me and shrugged.
“Of course, sometimes. But usually the crazy ass fans keep me entertained. I get propositioned all the time. It’s great.”
I looked at him, shocked.
“Corina, I don’t take any of them up. But these girls would do anything to get to Nick.”
We must have talked the entire half hour because I hadn’t realized 10 minutes had gone by when Howie climbed on the bus. He looked all sweaty and tired and I couldn’t help but think sexy. Kevin and Brain were next, with not a glance in my direction. LeighAnn followed along. Nick as last and we started rolling the second he was in.
“There you are,” he said collapsing next to me on the couch. I handed him my half empty water bottle and he gulped it down. “The crowd was loving me tonight,” he finally said.
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I said.
“Especially this chick in the second row. She was really loving me.”
“Like I said, don’t flatter yourself.” I replied. I threw the empty bottle away and grabbed another from the fridge. I handed it to Nick then sat back down. He leaned on my shoulder, probably exhausted. He looked pooped. I knew we weren’t going out tonight. There were fans outside the hotel, so I walked behind Nick into the hotel. We all piled into an elevator. All of the guys rooms were next to each other and we parted ways in the hall. I unlocked our door and flipped on the light. On the table in front of the sofa were a cake and a small wrapped present. I whirled around to Nick in surprise.
“Happy Birthday,” he said. I didn’t know what to say, so I threw my arms around his neck. I could feel the tears spring to my eyes.
“Aw, don’t cry. If you don’t like chocolate, I’ll get you a vanilla one tomorrow.” He wiped a tear off my cheek and I smiled at him.
“No, its perfect,” I walked over to the table to look at my cake. Nick produced a lighter and lit the candles.
“Make a wish.” He said softly. I closed my eyes. I knew my wish. To feel like this forever. It was then I knew I was falling in love. For the first time. It was amazing. I blew out my candles and wiped my eyes dry again.
“How’d you know?” I asked as he started cutting into the cake.
“Your sister told me.” He passed me my plate and I took a big bite. It was the best cake I’d ever eaten.
"This is so good,” I murmured, shoving more in.
“Good. You need it since you’ve gone skin and bones on me.”
“If you insist.” I finished my slice in less then 4 bites. I put my plate down and waited for Nick to finish his.
“Now for your present,” he exclaimed, handing me the box. I took it and unwrapped it slowly. Inside was a beautiful silver bracelet with a heart dangling from it.
“I cat except this..” I gasped. The heart had diamonds in it. Real diamonds.
“Yes, you can.” He took it from the box and clasped it around my wrist. Then he clasped my hands in his and looked in my eyes.
“Corina, I’ve fallen in love with you.” I looked at him, flabbergasted. “You’re really not like any other girl I’ve ever met. It’s like you understand me. You never pressure me, you don’t ask for anything, you don’t make assumptions and you aren’t all possessive and crazy. Your voice over the phone these past few months have meant more to me then anything I can remember. I love you and the bracelet is just a small token of my love.” I looked from his intense eyes to the heart around my wrist. I grasped onto it.
“I don’t know what to say,” I managed. The tears were flowing again.
“Just say thank you. That’s all.” I leaned across the table and kissed him. I put all my feelings into that kiss, knowing I couldn’t voice them yet. I pulled an inch away from him and looked into his eyes.
“Thank you.”
Chp 4
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