Chapter 9

Brian introduced Michelle to Kevin, who held Becca on his lap, AJ who was hugging his long-time girlfriend Anna, and Howie who was clinging to his girl, Selena. A chorus of 6 hellos rang through the air. Michelle, slightly embarrassed answered with "hi" and "nice to meet you". Brian, being the southern gentleman that he is, pulled out a chair for Michelle to sit on. He sat down next to her, as the others carried on lovingly with their girls.

"So Michelle, how do I get to know you?"

"Well, Brian I'm pretty much an open book...so read on." she whispered, not even realizing the extent of flirting.

"Michelle, it's a little too crowded in here for me. You wanna go somewhere else to talk?"

He took her hand as she got up out of her chair. Brian called out to the guys to tell them he was taking Michelle out for a while. They nodded, not phased because they were wrapped up in their girlfriend's kisses. Brian shouted to tell Nick (which brought him back to planet earth, after fantasizing about Mel) that he'd be home later.

Nick looked up, smiled and mouthed "Don't screw this up now."

Brian smiled, amused by his best friend. Michelle told Melanie she would call her tommorrow, and then gave her a little wink to say that everything was gonna be fine.

***Back over at the table***

AJ smiled seductively as Anna brushed her fingers through his now blond tipped hair. She kissed the tip of his nose and moved her way down to his oh so sweet lips. AJ moved his fingers to encircle her back. He had missed her too much. Now that they were in New York for a while, he could finally spend some time with her. Anna was everything he'd hoped for in a girl. She was wild and spontanious, yet she cared about everything so deeply. She was a passionate soul...that's why he was attracted to her in the first place. Not to mention her long, reddish hair...(the color of autumn he'd tell her) and her amazing body that seemed to make him go wild everytime she touched him. She had missed him too. He could tell from her never-ending kisses, which grew hotter even time their lips met.

Breathlessly he whispered, "Let's get out of here baby. We can go back to my place where its a bit more cozy."

Barely able to respond she answered, "Lead the way 'J. You know I've missed the way your body feels against mine."

*Over on the Couch*

"Nick, hey you ok? You seem so distant. What wrong?" Melanie asked concerned.

"Well, as you can see, Liz isn't here."

"I noticed someone was missing. Is she not feeing well or something? I know she never misses a concert when you guys are in New York."

"Well I think she'll be misssing a lot of concerts from now on."

"Nick, you had a fight with her, didn't you."

"Yeah, but it's not only that. I don't love her anymore."

Melanie stared at Nick, unsure of what to say or do. She was gazing into those blue eyes, how could anyone resist them, resist him? Nick had the same thoughts running through his head about Melanie. He couldn't stand it any longer. He had to do something.

As he faced her, delicately he cupped her chin in his big hands. He brought her face closer to his and kissed her. Sweetly and passionately, he brushed his lips on hers. She responded with a force she never knew she had building inside her. They pulled apart, grinning and afraid to speak because it would ruin the moment. Nick went to reach for Mels hand. She could still taste the lingering kisses along her lips.

Just then, the door opened. In walked a furious Liz...scoping the room for Nick.

Chapter 10