Kevin waited as Howie knocked on the guestroom that Kyla had gone into. They got no answer, so they both just slowly entered the room.

"Kyla?" Howie said softly.

"Oh, hey!" She said while covering up her tears with her hands.

"What happened? Why did you run out crying?" Kevin asked as he sat down next to her.

"God, it's so embarassing! It was just a guy being a guy and I ran away like a coward. Now Nick hates me! I am such a loser."

"No! You are not a loser, Kyla! What Nick did, was in a way wrong. Guys never really have a green light to move that fast. Not unless the girl gives it. But, I think AJ kind of got confused and thought you liked Nick and would have wanted to make out with him." Howie said while comforting her.

"You guys, I do like Nick! But, I didn't want it to be so obvious. And now, he makes out with me. But, just because it's a game! A game! I wish it weren't a game! I wish for once, the guys I like would like me back, ya know?"

"W-wait! You don't think Nick likes you??" Kevin asked.

"I know he likes me as a friend. But more? I wouldn't get my hopes up. I've learned I can get hurt rather easily."

Howie gave Kevin a look. Basically they both didn't think it was their place to make the judgment if Nick did really like her. However, it looked as if he did. Their work was done. Now, they just had to rely on Nick to do the right thing and smooth things over himself.

"Well, why don't you come down stairs with us? We'll watch tv or something. No more games! Ok?" Howie said while helping her up.

"Ok!"

"Oh and Kyla! I wouldn't think so negitively about guys liking you. Cuz, if I were a few years younger, I would be all over you in a second." Kevin said while smiling.

"Thanks, Kev!" She said while laughing.

**************************************************************************************

A few days had passed and Kyla really hadn't spoken to Nick. Well, Nick hadn't spoken to her. Or, they both just weren't talking. I guess it worked both ways. But, Nick had been talking to Brian and he told Nick to go over to Kyla's and smooth things over. So, he did.

"Ok, just knock on the door Nick." He said to himself. "No, you can't! You ruined everything." He said to himself again. "God, why the hell are you talking to yourself Nick?" Nick shook his head and laughed.

He walked up to the door and knocked. He noticed that her parents car wasn't home, so he wondered if she was home. But, he saw a figure moving in the window and he knew that was Kyla. She didn't bother looking to see who was behind the door she just opened it. She was wearing her pedal pushers and a halter top which really showed off her curves. Her hair was swept up and she had been tanning by the pool.

"Nick?!" She said startled.

"Kyla! Can I come in? I want to talk to you!" Nick said.

"I-um-, hmmm...I don't know Nick. I-" She said.

"Please. I think you really need to here me out! Please."

She looked around her empty house and nervously nodded her head yes. Nick smiled and slowly entered her house. She shut the door behind him.

"So.....now that your in here, what's up?" She said like nothing was wrong.

"Kyla, let's go sit." Nick led her into the kitchen and they both sat on opposites sides of the island in the center of the kitchen.

Nick watched as Kyla twisted from side to side on the bar stool like a little girl. He smiled as he thought of how cute she looked.

"Ok, were sitting." She said.

"Yeah, about a few nights ago. The whole closet thing. I'm really sorry. I mean, ya know it was just a game right?" Nick said while looking into her eyes.

"Yeah, just a game." She said as her heart sank.

"I would never try and ruin our friendship. Especially now that we talk! I mean, I think we've made an improvement, don't you?"

"Yeah, a big one. Your right. And I want it this way, don't you?"

"Of course this is the way I want it! Your awesome to hang out with." Nick was lying to himself. He liked her and he knew it, but was afraid to come on to strong again.

"Great! Then, let's get over the closet, right? It was just a innocent game." She said while moving her hand up to her face to brush a strand of hair away from her eye. Nick noticed her hand which was colorfully bruised.

"Your hand! Does it still hurt?" He asked while taking it gingerly into his.

"Nah, it's just bruised."

Nick applied pressure to it and she winced and pulled her hand back. She blushed because it actually did hurt still.

"Have you had it checked out?"

"My mom saw it. She said it's probably sprained."

"God, I feel so bad. And to think, I did this to you!" He said.

"It was an accident. No biggie!"

"Ok, but let me make it up to you then! Let's have a movie merathon! I know it's not much, but it gives me an exuse to by lot's of pizza and sit on my ass all night long. So what do you say?" Nick asked pleadingly.

"Hmmmmm......I don't know? When?"

"How about tomorrow night?"

"Well, I'm sure I'm free. NOt exactly a buisy girl, ya know?" She laughed.

They sat in the kitchen and had a small chit chat. Secretly, Nick really couldn't wait to have Kyla over. But, just to hang as a friend? Or more?