Jen sat silently in Johnny’s suite, slouched over the table in front of her studying the sheets of paper in her hands. She hadn’t bothered to glance behind her as she heard the door open and someone begin to creep over to where she was seated. As he stood perched over the back of the couch readying his attack, Jen spoke up.
“Don’t even think about it Joshua,” she said flatly as she turned to the next page in the stack of papers.
“D’oh! How’d you know it was me?” he asked as he hopped over the couch and plopped down beside her.
“Because I’m psychic like that.”
“No, seriously though,” JC laughed. “How did you know? You didn’t move your eyes of those papers for a second.”
“I could smell your cologne,” she explained looking at him for the first time since he had entered the room.
“Oh, did I over do it or something?” he asked, bending his head down and smelling the collar of his shirt. “I didn’t put that much on.”
“I didn’t say it was too strong you dork,” she chuckled as she tossed the paperwork onto the table and sat back rubbing the crick in her neck. “I just said I recognized it.”
“Ah, I see,” JC said smiling, pleased that she had noticed such a small detail about him. “So does that mean you like it?” he asked playfully, raising an eyebrow at her.
“It’s okay,” she shrugged, peering at him sideways, noticing the adorable expression on his face. “Oh alright, it’s more than okay. It’s very nice actually,” she finished grinning.
“Thank you. And while we’re on the subject you smell very pleasant also.”
“Yeah I know, I smell like flowers,” Jen said as she began laughing. JC sat there quietly trying to figure out what was so funny to the attractive brunette in front of him. “Sorry,” she said halting her laughter. “Sleep deprivation. So what are you up to?”
He tilted his head to the side, trying to remember what had brought him to Johnny’s suite in the first place. “Oh right,” he mumbled, shaking his head as he looked back in Jen’s direction. “I was looking for Lance. Have you seen him?”
“Not in the past few hours.”
“So what, you saw him this morning then?”
“You could say that,” Jen said tauntingly.
“Well, would you care to tell me where? I checked his room and he’s not there, in fact it doesn’t look like the bed was even slept in and he’s not answering his cell either.”
“You really are the serious one, aren’t you?” she teased. “It’s very interesting that he’s MIA considering…”
“Considering what? Ooh, does this have something to do with Sam? Tell me, I wanna know too!” he pouted. “I was your partner in crime remember? I deserve to know what the outcome was.”
“Calm down sport. I will tell you, but it’s very valuable information. What do I get in exchange for my knowledge?”
“What do you want?” he asked, his luminous blue eyes matching the flirtatious tone in his voice.
‘Isn’t that a loaded question’ Jen thought to herself as she answered. “I want it all baby,” she said winking at him, a glowing smile decorating her face. “But for now I’ll settle for a neck massage.”
“It’s worth a massage? It must be some good dirt.”
“Yep. It’s Grade A dirt.”
“Alright, turn around here,” he directed, smacking her leg as he turned sideways on the couch so he was now facing her.
“I said a massage, not a beating,” Jen said, rubbing her leg over-dramatically as she pivoted around and scooted herself back against his folded legs.
“Enough whining,” JC said as he placed his hands on her knotted shoulders. “Start dishing.”
“Not so fast space cra…cowboy,” she said giggling at her near slip of one of the many comical nicknames she had for him. “First you must earn it.”
“Oh so that’s the way it’s gonna be eh?” he asked. Jen nodded her head emphatically before patting his still hands as a cue for him to begin. “As you wish my darling,” JC conceded as he began deeply caressing her slender neck, working in steady, soothing motions down the curves that lead to her shoulders. Jen could feel all of the tension in her body wash away under his strong, but at the same time, gentle hands. She was in a state of total relaxation when he spoke again. “So do I pass?” he questioned softly in her ear.
“Hmm?” she mumbled, awaking from her trance. “Oh yes, if this whole music thing doesn’t work out for you, you definitely could make a living as a massage therapist.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, but now it’s time for your end of the deal,” he reminded, still kneading at her soft skin.
“I don’t think we’ve quite made it to that yet,” she said just as JC reached a tender spot causing her back to involuntarily arch. Jen bit down on her bottom lip in an attempt to suppress her building laughter. JC realized his discovery; he prodded the area vigorously with the tips of his fingers, watching her body contort under his direction. She held her breath, clenching her fists as the feelings of amusement transformed into a completely different sensation. Half of her wanted him to stop, the other half wishing he never would. When she felt she couldn’t take it any longer, as if one more second of the pleasant torture would tear her apart, Jen spoke. “Okay, I’ll tell you now. Just please, for the love of god, stop doing that,” she exhaled.
“If that’s what you want,” JC obeyed, moving his hands across her shoulders with a satisfied smile on his face.
“Thank you. Now, as for the two dorks, I think you will find it very interesting to know that a certain Mississippian showed up at mine and Sami’s door at five this morning.”
“Really?” he asked, stopping the motion of his hands as he slid them down around Jen’s arms gently pulling her torso back against his chest. “That’s a start. Is there more to this late night encounter?”
Jen stared into his crystal blue eyes; they were now eye to eye as she leaned on his muscular chest, both of their heads turned sideways facing the other. “Maybe,” she smiled.
“Don’t make me go back to the spot,” he warned.
“Okay, okay,” she giggled. “I accidentally witnessed some lip action going on.”
“Accidentally?”
“Well I certainly didn’t expect to see what I did, or want to for that matter. Eww,” Jen kidded.
JC laughed. “So are you saying you think they spent the night together already?”
“I’m saying it makes sense. I haven’t seen her since then, nobody’s seen Lance and there’s a fresh bed in his room. Not to mention the last I heard from them was the closing of a door, and lets just say it didn’t sound like the one that exits the suite.”
“Yeah but you think they’re…”
“I have no idea, another thing I don’t wanna think about,” Jen snickered. “Although again, since you’ve forced the idea into my head now,” she said narrowing her hazel eyes in his direction. “It wouldn’t really surprise me. Think about it, it’s all been building up since pretty much the first time they met. I know when Sami falls, she falls hard. Add that to the pose I saw last night, and you’ve got one powerful combination.”
“Just how heated was this interaction you witnessed?”
Jen thought for a second before responding, noticing for the first time the close embrace that had developed between the two of them. JC arms were wrapped around her midsection with hers draped over top of them. “It was very similar to this.”
“Is this heated?” he asked undaunted before unfolding his long legs and placing them on either side of hers, pulling her closer yet to his racing heart.
“It has definite potential,” she said barely above a whisper as they both inched closer to the other’s lips. Just as they barely joined together, the two of them heard muffled voices outside the door. “I hate people,” Jen grumbled as they hurried to collect themselves.
“I concur,” JC smiled, unable to hide his amusement in her reaction to the interruption.
“Shut up. I do!” she said backhanding him across his upper chest as she sat beside him, both of them now facing forward on the couch with their feet on the floor.
“I’m tellin’ ya Johnny, you should’ve seen her,” Chris said as he and his manager walked into the suite. “She was great and if Lance doesn’t already have her tied up I’m gonna sign her to FuMan.”
“There’s another visual for you,” JC said quietly to Jen as she tried to stifle her giggles before swinging at him again. “Not quick enough this time,” he grinned, grabbing her hand before she succeeded.
Johnny looked at the two of them quizzically. “Are you feeling okay Jen? You look a little flush. You’re not getting sick are you?” he asked in a worried tone.
“No I’m just tired,” she explained pulling her hand away from JC and turning a brighter shade of red.
“Alright, just make sure you’re taking care of yourself young lady,” he smiled warmly before continuing. “Now could you please go give everyone their final reminders. I want the buses full and on the road to the venue in an hour.”
“I can do that.”
“So you’ll be around later then so we can finish our…conversation?” JC asked with a crooked grin before she rose from her seat next to him.
“If you’re lucky,” she teased, winking at him quickly before exiting the room.
****
Sam bolted upright from her sleeping position in a state of fear, shouting something incoherent while clutching the white cotton sheet against her body. Her breaths were excited as she sat there still in a daze as Lance reached out and touched her arm. She instinctively pulled away.
“Hey it’s me,” he said as he sat up and wrapped his arms around her shaking body. “It’s okay, it’s just a bad dream,” he reassured as he pulled her back down on the bed next to him, his soothing voice easing her back into consciousness. Sam unclenched her arms and slid them tightly around his body. Lance allowed her a few minutes to calm down before he spoke again. “So what was it about?” he asked.
“I don’t remember,” Sam lied, trying desperately to erase the images from her mind as she clung to his chest. “I’m fine though, thanks to you,” she smiled as she leaned up and kissed him.
“Are you sure? You were pretty shaken up. It didn’t have anything to do with what we did last night did it?”
“Why would you ever think that?” Sam asked moving away from him slightly and propping herself up on her side.
“Because while you were dreaming you kept saying ‘No’. I just want to be sure you don’t have any regrets about what happened.”
“Lance,” she smiled as she reached up and ran her hand down the side of his face before he grasped it and intertwined it with his own. “The past day has been the happiest and most exciting of my life, in more ways than one,” she explained as a mischievous grin emerged on her lips. “But you’re right, I do have one regret,” she said pushing him on his back and positioning their conjoined hands above his head as she placed her body on top of his.
“What’s that?” Lance asked as her silky brown hair fell forward framing his face.
Sam leaned in closer to him before answering. “That it took you four hours to come to me,” she replied before planting a kiss squarely on his lips.
As Sam pulled back, Lance wriggled his hands from hers and brushed her hair back, pulling her in for another kiss. “You’re right,” he said as they pulled away again, moving his hands down to her hips. “I think it’s time we make up for all the time we’ve wasted,” he grinned slyly before quickly reversing their positions.
“Ooh, feisty, I like,” she giggled. “And after all, you are the boss,” she teased while staring up into his dancing green eyes before he bent down and began showering her with affection.
****
“Alright, spill it dude,” Chris instructed as Johnny walked out onto the balcony and shut the sliding glass door behind him. “Exactly what did we interrupt between you and Jen?” he asked JC.
“I don’t have the faintest idea of what you’re talking about,” he said, unable to contain his joy as he replayed the moment in his head.
“Yeah, sure ya don’t,” Chris said rolling his eyes. “Well, whatever it is please tell me it’s not gonna be a Lance and Sam part two.”
“Hardly, we’re already leaps and bounds ahead of them, or where they were I should say.”
“HA! Caught you! And what’s this about the other two? Is there finally some progress to report in their saga?”
“Let’s just say it appears that there has been new territory entered in their relationship,” JC offered. “And that’s really all I should say since I was given my information in confidence.”
“Oh yes, and now back to Jen.”
“What about her?”
“That’s what I want to know!” Chris exclaimed. “What’s going on?”
“Honestly man, I don’t know,” JC said scratching the back of his head. “It just kind of sprung up on me.”
“Nice choice of words there buddy,” Chris laughed as he sat in the chair opposite his friend.
“No seriously. I mean, I admit that I thought she was attractive the first time I saw her, but I never really expected to act on it.”
“Why not?”
“For a couple reasons, one because I just got out of a messy relationship, and two because Jen and I are so different,” JC explained.
“Maybe that’s what you need, someone to loosen you up, you deserve a little fun and nobody’s saying that it has to lead to something serious,” Chris paused. “Besides there has to be something other than the physical aspect that draws you to her.”
“Oh most definitely,” JC beamed as he began listing the reasons. “She’s so free-spirited, she just does what she wants and doesn’t think twice about what other people have to say about it. She makes me laugh, and she’s always laughing at some insignificant thing like it’s the funniest thing in the world. It drives me crazy because I have no idea what it’s about, yet it’s one of my favorite things about her.”
“I say you just go with it. Enjoy the ride and find out where it’s headed along the way,” Chris reasoned.
“You think?” he asked as Chris nodded his head earnestly. “She’s almost like a challenge, a mystery. It’s like putting a puzzle together,” JC stated. “And every time we’re together, she lets me in on a new piece.”
“That’s a good analogy.”
“You like that?”
“Yeah, and I definitely think there’s something there worth giving a chance, that is, if she’s as into you as you seem to be into her,” Chris teased. “I just hope she’s not one of those puzzles that’s missing a few pieces.”
“You mean like you?” JC retorted through his laughter.
“Exactly!”
“Thanks for the advice,” JC said as he stood up to leave. “And I know this goes without saying, but since I don’t know what’s going on myself, I really don’t feel like explaining it to everyone else.”
“So could I just keep it to myself?” Chris interjected. “No problem.”
“Cool, see you downstairs in a few,” he said before walking out.
****
Jen walked down the long hallway to her suite, on her way to wake Sam and most likely Lance also. She figured with all signs pointing to them still being in the room together, they would no doubt require the most time to get ready to head to the venue. As she continued making her way to the room, she flashed back to the moment she had just shared with JC.
“What the hell was that anyway?” she asked herself aloud as she pictured JC’s face and all of the irresistible expressions he used. “I have no idea, but I hope we get to finish it,” she answered smiling.
“Do you always ask yourself questions and then answer them?” Justin asked as he walked up behind her.
“Only when there’s nobody else around worth talking to,” she quipped. “But I’m glad you decided to butt into my personal conversation, it saves me the time of looking for you. The buses are leaving in an hour, so make sure you have you and your vast collection of headwear ready to go.”
“Whatever,” he grumbled. “Have you seen Sami?”
“Why?”
“Does it matter?”
“You tell me, you’re the one who needs information, not me,” Jen said coolly.
“Because I am her friend and I want to make sure she’s okay after last night,” he answered angrily.
“She’s way past okay Justin,” Jen said elusively. “But she’s still in bed.”
“Well, if you don’t mind, I’d like to see for myself,” he informed as he followed her into the girls’ suite.
“Gee Justin, would you like to come in?” she asked sarcastically as he made his way over to the door entering Sam’s room. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” she said.
“I don’t remember asking your permission,” Justin shot back.
“What the hell, does that big ego of yours not leave enough room in your head for a brain?” Jen countered. “Leave her alone.”
“What the hell is your problem Jen?” Justin asked frustrated as he moved past her firm stance in front of him. “She has to get up anyway, I’ve seen her first thing in the morning before, it’s not like she sleeps…” he stopped as he opened the door and saw the two of them. “Naked,” he finished.
“I warned you,” Jen scoffed.
“How does he know what you sleep in?” Lance questioned Sam, still perched over top of her.
“Hello! You’ve all seen me in my pajamas. I thought you locked the door.”
“I guess I forgot,” he smiled.
“Obviously,” Sam laughed.
Justin stood silent, scanning the room. A shirtless Lance was positioned on top of Sam, covering her from view, both of them now giggling as they pulled the sheets up over their heads from where they had previously rested at Lance’s waist. Justin’s eyes darted to the floor where their clothes were haphazardly scattered around the base of the bed. He felt like he was watching a train wreck, he didn’t want to look, yet he couldn't pull himself away.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Jen spoke up. “You’re probably thinking ‘Thanks Jen, twice in 12 hours’, but it wasn’t my fault this time. I tried to stop him.”
“It’s okay,” Sam said peeking her head out as Lance rested beside her and did the same. “What’s up?”
“We’re leaving in an hour,” Jen informed them. “Yeah, so now that you know, we’ll be going now,” she said grabbing Justin’s arm and pulling him out of the room.
****