"We love you Orlando!" The entire group announced as they exited the stage for the final time.

"Wow, I can't believe that tour is finally over with," Nick said to the other guys as he gathered up a couple of towels.

"I know. Isn't it great? I love this and all, but I'm beat and I need a break. But more importantly I need a shower. I almost smell as bad as Nick." AJ said as he left to go take a shower.

"Hey! I resemble that remark!" Nick laughed and threw a towel at AJ "You know, B," turning his attention to Brian, "we're all beat, but damn if we don't have to get right back into the studio in two months."

"At least we have two months," Brian grinned at the thought, thinking of Leighanne.

"Yeah, but we're supposed to come up with new songs during that time. That's the same as work."

"Nicky, do we ever actually do that? Nooooo. We wait til the last minute, throw something together for the sake of having something and let the team finish the work. Lighten up Nick."

"You're right. Well, shower time." Nick left the room.

"Hey, D. How are you going to spend you're time off?" Brian sitting down before he too got ready to shower.

"Well, with you guys, since we all have to stick around to write those songs."

"Other than that, stupid." Brian laughed.

"Well, um, I've made up my mind to date."

"Well, that's good. It's about time. Have any particular person in mind yet?"

"Actually I do, but it's impossible." Howie sighed, grabbing a towel for the shower.

"D, talk to me, who is she?" Brian was very interested.

"I don't know." He sighed again.

"Huh?"

"I mean, I don't remember."

"You're losing it, D. Who?"

"We met during one of the meet and greets." Howie kind of looked at the ground, anywhere but Brian's face. He was shuffling his feet a little. He looked like a little kid that had just been corned by his mom for breaking a vase and gluing it back together, thinking she wouldn't notice.

"Well, that narrows it down, ya big dope." Brian giggled again, trying to make Howie smile.

"In Kentucky," Howie added.

"What?" Brian's eyes opened wide. He already had good feeling about this.

"I can't remember her name. But I can't forget her face. But even if I did know her name, I can't just fly to Kentucky to see her..."

Kevin had been listening and walked over to them very interested. "So you want yourself a farmgirl," he teased, putting his arm around Howie's shoulders and smiling at Brian.

"Hush, cuz, leave him alone. What'd she look like, D?" Brian wanted every detail.

"Well, she was almost my height, a little shorter. Long red hair..."

Brian and Kevin looked at each other, both with huge smiles on their faces. "Eyes?" they said in unison.

"Well, uh, I don't know. They seemed to change. First they looked blue, then more to the green side, and then..."

"I KNEW it!" Brian jumped to his feet looking at Kevin. "Are you thinking who I'm thinking, Kev?"

Kevin nodded and they both said, "Misty!"

"Yes! That's it! That was her name! How did you guys..." Howie was so excited he went speechless. He couldn't believe that they knew who he was talking about. "Did you guys see her too?"

"Relax, bro, we know her," Brian chimed as Kevin headed off to the showers. "She's, let's say, a family friend. Her parents know ours so we know her."

"Gosh, B-rok, I would do anything to go out with her." Howie pictured them together and just dazed off.

"It's cool, D. I'll work on it. We only have two problems to overcome."

"Oh God, what's that?" Howie looked worried, waiting for the answer.

"No biggies. She's grown up a lot since we really talked, but before, her parents were really protective. Only child. But who knows now that she's got some age on her."

"How old is she?"

"Twenty one or two, somewhere through there."

"Perfect." Howie smiled dazing off again.

"Hold on, parental factor shouldn't be a problem, but when we last spoke she was hooked on AJ and wanted to go out with him."

"Damn it! He always gets the good ones." Howie started to walk away.

"Hold up, let me finish... I talked to him and he wasn't interested. I just never had the heart to tell her. Now, maybe, I can use you to weaken the blow." Brian grinned. He knew his plan would work. It had to. Howie hadn't dated in so long and Misty was a sweet girl, a little feisty, but sweet. She would be perfect for him.

"Sound's like a plan, B!"

"Yes it does. Now let's hurry up and shower before we half to walk home!" They laughed and gathered up there things, heading off to the showers.

Howie was just about to join AJ in going to a local club when the phone rang. "What timing" he thought as he went across the room to pick up the phone. "Hello, oh hey, Bri, What’s up?"

"Guess what, D? I have great news! You're never gonna believe it!"

"What is it?" Now he was confused. He wasn't even thinking about Misty.

"Let's just say that great Orlando is about to be home to one more Kentuckian."

"Huh?" Some times it took things a little while to register. Before he could say anything else AJ walked through the door, more than ready to go. Howie motioned for him to sit down and put a finger up letting him know it would only be a minute.

"Remember... Misty... red hair..."

"Oh my gosh! You're kidding! How? But I thought? What about her parents?" Howie was so excited he could barely finish a single thought.

"Taken care of. Her plane lands tomorrow at 9 am. Kevin and I have something to do so would you care to pick her up?"

"What?" Howie laughed nervously. "How convenient..."

"Thank me later. She's already expecting you to pick her up."

"But you didn't..."

"What? Tell her you want to hop in her pants? No. Look, D, it's cool. She's clueless. She's going to stay with me and Kev for a while until she decides if she'd want to stay here. It's like a career thing."

"Okay. So I guess I'll go pick her up in the morning. Thanks Brian."

"No problem." They both hung up the phone. AJ had been listening and was very curious. It took him about 2.2 seconds to start pumping out the questions.

"Hey, isn't that the girl that had a crush on me?"

"Yeah, but I'm going to try and fix that." Howie checked his hair in the mirror one last time and grabbed his keys to leave. AJ didn't like the idea of a girl not liking him anymore, especially when someone he knew wanted her. Before something had made him turn her down or not take her seriously. Maybe because she seemed like a fan and he didn't like to get involved with fans. But now she may not care for him anymore. This was now like a competition for AJ. He was going to have to take another look at Misty.

That night Howie couldn't sleep. He had even called Brian in the middle of the night to double check Misty's flight.

Howie spent most of the morning trying to make sure he looked perfect. He couldn't understand why he was so nervous. Then it hit him... fans. What was he going to do about that? How could he forget? Would Misty recognize him with the hat and glasses routine? Should he bring a bodyguard? A hundred questions ran through his mind. It was already almost eight and her plane landed in an hour. Knowing he was being a pest, he hoped Kevin would answer the phone this time instead of Brian.

Kevin woke up to the phone ringing. He hated that more than anything, especially now because he had been having a great dream about his girlfriend, Laura. He almost let the machine get it, but decided that at such an early hour it may be important. As soon as he picked up the phone he wished he hadn't. "Hello," Kevin mumbled.

"What about the fans, Kev?" Howie blurted out really fast and really loud.

"Huh? What? Howie? What the hell? Daaayyymmm!" Kevin groaned, his voice still raspy from it being his first words of the morning.

"Well, I've gotta go and I just realized... will she?"

"Relax, Dorough. She understands. We told her you'd probably wear a cap or something. She's smart. She'll find you."

"But what if?" Howie jumped in.

"Listen! D! Relax. If you're afraid of getting spotted just wait outside. She'll come to you. We covered that with her. God knows, you can't exactly miss a purple Corvette." Kevin was getting irritated and wanted to go back to sleep.

"Hey, lay off the 'Vette! So she thinks I may wait outside of the airport? What about her..." Howie didn't have time to finish. Brian and Kevin had planned this perfectly.

"Luggage? She travel's light. Look, D, it's under control. Now get off the phone or she'll have to walk here. Shit! I forgot!"

"What?"

"Me and B need to go! We told her that we weren't going to be home. Hence you picking her up."

"How's she getting in your house, you have a spare key?"

"Oh, I forgot. We told her she'd have to stay with you til we got back. Good. I can sleep," his voice trailing off as he snuggled into his pillow almost dropping the phone. "We'll call you when we wake up. Gosh, it's too early. I can't even think straight."

"What!" Howie screamed quickly waking Kevin back up. "This is the one and only time my place is a mess."

"Whatever. You're a neat freak." Kevin desperately wanted to get off the phone.

"Son of a... shit! It's after eight. I gotta go!" Howie hung up the phone.

"Told ya," Kevin mumbled through a yawn hanging up the phone.

Howie opted to risk being spotted. He had a feeling he would be. He had gotten into such a rush to leave, he left his baseball cap beside the door. He had nothing to hide behind. He sat nervously in the terminal, watching as her plane landed. So far so good, he hadn't been spotted. "Please don't let there be fans on that plane." This was the first time he'd ever thought that. He usually didn't mind autographs and pictures. But this time was different.

Howie stood and walked to where he could see people filing off the plane. Brian had purchased Misty a first class ticket in hopes she'd be one of the first off the plane so they could hurry out.

He was getting more anxious by the second. What would she say to him? What would she think? What had Kevin and Brian really said to her? For that matter what would she be like? He had only met her briefly. Pondering his thoughts he looked and there she was. The beautiful redhead he'd remembered. She was pulling a small piece of luggage behind her. Concentrating on it for a moment then she saw him and smiled, signaling she recognized him.

"Misty?" Howie said smiling, as to act like this wasn't all because of him.

"Hey! Bri told me you'd be here. I was a little shocked any of you would venture here alone."

"It's no problem. So far so good." Howie had no clue what to say to her. He didn't want to say the wrong thing and her think he was stupid. "Is that all you have?" he pointed to the little piece of luggage on wheels at her side.

"Are you kidding? I'm surprised Brian didn’t' tell you what an awful packer I am. I feel like I need everything! I have to go pick the rest up."

Howie remembered this was the opposite of what Kevin had said. He extended his hand out in front of her as if to say "lead the way". Without thinking, Howie put his hand on the small of her back. She jerked slightly, startled, then looked up and him and smiled.

Oh, no, too much, he thought to himself and became more nervous.

They picked up her other bags and left the airport. Just then Howie heard his name being screamed. He turned and saw a mob of girls running toward him. He grabbed Misty's hand and they ran to his car, getting in as quickly as they could. He knew he should have stayed and signed autographs or something, but without anyone else there he didn't want to take any chances.

"Geez, that was close," Misty said pulling her hair back into a low ponytail. She fixed her lipstick in the visor mirror. "Wait till tomorrow," she added, "it's going to be on every BSB webpage that Howie Dorough has a girlfriend." Howie laughed knowing that was probably true. He watched her put on her lipstick while trying to also keep his eyes on the road. Did she realize she was so sexy?

"So where to?" He squeaked out, trying to clear those thoughts from his mind.

"Your place if you don't mind. Bri and Kev won't be home till around three and frankly I'm beat from the trip."

"That's cool. They told me they wouldn't be back till later, but I didn't know what time." Howie was shocked that they told her three. What were they trying to do to him?

"You don't mind do you? I'm sorry. I tried to get a later flight, but Brian insisted..."

Don't worry, it's cool. I'm glad we'll have the chance to get to know each other."

Misty wasn't sure how to take that. "Yeah, me too," she said shyly and turned to view the passing scenery.

Misty fell asleep on the ride back to Howie's. Am I that big of a bore? he thought to himself, then shrugged it off to her just being tired from the trip. As they pulled into the driveway she woke up and stretched. "Well, I guess I fell asleep." She giggled. "Can I just leave my luggage in here? I really don't want to haul it all in and then have to bring it right back out later."

"Yeah sure." Howie smiled at her, then got out of the car, quickly going to her side to help her. She did, however grab her smallest bag before shutting the door and following him in.

"Well, this is home. I'm sorry it's messy." Howie said as he put up his keys.

"Messy?! You're nuts! This place is spotless!"

Howie gave her the "grand tour" of the place, but wasn't sure what to do next. It was only 10:30 and Brian wouldn't be picking her up until three. "So what would you like to do? I could..."

Misty interrupted him before he could finish. "If you don't mind, Howie, and please tell me if I'm being rude, but I'm really tired from the flight."

"No problem. I totally understand. You can go rest or take a nap in the guest bedroom if you'd like."

"You don't mind?" she yawned and stretched a little picking up her small bag.

"No go ahead. Pretend this is your place and do as you please." Howie was kind of disappointed that she was going to sleep away their "alone time."

"Thank you so much, How. One more favor? Will you wake me up at noon?"

"Yeah, sure."

"I just want to warn you, though, I usually don't know what I'm doing when I first wake up," she said as she made her way to the stairs.

"What do you mean? You're not going to attack me are you?"

"No, not quite. Just don't get to close I may try to cuddle with you or kiss you or something. I get all loveable for some reason."

"Now would that really be so bad?" Howie smiled knowing he had just stuck his entire foot, ankle, leg, and knee in his mouth. Misty just laughed and went upstairs to the guest room, closing the door behind her.

"Way to go Howie" he said aloud as the phone rang.

"Hey, D. It's Brian. If you can talk, how's it going?"

"Kentucky one, Florida zip." Howie sighed.

"That bad, huh? What's going on?"

"Well, I don't know what to say to her. She's sleeping right now. Wants me to wake her up at noon."

"Uh-oh. Watch out, she's unpredictable when she first wakes up." Brian laughed.

"Yeah, she told me."

"Well, I gotta go. Just wanted to check on ya. I'll be over around three or so. Relax, she's gonna be here for a while. You'll have plenty of time to get cozy."

"Okay, Bri. I'll see ya." Howie hung up the phone and immediately got an idea. "I'll have lunch ready when I wake her up!" He got excited and headed to the kitchen.

Howie knocked on Misty's door, but she didn't respond. She was sound asleep. He walked on in to get a pleasant surprise. Misty had changed into a sexy lavender silk gown. Gosh, she's beautiful, he thought sitting beside he on the edge of the bed.

Howie called her name and lightly shook her shoulder as she began to awaken. She smiled and moaned as she rolled over. She looked like she was having a really good dream. Howie wondered what could possibly make her sound like that in her sleep. "Misty, Misty," he continued, with his hand on her shoulder.

"Hmmmmm," she sighed rubbing her cheek on his hand. "A-Jaaaaayyy..."

Howie jerked his hand back. She was still hung up on AJ His heart sank in his chest.

Misty snapped out of her dream. Quickly she sat up, he eyes wide. "Howie, did I talk in my sleep?" She looked at him as though she was scared to death. He decided to not embarrass her and told her she didn't.

"I fixed us lunch. I'll leave you to get dressed and I'll meet you downstairs." Howie left the room.

"Damn it!" she said out loud, but not to where he could possible hear her. She knew she had called AJ’s name out in her sleep. She had a very sexual dream about him. She still had the hots for AJ, but Brian had filled her in on his flirtiness and on top of that, the more she talked to Howie, the more she liked him.

Three o'clock quickly came and Brian was knocking on the door. Howie let him in.

"Ready to go, Mis?" Brian said cheerfully.

"Oh, Bri! I've missed you soooo much!" She ran and hugged him, kissing him on the cheek.

"I've missed you! Where's your luggage?" Brian asked looking around.

"Oh, it's in D's car, " she replied.

Howie smiled. That was the first time she had called him "D". He took it as a good sign.

"Give me you're keys, D, and I'll go ahead and load her stuff up." Howie tossed him the keys and Brian walked down the driveway to the Corvette.

As they walked to the open front door Misty turned to Howie. "Thanks so much for letting me stay with you and for picking me up at the airport. I promise I don't always sleep when I'm supposed to visit."

"That's fine, it was my pleasure. You can sleep here anytime." They both burst into laughter at his stupid comment.

"Anyway... thanks" Misty hugged him. She felt so good against him. He could smell the soft fragrance of her perfume. He didn't want to let go of her. He wanted he so bad.

"Come on, Mis!" Brian yelled from the car.

"I'll walk you out, plus I have to get my keys back." Howie said as they walked down the driveway, again with his hand on her lower back as she walked slight in font of and to the side of him. He held the door of Brian's car open for her as she got in. Brian backed out of the driveway and she waved back to him as they drove off.

The next night Brian and Kevin decided to have all the guys over to "officially" meet Misty. Well, that and Howie would kill them both if they didn't plan something soon for him to be able to spend more time with her. So far everyone was there except for AJ

"Where's AJ?" Misty asked as she walked in the room.

"He's bringing over more movies. He said he was running late," Kevin looked at Howie.

Howie couldn't keep his eyes off her. She had on a baby blue v-neck shirt and khaki shorts. The v-neck ran very low, just enough to keep his attention, yet at the same time it wasn't overboard. And to top it off, Howie thought she had the best legs he'd ever seen. His attention finally moved away from her when AJ walked in.

"Hey guys, sorry I'm late."

"AJ, this is our friend Misty. She's staying with us." Kevin said.

AJ bowed and kissed her hand. "Nice to meet you, Misty. I know you're not related to them because you are so beautiful." Howie groaned and rolled his eyes as did everyone else in the room. "What?" AJ looked around the room.

Misty just giggled. "It's very nice to meet you, too, Sir AJ"

Brian knew what was happening and he wasn't going to have it. Misty was pretty, and he knew it. He'd already tried to get AJ to go out with her and he declined. AJ was just going to sweet talk his way into breaking her heart and Misty was nice enough to let it happen. Howie, on the other hand, was a very sincere guy. He deserved to have someone like Misty and Brian knew that he would treat her like a queen. So he quickly intervened, "Hey Nicky, give the games a break so we can watch the movie."

Nick grumbled, but handed over control of the TV.

While Brian got the movie ready, Howie wanted to keep the conversation going, moving his attention away from Misty and AJ "Hey Brian, where's Leighanne tonight? Her and Laura are usually here when we do this."

Brian was too busy messing with the VCR to notice the question so Kevin answered him. "Girls night out." He rolled his eyes as he sat down on one of the couches. "Yeah, they warned us last week that they were taking some time for them and the 'girls' and that we'd better not even dare try to interrupt. I'm telling ya, I love Laura and all, but sometimes I don't understand women." Howie just giggled. Brian had finally got the tape ready.

AJ had rented a scary movie and was quick to sit beside of Misty who had already taken a spot beside Kevin. Howie and Brian sat opposite them while Nick stretched out in the floor.

The movie was very suspenseful. During almost every scene Misty squirmed up and hid her face in AJ’s chest. She still wanted him and Kevin and Brian knew it. Unfortunately Howie did, too. AJ eventually lost interest in the movie and regardless of Misty's leaning against him, he had fallen asleep. After the movie she nudged him, but he just moaned and slumped down on the couch.

"He does this every time we have movie night. Look's like he's staying. I'll go get a blanket and pillow." Kevin left the room.

"Well, thanks for stopping by," Brian said to Howie and Nick, mouthing the words "I'm sorry" to Howie, who just nodded in return. Nick said bye to Misty and walked out the door. Howie purposely dragged behind, hoping something, anything would happen.

"Oh Howie!" Misty yelled, breaking free from the dead weight of AJ’s arm around her. "As you know, I didn't bring much with me and I want to go shopping tomorrow, would you like to go with me?"

"I'd love to, but AJ’s the shop-a-holic of the group, " Howie met her puppy-like stare.

"I know, but look at his style." They both looked at the sleeping AJ and giggled. "I like yours much better. Please, D."

How could he resist? "I'll pick you up at noon."

"Deal."

Howie left with a small sense of satisfaction and Brian breathed a sigh of relief.

Misty sat at the vanity in her room, brushing her long hair, thinking about the guys and how nice they were when her line of thought was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in," she said putting her silk robe on to cover her black silk gown. She was startled when she saw AJ walk in. "AJ..." she said closing her robe and walking to him.

"I'm sorry. Should I go?"

"No, you're fine. What is it?"

"Well, I was just wondering if maybe you'd like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?" His eyes met hers. He couldn't believe that he hadn't noticed her beauty before. And what she had changed into was making him more than want her.

"I don't know, AJ. Howie and I..."

"Oh," he interrupted. "I'm sorry. I didn't..."

"No, we're going shopping tomorrow, silly. At noon. I don't know what time we'll be back, but I'd love to have dinner with you."

"Really? Well knowing D," he walked closer to her, "you'll be done by three, four at the latest. He's not exactly the super shopper. But just in case, we could make it a late dinner," AJ took her hand in his, "say 9-ish."

"Perfect." Misty replied, not knowing what else to say.

"Well, I'll pick you up at nine then." AJ smiled. "I'd better get back home, now that I'm awake. Tell Kevin and Brian that I went on home." AJ let go of her hand, smiled and left.

Misty sighed and got into bed. What a busy day awaited her.

Howie was right on time and they went to so many stores. Howie hadn't been spotted once and they were both grateful. They had already been shopping for four hours and Howie's car wasn't going to hold that much more.

"Hey, Howie?" Misty said laughing, placing her last bag in the car. "Now that all of the bags are in, where are we going to fit?"

"We'll make it." Howie smiled. He hated running around from store to store, but he'd do anything for her. "What'd ya say we grab a bite to eat?"

"Okay," she said getting into the car. "Howie, you need a practical car."

"This is a practical," he said reaching her a couple of bags to hold on to that wouldn't fit anywhere else. "So where do you want to eat?"

"Doesn't matter... nothing big."

"Ummmm, we could just go back and order pizza, that is if you're finished shopping." He giggled slightly under his breath.

"Howie! Look around you... I think I'm finished shopping, ya big dork! ANYWAY, pizza sounds good, I haven't had pizza in ages!"

They spent the rest of the evening laughing, talking, and just enjoying each other. Howie was impressed at how great things were going. Misty hadn't eaten much though, because she knew she would be having dinner later with AJ Howie hadn't even noticed.

"You know what, D? You're a great guy." she blushed and smiled at him.

"That came out of nowhere, and for the record... you're great, too." Howie wasn't sure what to say next so he started to clean up, taking the pizza and plates back to the kitchen.

"Here, I'll help." Misty followed him. She wasn't quite sure what she was doing, but she touched his arm as he turned to look at her. "I mean it Howie, you're wonderful. I mean... you've went out of your way so much already for me. It really means a lot." She slid her hand down his arm and took his hand in hers.

Howie felt his heart flutter. Her touch was so soft. It was now or never he thought. "Well, Mis, I'm here no matter what." He put his hand on her cheek, bent down, and softly kissed her. The soft kiss quickly grew more intense. Misty placed her hand on the back of his neck, pulling him closer, as he guided her backwards to where her back met the countertop. Her hand came around his neck and down his chest and he let out a small moan insider her mouth, as she opened it for his tongue.

Suddenly she pulled back. "Oh my gosh what time is it?"

"It's 7:30, why? What's wrong?" Howie looked puzzled.

"Well, I'm sorry, Howie. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have..." she trailed off, moving away as she gathered her things. "Do you care to take me back? I totally forgot that AJ’s picking me up at nine and I still have to get ready."

"No that's fine, but what about..." Howie looked at her, and then the floor, and then back up at her. "Didn't you feel anything? At all?"

"Howie... let's not discuss this, okay?" She tossed him his keys and walked out the door.

Great. I've kissed her. She still doesn't want me. I give up. Howie and Misty said nothing on the trip back.

Misty checked herself one last time in the mirror. AJ would be there soon. She hoped her little black skirt wasn't too short. She didn't want to look the part of how she was already beginning to feel.

Brian and Kevin weren't home. She assumed they were with Leighanne and Laura respectively. She was going to leave a note telling them where she was, but the doorbell rang and sidetracked her.

"Ready to go, beautiful?" AJ looked her up and down. "And I do mean beautiful." He smiled and handed her a single red rose.

"Thank you sir. Yes I am. Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise."

What have I gotten myself into? she thought to herself as they left.

It didn't take long for her to figure out the surprise. They were at AJ’s house. He got out of the car, walked around and opened her door. He held her hand as they walked in the house.

"Wow" was all she could mutter as she looked around the living room, seeing how much trouble he had went through for her. The entire room was lit with candles. Soft music was playing. AJ had a huge blanket laid out in the middle of the floor. "What's all this?" She was still amazed.

"I hope you don't mind the picnic theme..." he said pouring her a glass of champagne.

"No, it's nice. I love it."

They made their way to the blanket and sat down on the floor. She was almost too amazed to eat, forgetting all about Howie. After eating, AJ stood up and held out his hand to her.

"May I have this dance?" He asked seductively in his raspy voice.

"But of course" she took his hand.

AJ pulled her extremely close. He wanted her. He could smell her hair. She smelled so good. His hands moved up and down her back. Her shirt raised slightly and she jumped when his hand touched her bare skin. He pulled back and looked at her.

"What?" she said looking up, her arms around his shoulders.

"Nothing... just... this..." His words faded to a whisper as he bent down and slowly kissed her. She let out a sigh moving her hands to his neck, signaling him to continue. He pulled her close, his hands moving about her back. He moved one hand down her long hair, resting it on her face as she opened her mouth for him.

AJ moaned into her mouth, whispering her name as her hands moved over his chest. Before she had time to think, the couple were back on the floor. AJ gently laid her back on the blanket and began to unbutton her shirt, kissing down her neck and chest.

The realization of what was about to happen set in. What was she doing? They had just met. She couldn't sleep with him, at least not yet. Plus, she remembered Brian's words and knew he was not the relationship type.

"AJ..." she managed to slip out.

AJ sat up, still straddling her hips, and raised his shirt up and over his head, tossing it to the floor beside them and he leaned back down to her. "Yeah, baby..." he said as his hand cupped one of her breasts while he kissed down her chest.

She squirmed beneath him as he gently squeezed her breast, moving his hand to try to remove her bra.

"AJ... I can't..." She tried to scoot up and out from under him.

"Can't what?" he whispered as he kissed her stomach, slipping a hand between her thighs.

"AJ Stop!" She pushed him off her, walked across the room, and began to put her shirt back on.

"What the hell just happened? I thought..." AJ stood up looking angrily at her.

"Yeah, well, I thought too!" she snapped back. "Look, I'm sorry," her voice softened. "AJ, I do like you, but I can't do this with you yet. We just met. I'm sorry." She looked down at the floor.

AJ walked over to her and her head up with a finger under her chin. "I'm sorry, too. I came on way too strong. Forgive me..." He gave her a smile that could make a mountain melt.

"Of course I do."

They hugged and he gently kissed her again. "Stay with me," he muttered.

"AJ!"

"No, no sex, I promise. No nothing. Just company. I promise. Please..." How could she resist?

AJ gave her an oversized shirt and shorts to sleep in. God he loved seeing her in his clothes. She still felt awkward about it, but it was all ready three in the morning and she didn't feel like answering questions from Bri and Kev although she knew it would be worse in the morning. She crawled into bed and AJ snuggled up behind her, putting his arms around her. "Thank you," he whispered as they both drifted off to sleep.

It was noon before Misty woke up. She mumbled a few choice words to herself when she looked at the clock. How was she going to explain this one. Maybe she would get lucky and Brian had stayed with Leighanne and Kevin with Laura. She doubted it. And what about Howie? That was a whole other ball game.

"Damn it AJ wake-up!" She rolled him over.

"What is it?" AJ jumped up startled.

"It's noon, you need to take me home and I don't have a clue how I'm going to explain this." She quickly put on her clothes from the night before as AJ also got dressed.

"Kevin's going to kill me," AJ said aloud, not meaning to.

"Well, same here." She growled back.

Just as they were about to walk out the door, AJ saw the light blinking on his answering machine.

"Shit!" He stomped his way over to check it. "I forgot to turn the phone back on last night.

"Damn it, AJ, I hope... you don't think..."

"Did you tell Howie we had a date?"

"Well, um, yeah."

"Then these are from your roomies." AJ’s suspicions were right. They were all from Kevin, Brian, and Howie. At first they were playful messages, teasing them, but then they started getting serious, they sounded worried and almost hateful.

"AJ It's Kevin again. Listen man, D told us you took Misty out last night, well, it's 4 am and we're all over here worried sick. Listen, we know you can take care of yourselves, but Misty's not been here long, and it's no like her to not tell us where she'll be. We're lucky D called asking for her or else we'd probably been out looking for her. Listen man, when you get this please call us back." BEEP

"Oh, god, I really don't want to go back now," Misty said slumping down into the nearest chair.

"Should I call them?" AJ looked at Misty for an answer.

"If you're brave enough, go for it."

"Don't worry, I'll handle it," he said, dialing Kevin and Brian's.

"Hello, Misty!" Brian answered anxiously.

"No man, it's Bone... Listen, Bri--"

"Where the hell are you, where's Misty, is everything..."

AJ cut him off. "Listen man, everything's cool. We've been here the whole time, I just forgot to turn the phone on. You know how often I do that. I'm sorry. This is all my fault. I fell asleep last night and Misty didn't want to wake me up or bother either of you for a ride back so she just stayed here. Everything's cool."

"No, AJ it's not. Do you know how worried we all were? Hell, we even called Nick and got him all upset."

"I know man, I'm sorry. Do you want to talk to Misty? She's right here." AJ looked at her and she was shaking her head. She really didn't want to talk.

"No man just bring her home."

"Okay, we're on our way." He hung up the phone.

"We'll..." Misty looked at him, scared of the answer.

"I lied, they bought it, though it wasn't too far from the truth. They're pissed, not been to bed, and they want you home. Oh, and I think D's over there, too, and they called Nick."

"Geez... I didn't think..."

"Looks like you're an important gal." They smiled at each other and AJ bent to kiss her. Then he put his arm around her and they headed back.

Brian and Howie were in the driveway when AJ pulled up. Howie looked at her out of the top of his eyes, gave a half smile and wave. He was afraid she was mad at him, plus he knew she probably didn't want an audience for her arrival.

Misty knew Brian had been waiting outside for her and Howie was about to leave. AJ put his hand on her shoulder. "I don't guess now would be a good time to get another kiss," he grinned with his head down, giving the puppy look.

"No, it wouldn't. Thanks for bringing me home." She took a deep breath and opened the car door just has Howie backed out of the driveway.

"Can I call you?"

"Please." Misty smiled and winked at him as she shut the car door. She stood back and watched him back out of the driveway behind Howie, then turned and looked at Brian.

"Uh, where's Kev?"

"He's inside catching up on the sleep he lost, which is what I'm about to do. Do you know," he had his hands on his hips. He took a deep breath and couldn't finish his words.

"I'm so sorry Bri. I know I should've..."

"Save it." Brian snapped. "I know where you were and I don't even want to know... just be careful, please, I worry about you." His stern look softened. He looked almost like he was pleading with her.

"I know, Bri, but I'm a big girl and I can take care of myself. And for the record, nothing happened. I actually remembered what you told me about AJ See, I listen." She smiled at him.

"Oh, come here." Brian gave her a big hug, almost squeezing the breath out of her. "I love ya, Mis."

"I love you, too, Rok." She sighed. "One down and one to go." They both laughed as they walked inside.

"Actually, Mis, two to go. I think you need to give Howie a call. I think he was more worried than us."

"Is he mad at me?"

"No, now Kevin, he's mad. D, is, well, different. He's a softy, he's just concerned."

"Well, I'll call him a little later. Thanks for not totally going off on me... friends?"

They hugged again. "The best." Brian answered.

Brian went on to his room while Misty fixed herself some breakfast. Oh how she dreaded seeing Kevin, and she was going to avoid him at all costs. After eating, she took as shower and changed clothes, then settled in front of the TV.