Nick smiled at Karen. "So, how do you like my sister?"

"She's really nice. She's so much more outgoing than I was at her age."

"How long ago were you her age?"

"4 years ago."

"You're 17?"

"Uh-huh."

"That's cool." Nick got an idea. "Have you met the other guys?"

Karen shook her head.

"Would you like to meet them?"

"Sure."

"Okay, let's go."

"All right," Karen said as she began to climb off the top bunk.

Nick gently placed his hands on her waist. "Here. Let me help you."

Karen blushed. "Okay," she whispered as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Karen shivered as she stepped on the BSB tour bus.

Nick took her arm. "Are you all right?"

"Uh--- yeah," she studdered trying to hide her embrassment.

"Are you cold?"

Yeah. Just a little."

Nick slid off his jacket, then wrapped it around her shoulders. "Here. You can wear my jacket." He chuckled at Karen's attempt to find her hands in the long sleeves. "It's a little big, but it's warm." He took her hand. "Come on, I want you to meet the group."

They found the guys watching 'Big Daddy.' Brian glanced up. "Hey, Kaos, who's your friend?"

Nick introduced Karen. Brian shook her hand. Howie slid over on the sofa. "Hello, Karen. Have a seat."

"Thanks," Karen whispered sitting down.

Kevin extended his hand. "Hi, I'm Kevin. Nice to meet you."

"Likewise."

AJ took her slender hand and gently kissed it. "Pleasure to meet you, miss."

Howie tapped her shoulder. "Beware of him. He starts out a smooth-talker, but he's also the king of cheesy pickup lines."

AJ laid down on the floor. "How would you know, Howie? I haven't fed you any."

"Thank heavens," Howie laughed.

Nick took AJ's place on the couch beside Karen. "Are you warmer now?'

Karen shyly nodded as she wrapped the jacket around her.

Brian pointed to Nick as he whispered to Kevin "I think he's got a crush."

Kevin smiled and shook his head in agreement.

>>>>>

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