Dakota:
The next morning, I woke up and felt myself in someone elses arms. After a few mintues I realized that it was Nick's arms wrapped around me. When I opened my eyes I was greeted with his warm face smiling down at me. It took me only a few seconds to remember what happened last night. Nick said he wanted to hold me all night long and I of course couldn't say no.
"Morning Baby," he whispered and kissed my lips lightly.
"Morning," I smiled back and then wiggled out of Nick's arms. He gave me a hurt look but I just pulled him up. "Sky's not going to be home for a few hours. We need to do some quick grocery shopping."
"Good thinking. We're out of Doritos." We both threw on some clothes, neither one of us truely worrying about taking a shower since we were only going to the grocery store. Then before we left, I grabbed the shopping list that AJ made and my keys.
"Come on. Let's go. We don't have a lot of time." Nick and I ran out of the house and shopped as fast as we could. It was so surprising that we've actually gotten away with sneaking in food for 6 or so months already. One of these days Sky is gonna find out and it isn't gonna be pretty. We managed to get everything bought and put away, minutes before Sky came home. Pure luck. Nick grabbed a bag of chips and my hand, then pulled me up to his room.
"You up for some video games?"
"Yeah, as long as you realize that I'm gonna beat you," I laughed and pinched his cheeks.
We played video games for a long time and then once in awhile we stopped to kiss. I'm starting to wonder what my problem is with the whole sex issue. It's not like I don't want to do it because I do and I love him so much. I guess its probably because when my mom was alive she drilled into my head how so many bad things can happen after someone has sex. She gave me lectures about pregnancy and STD's. When she died two years ago, I kinda made a pact with myself that I would listen to her. I don't want to let her down. What if I have sex and then I get pregnant? My life would be ruined and I don't think I could handle it. On the other hand, there's my love for Nick and it seems to be growing by the minute. I wish life wasn't so damn complicated. ~~~~
Skylar:
A few days later, I sent the guys out on an hour long run. Of course, they griped the whole hour beforehand. But I quickly defended myself and told them that they were lucky to run in the afternoon (left at 3) rather than at 8 in the morning. They agreed, but still felt that it was a little too long to run with me because I run faster than they like to or can go. So, I let them run as a pack without me. As soon as they left, I decided to go for a run by myself. I went in the opposite direction so that the guys wouldn't think that I was trying to spy on them and so tht they'd trust me. Besides, I knew that they'd run on their preferred surface: the beach. Whereas, I'd be running on the sidewalk next to the beach. Anyways, I was running the last two miles of my route when I noticed the guys running from the opposite direction.
"Skylar!" They all shouted.
"Man, we're as fast as you today. The Hush Puppy King here was pushing it, and we couldn't let him out of the group, so..." AJ piped up.
"So they all ran faster with me. We were flying, Sky," Brian noted
"Ooh!" all the guys jeered. "Sky?! We thought only Dakota called you that."
My face blushed a bright red, something which rarely happens, and all the guys laughed.
"Well..." I paused, searching for words.
"Well!" the guys mocked, all except for Brian.
Again, A.J. spoke for the group, "Well... we're going to go jog slowly back to the house. So you two can just finish running together, kay?" Quickly, I bent but did not break the rules.
"Okay, as long as you guys promise to keep your heart rate up; run, jog, walk... fast!" The whole group immediately answered "Yes, drill sergeant, sir...maam!" They'd obviously rehearsed this with Kota. Then they started jogging in the direction of the house.
"Shall we?" Brian motioned to me to come onto the sand and run there.
"Come on."
"I can't, I've got bad knees. Genetics, you know?" Brian gave me the puppy dog look, and I knew I was fading fast.
"Really, Brian, I can't." I said with regret.
He steathily approached me with a funny gleam in his eyes.
"Come on!" he yelled. With one swift movement I was in his arms.
"What are you doing?" I muttered.
He looked at me with that charm of his and said, "If you won't run with me on the beach, then we're just going to stop running. It's so boring on pavement. Let's be fun! How about..." We started approaching the shore line
"Brian, what are we doing?" I asked, knowing full well what we were doing.
He walked closer and closer to where the water began.
"We're going for a little swim!" he said with a beautiful smile.
"You can't be serious... we're in our clothes! If you want to go swimming, why don't we just go to the beach by the house?" I questioned.
"Because we're being spontaneous! We're being fun! We're just being..." I looked at him strangely and put my hand to his forehead.
"Are you sick or something? You sound like a Calvin Klein ad on crack!" With that, Brian took the first steps into the beautifully clear water, shoes on and all! He walked out until the water reached his waste (I wasn't wet because he was holding me above the water.)
"Look around, Sky. This beach area is completely deserted, it's just us here. Just...us." he whispered softly and leaned down to kiss me.
As his lips touched mine, he purposely fell back into the water, taking me under with him. But I really didn't mind. Our kiss continued, although it got a little bit complicated when water went up our noses. We emerged from the water laughing, and I knew that I'd never forget or regret what he and I had together. I wanted to say I love you to him, but was afraid to jump the gun.
"I love you." he stated calmly and genuinely. "I don't know how you do it, but just thinking of you makes me happy. I want to be with you, Sky. I want to hold you at night and wake up with you in the morning. I want to look across the room and know that... that..."
"I love you." I replied.
"Yeah, that's what I want to know." he said.
"No, Brian. I'm telling you now that I love you. I want everything that you want, and I want us to show our feelings without worrying about others' opinions."
"Sky, I love you, and I don't care if the whole world knows. In fact," he said, and then yelled out at the sea, "I love Skylar Jeffries with all my heart and," I abruptly stopped his speech with a sensual kiss which evoked all kinds of pleasures for both of us.
"How's that for spontaneous?" I asked. He smiled and continued walking deeper and deeper until he came upon a sand bar. He set me down into the water which was so shallow that the water only came up to our knees. We looked at each other for a moment and then slowly stepped closer to one another. I reached my hand towards him and placed it on his chest. With that, he put his hands over mine and moved it to the area of his heart.
"This is all yours, Sky. Every beat of it is yours." A single tear rolled down my cheek. I stepped into his arms and put them around me. "Every inch of this is or you: body to soul." We looked at eachother and came together for a passionate kiss. Slowly, we began walking towards the shore, hand in hand, we stayed that way, wet squishy sneakers and all, the whole way home. ~~~~
When we reached the beach house, we started walking slower, both of us worried about how the group would react. Together, we mozeyed through the yard and paused by the back door.
"This is silly," Brian said. "Who cares what hey think. Nick and Dakota are an item and the guys don't really care about that." He gave me a reassuring smile that sent shockwaves through my system.
I moved into his arms, "Yeah, but Kota isn't your trainer. She's not getting paid to be with you guys. I am. How would that look? I mean, what do we tell people? It looks a little, I don't know, fake. People will think I'm just after your money or...or... that you want a buff body without paying for it or something." Brian's face instantly scrunched up in laughter.
"Who in this entire world thinks like that?! Sure people might think that you're after my money, but me trying to get a better body for free? Are you nuts? No one thinks like that!" ~~~~
Dakota:
"So you really think something's up with Sky and Brian?" I asked.
"Oh totally! B-Rok is always talking about her....Sky this....Sky that... It's enough to make someone sick," Howie laughed.
"He just wants to get her in bed," AJ joked and I quickly elbowed him.
"That's horrible. Is that all you think about?"
"Yeah. That's all any guy thinks about," he said defending himself. I looked across the room at Nick who seemed to be daydreaming. I wanted desperately to believe that maybe Nick was different, but I knew he was a normal guy. Getting a girl into bed is some sort of power trip for them. There's no use trying to fight it anymore.....Nick just wants me for sex. The sad thing is.....I love him too much to care. I must have went into a trance because the next thing I knew, Kevin was snapping his fingers in front of my face.
"Where was your mind?"
"Sorry, I was just thinking about some things..." I stated softly. Nick walked over to me and kissed my palm while touching my cheek with his free hand.
"Anything you want to talk about?" he asked me and I shook my head.
"No...no. I'm fine." I lied and stood up. "I think I hear someone outside."
"Oh goodie. Maybe the love birds are home....." AJ smiled wickedly. We all ran to the door and spied out the window. Hey we're immature, so what? ~~~~
Skylar:
I gave him a playful hook punch to the ribs, "You're not making me feel better." He pretended to be in extreme pain.
"What was that for? I'm just playing with you." He again flashed the puppy dog smile, trying to make me feel bad for punching him.
"I'm sorry, sweetie. Let me make it better." I said with a seductive smile. I lifted his shirt up a little bit, exposing his stomach and rib cage area. Then I crouched down and kissed the site of my landed punch, causing a huge smile across Brian's face. He gently helped me back up and looked deep into my green eyes. Instantaneously, we were in eachother's arms, madly and passionately kissing. Just then, the back door opened and who should appear? A.J. , our tormentor.
He quickly said to the rest of the gang who were standing by the door, "Hey guys, looks like we've got another one!" Instead of getting mad, I couldn't help but let a smile spread across my face. I was just so excited that Brian and I were finally together. I mean, we'd already been "together," but now we were committing ourselves to eachother, unafraid to show others our feelings towards one another. Rather than offer explanations to everyone standing there in astonishment, Brian and I just continued holding hands, leading eachother upstairs.
"Well I'm awfully tired. I'm going to head to bed now," Brian said.
I answered back with a forced yawn, "Yeah, it's been a long day and I'm so tired that I'm about ready to fall down." ('into your arms' I thought.) I continued following Brian, through the kitchen where everyone was just staring, and up the stairs.
But we were still within hearing distance when after a few seconds, AJ shot back, "But guys, it's only seven o'clock!" From the kitchen, Kevin, Howie, Nick and Kota just laughed. ~~~~
Dakota:
We all gathered in the kitchen, minus Sky and Brian. We couldn't help but laugh at AJ though. He was being quite nieve or he was doing that on purpose. Who knows. "A.J., they want some time alone, you know? Brain just got his girl... you follow?" Nick tried to put it subtly but it didn't work. A.J. still looked puzzled.
"You dumbass! They're going to have sex!" I said, laughing. Nick was in the middle of drinking apple juice and shocked by my bluntness about the topic, spit it across the table, all over Howie and Kevin.
"Ugh!" they screamed in unison. Rather than face them, Nick grabbed my hand and the car keys and ran out the door.
"Nick.....slow down," I yelled, gasping for air. We finally slowed down when we reached his car.
"Sorry, Kota. I just don't want to get my ass kicked.....how do you feel about moving to New Zealand."
"You're pathetic. If you want, I'll protect you," I smiled sweetly and he just laughed.
"How stupid am I going to look if I have a girl protect me?" Giggling a little, I poked his chest and pretended to be mad.
"So you don't think I could protect you because I'm a girl?"
"No...I....uh.....well.....it's just my job to protect you," he finally spat out. I gave him a light kiss on the nose and then giggled again.
"We can protect each other." Things were silent for awhile because Nick just stared at me. He looked deep into my eyes and had this small smile on his face.
"I love you so much," he finally said. "I didn't think I could love someone as much as I love you, but I do. You're everything to me." Without saying another word he leaned down and kissed me with the most passion I've ever felt before. He gently lifted me off the ground and carried me to the beach. Then he put me down and laid next to me on the soft sand. He gently ran his fingers through my hair as we kissed more and more. I was running out of breath but I didn't care. I was having too much fun and then it dawned on me. He's the one. Nick's the one I've waited for. He's the one I want. It doesn't really matter what I've been feeling before because I was stupid. We're perfect for one another and any fears I had were just the scared girl in me. It's time to grow up now, so I pushed all my fears out. I put as much passion into the kiss as I could and then I rolled on top of him.
"I.....love....you....Nick....Carter...." I managed to get out between kisses and then started unbuttoning his shirt. Then abruptly he stopped and sat up.
"Are you sure about this? I mean do you really want to do this?" he questioned and then I felt slightly rejected. Maybe he doesn't love me as much as I love him.....
"I am, but obviously you aren't," I replied sadly, but he shook his head.
"No I've been ready. I just don't think our first time should be on a beach in sand. Give me a half hour and I'll make it special," he smiled brightly and kissed me on the lips. "Go back to the house and I'll see you in a bit."
He quickly ran off and within seconds he was out of sight. I got a nervous feeling in my stomach realizing now what we're going to do tonight, but I shrugged it off. This was Nick. My Nick. The one person in the world that I love with all my heart and soul. Who would've ever thought I could be so happy and in love at 18 years of age. I must be lucky.
Then in almost exactly a half hour, someone knocked on my door. I got off my bed and went to the door. Nick was standing there in a suit and he was holding a dozen red roses. I smiled widely and gave him a kiss.
"You look great, but now I've got to change," I explained because I was just wearing a yellow sundress. Just as I tried to turn around to go change, Nick grabbed my hand.
"Don't. You look beautiful. Just like the first time I saw you," he grinned and I blushed a little. I still wanted to change, but I guess I didn't really have a choice. He took my hand and led me into his room. When I saw his room, it took my breath away. There were hundreds of roses all over the room and rose petals on the bed. Then for light there were probably 50 candles lit around the room.
"Nick, its beautiful....."
"No it isn't, you are," he whispered and leaned over to kiss me. He wrapped his arms around me and it sent chills up and down my spine. Nick had that effect on me. Every single day is special and new. Every single kiss is something new. I love him so much and I don't want this to ever change.
"I love you with all my heart and soul," I said, looking straight into his eyes.
"Just like I love you," he smiled and then lifted me into his arms. He carried me over to his bed and laid me down onto the flower petals.
"Promise me that we'll always be like this. Just me and you. Forever." I asked. Even though I knew this was right, in my head there was still some doubt and worry about the whole situation. There was a part of me that feared Nick would leave after tonight. I guess I just needed reassurance even though I knew the truth.
"I promise." We leaned into each other and started kissing passionately as we began removing each others clothing. Not another word was said besides a few I love you's because we we're too wrapped up in exploring each others bodies. It was a brand new experience for both of us and we were both enjoying it. Finally we untangled our bodies and I just laid my head on Nick's bare chest.
"Wow," I finally exclaimed and then kissed his chest.
"You can say that again," Nick chuckled and looked down at me. "That was amazing...."
"That was undescribable. All I know is I love you so much and I'm glad I waited for you."
"Now I know why I waited.....fate wanted me to find you first," Nick whispered and then kissed my forehead. I've never felt this way....this loved. He loves me. And for once, I truly believe him. While we were still basking in the afterglow of our encounter, someone knocked on the door.
"You locked it, right?" I asked, almost making it a rhetorical question. His face changed to a look of terror and he shook his head.
"Shit I forgot."
"Hey Nicky, we were.......whoa," Kevin stopped midsentence when he saw Nick and I in bed. Kevin, Howie, and AJ were just staring at us with their mouths open. I quickly ducked my head under the covers to hide myself from embarrassment.
"What can I help you with?" Nick said, trying to ignore their stares.
"Uh....well.....nevermind," Howie mumbled quickly and they all practically ran out the door.
"That went well," I replied sarcastically, sticking my head back from under the covers.
"Who cares what they think. We're both adults. They will just have to learn that," Nick said and I nodded.
"It's kinda scary to think of me as an adult," I laughed a little. "Adults make me think of old people and I don't want to be old yet."
"You worry to much. Just relax." Relax? Hmm.....I think I can do that. I mean....I am in bed with Nick.....Gee....what could I do to relax. I leaned up and gave him a kiss.
"I guess you'll just have to show me how to relax...."
"That can be arranged," he replied and kissed me deeply. ~~~~
Skylar:
On normal days, I usually give everyone in the house 2 hours away from my nagging. It would be pretty annoying for them, if I was constantly looking over their shoulder complaining about their eating. Even though they can't eat anything unhealthy in the house because I buy all the food. I always stay away that whole two hours, often walking the pier and shopping after my run. But today, I decided to go home because I needed to run some errands. I figured that I'd take a quick shower, run some errands further into town, and then be back by the end of the two-hour period. When I got back to the house after my run, I noticed that no one was home, absolutely no one. Well, at first I thought it a bit strange that they didn't tell me they were going anywhere. But after a minute, I shrugged it off. Besides, I thought, I'm not their mother, they don't have to tell me when they're leaving the house and when they'll be back. So I hopped in the shower and was out in five minutes. Since the bathroom in my room only has a tub, I was using the "community" shower in the bathroom next to Nick's room. Walking back to my room, who do I see? All five guys PLUS Kota scurrying up the steps and into her room carrying loads of grocery bags.
"What the hell is going on?" I asked sternly. A.J. looked as though he were ready to shit his pants.
"We were just... ummm.... Kota? Help me out here! She's your friend!" he said.
"Not for long!" I muttered. The guys, all five of them, immediately sensed my tone and flew down the stairs and out of sight. Kota just stood there.
"I'm sorry." she said weakly. Anger surged through my veins. I was so mad at her that I couldn't even look at her. I turned and walked silently into my room, shutting the door behind me. ~~~~
Dakota:
When Sky slammed the door as hard as she did, I knew she was mad. Real mad. The guys snuck up the stairs looking at me with a frightened expression. I think they knew we crossed the line too.
"Does she normally get this mad?" AJ wondered.
"No, not at all. She's normally the level headed one and I'm normally the one who gets really mad. Probably why she didn't really yell and scream.....yet."
"But it's just over food.....I mean....so what we snuck food into the house," Kevin stated and I quickly shook my head.
"It's just not about food to her....it's the principle and most likely she feels betrayed. I'll go talk to her," I explained and then Nick quickly walked over to me. He pulled me into a passionate kiss and the guys had to practically pull him off of me. "What was that for?" I giggled.
"Just in case she kills you in there," Nick smiled and I elbowed him lightly in the ribs. He pretended to be really hurt but I just walked off to Sky's room.
"Quit whining, Baby," I yelled behind me to Nick and then knocked on Sky's door.
"Leave me alone," I heard her yell from inside but I ignored it and just walked inside. As soon as I walked in, I was met by a pillow being thrown at my head.
"Geez, Sky. Act a little bit more immature," I snapped and she just gave me a dirty look.
"I warned you.....I told you what my job was.....and what do you do? You stab your best friend in the back. How could you? You knew how much this job meant to me!" she yelled at the top of her lungs and tears started streaming down her face. I felt so bad, but I couldn't help what I did. She was acting like we were in the military.
"Sky, I understand where you're coming from, but you need to understand where we're all coming from. I'm not you client! You're living in my father's house with me.....We're suppose to be living here as friends. If I knew this was going to turn into some weight loss clinic, this whole living situation wouldn't have happened. I want to eat what I want to eat....I'm not a healthy eater. Never have been never will be. You can't change that no matter how hard you try. As for the guys, you honestly think you'll break them of their fast food eating habits?"
"It's my job, Kota. Don't you understand. This is what I do for a living.....I was hired. HIred! As in paid to get them into shape and to make them eat better. It's my job to make that happen and I understand they might not like it, but they'll have to live with it!" We were both yelling at the top of our lungs, but Sky was more emotional because I still wasn't crying. I heard a thump by the door and I realized the guys were listening, but I guess they did have a right to, so I ignored it.
"Yeah....its your job to make people healthy and fit. But it isn't your job to run a military camp where people need to sneak out for food. We didn't want to go behind your back but you really didn't give us a choice. We want to live...not act like we're 80." This was a stupid little fight we were having. It was over food, but I guess we were just both too stubborn to back down. We normally never fight seriously, though we do rip on each other once in awhile. It never goes far into the ruthless catagory. I just have a feeling this isn't one of those time where we are jokingly fighting.
"Dakota Kiley Ross, stop being such a bitch! You are just doing this to impress the guys, but you know what you don't need to impress people. They just naturally like you because you're Miss perfect. It makes me sick. You never have trouble in the social catagory, yet you always try to make people like you more. But this time you went a little to far and I got stepped on in the process." Sky turned away from me and didn't say anything else.
"Well I don't feel like I impress people or try to. If that's what you feel, so be it! Because right now I don't give a shit!" I screamed and walked out the door slamming it behind me.