Chapter 7

Lance awoke at 8am the next morning to the wonderful feeling of Ashlee in his arms yet again. He was grateful that she had allowed him to help her last night, he wanted to be able to help her every night but he wasn't sure if Ashlee would allow him to.

He looked down at her peaceful face, wondering what she was smiling about in her sleep. She shifted softly in her sleep, drawing her arms more tightly around him. She had one hand resting on his heart and her smile grew bigger in her sleep. The urge to kiss her at that moment was very strong, but he knew that he had to move slowly with her.

His heart literally hurt every-time he looked at her, telling him even at this stage that he was in love with her. His life seemed to have more meaning when she was around, and his heart sang when she walked into a room. He had been waiting for this moment all his life, to find someone to share his life with, but the idea still scared him, Ashlee had the power to break his heart.

Beth stood outside Ashlee's door; softly knocking so she wouldn't wake the other people still sleeping. She needed to talk to Ashlee about Lance and about her feelings for JC, Beth was aware that he had been staring at her and she wanted Ashlee's opinion on what she should do about it.

Beth knew that Ashlee was an early riser so when she didn't answer to the knock she let herself slip silently into her room. She stopped short in surprise when she realised that Ashlee was still sleeping, and that Lance was laying awake in bed next to her watching Ashlee as she slept.

Beth moved closer to the bed and said softly so not to startle Lance, "Good-Morning Lance."

Lance looked up suddenly in surprise without taking the time to hide his expression. Beth recognized the look of love shining through his eyes and smiled gently, "You are falling in love with her aren't you Lance?"

Lance looked at Beth solemnly for a second before looking down at the sleeping girl in his arms, "I've already fallen Beth" he said with the honesty making his voice husky.

He looked back up at Beth and motioned for her to move into his room. He slid out of the bed as gently as possible but Ashlee still protested. He smiled, tucked the sheets around her body and kissed her on the forehead. She smiled in her sleep and snuggled down into the pillow she now clutched.

Beth had happy tears in her eyes when she saw the way Lance made sure Ashlee was ok.

Lance walked into the room and looked at Beth seriously, "I could spend the rest of my life with her Beth, but she's not ready for my love is she?"

Beth thought for a minute knowing that Lance had to know what Ashlee was thinking, "I wouldn't normally break Ashlee's confidence Lance but I'm going to tell you this. Yesterday when we were talking about you, I saw a look come across her face that I've never seen before, even before the kidnapping. It was a look of pure happiness, a look that can only be achieved when in love and when one is loved.... I told her that she needed to move on with her life, a life that she may be able to achieve with you. She admitted that she could fall in love with you, but she also admitted that she was scared to open her heart. But she is more scared that the trauma of the kidnapping will effect any relationship she will have in the future."

Lance looked like he wanted to say something but Beth held up her hand to stop him. "I also told her that her heart was healing... She has thought about what we said all day yesterday. And it's a good sign that she admits that she could love you… BUT she still has a long way to go. If you love her don't give up on her because once she accepts her love for you, she will do so gladly and that is something that you will never be able to achieve with anyone else. She is worth the wait Lance!"

Lance smiled at Beth, "I know she's worth the wait Beth and I fully intend to."

Beth smiled in return, they were meant for each other and eventually they would be. They both had the same quiet strength that would get them through anything in life, and they loved with their entire being.

"Oh by the way... What are you doing in her bed?" Beth questioned with a sparkle in her eye.

"She couldn't sleep last night. No actually she wouldn't let herself sleep because she was too afraid to dream. I found her in the study listening to music so I talked her into going back to bed. But I stayed with her in case she had another nightmare" he answered taking the mischief out of Beth's eyes.

She hugged him tightly, "Thank-you for loving her unconditionally Lance. She must be falling for you too because she would never have let you stay with her if she didn't have feelings for you. It's a very good sign."

At that moment Ashlee murmured in her sleep and Lance turned back towards her room without saying another word to Beth. He pulled Ashlee back into his arms and softly spoke to her, "It's ok baby your safe now, I'm never going to let you go."

Beth watched in fascination as Lance expressed his love for Ashlee as she clung to him in her sleep, and his words had an instant calming effect on her.

Beth knew that they were destined for each other, but this thought made her sad to a degree. Here she was a 24 year-old and sometimes she felt that she would never find anything even close to the love they shared. Ashlee wasn't willing to express her love yet, but when she did there would be no way to separate the two. Beth shook her head in wonder at the thought and returned to her room to get dressed.

Chapter Fourteen:

The only person who was in the kitchen when Beth went down was Marie who had already began preparing breakfast. Marie was cooking up a storm while singing along to the radio and Beth smiled as she walked over to kiss her on her cheek. Marie gave her a hug in return and soon the both of them were cooking together and singing. Beth's favorite song came on 'This I promise you' ironically by Nsync, so she turned it up and began singing along.

Marie didn't know the lyrics so it was only Beth's strong clear voice that JC heard when he walked into the kitchen. JC recognized their song instantly but was surprised to hear Beth's beautiful voice complete his as they sang the words together. He lent against the doorframe wondering where this amazing woman came from. He had only met her 2 days ago but he felt an instant attraction to her, he knew that he had been staring at her, a fact that she was probably aware of. He wouldn't be surprised if she thought he was a complete pervert, but he hoped she didn't because he wanted to get to know her.

Beth's voice rose with his in perfect pitch, as she continued to scramble eggs by the stove. She turned suddenly and her eyes widened in surprise when she noticed JC standing there and her voice faded away.

JC straightened and he smiled sheepishly, "Sorry didn't mean to interrupt, but you seemed to be enjoying yourself."

Marie walked over to him with a pot of coffee and lightly pushed his shoulder, "Hush boy, I was enjoying listening to Beth's singing."

JC smiled his thanks and kissed Marie's cheek, "I was too Marie." He turned to Beth with an sincere smile, "You really hit those high notes, not many people can do that."

Beth blushed, "Yeah well I don't do it that often."

"Well you should, you have a beautiful voice Beth" JC said again with sincerity.

Beth blushed further and mumbled a quiet ‘thank-you’ in obvious embarrassment.

JC smiled slightly at her embarrassment, remembering how he used to do that when he was complimented.

Beth turned back to Marie and handed her the scrambled eggs then stood silently facing JC, uncertain about what she should do. JC was also nervous so he cleared his throat and looked at Marie for some help, "Do you need any help in here?"

Marie looked up from the stove and turned to the silent Beth then to the nervous JC and quickly hid her smile behind her hand. "No Thank-You JC, why don't you and Beth go and sit down at the table while I finish up" she suggested giving JC a knowing look.

JC nodded in agreement then motioned for Beth to precede him into the breakfast room where they sat down with their coffee. Beth laughed self-consciously, "Well this is certainly strange. I never expected to be sitting down to breakfast with one of the most famous guys in the world!"

JC laughed as well, "Well I wouldn't say the world, there's nothing weird about it to me. I'm just a normal guy who gets to do what he loves which just happens to be in the spotlight."

Beth looked at him for a second, "Yeah I guess that makes sense. I'm doing what I love so I suppose there isn't really a difference between the two."

"Nope there isn't! You said you love what you do but what exactly does your job entail?"

"Well I've worked with Ashlee for 3 years but we have known each other for years. Not a lot of people know this but we actually went to school together, she's really smart so she graduated with my class and we both went to business school together. So when we graduated she asked me to join her company and I did. Now I'm Vice President of Royal Enterprises, which is another facet of Regent International. We work side by side, and we both have to know a broad range of industries because we have our fingers in everything. But at the moment my main focus is on expanding our new franchise of cafe/nightclubs into other states."

As Beth finished explaining Ashlee and Lance walked in and Ashlee smiled at the picture JC and Beth made. "Has she been telling you how brilliant she is JC?"

Beth blushed, "No I was just explaining to JC the processes of my job and you should talk miss smarty pants over there who can do anything she puts her mind to."

Lance nodded in agreement as Ashlee blushed then retaliated, "Oh shut up miss lead solo singer of the college choir."

Lance and JC just watched on in wonder as the two girls started talking about all the things they had achieved in their short lives. Lance looked over at JC with a proud smile, "We certainly are privileged to be sitting here having breakfast with these two brilliant ladies JC!"

Beth and Ashlee just rolled their eyes and Ashlee raised an eyebrow at Lance, "That's rich coming from the most popular band in the world. Let's try and list all your accomplishments."

Beth giggled at JC and Lance's stunned faces, "I don't think you have enough breath for that Ashy, these guys have nearly done as much as you have!"

Beth and Ashlee continued to laugh as Justin, Joey, Kelly, Chris and Dani walked into the room, and Joey noted the guys stunned faces, "What's up with you two?"

JC shook his head in wonderment, "I think these two here have done way too much stuff in their short lives."

Justin walked over to where Ashlee and Beth were sitting and threw an arm around each girl, "Is that true? Are you two as multi-talented as moi?"

Ashlee tried to keep a straight face but Justin’s grinning was the end of her, and the laughter escaped her mouth as she pushed his head away from her face. "I don’t think anyone could be as multi-talented as you Justin, they certainly couldn’t compete with that infalible ego of yours."

Justin pouted in good nature as he took his seat at the table and poured himself a cup of hot tea. He sighed dramatically, "Oh and here I was thinking that you where complimenting me."

Ashlee laughed again then winked at him at him slyly, "I was J, you should be proud of the fact that you have the biggest ego on the planet."

Justin puffed at his chest proudly, "Thanks Ash, but I prefer to call it confidence not ego" he said with a quick wink.

Ashlee shook her head sadly, "Oh I give up! There is no way I am going to break through that wall of self-confidence… You are absolutely right J, you are the perfect male specimen."

Justin nodded his head with resolve then turned his attention the large bowl of cereal that was now in front of his face, and began munching, ignoring the snickers of doubt from the other people at the table.

Chapter Fifteen:

"So what's the plan for today and the rest of our holidays?" Chris asked in interest looking at Lance for an answer.

"I rang Johnny before and he said the fans and now the press are still in a frenzy so if it's ok with Ash it looks like we are hanging around here for the next 2 weeks" Lance explained to everyone.

Ashlee smiled at all of them pleased that they had to stay, "That's good, I like having you guys around, so it would be great if you continued to stay."

Ashlee looked over at Beth who was slyly looking at JC, "How do you feel about a 2-week holiday Beth, I think you earned it and I am still technically on holidays."

Beth squealed in delight and hugged Ashlee tightly nearly knocking her off her feet, but Lance steadied her before she fell. "Well now that's settled to everyone's approval why don't you all make yourselves at home and use what ever you want."

Ashlee was once again bombarded with hugs but this time Lance wasn't able to save her and all nine of them fell to the ground in laughter.

"Would it be ok if we hang by the pool today Ash?" Dani asked smiling at the idea.

Ashlee giggled at the idea, "Yeah that sounds like fun, but you don't have to ask Dani, use what ever you want. You guys might like to use the gym or the sauna or something... Come on girls lets go get our suits."

Lance was sitting on his bed getting his board shorts together to go down stairs when his mobile rang, a smile appeared on his face when he recognized the number as his Momma's.

"Hi Momma."

"Hi baby how are you?"

"I'm good Momma, I'm looking forward to my 2 week holiday. How is everyone down there?"

"We are all good! I hope you get plenty of rest honey, you will need it for the next leg of the tour."

"I will Momma, so what's happening down there?"

"Same as usual, everyone sends their love."

"Well send my love back Momma."

"Will do... So are you going to tell me why I could only get hold of you through your mobile?"

"Oh I'm so sorry Momma I forgot to tell you but I didn't want you to worry... We are having some trouble with some fanatic fans."

"Oh honey I'm so sorry... But why aren't you at home?"

'Well I meet this really nice girl, Ashlee Regent on my flight from LA. 3 days ago and I invited her to the concert. She was there when Johnny told us that a radio station had broadcasted our addresses over the air, and some fans tried to break in. So she offered us a place to stay, since the press and fans had our houses surrounded."

"That was a very nice of her, she must be a very caring women Lance."

"Yeah she is fantastic Momma."

"You like her don't you honey?" Diane asked instantly sensing her son's feelings.

Lance grinned and Diane could hear the smile in his voice when he answered.

"I do Momma, I know I've only known her for 3 days but I'm falling in love with her."

Diane listened as her son expressed his feelings for this girl and knew that if Lance loved her she must be an amazing woman, someone that was worthy of her son's love. Lance’s last girlfriend hadn’t been worthy of that love and it had almost broken him when he learnt that Amber had only wanted him for his fame. Ever since then Lance had been careful when it came to his heart, too careful for Diane’s liking. But now it appeared that he had found a woman who was able to brake through that protective shield, and Diane was very grateful that her son was living again.

"I'm so happy for you honey! I know that the last 2 years have been difficult for you. I'm glad you have allowed your heart to trust again."

Lance laughed, "I didn't really have a choice in the matter Momma. She just worked her way into my life so quickly, I didn't even see it coming."

Diane heard something else in her son's voice, sadness, "What's wrong honey? Doesn't she feel the same?"

"It's complicated Momma, I know she is feeling the same things I am but she isn't ready to share them yet!" and Lance went on to explain the situation about Ashlee's kidnapping and her life after.

Diane had tears in her eyes as Lance described Ashlee's life. She felt so much sorrow for this girl, but she knew that if anyone could make her love again her son could and she told him so.

"Thank-you Momma, you’ve always known what to say to make me feel better. I wish I could see you during my holidays but I can't get to you" he said sadly.

Ashlee walked in at this moment and heard Lance's comment, she motioned for him to listen to her, "Your family could come and stay here Lance. We're got plenty of room left" she said with a smile as Lance's face split into an excited grin.

He stood up and gave Ashlee a hug and kiss on the cheek, "Hey Momma did you hear that? Ash said you could come stay here if you want!"

"Oh my that's very nice of her honey, give her our thanks... I get to see my baby!" Diane said happily. "Can Stace and Ford come too?" she asked hesitantly.

Lance covered the phone with his hand and asked her, "Bring as many people as you want Lance." Ashlee said glad that she could do something for Lance in return.

Lance gave her another hug and turned back to his phone, "Yeah Momma she said you could bring as many people as you like... But I think you, Dad, Stace and Ford are plenty enough."

They made the arrangements and Lance promised to get back to her with their flight details. When he got off the phone he yelled out in happiness and pulled Ashlee back into a huge bear hug, "Thank-you so much Ash... I don't think I could ever tell you how much this means to me!"

Ashlee laughed at his response, "I think you just did Lance, I'm just happy I could do this for you" and she impulsively leant over and kissed him quickly on his lips.

Lance was shocked, he wasn't expecting Ashlee to do that so he just stared at her in wonder, and Ashlee returned his look. She couldn't believe that she had done that, and now she felt really uncomfortable because Lance just kept on staring. She coughed lightly, "Ok let's go down to the pool and get some sun!"

Lance just nodded his head in agreement as a smile appeared slowly on his face as the meaning of what she did started to sink in.

When they arrived downstairs it was to find complete chaos. Justin was bombing into the pool, yelling at the top of his lungs, Joey and Chris had Kelly and Dani on their shoulders playing 'chicken', while Beth and JC tried to soak up some much needed sun-rays.

JC looked over at them as they entered and noticed Lance's giant grin, "What's up with you Scoop? You look like you are going to die of happiness."

Lance laughed and threw an arm around Ashlee's shoulders, pulling her against his naked chest, "This wonderful women here knew that I couldn't live without my Momma, so she invited my entire family to stay here!"

JC smiled at Ashlee, "That was nice of you Ash, you will love Lance's family."

Ashlee looked at JC in concern, "Your family are welcome here too JC... Actually everyone's family could come if you want" she said looking at the group in the pool.

Justin smiled in thanks, "Speaking for myself I appreciate the offer but my family already lives here so I see them all the time."

Joey laughed, "Jeez J, Ya don't show them any love... Thanks for asking Ash but my family is in New York and I will be seeing them soon after our holiday so I can wait."

Chris agreed, "Yeah I will be seeing my family soon too, I think they are our second tour stop."

That only left JC so Ashlee looked back towards him, he got up and hugged her, "Thanks for the invitation Ash, but like the guys said we are all seeing our families soon. Lance was the only here who would have to wait several weeks to see his family."

He looked over at Lance and smirked, "Anyway we all know Lance is a Momma's boy and can't live with his Momma's French toast."

Ashlee laughed at JC's comments and even more so at Lance's irritated look, "I can live without my Momma JC I just chose not to!" and with that parting shot he jumped into the cool pool.

JC pulled Ashlee down next to him on the sun lounger, "That's one sure way to get to Lance's heart Ash, his Momma. I don't think you will ever get rid of him now!" he said jokingly.

Ashlee turned around to watch Lance mucking around in the pool with Justin and quietly replied, "I don't think I want to get rid of him JC."

JC smiled and pulled her into a hug, "That's very good Ash, because I think you two were made for each other."

Ashlee just smiled at him and kissed him on the forehead, "Thank-you JC… You know what? I'm going to call you Josh if that's ok with you, I feel like less of a teeny bopper if I do that."

"Sure! You can call me that, my family does so it's not something new."

'Well ok then Josh, stay here and soak up some rays... I'm going to break up Lance and Justin before someone gets hurt!"

JC watched her walk away and turned back to Beth, "She really has no idea how special she is does she Beth?"

Beth smiled knowingly, "Nah, she never has and I don't think she ever will unless Lance can get through to her."

JC laughed, "Oh I think he can manage that, but the question is how long do you think it will take him?"

Beth sat remembering the morning’s events, "Actually I don't think it will take that long. You know what I saw this morning?"

JC raised his eyebrow in question, "Lance stayed with her again last night, just in case she had another nightmare. The fact that he can help her sleep is a big step" Beth explained.

JC processed this information without surprise, "I'm not surprised that Lance stayed with her, he wants to keep her safe. But you think that her letting him help her is a big step for them?"

Beth laughed, "Hell yeah! Ashy has only let her Dad, Tim and I close to her in the last year. But she suddenly lets a guy that she has only known for 3 days sleep in her bed, a guy whose presence allows her to sleep through an entire night without awaking in terror! Yeah that's a step, a big step in the right direction."

The rest of the group chose that moment to come out of the pool, halting any further conversation about Lance and Ashlee.

They were all arguing about where to go out that night, "I want to go to 'Gatecrasher'," Joey whined while Chris and Justin thought that 'Clubbers' was the better option.

"Why don't you come to our club?" Ashlee piped up, and Joey, Chris and Justin looked at her in surprise.

"Your club?" Joey inquired.

"Yeah Beth and I own the club by the beach, 'Day & Nite'. Have you heard of it?"

Joey just stared at her, "No way! You two own that? I've been trying to get in there for the past week. I was beginning to get desperate and I was tempted to use my connections to get me in."

Beth and Ashlee laughed, "Well now you've got them, we'll get you all in if you want?"

"Hell yeah girl, we’re all going" Justin said smiling broadly.

"Well I guess that's the plan then" Dani said smiling but it quickly disappeared, "What am I going to wear?" she said frowning.

"Well let’s go see if we can find something worthy" Kelly said standing up determinedly and grapping the girls hands, so she could drag them all up to their rooms.