The next morning Kristen woke up on the beach still in Nick's arms. "Morning," Nick said.
"Morning," Kristen said giving him a quick kiss. "Did we sleep out here all night?"
"Yeah. I had a great night last night and I didn't want it to end."
"I thought so too. Do you know what time it is?"
"It's about ten," Nick said looking at his watch.
"Crap. I had classes starting at eight this morning," Kristen said getting up.
"Can you still make them?"
"No, my second class ends in half an hour then I have to go to work so we better get back." Kristen took Nick's hands and helped him up off the sand. "I feel so dirty from all this sand. I need to take a shower."
"Mind if I take one with you?" Nick asked wrapping his arms around Kristen.
"Actually yes I do mind Carter."
"Sorry, just an innocent question."
"Yeah like you actually thought if we took a shower together it would all be innocent," Kristen said joking around.
"You're right. Let's go." Nick took her by the hand and led her to his car then drove her home. "Mind if I at least come in?" Nick said when he walked her to her door.
"Don't you have rehearsals today or something?"
"Yeah why do you ask?"
"Because you need to get ready for rehearsals and I need to get ready for work so I will have to see you later."
"Okay, what time do you get off work and I'll call you."
"Six."
"Alright talk to you then," Nick said giving her a kiss then walking back to his car. Kristen opened the door walking into the apartment and almost ran into Cassie.
"Where were you all night long?" Cassie asked starting to lecture her.
"I went out with Nick. You knew I had a date with him."
"Yeah but I didn't know you had a date to spend the night with him."
"Give me a break. We went to the beach late last night and I fell asleep so we ended up just sleeping on the beach."
"I don't believe but I don't have time to get the real dirt out of you, I have to get to class."
"Why do you have such late classes."
"Because that's the way I worked my schedule. After class I'll be back and I have to be at work at three and I'll get about between ten and eleven. I think Angela is staying the night at Brian's tonight but she might stop by. Oh and there is a message on the machine for you."
"From who?"
"I don't know check it yourself I have to go, later," Cassie said walking out the door. Kristen went to the answering machine and replayed the message. She noticed the voice immediately.
"Kristen, it's me AJ, as if you didn't know. But anyways, I was just calling to see how your date went with Mr. Nickolas Gene Carter. I'm sure it went great. Nick talked to me before he picked you up and said he was planning on asking you out last night. Sorry if he didn't and I just blew it but oh well. Anyways, I'm sure you said yes and just wanted to let you know that Nick is a very lucky guy. Call me when you get in. Later." Kristen smiled about AJ. He was too good to her. She was going out with Nick and she was happy about it. She was even happier to have a friend like AJ. She picked up the phone and dialed AJ's number.
"Hello?" a sleepy AJ answered.
"You're still sleeping?" Kristen asked.
"Yeah I was up all night waiting for you to call. When did you get it?"
"I'm sorry AJ. I just got in about ten minutes ago."
"Ah Nick that lucky dog," AJ said joking around.
"Don't think so AJ. He's not that lucky. We didn't do anything."
"Well that's good. Make Nicky beg."
"Right, anyways, thank you AJ."
"For what?"
"For yesterday. It meant a lot to me you helping before going out with Nick last night."
"Hey anytime for you."
"Well AJ I have to get to work and you need to get to rehearsals before you're late."
"Oh man I forgot about rehearsals. I guess I'll talk to you later then."
"Yeah I was wondering if you would come over tonight and I could make you dinner in a way to thank you for yesterday."
"I didn't even do anything but tell you to stay calm and stuff."
"I know but please?"
"Alright."
"Alright be at my house at eight. Sorry if it's late but I have to work."
"Alright, see you then, bye."
"Bye," Kristen said hanging up the phone. She went and took a shower and got ready to go to work. She was in a good mood but didn't know the trouble that would be caused later that night.