Chapter 31



Friday - April 25, 2003



"hey baby, we're here. where are you?" I said into my cell phone as I turned off the highway in Miami, taking the exit Nick had told me to take last night



"you're here? I thought you had to work today" Nick said, surprised. I wasn't supposed to be down here until much later tonight



"I just had to go in to do some paperwork. we'll talk about it later. where are you?"



"the Marriott. we're about to head over to the boats for the press conference"



"can you wait 2 minutes? I'm just turning onto 17th street"



"you're that close? yeah, I'll wait baby. I'll meet you outside, just valet your car and have them hold your bags"



"ok" I said and we hung up. not a minute later I pulled into the Marriott



"awww .... he's really waiting outside for ya!" Kris said with a laugh as soon as she saw Nick standing by the front doors to the hotel - a small crowd around him



I laughed as I parked my car "bet he's regretting that" I said. while I know Georgia was not the normal concerning his fans, I still cringe a little when I see a bunch of them together. Lord knows what will be on the message boards after this weekend.



"Katie, be good" was all Kris said, warning me



"yeah" I muttered, getting out of the car "could you just please hold our bags for now? we're running late"



"sure ma'am. how many bags do you have?" the valet asked me



"just two" I said



he nodded and handed me a ticket "just show the ticket when you're ready for your bags and we'll bring them up to your room for you"



"great. thank you" I said to him with a smile then met Kris on the other side of the car.



Nick finished signing autographs and posing for pictures then he handed his ticket to the valet before coming over to us "hey" he said with a smile, leaning down to give me a kiss



I immediately pulled away from him and he looked down at me with confused eyes "the fans honey" I said quietly



"fuck 'em. I want a kiss" he said, leaning his head down again and covering my lips with his



"uh, just so you know. cameras are going crazy" Kris said, trying to somehow block us from the fans.



Nick sighed and gave me a quick kiss before pulling away from me



"that's all girls. he's headed out. give him 5 minutes of privacy, ok?"



I laughed as soon as I heard Ron's voice. he's pissed. at Nick, I'd guarantee it.



"God damn it Carter!" Ron hissed as soon as he got to us "what the fuck are you doing?"



"Katie called and said she was right around the corner so I came downstairs to meet her." Nick said through clenched teeth



"oh really? do you not know how many of them just got a picture of you sucking face?"



"so what!" Nick yelled. I just looked up at him, shocked. "she's my fucken girlfriend. if I wanna kiss her I will!"



"honey" I said softly, taking his hand in mine. oh great. the group of fans is now staring at us with wide eyes. I'd bet my life that this whole conversation will be on the message boards word for word within the hour.



Ron just sighed, shaking his head



"Kris, you're gonna have to ride with asshole here. there's not room for three in my car" Nick said, turning away from Ron



"that's fine"



"what car do you have?" I asked him



he just looked down at me, a huge smile on his face "my new one" was all he said



before I could say anything a white Ferrari pulled up in front of us. "no way" I said, just staring at the car
"yup!" was all Nick said, tipping the valet.



"ah, sweet!" Kris said, going over to the car with me.



"like it?" Nick asked me, putting his arm across my shoulders



"I'm not too sure about the red interior, but I love the car! you gonna let me drive it?!" I asked hopefully



Nick just laughed at me. he actually laughed! "right baby. come on, we're late. get in" he said, going over to the drivers side



"I get to ride back with him in it!" Kris called to me, getting into Ron's truck with him



"we'll see"I called after her with a laugh, climbing down into the car. "damn" the leather of the seat just hugs you!



as soon as Nick pulled up next to the boat, Bob came over and all but dragged Nick out of the car



"pops!" Nick said, laughing



"we've got 3 minutes Nick. we cant be late for this" Bob said "what the hell took you so long?"



"sorry Bob. it was my fault. I headed down earlier than planned and I made him wait for me to get to the hotel" I said, getting out of the car



"Katie, hey honey" Bob said with a smile, coming over to me and giving me a kiss



Nick just shook his head with a laugh "she's the reason I'm late. you gonna yell at her?"



"no. of course you should have waited for her. it's good. they can wait. where's Ron?" Bob asked as I laughed



"he was right behind me" Nick said with a shrug just as Ron pulled up behind us



"you coming to the press conference honey?" Bob asked me as Kris came over to us."hey sweetie" he pulled Kris to him and gave her a hug



"hi Bob" she said with a smile



"we'll just walk around and look at all the boats. I've had enough of fans for the day" I muttered



Nick sighed, looking down at me "they're gonna be here all weekend baby. you want to take Ron's truck back to the hotel and hang out there?"



I shook my head "no, I'll be fine. I'll even be nice to them and thank them when they call me a slut" I said, looking straight at Ron as I said it. Ron just looked at me, not saying anything as he handed Kris and I each a pass "what's this?"

"it'll give you complete access to everywhere down here." Nick said



"ok, let's go." Bob said "you sure you dont want to come with us?"



I shook my head no, then looked up at Nick "wanna let me drive the car around?" I asked him hopefully



he just laughed "uh, no" he said



"come on" Kris said with a laugh



"it's two days old. no" Nick said sternly



"dont you love me?" I teased him with a pout. as soon as I saw the look on his face I immediately regretted saying that.



he just stared down at me "you know I do. I fucken say it all the time" he muttered "here, drive it. I dont fucken care" he tossed the keys at me then turned and started walking towards where the press conference is being held.



"Nick"I called after him



"dont. let him go. they have to do the press conference. you can talk to him after" Kris said, stopping me from going after Nick



"just give me an hour with him honey. then you can have him back" Bob said to me sweetly as Ron jogged behind Nick, catching up to him



I just nodded at him and he left, running to catch up to Ron and Nick. Kris sighed and I turned to look at her "what?" I asked her



"you still haven't told him you love him?" she asked, stunned



"I show him everyday that I love him Kris. why the hell should I have to say the fucken words?" I asked



"because apparently he needs to hear them. you're gonna lose him Kate. is that what you want?"she asked



"I'm not gonna lose him"I muttered "c'mon let's walk around"



she just nodded, knowing that I dont even want to drive the Ferrari at this point anymore.



"Katie?" I heard someone softly speak my name. I turned around and looked at the girl, just waiting for the insults to start. "I was wondering if I could get my picture taken with you?"



I just looked at her, my eyes wide "me?" I asked her



she nodded "yeah."



"sweetie, I'm sure you'd rather have your picture taken with Nick. I'm no one" I said with a smile



she smiled at me, blushing. "yeah, I'd like Nicks but I want yours too. you're his girlfriend and I think the two of you are cute together"



I just looked at her for a second "thank you" I said, meaning it more then she knows. she just nodded at me as I took her camera and handed it to Kris. I took a picture with her then she left, quietly thanking me



"see. they're not all bad" Kris said with a laugh



"I know" I said with a laugh "Christ Kris, I just got asked for my picture like I'm someone famous!"



she just died laughing "let's go. I wanna find some food. I'm starving"



**********



"hey, aren't you wondering why I got down here so early today?" I asked Nick as we sat in the living room eating room service and watching TV with Kris.



he just kind of shrugged at me, never looking away from the TV "I just figured Jeanne gave you the day off again" he muttered



"nope. well, maybe kinda. but I've got good news" I said, excitedly. hell, I've waited all day to get him alone so that I can tell him my news! actually, I was kinda hoping that he'd ask me about it since I sort of mentioned it to him on the phone this morning. then again he's been so busy today that he's hardly had time to piss, never mind remember that I got here 8 hours early!



"yeah?" Nick muttered, taking a bite out of his steak



I chose to ignore the fact that he sounds less than interested and continued to tell him about my news. "Jeanne offered me partnership in the gym!" I said, excitedly "she knows that I more or less love to do all the paper work and the back office stuff. it works out perfect since she hates all that shit and would rather spend all her time talking to the members. so anyways, she talked to me about becoming a partner last night. I would do all the back office work and basically make my own hours. we've even got a manger in mind to take my place and everything! isn't that great!" I said, out of control with excitement by this point. Kris just smiled over at me, knowing how happy I am about this. hell, as soon as I got home last night I talked her ear off about it non-stop for over two hours! "so, all I really have to do is figure out numbers and go to the bank to see what they'll loan me. Jeanne's giving me a very fair price and all, but I still have to crunch all the numbers. isn't that great!"



Nick barely glanced at me "just tell me how much you need and I'll write you a check" he muttered, changing the channel on the TV



I just gaped at him "what?" I asked him as Kris just stared at us, looking like she suddenly wants to be anywhere but here right now



"tell me how much you need and I'll give you a check" he repeated "I'm assuming that's why you just told me all that"



"you assumed wrong!" I yelled, quickly getting pissed off. how dare he! "I told you all that because you're my boyfriend and I thought you'd be happy for me!



"boyfriend? wow, I guess I should be honored"he all but sneered at me



I just stared at him "what the hell is your problem!" I screamed, beyond pissed at this point. Nick didnt answer, just kept channel surfing. "why are you so mad at me?" I asked him. come to think of it, he's hardly talked to me since before the press conference "are you mad about the car? cause I never drove it Nick. me and Kris just walked around trying to find some food then we met up with you"



Nick turned and looked at me, shaking his head "I'm not mad about the fucking car Kate. I told you that you could drive it" he muttered



"so then tell me what you're mad about! I cant read your mind Nick"



Nick just stared at me for a second, a mixture of anger and hurt in his eyes. "do you love me?" he asked suddenly



as soon as she heard that, Kris stood up and grabbed her plate "uh, I'm gonna go eat in my room" she muttered, walking past us and going to her bedroom of the suite - shutting the door behind her.



"do I love you?"I repeated, most of my anger turning to fear. Jesus, that's what his mood is about? please dont tell me that Kris was right - that I'm going to lose him over this



Nick sighed "it's a pretty simple question Kate. Christ, I cant even remember how many times I've told you that I love you since Mexico. and you've never said it back. not once. hell, you wont even just say "me too"



I just stared at him, not knowing what to say "I ..... it's just ...." I stammered



Nick shook his head, standing up "forget it" he muttered, grabbing his wallet off the coffee table "guess that's my answer"



"Nick, no. wait" I said, standing up and reaching for his arm to stop him from leaving. he pulled away from me, not letting me touch him "honey, please. dont leave"



"I have to" he muttered, not even looking at me "I cant stay here right now. I'll be in dad's room" he opened the door then slammed it shut behind him as I just stood staring at the door, stunned.

Chapter 32

Saturday - April 26, 2003

"morning" Kris said to me as she came out onto the balcony off the suite with a cup of coffee in her hands.

"morning" I said to her

"Nick still sleeping?" she asked

I didnt even glance at her "not here" was all I said

she just looked at me for a second. "what? he didnt come back to the room last night?" she asked, stunned.

"nope" was all I said

Kris sighed, sitting down next to me "are you worried?" she asked me gently

I finally turned and looked at her "about?" I asked. she just gave me a look "if you’re asking if I'm worried that he ended up in a fans room the answer is no. he said he was going to his dads room and I believe him."

"good" she said.

I took a deep breath and let it out "you're not gonna gloat?" I asked her

she just raised her eyebrows at me "about?"

I sighed "you had to hear the fight last night Kris. hell, you bolted out of the room as soon as he asked me if I loved him. we weren't quiet."

Kris just shrugged "of course I heard you. I tried to put the TV louder, but then you two would just yell louder" she teased me with a smile. I just grinned at her "and no, I'm not gonna gloat. Christ, I wish I was wrong. sweetie, just tell him"

"I cant" I groaned

she sighed "then tell him why you cant at least" she said

"why cant he just be happy with things the way they are? I may not say the words, but I show him all the time!" I complained

"tell me you dont mean sex. cause if you do I'm gonna throw you over this balcony"

I had to laugh at her "no! I dont mean sex. I mean everything."

"Kate, try reversing it for a minute. what if it were you telling him day in and day out that you loved him and you never got any response in return? how would that make you feel?" she asked and I just shrugged "would you just assume he loved you, or would you assume he didnt"

"I'd assume he didnt" I muttered truthfully

"exactly" she said as we heard the door to the room close. "that's my cue" she stood up and went back into the room "hey pop star. what time we leaving for the races?"

"about 10" Nick muttered

"k. I’m gonna go shower. she's on the balcony" she said then went into her room.

I heard Nick come over to the balcony then I heard him move behind me. he sat down next to where were Kris had been and just looked out at the water for a minute "aren't you gonna ask where I was last night?" he asked me quietly without looking over at me

I shook my head "no. you told me you were going to your dads room and I believe you" I said

that got him to look over at me "really?" he asked, looking kind of shocked

I nodded "why would I not? one fight isn't going to make you run to some groupie Nick. I trust you" I said. and honestly, I do. it’d take a hell of a lot more than just one fight for Nick to cheat on me.

"good" he said quietly

"I wish I could say it for you" I said to him, barely above a whisper. Nick sighed and slowly nodded "I try to show you. try to make you see it"

"why cant you just say it?" he asked.

I just looked at him. honestly he doesn't sound or look mad - which is good - he just looks like he's trying to understand "I'm scared"

"scared? why?" he asked, looking confused

I sighed "my ex" I muttered. Nick just looked at me, waiting for me to continue "as soon as I told him I loved him, he started using it against me. if he needed money, or wanted something and I said no, he'd tell me that I didnt love him. not enough anyways. after 5 years of hearing something like that it starts to get to you. so I started believing him. once he realized that's all he had to say to get what he wanted, he started walking all over me. I didnt like who I was with him Nick. I hated myself. then when I finally left him, I swore I’d never tell another man that I loved him. that way I’d never have to put myself in that position again."

Nick just looked at me for a second then he looked out towards the water "that's what you did to me yesterday" he said

"huh?" I asked him, confused

he just shrugged "when you asked to drive the Ferrari and I said no. you pouted at me then asked me if I loved you. so you basically did the same thing to me that your ex did to you"

I sat there trying to remember what I said to him yesterday then it hit me. Jesus. he’s right. "oh God" I muttered. Nick just shrugged again, not saying anything for a minute. "I'm sorry Nick"

he nodded and shrugged at the same time "are you saying that I’ll never hear you tell me that you love me?" he asked, still not looking at me

I just sat there, not saying anything for a minute. never? honestly, I dont know. "why is it so important to you to hear the actual words? why cant it be enough that I show you in so many different ways?" I asked him, softly

Nick sighed "baby, you're not the only one that's scared to say I love you then get used. Christ, everything you read about me and Mandy - multiply it by a hundred. yeah, we had our good times I guess but it was bad. I've been used and hurt too, but I'm not gonna hide behind that one bad relationship."

"I'm not hiding behind Vinnie" I said, trying not to get aggravated at him. why cant he just understand that I cant say it right now! damn him!

"you sure about that?"

"yes!" I said

"baby, dont get mad. I'm not trying to start a fight. Jesus, the last thing I want to do is fight with you. I just ..... it was hard for me to say it too, ya know? that's all I'm trying to tell you" he said. I looked over at him, wanting to ask him something but actually afraid of the answer. "tell me Kate" he said

"what?" I asked him

he gave me a small grin "you're sitting there trying to decide if you should tell me something" he said

I had to smile back at him. damn him for knowing me that well! I sighed then looked out at the water "Kris keeps telling me that I'm going to lose you if I dont say the words" I admitted. Nick just sat there, not saying anything "is she right?"

"I dont know" he admitted softly "hell hon, at this point I'd be happy with 'me too'"

I sighed, starting to get mad at him until I glanced over at him and saw the look in his eyes. he's trying so hard to understand and I cant thank him enough for trying. "I guess I could try that then work up to the actual words" I said, partly teasing him

he just laughed at me "c'mere" I just raised my eyebrows at him "c'mere" he said with a laugh.

I stood up and walked over to him, laughing when he pulled me down onto his lap "what?" I asked, snuggling into his chest as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

"I love you" he said, looking straight into my eyes

I just stared at him for a second then slowly nodded "me too" I said, barely above a whisper

Nick's smile lit up his face "that's all I need to hear right now baby girl" he said, leaning his face up to mine and giving me a soft kiss on the lips.

**********

"baby, it's not your fault that the boat wasn't ready to race" I said to Nick as we walked down the hallway towards our room. he just grunted at me and I sighed. he's been in a pissy mood all day. well, actually since we got to the dry pits and realized that there was no way his boat was going to race this weekend because of engine problems or something to that effect. "Nick"

"just drop it Kate, ok? I dont want to talk about it" he muttered, all but slamming the keycard in the slot for the door

before I could snap at him, Kris shook her head at me - silently telling me to just let it go. I sighed but didnt say anything as we all walked into the room. Nick immediately went into our bedroom, slamming the door behind him

"well, this has been a fun weekend" Kris said with a laugh, turning on the TV.

I had to laugh at her "next time we invite you away for the weekend you're gonna tell us to go to hell" I said, sitting down on the couch next to her

"gee, ya think? first you two fight and I have to hear it, then he's pissy all day because of the boat. and to think I came down here to relax" she said, but I knew she was teasing me

"I look like an asshole dad!" we heard Nick scream. oh boy. he must be on the phone with his dad. "how?? Jesus! we made a big fucken deal yesterday at the press conference about the boat, then we dont even race! ..... I'm not gonna fucken calm down! what the hell went wrong?!!! ...... fuck!"

Kris and I both jumped as we heard something smash against the wall.

"oh, this is so not where I need to be right now" Kris said, standing up "I'm going shopping. give me your keys"

I just looked up at her, wide eyed "you're leaving me?" I asked her

"damn right I am chickie. you need to calm him down. do what ever you gotta do to make that happen" she said, going to my purse and getting my car keys out "and somehow I dont think I'll want to hear what you have to do"

I just died laughing "Kris" I whined as we heard something else break

"oh yeah. I'm outta here. I'll be back later" she said, grabbing her room key then leaving.

great. nice best friend! I heard another loud crash and stood up. if he keeps this up, he's gonna own this room. I walked over to the bedroom door and opened it, watching as his cell phone came flying through the air - slamming against the wall right next to the door. "Nick" I said

he turned around and glared at me "get out" was all he said

I shook my head "no" I said

he sighed, his eyes turning to slits "damn it Katie, get out. let me deal with this on my own"

"why? so you can break everything in the room? honey, it's not your fault"

"I look like an ass Katie!" he yelled "I fucken talked up that boat at the press conference yesterday. then it's not even ready to race! Christ!"

"baby, you're not a mechanic. there is no way you could have known yesterday that something was wrong. you talked up the boat because it's a damn good boat and you've got a damn good team. you'll race next time"

"next time means shit right now Kate!" he yelled, pissed off as he sat on the edge of the bed. "fucken boat. why the fuck did I think I could do this? I should have just stayed in APBA"

"stop" I said to him, going over to him and climbing on the bed behind him "you can do this. hell, you did it. something just went wrong Nick. something you had no control over"

"it still sucks" he whined, slowly starting to calm down on his own

"I know it does honey, but you cant change it" I said, reaching out and starting to massage his shoulders. Nick just grunted, lowering his head to give me better access to his neck. I continued to massage his shoulders for a little while then I leaned down and lightly kissed his music note tattoo on the back of his shoulder "Kris told me to calm you down. in fact, she told me to do whatever I had to do to make that happen" I said, moving my lips over to his KAOS tat and flicking my tongue over the K.

Nick sucked in his breath "oh yeah?" he asked

I smiled against his skin as I licked the A. "yep" I said

"where is she?"

"went shopping. she left as soon as we heard things crashing against the wall" I said, moving my lips to his sun/moon tat on his other shoulder. Nick started to say something but instead just groaned as I lightly bit his shoulder. "think you need me to calm you down?" I asked with a laugh, moving my lips to his neck

he chuckled, grabbing my hands with his and flipping us around so that I’m laying on my back and he’s laying on top of me "what'd you have in mind?" he asked, mischief in his eyes

I smiled up at him, reaching out and cupping his hardness in my hand - getting an immediate groan from him "it'd have to do with this" I smirked at him, squeezing him in my hand

"fuck" Nick muttered as I wrapped my hand around him and slowly started stroking him "that'd work"

I just laughed "I would hope so" I said. I used all my weight to push him off me and change our positions so that I'm straddling his waist - giggling at the shocked expression on his face. "I have plans for you and they involve you being on your back"

he just arched his eyebrows at me "nice" he said, a smile on his lips

I just giggled at him, leaning down and kissing him softly on the lips. I moved my lips down to his neck and started unbuttoning his shirt, kissing his exposed chest each time I got a button undone. when I got the last button undone, I spread his shirt open and kissed his belly, running my tongue over his belly button - causing him to suck in his breath. I moved down further and moved my hand to the button on his jeans, looking up at him with a smirk on my face

"Katie" he whined when I didnt continue

"patience baby, patience" I said, undoing the button then slowly unzipping his jeans. Nick just groaned, his eyes never leaving me as I pulled his jeans and boxers slowly off in one motion. once he was naked I just looked at him, my eyes slowly traveling his body. my eyes stopped at his manhood, smiling as I saw him hard and totally ready for me. I leaned down and gently kissed the inside of his thigh, getting a whimper from him. God, I love it when I make him whimper. talk about a total turn on. I kissed the inside of his other thigh then snaked my tongue out, lightly running it across his erection

Nick cried out, his hips arching off the bed and I felt his hands go to my head - trying to get my mouth where he wants me. I smiled up at him then let his hands lead me to his erection, slowly taking just the head into my mouth "fuck baby ....." he sighed, his eyes closing. I swirled my tongue around just the tip of his head, making sure to run my tongue along the slit - knowing that'll drive him crazy. Nick whimpered again, gently trying to force more of himself into my mouth. I put my hand on the base of his hardness, slowly moving my mouth up and down him - loving all the sounds of ecstasy coming from his mouth. I reached down and gently cupped his balls in my hand as I sped up the thrust of my mouth on him. Nick fisted my hair in his hand, crying out as he tried to thrust his hips up to my mouth. I gently ran my teeth down his length then licked my way back up to the tip before letting him fall from my mouth.

Nick's eyes flew open and I smiled at him "you have a decision to make baby" I said with a smirk

"huh?" was all he could get out, the look in his eyes one of pure frustration.

I smiled more at him "your other fantasy that you told me about the other night. I'm willing to try it if you want" I said to him.

his erection jumped as soon as he heard my words and his eyes glazed over with complete want. "yeah?" he asked, his voice actually breaking.

I just nodded at him. the other night he had admitted to me that another one of his fantasies would be to have me let him fuck my mouth. as soon as he said it, he could tell I wasn't too sure about it so he had just dropped it. honestly, I've never let anyone do that and I'm a bit unsure about it - especially with Nick's size. but I know he would never hurt me and if it were to get to be too much for me, he would stop immediately.

Nick sat up, pulling me up with him "you sure?" he asked me, a look of concern in his eyes

I nodded at him "yeah" I said

"we'll stop if you dont like it. just let me know, ok?" he asked me and I nodded at him again. "I want you naked first" he smirked down at me, reaching out and cupping my breast in his hand.

I moaned as soon as he touched me and quickly pulled my t-shirt over my head. I got the rest of my clothes off in record time while Nick watched my every move with his eyes. once I was naked Nick just looked at me for a second then he leaned towards me, covering my lips with his

"lie down on your back baby" he said, gently pushing me back onto the bed. I got comfortable then reached out for him, grabbing his erection and stroking him - getting impatient to have him in my mouth once again.

Nick groaned, quickly moving onto his knees by my head. he took his hardness in his hand, slowly moving just the tip over my lips as I moaned - wanting more of him. Nick slowly moved his hips towards my mouth as I took as much of him in as I could, fighting not to gag. while I have given him blow jobs before this angle seems to make him feel so much bigger. I fought to relax my throat muscles and Nick whimpered as he felt himself hit the back of my throat. he looked down at me, asking me with his eyes if I'm still okay with this. my only response was to run my hands down his thighs.

Nick moaned, using the headboard for support as he slowly started to move his hardness in and out of my mouth. I groaned against his hardness, quickly getting used to the motion of his hips. I kept my hands on his thighs, digging my nails into his skin each time he thrust himself deep in my mouth. Nick whimpered above me, quickly getting to the point of no return. I moved my right hand off his thigh, quickly moving it to my center - not able to not have any stimulation any longer.

Nick glanced back behind him when he felt my hand leave his thigh "fuck" he groaned, his hardness twitching deep inside my mouth as he saw my fingers playing with my clit. I moaned against him, quickly brining myself to an orgasm. "baby ... fuck ... almost there" he panted, picking up the pace of his hips thrusting into my mouth. I just moaned against him, thrusting my hips up to my hand - feeling my orgasm starting deep inside me. "now ..... I cant .... now baby" Nick stammered then I heard him cry out as I felt his liquid hit the back of my throat.

I whimpered, swallowing all of him and crying out as my body started to shake. I sucked Nick dry as my body bucked against the bed, all energy quickly leaving my body. I felt Nick slump against the headboard then he gently pulled himself from my mouth, collapsing next to me on the bed

"fuck" he gasped out, breathing heavy as we both tried to get our breathing back to normal

I grinned, rolling over into his body - needing to feel him against me as I come down from my high "you owe me. twice" I muttered as I felt his arm go around me and pulling me close to him
"yeah?" he asked with a grin, kissing the top of my head

"oh fuck yeah. you owe me two fantasies baby" I said, kissing his neck

Nick chuckled, grabbing the blanket and covering us "anything baby girl. anything" he said.

Chapter 33

Saturday - May 3, 2003

"hello?" I answered the phone after running in from outside to answer it "hello??

"hey baby girl. it's me" Nick said

I immediately smiled when I heard his voice "hey. how was the show last night?" I asked him. he played the House of Blues in Orlando last night. I was gonna go up for the show, but I had to much stuff to do down here for Jeanne's party. she's turning 50 on the 5th so her daughter and I planned a surprise party for her for tonight. and believe me, Jeanne is not the easiest person to try to surprise!

"awesome. you shoulda been there." he said with a chuckle

"why?" I asked

"ya know how towards the end I do an acoustic set? well, I'm in the middle of singing 'Do I Have To Cry For You' , ya know all serious and shit, and this woman screams to me. asking me if she can have my baby." he said, laughing. "I tried not to laugh, but Christ. it fucken cracked me up so I died laughing"

I giggled "so, did you answer her?" I teased him

"hell no! aint no one having my babies right now!" he said with a laugh

I just died laughing, just picturing the look on his face when he heard that. "what time you gonna be down here? do you know yet?" I asked him. he has a show in West Palm this afternoon but he should be done in plenty of time to get to the party for Jeanne.

"uh, actually." he started and I immutably sucked in my breath, getting mad. he promised he would be at the party - no matter what "they changed the time I'm going on. I dont go on until almost 6 now"

"6?! Jeanne's party starts at 7! you'll never make it down here!" I complained. Christ, he'll play for at least an hour then it'll take him at least that long to drive down here. even if he runs off stage and goes right to his bus (which I know wont happen) he still wont get here until 8:30 or 9!

"I'll get there baby. I'm just gonna be late"

"we changed the time of the party for you Nick! cause you said you'd be able to be here by 7!" I said

"I'm sorry!" he said, the aggravation clear in his voice "what the hell do you want me to do Katie? they changed the time I'm going on, not me. I cant just tell them no cause I have to go to my girlfriends boss' party! keep in mind, I dont even fucken know Jeanne!"

"oh, and why's that? cause you never want to meet her!" I spat at him "Christ Nick, the only friend of mine that you know is Kris. why is that?"

Nick sighed "I dont know baby. I've just never met anyone else I guess"

"bullshit. you dont want to meet my friends" I said

"what! where the hell did that come from? Jesus Katie, you sound like a fucken 2 year old who didnt get her way. I'm sorry about tonight. but fuck honey, I have to work! getting up on that stage is my job" he said "I'll get down there as fast as I can, I promise"

"dont bother" I muttered to him "you haven't wanted to come to this party from the beginning."

Nick sighed "Katie" he said

"what! like that's not true Nick! hell, it's not like either of us mingle with the others' friends. maybe you're just trying to hide me" I muttered, being completely unreasonable. I just really wanted Nick to be there for me tonight. to meet Jeanne. she's a very important part of my life and so is Nick. I want them to meet.

"hide you?!?! why the fuck would I have to hide you?" Nick yelled, sounding shocked

"you tell me" I spat at him

"maybe I'm just afraid if I introduce you to my friends, you'll fuck them all" Nick spat at me

I just stared at the phone in shock, knowing that my face must have completely lost all it's color. ok, fine we were having a fight, but I never once thought he'd ever throw Tony in my face like that! "fuck you!" I yelled

"honey! I'm sorry!" I heard him yell as I slammed the phone down.

"whoa. what's wrong? telemarketer?" Kris teased me, coming down the stairs

I shook my head no "Nick." I said and she just raised her eyebrow at me "he's not coming tonight"

"what! why?" she asked, surprised

"he's not going on until 6. there's no way in hell he'll make it" I muttered

"Katie. Christ. it's not his fault" she said

I glared at her "stop taking his fucken side on everything!" I screamed at her "Jesus! is it really so hard for you to see my side of things every once in a while!"

she just looked at me "when you're wrong, yeah" she said

that just pissed me off more "whatever. I'm going to the store" I said, grabbing my purse and slamming out the door leading to the garage.

**********

"is everyone coming back to the hotel?" Jeanne asked as we all started leaving the lodge that we had her party at. we pulled it off, she was surprised! actually, she was stunned and she even cried (which says something, Jeanne doesn't just cry!). it was a great party and we all had a blast. I'm just glad Jeanne seemed truly surprised and happy by it.

"not everyone" I said with a laugh. she's been asking all night if everyone is gonna come back to the hotel to party (Jeanne loves her parties!). I cant even count how many times I've told her that not everyone has a room at the hotel, but that we have about 6 rooms there.

"stop" she said to me in her mother tone "you're not driving are you?"

"I'm fine Jeanne" I said, shaking my head at her

"no you're not. you've had way too much to drink to drive."

"Jeanne, I'm fine."

she just shook her head at me stubbornly "we'll find someone you and Kris can ride back with"

"I'll drive them"

I froze when I heard his voice, not turning around to face him. bastard. he should have been here hours ago

"hey pop star! you made it!" Kris said with a big smile, going over to Nick and giving him a hug

"you must be Nick" Jeanne said with a big smile

I finally turned around, my face emotionless as I saw Nick. he flashed Jeanne his best smile "yep. and you must be Jeanne. Katie talks about you all the time"

"I'm sure she does! you coming back to the hotel with us? I dont want her driving. she's had too much to drink" Jeanne said, turning to give me the 'mother look' that she does so well!

Nick nodded "I tried to get here earlier but the concert ran over" Nick said, looking apologetic

"stop. there's no need to apologize! you're here aren't you?" Jeanne said

Nick smiled at her "wanna tell her that for me?" he teased, glancing over at me real quick

Jeanne laughed "Katie. stop being mad at him. he had a job to do" she said to me

"whatever" I muttered "you ready? cause if you're not, I'm driving myself" I glared at Nick, daring him to tell me he's not ready

"you know where we're going to show me how to get there?" he asked me

"just follow us. we've got a caravan of cars headed to the hotel. you said they have a room we can use to continue the party, right Kate?" Jeanne asked me

I had to laugh at her "yes Jeanne. I confirmed it right before I left to come here. we're all set. it's a room right off the lobby and we can stay in there as long as we want"

she smiled at me, coming over to me and pulling me into a hug "thank you for this sweetie. you didn't have to do this"

I just laughed, hugging her back "yes I did. we'll see you at the hotel. dad okay to drive?" I asked her, meaning her husband Rick

"yeah. just impatient and getting mad that I'm standing here talking" she said with a laugh "we'll see you guys at the hotel"

"k. we'll be right behind you" I said, turning and looking out at the parking lot. I spotted Nick's Escalade and headed over towards it.

Nick sighed "let's go before she tries to drive" he muttered to Kris then followed me

as soon as Nick unlocked the doors I climbed in the passangers seat and waited for them to get in the truck. Nick followed everyone to the hotel and I had to laugh at the look on his face when we pulled into the Travel Lodge.

"think you can slum it for one night?" I teased him

Nick just chuckled at me "I grew up in Ruskin baby, I think I can handle the Travel Lodge"

"ha! wait until you see our room!" Kris said and we both died laughing. the Penthouse Suite it's not!

Nick just shook his head at us as we all climbed out of the truck

"right next to the lobby Jeanne!" I called to her with a laugh, hearing her big mouth asking Rick if they're going the right way.

we followed everyone to the room then we all piled in, moving chairs and tables to make ourselves comfortable.

Jeanne opened her gifts then we all just sat around talking and shit and before we knew it, it was almost 3am.

I glanced over at Nick and saw that he can barely keep his eyes open. between the drive down to West Palm last night, the show tonight then driving down here I'm sure he's exhausted

"we're gonna head to our room. it's late and I'm tired" I said, standing up

Nick looked up at me with relief in his eyes and stood up

Jeanne stood up, coming over to me and giving me a big hug "thanks sweetie" she said

I just shook my head at her "stop thanking me" I said with a laugh

"never" she said, hugging Kris "Nick, it was great to finally meet you" she said to him, pulling him into a hug

"you too Jeanne. happy birthday" he said, kissing her on the cheek

"thank you. you gonna be okay with staying at the Travel Lodge?" she teased him

Nick blushed "it's all good Jeanne" he said with a laugh

"you kids be careful. we'll see you in the morning" she said to us

"bye" we called to everyone then walked across the parking lot to our room

"welcome to our room!" Kris said with a laugh as we all walked through the door. Nick just looked at the room, trying not to look disgusted and spoiled.

"honey, we're disgusted too. dont worry" I said to him with a laugh

"this is just gross. we're not letting that bedspread touch us he muttered

Kris and I died laughing "dont plan on using the shower in the morning either. I wouldn't make my worse enemy shower in there!" Kris said, heading for the bathroom

"I'm not sleeping naked in that bed baby. sorry" I said with a grin, knowing he hates it when I wear anything to bed

"damn right you're not!" he said and I laughed. Kris came out of the bathroom then Nick and I took turns then we climbed into bed

"night guys" Kris said to us, reaching over and shutting off the light between the beds

"night" Nick and I both said.

Nick fought to get comfortable then he finally stopped moving around, settling on his stomach with his arm thrown across my stomach "baby?" he asked me quietly once he was all settled

"yeah" I muttered, fighting to stay awake

"I'm sorry" he said softly

I sighed "it's okay hon. you had a show. I had no right to get all mad"

Nick shook his head and tightened his grip on my stomach "not that. for what I said. about you meeting my friends"

"oh" I said, immediately knowing what he's talking about

"I didnt mean it baby girl. honest" he said

I just shrugged "you gotta get over it Nick. I'm not gonna let you keep throwing Tony in my face. if you cant get over it, we're not gonna work" I said to him softly

Nick nodded, then I felt his lips kiss my shoulder "I know. I wont ever mention it again" he said. I turned and gave him a small smile as I nodded at him, wanting to believe him "I love you baby" he said

"me too babe" I said, giving him a soft kiss on the lips then snuggling up to him and almost immediately falling asleep.

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