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Everything Your Heart Desires Chapter 9 Howie threw Kevin a glance. "Actually, I know of a way to cool our ladies off." He crept toward Cheryl, who was once again rummaging through her bag, this time for a pair of sunglasses. In a matter of seconds, Howie swept her into his arms and carried her toward the wave pool. Kristy was unaware of what had occurred until she heard her friend scream, "Howard Dorough, put me down." By that time, she was too late to rescue herself from the same fate. Rather than fight Kevin though, she relished the feeling of being in his arms and leaned against his chest. Howie meanwhile, was waist deep in the water when he dunked both Cheryl and himself under the surface. They emerged with huge smiles on their faces. "I’ll be plotting revenge for that, Dorough." He wiggled his eyebrows. "I’m not only wishing but counting on it on also." Howie kissed her nose before they swam off together. Kevin dropped Kristy gently in the deep water. She surfaced sputtering but recovered with a smile. "I think I need mouth-to-mouth." He smirked and pulled her to him for a lingering kiss. "Good Lord, they’re so hot the water around them is boiling," Howie joked. Cheryl groaned. "Corny, D. My father tells jokes like that." "Oh, really? Just hurt my feelings." He pouted. "Aww, did I hurt wittle Howie’s feewings?" He hung his head like a little boy whose ice cream had just fallen off the cone. "Let me make it all better." Cheryl kissed his nose. "Actually, it hurts right here." Howie tapped his index finger on his lips. She only smiled and obliged. "Now who’s causing the water temperature to rise?" Kevin hinted as he pulled Kristy closer. "Listen, if you’re through, we’d like to challenge you to a game of chicken." Howie shook his head. "Uh-uh, Train, you’d whip us. You’re a good half-foot taller than me. Besides, " he continued, "I had plans to whisk my lady off on a cruise." Quizzical looks awaited his explanation. "We’re going to Castaway Creek."Cheryl sighed as she rested her head against Howie’s shoulder. His arm around her waist permanently connected their individual tubes. "It may not be a gondola in Venice, but it sure feels like it." Howie smiled. "So you’ve been to Europe?" "Yeah, about half a lifetime ago. I was old enough to appreciate the sights but not the food. My sister and I went to Mickey D’s nearly every chance. We thanked the fast food gods for introducing Ronald to Europe after that vacation." He chuckled. "You sound like A.J. and Nick," he said before catching himself. It was the first time anyone had mentioned the other Boys. Howie tensed as he awaited her response. Cheryl’s mind had quickly processed the information in his slip-up and retrieved the scene from MTV 1515 of A.J. McLean and Nick Carter waiting for their food at a McDonald’s in Europe. She tried to suppress a wide smile at the thought of the now infamous scene that followed of Nick talking into his hand. "What’s that smirk for?" Howie wondered before he remembered the home video. "Nevermind." He smiled himself. "I think I know." And the subject was dropped. Kevin and Kristy had opted to go for the more adventurous afternoon and had rented equipment to go snorkeling at the Shark Reef. It couldn’t have been a more romantic setting with the fish in a rainbow of colors. Below the surface, they felt like they were in their own little world. Kevin’s left hand held her right one tightly while the other pointed out the various species of underwater life, including the occasional shark. After tiring of their undersea date, the couple boarded a tube and went rafting down Gangplank Falls, a bit more terrifying than Castaway Creek. Kevin then took on the responsibility of teaching Kristy how to surf. He helped her onto the board. "Okay, now balance is key otherwise you’ll end up in the water right away." He gave her a few more instructions before they paddled out on the board together. Kristy was enjoying surfing and not just the thrill of catching a wave. Kevin insisted that she learn with him along for the first few rides. He wrapped his arms around her waist, her back touching his chest and his chin resting on her shoulder. She loved being so close to him... the smell of his cologne, the warmth of his body. She was in heaven.Late in the afternoon, when everyone had enough sun and surf, they began to pack up their belongings. Kevin mentioned, "I hope you ladies don’t mind, but we took the liberty of making dinner reservations." Cheryl opened her mouth to protest. "I know, you have nothing to wear. Don’t worry, it isn’t fancy. Your shorts and t-shirts are fine," Howie assured them as they went their separate ways to change into their street clothes. In the changing rooms, Howie told Kevin about the McDonald’s conversation. "She didn’t say a word, Kev. Not a mention of ‘when can I meet the other guys?’ or ‘tell me more about A.J. and Nick’. All she did was smirk." Kevin glanced at his friend. "Why?" Howie had to chuckle. "Something tells me Cheryl was thinking about the MTV home video from Europe. You know, the ‘dumbass’ comment?" Kevin nodded and laughed. "Nick is never going to be able to forget that." A few feet away, Kristy and Cheryl were sharing their day’s highlights. "…So he mentions A.J. and Nick’s infatuation with McDonald’s and my mind is suddenly transported back to the home video." "Ooh, from ‘Kevin in a Robe TV'." Cheryl smiled at her friend’s nickname for Backstreet TV Live from Orlando. "And 1515," she reminded her. "Anyway, I thought of Nick calling Howie dumbass and nearly burst out laughing.""Okay, guys, why are we here?" Kristy demanded sweetly when they arrived at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. "You shall see momentarily. Patience is a virtue," Kevin answered giving her hand a squeeze. Cheryl couldn’t contain her excitement and taunted like a kindergarten student. "I know, I know." Howie took her hand. "Yes, sweetie, the redhead in the front row." "The luau?" He marveled at the twinkle in her hazel eyes. "Very good." Howie gave her a sensual kiss. Kristy stuck her tongue out at Cheryl, causing her to laugh and break the kiss. "Teacher’s pet." "Hey, I might like some of that action," Kevin teased. "Later, Kev, and only if you’re a good boy," she returned with a mischievous smile. Kevin contemplated the meaning of her words. The traditional Polynesian feast may have been delicious but the entertainment was the real reason Cheryl and Kristy would remember the evening. Both were certain that the other guests never expected to see two of Orlando’s more famous residents show off their hula skills. Neither woman could ever remember laughing so hard. It wasn’t something Kevin and Howie would soon forget either and if they did, the girls took plenty of photos to remind them.Next: Chapter 10 |