She discovered AJ was, indeed, a tough taskmaster---almost on par with herself. He made her do the steps again and again and again until she felt she could do them in her sleep. Although she wasn’t fantastic at either the singing or the dancing, she did quite well.
After a particularly long rehearsal, the six of them were lying around the den resting. AJ had dropped in front of the sofa where Meredith was lying, pulling off his shirt and wiping his face with it. At that close range, she got a really good look at the dragon adorning his shoulder.
“That’s really beautiful.”
He turned around to look at her. “What?”
“Your dragon. I like it.” She looked at his arms as well, although she’d seen them enough to studied them in detail.
“Ever thought about getting one?” He tilted his head as he questioned her.
The others listed in on the conversation, too, curious as to her answer.
“Yeah, I did. Almost got one when I graduated from high school. A group of us went to Paris, and several of them had it done. I couldn’t really find anything that I liked. Then I went to college and got into ROTC, which led to boot and OCS, so that kind of put things on hold. I am limited as to where I can get one, so I just haven’t really pursued it.”
Nick spoke up. “I think you should do it.”
“And how many do you have, Nick?” She rolled onto her side and looked at the young man.
“Just the three…for now.”
Brian shook his head. “I’ve got my one, and that’s it.”
Meredith looked at the silent men. “What about you two?”
Howie shook his head. “Nope, not me.”
She turned to look at Kevin. “And you?”
He blushed a bit. “I’ve got one.”
“And I’m guessing it’s someplace private.” She smiled at him, laughing as he pinkened more.
“Kind of.”
“Remind me to ask Irene.”
A full blush rose on Kevin’s cheeks as the other guys just rolled with laugher. Meredith winked at him, and he just shook his head at her.
**BsB**BsB**BsB** By Thursday evening, they were ready for a final dress rehearsal. Irene had shown up earlier that day, excited about viewing the show.
“Why did you come here again?” Meredith blew hair out of her face as Irene tossed another outfit at her to try on.
“I’m going to be your groupie…actually, I’m going to be Kevin’s groupie, but I’ll be rooting for you.”
Irene had insisted on picking out Meredith’s outfit. After consulting with the guys on what they were planning to wear, she thought she’d finally chosen the perfect outfit for her sister’s debut.
“Okay, try this on.”
Meredith looked at the pants and vest. “How the hell am I supposed to wear underwear?”
“You aren’t. Just put on the clothes.”
She slid into the pants and fastened them, then slipped into the vest, lacing up the front. Amazed that she could move at all, Meredith sat down and put on her socks and granny boots. When she finally faced Irene, her sister whistled.
“Forget Kevin. I’m going to be your groupie.”
Meredith laughed and walked over to the mirror. “Well, this is certainly a change.”
She rubbed her leather-clad legs, sliding her palms over her ass to check the fit, then up the sides to rearrange her breasts in the vest. The way it fit in the front gave her 36C bustline very definite cleavage. She bounced up and down to check and see how much she’d move and was delighted to find that she moved very little.
“At least I’ll be able to dance.”
Irene pushed her out of her bedroom and down the hall. “Let’s get moving. I can’t wait to see Kevin roll his body.”
“Yeah, you’d rather be doing it.”
“Hello?!?! Do I look like an idiot? Of course I’d rather be doing it.”
The two women were laughing when they walked into the room, drawing the attention of the five men. When Meredith turned and faced them, five jaws dropped as they stared.
She looked at them and stepped back. “Is something wrong?”
Nick gulped. “No, nothing’s wrong.”
“Well, then, let’s get to practicing.” Meredith grabbed one of the headset microphones the boys had shipped down, convincing her that it would be much easier to dance with. Having worn headsets when going through training missions, it wasn’t difficult for her to get used to them. They ran through the number once, and AJ stopped them to correct little things. They ran through it again, then one more time to really get a feel for how everything flowed together.
Irene clapped loudly after each complete run-through, fanning herself when they did the body roll since she’d stationed herself right in front of Kevin.
“You guys look great. Meredith, what are you going to make them do when you win?”
Everyone grabbed their water bottles to quench their thirsts, and Meredith looked at her sister and the guys. “You know, I’ve got no clue. Guess I need to come up with something by Saturday.”
“Well, since y’all did so well, I made dinner and a great dessert. Come and get it.” She headed for the kitchen, followed by Kevin, Brian, Nick, and Howie.
Meredith stretched, still getting used to the leather and the way it clung to her body. She felt AJ close behind her, the gentlest touch of his fingertips along her back as he stroked the length of her spine. Before he would have actually touched her ass, he removed his hand, and Meredith sighed in regret. Turning to look at him, she wondered about the dance they were sharing. He smiled, an amazingly gentle smile, and held out his hand. When she took it, he placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, leading her to the kitchen and the dinner that awaited them.
**BsB**BsB**BsB**
Meredith and the guys showed up a few minutes before eight, wanting to cut it close to their performance. Each of them wore long coats over their outfits so that people wouldn’t see what they were wearing before they came on stage.
They had talked with Joe about moving the stage and giving them a little more room, since the current setup was only designed for one person. A couple of nights before, they’d shown up at the bar, and Joe had closed for a couple of hours so that they could practice in the area he’d set aside for them.
“Glad to see you, Commander. I think they were beginning to wonder if you were going to back out.” Joe smiled at Meredith.
She raised an eyebrow at him before looking at Justin in the audience.
Joe laughed loudly. “That’s what I said. You guys ready?”
She nodded. “And it’s okay to turn out the lights before we start?”
“Yeah, sure. When I introduce you, I’ll tell everyone so they’ll know not to move around.” He got up to walk towards the stage, but turned back.
“By the way, thanks for bringing in the business. Maybe I should do this more often.”
All six of them looked around at the large group of people, and Meredith nodded at Becky. “Maybe you should, Joe. Although, I think the real interest here is to see the Backstreet Boys.”
The group made its way over to the staging area and got ready. Irene stood with them, ready to take their coats when they took them off. Kevin made sure she knew where he was going to be, and the woman nodded.
Joe grabbed a microphone and started addressing the crowd. “Okay, you guys are here to see our own Commander Davenport and the Backstreet Boys. As you know, the Commander is never one to turn down a challenge…”
A “Hoo-yah” sounded from the audience, and Meredith knew her Seal teams were there in support.
“So I’m just gonna let them do their thing. You guys are supposed to vote on whether Commander Davenport does a good job singing and dancing. When it’s over, I’ll ask you to vote. Let me warn you, the lights are gonna go off for a moment so that they can get into position. Don’t move, okay? Don’t want any broken bones yet.”
Joe finished and nodded at the group. Meredith took a deep breath and released it. AJ brushed his hand over her back, and she looked at him and smiled. Winking, she turned back and waited for the lights to go down.
The lights dimmed enough so that they could be seen, but not how they looked. AJ had arranged them in kind of a V pattern since there were six of them, with Meredith and Howie up front, himself and Brian second, and Nick and Kevin in the back since they were tallest. They shed their coats and got into place, waiting for the music to be cued.
The music began as the lights flashed on, and the crowd was greeted with the sight of the six people bent over and arms dangling. JC and Lance groaned as they heard the first few notes. Joey and Chris stared at each other, and Justin stared in shock at the group.
Hey, hey
Nick sang the opening notes.
Bye, bye, bye
At each “bye”, their bodies raised until they were standing facing the audience, microphones firmly in place. Irene heard several gasps as everyone got a good look at the group. She knew they’d be very surprised to see her sister in the skin-tight leather, and she had to admit that the guys looked very hot in their leather pants and black t-shirts. The six of them moved together, popping the moves that AJ choreographed.
Bye, bye (bye, bye)
Meredith moved to the front of the group and began singing.
I’m doin’ this tonight
You’re probably gonna start a fight
I Know this can’t be right, hey, baby, come on
She widened her stance and held out her hands, beckoning to the audience.
I loved you endlessly
And you weren’t there for me
So, now it’s time to leave and make it alone
As she sang the line, Meredith dismissed the audience with her hand and pivoted on her heel, walking back to the group and joining them in the dance steps they were performing. Nick stepped forward and began to sing.
I know that I can’t take no more
It ain’t no lie
I wanna see you out that door
Baby, bye, bye, bye
All six of them made the “bye, bye, bye” motion with their hands as they segued into their chorus dance.
Don’t wanna be a fool for you
Just another player in your game for two
You may hate me but it ain’t no lie
Baby, bye, bye, bye
Since Meredith wanted to use ‘N Sync’s dance moves for the second part of the chorus, the six of them moved back to the original V position so that their bodies faced each other but they looked at the audience as they bobbed their heads.
Don’t really wanna make it tough
They raised their fists and beat them in the air as they jumped up and down, shifting positions so that they completely faced the audience.
I just wanna tell you that I’ve had enough
Might sound crazy but it ain’t no lie
Baby, bye, bye, bye
(Oh, oh)
AJ had choreographed the body roll that Meredith wanted, so each of them slowly rolled their bodies down toward the floor. As they moved in unison, she looked at Irene out of the corner of her eye and silently laughed as her sister fanned herself while Kevin danced in front of her.
Meredith stepped to the forefront again, swaying her hips in the seductive moves AJ taught her.
Just hit me with the truth
Now, oh, you’re more than welcome to
So give me one good reason, baby, come on
Nick moved up behind her, and they held out their hands to the audience as they sang together.
I lived for you and me
And now I’ve really come to see
That life would be much better once you’re gone
I know that I can’t take no more
It ain’t no lie
I wanna see you out that door
Nick was really getting into the song, ad libbing some of the dance moves and having a good time as Meredith harmonized with him.
Baby, bye, bye, bye
They did the hand motion again, grooving as they danced to the chorus.
Don’t wanna be a fool for you
Just another player in your game for two
You may hate me but it ain’t no lie
Baby, bye, bye, bye
Don’t really wanna make it tough
I just wanna tell you that I’ve had enough (oooh, oooh)
Might sound crazy but it ain’t no lie
Baby, bye, bye, bye
As one, they moved in slow measured steps, mimicking each other in their sharp movements.
I’m givin’ up I know for sure
I don’t wanna be the reason for your love no more (bye, bye)
I’m checkin’ out, I’m signin’ off
I don’t wanna be the loser and I’ve had enough
The other five stopped and bowed their heads, clasping their hands together in front of them as Nick sang.
I don’t wanna be your fool
In this game for two
So I’m leavin’ you behind
When the rest joined in, each bowed head straightened as they sang the last five words of the line.
(bye, bye, bye)
I don’t wanna make it tough
But I’ve had enough
Nick and Meredith traded parts as they sang.
Bye, bye, baby
Meredith belted out the “baby”, and JC nodded in appreciation as she held the note.
Don’t wanna be a fool for you
Just another player in your game for two
You may hate me but it ain’t no lie
Baby, bye, bye, bye
Don’t really wanna make it tough
I just wanna tell you that I’ve had enough (oooh, oooh)
Might sound crazy but it ain’t no lie
Baby, bye, bye, bye
On the last “bye, bye, bye”, they dropped back down into their original positions, bent over and arms hanging down. The crowed was silent for a moment before applause erupted. Joe came on stage and motioned for everyone to quiet down.
“Okay, okay. So do you think she’s good?”
The crowd whistled and clapped.
“Think she won the bet?”
The crowd was even louder, and even JC, Lance, Joey, and Chris were clapping. Justin was still in shock. As the six people worked their way to a table where Irene was waiting, they accepted the compliments and congratulations of the people surrounding them. They sat down, ready to order something to drink when Joe put down drinks for all of them.
Meredith looked up at Joe in confusion, and he just smiled and pointed back to the bar. “Compliments of them.”
They looked over to see JC and Lance raise their glasses in salute. Meredith grinned and nodded, then motioned them over with her head.
“Congratulations, you were good.” JC pulled up a chair and sat down.
Meredith wiped her face with a napkin, then fished an ice cube out of her drink and ran it around her hairline before pulling up her hair and sliding along her nape.
“Thanks. I had a lot of fun, but I have no desire to do this for a living. Where’s Timberlake?”
“Probably hiding and hoping you aren’t going to torture us too much this weekend.” Lance watched with interest as Meredith continued to rub the ice cube along her neck.
AJ watched the other man, resisted the urge to scream that Meredith belonged to him. Lance felt someone’s eyes boring into his head and looked over to find AJ staring at him. Nodding slightly, he backed away, and AJ’s posture eased a bit. Nick watched the interaction between the two men, his gaze finally settling on Meredith, who looked at him with a question in her eyes. He shook his head and took another drink of his water, running his hand through his hair. As Joey and Chris made their way over and pulled up chairs, Meredith was pushed closer to AJ. She scooted her chair over until their thighs were touching, and he dropped his arm across the back of her chair, unconsciously rubbing her arm with his thumb. Nobody really paid it any attention, but Meredith could feed her body tingle as he continued the gentle caress.
Irene laughed at something Brian said, drawing the attention of the ‘N Sync members. Joey smiled at her, taking note of her.
“Who are you?”
Irene held out her hand to shake hands. “Irene Winters.”
Joey shook her hand, lingering just a moment extra before letting her shake hands with his bandmates. “So, come here for the show?”
She smiled brightly. “I’m Kevin’s groupie.”
The Backstreet Boys and Meredith laughed, as the others just looked confused. Lance looked at Kevin before looking back at Irene. “Excuse me?”
Irene laughed. “Actually, I’m Meredith’s sister, but when I heard Kevin was going to do the body roll, I knew I had to be front and center to see that.”
Kevin shook his head and blushed, earning a kiss from Irene. “Aw, sweetie, don’t be shy. You know I’m really interested in your mind.”
“That’s not what…” Meredith spoke up, only to be silence by a death glare from her sister. The guys laughed at Meredith and Irene and their looks.
“Back to tomorrow. What do we have to do?” Chris looked at Meredith as he took a drink of his beer.
“I’m not sure yet. I imagine I’ll come up with something suitable by tomorrow morning. Come over to my house by 0730. Here’s the address. Don’t be late.” She took the card Irene pulled out of her purse and handed it to Chris.
“We’ll be there.” He took it and tucked the card into his pocket.
Meredith snapped her fingers. “Oh, and bring a change of clothes and your swimsuits.”
JC nodded as he stared at her before casting a confused glance at his bandmates.
They talked for a few more minutes before other people came to the table to talk to Meredith and congratulate her and her team. After a couple of hours, she’d had enough and stood up.
“I’m going to get out of here, guys. Anyone need a ride back to the house?” Meredith held out her hand for her purse, and Irene passed it over.
Both Nick and Brian stood up. “Yeah, we’re ready.”
“Irene and I are going to hang out for a bit longer.” Kevin had his arm across the back of Irene’s chair, and she was leaning against him as they talked.
AJ and Howie looked at each other, standing up, too. “Yeah, we’ll head on back with you.”
Meredith tossed the keys to the Porsche at Kevin. “Just remember to watch that gear shift.”
“Huh?” He was confused, and looked at Meredith.
Irene groaned and dropped her head into her hands. Meredith just smiled and nodded towards her sister. “Irene’ll explain.”
The five of them made their way out the door, stopping to accept the congratulations of the patrons who’d voted for them. They finally made it outside, and Meredith took a deep breath. “Thank God that’s over.”
“C’mon, it wasn’t that bad.” Nick dropped his arm over her shoulder.
“I don’t see how you guys do that every night, and I’m very glad *I* don’t have to do it.” She stopped at the SUV and paused for a moment. “It was kind of fun for one night, though.”
“So, what’s with the gear shift warning?” Howie climbed into the passenger seat.
“Oh, Irene was dating this guy, and they went parking somewhere. He really wanted her bad, and he was getting ready to join her on her side of the car when he slipped climbing over and hit the gear shift.”
Each man winced and pressed their legs together at the story.
“Needless to say, he spoke about an octave higher the rest of the night. I don’t think he went out with her after that.”
“Why? Just because he slipped? It was an accident.” Nick looked into the rearview mirror, catching Meredith’s eyes.
“Wasn’t it?”
She just grinned at him, and he shook his head. “I hope Kevin’s gonna be okay.”
“Kevin will be just fine.” She pulled into the driveway and parked. They climbed out and headed for the house. As they entered, Stasi came running up, took one smell, and backed away.
“That does it. I’m peeling myself and jumping into the pool.” Meredith laughed as Stasi continued to avoid them.
“I’m not far behind.” Nick headed down the hall, followed by his friends.
“Just drop your clothes in the laundry room when you’ve changed. I think I’ll have Justin clean them tomorrow.” Meredith headed down the hall to her own room.
True to her word, she peeled the leather off her body and pulled on her terry-cloth robe. She gathered her clothes together and took them to the laundry room, finding the pile the boys had already started. She dropped hers on top, then headed towards the pool, stopping by the kitchen to grab an apple. She walked out into the warm night air, settling into a chaise and watching the guys play in the pool.
“You joining us?” Howie swam over to the ledge.
“Maybe in a bit. Right now, I just want to relax.” Meredith took another bite of her apple.
After an hour of frolicking in the pool, the four men finally got out and dried themselves off.
“Night, Meredith.” Brian walked by her, still toweling off his head.
“Night, guys. Sweet dreams.”
Three more “goodnights” were called to her. She waited another fifteen minutes to make sure they weren’t coming back before standing and slipping the robe off. She laid it across the chair and dove into the water, relishing the cool water against her bare skin. With the five guests, she hadn’t had a chance to indulge in any nude swimming, but thought they were tired enough that they were definitely asleep and wouldn’t be up and about.
She sliced cleanly through the water, working out the soreness of her muscles. After several laps, she turned over and floated on her back, lazily moving her arms through the water to move herself around. Standing when she reached the shallow end, she walked towards the stairs and climbed out. As she moved towards her robe, she twisted her hair and squeezed the excess water out of it, then grabbed a towel and dried off. When her body was dry, she bent over and wrapped the towel around her hair, then slipped on her robe. As she tied it shut, she glanced towards the house.
“Night, AJ.”
He wasn’t surprised that she knew he was watching her. He’d forgotten his cigarettes and gone back to get them. When he’d walked outside, he realized why she hadn’t gotten in the pool with them. He thought she looked beautiful, her skin like porcelain in the glow of the moon. He didn’t even notice the scars, and he couldn’t take his eyes away or leave when he realized that she was skinny dipping. Most of his body screamed at him to join her, but his heart told him it wasn’t time yet, so he waited and watched and just enjoyed the beauty in front of him.
“Good night, Meredith.”
She disappeared through the door to bedroom and gently closed the door. He walked back through the den and to his room, falling on his bed and sighing as he thought about Meredith.
Table of Contents
Chapter Seventeen