Meredith was the last to arrive, walking in to find each woman getting ready.
“Where have you been?” Irene dragged her over to a chair and started unbraiding her sister’s hair.
“I had to make sure Leary and Ramos were in the right spots to get the guys.” She moved away from the younger woman, bent over, and ran her fingers through her hair to fluff it out. When she stood up, auburn curls settled around her like a halo.
“AJ’s gonna love how you look in that outfit, with your hair down.” Serenity nodded to the leather pants and vest Irene had picked out.
“Actually, AJ likes me naked with my hair down.” Meredith began pulling off her clothes to get ready.
As she turned around to pull on her pants, she heard Allyson’s “oh my God” and looked up into the mirror to find Serenity and Allyson staring at her.
Shit. She’d forgotten that the two newest members of the “family” had not seen her back. She smiled at them. “I’ll explain later.”
They nodded and continued getting ready, stealing occasional glances at her. Once she finished pulling on her clothes and shoes, she touched up her makeup and added some bright lipstick. Meredith turned around to check out the rest of her friends.
“Very nice, ladies.” She whistled, knowing that the guys were *definitely* going to enjoy this.
Serenity was wearing butter-yellow leather pants and a fringed butter-yellow halter bra with flowered designs stitched on it that matched the side seams of her pants. Her hair flowed over her shoulders and hung down her back like a river of black silk.
Allyson was wearing blue leather pants and a blue spandex tank top with silver threads running through it. The top ended at her midriff, and Irene had applied a crystal tattoo of a butterfly above her bellybutton. She had pulled her hair up on top of her head and pinned it, curls sticking out in every direction.
Lumien went with deep purple…deep purple spandex leggings, a sheer deep purple tunic over a purple tank top, and even purple highlights in her hair.
Irene was dressed in red. The red leather pants fit like a glove, and her red top laced up the back, revealing the heart/quarter note tattoo she had gotten before the tour started. She wore a gold armband around her left arm.
Once again, Meredith was dressed in black. Irene had brought the clothes she had worn for their performance at Joe’s. She planned to top off the look with the cowboy hat AJ had given her for her birthday.
All of them wore low-heeled black boots so that they could dance. A knock on the door signaled the arrival of the head mics they would be wearing. Jake, one of the roadies, passed theme out, making sure each woman got her boyfriend’s mic. He escorted them to the stage, after checking to see if Leary and Ramos were doing their jobs.
Ramos and Leary looked at their watches and nodded. “C’mon, guys, time to go.”
Ramos herded the guys down the stairs and towards the front of the stage. Leary followed behind to make sure nobody straggled.
“We don’t usually go out this way.” Howie hopped over a barricade, followed by the others.
“Meredith’s orders.” Leary kept the conversation simple and succinct to avoid any questions.
Ramos stopped at the first row. “Oh, man, I forgot something Meredith asked me to do. I’ll be right back.” He disappeared towards the back of the stage, leaving the six men.
Leary stared at the guys. “Why don’t you guys grab a chair? If Meredith finds out he forgot something, she could keep him for a few.”
Brian dropped into a chair and leaned back, thinking about his plans for Serenity later that evening. They didn’t have a concert the next day and weren’t planning on heading to the next city until around two, so he hoped to have a leisurely breakfast in bed with his girlfriend. The rest of the guys spread out on the front row, either staring off into space or closing their eyes to rest.
The lights went out, and each man jumped in his seat. Leary smiled, glad they couldn’t see him. “Just relax, guys. You’ll like this, I promise.”
Hey
The lights flashed on to reveal the five women with their backs to the audience.
That’s the way I like it, baby
That’s the way I
That’s the way I like it
With their backs still to the guys, they began to dance in unison, mimicking the opening movements from the 1998 homecoming concert.
Irene turned around and smiled as she began to sing. The other four turned in unison, having fun as they danced.
Somebody told me that you’re not my kind
So have I lost my mind
You keep on doin’ all the things I like
You’ve got me hypnotized
But that’s the way I like it
As she finished the verse, she stroked her hands down her body and did a quick pelvic thrust. Allyson danced to the front, singing and shimmying as she strutted around the stage.
Oooh, you make me wanna move
It’s the price I gotta pay
For all the things you do
But I like it
Gotta listen to the groove
And you gotta listen well
The way you do it
That’s the way I like it
In a move worthy of AJ, Allyson did thrust her pelvis as she hopped towards the front of the stage.
Everybody now
(I like it)
Everybody now
(I like it)
Everybody come on
(I like it)
Everybody come on
(That’s the way I like it)
The five women gathered in a line and moved across the stage, pointing at the guys as Meredith sang.
Oh, mystery baby
You’ve got somethin’ I like
Tell me you’re here stay
Turning so that Meredith, Irene, and Lumien faced Serenity and Allyson, the women started bumping and grinding against each other.
You’re dangerous
So, baby, could you do me right
Will you come out to play
‘Cause that’s the way I like it
Nick was leaning so far forward in his chair, he almost fell off. Howie gripped his knees as he watched. Kevin swallowed and licked his lips at the sight of his girlfriend dancing. Brian wiped his forehead, never taking his eyes off Serenity. AJ adjusted himself in his sweats, feeling his cock swell at the sight of Meredith touching her leather-clad body. Leary wanted to laugh at their expressions.
Gotta listen to the groove
And you gotta listen well
The way you do it
That’s the way I like it
They sang the chorus, dancing around the stage and adlibbing their lines. Kevin was the first one out of his seat, heading up to join Irene. The others followed quickly, enjoying the opportunity to get nasty with their ladies on stage.
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The concert that night was truly phenomenal. The earlier performance energized the guys, and they rocked Chicago. Five very happy couples made their way back to the hotel to celebrate in their own style.
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Howie picked up the picnic basket he had arranged with room service then walked to Lumien’s room. Smiling as she opened the door, he brushed the red rose he was holding across her lips before handing it to her. She looked at him in surprise, but didn’t hesitate when he held out his hand. They went to elevator, smiling at Leary, before getting into the car. Howie punched the button for the roof, and she just looked at him in confusion.
Once on the roof, he spread out the blanket he had given her to carry and then lit the candles from the basket. High above the lights of Chicago, they ate a late-night snack and shared some sparkling cider. When the meal was over, he blew out the candles and pulled her into his arms, leaning back on his coat so they could look at the night sky.
Lumien pointed out the constellations she remembered her father teaching her, and he listened to her as she talked about the only other man in her life who had truly loved her.
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Serenity pushed Brian against the door, kissing him deeply as she planted her hands on either side of his head. Digging his fingers into her hips, he pulled her close and sucked on her tongue.
Breathless, they pulled apart and stared at each other. Brian slowly grinned. “Why are we standing here when there’s a perfectly good bed ten feet away?”
She licked her lips and backed away slowly, reaching behind her body to unfasten her leather top. He stepped forward, pulling the t-shirt over his head. Easing the material from her body, she let it fall to the ground and took another step back. He took a step towards her as she slowly unfastened her pants, easing the zipper down. He copied her every move, and by the time they made it to the bed, both of them were naked.
Pulling her close, Brian twisted his body so that he hit the mattress first when they fell. He reached up and pushed her hair away, cupping her face. “I love you.”
Smiling at the truth in those three simple words, Serenity looked down at him. “I love you.”
He wrapped his arms around her and rolled to his side as their hands moved across each other in a welcome, familiar dance.
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Irene turned on the water in the large tub, wiggling her fingers as she tested the temperature. She felt his presence before he even touched her, his hands sweeping across her hips as he pressed himself against her.
“Now that is the best Valentine’s present I could ever ask for.” She rocked her ass against his crotch, smiling at the feel of his erection.
“You think so, huh?” His deep voice was close to her ear, and she shivered in response.
“Well, actually having you in me would be better.” Irene turned around and wrapped her arms around him, kissing him gently.
They continued to kiss as the water gurgled behind them, the soft fragrance of vanilla wafting around them as bubbles filled the tub. Pulling away slightly to catch her breath, she looked over her shoulder to check the depth of the water. Seeing how high it was getting, Irene leaned down and turned off the faucets.
“Why don’t you get in and I’ll get the champagne.” Kevin kissed her nose.
She nodded and let the robe fall away from her body, and he took a deep breath as the porcelain flesh was revealed. He continued to stare at her as she stepped into the tub.
“Baby?”
“Hunh?” He looked up at her.
“The champagne?”
“Oh, yeah. Right. Champagne.” He turned on his heel, heading for the bedroom, as her soft chuckles followed him.
Pouring the champagne, he stared at the glasses for a moment then walked back into the bathroom. Setting the glasses on the vanity, he climbed into the tub and settled behind her, then reached up and grabbed the flutes. Handing one to Irene, he touched his glass to the rim of hers.
“I love you, Irene. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Leaning back against him, she sighed with pleasure. “I love you, too, baby. Thank you for making this such a wonderful day.”
Kevin pressed a kiss to her temple and watched as she sipped the cold wine. He hid his smile behind his glass, catching sight of her reflection in a mirror as she stared into her champagne. Dipping a finger in, she hooked the metal band and pulled out her finger.
He watched her mouth drop open in shock as she stared at the diamond. Turning slowly to look at him, Irene just gaped.
Smiling, he took the ring from her and dipped it into the bathwater, rinsing the champagne from it. Then he took her left hand and slid the ring onto her third finger.
“I love you. I can’t say it enough; I can’t show it enough; but I’d like to spend the rest of my life trying. Will you marry me?”
Still speechless, Irene just nodded. She looked down at the ring then back at Kevin before throwing herself into his arms and kissing all over his face.
“Yes! Yes! Yes! I love you so much, Kevin.”
Water sloshed out on the floor, but neither of them noticed.
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AJ rearranged the sheets on the bed, tilting his head back and forth to study the arrangement. He heard Meredith in the lounge and raced over to the door to keep her from coming into the room. Opening it, he poked his head out and looked at Meredith, Ramos, and Leary.
“Hold it.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Yes?”
“Don’t come in until I come get you.”
She grinned. “Okay.”
He closed the door again, leaving her standing with the two men. Leary chuckled.
“What’s he doing?”
Meredith shrugged. “I have *no* clue, but I’m sure it will be fun.” She smirked as the other two laughed.
“You guys got any questions about the assignments?”
“No, boss. We’ll get out of your hair. I expect that the boys are all going to stay pretty close for the night.” Ramos chuckled.
“I know one who will be.” She escorted them to the door then went back to sit on the sofa and wait for AJ.
A few minutes later, he walked into the lounge. Handing her a peach Gerbera daisy and a small box, he kissed her softly.
“I love you. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Reaching out, Meredith stroked her fingers across his cheek. “I love you, too, mine. You’re my favorite present for any holiday.”
AJ perched on the sofa next to her as she unwrapped the gift. The black velvet box gave her a moment of pause, and she looked up at him. Smiling, he nodded for her to open it. When she did, she could only stare at the Claddagh rings nestled on satin. Taking out the smaller one, AJ slid it onto her ring finger, pointing the heart towards her.
“This is a promise ring. I know we’re not ready for marriage yet, but I want you to know that you are everything to me. I love you so much, Meredith Davenport.” AJ kissed her softly, sealing his promise with a kiss.
Meredith smiled when he pulled away, and she took the other ring and slid it on his ring finger. “I promise you that you are the other half of my soul, and I could not ask for more than you in my life.” She kissed him this time.
When they parted, AJ took her hand and led her to their room. Opening the door, he watched her face as she looked inside. He had rounded up every candle he could find in the short amount of free time he had earlier that day, placing them around the room. Peach rose petals were strewn across silk sheets, and a cart full of finger foods was waiting next to the bed.
AJ closed the door behind them and handed Meredith another package, directing her towards the bathroom. When she had closed the bathroom door, she opened the bag and found a peach-colored silk peignoir set. Stripping off her clothes and washing off, she slid the cool silk over her body and rubbed it against her. As she walked back into the bedroom, she heard soft music playing and saw AJ standing at the open balcony doors. Stepping up behind him, she wrapped her arms around him and pressed a kiss to his shoulder.
He turned and looked her over, smiling, desire filling his body and lighting his eyes. “I love you more than I ever dreamed possible.”
She returned the smile, sliding her hands over his chest. “You fill me with such love, I find myself breathless sometimes.”
He took her into his arms, and they danced and loved their way through the night.
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The jellied orange slice was held carefully between her teeth as she grabbed the bowl of popcorn, two Cherry cokes, and the bags of candy she had purchased. She was looking down to make sure she didn’t bump into anything when she saw a pair of feet and walked into a warm body. Looking up, Allyson saw Nick’s face smiling down at her. He grabbed the drinks and the candy, but didn’t move.
Nick’s tongue circled his mouth as he stared at the piece of candy protruding from between her lips. Leaning down, his mouth closed around the other half of the slice. Biting gently on the candy, he licked some sugar from her bottom lip before he pulled away.
Allyson grinned at him as she chewed, following him back into the communal living room to watch the movies they had rented. Nick couldn’t pay attention to the movie; he was too busy watching Allyson slowly eat her Twizzler. She would raise the candy to her mouth, her tongue coming out to meet it, then, because of something on the screen, she would stop halfway there. He was getting a little dizzy because he was holding his breath so much waiting for her to eat the strawberry twists.
After the third gasp/sigh, Allyson looked over and found Nick staring at her intently. She leaned back, staring at him.
“What?”
He shook his head as if clearing away the fog. “What?”
“I asked you first.” She pointed a Twizzler at him.
“What was the question?” He grabbed some candy from her bag and began to chew.
“The implied question was ‘why are you staring at me?’.” She tilted her head and looked at him, her curiosity piqued when he blushed slightly.
“I was watching you eat the Twizzlers.”
“And that was interesting, why?”
“Because of the way you were doing it.” He grinned at her.
She shook her head, then leaned over to rest her head on his shoulder. “Do you like the movie?”
“What are we watching again?”
Allyson smacked his thigh as she laughed. “You’re hopeless, you know that?”
“Only when you’re around eating Twizzlers.” Nick captured her hand, bringing it to his lips so that he could kiss her palm.
She quieted immediately when he did it, and he grinned. When she looked up at him, he leaned down to kiss her lips, tasting the strawberry candy.
“You know what I love about Valentine’s Day?”
She shook her head as she watched him.
“All the sweet things you get to eat.” Looking into her eyes, he smiled.
Allyson slowly licked her lips as she realized exactly what Nick meant by his statement. Nodding, she smiled and stood up, holding out her hands to him. She backtracked to his room as she guided him along. When they crossed the threshold, he pushed the door closed with his foot.
“Can I?” He gestured at her clothes, and she nodded her answer.
Fumbling with the buttons on her shirt, he slowly undressed her and tossed her clothes aside. When she stood before him in just her bra and panties, he looked her over. The smile he gave made her tingle, and she stepped close to him.
“Can I?” She rested her hand on the button to his jeans, and he nodded.
Easing her fingers inside the waistband, she deftly unbuttoned the first one. At the feel of her fingers against the cotton of his boxers, he moaned a little. Rubbing a little, she unbuttoned the next button, then the third, fourth, and fifth. By the time she finished, his head was thrown back and his fists clenched.
“Can you do something for me?” She breathed the words against his chest as she licked his breastbone.
“Anything.” The incredible rush from her fingers made him want to give her the world if she wanted it.
“Always wear button flys so I can unbutton them.” Looking up, she caught his eye and gave him a slow wink.
Laughing, he wrapped his arms around her. “Whatever you want, baby. Whatever you want.”
Sliding her hands around his waist, she slipped her fingers below the waistband of his boxer-briefs and brushed against his ass. Not willing to be left out, he repeated the motion on her until they were grinding against each other as they kissed.
Pulling back, Allyson blew out a curl out of her face. “These have got to go.”
She raised her hands and unhooked the front clasp of her bra. Opening it slowly, she watched his eyes grow round as her breasts were slowly revealed. She tossed the bra to the side. When she hooked her thumbs into her panties and slid them over her hips to slide down her legs, his mouth opened on a gasp. Kicking the material away, she backed toward the bed.
Nick followed her automatically, and she held out a finger in warning. “Those have to come off first.”
He pushed the cotton down his hips and over his legs, almost tripping over the material in his haste to get to the bed. Falling onto the mattress, he wrapped her in his arms and groaned at the feel of warm flesh pressed against his.
“I’ve waited so long for this.” He spoke against her lips.
“Me, too. But I think it was worth the wait.” She brushed her hands over his arms as he slid one leg between hers.
“Definitely.”
Easing back from her after several kisses, he looked down. Allyson was spread across the bed, her arms and legs sprawled invitingly, blond curls laying across the pillows. As he stared at her, he reached out and traced a design across her skin. An idea popped into his head, and Nick grinned. Getting off the bed, he leaned back down and kissed her when she sat up with a questioning look.
Wrapping himself in his bathrobe, he went back into the living room and grabbed their candy. Returning to the room, he threw off the robe and fell onto the bed. She laughed as she bounced with the force of his fall, and he reached out his hand to steady her.
Opening the bag, he pulled out a candy heart and pressed it into her bellybutton.
“What are you doing?”
“Eating my candy.”
“I bought that for me, too, you know.”
“You can do it next.” He never stopped laying candy along her skin, decorating her with hearts and candied orange slices.
When he finished, he sat up and looked at her, licking his lips. Starting at her feet, he nibbled along her skin until he reached a piece of candy, which he licked off with a slow swipe of his tongue. He continued until he had cleared off one leg then started on the other. When he finished with her legs, he moved to her throat, nibbling on the orange slice before licking his way down to swirl his tongue around her breast before licking the heart from each nipple.
Allyson was groaning, gripping the sheets as he continued to suck and nibble the candy from her body. By the time he got to her belly, she was panting his name, and he dipped his tongue into her navel to taste the candy heart that read “I love you”. Then he sucked the candy from her.
“Nick, please.”
Pushing her legs apart, he settled between them slid his fingers into the soft hair to spread her open. Before she could say anything, he began to lick her, sucking on her clit before sliding his tongue inside her. She arched her back as he continued to taste her, her hands moving to bury themselves in his hair as he brought her to orgasm. Falling back onto the bed, she held her hands over her eyes as her heart slowly stopped racing.
“Allyson?”
She opened her eyes to see him hovering over her, his cock hard and dripping as he slowly ran his fingers over his erection. Reaching out, she took him in her hand and guided him to her, her legs coming up to wrap around his hips. Gasping a little as he filled her, she slid her hands up his arms as he slid inside.
“Oh, yeah.” He breathed the words out in a slow rush as her body pulled him in.
Rocking into her, he leaned down and kissed her. She tasted the candy he had eaten from her body, sucking on his tongue as he continued his thrusts. Tightening around him, she heard his moan and grinned as he thrust harder and faster, He buried his head in her neck, holding her close as he tried to bury himself in her body. The rush of orgasm overwhelmed him, and he strained against her as his body shook. Holding on to him, she enjoyed the rough friction of his body against hers. Collapsing against her, his limbs sprawled everywhere, Allyson brushed his bangs away from his forehead and kissed his temple.
“Mmm.” He hummed against her neck, and she giggled at the feel of it.
Raising his head, he looked at her face. When he reached out and brushed her face with his fingers, she sighed.
“I love you, Allyson.”
“I love you, too, Nick.”
They cuddled together in the middle of the bed, touching each other as they smiled and kissed. The bag of candy crinkled when Nick rolled on it, and Allyson pulled it out from under him. Digging into it, she pulled out a Twizzler. Arching an eyebrow, she looked down at Nick then looked at the long string of candy. Putting the cherry candy to her lips, she sucked on the tip. He held his breath as he watched her, grinning when he saw the playful glint in her eyes.
“Didn’t you say I could be next?” She brushed the end of the Twizzler across his lips.
He reached out and nipped the end of it, holding on as she tugged the other end. Biting off a piece, he chewed it before he nodded.
“Yeah, I did.”
“Good.” Allyson pushed him onto his back and straddled him as she pulled out some candy from the bag.
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Justin stared out the window, looking at the snow piled up in the backyard. It kind of reminded him of Memphis in the winter. In Orlando, practically the only snow they saw was on The Weather Channel.
Sighing, he sipped his cocoa, swirling the tiny marshmallows around in his cup. He never liked Valentine’s Day. In school, it was so nerve-wracking—waiting to see if you got a card from the person you liked. When he was really little, it didn’t matter because you made cards for everyone in your class. As he got older, he realized the significance of the day, and he had grown to hate it. As a Mouseketeer, it had been a little better because the fans sent in cards, and as popularity for ‘N Sync reached hysterical proportions, all sorts of gifts could be expected. They didn’t really have any meaning, though. He appreciated the fans, he really did, but they didn’t know *him*, and that was the part he hated.
Britney had called last week, and they had a long talk. At the end of the conversation, they both agreed that it was time to go back to being friends. She had noticed his waning interest, and he had noticed that she was spending a lot of time with one of gaffers on her tour. They had been friends long before they had dated, so it wasn’t really that hard to go back. Britney had wished him luck in finding what he was looking for. Justin wished her the same.
Now, he was sitting in an almost empty house, and, in the quietness of the room, he finally admitted the truth to himself.
“I miss you, Josh.”
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JC stared out the window, stretching out on the bay window cushion and looking at the bright sunshine and swaying palm trees surrounding the pool. Most days, it just didn’t seem natural to not have snow in February, having grown up much farther north. Now, it seemed he only got to see snow when he managed to flip past The Weather Channel.
Sighing, he sipped his iced tea, swirling the ice cubes around in his glass. Another Valentine’s Day and I’m alone.
He didn’t mind the holiday too much, except for when he was constantly reminded that he wasn’t part of a couple. Last year, he and Sherry had still been together, and he had enjoyed the dinner, the dancing, and the sex. He winced when he thought about their breakup. He had been surprised by her admission that she had found someone else, and he groaned softly at the thought of hooking up with Corinne to fill the silence.
That was a huge fucking mistake. Not only did it cost me several thousand dollars, it cost me two of my best friends.
As usual, thoughts of Justin and Lance and their argument made him close his eyes in pain.
When the group had returned home after the meeting at FreeLance and the subsequent shopping trip, he had felt guilty. Chris and Joey felt a little guilty, too, but Tiffany and Lisa had taken their minds off the unpleasantness. JC had gone into Justin’s room to get a CD he had loaned his friend and just stared at the room in shock.
Running out into the hallway, he dashed into Lance’s room and found it the same—empty. Walking slowly back into the hall, he sat down on the top step and shook his head. Chris wandered out of his room and plopped down next to his friend.
“Why so glum, Mr. Chasez?” Chris grinned, rubbing his head and making his hair stick out in all directions.
“They’re gone.” The words were very soft and uttered in a strangely calm tone.
“Who’s gone?”
“Lance and Justin. All their stuff is gone.”
Chris’ eyebrows rose in surprise before he stood and walked to each room. Sighing, he returned. “They’ll be back.”
JC just looked up at Chris before standing up and walking down the stairs.
Sighing again, he set his glass on the table and wrapped his arms around himself. Closing his eyes and leaning against the cool window pane, he whispered the words in his heart.
“I miss you, Justin.”
Table of Contents
Chapter Thirty-Six