The moment she entered the lounge four heads turned around,
all with beaming smiles and faces full of mischief.....even Howie!
She heard Nick follow her and made for the door,
“Bye Guys”
A chorus of silly voices...crazy hand signals and grins followed her out of the room.
Nick called down the hallway after her “See you there”
She turned and walked backwards for a second or two and flashed him her best smile.
Nick watched her walk into the elevator....she didn't look up as the doors closed and he'd so wanted her to.
He felt sad and uneasy....if this was being 'professional' then he knew he wouldn't be able
to hack it for long.He needed to be able to just go up to her and cuddle her if he needed
to. What if he felt like holding her hand .....kissing her cheek.
Was all that forbidden....not part of the 'professional' rules?
Damn was he even allowed to look at her!
He mumbled to himself as he closed the door....wandering absent-mindedly over to the terrace.
Brian nodded at the guys.....they could all see something was wrong and if anyone could find out what it was it would be Brian.
Out on the terrace Nick started to fasten his shirt then realised he still needed to shower.....he slammed his hands down hard on the rail.“What is it?....tell me all of it”
Nick hung his head.
“god you're shaking !”
“I know”
Nick looked at his friend, “Is it meant to be this painful?”
“What?.....being in love you mean?”
“Yeah”
“That's what I heard,..... maybe you're not in love”
“C'mon Bri......you know damn well I am ....you knew before I did”
“That's true.....I watched it all happen”.....
Brian smirked at his buddy trying to lighten his mood.
“Thing is I don't think she's serious about me”
“She must have been serious last night”
“She was...we were..I mean I don't think she'll stay with me”
“Do you want her to?”
“More than I've ever wanted anything ever before”
“Oh that much huh?”
Nick laughed weakly.“It was so good last night y'know...good isn't the word I can't think
of the word''
“Awesome? Fantastic? Tiring? Kinky?”
Nick couldn't help himself......Brian just cracked him up.
“That's better”
Brian put a comforting arm around him.
“It's not just the sex Bri”
“I know... Does she know you love her?”
“I should hope so after last night”
“You told her?”
“Yep ..and showed her....twice”
Three bodies fell onto the terrace in a heap with a squeal of 'twice' from AJ.
Nick and Brian just stared down at the jumble of legs and arms.
Howie was first to his feet....pointing at AJ, “He made me listen”
“I did not”
“Guys Guys I don't know what I'd do without you”
Nick smiled and high fived each one of them.
“I'd better shower....what time is it?”
no-one had any idea!!
After a great deal of clowning around and generall silliness they were all ready and left for the studio.
In the car over Nick tried to explain Heathers insistance on keeping things professional......
he was starting to hate that word.
Brian laughed.
“What the hell does that mean?” asked Brian
Nick shrugged
“You'll never do it buddy”
“I know”
“You mean she actually expects that after making love last night....you are now gonna be able to act as if nothing is going on between you?”
“Yep”
“Well I wouldn't stand for it..........I can't believe she said that!
I mean I've see the way she looks at you Nick....she's crazy about you”
Nick grinned “Really?”
Brian just elbowed him in the ribs and giggled
“She'll never keep it up ......she'll take one look at you and...noooo problem”
“I hope you're right”
“Ain't I always?”
“Duh...NO!”
AJ moved along the seat a little closer to Nick....a sly look on his face,
“So Nick......Twice huh?”