“ Well Happy Birthday.” The deep voice said. She turned around to try and see whom it was, but the figure was still hidden in the shadows of the club. “What? How …did… you know?” Melissa said through her shortened breath and tears. “Well let’s just say I wasn’t too happy with something that went on in that club tonight either and you’re not the only one who needed an escape.” The voice said as he inched out of the darkness and stepped towards her, now standing right in front of her, close to the water. “ I always find the beach and the ocean so relaxing when I’m frustrated, angry, or well, just pissed.” His small smirk dazzled as he reached up to wipe away a tear that was rolling down her flushed cheeks before extending his hand to her. “ Hi, I’m Nick… and you are?” Melissa could barely utter her name. It was Nick Carter. He stood before her, wearing black leather pants and a silk dark blue shirt, unbuttoned and exposing his black tank top. His hair was disheveled and he was holding his shoes in his hands. She was overcome at his stature and his sparkling blue eyes that were staring back at her. Yet she noticed that his eyes were slightly bloodshot, it had looked from crying. It also looked like the side of his face was swollen, almost if he had been punched in the face. “ Melissa.” She said lightly as she rested her hand in his. He grabbed it and slowly lifted it to the pouty, sexy mouth that she had always fantasized about. He brushed his lips lightly against her hand and said, “ It’s a pleasure, Melissa. Now, please, tell me who and what has you so upset? I know when it’s my birthday I don’t let anything stop me from celebrating.” Nick said comfortingly, trying to make her smile again. She slowly smiled at his attempt and mostly from the feeling of his sensual lips that had just touched her skin. “ See, now that’s what I want to see. Now tell me what you are so upset about?” he asked lovingly. “Oh, it’s just…I’m sorry, I don’t want to bother you with my problems.” She said turning away from him and facing the calm ocean. “Plus, I’m sure you have lots of things on your mind… didn’t you say that you like to come out here when you are upset? Is everything ok with you?” she asked, turning back around, her full brown eyes staring back up at him, the moon sparkling in her eyes. He noticed this and knew why he had approached her. Her dark hair was now blowing lightly in the wind and her low-cut purple shirt and tight black pants perfectly accentuated her body. “Well how about this, you tell me your problems and I’ll think about sharing mine.” He said with a grin. “Oh I see, so that’s how it works…hmmm…” she said still debating whether or not she should tell him about Howie. He is his friend and she wasn’t sure if she wanted Howie to know that he made her this upset. She decided to tell him the story, but happened to omit Howie’s name. Maybe she would tell him after he shared his story and she got to know him a little better, or at least he could understand her view of the story before he could run and tell Howie. “Let’s take a walk. I have a beach house not far down the beach so if we get tired, cold, or just want a drink or something we can go there.” Nick said as he started to walk down the moonlit beach. Melissa hesitated slightly, not wanting to step into another situation with a Backstreet Boy that could end up hurting her. Nick was so sexy, so hot and completely irresistible, she definitely did not trust herself around him, but she was so mad at Howie and wanted to have a great birthday, and he wasn’t going to stop her. |