COULD IT BE YOU?

Chapter Four: Could It Really Be You?

After her vacation from her common sense in L.A., Kate decided she needed to pull back from Josh. She’d let his open desire for her cloud her better judgment. It was easy enough to do -- especially when they were off the touring schedule where she was law.

The problem was, she had become addicted to his touch, his kiss, the look in his eyes that said she was the only woman he saw. That was pretty heady stuff when sunny California was overflowing with beautiful women who wouldn’t have the least qualms about snagging a handsome man. She would have to go cold turkey immediately.

On the plane back to the tour, Kate made certain she boarded well ahead of Josh and chose an inside seat next to Joe. The signal was clear enough. Her friend had always been protective of her -- and being a larger man than Josh, Joe made an effective block. Joe wasn’t stupid. He knew exactly what Kate was doing.

“Wanna sleep on this trip?” Joe inquired. He also knew she took something to relax her on flights since she tended to get air sick if she didn’t.

“Yes, please.”

Reaching into the overhead compartment, he pulled out a pillow and a blanket. He shook out the blanket and covered her. Tucking the pillow under her head, he patted her shoulder. “Go to sleep, Kate. I won’t let anyone bother you.”

“Thank you, Joe. You’re a good guy.”

“So’s he, but I’ll respect your wishes.”

Kate turned to face the window and closed her eyes.

The “he” Joe spoke of had been looking for Kate. Josh was surprised and hurt to find her next to Joe, looking for all the world like she was asleep.

“She wants to sleep this trip off.” Joe told Josh.

“But she---”

“She gets air sick.”

“I know. I---”

“Sleeping through it is the best way she copes.”

Josh nodded, confused. She could sleep in his arms as she had before. That way they were together. He thought they’d finally connected, that the stupid mating dance was over. He had believed they were a solid couple -- and now Kate pulled this! The woman was work!

Despite Joe’s glare, Josh leaned over the back of Kate’s seat and placed a soft kiss on her hair. “Sleep well, Katie Beth,” he whispered. “I’ll be right here if you need me.” Josh took the seat directly behind hers. He may not have been able to hold her, but he’d be close if she needed him.

Only Joe saw the single tear slide down Kate’s cheek. It didn’t make any sense, what she was doing. She was hurting herself as much as Josh. Still, she must’ve had her reasons.

The hectic tour schedule made it difficult for Josh to pursue Kate openly. There wasn’t private time -- and if there was, Kate managed to be elsewhere. He had to be content with a moment here and there, a stolen kiss and arm around her waist as she spoke to them as a group. She gave him no encouragement -- unless he looked into her eyes. He saw the uncertainty and the longing. In L.A., she had been his. He had been certain of it. He had to break down those walls again. Kate needed him as much as he needed her!

Kate decided she really needed to get herself under control as she watched the fans mill around, waiting for their turn to talk to the guys. Ever since his bold declaration of love and their time in Los Angeles, she saw Josh in a different way. Was it only mere weeks ago that he barely acknowledged her existence? Despite her best efforts to keep her distance, whenever he was around, he was at her elbow, making little demands on her -- for a kiss, a private word, a quick cuddle. And she melted. She realized she was giving mixed signals. Her brain and mouth said ‘no’. Her body and heart kept saying ‘yes’! Josh obviously listened to the part of her saying what he wanted to hear.

She had to give him credit. Josh understood romance was about the small things as well as the big moments. A wink. A touch. A smile. Was it worth the risks? Could she trust her unreliable heart not to lead her down another deadend path? Kate realized Josh would never deliberately hurt her. But what did she really want?

Josh looked up from signing an autograph to see Kate studying him. She looked very thoughtful and serious. The day had been so hectic, the only time alone they’d had was a moment at breakfast. He’d managed an all-too-brief kiss. What was worrying her?”

“Katie Beth?” Josh was at her side, pulled her behind the partition separating the signing area from their exit.

“What?” She snapped to attention. “What’s wrong?”

“You tell me.”

She frowned. Had something gone amiss while she was wool-gathering?

“The look on your face...Kinda worried...Kinda serious. I thought something was wrong.”

Kate shook her head. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

He still looked unconvinced. “Tonight, after the show, I want to spend some time with you.”

“Josh, you’d better get back out there,” she warned.

“Not until you promise me, you’ll be with me tonight.”

Josh---”

“Kate.”

"How long?”

“I don’t know. All I know is that we haven’t had more than fifteen minutes all week.”

Kate had worked very hard to make that happen. “The natives will be getting restless,” she stated, hoping to put him off.

“Not until I get your promise.”

“Oh, all right!”

Josh grinned and pressed a quick kiss on her pouting mouth. “Later, baby.”

He was supposed to be hers, Kate thought darkly as the nubile blonde rubbed herself against Josh. The very possessiveness of her thought startled Kate. This was a standard bit, several girls from the audience dancing on the stage with the group. Lots of girls had tried to get “noticed”. This one really bugged Kate, pressing her breasts into Josh’s back as he danced. Jealousy reared its green-eyed head. What an ugly emotion! It even had a bad taste. Luckily, Josh couldn’t see her face, so there’d be no gloating.

Josh stripped off his sweaty costume, fairly throwing on the next wardrobe change. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Kate. He knew she had seen how that girl had plastered herself to his back. “Katie!”

Dodging the others in various states of undress, she moved toward Josh.

“Yours is the only body I want against mine, “ he told her quickly.

She was surprised at his words. “Okay.”

As he readjusted his microphone around his head, he gave her a hard kiss. “Later, baby.”

Kate was crowded into the limo with the sweaty bodies of the guys. Josh had grabbed her hand and pulled her along in his wake. Usually, she rode up front with Security. It only took a minute for his perspiration to soak through her clothes.

“I am so jazzed!” Josh declared. Performing in front of a huge, appreciative audience always sent an overload of adrenaline through his veins. He’d often wondered what sex would be like after a performance like tonight -- all high energy and excitement. Well, it wouldn’t be tonight or anytime soon. Kate wasn’t ready for that step. He had a feeling it would be some time yet before they made love...Hot, sweaty, earth-shaking love...

Tightening his arm around her, he nuzzled her hair. I’m sorry about that girl.”

Kate didn’t even pretend she didn’t know what he was talking about. “You couldn’t have know she’d do that.”

“It doesn’t happen too often.”

“I know.”

“I thought she was gonna strip his clothes off right there!” Joe laughed.

“I prefer my women more subtle.” Josh winked at Kate. “And not so obvious.”

“I guess that’s why you like Kate,” Chris taunted. “She’ll avoid you.”

“Now, there’s where she’s obvious!” Lake entered the fray.

“Hey!” Kate protested.

“That’s gonna change,” Josh stated, sure of himself.

“Oh, yeah? And just how are you going to make that happen?” Kate challenged, pulling back as far as the arm clamped around her waist allowed.

“By proving to you that not only can you trust me but that you need me, too.”

“Need?”

“Yeah, like the air you breathe,” he promised softly.

Lake and Joe made gagging sounds.

Chris, usually known as the clown, looked at the couple thoughtfully. What he saw was Josh’s certainty, his commitment. Kate was not going to be easily led. Josh was going to have to earn every victory -- and mature beyond his years. Josh was up to the challenge.

“Give me fifteen minutes,” Josh told Kate as they stopped at her door. “I’ll shower, then I’ll come back over.”

“Josh, it’s late. You need to get some rest.”

“You promised. I’ll sleep on the bus tomorrow.”

“But---”

“No buts.” He swung her door open. “Make that ten minutes.”

Kate was finishing her own shower when she heard the door to her room open then close again.

“Just me, Kate!” Josh called from the bedroom.

“I’ll be right out.”

Drying off, she pulled on the oversized tee-shirt and boxer shorts she wore to bed. No one could accuse her of trying to lure men with sexy lingerie! Without thinking, she spritzed on her perfume. Oh, damn! Now he would think she was trying to entice him.

If she were honest with herself, she’d have to admit she was already in love with Josh. He knew the right ways to plead his case. He hadn’t been the least bit shy or wishy-washy. His certainty was a balm for her bruised feminine ego.

“Katie?” Josh rapped at the door.

She opened the door to find him ready to turn the knob.

“You okay?”

“Fine” She swept past him, into the main room. She’d like to get a hold of the moron who screwed up her room reservation. Usually, she had a suite, providing her with a sitting room -- more to the point, a room without a bed. She’d managed to get the guys rooms to their specifications, having to settle on this room for herself. The ridiculous irony of the whole mess was the king-sized bed!

“Sorry I can’t offer you a seat,” she muttered.

That’s okay.” Josh took her hand, leading her to the bed. “C’mere.” Stretching out on top of the bedspread, he tugged her down beside him. “I need to hold you.”

Kate found herself tucked against him, her head on his shoulder. Actually, it was nice. He smelled of soap and shampoo, clean with no frills.

“So, why have you been avoiding me?” he asked after a long, quiet moment. “And don’t try to deny it -- even the others see it.”

“You know why.”

“Your job? You’d actually let it stand between us?”

“You’d let yours.”

“No.” His arm tightened about her. “If it really came down between the group and you, I’d choose you.”

She jerked away, glaring down at him. “Are you nuts? You don’t walk away from all you’ve accomplished for a girl!”

“A woman,” he correctly patiently. He pulled her down to his chest. It was wonderful to feel her small, soft breasts crushed against him. “And, yes, if I were forced to choose, I’d choose you.”

“Josh---”

“Shh...Shut up and kiss me.”

Before she could protest, his hand on the back of her neck urged her head down so he could capture her mouth. Josh tasted good, too, of toothpaste and him. It was an intoxicating, addictive flavor. Kate’s tongue touched his tentatively. His tongue taught hers to mate and dance.

“Oh, baby...” He reversed their positions, moving above her as he pressed her into the mattress. His hands tangled in her hair to hold her still for his plunder. He was so desperate for her...Dimly, he felt her hands move on him, gliding over his arms, his back, his chest. Releasing her head, he trailed his hands down her throat, her collarbone, to cup her breasts.

Kate gasped as his thumbs stroked his nipples beneath her shirt. “Josh!”

Something clicked in his brain. This was his Kate! She wasn’t ready for this, not really. Lifting his body away from hers, he rolled to his back, one arm flung over his eyes. “God, baby, I’m so sorry. I got carried away,” he muttered.

“So did I.” Kate wasn’t about to let him take all the blame. She had been just as lost in the moment as he had. If he hadn’t stopped, things would have led to their inevitable conclusions.

He ventured a look at her. Her lips were slightly swollen from his less than gentle kisses -- and she didn’t look the least bit angry with him.

“Katie?”

“If you hadn’t stopped I wouldn’t have stopped you.”

“I don’t think you should say things like that.”

“Why not? It’s true.”

Josh stroked her hair. “The time has to be right. You have to be ready to accept all that goes with it.”

“Such as...?”

“That I love you and you love me.”

Kate knew she wasn’t ready to admit that just yet. “It can’t be a quick toss.”

“That’s not what we’re about.”

She propped up her chin on his chest. Studying her, she decided he made a very tempting Sir Gallahad. “For the record I liked it.”

He smiled. “For the records, so did I; but I came here to talk.”

“About I avoid you.”

“Mmm...Hmm...”

“Well...despite the fact you managed to stop, the fact that you did get carried away went a long way in your campaign.”

“You mean instead of sweet talk and tenderness, I have to act like a teenager with raging hormones?”

“Not exactly.” She traced the lettering on his tee-shirt with an idle finger. “I’ve never been the kind of girl guys lose control over.”

“Woman,” he muttered his correction. Did she realize her finger was making him crazy?

“Girl. Woman. Female. Whatever. All I know is I don’t inspire lusty fantasies.”

“You inspire all sorts of them in me.” Especially since L.A. He’d had plenty of them!

“Really?”

“All the time.”

“Anyway...You’re the first guy who couldn’t control himself around me.”

Bad Pants, Josh thought angrily. He’d like to find the guy and do him some serious damage. Josh was having to deal with the wounds the other man had inflicted on Kate’s heart and ego. “You believe I’m more sincere, because I can’t control myself?”

“I know love is supposed to be spiritual and all other high-minded stuff, but it’s also a chemical reaction.”

Bad Pants never had a chemical reaction? What was the guy made of? Marble?

“It’s easier for you to believe you might love me when your body can’t hide its reaction to me.”

“Bad Pants never got a hard-on?” Josh only realized he had said it out loud when Kate giggled.

“No, he never did.”

“I’ve had a lot of them since your birthday -- before that even. Cold showers are becoming a norm.”

“See? It’s those baggy pants. How was I to know?”

“A guy really doesn’t want the whole world to know he’s constantly hard, because the woman he wants wears perfume that screams ‘hot sex!’.”

“I happen to like my perfume.”

“Baby, so do I. Don’t get me wrong. But it’s not some innocent scent. When I’m alone, I close my eyes and think about how it smells on your skin...I get hot just thinking about it.”

Kate glanced down at the loose pants he wore as pajamas. They were tenting quite nicely.

“Cut it out!” he protested her blatant perusal.

“I guess this is as good a time as any...”

“For what?”

“To tell you I’ve never...” A sudden shyness swept over her.

“Never what, baby?” Josh encouraged her with a hand over hers.

Kate took a deep breath for courage. “Never had sex,” she blurted.

“What?...” Josh was stunned. Had her heard her correctly?

“Never been with a man. Never got laid. Never--”

He put a gentle hand over her mouth. “I get the picture.” Dropping his hand back to his chest, he asked a rhetorical question. “How did you manage to make it to thirty and still a virgin?”

“Gee...Let me think...I went to an all-girl school until college...Lived at home during college...I taught at a Catholic grade school when I met Bad Pants. I moved to Orlando to help take care of Papa and I was still committed to Bad Pants...”

Josh grinned. “...You never had the opportunity to be bad...”

“...And my best friend is a nun...”

“...Until you came on tour with us.”

“And quite frankly, I haven’t had the time to be bad,” she pointed out.

“But you’re willing to be bad with me.”

“I’m definitely willing to be bad with you.”

Josh smiled, satisfied that Kate was coming around.

“You needn’t look so smug. I know a couple of other guys who---”

He stroked that sweet spot on the back of her neck lightly, making her quiver. “But, sweet Kate, you don’t want them like you do me.”

“No, I don’t,” she confessed breathlessly. “Josh...”

He shifted so their entire lengths were pressed together. He let her feel how hard he was just holding her. “It’ll happen, baby, when you’re ready...Only when you’re ready...And it’ll be me, inside you, Katie, loving you with everything I have.” If it gave her some sort of comfort to feel him this way, then the cold showers were worth it.

Kate lifted her hand to stroke back his hair. “You’re really a very special and wonderful man, Joshua Scott.”

“I love you, Katie Beth.” Josh kissed her tenderly. “And when you’re ready to say the same to me, that’s when we’ll make love.

Reluctantly, he rose from the bed. The idea of just holding her all night was more than tempting, but he was half afraid he wouldn’t be able to control himself if he stayed. He wanted forever with Kate, not just an interlude. “I’d better go back to my room.”

“Now?” After she had just made a confession and he told her he loved her.

“Yep.” Reaching down, he pulled her to her feet. “Walk me to the door.”

Confused, she allowed herself to be towed along after him. “Josh, does it matter? That I’ve never...”

“Sure it does.” He tugged an errant strand of hair. “In a wonderful way, but it’s kinda scary, too. It’s a big responsibility for me.”

“I’ve never seen you back away from responsibility.” He was nothing if not duty bound and reliable.

“Nope. Never have. But that means I have to protect you.”

“Protect me?...Oh...” It occurred to her what he meant.

“And believe it or not, I’ve never been into casual sex. That means I have to get something.”

“Oh.”

“Oh.” He smiled. “And then wait until the time is right.”

Kate realized Josh was not only being a responsible love but a very mature one as well. “Good-night, Josh.”

“Night, Katie Beth.” He brushed a soft kiss on her mouth. “Sleep tight, baby.”

Kate groaned when she opened a fan magazine with pictures from the awards show she had attended as Josh’s date. It seemed since they had won every category they had been nominated in, some photographer had zeroed in on Josh and Lake. Lake and Brit were old news. Josh and his ‘mystery lady’ were not. One picture had his hand riding on her hip as she spoke to Joe. Another had been flashed while he kissed her hand. The final one had been taken only moments later when he had promised to show her how wonderful he thought she was. His lips were against her brow and his eyes shone with sincere affection.

Dropping magazine to the tabletop, she buried her face in her hands. She wondered how long it would be before the front office called to ask what was going on. She was still in that position when someone rapped on her door, then let himself in.

“Hey, Katie Beth.” Josh frowned at her pose of abject misery. “What’s wrong, baby?” he asked as he came towards her.

She grabbed the magazine and tossed it at him. “Page four.”

Josh caught the magazine hurled at his chest. He found the page. The paparazzi wanted to know who the dark beauty on his arm was. The pictures were a tad grainy.

“I’m doomed.”

“It’s not that bad.”

“We’ve been through this. My job is on the line here. I was insane to agree to go with you. I know better than to flirt with danger. I---”

Josh came over and stopped her tirade with his mouth. At first, she resisted. That only made the surrender that much sweeter. When she yielded, his arms held her in the shelter of his body.

Kate finally regained her senses and pushed against his chest. “And that solves exactly what?”

“Nothing, but it stopped you from ranting.”

“This isn’t funny.”

“No, it’s not. You’re borrowing trouble. We’ve kept pretty low-key. You still perform all your duties, same as you always did. No one has a complaint -- and I did ask the guys. Management is not going to yank from one of its top clients, not without our approval -- And they won’t get it.”

“But--”

“Maybe when you and I get to the point of discussing marriage---”

“Marriage!” Kate cried out. Who had said anything about marriage?

Josh continued as if her outburst had never happened. “Then we might have to take another look at it.”

“You’re taking some mighty big leaps here.”

The protest fell on seemingly deaf ears. “I see no reason to upset yourself.”

“You aren’t the one they’ll call.”

“Direct them to me.”

“Then they’ll know something’s up.”

“I don’t want to put us on hold, do you?” he challenged.

“I don’t think so.” Kate dropped to the loveseat. “Honestly? I don’t know what I want anymore.”

“That’s fair enough.”

“I’m flattered. I’m confused. I do have strong feelings for you, but I’m not sure where they’ll lead. This happened so fast. I’d like to go slower.”

He nodded. “I guess, I know what I want and just sort bulldozed you through it.”

“Which, from all reports, is not your usual style.”

“I’ve never been so certain of another person before.”

I wish I could be so sure.” Kate looked up at him, hovering over her, his eyes worried. “But I’ve been burned -- and badly. And there seems to be a lot against us. Age. Your fame. My job...”

“Age? We’re less than six years apart. I think I deserve some credit for what I’ve been through.”

True enough. Josh had been in Europe in his late teens, early twenties, scraping to make his dreams come true. At that age, she still lived with her parents, going to college, a pampered, beloved only child.

“Fame? I can’t help that. It’s a by-product of my dream to make music. Without it, I never would have met you,” he pointed out. “Your job...I don’t know how to fix that.”

Josh sat on the coffee table in front of her, taking her hands in his. “Being burned. All I can do is prove every day that I’m nothing like Bad Pants.”

“You aren’t,” she said softly. “He would not be sitting here, discussing my qualms.”

“My sweet Katie, we’ll get through this together. I promise.”

“I appreciate you understanding.”

Josh only wished he knew what to do to put her mind at ease. Kate was so vulnerable -- and he’d never felt this protective of anyone before. “We could get married,” he suggested after a long silence from her. No one would dare give her grief if she was his wife.

Kate shook her head. “That’s sweet of you, but we’re nowhere near discussing marriage.”

“But I could protect you---”

Kate lifted their clasped hands and kissed his knuckles. “Dear, sweet Joshua...I wouldn’t do that to you. What if we found out we were making the biggest mistake of our lives?”

“Loving you is not a mistake.”

“But rushing would be.”

When she rose to her feet, he released her hands to settle his at her waist. For a moment, he rested his cheek against the soft, smooth fabric of her blouse, loving the feel of her warm body beneath and inhaling the enticing scent of her sexy perfume. Now that he knew Kate, the fragrance fit somehow.

Kate put her arms around him, hugging him to her body. It was so nice to be held and to hold.

“You’ve got that radio interview in an hour,” she said at last.

He rubbed his cheek against her blouse. “Mmm...I’d rather stay like this forever.” His voice was muffled against her.

“Not possible.”

With a show of reluctance, Josh got to his feet, his hands still on her hips. “You going to the station?”

“I almost have to. With those photos out, I can’t change my routine -- or it’ll look like I’m avoiding my job.”

He nodded. He hated seeing her so worried.

Kate reached up, instigating a lingering kiss, braving the next step they would have to take, assured she would not make it alone. In return, she almost felt the need to affirm that they were not making a mistake.

Josh finally lifted his head, removing himself from them temptation of Kate’s sweet mouth. “We’ll be okay, baby. Believe it.”

She wish she was as sure as he was. If only she could take some of his certainty for herself.

“We’d better go get the others,” she murmured as she left his arms.

Josh put out his hand for hers. “We’re in this together, Katie.” He couldn’t have been more pleased when she offered a shy smile and placed her small hand in his.

“When you guys accept awards, you thank your label, management, fans, friends, family -- even God,” the deejay was saying as all five guys sat in the radio studio. “Is there anyone you never thank but should?”

“Kate,” Lake said immediately.

“Yeah, Kate, “ Joe agreed.

Everyone else murmured an affirmative.

“Who is Kate?”

“Well, we call her our wrangler,” Lansten explained. “She make sure we’re on time. Keeps us on schedule. Makes sure things are done.”

“Comments on bad wardrobe choices,” Joe added and all laughed.

“She’s our mother hen,” Lake put in.

“Naugh, sister,” Chris corrected. “She’s like a sister and friend.”

“JC, you’ve not added anything. Do you agree Kate deserves kudos?”

“Definitely,” Josh answered. He couldn’t add all the other things Kate brought to his life, like soul-stirring kisses. “Kate is a gem.”

“She took over the nagging from JC, so he has more time to be creative,” Chris commented. “When we didn’t have Kate, JC was the one who kept us on time.”

Lake craned his neck to look out the glass booth. “Kate’s with our security.” Spotting her, he waved her to the booth.

Kate frowned and walked toward the studio. When Lake mouthed ‘come in’, she stepped into the cramped area and closed the door.

“This is our Kate,” Lake announced.

“The boys have been singing your praises,” the deejay told her.

“Me?” she squeaked.

Josh smiled and pulled her down to his knee. “He wanted to know the one person we neglect to thank. We all agree it’s you.”

“Whatever for?”

“’Cuz you’re you,” Joe replied.

“I appreciate it. I do it because I like you, I believe in you.”

“See? Isn’t she precious?” Lansten asked.

“Aren’t you in the newest video?” the deejay finally placed the face.

“Yes.”

Then they all went into discussion of how the video’s concept was created, the tour, when they would work on a new album. All the while, Kate sat perched on Josh’s knee, one of his hands splayed on her ribcage. Once in a while he’d give her a look that would’ve melted her in a puddle if she hadn’t been aware others were watching. She was sure the intimacy between them wasn’t lost on the deejay -- and if he’d seen the video, he’d know it wasn’t an act.

Kate laid her hand on Josh’s arm as the six were about to separate for the night after the concert. She noticed several sets of eyebrows lift. “Josh, can I see you a minute?”

Josh put his arm around her and guided her to his room. “Sure, Kate.” This caused even more surprise in the remaining four.

“Night, guys,” Kate called as Josh opened his door.

“Night, Kate,” was the mumble of voices as she disappeared ahead of Josh.

Flipping on the light switch, Josh closed the door. “Whatcha need...?”

Kate rose on tiptoe and kissed him lingeringly.

Lifting his head, Josh licked his lips as if to savor the taste of her. “Yeah, I needed that, too.”

“I’ve made a decision,” she said seriously.

He nodded. After a kiss like that a decision had to be in his favor. “Let’s hear it.”

“I can’t believe I’m doing this...”

He smiled, trying to encourage her. “The suspense is killing me.”

“I don’t want to put us on hold either.”

That sentence gave a wealth of information. She didn’t want to hide their feelings for each other. She was willing to let the relationship grow. And if her job was on the line, so be it. Kate was placing him first.

“Thank you, Katie Beth.” Wrapping his arms around her, he held her close to his heart. “I’ll take care of you, baby.”

Kate merely snuggled into his embrace. It was warm, comforting and oh-so-wonderful to be in his arms. A contented sigh escaped her.

“I know. Feels good to hold you.” Josh nuzzled her neck. “And have the right to hold you, kiss you, take your hand.”

She wanted all those things from him, too. “Guess I’d better get back to my room.”

“Mmm...just a while longer, Katie,” he whispered. “Let me hold you a while longer.”

Shaking her head, she reminded him, “Bus leaves at five.” Kate hugged him briefly then gained her release. “Kiss me good night?”

Josh didn’t even pretend he wasn’t going to get carried away. He held her face between his hands and brought his mouth down hungrily on hers. The second she opened to him, his tongue plunged into her, taking all the sweetness he could gather. With one hand, he took hers and pressed it to the straining zipper of his pants.

Kate gasped in shock but didn’t pull away.

“There’s the love I want to give you, Kate. Love that’s just waiting for you to love me back,” he told her hoarsely. Then he released her hand.

She didn’t pull away immediately. Her hand lingered on the hard heat of him. “I think I’ll like it.”

“Me, too, baby. Me, too.”

Kate gathered herself together. “Good-night, Josh. Pleasant dreams,” she said as she slipped out the door.

He groaned when the door closed between them. Pleasant dreams? Not when every cell in his body was hot with desire!

Kate was in a quandary. It was Josh’s birthday. Kate had bought him a new shirt. It didn’t seem like enough for a man she had become so close to, that she had fallen in love with.

“Make him a homemade cake,” Joe suggested. “I’m sure you can get permission to use the kitchen.”

“A cake? That seems like such a small thing.”

“Hey, we’ve on the road, missing birthdays for five years. Something homemade will seem like ambrosia.”

“ I have a great idea,” Chris chimed in. “And it won’t cost a thing.”

“And that would be?” Kate asked dubiously.

“You know the bit where we get girls from the audience to hide behind the door and then they dance when we open it?”

“Yes.” And Kate usually too exception to the girls pressing themselves against Josh.

Chris must have read her mind, because he gave a wicked smile. “JC backs up and some girl usually grabs him. You could be that girl tonight. We can sneak you in with the girls and when JC turns to face the audience, we’ll get you right behind him.”

Lansten grinned. “When he realizes it’s you, he’ll probably forget the words.”

“That’d be great!” Lake cheered. “JC never messes up!”

“So, let me get this straight. For his birthday, you want me to make a fool of him?” Kate was not convinced.

“No. Give him a surprise,” Chris said. “He’ll love it.”

“C’mon, Kate,” Lansten urged. “It’ll be fun.”

Lake had known Josh the longest, so she looked to him. “Honestly, what do you think his reaction would be?”

“Shock at first. But then he’d be cool with it. Especially if you whisper ‘Happy Birthday’ in his ear.”

“And the audience will eat it up,” Joe added. “You’re the ‘girl from the video’ everyone asks about.”

Kate bit her bottom lip. It did seem like fun and if Josh would enjoy it...She’d make the cake and give him the shirt -- just in case. “Okay. If you’re all sure.”

“Hey, baby,” Josh entered Kate’s suite, “what did you need?”

‘You’, she wished she was brave enough to say it. “Here.” She handed him a wrapped present. “Happy Birthday.”

“Kate, you didn’t need to---”

“It’s not as grand as what you guys did for me---”

“No one’s keeping score.”

Kate hugged his waist from behind as he tore into the wrapping paper. She didn’t realize the intimacy they now shared was gift enough for him.

Lifting the lid of the box, he found a silk shirt of sapphire blue.

“I thought it would bring out your eyes,”

“It’s great, Katie.” He turned within her arms to brush a soft kiss on her lips. “Thank you.”

“I baked a cake. I figured we could it later.”

“You baked it?”

She held up her hands. “With my own two hands, from scratch even.”

Josh took her hands and placed a kiss in the center of each palm. “Beautiful hands.”

Kate slid her hands up his chest and around his neck. “Want a birthday kiss?” she asked quietly.

What made a birthday kiss different? he wondered. “Any kiss from you would be fantastic.”

Lowering his head, he let Kate control the beginning of the kiss. It started out as almost chaste. Quickly, she took it further. She nipped at his bottom lip, then soothed it with her tongue. Once her tongue slid against his, he was lost. His hands came up to hold her head as he slanted his mouth against hers. Kate gave and Josh took. Her hands moved into his hair as she raised up on her toes to press herself close, into his body. Finally, breathless, he pulled his lips from hers and trailed them across her cheek, down her throat, until the collar of her teeshirt halted his descent.

“Baby, I want you so bad,” he groaned against her neck.

Kate was weak with the same desire.

Josh took a deep breath and stepped back from the temptation of her soft curves. “Lousy timing. We’ve gotta leave in fifteen minutes for the ‘meet and greet’ and sound check.”

Kate nodded. The next few days they were on a very tight schedule. She had the feeling the time would never be ‘right’ for them.

“Ah, baby, don’t look at me like that.” He folded his arms around her. “Nothing is gonna keep us apart, Katie. Nothing,” he promised.

“Only the whole world,” she whispered her doubt.

“Nothing,” he told her firmly.

There was a bang on the door and Joe’s voice boomed, “Get decent. We gotta go!”

Backstage, everyone was clued in on the birthday surprise for Josh. At the right moment, Kate moved into the crush of giggling, jiggling youngsters behind the fake ‘club’ doors. It was stifling under the lights, packed in so closely.

Hearing the first half of the song, Kate drew a deep breath. She could hear Josh pretending to argue with the ‘club’s bouncer’, just before the double doors opened. She ducked a little to escape notice until Josh turned to face the audience. At that point, Lansten and Joe helped her move directly behind Josh, much to the displeasure of a blonde close to twelve years Kate’s junior.

The girl behind him slid an arm closely about him. Josh had become leery of this part of the show and had even considered asking it be removed from the repertoire. He knew it bothered his Katie...Wait...A familiar sexy scent reached his nostrils...He turned to find shy, honey-brown eyes on him.

“Happy Birthday!” Kate whispered breathlessly as he grinned at her.

Ever the professional, he snaked an arm about her, hauling her from her perch. “Dance with me,” he mouthed his command.

The audience was treated to a bit of dirty dancing from the duo they recognized from the group’s latest video. Then Josh kissed her and set her back with the others. The crowed roared their approval as the double doors closed.

The concert went on. Only six people understood what a wonderful birthday surprise Josh had received. Moments with Kate out in the open, for the whole world to see. It had made his evening that much better.

Once off stage, they boarded the bus, leaving for the next city they would perform in. They gathered at the small kitchenette table for birthday cake.

“Surprised?” Lake asked of Josh.

“No. Kate told me she baked a cake.” Josh knew perfectly well what Lake meant.

“No. To find Kate on stage.”

Josh smiled at the woman who placed a generous slice of chocolate cake in front of him. “It was a wonderful surprise.”

“I’m glad,” Kate said. “I was kind of worried...”

“Leave it to JC to turn it into an opportunity to kiss Kate,” Joe pointed out.

“Every chance I get.” Josh grinned as Kate finished serving the cake. He pulled her down on his knee since there was no room for her to sit at the table. Even Lansten had to remain standing.

Everyone dug into their cake, making appreciative noises. It had been some time since any of them had eaten fresh, homemade anything!

“It’s great, Katie,” Josh pronounced. “I can’t remember when I cake this good.”

“I can -- at Mama Maggie’s,” Joe said.

“Really? Now how come I never got invited?”

“Remember?” Kate retorted. “You never gave me the time of day.”

“My loss.”

“Uh-huh.”

Josh offered her a bite since she hadn’t fixed herself a plate. Kate shook her head.

“I don’t need that large a sugar rush this late at night.” Kate rose. “Enjoy, fellas. I’ll get the dishes when you’re finished.”

“I’ll get them,” Lansten offered.

She reached up and kissed his cheek. “Thanks.”

“Katie?” Josh wondered why she was leaving their company.

“I’m fine. Enjoy your cake.”

Josh found Kate sitting, staring into the dark night. He slid into the spot behind her and put his arms around her waist. “What’re you thinking?”

“Nothing much. Just letting my thoughts scatter.” She leaned back against his chest.

“Anything wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Sad?”

“No.”

“Happy?”

She smiled. “A lot of that.”

“Bored?”

“With you guys? Who’s got the time for boredom?”

Something was making her quiet. “Tired, baby?”

“Mmm...mostly that.”

“Why don’t you take a bunk?”

“That’s for you guys.”

“Take mine.”

“No. I’m fine out here.” She turned her face against his neck.

“Yeah, I know. I need a shower.”

“No, you smell wonderfully like you.”

Josh had to wonder at that. In the past days, Kate had been so much more accessible to him. He felt they were at the edge of commitment. It couldn’t come soon enough for him.

He moved to prop himself in a corner seat, a pillow beneath his head and shoulders. Then he reached for Kate, pulling her to rest her head on his chest. He reached for a blanket to tuck around her. “Comfortable, Katie Beth?”

Josh was kind of a lumpy mattress, but she wasn’t about to complain. She felt safe and well loved in the shelter of his arms. “Very,” she sighed, snuggling closer.

Later, Chris and Joe looked in on the sleeping couple.

“There’s gotta be a future there,” Joe murmured.

“There is,” Chris stated with certainty.

As they were coming into the city limits, Kate woke. She was still curl up against Josh, his arms around her. Glancing at the luminous face of her watch, she saw it had been hours. Hours since he had taken her into his arms to make her sleep more comfortable. She tried to remove herself from his hold without disturbing him. It didn’t work.

“It’s okay, Kate,” he mumbled. “Go back to sleep.”

“I can’t. We’ll be getting to the hotel soon.” She had to make certain everything ran smoothly once they arrived.

Beautiful blue eyes opened and he gave her a sleepy smile. “We keep sleeping together.”

“Yeah, and you aren’t getting any relief from it,” she mused.

“No, but I am getting something else.” It meant she trusted him when she was at her most vulnerable.

“So am I,” she said softly.

“I’m glad, Katie.”

She kissed him briefly, then rose. “I must look a mess.”

To him, she looked like an unmade bed: rumpled and inviting. Josh straightened and folded the blanket, watching as she smoothed her hair and slipped a blazer over her jeans and tee-shirt. Suddenly, she was business-like Kate Nicoletti, not his Katie Beth.

Dialing her cellphone, she announced to the person on the other end, “This is Kate Nicoletti. We’ll arrive in about fifteen minutes...I expect everything to be ready for us.”

Josh came up behind her and put his arms around her waist. Nuzzling her hair aside, he rubbed his lips against her neck. He got the desired response when she shivered.

Kate was a little breathless when she said, “Fine. I’ll expect no problems.” The she rang off.

“Bully,” he accuses teasingly.

“They’re usually disappointed when they see me.”

“My little bit of a lady is a known bitch.”

“If by bitch you mean I want and expect what I ask for, then yes, I am.”

“When we get settled at the hotel, come sleep with me again,” he coaxed. He liked the way she felt in his arms when they slept.

“Josh---”

“Just let me hold you.”

She shook her head. “You and the others need to get to bed and get some sleep. I have to stay up and make sure everything is ready for the morning.”

Bleary-eyed and half-asleep, they guys were let into their rooms by Kate.

“Your personal luggage will be delivered to my suite, so go straight to bed,” she told them. They knew the drill.

Chris, Lansten, Lake and Joe disappeared without so much as a murmur.

Josh did not want to go quietly. “You need sleep, too,” he told her when she opened the door o his room.

“I’ll catnap later. I have to see to the settling in.”

“Kate---”

She gave him a quick kiss. “Go to bed,” she ordered. “You’ll have to be up soon enough.”

“But, Kate---”

With a gentle shove, she sent him into the room and closed the door between them. “Get some sleep,” she muttered to the door.