COULD IT BE YOU?

Chapter Three: Common Sense Takes A Vacation

It hadn’t worked, Kate thought glumly. Many times when the guys had a break in the tour, she got extra time off. Not this time. It had been ‘requested’ she stick with them during their extended stay in Los Angeles. They had a jam-packed week: making a new video, a couple of television appearances and an awards show. Just dandy. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to imagine who had made such a ‘request’ for her presence - the man she had managed to keep at a distance for the better part of a month. Well, that ploy hadn’t worked as well as she’d hope - in fact, it had turned around to bite her in the butt. Josh had redoubled his efforts. He had become just as determined she be with him. Now, she was flying to Los Angeles with the same said man as her seat mate. Somehow he had maneuvered to get the outside seat next to her, neatly trapping her.

She glared down at him as he slept. At least, while he was sleeping, she didn’t have to deal with him.

“Ya know, a guy could get burned that way,” Josh remarked, not bothering to open his eyes. He could feel the angry heat emanating from her. “I can’t sleep with you trying to cook me with your eyes.”

“Fine. I’ll find another seat.”

His arm came across her to hold her in place. “I don’t think so.” Josh opened his eyes and straightened in his seat. He was tired of her avoidance tactics and he was going to put an end to them -- today.

“Since when are you such a bully?” Kate’s chin came up a notch with stubborn pride.

“Since you are driving me nuts.”

“Am I?” Her smile wasn’t sweet at all.

“You know you are, you little witch.”

“If I’m so awful, why are you pursuing me?”

Damned if he knew some days. “Because I am in love with you -- and despite all you’ve been going through to keep me away, I think you’d love me back if you gave us a chance.”

“Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

“With you? Hell, no! There are days when I don’t know why I put myself through it.” He took her hand and his voice became kind. “Then I see my Katie Beth. She’s sweet and vulnerable and she needs someone like me -- and I know she’s worth it.”

How could he see so much? “May be she’s not.”

“You are, baby. I know you are.” Josh leaned over to nuzzle her cheek. “You just gotta give up that tough girl routine. At least, when you’re with me.”

She shook her head. “It’s been too long. I--I don’t think I know how.”

“Then I’ll help you remember.” He pushed the arm rest between them up and out of the way. One arm went around her back, urging her close. One hand guided her head against his chest. “Just let me hold you a while. Don’t fight. Don’t think. Just let me hold you.”

Kate found she didn’t want to resist. His voice held a hypnotic tone, that made her want to close her eyes. Josh stroked her hair and back soothingly. The warmth of his body seeped into her. Letting go of the tension of holding herself aloof, she felt her entire body relax.

“That’s it, baby,” he murmured when he felt her go soft against him. She’d been tight as a bowstring. His poor Kate!

Inhaling deeply, she could smell the wonderful man-scent of him: some woodsy cologne and his own unique essence.

“You gonna go to sleep on me?” he asked softly.

“Mmm...I may.”

“Go ahead, sweetheart. I’ll keep you safe.”

“Josh?”

“Hmm?...”

“You can go to sleep, too.”

“You saying you want to sleep with me?” he teased gently.

Kate opened unguarded eyes, to gaze up at his incredible blue ones. “I think I do.”

Josh groaned. Somehow, he knew she was saying something more. “Katie---”

Lifting her head ever so slightly, Kate brushed her lips against his. Josh required not further invitation. His mouth covered and captured hers. At first he sipped at her mouth, taking little tastes of her. She arched against him, silently begging for more. Lifting her onto his lap, he plunged his tongue into her sweetness.

“Rent a room.” Joe’s voice seemed to come from a great distance.

Josh was the first to recover. He pressed Kate’s face against his neck to shield her. “You need something?” he asked Joe, sorry he sounded so breathless. God, what a potent kiss Kate had!

“I was checking on Kate, seeing how she is surviving the trip. She doesn’t like to fly, you know. Sometimes she gets air sick.”

No, Josh hadn’t know Kate got air sick and it stung to know Joe did. “She seems to be doing okay.”

Joe nodded. “You okay, Kate?”

Kate lifted her head and nodded. “I took something before we left.” She gave him a shy, appreciative smile. “Thanks for asking.”

“No problem. Later.” Joe walked up the aisle and resumed his seat.

Kate scooted off Josh’s lap. She was mortified. There was a tremendous reason to avoid Josh! His mouth on hers made her stupid! Whenever he kissed her, she forgot everything except how good he tasted!

Josh tried to regain his hold on her and she pushed his hands away. “It’s okay, baby. Everybody knows how I feel about you.”

“Everybody?” she squeaked.

“Well...maybe the captain and copilot don’t know...”

“This is insane. That’s why I can’t be with you. Every brain cell I possess goes on vacation when you kiss me,” she accused.

He tried not to grin - and failed miserably. “You kissed me first,” he reminded her.

She frowned. I guess I did. I shouldn’t have. I---”

His mouth stopped her tirade. He didn’t lift his head until she went soft in his arms once more. “Don’t fight me, Kate. You won’t win.”

“Is that a challenge?” she demanded breathlessly.

“No. It’s a fact. Too much is at stake here.”

Kate said nothing to that. His certainty had a calming affect on her. To his surprise and pleasure, she snuggled against him and closed her eyes. She smiled sleepily when his arms closed around her.

“Sleep tight, baby,” he murmured softly and closed his eyes.

For their new video, they had decided to work with new people. They had done most of the brain-storming over the phone. Now, it was time to pull it all together. The director had some very definite ideas of what the guys had been asking for in the scenario.

Paul showed them the storyboard he had sketched out. “So, this girl that you fall in love with is someone you already know - and you’ve just realized it.”

Most eyes in the room went from Josh to Kate, who sat back from the main group as an observer. Josh glanced back at Kate with a grin. Kate merely frowned and concentrated on the storyboard.

“I thought we could show her doing every day things with you as a group.”

“Like checking us into hotels, making sure we’re on the bus, having meals with us...” Josh named a few of the things Kate did with them on a daily basis.

“That’s good.”

“Sounds like our Kate.” Lake looked back at the silent woman.

Kate’s head jerked up at the mention of her name.

Lake continued. “She makes sure we’re on time...That are flys aren’t open---”

“Lake!” Kate protested.

Paul studied the small woman. “Kate, I presume.”

“C’mere, Kate!” Lake jumped up and pulled Kate to the center of the group.

“Lake...” Kate growled through gritted teeth.

“She’s our wrangler,” Lansten added.

“We have to make it so everyone who sees the video would believe you could all fall in love with her,” Paul noted.

“That’s been done. Kate’s your girl,” Chris announced. “I’m the only one who hasn’t been in love with Kate at one time or another. JC’s the one who’s gone over her now.” He shrugged. “I think she’s great.”

Kate wanted to melt into the floor.

“Is she good in front of a camera?” Kevin, the director, took Kate’s chin in hand, tilting her head this way and that. He studied her face. “Pretty from any angle.”

Josh hid a smile. “She takes a good picture, “ he offered.

“Can she dance?” Paul asked.

“Can she dance! She can out dance any of us,” Joe declared.

“We’ll test her.”

Josh caught the edge of panic in Kate’s eyes when she looked at him. He had been enjoying the thought of working with her, but if she was uncomfortable with the idea...He rose and put a sheltering arm around Kate. “We’re all forgetting something very important.”

“What?” Paul couldn’t imagine anything.

“To ask Kate if she wants to do this.” Josh turned Kate towards him. “Do you want to do the video, Katie? It’d be great if you do, but we’d understand if you don’t.”

She blessed him with a grateful smile. He was taking care of her and it felt good to be protected. “Thank you for asking. I think it might be fun.”

“Okay, then,” Paul said. “Let’s get a little film on her.”

‘A little film’ Kate discovered was shot as she danced with each member of the group on a sound stage. Then all six of them funned around together. “Kate is a natural!” Kevin crowed. “The camera loves her!”

Josh murmured, “Camera’s not the only one.”

“She’ll be perfect for a Pygmalion transformation,” Paul announced.

“Pygmalion?” Josh queried. He didn’t think Kate needed any improving.

“You know... ‘My Fair Lady’...Eliza Dolittle.” Kate thought Josh didn’t understand the concept.

“Kate, I’m not an idiot. I know what he means. You’re hardly a diamond in the rough.”

Kate winked knowingly at Paul. “What he doesn’t know...”

Kevin decided they should shot the transformation scene first.

Kate allowed herself to be primped, painted, curled and polished. This was what she had once put herself through every morning before she traveled constantly. Now she was up early to make certain her five charges were where they needed to be and had to handle the little things so they didn’t have to. Tour life had induced her to minimize her beauty routine. Moisturizer, mascara and lipbalm were her mainstays. A good haircut could be blown-dry, pulled back or dressed up. That had been a particular godsend.

“Do they have any idea what a stunner you are?” Julie, the stylist, asked Kate.

“Absolutely none.”

“Not even the guy who eats you up with his eyes?” Only a blind person could miss the way Josh looked at Kate.

“Probably least of all.”

“I’ll have to tell Kevin to have the cameras rolling when you come onto the set. He should get some great footage that way.”

“Josh and Joe should be the most surprised.” To Joe, Kate was his little sister. To Josh, she was the rather unremarkable woman he professed to love.

“I’ll tell him.”

Kate surveyed herself in the mirror. This was not the same woman who looked back at her every morning in the mirror. Julie had emphasized her eyes with shadow and a heavy coat of mascara made her lashed long sweeping fringe. Blush had been applied to accentuate her cheek bones. The rose lipstick complimented her full, soft mouth. Her dark sable hair, usually worn straight, formed a fluffy, tumbling cloud about her shoulders.

The dress Julie had chosen was a short, simple A-line one with spaghetti straps. The multi-layered crepe creation draped at the front, exposing cleavage achieved with a push-up bra. The top layer was a medium rose color. The second layer, revealed at the drape and the ruffled hem, was in a pale shade of rose.

“I know these aren’t for dancing...” Julie handed Kate five-inch heels in the same colors as the dress. It had been some time since Kate had worn those torture chambers for toes!

“I’ll be in jeans and sneaker for the dancing part.”

“Thank God!” Julie laughed as Kate put on the shoes. She was glad to see Kate didn’t teeter. “I’ll go tell Kevin you’re ready. Give me five minutes. If I don’t come back, come on out.”

Kate nodded.

When Julie left, Kate practiced walking in front of the mirror. Not bad. She remembered how to walk in heels. Must be like riding a bicycle, you don’t forget how.

The glint of metal caused her to stop. She touched the Saint Perpetua medal at her throat. Her birthday present from Josh was still shiny and new. Julie had urged Kate to remove her well-worn cross for these shots. Her patron saint, she thought wistfully. Kate would need all the help she could get to survive the shoot -- and all the changes that were occurring in her life.

“We’re just going to start rolling the cameras so we get some casual shots,” Kevin told the five men who were loitering around the set made to look like an intimate party. He was glad that Julie had alerted him to the shock value of a glamorized Kate. Kevin waved the few extras on the set.

“Okay, you all know what to do when Kate comes through the door. This is a woman you thought you knew, but all of the sudden she is the object of your desire.”

Cake walk, Josh thought to himself ,no acting involved.

“JC, when you get to the part when you sing ‘you never looked so good', I want you to take Kate’s hand. By ‘lover’s eyes’ I want you to be behind her, maybe swaying her to the music.”

Josh nodded. He was worried about Kate. She had gamely gone through with this. She could freeze up. He wouldn’t let anyone blame her for a bad shoot. He’d walk if that happened.

“Okay. The rest of you guys know what to do, right?”

There was a chorus of affirmations.

Let’s roll tape.”

The door opened and Kate entered the party set. Five sets of very surprised eyes landed squarely on her. This was their little Kate?

“Jesus!” Joe muttered in shock.

Josh could only stare. He thought of Kate as casual and comfortable. She was ‘hot’ because he loved her. At least, that had been his operating theory. Now that was blown all to hell. Kate was ‘hot’ because she truly was‘hot’!

Kate glided towards Josh when the music started. The poor man looked as if he’d been pole-axed. ‘C’mon, Josh, sing!’ she urged in her head.

On cue, they sang the lead in chorus. Josh had recovered enough to take her hand and started his solo. He moved behind her, one hand at her waist, moving her to the music.

On Kevin’s cue, Kate moved away from Josh.

Lansten smiled as he took her hand. He gave here a twirl that sent her light skirts floating around her thighs. She spun away from him, into Joe’s arms. She reached up to pat his bearded cheek in a familiar, sisterly gesture. Joe, then, released her into Chris’ care. He merely engaged her in joking conversation that brought a genuine smile to her face. When it came time for Lake’s solo, Kate allowed herself to be drawn to his side and pretended to listen to what he was explaining.

Towards the end of the song, Josh’s and Lake’s voices combined. Kate found herself released from Lake and back into Josh’s embrace. As the final note faded, he lowered his mouth to hers. It was no screen kiss either!

“And cut!” Kevin called. “Perfect in one! That was fantastic. Great footage! Kate you are a natural.”

Pulling back as far as his arms allowed, Kate whispered to Josh, “I was afraid you had forgotten the words.”

Josh shook his head. “I nearly did. Damn but you look fine!”

“I don’t think I like the shock in your voice.”

“I always thought you were beautiful, baby. I never realized how beautiful.”

The others joined them.

“Damn, girl! I may have to rethink letting JC go without competition,” Joe announced.

Kate pulled away from Josh and confronted all of them, hands on her hips. “I don’t think I like it one bit that you all seemed so surprised I clean up so well!”

“Jeeze, Kate, how’re we to know behind those glasses, you hid those eyes?” Lake demanded.

Lansten pointed to the silk-clad legs optimized by the high-heels. “And those legs...You wear pants or boots. We didn’t know you had those legs,” he said in their defense.

“Excuse me...I can’t help but be disappointed in you guys...” She shook her head in seeming dismay.

All of them looked worried and contrite. Kate let them off the hook with a giggle.

“The look on each one of your faces was priceless. Think I can get stills?”

She tapped Joe’s chin. “Good thing a fly didn’t happen by. He woulda buzzed right down your throat.”

Kate pretended to wipe Lansten’s chin with the back of her hand. “Bet you haven’t drooled like that since you were in diapers, son.”

Lansten blushed. “Ah...Kate...”

She put her arm about Chris’ shoulders. “And you, my friend, get the prize for being the least surprised.”

“I had my suspicions you hide a lot,” Chris said truthfully. He realized Kate felt she had to play herself down for her job.

“And, Lake, my young one, what would Brit say?” Kate asked of his girlfriend.

“That I know a fine lady when I see one.”

“What about JC?” Lansten asked when it looked as if Kate wasn’t going to chastise Josh.

Kate gazed into uneasy blue eyes and gave a provocative smile. “I have other ways of seeking my revenge,” she stated in a sultry tone.

Josh swallowed hard. “I think I’d rather take my licks now.”

Kate shook her head. “Nope. Not your decision to make.”

“Kate---”

She deliberately dragged her rose tinted lips along his jaw, leaving a streak of pink behind as a brand. “Just you wait,” she promised in a husky voice.

Josh could only groan. “Baby---”

“Uh-uh.”

As Kate went for her next costume change, she heard Joe say, “Man, C, I hope you’re made out of steel.”

She turned at the door. “Even steel can be twisted or melted - with the right heat and pressure,” she taunted.

Another groan came from Josh.

The next scene was on a plain looking sound stage with a pale blue backdrop. All of them wore jeans and athletic shoes. Each person had a choice of what color when it came to the tee-shirts they wore. Kate thought the dark blue Josh had chosen suited him. She had decided on plain white.

There was no script for this portion of the video. Kate was to dance and generally have fun with each of the guys, focusing on Josh. At one point, she came up behind and put her hands over Josh’s eyes. When he made a grab for her, she got away, hiding behind Joe. Biding his time, Josh got behind Kate and lifted her off her feet as she squealed with laughter. A little later, she retaliated by jumping up on his back, wrapping her legs about his waist. Again he turned the tables on her by reaching around with a very strong arm and pulling her around to the front. Kate was no longer laughing when he kissed her, then let her slide down his body. Gaining her release, she danced away to Lansten.

Each one of them took turns dancing with Kate. Josh was impatient for his chance. While she danced with Joe, Josh danced behind her, trying to get her to partner him. Kate ignored him and moved over to dance with Lake. Finally, Josh put his hands on Kate’s shoulders and turned her towards him. He slid his hands to her waist, moving her closer. The hungry look in his eyes melted something in Kate and she allowed him to lead her in the dance. Finally, she pulled herself together and changed partners, dancing with Chris.

Once again, the song ended and Kevin yelled, “Cut!”

There was little doubt in anyone’s mind Josh was in love with Kate, if rather frustrated by the fact. Anyone seeing the couple on film would know it, too.

“I’ve got to say you guys are pros,” Kevin complimented the six of them. “I’ve never had a shoot run so smoothly.”

Josh moved behind Kate. “The six of us are a team.” When he would have put his hands on her waist, Kate stepped away, putting Lansten between them. Damn! She was still mad at him.

“Yeah, five guys and a girl,” Joe announced, looping an affectionate arm around Kate’s neck.

Josh glowered at the easy affection between Kate and Joe. Joe had been just as shocked by Kate’s transformation -- and Kate wasn’t angry with him. Why did being the man who loved her romantically hold him to a different standard?...Wait, Kate was treating him differently than the others. That meant she expected something more from him. Maybe her being mad was a good sign...But he didn’t want her upset with him for too long.

“Okay, let’s see how fast we can get the exterior shots done. Then we’ll come back and finish here. We can probably wrap this up tonight.”

Kate was making her way back to her assigned dressing room. All she needed was a jacket and she was ready.

Josh waylaid her, seeing a chance to get her alone.

“That dress was made to be taken off,” he defended his reaction to the first scene they had shot. Now, she was in jeans, this was the Kate he was comfortable with.

“Yes, it was.”

“Not one of us has seen you like that before.”

“No, you hadn’t.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“Problem? Do I have a problem?” She looked at him with wide innocent eyes.

“You’re gonna mess with my head, aren’t you?” he accused.

“Is that what I’m doing?”

“You know damn well it is. I never suspected you might have a cruel streak.”

“Do I?”

Josh gritted his teeth. This was getting nowhere. Not when all her answers were questions. He had believed they had come to an understanding on the plane. If she was truly upset with him, he’s have to start all over again -- and he would, beginning now. “Katie Beth---”

Kate lifted her face to his, instigating a kiss that threatened to send both of them out of control. She thought she felt his body harden against her stomach. When he lifted her against him, she broke the kiss and stepped away. “Later, Josh!” she called breezily as she walked to her dressing room. How she ever managed such a light tone, she’d never know. Even walking was a challenge. Her knees had been turned to jelly by the hard imprint of him on her body. Though he’d never realize it, the kiss had nearly devastated her past to point of no return!

Damn! He’d played right into it, Josh thought darkly as he tried to calm his raging testosterone. Leaving him with a hard-on that rivaled the Washington Monument was just exactly her sweet revenge!

Kate had liked the song originally. It was getting mighty old fast. Every different setting, every shot on film meant hearing it another time. There were mess ups once they were outside the studio and other people were involved. This is when her enthusiasm began to wane. Getting off the bus until the shot was perfect. Eating with the camera in her face. This was no longer fun. It was work. And it was hot and tedious.

Almost as tedious as pretending to be mad at Josh. He kept sending her worried looks. She’d have to let him off the hook soon. She wasn’t really upset with him any longer. The sting to her feminine pride was hardly worth his peace of mind. Damn! She was actually in love with the guy! He had gotten under her defenses with his earnest affection and wonderful kisses. Kate liked Josh for who he was -- a genuine man who didn’t hide the fact he was in love like it was something to be ashamed of feeling. Everyone who saw him with Kate had to know.

As Josh had suggested, this part of the video was shot in scenes depicting every day tour life for them: getting off the bus, checking into the hotel, sharing lunch. No real acting was required. It was as it always had been -- Kate interacting with them as friends. If everyone noticed the lingering looks Josh sent Kate’s way, they said nothing. Kevin felt it added to the feeling of love blossoming from everyday exposure.

Kate looked over at the man she had spent most of the day avoiding. He was in deep conversation with the director. When he felt her eyes on him, Josh looked up, smiled and winked at her. She looked away, afraid what she was feeling would be plain in her eyes as well.

“Katie.” Josh halted her as she had been ready to get onto the bus for the ride back to the studio. She had ignored him most of the day and he was worried something was truly wrong between them.

She turned with an almost absent smile. “Hmm?”

“Baby, I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. Tell me how I can make it up to you.”

Kate put a finger against his lips to quiet him. “It’s forgotten, Josh.”

“But---”

She replaced her finger with her lips in a soft kiss. “Really, Josh. It’s okay.”

“The why have you been so...so distant?” he asked as they boarded the bus together.

When she took a seat, he slid in next to her. He was surprised when she rested her head on his shoulder. Immediately, his arm went around her.

“This stuff is be kinda tiring, isn’t it?” she asked with a sigh.

“It can be. You getting tired, baby?”

“Mmm...” She nuzzled her face against his neck. “A little. I think it’s all the lights and the repetition.” She turned her body into his, snuggling against him.

“Guess I’m used to it.” He brushed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “You’re part is done. When we get back to the studio, it’s just us guys.”

“Fine by me. I’ll find a comfy place and put my feet up.”

“You okay?”

“Sure. Just a little tired.”

Josh frowned. Kate was never tired. This was going to be her last video shoot. He wasn’t going to let her wear herself out.

Kate didn’t tell him the toughest part of the day was avoiding him when all she really wanted to do was seek his embrace. Right now, she was where she wanted to be.

That night, Kate begged off every offer of company. Even Joe was giving her concerned glances.

“Honestly, guys. I am fine. I’m not use to the lights, the wardrobe changes, and switching gears on a dime,” she announced when the entire group wanted to ‘take care of her’. “I’m also dealing with time changes and...” And she had expended a lot of energy making Josh miserable most of the day, something she was ashamed of doing. She had to think this love thing all over again.

“And?” Josh urged.

“I love you guys, but I am going to take a bath and go to bed. Guess I’m just not Hollywood material.”

The others wandered away but Josh stayed. He put his arms around her, letting her rest against his body. “Katie, let me stay with you.”

“No. I’m just going to take a bath and go to bed. This is all very nice, but I want to get horizontal.”

He couldn’t prevent his smile. He wouldn’t mind getting horizontal with her.

“You’ve got a dirty mind, Joshua Scott.” She pulled away. “Good night.”

Seeing he couldn’t change her mind, he gave her a soft kiss. “Night, baby.”

Kate leaned against the studio wall, watching as the guys went through a variation of one of their routines. They were jazzing it up for the awards presentation, for a television audience. Their syncronisity never failed to amaze her. She knew they worked hard for perfection and tended to beat themselves up over mess-ups. Each one of them was his own worse critic. Especially Josh.

Her eyes were drawn naturally to Josh. He wore a skimpy navy colored tank top and baggy khakis. The minuscule shirt revealed strong, muscular shoulders and hinted at the muscle-padded chest that lie beneath. He had once complained about “skinny” arms, but Kate didn’t see it. True, there wasn’t an extra ounce of fat on him. He was lean, all solid muscle and bone. The sheen of perspiration only added to his attraction at the moment.

A stray erotic vision skittered across Kate’s brain. She wanted to run her hands up his arms, starting with the hair-dusted forearms to his biceps, over his hard shoulders. Then she’d put her hands on his waist move them up over his flat stomach, over his chest. The hair there would tickle her palms. The visual flashed in her mind and for the moment was clear in her eyes.

Josh looked up to see the frank, sexual gaze in Kate’s eyes. Taken aback, he swallowed hard. Was she even aware how plainly he could read her thoughts, how naked and raw they were? Breaking from the group, he went to her, not losing eye contact. Hell, he was getting hard just reading her mind! “Katie?”

When he approached, she straightened from the wall and put her hands on his chest. “Yes?”

His hands settled on her waist and he pulled her close. “Baby, what I saw...”

“Did it bother you?”

“Only because we don’t have time to do anything about it.”

“Sorry?”

“Oh, yeah. I want you to touch me like that. It’ll make me crazy.”

“You want me to make you crazy?”

“I plan on doing the same for you.”

Kate kissed him softly. “You’d better get back. I didn’t mean to interrupt your work.”

“I’m more than willing to be interrupted when you look at me that way.”

“Millions of girls look at you that way,” she reminded him of the legions of females who would very happily crawl into bed with him.

“But you are the only woman I’m in love with.”

“Still?”

“Yeah, still and forever.”

She kissed him again. “Get back to work.”

He grinned then kissed her hard. “Slave driver.” Then he ambled back to his place.

Josh’s day improved after the intimate encounter with Kate. Every day seemed to bring them closer. Every kiss was one more thread that bound them together. Kate was beginning to be comfortable with her desire for him. Desire came from want of intimacy. For Kate, intimacy meant love.

“Kate.” Josh stopped her in front of her hotel room door. They had been in Los Angeles for three days and had hardly saw each other alone. He was fairly sure she was no longer avoiding him, at least not deliberately. Tonight was the one night nothing was scheduled an he wanted Kate to himself. “Hmm?”

“Let’s be together tonight.”

“Sure. Joe said---”

“No.” He stroked her cheek and trailed his fingers down her neck. “Just you and me. I don’t care what we do. Stay in. Go out. As long as it’s just us, alone together.”

If they stayed in, who knew what would happen? Kate thought. Going out wasn’t all that appealing. Josh was hardly anonymous anywhere. But this was LA, they were probably blasé about stars -- and Josh usually appealed to a younger crowd...

“Well?” he urged.

“Do you have anything in mind?”

“No. What do you do on a date? Dinner. Dancing...”

“Dancing or clubbing?”

He could tell by her tone that clubbing was not high on her list of things to do on a date.

“Dancing is where you can still talk to your partner. Clubbing is noisy, smoky and all you do is grind into each other,” Kate explained the difference according to her definition.

Josh grinned. He wouldn’t mind grinding his hips into Kate’s.

“You are so transparent,” she muttered and used her key card to enter her room, hopefully leaving him on the opposite side of the door.

He caught the door and entered behind her. “Even though clubbing has it’s obvious merits, Katie, I’d take you dancing.” He caught her in his arms and swayed to a slow, unheard melody. “I can hold you close, whisper in your ear and simply enjoy being with you.”

“I think I’d like that,” she said softly.

“Me, too, baby. Me, too.” Just being able to hold her was a sincere pleasure. He craved having her in his arms. She fit so well.

Kate’s hands moved up his chest. Josh sucked in a breath when she inadvertently stroked his flat nipples on the slide upward. He looked into her eyes, those warm amber-brown eyes he could drown in. Something hot and unnamed shimmered there. Her fingers were in his hair, making his scalp tingle, urging his head down.

“Kiss me,” she whispered. “I want you to kiss me.”

Josh didn’t need further invitation. His mouth came down on hers, teasing her with a light caress.

“No,” Kate moaned softly. “Really kiss me.”

“Remember, you wanted this,” he warned her. He could scarcely believe it! Kate was making demands on him, intimate demands.

“Yes. I want this.”

His head was about to descend again when there was a sharp rap on the door.

“You in, Kate?” came Lansten’s voice from the other side.

Kate sighed, dropping her arms from Josh’s neck and he stepped behind the door. “Yes,” she called. She opened the door, sanity reasserting itself in the form of her blonde, baby-faced friend. “Whatcha need?”

“Joe and Chris are going clubbing tonight. Lake’ll be with Brit. I don’t know what JC’s doin’. I was wondering if you and I could just hand, maybe rent a coupla movies...”

Without looking, Kate knew Josh was shaking his head. He’s simply have to understand, this was part of her job. She was still on company time. “Sure. Maybe if Josh isn’t doing anything, he’ll join us.”

“Cool! About seven?”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll call you later to see if you want me to pick up anything in particular.”

“Thanks, Kate!”

Kate closed the door and pressed her forehead against it, preparing for the tirade from Josh. “Okay,” she sighed, “let me have it.”

Josh came up behind her and put his arms around her waist. He pulled her away from the door, against his body. “Answer me one thing, Kate. Are you disappointed?”

“Yes.”

“So am I, baby.”

“You can still go with Chris and Joe,” she suggested.

“I don’t want to be grinding my hips into anyone but you.”

She let out a little giggle.

“So...” He nuzzled her neck. “Pizza and movies?”

Kate turned within his embrace. “I don’t expect you to spend your one free evening with us.”

“Well, it’s already been determined that I’m not going clubbing. If I don’t come here, I’ll have to spend the evening alone.”

She managed a grateful smile. “You could sleep,” she hinted.

“You gotta king-sized bed here. You and I can cuddle at the head and Lansten can lay at the foot and watch the movies.”

“You are being wonderful about this.”

“Kate, I realize you have a job to do. I don’t want to jeopardize it for you.”

“You’re pretty wonderful.” Lifting her face to his, she whispered, “What about that kiss?”

He rubbed his lips over hers. “You still want a real kiss?” His voice held a seductive tone that made her knees weak.

“Oh, yes,” she said breathlessly.

“And I want to give it to you.”

Josh pulled her up on her toes and his mouth settled hotly over hers.

Lansten didn’t seem too surprised to find Josh in Kate’s room when he arrived that night. “Hey, JC.”

“Hey. You’re just in time to explain to Kate what a lame video she picked out.”

“I did not!” Kate protested. “Besides, how do you know? You’ve never seen it.”

“Which movie?” Lansten asked.

“Mel Brooks’ SpaceBalls,” Kate answered.

“That StarWar spoof you told me about? It sounds fun.”

Kate stuck her tongue out at Josh. “See?”

Josh could think of better uses for that tongue. Kate must have read his mind, because he noticed her cheeks turned pink.

Kate turned away from his sensual gaze. “Pizza should be here any minute,” she announced.

Walking over to the mini-fridge in the corner, she brought out each man’s favorite soda. “I got popcorn for later.”

“Lan, you wanna go get some ice?” Josh brought out the ice bucket.

“Sure.”

Josh watched his young friend leave, then murmured, “Try sticking your tongue out at me when we’re alone and see what it gets you.”

Kate smiled. “All right.” She knew full well her reply surprised him. “Maybe later.”

He grinned. “Katie, you amaze me.”

“That’s because you don’t know me as well as you’d like to think.”

Josh touched her cheek. “Then let me know you.”

She pressed a kiss into his palm, taking a little lick with her tongue. She saw how his eyes clouded with desire.

“Talented, that little tongue of yours.”

“I’m a woman of many talents.”

“I just bet you are.”

Too bad Lansten didn’t have anywhere to go. Josh was certain he could have made some head-way with Kate.

All three of them stretched out on the bed to watch Kate’s movie. Lansten parked himself at the foot, a pillow beneath his head. Josh propped pillows against the headboard and leaned back, letting Kate use him as a pillow. Kate prepared microwave popcorn so they could settle in. Lansten laughed readily at the spoof of Josh’s favorite movie. Josh had to admit what little he paid attention to was pretty good. But he didn’t watch much once he began sharing popcorn with Kate.

Kate hadn’t realized eating popcorn could be an erotic experience. When her hand collided with his in the bag, Josh brought a kernel of the buttery stuff to her lips. His gaze was full of sensual heat. She took the kernel, managing to graze his finger tips with her teeth. Josh bit back a groan, then guided her hand to accept the popcorn she held. He flicked his tongue out to lick at her fingers. Kate managed not to gasp at the overtly sexual gesture. They proceeded to feed and torture one another. When they had eaten their fill, he made a great show of licking the salt and butter from her fingers. Kate, not to be out-done, took each one of his buttery fingers into her mouth, licking and sucking away the remainder of their snack. The effect on Josh was noticeable even with the baggy pants he wore. What he wouldn’t give to be alone with her!

When the movie ended, Lansten got up and put in another one. “That was pretty good, Kate.”

“Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it,” she said evenly.

“What did you think, C?”

“I enjoyed it.” Of course, he had hardly watched the damn thing -- but he enjoyed sharing the popcorn with Kate.

“You wanted to be alone with Kate tonight, didn’t you?” Lansten asked as he returned to his spot on the bed.

“I was entirely flexible. I wanted to be with Kate and I am.”

This movie was slower paced. Less than half-way through it, Kate noticed Josh nodding off. “Let’s trade,” she whispered into his ear.

“Huh?” He opened bleary eyes to focus on her sweet face.

Kate readjusted the pillows and let Josh rest his head on her shoulder.

“Heaven...” he sighed, closing his eyes. A mere moment later, his even breathing signaled he was indeed asleep.

A little later, Lansten looked back at the couple and smiled. “He really is gone over you, Kate.”

“I know,” she replied quietly.

“You gonna put him out of his misery soon?”

“It’s not that easy.”

“Sure it is. Do you love him?”

“Do you think I should tell you before I tell him?”

“Guess not.” Lansten rose from the bed. “Thanks for letting me hang with you two.”

“No problem.”

“I’m sure JC would think differently. I know it’s part of your job---”

“I don’t think of it that way. I like everyone of you guys.”

Lansten grinned. “You just like JC better.”

Kate smiled. “Not better. Differently.”

“Too bad it could’nt've been me.”

“Sorry, sweetie. It doesn’t work that way.”

He leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Night.”

“Good-night. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Letting himself out, Lansten closed the door quietly behind him.

Kate looked down at the man who pillowed his head at her breast. A great wave of tenderness swept over her. Josh looked so vulnerable. Gently, she smoothed her hand over his hair and kissed his forehead. In his sleep, Josh smiled and snuggled closer. She loathed to awaken him and toyed with the idea of letting him sleep in her bed. She could always take his bed across the hall, she supposed. When she tried to move away, his arm locked around her waist.

“It’s okay, baby,” he mumbled in his sleep.

She wondered who exactly ‘baby’ was -- her or some woman of his dreams. Kate shifted again.

“Katie baby...” He nuzzled her breast.

Well, that certainly answered that question! Now, she had to decide how to disengage herself. He seemed very determined she be still. And that was getting more difficult for her. He had turned more full against her, his warm breath causing the nipples beneath her tee-shirt to stand at attention. Damn, the man. Even in his sleep, he got to her! She bit back a moan when his five o’clock shadow rubbed across a sensitive bud. Like a baby seeking nourishment from his mother, his mouth closed over her aching flesh.

At first, Kate was stunned. No man had ever touched her like that before! Then the hand at her waist traveled down to her thigh. His warm, hard fingers glided beneath the sort leg of the boxers she wore as pajamas.

“Josh!” she squeaked, realizing where his hand was heading. “Wake up!”

Josh’s eyes flew open at the sound of her panic. It hadn’t been a dream. He had been touching Kate, making love to her. “I--I’m sorry, baby,” he muttered when he met her stricken gaze. Removing his hand from beneath her shorts, he noticed the clinging wet spot on her shirt where his mouth had been and he could see the peaks of her breasts clearly against the fabric.

He sat up and swung his legs to the side of the bed. “You shoulda slapped me -- hard.” Getting to his feet, he began to stride to the door.

Kate finally got a hold of her tongue. “Josh, I’m not mad.”

He stopped feet from the door. “I sure as hell would be if I were you.”

Soft arms came around him from behind. He could feel the points of her breasts burning into his back.

“If a man is going to make love to me, I’d prefer he be awake. Okay?”

She was letting him off the hook. Something he didn’t deserve.

“Okay.”

What he really longed to do was carry her back to the bed and finish what his dreams had started. But Kate hadn’t said she loved him. He wanted to hear those words from her first. “I’d better get to my own room.”

Kate released him and moved to face him. “I’m not upset with you,” she assured him, her honey-brown eyes sincere.

“I don’t deserve you, Kate.”

“May be not,” she teased, grinning to break the tension.

Josh lowered his head to kiss her tenderly. “Good night, Katie Beth.”

“Night.”

After he had closed the door between them, Kate leaned back against it. Now, she knew how he must feel when she teased him and he got hard. It wasn’t a very nice sensation. She had just learned the physical definition of horny! She couldn’t ever being this hungry for a man’s touch.

Pushing away from the door, Kate headed for the bathroom. Men supposedly took cold showers to calm their raging hormones. As tight as her breasts felt, she decided that wouldn’t work for her. Maybe a hot bath would relax her...Maybe she shouldn’t have awakened Josh!

The day of the awards presentation, Kate pulled out several dresses -- deciding against each one. It looked as if she had some shopping to do. After everyone’s surprise at the video shoot, she didn’t see herself hiding behind non-nonsense business clothes. She had said she wanted to knock them back on their heels. None of these dresses would accomplish that.

She grabbed her purse and headed for the door. They guys would be busy for several hours before they came back to the hotel to get ready for the night’s events. So, she had to find the right dress in that space of time.

Kate was just putting in her pearl earrings when their was a knock at her door. What greeted her was a pleasant surprise.

“What do ya think?” Josh made like a runway model as he showed off his outfit.

Kate had to blink at the handsome spectacle he made. Gone were the wild prints and the glitzy fabrics. None of the tight leather he favored either. He had even toned down his hair - no spikes, merely combed back.

“Is silence good or bad?” he laughed self-consciously.

“Good.” She walked around him. “Very nice.” The dark blue suit and shirt fit him beautifully, complimenting his lean build. The silver blue of his tie brought out his eyes. “Very nice.”

“Thank you. See? I do know how to make like a real grown-up.”

“Is this dress okay?” Kate knew it was.

Josh assessed his date for the evening. The sleeveless red silk dress skimmed over her curves. The sort, flirty skirt showed off her legs as did the heels she wore. The back...whoa, boy! The back of the dress draped low, from her shoulders to her waist, reveling all the gorgeous skin from the neck down. It made his palms itch to touch her. For the video, her make-up had still left her looking fairly innocent. Not tonight. Kate had added eyeliner and scarlet lipstick. There was nothing innocent about Kate tonight. Her whole look said, “I’m a woman and I know it.” Josh grinned. He knew she was all woman, too.

“You look good enough for me to cancel the whole evening and crawl in bed with you.”

“Not an option,” she said grabbing her small evening bag and a shawl. “I spent way too much on this dress.”

Offering her his arm, he asked, “Shall we?”

They guys and their dates had to split between two limousines. Joe and Lansten shared with Josh and Kate.

Joe let out a low wolf whistle when he saw Kate. “Are you legal in that thing?”

Kate pouted prettily. “You don’t like it?”

“Come back to my room and I’ll show you how much I like it.”

“That’s not happening,” Josh announced as he handed Kate into the car next to Lansten’s date. He followed directly behind her to make certain he was the one who sat next to her.

“Hi. I’m Mandy.” The pretty blonde next to Lansten extended her hand to Kate.

Smiling, Kate shook her hand. “Kate.”

“You’re Kate?” Mandy seemed surprised.

“Yes.”

“But I thought...” The younger woman stopped her words.

Kate flicked a glance at Lansten, then back at Mandy. Had Lansten blushed? “What did you think?”

“Well, the way Lansten talked about you, I expected a big “S” on your chest for Super Woman. I guess, I expected you to be...I don’t know...Larger than life. Not little and gorgeous.”

“Hmm...I wonder what all the other guys’ dates think of me.”

“Oh, no! He says you’re fantastic,” Mandy assured her.

Joe’s sister said, “I know what you mean. When I first met Kate, I expected to hear a heavenly choir -- so perfect, so angelic -- Of course, Joe was in love with her at the time.”

“Cripes,” Joe muttered,“sisters are a pain in the butt.”

Josh hid a smile. For once, he wasn’t in trouble with Kate.

Actually, Josh still couldn’t believe his luck. Kate was his date. When he’d asked, he’d expected a half-dozen semi-valid excuses why she couldn’t go. It had taken him a moment to realize he didn’t have to trot out any arguments. She had said yes.

Lake had Brit. Joe had his sister. Lansten had Mandy, a girl he was promoting. Chris, his girl of the month. And Josh had his Kate, the one he wanted at his side. Even if the group was shut out and won nothing tonight, Josh had won this victory in his campaign for Kate.

This was insane, Kate told herself as she leaned back in the limo. How had her mouth said ‘yes’ when her brain had said ‘no’? Being Josh’s date on a nationally televised awards program was not a smart thing to do. There would be all sorts of speculation on who she was and her exact relationship with Josh. If she let him do the talking for her, would he have them in a serious relationship or ‘just friends’? She wasn’t a public person. How had she gotten herself into this?

“Relax, baby.” Josh squeezed her had and kept it in his.

“I’m gonna throw up.”

“No, you’re not,” he soothed.

“Why did I ever agree to this?”

“I don’t know. I’m glad you did.” His smile almost made it worth it -- almost. “I’ll lead you through it. I’ll take care of you.”

Once there, Josh climbed out of the car and extended his hand to Kate. Assisting her to her feet on the red carpet, he brushed his lips to her ear, whispering, “Don’t look like a lamb to the slaughter, Katie Beth. We’re just on a date.”

“Yeah, with several million people watching,” she murmured.

“Focus on me. You’ll do fine.”

Flash bulbs popped and blinded her. Everyone was shouting his name or screaming, depending on their age. Josh waved and smiled, all the while keeping a warm hand against her bare back. If she hadn’t been so busy keeping a semblance of a smile on her face, she might have taken exception. Actually, she found it comforting.

Someone stopped them and Josh spoke briefly about the tour and plans for a new album. Thank God she wasn’t mentioned!

Theirs was the first act to perform, then the men resumed their seats. Kate was glad to have Josh back beside her.

She got into the spirit of anticipation with the pronouncement of the first category the group was up for. She gripped Josh’s hand until the presenter, some buxom blonde actress, announced the winner. She squealed and let herself be hauled to her feet for a hug from each guy when they were named group of the year.

“I’ll be right back,” Josh promised as he left her side to go to the podium.

Kate sank back in her seat and listened to the litany of people they needed to thank.

“It’ll be a while,” Lake’s girlfriend, Brit, told Kate quietly. “They’ll have pictures taken, have to talk to some people. Pretty routine stuff.”

With a grateful smile, Kate said, “Thanks.”

“Lake asked me to look out for you.”

Funny, a girl a good twelve years her junior had been commanded to guard her. Still, Brit had been in the business since her early teens. The same as Josh and Lake.

More awards were given, but Kate couldn’t concentrate until Josh reclaimed his seat and her hand.

Album of the year was announced and Josh left her side once more. This time, she paid attention to the speech and the presenter, a tall, willowy brunet who rubbed herself against Josh. The hussy! Josh moved away and found Kate’s gaze. He sent her a reassuring wink.

The guys never returned to their seats before the song of the year was announced. A song Josh had written and produced! The ladies exchanged hugs and waited for the return of their dates.

When Josh resumed his seat, he placed an award in Kate’s lap.

“I’m so proud for you,” she whispered.

Taking her hand, he brought it to his lips. “Think of the music you inspire.”

“I do not!” she protested.

“Think not? I’m working on a song right now.”

“You are not.”

“Am too.” He had to chuckle at her disbelief. “Mr. Bad Pants musta done a huge number on you.” His arm went about her shoulders. “You have no idea how wonderful you are.” Nuzzling her temple, he murmured, “But I plan on showing you.”