"How can I begin to tell you what you do to
Me everytime I hear ya more willin' to wanna see ya
I know that there's no use in tryin' to explain the confusion
But still I'm not complainin' 'bout my situation"
“OK, guys, now where in the heck am I going to sit?” Olivia stood there smiling, hands on hips looking at the inside of the convertible and what looked like enough room for four or five at the most.
The five guys were all busy talking; they hadn’t even realized Olivia was standing there. Kevin jumped out first, just beating Nick to the punch.
“Don’t worry, Nick and I will make room for you in the back. The rest of the guys can just be squished up front for five minutes.”
“Yeah, thanks, Kev.” AJ said. “I’ve gotta drive and have these bozos next to me.” But he was smiling and Howie and Brian just ignored him as they situated themselves up front.
Kevin was not happy that Nick would be sitting next to Olivia, especially so close, but Nick had already jumped in the back before Olivia got there and it would have looked too obvious if Kevin suggested Nick move up front. He was trying to act coolly about the situation but inside he was tied up in knots about it.
Olivia was only too happy to be next to Nick and Kevin and in such close proximity. She already had butterflies that had never gone away after meeting these two heartthrobs, but now they were fluttering furiously and her heart felt like it would beat out of her chest.
“OK, thanks, guys. I appreciate you including me and making room.” Olivia laughed as Kevin helped her into the back. As Olivia prepared to sit down, Nick couldn’t help noticing how her shorts hugged her ass perfectly, and when she sat down, the welcome view of her cleavage peeking out of her top. He was going to enjoy this ride. He wanted her – he wanted her bad. Nick shifted uncomfortably in his seat to adjust himself.
Olivia slid over even closer to Nick to give Kevin room to get in. “Hi.” She smiled up at Nick and giggled because they were literally touching shoulders, arms and legs. “I hope you don’t mind me being this close.”
“Not at all. I like it.” Nick said huskily and it sent chills of excitement through Olivia. There was nowhere else in the world she would rather be right now. If she and Nick were alone, she suspected they would be making out right now.
Then Olivia felt Kevin sit down and another wave of excitement hit her. It was just as exhilarating to have Kevin next to her, too. God, this was too weird. To feel this way about both guys equally. It was mind boggling, but thrilling at the same time.
Kevin settled in comfortably next to Olivia and took the liberty of putting his arm around her. She smiled at him and Nick definitely noticed the gesture. He knew what Kevin was doing and he didn’t blame him – he would have done the same thing if he had found her first.
A few minutes later AJ was pulling into the parking lot at the beach. As they were getting out of the car and Olivia grabbed her beach bag and purse, she remembered the sunglasses. “Oh, Kevin, I just remembered. Here are the sunglasses Kelli gave us. Pretty cool, huh?” She handed him a dark silver pair with mirrored lenses that almost looked space-aged.
“Awesome. Thanks. These are cool.” Kevin put them on. “What do you think, guys?” He modeled them for his audience.
“You still look fuckin' ugly,” AJ said and they all laughed. They truly were all like brothers and the teasing never seemed to cease.
“Well, I think you look cool.” Olivia said.
“Hey guys, you hear that? And her opinion is the only one that matters!” Kevin said. It was as natural as breathing for Kevin to bend over and plant a firm kiss on her lips. Olivia was surprised at first, but welcomed his warm lips and kissed him back. Nick took a knife to the heart when he saw them. ‘Why the hell am I so affected by this girl?’ he thought to himself. He hated this feeling, the feeling he recognized as jealously, even though it was foreign to him. Damn, she is hot and I want her now. If it were up to him, they would be rolling around in the back seat, getting acquainted with each other’s anatomy.
“OK, you guys, get a room.” Brian said.
Kevin and Olivia pulled away reluctantly and then smiled at each other thinking how they wanted to keep doing that and other things to their bodies – touching, fondling, groping...
“Well, I’m outta here!” Nick said suddenly. “See you dudes and dudette,” And he looked at Olivia, his heart sinking with the feeling of a lost cause. “Later. There’s a wave with my name on it.” Nick took off. He didn’t need this shit. It was time to get his mind off of this chick and onto the ocean.
“Oh, so Nick surfs?” And just as she asked, Olivia remembered reading somewhere that he did. Nick’s abrupt departure was not lost on her and she couldn’t help feeling he seemed hurt by her and Kevin’s display. Her heart ached and she was still caught up her dilemma.
“Are you kidding? He lives for the ocean: surfing, scuba diving, boating, whatever, he loves it.” Howie said.
“I love the ocean, too.” Olivia said quietly, lost in thought. Not wanting Kevin to notice her melancholy, she brightened up. “And I’m really glad I’m here with you.” She added, looking up at Kevin. Kevin couldn’t help it. His arms were around her again, his lips covering hers. He couldn’t get enough of her.
The rest of the guys scoffed. “Oh, God, not again,” and they took off trolling.
“OK, now that you know what I do for a living, it’s your turn to tell me what you do.” Kevin said 10 minutes later as they came up for air and strolled down the Pier, taking in the sights of the people, activity, and of course, the beautiful ocean.
“Well, actually… I’m a legal secretary…” Olivia looked up at Kevin from the crook of his arm. “…in Portland, Oregon.” She swallowed.
She heard a catch in Kevin’s throat. “Really? You just crushed me.”
Olivia nodded. “I know, I wish I lived here. I used to. Kelli and I lived in an apartment in Hermosa Beach two years ago. I wish I knew you then.” She sighed.
“Let me guess… you moved because of… Jack, was it?”
“How’d you guess?” Olivia laughed. “Yes, he got a job as a manager at UPS in Portland, so off I went to be with him. We were engaged, so you know, I thought we would make a home there. Well, that obviously didn’t happen…” Olivia’s voice trailed off and she blinked away the tears.
“Hey, are you okay? I’m a good listener if you want to talk.” Kevin stopped and brushed away a stray lock of hair that had blown into her face by the beach air. Olivia was touched at his concern.
“I’m fine. It was mutual. I actually broke up with him, although he wanted to, but was too chicken to do it. It was clear that we were much better at being friends than a couple. Oh, and then there was the fact that he was cheating on me.”
Kevin raised an eyebrow. Why anyone would cheat on this beautiful and vibrant creature was beyond him. He was certain he would be faithful to her and that was saying a lot for him. ‘I guess I have changed’, he thought.
“And…” Olivia continued. “…he got married last Saturday. So you can imagine my eagerness to come out here to lick my wounds so to speak.” Olivia laughed through the momentary sadness. It had been tough going through the breakup and finding out the news of Jack’s engagement to the girl he had cheated on her with because she really had loved him, but she knew it was for the best. And now after spending time with Kevin, it really cemented in her mind that there was definitely more to life than Jack and she was truly over him. It felt good talking to Kevin about it all and getting it out in the open so they could move on, but there was more she had to say.
“Olivia, I’m really sorry.” Kevin said.
“Hey, I wouldn’t feel too sorry for me since I cheated on him, too.” Olivia looked at Kevin for his reaction.
Kevin laughed. “Well, good for you then.”
“You don’t think that was bad?” Olivia asked, surprised at his reaction.
“Hey, I can’t judge you when I’ve done some pretty crazy things over the years.” Kevin said.
“Yeah, you’re right.” Olivia teased him.
Kevin playfully nudged her with his shoulder and said, “Hey! Well, you know how it is when you’re a Backstreet Boy.”
“I’m beginning to…” And they were kissing again. It was funny how Olivia had forgotten all about Nick… for the moment.
After making out for a little while, they continued to walk the length of the Pier, talking and laughing, holding hands and occasionally kissing. They were having the time of their lives. They finally ended up sitting under one of the railings, looking out at the ocean. They waved at AJ, Brian and Howie when they saw them walking by and Olivia occasionally looked out into the ocean to see if she spotted Nick, but couldn’t find him. Her mind focused back on Kevin and their wonderful conversations until suddenly she looked up to see Nick walking toward them. All of a sudden she stopped talking and just stared. She couldn’t help it. He really was the god of everything sexual with his hair dripping wet, standing on end in the sexiest way possible, his soaked surfer top and board shorts clinging to every goddamn curve on his body, leaving little to the imagination. In fact, Olivia’s imagination was working overtime as she glanced downward to see if the rumors really were true – that Nick was a big boy down there and from her point of view, she could confirm they were. Her heart was pounding wildly and the blood was rushing to her head. “Oh, God… I want him…’, she thought. Olivia slowly lifted her eyes to Nick’s and saw him looking at her smiling and then he suddenly turned away almost as if he were embarrassed about her gaze which made him even more desirable to her. She was thinking about that as Nick approached the two of them.
“Hi, guys.” Nick said, but his eyes were on Olivia, burning two holes into her soul.
“Uh, hi, Nick.” she finally found her voice. Olivia looked at Kevin to see if he noticed and by the way he pulled away, it was obvious that he had. ‘Oh, shit… what the hell was she going to do?’
When Kevin saw Nick he was once again reminded that he was fighting to get Olivia’s attention back on him and off of Nick. It appeared by her reaction that it might be a lost cause.
“So, how were the waves, dude?” AJ came up behind Nick, patting him on the back.
“They were fuckin’ awesome! Thanks you guys, for bringing me here. I would have kept surfing but John had to go so I gave him his board back, but I guess it’s getting late anyway, huh?”
Howie and Brian approached behind Nick.
“Yeah, we’re hungry!” Howie said. “We were thinking maybe going to Paradise Cove. What do you guys think? Kev, you can get us there, right?” Howie said.
“Sure, I love that place.” Kevin said. It was only minutes from his house and he had been there many times. “Olivia? Is that cool with you?”
“Yeah, that sounds great.” Olivia smiled, eager to spend more time with all of them.
“Let me change and I’ll meet you guys at the car.” Nick usually kept his surf clothes and a change of clothes with him when he knew there would be time to surf. He now went in search of a restroom to change.
“Speaking of changing…” Olivia said, looking down at her top and shorts, unsure it was suitable for restaurant attire.
Kevin laughed. “Don’t worry, this is California and this place is pretty casual.” Since the restaurant was close to Kevin’s place, the guys dropped Kevin by his house to pick up his car.
Arriving at the Paradise Cove Beach Café off of Highway 99 in Malibu 30 minutes later, they, of course had no problems getting in. Although celebrities, the rich and even ordinary folk graced the restaurant with their presence and sometimes had to make reservations months in advance, Kevin was a not only a celebrity and a regular, but a good friend of the owner. Gordon had an open door policy for Kevin any time he wanted to come there, last minute or not. Two years ago when Kevin moved to his house in Malibu and first stepped foot in the restaurant, Gordon’s daughter immediately recognized Kevin and begged her dad to get her tickets to BSB’s concert for her 15th birthday. Gordon sheepishly asked Kevin after he was served a delicious meal and well taken care of. “No problem, I can definitely get you tickets – how many do you need?” After that, Gordon had enormous respect for Kevin and the two enjoyed more than a drink and laughs over the years. In fact, Gordon had been to a couple of concerts and the other guys enjoyed him as well.
“Oh my God, it’s the Backstreet Boys! How are you guys?” Gordon welcomed them all.
“Gordy, good to see you.” Kevin smiled at his friend.
“Hey, Gordy, thanks for letting us in at the last minute.” AJ said, shaking his hand.
“Are you kidding? I have the back room available for you anytime.” Gordon ushered them to their seats.
“And who’s this beautiful woman? Nick?” Gordon raised his eyes at Nick, smiling.
“Don’t look at me, Kevin found her.” Nick held up his hands innocently, wishing he had found her.
“Yeah, Gordon, this is Olivia. Olivia, my good friend, Gordon.”
“So nice to meet you.” Olivia gushed and held out her hand.
“No, it’s my pleasure. Kev, you dog!” Gordon razzed him as he shook her hand.
Dinner was very pleasant, filled with lively talk about sports, TV, celebrities, movies, women, etc. Olivia was thoroughly enjoying herself, constantly laughing. The food was exquisite, the wine was even more exquisite and after the meal was over, Olivia suddenly found herself incredibly drunk. She drank occasionally but had always been a lightweight. That fourth glass of Cabernet Sauvignon had gone down so smooth.
Kevin excused himself to go to the bathroom and Olivia happened to look up at Nick. He had been staring at her until she met his gaze and then once again, he turned away.
“Fuck.” Nick said under his breath.
“What was that?” Olivia asked.
“Oh, nothing.” Nick tried to recover.
“No, did you say, ‘fuck’? Oh my God, Nick Carter just cussed!” Olivia put a hand in front of her mouth in mock disgust as an attempt to tease him.
Nick laughed and Olivia laughed with him. He was happy to finally laugh. Suddenly Olivia felt bold as she got up from her seat and went to sit down next to him.
Nick was surprised and it showed on his face.
“Is this OK?” she asked.
“Yeah, but what about…?”
“Kevin?
“Well, yeah…”
“It’s cool. I just wanted to see if you’re okay. What was that ‘fuck’ about?”
“Oh, nothing…”
The alcohol gave Olivia a courage she didn’t even know she possessed. “Come on, Carter, spill it.”
Nick looked at her and thought, God, she’s beautiful. It was like the song from “Never Gone”, My Beautiful Woman, was written about her.
Nick decided to be honest with her, so he took a breath and began. “Well, Olivia, it’s like this. I want you and I don’t know what to do about it.”
Olivia looked at him wide-eyed and said what was on her mind. “I want you, too.”
Nick was surprised at Olivia’s confession. He wasn’t expecting that answer. “You do? But…”
Before Nick could finish, he saw Kevin walking back towards them so he cleared his throat.
Olivia jumped up when she saw Kevin. “Hi!” she said a little too obvious.
As soon as Kevin saw Olivia sitting next to Nick, he knew it was a losing battle. He might as well let Nick have her. She obviously wanted Nick, too and he wasn’t going to play fucking games. He was too damn old for this shit. If she wanted Nick, she could have him. He was done. Besides he had just met her; it didn’t matter he tried to tell himself as he walked over to talk to the guys.
AJ, Brian and Howie had been so caught up in their own conversation they hadn’t noticed anything that had been going on so they were surprised to see Kevin standing there all of a sudden.
“Hey, guys, I’m tired so I’m taking off. See ya later.” They greeted Kevin in stunned silence.
“Nick, you can take care of her, right?” Kevin said to Nick. He didn’t even dare to look at Olivia.
“What?” Nick was confused. He didn’t want this.
Kevin walked out of the restaurant and Nick and Olivia looked at each other, puzzled. ‘What the…?’ Through her alcohol-muddled brain, Olivia suddenly realized what was going on. Kevin was leaving because he thought she and Nick were together. Well, she was hot for Nick, but she could have something real with Kevin. She wasn’t about to give that up for a quick fuck with Nick.
“Nick, I can’t…” she began.
“Go.” He said. Kevin was one of his best friends and he didn’t want to screw things up with him over a girl.
“Bye, guys, it was great meeting all of you.” Olivia said as she rushed off.
“Bye!” they yelled, still confused about what the hell was going on.
Outside, Olivia, frantically looked around for Kevin, praying he hadn’t left yet. She heard Kevin’s car before she saw him. The roaring noise of an engine made her whirl around to see Kevin in his red convertible about to peel out.
“Kevin, wait!”
Kevin remained idling as Olivia ran to get into the passenger seat.
As soon as Olivia got in, Kevin took off, wanting to feel the night air in his hair and lungs along with the feeling of getting out pent-up anger and resentment.
“Whoa, I wasn’t expecting that. OK!” Olivia hurriedly grabbed and fastened her seatbelt and braced herself for a rocky ride physically and emotionally.
“Kevin, please, can we talk?” Olivia yelled over the bracing wind.
When she got no answer, she decided to brave the wind and yell out her confession.
“Look, Kevin, I don’t really know you, but from what I saw of you today I really like. Yes, I’m attracted to Nick, I admit it...” And Kevin turned to look at her, but it was more of a glare and then he turned back to the road.
“But… I’m here because… and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but… I think what's between us could really turn into something...” Olivia’s voice trailed off, embarrassed thinking that maybe he didn’t feel the same way. Kevin again turned to look at her but this time he had a smile on his face.
“Thanks.” Was all he said.
Olivia noticed he kept driving, so she asked, “Where are we going?”
“My place. Is that OK?"
Olivia nodded and smiled.
