Carly decided to finally break down and call her friend even though she didn’t want to. She just felt bad that she had never called her or returned her phone calls since “that night” three weeks ago.
“Hi, Rinda, it’s me, Carly.”
“Carly! Hi! I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for awhile.” Rinda said.
“I know. I’m sorry. I was really busy. How are you?”
“I’m good. How about you?”
“Just fine.” I only screwed your ex-boyfriend twice, that’s all and I enjoyed it! Carly felt so guilty. And the first time Nick and Rinda were still together! Alcohol was to blame, but still, she couldn’t help but feeling bad she did that to her friend. And worst of all, she knew couldn’t tell her about it; at least not yet.
“Hey, I heard you and Nick broke up. I’m really sorry. Are you okay?” Carly felt awkward so she tried to make conversation.
“Where did you hear that?” Rinda wondered.
Oops. Carly didn’t want to admit that Nick had called her yesterday and especially that he had invited her out with BSB.
“From Nick. He had left his watch at our house by mistake and when he came by to pick it up, he mentioned it.”
I wonder if anything happened between the two of them when Nick came to the house, Rinda thought. “Oh. Well, I’m okay. It just wasn’t working out, that’s all. It was mutual.” She tried to sound casual, but feared it wasn’t working.
“I hope it wasn’t because of that night. That was a really weird night.”
“Yeah.” Rinda laughed nervously, remembering what Derek had told her. Rinda was conflicted. It bothered her that Nick and Carly had had sex that night, even though she knew how wasted they had all been. But she also knew that she had no right to blame her since she was now screwing Carly’s boyfriend on a regular basis!
“Look, Car, I’m willing to put all of that behind me, if you are.” Rinda added.
Carly breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes. I would like that. So, are you seeing anyone new?”
Rinda paused. Oh God! Guilt assuaged her when she thought of her betrayal. “Um, no. You know me, I’m so independent, I’ll be fine without a guy for awhile. But I’m sure I’ll find someone eventually.” Liar, liar! The voice inside her screamed.
“Yeah, I’m sure you will.” Carly said. This entire conversation seemed forced and awkward, Carly thought. So not like their old relationship. Things had definitely changed between them and she wondered if things would ever be the same again. She sensed Rinda was feeling the same way because after they talked for a few more minutes, she said she had to go so they promised to keep in touch and both hung up.
Suddenly Carly had the thought that maybe Rinda knew about her and Nick—but how could she? She and Derek were asleep during their sexual escapade, weren’t they? And Nick wouldn’t tell her. Brushing the thought from her mind, she focused on her big event this weekend. She was so excited about Saturday night. She wished she could share her happiness with Rinda, but she knew she couldn’t because Nick had invited her. Carly had to keep reminding herself that this wasn’t a date, that she still had a boyfriend and even though Nick was now unattached, she wasn’t. What was she going to tell Derek? She didn’t want to lie to him. Then she remembered that he had told her that he was scheduled to work Saturday night. Perfect. She won’t have to come up with an excuse now.
The days slowed to a snail’s pace, but Saturday night finally arrived and Carly was all a titter with excitement. This time she had gone shopping for an outfit so she didn’t have to change in and out of clothing several times. She wore a beautiful black short-sleeved lace blouse, which dipped low to reveal a moderate amount of cleavage, then buttoned down the front and was fitted so it accentuated her small waist. As a compliment to the blouse, a short, slinky black skirt showed off her curvaceous hips and longs legs. She looked at herself in the mirror. She would describe herself as “casually elegant” and would hopefully fit in with the crowd. She figured the guys would probably be wearing jeans and t-shirts, but she still wanted to make a good impression. As she fluffed up her hair; she smiled— she had to admit that she looked pretty damn hot. She felt Nick would approve. Again, you’re thinking like Nick is your boyfriend or something, Carly! He is supposed to be a friend, but he was more than that—they had screwed twice now and knew each other’s bodies intimately. Maybe he could be a fuck buddy. Carly laughed. She had heard that term used before—it was actually Rinda who had used it—and she never would have thought of herself as the kind of person who would even consider the idea, but thinking back to the two glorious sexual experiences she had had with Nick, it was definitely worth considering!
What has happened to you? She wondered. She was changing before her own eyes; like a caterpillar metamorphasizing into a butterfly. She felt she wasn’t the same person she was before she met Nick. She didn’t know if that was good or bad yet, but she sensed that along with this change in her personality, was coming a change in her future, too. Here she was looking sexy and thinking about sex with Nick. What happened to the good girl she had always prided herself on being? Maybe gone forever…
Not wanting to dwell on that too much, she grabbed her purse and headed out the door. She climbed into her black Camry and headed towards the freeway and onward to what was sure to be an exciting evening ahead.
“Oh my God, Derek! Yes! There!” Rinda was coming into his mouth as he gave her head, licking her clit until she was writhing underneath him.
Derek moved up towards her, smiling. “I’m glad you liked it. You made me hard just listening to you.”
“Well, then let me take care of that for you.” Rinda grinned and made her way down towards his hard-as-steel cock. Her mouth enveloped the size of him, giving head expertly and causing him to spin out of control within minutes. “Rinda! Shi--ttt!” Derek came in long streams into her mouth, shuddering in abandon.
The two lovers snuggled together in the aftermath. “You better get some rest, big boy ‘cause the main event will be coming later.” Rinda smiled at him, they kissed, then rested and eventually faded off to sleep.
“Hey Carly! I’m glad you made it okay.” Nick hugged her. She felt a little awkward, not knowing what to expect in the way of a greeting from him, but he had been outside having a smoke when she arrived, so no one familiar was around.
“Hi Nick.” She smiled.
“Wow, that outfit! Am I allowed to say you look really hot?!” He laughed, stubbing out his cigarette.
“Uh, yeah! What woman doesn’t want to hear that! Thanks!” Carly laughed, gushing. He thinks I’m hot! She thought; goosebumps appearing all over her flesh.
“You look pretty damn hot, too, Mr. Carter.” Nick was looking very sharp tonight. She wondered if it was for her benefit. The long-sleeve white button-down shirt brought out the brilliant blue of his eyes and his usual holey jeans were replaced with a new unblemished pair.
“Wow, you cussed for me. Gee, thanks, Car!” He feigned embarrassment.
“Shut up!” She lightly punched him in the shoulder.
“Ow!” Nick pretended to be hurt and grabbed his shoulder. Laughing, he added, “Hey, I like this side of you! You don’t let me see it very often.”
“And you’re not going to, if you don’t cut it out.”
Nick smiled at her. “Seriously, though, thanks for the compliment.”
“You’re welcome—I think.” She tried to appear serious, but it was difficult when he made her smile.
“Shall we?” Nick opened the door of the restaurant for her. The name of it was the Crustacean and it was in Beverly Hills. Carly’s breath was taken away when they were greeted by a waterfall and a floor-to-ceiling aquarium, walking on glass over a stream of koi.
“Nick, this is beautiful!” She commented.
“Yeah, pretty cool, huh? Kenneth loves this place.” He said as he led her through the restaurant.
“I have to admit that I’m really nervous.” Carly whispered to him just before they approached the table.
Nick put his arm around her and whispered, “Don’t be. We’re all just regular people. Oh, and don’t forget to breathe and speak.” Nick squeezed her arm, grinning.
“You are such a…” She began her bitter tirade against him, but they arrived at the table just then and Nick cut her off.
“Hi guys! Carly made it. Carly, this is AJ, Howie, Brian, Leighanne, Kevin, Kristen, Kenneth and his wife, Marcy and Johnny and his wife, Connie.” There were a few other members of their crew there, but Carly didn’t catch everyone’s name. She was too star struck over seeing the fab five.
Everyone said hi to her and just when Carly tried to take a step towards the table, her stiletto heel caught the edge of the carpet and she tripped, falling right smack into AJ’s arms. She was flushed bright red with embarrassment, especially when everyone laughed, including AJ.
“Well, it’s really nice to meet you, Carly. I didn’t quite expect this kind of a greeting, but I’m happy about it!” AJ joked. “Are you okay?” He said, helping her stand up again.
“Yes, thanks. I think I’ll just go into a corner and die right now.” She admitted honestly.
“Hey, don’t worry about it. If you only knew about all the stupid things we’ve done over the years,” Brian said, “And a lot of them were on stage in front of thousands of people!”
“Yeah, Nick, remember when we doing the Millenium tour and you were almost hanging suspended by one cable!” Brian pointed out.
“I know, man, that’s was so fucked up. I was scared to death! Thank God, one of the dancers hooked me up just in time! I’m sure I looked like an idiot hanging there!” Nick said, smiling at her.
“Yeah, you did!” Kevin chimed in and they all roared.
Carly smiled at all five of them gratefully. They were the most gracious, honest, down-to-earth guys; even better than she imagined they would be. She was truly blessed to have met them, she thought.
Everyone else was just as nice and treated her as warmly. Carly got over her initial embarrassment, sat down next to Nick and Howie and prepared to have a wonderful evening.
The meal was delightful. The Crustacean served seafood and Vietnamese cuisine. Carly wasn’t sure she would like it at first, but the Tiger Prawns with Garlic Noodles was delicious. Nick had the lobster and everyone seemed to enjoy the food and effervescent company.
Carly drank red wine and talked and laughed with Nick and Howie, as well as the other guys and was so far having the time of her life. She caught Nick staring at her a few times and she would smile back at him and then turn away shyly. He had the most amazing effect on her and once she had her third glass of wine; it was affecting not only her mind, but her entire body. Thoughts of him ravaging her body in the past kept flashing through her mind and she kept wondering if he would be doing it again once the evening ended. This isn’t a date, this isn’t a date, remember, Carly? You have a boyfriend, you have a boyfriend. However, the chanting didn’t seem to convince her weak mind or quivering body at the moment. She wanted him and she wanted him bad.
The birthday cake and song were sung; Carly thoroughly enjoyed hearing the five guys sing it in harmony. She loved their harmonies; no one could do it better.
A couple hours later, there seemed to be a few groups of people talking amongst themselves. The wives were conversing, chattering away about anything and everything, gossiping and giggling, the managers and crewmembers were talking, smoking and drinking, and Nick, Howie, Brian, AJ and Kevin were all talking about the completion of their album and upcoming tour. Carly was with Nick’s group, enjoying listening and watching them talking; still mesmerized by all five of them being right there in front of her. She also enjoyed Nick’s close presence next to her. Once, he grabbed her hand discreetly under the table and they shared a knowing smile between the two of them. Carly got chills from the touch of his hand and the fact that he made such an endearing gesture. Her palm was hot against his.
“So, Carly, since you threw yourself at me earlier, I think you should be my date.” AJ said, smiling.
“Sure!” Carly laughed and stood up to go sit by him. She ignored Nick’s stare and walked over and sat down right next to AJ. Kevin, Brian and Howie were laughing as they watched the entire scene play out. AJ welcomed her presence and immediately started flirting with her. He put his arm around her and nuzzled her neck. Carly was laughing and having fun with it. He was just playing with her and having a good time, not knowing he was drawing the wrath from Nick. Carly looked over at Nick and he was not a happy camper. He was shooting daggers at them with his eyes. She watched as he stood up and walked in the direction of the restrooms. Carly grew serious. She better go check on him. She didn’t want to hurt him. Hell, they weren’t even supposed to be on a damn date, but still, there were obviously feelings involved.
“AJ, I’ll be right back.” She said, smiling.
“OK, baby, but don’t take too long.” He teased her, taking another sip of his Sprite. He was probably the only one not drinking in their group and yet he still managed to have a good time. She applauded his efforts at sobriety and being an all around great guy. But it was now time to find Nick and see if he was okay.
“Nick?” Carly asked, poking her head into the men’s restroom. No answer. Huh. She turned around and was met with Nick’s arms suddenly around her and his mouth pressed against hers in a massive lip-lock. He kissed her passionately and Carly kissed him back with equaled passion. After a few seconds, they pulled away, breathless.
“What was that?” Was all Carly could say, still affected by his kiss.
“I know you have a boyfriend. I know we were just supposed to be here as friends. I know what we said, but that’s not what I want.” He was leaning against one of the payphones, head cocked, eyes lit up, lips curled into a smoldering smile—did he know how damn sexy he looked right now? He could melt the hardest of women’s hearts and hers was dripping wet right now.
Her voice quivered as she asked, “What is it that you want, Nick?” Her heart was beating so hard, she wasn’t sure she would hear him above the din of it, but she clearly heard him say:
“I want you.” His lips were on hers again and Carly was rapidly losing all sense right and wrong, good and bad and all she wanted was this bad boy, heartbreaker, sexual god to women to keep on kissing her, to make love to her and be her new reason for living. Nick was taking her one step closer to the new, improved Carly Benjamin and her new future.
