Shortly before 8 p.m., three black limos pulled up to the front entrance of Planet Hollywood in Orlando's Disney Village. The press was out in full force and there was an explosion of flashes as the Boys stepped onto the carpeted walkway. In a rare departure from the norm, each one was escorted by a beautiful young woman. Graciously they posed for the cameras, but offered no comment when questioned about the identities of their dates. Sarah, of course, was easily recognized and took a few extra minutes to act as spokesperson for the group. Smiling gently, she thanked the public for their support in months past and added that she looked forward to seeing them all during the upcoming tour.

Nick kept Becca tucked close to his side the entire time, purposely holding his hand over hers. They were prepared to deal with the consequences of being seen together, but had no desire for the press to even get a glimpse of the heart shaped diamond that graced her left ring finger. The less they knew, the easier it would be for her while he was on the road and she remained behind.

Finally, Kevin gave a closing statement and security ushered them all inside. The upper echelons of management had arranged the tour kickoff party and of course, all the right people were there. The entire club was wall-to-wall people: record company executives, representation from the music-publishing firm, family and friends.

The first hour was spent merely greeting all those gathered. Most of the couples had gone their separate ways early on, figuring that if they split up they could cover more ground and get this over with faster. All except Sarah and Howie. For reasons known only to them, they remained side by side the entire time. Even when conversing with others they touched; Howie's arm around her waist, Sarah's hand on his arm, never more than a breath apart.

Neither was aware of the curious looks from the tall, dark man on the opposite side of the room. Kevin watched intently. He was still puzzled by Sarah's behavior the last time they'd been together. He had expected some kind of explanation or even an apology, and when none had been forthcoming, he'd felt inexplicably hurt. As if she could read his thoughts, Sarah's eyes met his from across the room and she paled, looking quickly away. Kevin made up his mind to get to the bottom of it before the night was over.

*******

Becca had finally settled into a chair on the outer fringe as she watched Nick work the room. A gentle smile was plastered on her face and she fervently wished she were anywhere but *here*. After tonight she would only have one more night with Nick before the tour kicked off in Ft. Lauderdale. They'd never been apart for that long before and she was terrified; she couldn't imagine being on her own again. Absently, she toyed with her engagement ring, reflecting over the events of the past months and smiling to herself as she remembered Christmas.

Nick's proposal had come out of the blue and to say that she'd been shocked would be making a gross understatement. They'd returned home alone that night and sealed their commitment by making love for hours. In the early dawn they'd awakened to sleepily exchange gifts beneath the tree. They were both wearing their gifts tonight. Becca's neck was graced with a fine gold chain, and at the hollow of her throat lay a petite gold heart studded with diamonds. She'd given Nick a heavy silver band engraved with the same exact design as the tribal tattoo that circled his arm. He wore it now in place of the ring he'd given her in church that night.

Becca grinned as she remembered her other gift to Nick. Beneath his suit tonight was a pair of brightly colored boxers. He'd laughed hysterically when he'd opened them. Bright blue cotton, they had the image of Tony the Tiger all over them. The words *they're grrrreeeeeaaaaaat!* were printed right over the fly. He'd worn them all Christmas day, smiling at Becca's comparison of the quotation to what lay beneath the fabric, and just before dressing to go to Kevin's for dinner, they'd both fulfilled a long-standing fantasy by making love beneath the Christmas tree.

Her ring had been a New Years' gift. At the stroke of midnight as they kissed beneath the mistletoe, Nick had slipped the ring on her finger. "Happy New Year, Bec," he'd whispered as sentimental tears filled both their eyes. It had been a glorious few weeks and Becca's eyes filled once again as the reality of their impending separation began to sink in.

"It won't be so bad," Kevin said, sitting next to her and propping his feet on the empty chair across the way. "In a few weeks you can join us on one of our mid-week dates. And you'll be there for the opening next week, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it, I just -"

"What?"

"I just have a funny feeling..."

"Speaking of funny feelings, what's with Sarah?"

"Sarah?" Becca looked for her friend. "I have no idea. Why do you ask?"

"I can't put my finger on it, Bec. She hasn't talked to me tonight and she won't look at me, either. She blew me off last night when we were all together and that's not like her." He shook his head in confusion.

"Have you tried talking to her?

He shook his head. "She's made sure that we're never alone."

"I don't know what to say, Kevin. Maybe she's just uptight about the tour? It's going to be really hard on her with Howie being gone for so long. It's got to be on her mind all the time."

"But you'll be here, right? Bec, you have to keep an eye on her for me."

"I will Kevin, but-"

"No, you have my cell phone number, Becca. I want you to promise to call me any time, day or night. You know how I feel about her."

"Kevin," she said softly, "you have Vanessa now."

He sighed. "It's not the same and you know it."

"I do know, Kevin, and I'm sorry." She patted his hand in sympathy.

The light caught the diamond on her hand and Kevin held it up to take a look. "That's some ring," he grinned. "Hard to believe my little bro is getting hitched."

"He's not so little any more Kevin," she smiled.

"True, Bec, very true. Be happy, Becca."

"We will, Kevin, I know we will."

Leaning over, he kissed her on the cheek and went in search of Vanessa.

**********

By 11:30, most everyone but the guys and their dates had cleared out, leaving them to basically fend for themselves. The dance music had quieted to a slightly less deafening volume and AJ and Nick had taken to tending bar.

After the amount of alcohol they had consumed, neither was feeling any pain. Becca and Sonja sat off to the side nursing soft drinks, wishing for a way to escape. Unfortunately, they were both on call for the mid-morning service the next morning and it didn't appear as if they'd be leaving any time soon.

"Kaos, you're too young to be tending bar." Kevin plopped his empty glass down, expecting a refill.

"Yeah well, it's a private party. Besides, one more week and I'm there. Legal, dude! 'Bout damn time, too. What'll it be?"

"Same. Scotch and water. Easy on the water." Kevin watched, fascinated as Nick poured his drink, unaware that Sarah had come to stand beside him.

"Sweet Sarah!" AJ called. "Drinks are on the house, name your poison." He grinned at her, leering suggestively.

"Gimme an orgasm." Realizing how it sounded, she giggled. "A Purple Orgasm."

"Already did that once, baby." AJ smirked, noting that Kevin was not at all amused.

"Sarah, don't you think you've had enough?" Kevin asked.

"Nope. I can still think, so the answer is no." Sarah giggled tipsily. "Nicky, where's your girl?"

"Dunno …. Oh, there she is. Off in a corner with Sonja." He caught her eye and waved his fingers at her.

Becca waved back, trying in vain to send *take me home* vibes in his direction.

"She's cute, Kev. Isn't she cute?" He leaned on the bar, watching Becca with a sappy expression.

"Dude, you're trashed," AJ said, slapping him on the back. "What are we gonna do with you on tour? You'll be there, she'll be here …"

"She'll need a memento to remember him by." Sarah stood, wavering slightly. "Now … what can you leave behind, Nicky? Those nights'll be sooooo lonely…." She slurred.

AJ leaned over the bar, his voice dropping conspiratorially. "Something personal. Don'tcha think, Kev?"

"Maybe."

Vanessa and Allison had joined them, and they began plotting in earnest. Finally Ali spoke up. "Sarah, what do you do when Howie's gone?"

"Yeah," added Vanessa. "Do you do anything weird? Like … sleep with something of his?"

Sarah blushed. "Well …. I suppose."

"Spill it babe," AJ said. "We gotta initiate Bec into the BSB rules of being on the road."

Taking a long swig of her drink, Sarah whispered loudly, "Boxers."

Kevin choked on his drink. "Say what?"

Sarah giggled once again. "I sleep with his boxers under my pillow."

"Shit, that's kinky," AJ laughed.

"Is not."

"Is TOO."

"Well, ok, so maybe it is." Sarah motioned for another drink, which she downed in record time. "So Nicky – got a pair you wanta leave for Bec?"

He thought for a minute. "Only the ones I'm wearing. She gave them to me for Christmas."

"Take them off."

"Sarah?"

"You heard me, take them off."

"Now?" he asked. "HERE?"

"What better time to make a presentation," she laughed.

"Bec'll never go for that," Howie said, coming to stand behind her.

"Hi sweetie!" she purred, leaning back to look up into his eyes. "You can help."

"No way. Sarah, you're drunk."

"Yep," she giggled. "Sure am." She tried to kiss him, but missed, her lips landing on his ear instead. "Oops. C'mon, come dance with me." Sarah dragged Howie to the dance floor as the music kicked in once more. She laughed when she heard the opening strains.

So did Nick.

"You're not really going to do this, are you?" Kevin asked.

"Thinkin' about it. Gonna dance with my woman first." Tossing the bar towel to the floor, he made his way across the room, grabbed Becca by the hand and pulled her to the dance floor.

The beat was intense, and he moved his hips in time to the music. Any other time Becca would have loved it, but right now she was getting angry.

"Nick-"

He continued to dance around her, every so often bumping his hip against hers.

She tried once more. "Nick, I really think-"

"Baby, come on. You gotta loosen up a little."

"Nick, we need to go home."

"Don’t wanta. This is the last party we'll have together for months."

"That's just it," she said over the rising music. "I just want to be with *you* tonight. Alone."

"We can be alone, later." He spun her about, nearly losing his balance.

"Nick, you're drunk. Take me home."

"Yep, and nope." He laughed, beginning to sing along at the top of his voice. "If you want my body and you think I'm sexy, come on sugar let me know…"

Becca pulled away, intending to leave, but Sarah pushed her down into a chair by the edge of the dance floor.

"Sit, Bec, Nicky's got a present for you."

Horrified, Becca watched as Nick began to strip. All the moves he'd perfected for the stage were put to the test as he danced and gyrated for his audience of one. Sarah seemed to be his assistant for the evening, catching random pieces of clothing that were tossed aside as the rest of the room erupted into hoots and catcalls. His shirt went by the wayside as he ran his hands down his sides, closing his eyes in mock sexual ecstasy. His shoes and socks were long gone, and he twisted and turned, shaking his ass from side to side and running his hands through his hair.

Becca began to tremble, wondering exactly how far he planned to take this charade.

That far.

Nick turned toward her once again, his hand over his crotch as he squeezed the package below. He smirked at her, running his other hand up and over his bare chest.

"God-" she gasped, turning bright red.

That was nothing compared to what he did next. Looking deeply into her eyes he tugged open the clasp at his waist, unzipping his slacks and licking his lips as they began to slide low on his hips.

"Nick!" Becca hissed.

"Gotta take 'em off to get to your present," AJ said in her ear. "Looks like he needs help." AJ danced over to Nick, and they clasped hands in unity as they sang the song.

Ali laughed, clapping her hands with the beat and thinking how wonderfully insane AJ really was.

Nick stood with his back to Becca. Spreading his feet and standing perfectly still, Nick moved only his pelvis to the music as his pants slid lower and lower, finally dropping around his ankles. AJ helped him step out of them, and cackled as Nick stood center stage with nothing but Tony the Tiger covering his assets.

"He wouldn't," Becca said to no one in particular.

"Don't bet on it," Brian said, standing behind her with his arms crossed over his chest.

Sure enough, after tossing a wicked grin over his shoulder, he bent forward, and hooking his thumbs in the waistband, pulled them swiftly off, mooning everyone in the room.

The women shrieked in delight, all except Becca, who sat perfectly still, mortified. Before she could gather her wits enough to head for the door, something plopped into her lap. Nick's boxers.

There he stood, with nothing but his shirt to cover himself. Sarah must have tossed it to him.

Without another word, Becca stood primly, tucked Nick's boxers under her arm and walked out.

Becca was out the door and halfway to the curb before anyone could stop her. Nick couldn't run after her, hell, he was half naked. Sarah was too drunk to walk, much less run after her friend. It was hopeless. AJ was hysterical, and Brian and Kevin were too busy helping Nick put his clothes back on to be of any use.

"Somebody stop her!" Kevin roared, struggling with Nick's pants.

"Billy, go get her," Howie commanded quietly.

Nick's bodyguard caught her just as she was getting into a taxicab.

"Bec!" he called.

"Go away, Billy."

"Come back inside."

"No," she said firmly, opening the door of the cab.

"At least let one of the drivers take you home," he tried reasoning with her.

"No way in hell, Billy. After that spectacle I want NOTHING to do with Nick or anyone associated with him."

"Becca-"

"Piss off, Billy."

"REBECCA DAWN!"

She spun about, standing straight up to her full 5'4". "Do NOT take that tone with me. I'M not the one in need of a babysitter tonight. I suggest you go back inside and help the Boys find their way home."

Twenty minutes later she let herself into a dark and quiet house. The first tear fell as she climbed the stairs and she wept quietly as she undressed in the dark. Making sure her alarm was set, she crawled beneath the covers alone, clutching Nick's boxers to her heart and crying herself to sleep.

Nick let himself in with Sarah's key that Howie had taken from her purse.

"Becca?" he called softly into the dark. He climbed the stairs slowly, turning the knob to Becca's bedroom. It was locked. Stepping back in shock, he resigned himself to a cold night on the sofa. Within seconds of stretching out, he was dead to the world and snoring softly.

It was 8:15 a.m. when Becca left for church. She was exhausted and her head hurt. She smiled ruefully. Her head hurt and SHE hadn't even been drinking. She could only imagine how Nick would feel when he finally awakened. "Good," she said, slamming the front door just for spite.

*****

"Honey, I'm home," she called out sarcastically, slamming the front door behind her. Her only response was a moan that came from the direction of the living room.

"Bec?" Nick moaned pitifully.

"Get your ass up, Carter." Striding purposefully to the patio doors, she pulled open the vertical blinds allowing the bright noon sunlight to spill into the room.

"Oh God…" Nick whined, pulling a throw pillow over his face.

"Something wrong, Nicky?" she asked sweetly.

"I'm dying," he groaned.

"No, you're hung over. You only WISH you were dying, there's a difference." On that parting note she climbed the stairs, stamping her feet loudly.

"Shhhhhh…." he whispered. "Tip toe, Bec, God please…. tip toe."

Becca emerged in her swimsuit. Nick watched her from the kitchen as she tossed her towel on a lounge chair and dove gracefully into the pool. Pouring a large glass of orange juice, he swallowed a handful of aspirin and rinsed his face in the sink. He squinted against the light, and carefully made his way to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

Becca was hanging onto a floaty when she heard the patio door open and close. Opening one eye, she looked over to see Nick sitting on the edge of the pool with his feet dangling in the water.

"Hey," he said.

"Well, well, it walks it talks."

Nick sighed. "I'm sorry," he said simply.

Becca turned her back and paddled to the other side.

"If it's any consolation, I hurt like hell."

"Good. You should," she replied, her back still turned.

"Becca, look at me."

She felt a ripple in the water as he slid off the side and into the pool.

"I was an ass last night," he said, treading water right behind her.

"Yes, you were. You acted like a frat boy, Nick. God, I was so embarrassed."

"Billy gave me hell. Did you really tell him to piss off?"

Becca couldn't help it. She grinned. "Yeah, yeah I did."

"I really am sorry." Nick raised his hand to her face and trailed a wet finger down her cheek.

"You're leaving in the morning, Nick. I just wanted a night with you before-" she was silenced by his lips covering hers. Slowly she gave in to the gentle pressure of his mouth, parting her lips and allowing him to deepen the kiss.

"We have all afternoon. Let me make it up to you." Nick pulled her closer, holding her afloat as he continued to tread water. "Please?" he whispered.

Becca couldn't refuse. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and the thin fabric of their suits couldn't conceal how aroused he was.

Nick watched as her eyes darkened and lowered one hand to her bottom to pull her even closer. Becca whimpered, tipping her head back and Nick kissed her, just below her ear.

"I love you, Nick," she said, winding her fingers through his hair and holding him close.

"I know, baby, I love you too." He rocked his hips against her heated center.

"Nicky, please," she begged.

"What Bec? What do you want?"

She gasped. "You. I want you."

"Where?" he asked, pulling the straps off her shoulders and licking her chest.

"Nick-"

"Talk to me, Becca. Tell me what you need, baby."

Becca could barely gather her thoughts. He continued to hold her afloat, now with one hand cupping her breast. "I need-" she hesitated shyly. "I need-" she gasped as his fingers tugged at her nipple. "God, Nick, your mouth, Please."

"Yeah. Good girl." Lifting her out of the water, he dipped his head and took her breast in his mouth. He knew she had no clue how it turned him on to hear her voice her needs, what she liked. He sucked gently, all the while swirling his tongue around her nipple.

She squirmed against him and he needed to be inside her, now. There would be time for 'slow' later. Carefully he made his way to the shallow end of the pool. Ducking beneath the water, he pulled her suit over her hips and off. Before rising out of the water, he nipped gently at the soft swell of her tummy. Nick rose from the water, shaking the drops from his hair as Becca pushed insistently at the waistband of his suit.

"Take it off, Nick."

"Why?" he grinned.

"Damn it, Nick, you owe me one, Just do it."

"Yes ma'am," he said, obediently kicking off his suit to float next to hers. "Better?"

Becca sighed. "Yes, much." She looked deep into his eyes. "Make love with me, Nicky."

He stared at her in silence for a long moment, memorizing her expression. Holding her face in his hands he said, "I love you so much, baby." Lifting her once again to wrap around his waist, he slowly lowered her while their bodies met and merged. The water slowed their movements as he pressed deep within her body.

"Oh my God," she breathed.

"Oh Bec, you feel so good." Nick pressed her back up against the wall of the pool, balancing with his hands on the concrete edge.

Becca held on tightly, her arms wrapped around his neck as he pushed into her again and again. Their passion built quickly, and as the water lapped at their bodies, they gave in, a powerful climax claiming them both and leaving them spent in each other's arms.

*******

Floating lazily in the pool, Nick asked the question that had been on his mind all night.

"So where are they?" he asked, lazily drawing circles on Becca's back.

"What?"

"My boxers. Did you sleep with them?"

"Um hmmm."

"Did it help?"

"No, not at all. I only want them if you're in them."

Nick sighed. "I'm sorry, Bec. I promise we'll be together as much as we can."

"I know, but-"

"No buts. You're coming to Ft. Lauderdale with me for the first three shows, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it. And then I'll see you in Tampa on Sunday.

"You sure you can't come to the game?"

"You know I can't, the timing is all wrong. It’s just cutting it too close. But I'll be there for your birthday party." She laughed. "Finally – I won't be engaged to a minor anymore!"

"Funny, Bec. Really funny." Shooting her an evil smile, he tipped over the pink plastic raft, sending her plummeting to the bottom of the pool.

When she surfaced, he was standing just inside the patio doors wearing nothing but a smile. Becca didn't even pretend to misunderstand the unspoken invitation. Stepping from the pool, ignoring the water dripping from her body, she joined him inside.

Catching her up in his arms, he carried her to her bedroom and proceeded to demonstrate exactly how much he was going to miss her.

Part 47        Prelude Index       The Dance Saga Index