The Backstreet Boys are set to go on a six week U.S. tour. Rachel sits in deep thought in the airport lobby. "First stop Houston, Texas." states Nick looking at the itinerary. He waves his hand in front of Rachel face. "Hello! Earth to Rachel!"

"Sorry. What were you saying?"

"I was just looking at our schedule. You really zoned out. What were you thinking about?"

"I know you want to be able to have a private life but as a fan I have to say I don't like my favorite celebs lying to me. And as a girlfriend...Nick I'm just confused."

"Rae sweetheart I love you. I'm not trying to keep the fans happy by not telling them I'm just trying to keep something to myself."

"I understand that but again as a fan I can tell you they'll probably be a lot less curious and stay out of your life if you just tell them. Besides how am I supposed to act around them? Am I just your bodyguard?"

"I just want to protect you. Some of them are so... All the name calling and jealousy."

"I don't care. I can ignore it. I've been in their shoes, I've been jealous. The main reason I am someone's fan is because of their music. The *true* fans will support you as long as you put out good music no matter what else you do."

"Have you ever called a celeb's girlfriend names?"

Rachel blushes. "Yeah but not because she was dating someone I had a crush on. She had to have done something."

"Oh. Well you won't give anyone a *reason* will you?"

"No, of course not. I love you, I'll never ever do anything to intentionally hurt you. And if I ever do anything that makes you feel bad tell me. Please!"

"Don't worry. Same goes for you too." He kisses her.

"Last call for flight 414 to Houston." is called over the PA.

"Let's go." says Nick helping Rae to her feet.

The last show is in Tampa. The BSB hold a press conference that day. "Nick do you have a girlfriend?" asks a reporter. Nick looks at Rachel who is standing at the end of the stage. The reporter follows his gaze. "I know that young lady is a part of your security team but is there something more between you two? There's a picture in a magazine that sure looks that way."

She holds up a picture of Nick and Rae kissing in the airport.

"Oh man!" mutters Nick. He motions Rachel over. He slides his arm around her waist. "This is Rachel Collins. A little while ago I had a stalker. Rachel was assigned as my bodyguard. We've fallen in love. She wanted to work and be with me and Kev came up with a way for her to do both. That's how she became part of our security. I don't like revealing my personal life but since I have I would appreciate it if we could be left alone."

That night Rachel walks up behind Nick and slides her arms around him. "I'm really proud of you." she says kissing his back.

He turns to face her and smiles. "For what?"

"I know it took a lot to reveal private information like that but I really think it was for the best."

"I'm sorry about that picture. The paparazzi..."

"Nick I know. Even though you shouldn't famous people have to deal with it."

"But you don't."

"If I'm going to be with you I do. I'll put up with it for you."

"You are so incredible." He leans down and starts kissing her.

"Cut that out you two." scolds AJ playfully.

"I was just getting warmed up for the show." says Nick.

"I've been thinking." begins Brian. "Even though Rae's a bodyguard she may need one to protect her from the jealous girls who know the truth now."

"I can take care of myself don't worry. And just maybe they'll be afraid of me." she says jokingly.

Nick laughs and kisses the top of her head. "I love you. Well it's show time."

"I love you too."

"Maybe Frick's right. Maybe you should stay back here."

"NICK!" she whines.

"Okay! It was just a suggestion."

During the show Rachel walks around the stage watching the audience and ALL OF THE GUYS. She's a bodyguard for THE BACKSTREET BOYS now not Nick Carter.

She disassociates her relationship with Nick from her work. She is standing with her back against the barricade watching AJ's solo when someone taps her on the shoulder. She turns to see two girls maybe a couple years younger than she is. "Can I help you?"

"Yes. Would you mind taking a picture of AJ for me?" asks one girl. "Even though this is the front row I'm still not as close as I'd like to be."

Rae smiles and takes the camera. She walks up to the stage and waves to AJ. He flashes her a big goofy grin. She laughs and snaps the picture. "I think that should turn out nicely." she says giving the camera back.

"Thanks."

"Well I've figured out who your favorite is. How about you?" she asks the other girl. "Who do you like?"

"Nick." the girl murmurs.

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."

"I like Nick. You're his girlfriend aren't you?"

"Yeah."

"So is he as wonderful as I think he is?"

"Probably more so. Don't get me wrong he's not perfect. I don't expect him to be but he is wonderful. I understand how you feel, it hurts seeing crush with someone that's not you. Just know that Nick is happy. I love him. I'll never hurt him, and if I ever do I give his family, friends, *and fans* all permission to come after me."

The girls laugh. "You're cool! I like you." says the second girl.

Backstage after the show the guys hold a meet and greet. Rachel sees the girl she had talked to with Nick. Afterwards he tells her, "The people are accepting you."

"The people?"

"Yeah, everyone has told me that as long as I'm happy they're happy."

"See you underestimated them. I knew they'd understand."

"Of course they're still jealous, and there's always the fear of another Megan out there."

"Let's not even think about that."

"Hey if it wasn't for my being stalked we probably wouldn't have met."

"Maybe not but I would have tried to get to you. Who do you think the celeb was that I've been talking about?"

Nick looks at her questioning then it dawns on him. "ME?!"

"Duh! I know you dated a girl for a while that wasn't any good for you. That hurt me. Nick all I want is for you to be happy and I'll do everything I can to make sure that you are."

"And I'll always make sure that you're happy." He wraps his arms around her.

"I know that my family, and friends, and fans love me but you have given me something I've never had before. The love you give me is like nothing I've ever felt. The only thing greater than loving you is knowing how much you love me." He chokes back his tears. "I hate to cry." he says with a chuckle.

Rachel has tears in her own eyes. "Me too but I like a sensitive man. You just said to me exactly what I feel about you." She stretches up to kiss him.

Nick's family has been there for the show. Jane sees Nick and Rae. "Bob come here. Look at them."

"I've never seen Nick so happy." says Bob. "She's the best thing that's ever happened to him. She's an extraordinary young woman."

"The kids absolutely love her, so do I." proclaims Jane.

"Me too." says Bob. He laughs then adds, "If Nick wasn't in love with her we could adopt her."

>>>>>

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