Justin yawned as he stretched out on the bed the next morning. His arms were still around Melissa but somehow during the night she had turned over to face him.
His friend was truly a beauty. Her eyes was such a shocking color of green and her hair was a dark color of silk. He wouldn't lie and say he didn't find her attractive. Her shirt had ridden up during the night and it revealed her flat, smooth, stomach with her small belly button. Her skin was tanned with a golden glow. He touched her face lightly. It was like warm velvet, and the touch immediately brought on a tingling sensation. He leaned over and gave her a feather soft kiss on her face. He was always going to be there to protect her.
"Having fun?"
Justin pulled away and rolled his eyes at her.
"Listen Just, I know I'm all that and 2 bags of chips, but I don't appreciate being mauled awake from my sleep." Melissa said, as opened an eye to take a peek at him.
"I know, but sometimes I just can't help myself. Your just so damn sexy. Damn these male hormones!" her cried out jokingly as she hopped out of the bed and went into the bathroom.
"You know you want me. I can see it in your eyes. You devil, you."
He followed her, keeping up the banter.
"How you like me now?" She smiled at him flashing a mouth full of toothpaste.
"Oh, god you don't know what that does to me!" He sat on the counter top next to the sink. "So are you coming to the photo shoot today for the video?"
"Unlike some people, today I actually have to go to class and expand my mind...but I guess I can swing by and make my presence known."
"Good. I need someone to help me hide away from Keila and her brush." He shuddered. "I already have the chills."
She spit into the sink. "Honestly, I don't know why it hurts you so much when she fixes your hair. When I comb your hair you hardly flinch. Though I've grown accustomed to take care of your curly nap."
"But you do it right," he whined. "You don't yank on my head all the time. I think she's given me brain damage."
"Nope, your mom only dropped you on your head a couple of times. You better thank your curly nap. It broke your fall. Stupid hair," Melissa said shaking her head.
"Aw you know you love me," Justin replied throwing his arms around his friend.
"Yeah, yeah, I've grown to accumulate feelings for you in that direction over the years. Must be a fluke or either a temporary lose of sanity."
"Ow! OW! Shit! Someone help me! It hurts! The pain! Ahhhh!"
"For the love of god, will you sit still?! It will only hurt worse when you move! Honestly do you ever cut your hair!"
Melissa walked into the studio and smirked. "I see Keila has already gotten to Justin."
"She's gotten to us all," JC replied, coming up to her trying to button up his shirt unsuccessfully.
"I can tell. You look amazingly scruff free, JC. Here let me you out. It looks like your getting nowhere." She carefully button up his shirt with no problems.
"Thank You! I been trying to do that for at least ten minutes. You're a miracle worker, Mel. So what brings you here today?"
"A list of many. Umm, let's see. To make of you guys, make fun of Justin, laugh at your gay costumes, make fun of Justin, make fun of his hair, laugh some more at your gay costumes, and maybe draw a picture or two," Melissa said finally.
"Interesting. Don't strain yourself, or cause a riot with MTV. Don't let me remind you of what happened the last time."
"Oooh, is Making the Video here? Or Carson Daly? Me and him have some unfinished business to attend to." Melissa pouted when JC said no. "Come on, I just want to yank his chain a little! Can't I have a little fun?"
"Bad for you and lucky for Carson, only the cameras are here today."
"Wimp. I know he's scared of me. I'll get that little wanker, one day."
"LISSA!! Help Meeeeee!!!" Justin ran by her with Keila hot on his tail.
"Justin, will you sit down and let me finish your hair for goodness sakes! I will never understand why he is such a baby! If you mess up one strand of hair on that curly head of yours, they'll be hell to pay! Do you here me, boy? I'm going to shave your head while you're sleeping!" Keila shouted after him waving a brush.
"Hide me Lissa! She's a witch I tell you! A witch in disguise! I was lucky to get away!" he exclaimed, hiding behind her.
"Oh no, don't bring me into this! She's after me too, you idiot. She keeps on saying about all the things she can do with me and my hair and OW! Watch where you're grabbing onto, Just!" Melissa shouted, when Justin grabbed her ass.
JC laughed, backing away from the chaos. "Ok. I'm just going to back away now before somehow I get involved in this craziness."
"JC, come back! I need your help and OW! Damnit Justin! Stop grabbing my ass!"
"I'm sorry. In times of crisis and have the urge to relieve all my sexual tension," Justin replied ducking her slap.
"Take a leaf from Joey's book and take your frustration out on a blow-up doll!"
"Hey, I can hear you guys, you know that right?" Joey came up to Melissa and Justin from the corner of the room.
"We, know that Joey. I mean you of all people would not be missed because of your siz-
JC came up to Chris and put his hand around his mouth. "Keep quiet Chris, and I'll take you to Disney Land."
"Really?" he turned to JC hopefully.
"No Chris."
"Damn."
"I'm to old for this," Keila muttered as she gave up and walked away. "Go on with your nappy self."
"Woohoo! I'm free! Thanks Lissa!" Justin kissed her on the cheek and walked to the dressing room.
"Why do I even bother with you people?"
"We have a problem you guys," Dave, the video coordinator sighed, coming up to the five guys, worried. "The model in the video, Kim Smith, caught the flu. That means we have no girl for the photo shoot and no girl for the video."
"Well, maybe we can replace her in time for the shoot and the video tomorrow," Lance suggested.
"It took us long time to pick out the girl for the video but I guess we can try."
"What did she look like?" Joey asked. "Maybe we can call up some friends, or something."
Dave crossed his arms. "Well, she was sort of tall, had black hair, bright green eyes." He sighed. "Don't even bother guys. It's probably impossible now. I'll just call Wayne and ask for another girl."
All five guys' eyes immediately slid over to where Melissa was sitting on a couch drawing in her notebook.
Melissa noticed the silence and looked up. "What? ME? You want to use me for the photo shoot and the video? Hold up. Umm. I don't think so." She got and back away uncertainly when the six men walked towards her slowly. "I draw for god sakes! I'm not a model! And I don't want to be in your video or stupid photo shoot thingy!"
JC eyed her closely. "You do fit the description though. The quicker we get this done the quicker we all can leave. Can't you help us out, sweetheart?"
"I help you guys enough. I'm practically your hired baby sitters. Well at least Justin's anyway. Why are you still looking at me like that? I not a piece of meat you know. And besides, I'm only here for the comic relief," Melissa said, still moving away from them.
"Well then, humor me and do the shoot! Please?" Justin came up to her and knelt down on his knees and stuck out his bottom lip.
"No! And don't give me that sappy puppy dog look. It's not going to work," Melissa said rolling her eyes.
"Will you do it for a kiss?" Joey looked at her slyly.
"No. I'm not stupid."
"How about a free meal?"
"I'm not ghetto either. Nope."
Justin snapped his fingers together. "I've got it! How about some pineapples?"
"Pineapples? Where did that come from?" JC looked over at Melissa curiously.
"Stupid jerk knows my one weakness. I have a fetish for for pineapples." She mumbled softly under her breath.
"What was that?"
"I HAVE A FREAKING FETISH FOR PINEAPPLES! I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT THE THINGS! DAMN! Now where's Keila? Tell her she can have her way with me." She walked off towards the dressing room muttering curse words under her breath.
"Uh-uh. Those aren't really nice words, Lissa. What would mommy and daddy say about that?" Justin smirked at her retreating figure.
"They would say KISS MY ASS, Justin," she yelled before walking in.
"Kinky for fruits. I'll remember that one this Christmas. Thanks Justin!" Joey started off towards the dressing room.
A few seconds later everyone heard a scream from inside the dressing room.
"Joey you PERVERT! Get away from me with that big pineapple!"
Melissa emerged from the bathroom a half an hour later. "I can't go out in front of people like this! It's indecent!"
"What are you talking about?" Keila added some more make up on her face.
"I've worn more clothing to the beach! Who picked out these clothes anyways?"
"Justin."
"Figures. I'm hardly wearing any clothes at all. Thank God it wasn't Joey. I guess I'm that lucky," she said shivering.
"All done!"
Melissa looked at herself in the mirror and stared in amazement. Keila had cut of some of her hair and curled it up into tiny tendrils and let them flow freely around her shoulders. Her makeup was artistically done with black eye shadow bringing out the color of her eyes. Blush was applied enough to bring out the tones in her face and cherry lip gloss made her lips sparkle in the light. Though her clothes didn't leave much to the imagination, her white string bikini top brought out the flat smoothness of her stomach and her silver belly button ring. The blue jeans shorts made her legs looks long and curvy.
"Wow." She stared at the beautiful woman looking back at her. It was amazing. "Is this really me? I mean I usually don't dress like this. I usually don't care about what I wear and this is just...wow."
"Yes, I know I'm good." She smirked at the gaping girl. "No need for compliments. I mean, I tango with Justin Timberlake's hair almost every day and you expected not to look like a million bucks?" Keila beamed at her.
"Lissa! Are you done in there? Everyone waiting out here and is ready to get started." Justin hit the door some more. "Hurry up girl!"
"Do you think he will-I mean, do you think they will like it?" Melissa hoped she had covered her mistake. I mean, she didn't care about what he thought...At least not much anyways.
"Who wouldn't? "
"Right now, a couple of angry dysfunctional NSYNC teenies with a grudge."
"Just go out there and show the cameras' who's the boss," Keila said in a comforting manner. "You can do it."
"Lissa! Come on!"
Melissa sighed and walked to door and opened it.
"It's about time ...." Justin's voice trailed off when he took a good look at his best friend. She looked...No words could describe the way she looked to him. I mean this was the girl he used to eat crayons with. But right now she looked like a butterfly that had just shed her cocoon. He wouldn't lie to her. She looked sexy. And amazingly beautiful. Right now he was having thoughts about her that he shouldn't be having about his best friend.
"Well? Are we going to take the pictures or not? Or are you going to stand there and stare at me like a mindless idiot?"
"Umm...Well it's just that you look pretty that's all. Really nice. The clothes fit you well. In all the right places. Uh...I mean. They're ready to get started," Justin stuttered, stumbling over his words and squeaking a bit.
"Okay. I think we already established this fact with the pounding on the door. Are you okay? Your staring at me like Cletus the Slacked Jawed Yokel."
"Yeah I'm fine. Just perfect. I mean, let's go." Justin tore his eyes away, shaking his head.
Keila stared at the two and their obvious infatuation with each other and smiled.
Melissa and Justin walked into the photo shoot area where the four guys and the photographer were waiting patiently.
JC was the first to catch a glimpse of her and did a double take. "Whoa! What happened to you?"
"What? Dear God! Who are you and what have you done to Melissa?" Chris stared at her with wide eyes. "Damn girl. You look like chocolate covered strawberries and two bags of chips."
Joey jumped up to his feet and put his arm Melissa. "Hey baby, do you want to know what'll look real good on you?"
Melissa rolled her eyes and sighed. "I'm afraid to ask. What?"
"Me." Joey smiled suggestively at her raising his eyebrows.
"Cut the bull, Joey," Melissa said shrugging his arm off of her shoulder.
"Wonderful, now that everyone's ready we can be begin." The photographer clapped his hands together ecstatically. "Let me have a look at my model. Child, you look beautiful! Just remarkable. A great replacement."
"Paul, what am I supposed to do?" She covered her stomach a little. She wasn't really comfortable being in front of the cameras half-naked.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you the storyline. Well, the concept for 'This I Promise You' is for the guy to fall hopelessly in love with the girl. Saying that he would give up anything for her and give her his undying love and so forth and so on. I'm sure you've heard the song, dear."
"So who's the guy in the video?" Melissa asked looking around.
"You're standing next to him."
Melissa turned sideways and found herself facing Justin's sardonic smile. "What, you mean Justin?! Justin is the guy in the video?! I'm supposed to be in love with Justin?! Do you how freaky that is?! He's my best friend! Suddenly, I'm not sure I can do this."
"Don't be shy. Just a few passionate kisses and pretty smiles and it will be all over," Paul said fiddling with his camera.
Joey turned to Chris and smiled knowingly. "Yeah only a few passionate kisses." They giggled quietly.
"WHAT?!"
Justin threw Joey a dirty look and rested his eyes again on Melissa." Come on Lissa, don't bail out on us now. I mean its only me. Just focus on me. You can do it for me." Justin reached over and grabbed her hand. He held carefully between his own fingers and rubbed her palm softly.
Melissa stared at there entwined hands and sighed. He was right. It was only him. She had nothing to be worried about.... And then again, she had everything to be worried about.
"Ok...I guess we can get started, then." Melissa shivered again, an electric like shock running through her from Justin's touch.
"Great, my dear! Now you have nothing to be worried about. Just let the camera capture your beautiful face and your gorgeous figure."
Melissa sighed as she slid deeper into her candlelit bubble bath. Today had been one hell of a day for her. All in all, the photo shoot had gone well. She didn't have that many interactions with Justin than that she had thought. It was pretty innocent today. Nothing more than a couple of tight embraces or meaningful looks. The only thing that threw her off was the skin to skin contact. I mean sure she had shared quite a few hugs together over the years. But she had never experienced physical nature of Justin's bare hands on her body before...or enjoyed it. She wasn't sure that she liked it or not. It was just different for her.
She inhaled deeply as she added more oils to the bath. She had loved this house. Justin had let her decorate most of the house by herself because of her artistic nature when she had decided to move in with him. She was here most of the time anyways because of school and Justin was seldom allowed to enjoy as much as she did. She had especially loved the adjoining bedrooms and bathrooms she had designed for the both of them. The bedroom walls were lined with black and white photos of Justin and Melissa since they were babies up to then. Each one depicted a special memory that they had both shared together. They both had king sized beds and major entertainment systems and plush white carpeting. They even had the same amount of extra closet space since they both had accumulated a lot of stuff. Their bedrooms shared a large balcony that had sweeping view of the garden and valley below. All decorated by Melissa. That's what made it more special. Each room depicted a tale and had collected a piece of Melissa's soul and heart.
She tried to think more about her finals that were coming up but more thoughts about that days' events fogged her mind. She loved that boy with all her heart, more than anything in the world no matter how stubborn or aggravating he could be. They were exactly alike. He protected her and she protected him. But as a friend. But lately her thoughts were leaning in the other direction. Could she love Justin more than a friend? They both had grown up a lot. Physically and mentally. And they both were noticing it too. Could things change between them? It was one of the many questions she had been pondering in her head.
It was still the question lingering on her mind, thirty minutes later, long after her bath. She sat outside wrapped in a blanket on one of the glass benches that had been placed there on the balcony. It was one of her favorite places to come and draw and think.
"Hey Lissa," a soft voice called out to her.
She turned around and found Justin standing there leaning against the glass doors that led back inside the house. She could tell that he had just showered. He hadn't bothered to put on a shirt and she could see water droplets falling off of his chest onto the waistband of his pajamas bottoms.
"Hi." She tried to avoid his gaze that he was giving to her but it was too hard. There hadn't been a moment in her life she hadn't looked him straight in the face.
"It looks nice out here, doesn't it? No wonder you like coming here so much." He came and sat down close next to her.
"Yeah, its very beautiful." Melissa then became very conscious of Justin's near nakedness and shivered. "Aren't you cold? I don't want Lynn to be blaming me of your death. Here." She wrapped the blanket around the both of them carefully. "There."
Justin accepted the blanket without protest. "Thanks." He paused before he spoke. "Listen, we need to talk about today." He turned face her. "Tomorrow is going to be definitely weird and a little uncomfortable for the both of us. If you don't want to do it, the guys and I understand..."
"It's alright I can handle it." She pushed all thoughts of confusion to the back of her mind. "I mean its just you, right?" She grasped his hand in hers. "Besides if things get a little strange, I'll be sure to let you know about it."
He cracked a small smile. "You know you can't resist all that is Justin."
"Okay. Sure, Mr. Sexual white chocolate. Just remember that my body can only handle so much, even though I know you like it rough. The cameras are watching and some teeny has probably already plotted my death."
"You're so funny, Lissa." He sighed and put his arm around her. "I'll be here to protect you, though," he replied, his voce becoming huskier.
Melissa turned to him to see if he if he was still joking with her or not. To her surprise, his face looked blatantly serious. She leaned in closer to him. "I'm here for you too, J." She stared at him deeply, deep inside his beautiful blue eyes. They hypnotized her so much. So calm and serene. She had no idea that she was leaning closer to him until she saw him wet his lips with a flicker of his tongue. From then on she focused her attention on his lips, which to her, was only thing that mattered at that moment.
Justin had no idea what he was doing either. All he knew was he had to touch those sweet, beautiful lips of hers.
The two friends got closer, and closer, and closer until their forehead were touching together. Just one more inch and they would meet.
The faint ring of the door bell downstairs brought them back to reality. Melissa quickly snapped her head back and shook it slightly. She couldn't believe how close they could have gotten to kiss each other. She had almost kissed Justin. She didn't know what to do next. The insistent ring of the doorbell rang louder in their ears. " I-I better go get that," Melissa stammered. She jumped out of the blanket quickly and ran off the balcony and inside the house. If anything, the person at the door was sure going to have hell to pay.
Chapter
3
That's
the Way Love Goes Page
Series
Home