Chapter Twenty


Six months Later


“I missed you so much.” Nick mumbled into Kaity’s hair as he clung to her in the middle of a busy stadium.

“I missed you too, baby.” Kaity whispered back as she kissed Nick’s neck. Three weeks after her birthday, Kaity had sadly departed from the Backstreet Tour to rejoin her family back in Tampa. Nick and the rest of the guys had finished up their U.S tour and had released another album, ‘Black and Blue’. As Nick had said, ‘How Did I Fall In Love With You’ was a track present on the hit album. Kaity made a point to listen to it daily and, while holding the necklace Nick had given to her, she thought of him. Nick and the Backstreet Boys began a world tour almost immediately and were scheduled to perform the National Anthem at the Superbowl on Nick’s 21st birthday. Of course Kaity showed up along with Emily who hadn’t seen Brian since she visited on tour.

“Wow, look at you.” Nick said pulling back. “You’re more beautiful than I remembered.”

“Stop flattering me!” Kaity said covering her face.

“I still haven’t gotten you used to the compliments have I?” Nick teased.

“You drive me crazy..”

“That’s okay...you drive me crazy too.” Nick said touching her nose with his finger.

“So...Mr. Carter...completely legal now?”

“Damn straight! Twenty-one baby!”

“Poor little me, I can’t party with the Backstreet Boys anymore...yall will be dipping into the liquor.” Kaity said laughing.

“Nah, I’m not big on drinking, you know that.”

“Sure...” she said as Nick took her hand and began leading her towards the dressing rooms.

“Where are we going?” Kaity asked as she grabbed Emily with the other hand, dragging her along with them.

“The guys have been bothering me all day to make sure they got to see you.” Nick explained as he opened the door. “Brian is off the wall waiting for you.” Nick said looking back at Emily.

“Nick-ay!!” AJ yelled as he saw Nick enter the room.

“Guys...chill.”

“Oh my God, it’s the Backstreet Boys!!” Kaity said, plastering a fake look of shock on her face.

“Cut the sarcasm, that’s my department.” AJ said wrapping Kaity in a bear hug.

“Sexy!” Kaity said hugging back.

“Did you just call one of my best friends sexy?” Nick asked dumbfounded. Kaity laughed.

“Yup, don’t worry, you’re sexier.” she whispered in Nick’s ear as she headed for Brian.

“Rokster???? I have a present for you..” Brian looked up from the sheet music he was going over and spotted Emily.

“Emmy! Wow, I’ve missed you so much.” Brian said hugging and kissing Emily. The two had continued to date and were way over due for a visit.

“Sure, sure. It’s good to see you too Brian, yeah, I’ve missed you as well. A hug? Sure!” Kaity continued talking to herself. Brian looked up and laughed.

“Sorry sweetie, come here.” Brian said giving Kaity a hug too.

“Right...continue with Emily, I didn’t mean to intrude.” she finished smiling as she snuck up behind Howie.

“Sure...yeah...mmmhmmm...” Howie spoke into his cell phone. Kaity smiled and hugged him from behind, feeling him jump. “Jesus! Kaity! Wow...hey, I’m gonna have to get back to you...” he said quickly into his phone as he hung up.

“How ya doing??” Kaity asked kissing Howie on the cheek.

“Pretty good, how about yourself? You managing with out your blond friend home?” he asked as Nick joined them.

“Moi?” Nick asked.

“You speak French?” Kaity asked him.

“Oui Oui.” Nick said smiling.

“Liar.” she said smacking him. Howie laughed.

“How do you know that I’m lying?”

“Because...you have enough trouble speaking English..like hell you could learn a second language!” Nick’s jaw dropped.

“How you insult me!”

“Yeah, yeah, you love the attention.” Kaity said kissing him on the cheek.

“Nope, more..” Nick said turning his face so she could kiss the other cheek. “More.”

“Demanding aren’t we?” Nick nodded. She stood on tip toes and kissed him softly on the lips.

“It’s been awhile since you’ve kissed me. I miss the feel of your lips.” Nick said pulling her into his arms.

“You two are so adorable.” Howie said sighing.

“We know.” Nick said kissing Kaity again.

“Hey...” Kaity mumbled against Nick’s mouth.

“Huh?”

“I missed one. Where is Kevin?”

“You interrupted a kiss to ask me that question?!” Nick asked.

“Yup..where’s he at?”

“He went to visit MTV.” Nick said leaning towards her again. She held him back with her hand on his chest.

“Kevin’s at MTV? Where?! I wanna go see!”

“No...we were all supposed to show up..but we sent Kevin instead. We can’t show up now.” Nick informed her.

“Wait, wait...you ALL were supposed to make an appearance on MTV and you...backed out?” Kaity asked eyeing Nick.

“Uh...yeah. You were going to be here..I didn’t want to miss a second with you.”

“Awww....thanks Nick.” Kaity said hugging him.

“Anything for you.”

“What time do you and the guys have to be ready?”

“Pretty soon I guess...” Nick said sadly.

“What are you wearing??? Please say leather!” she pleaded.

“Um...leather?”

“Really? Now way...”

“Yes way...wanna see?” Nick asked her as he pulled her over to the clothes rack on the other side of the room.

“Guess I’m gonna see whether I want to or not.” Kaity muttered as Nick stopped at the rack. He flipped through the garments before he pulled out a knee length brown leather jacket.

“This is mine.”

“Yeah?” Kaity asked raising her eyebrows. She had an infatuation with Nick in leather, he looked damn fine.

“Yeah.”

“You will look hot.”

“Don’t I always look hot?” Nick asked her innocently.

“Course you do, why else would I be dating you?”

“Hmm...lemme think. Because we’re made for each other? Because we love each other? Because you promised me?” Nick listed smiling the entire time.

“I did promise you didn’t I? Hmm..I forgot about that.”

“I’m hurt.” Nick said sticking his bottom lip out. “Kiss it and make it all better.”

“What? You want me to make out with your bruised ego? Nah..I think I’ll pass.” Kaity said leaving his side. She went over to join Brian and Emily, who were in deep conversation.

“Hey..” she said nonchalantly. Across the room Nick tossed his jacket back on the rack and went after her. “Ummm...” Kaity began seeing Nick coming towards her with a determined look in his eyes. “Hey, Brian...wanna stand right here.”

‘”What are you doing?” Brian asked as Kaity shoved him in front of her. She ducked behind his back and clung to his shirt. “Kaity?” Emily laughed.

“Brian, move outta the way.” Nick said reaching behind Brian for Kaity. She dodged him.

“Uh, Nick, I can’t.”

“Bri, move!” Nick said trying to get around his best friend. Kaity steered Brian to the side to block Nick again.

“Kaity!” Brian complained. He tried to wiggle out of Kaity’s grasp, but was unsuccessful.

“Brian, I’m sorry, but I have to do this. Nick’s gonna tickle me if I let you go!” Kaity said knowing Nick’s plan. Whenever she made him mad, he would tackle her and then tickle her until she apologized.

“What is so wrong with tickling?” Brian asked as he quit struggling and tried to look behind himself at Kaity.

“He doesn’t let me go until I cry, pee my pants, or tell him he’s the greatest man in the universe...which he’s not!” Kaity said, raising her voice for the last part. Nick laughed and quickly made it past Brian and grabbed a hold of Kaity’s waist. He pulled on her until her hands were ripped from Brian’s shirt. Nick carried her to the couch in the middle of the room and tossed her in the middle. She squirmed to get away but Nick trapped her with his arms. Kneeling between her legs he looked up at her. “Okay..I’m ready.” she said closing her eyes, preparing herself to torture. Instead, she was met by Nick’s soft lips. Surprised, she opened her eyes and looked at his forehead. Unbelievable. Nick pulled away.

“I love you.” Nick said seriously.

“Oh, I see..you’re gonna trick me into thinking that you’re not going to tickle me, and then you’re gonna tickle me when I’m completely out of it.” Kaity guessed.

“No.”

“No? Well, then you’re going to wait until I kiss you back and then attack me?”

“Nope.”

“No? Are you sure? Well, then what are you going to do?”

“Kiss you again.” Nick said crushing her lips with his again. Kaity hesitated, prepared to be tickled, but when nothing happened, she surrendered and kissed back. It had been so long since she’d seen Nick, been able to hold him...kiss him. She loved him so much. He pulled back and blushed.

“I love you too.” Kaity told Nick. He smiled.

“Kev’s back, if you wanna go say hi to him.” Nick said releasing Kaity. She stood up and swayed, placing her hands on Nick’s shoulders. He stood up and steadied her.

“Sorry, my bad. I forgot my kisses make you go weak in the knees.” Nick said smirking.

“There goes the ego again.” Kaity said rolling her eyes. She kissed Nick once more before going to say hi to Kevin.

“Hey Kait.” Kevin said hugging Kaity. “How have you been?”

“Good, how are you?” Kaity asked putting her arm around Kevin. He wrapped his arm behind her and looked down at her.

“Pretty good...I just got back from an interview with MTV. These guys wussed out on me. Especially that one.” he said pointing to Nick. “He gave me this line of bullshit about his woman coming into town and he’d die if he didn’t get to see her immediately.”

“Awwww...he’s such a sweetie.”

“Yeah, I guess. He’s good to his girlfriend.” Kevin said smiling.

“He sure is.”

“....Backstreet Boys, we need you ready in 45 minutes...” A young man wearing a headset and carrying a clipboard said before leaving the room. Kevin dropped his arm.

“That’s our que. I better go get ready.” Kevin said kissing Kaity’s cheek. He made his way over to the rest of the group who had conjugated at the clothing rack. Nick grabbed his clothes and hurried into a dressing room. He emerged 10 minutes later dressed in a black turtleneck, black pants, and the leather jacket. Kaity smiled at his appearance. He sat down at the make-up table and let Kathy, their make-up artist style his hair and put on all the necessary make-up for a television appearance. Kaity took a seat and watched the rest of the guys paw through the rest of the clothes. One by one, the darted into the dressing room to change.

“Whatcha looking at?” Nick asked standing up. Kaity froze. He looked amazing. His hair was spiked just right. He was now wearing a gold chain with a cross. He looked gorgeous, mature, twenty-one. She smiled. “What? Do I look okay?” Nick asked seeing the shocked look on her face.

“You look better than okay, better than great. My God. I really haven’t seen you in a long time.” she whispered standing up as he reached her.

“What do you mean?”

“You don’t look like a boy anymore, Nick. You look so grown up. You look like a man.” she said touching his cheek.

“Are you feeling okay? I haven’t changed at all.”

“Yes, you have. Nick, you look so old.”

“Old? Do not say that!” Nick said cringing.

“I don’t mean old as in wrinkled, I mean old as in...grown up...Nick you aren’t the same person you were when I last saw you.” Kaity said.

“Is...is that a bad thing?” Nick asked nervously.

“Not in the least, you are beautiful.” Kaity said smiling.

“Beautiful? Beautiful?? Come on! Can’t I be handsome?”

“Do you always have to complain when I give you a compliment?”

“Yeah, you always argue with me when I compliment you.” Nick said kissing her.

“Yeah, I do...but I’m trying.”

“Sure...”

“Okay, we’re all ready?” Kevin asked getting up from the make-up table. A chorus of yes’s and yups sounded.

“.....Backstreet Boys in 10!” an announcement came over a loud speaker.

“We better get out there.” Howie said. The guys agreed.

“You coming out with us? You can watch us perform from the field.” Nick asked. Kaity nodded and grabbed a jacket.

The Backstreet Boys stood silently as they were introduced.

“....Ladies and gentlemen, the world’s most successful pop group, Florida’s own, the Backstreet Boys...” The music began, a huge orchestra playing the chords of the country’s anthem. The crowd was silent...the nation paused as Howie raised the microphone to his lips. Softly, he crooned the first verse of the American hymn. The rest of the group joined in, mixing their voices into a sweet harmony. The deep soulful song continued with the symphonic accompaniment. Hitting the climax of the song, U.S. Thunderbirds appeared, gliding on the horizon. The last verse rung throughout the stadium, the growl of the jets echoed above as they streaked past, fireworks exploded and the crowd cheered. Kaity smiled up at Nick. The man that she loved had just performed for millions of people across the country. The guys stepped down at the game began. Kaity wrapped her arms around Nick’s middle.

“Wonderful.” she stated.

“Thank you.”

“Sexy boy.”

“Hey! I thought I was a man!” Nick whined.

“Shut up..” Kaity said as the group was led to a press box to watch the game. “Happy Birthday.” she said kissing him as soon as they were situated in their private box.

“Thank you.” Nick said smiling down at her. “Are you my present?”

“No, silly. This is your present.” she said pulling a small, long, thin box from her bag. She handed it to Nick as he eyed it carefully. “Don’t just sit there..open it!” He did. “I know it isn’t much, nothing compared to a serenade..but...”

“No, no, it’s perfect.” Nick said pulling the ID bracelet she had bought him out of its confines.

“I wanted to get you something that wasn’t too big, and that you could carry with you always..and well, you can wear this.”

“I love it.” Nick said running his fingertips over his name engraved on the surface of the silver strip. He flipped it over and smiled. “Baby...” Nick began.

“Just read.”

“’To Nick, the man that I love. I will never let you go. I promise you now and forever. Love Kaity’.” Nick read. “Wow.” he whispered. He looked up at her. “Thank you so much.”

“Yeah, it was nothing.”

“No, it’s not nothing, this is something.” Nick said holding the bracelet up. Kaity took it and hooked it on his wrist. “That means a lot to me.”

“I’m glad it does. I live for that promise.”

“You do?” Nick asked.

“Yeah, I love you Nickolas.”

“I love you too.” Nick said pulling Kaity to him. He kissed her hard. She hesitated but kissed back. She increased the pressure of her kisses, only to be met with Nick deepening the kiss. Her mind swirled, she no longer thought about her surroundings, the fact that she was in the middle of a room with her friends, Superbowl personnel...it was just her and Nick. Electricity flowed from her finger tips to her toes, she was on fire. The only thing she could feel was the passion from the kiss, and Nick’s arms, warm and safe around her. He was the only person she felt, saw, cared about, wanted. Nick was the one. Howls and whistles brought the two back to earth. Pulling away, both laughed and looked around. All eyes were on them, everyone was smiling.

“Wow.” Kaity whispered in an almost inaudible tone.

“That has got to be the greatest kiss I have ever experienced.” Nick said burying his face in her neck as she wrapped him in her arms.

“I felt that one in my toes.” Kaity said giggling.

“I have many more where that came from.” Nick said pulling back to look down into her eyes.

“I look forward to receiving them.” Kaity said running her fingers through the short hair on the back of his neck. He kissed her forehead.

“And I’ve got the rest of our lives to give them.”

THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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