Chapter 7
 

            Tina and Paige followed the security guard down two or three stretches of hallway and then into an empty room with a couple of couches, a pool table and a few folding tables with catered food spread out on them.

"You girls can grab something to eat, relax, make yourselves comfortable, and just chill. The boys will be in as soon as their done changing." He then left, closing the door behind him. Paige was shaking with shock as she watched Tina flop down on one of the couches, breathing deep with relief. Up until now Tina hadn't fully believed it was really Nick she had discussed this with. But now, as things were going exactly as planned, she was 100% convinced.
 
            Paige helped herself to a can of Sprite and sat down on the couch next to Tina.

Tina- "Are you nervous?"

Paige- "No, why would I be?"

Tina- "Well, we're backstage and about to meet the Backstreet Boys. Hello, Nick Carter!" Tina saw the can of soda shaking in Paige's hand, displaying just how nervous she wouldn't say she was.

Tina- "Relax girlfriend, everything is gonna be-." Before she could finish the door to the room opened and the Backstreet Boys came inside. Paige felt herself starting to choke on her soda when she saw Nick, no longer a sweaty mess but dressed in a pair of baggy jeans, a white polo shirt and his hair brushed and dried. She was completely frozen as she watched Tina stand up and
shake hands with them.

Tina- "Hey guys, I'm Tina."

"Hey you doin Tina, I'm Kevin... I'm Howie...What's up girl, I'm AJ...I'm Brian... And I'm Nick." As Tina shook hands with Nick he gave her a reassuring wink. Tina smiled and turned around, taking Paige by the arm and pulling her to her feet.

Tina- "Nice to meet you guys... This is my best friend, Paige." Everyone again shook hands and introduced themselves. When Paige got to Nick she found herself immediately lost in his ocean blue eyes. He held her small hand in his and flashed her his best, million dollar smile. She felt shivers go up her back at his touch and her heart clenched as the surges of long awaited
lust and desire went though her every vein. Their stare at each other was long and intense.
 
           Tina meanwhile had carried on a light conversation with the other 4 guys, intriguing Brian with her sense of humor and spit fire come backs.
 
           It was then that Nick broke the silence between him and Paige.

Nick- "So ummm, what did you think of the show?"

Paige- "It was great, just like all your other one's. I loved your solo."

Nick- "Really? Thank you so much, I was watching you as I sang it." Paige blushed a deep shade of crimson. Nick had had this whole thing planned out, how exactly he was going to tell her and what he was going to say. But now as he faced her, it all vanished and he found himself at a loss for words. Brian noticed Nick's uneasiness and decided to give him a little help.

Brian- "Listen Nick, we're going to take Tina out to see the tour bus. You two coming?" He gave Nick a look that said he was up to something. Nick took the hint and released Paige's hand.

Nick- "We'll catch up, I kinda want to talk to Paige for a second. Paige, would you mind?"

Paige- "Ummm, no not at all." Her voice was shaky as she spoke.

Nick- "Ok, we'll catch up in a few guys." Tina first smiled at Paige and then at Nick, giving him a warning look before Brian and the other guys escorted her out of the room. Nick took a few long steps to the door, locking it to ensure privacy and then turning back to Paige. His original plan was to talk this out and find a way to break the truth to her in the middle of the
conversation. But he drew a blank and did things the way he only knew how at this point.

Paige- "So a, what did-." Nick held up his hand, indicating for her not to speak.

Nick- "Please don't talk." Paige closed her mouth, staring at him in confusion as he quickly walked up in front of her. His gaze seared into her eyes as his hands came to rest on either side of her face. Their faces were only inches apart, so close that Paige could feel his hot breath on her lips. She was so confused, 'what is he doing this for?' she asked herself. She considered breaking away but her heart told her not to, it said just stay where you are and you won't be sorry. Nick smiled warmly at her and let his thumbs graze over her cheeks and area below her eyes.

Nick- "We finally meet, my SexyNCchica80." Paige's body went numb, her eyes widened and her insides shook with realization. 'Can it really be?'

Paige- "NikeGreen20?" She questioned. Nick smiled again and used his index finger to brush a few stray locks of hair from her face, nodding his head in a yes motion as he did so. Paige's breath caught in her throat and her eyes began to well up slightly.

Nick- "What is it? Are you mad?" A million thoughts went through her mind, should she be mad at him for not telling her the truth? Or should she just take what was in front of her and get answers later. She had but to think for just 2 seconds before her answer passed her lips.

Paige- "No....." She placed her hand over one of his that was still on her face, nuzzling into his palm.

Paige- "I got two for the price of one." She said, revealing to him in those 8 words of her love for him and for the former stranger she had met on the internet. She let out a deep breath and let her body fall forward into Nick's tempting embrace. Nick locked his arms around her, holding her tightly against him. The tears spilled down Paige's cheeks as her hands ran up and down Nick's back, trying to make sure that this was real, that he was real.

Nick- "Paige, please don't-."

Paige- "Shh, don't talk. Just hold me and don't let go until I ask you too. Please." Nick tightened his grip around her and kissed the side of her head.

Nick- "Anything you want, baby."