*~The Dream Of A Lifetime~*

It was four days before Halloween and everyone was at Nickolas’ Tampa waterfront home for a Halloween party. Everyone was dressed up in costumes they made themselves or just bought at the store. Everyone was enjoying themselves while dancing to the music or just chatting it up with each other. They all agreed it was the best party since the wedding reception. Valondra and Nickolas walked around the house with each other and talked with the guests. They stopped at Kevin and Alyssa and stood behind them at the sofa. They watched them talk and watched as they kissed. They looked at each other and smiled then started making kissing sounds. Kevin and Alyssa looked as they started laughing.

“Quit swallowing each others heads you two,” Valondra said. “It’s a Halloween party not a make-out party.”

“Look who’s talking,” Alyssa said. “We saw you two kissing in the corner a few times.”

“So,” Nickolas said. “We’re allowed.” He kissed Valondra.

“Who says?” Kevin asked.

“Me,” Valondra smirked. “So get up and dance.”

“We’re danced out,” Alyssa replied.

“The party just started,” Valondra stated taking Kevin’s hand. “Come, Kevin; let’s dance.”

“He’s mine,” Alyssa said taking Kevin’s other hand. “So hand’s off.”

“Protective over your man. So you learned something.”

“We don’t want a repeat of the Bridgett issue.” She snickered as Valondra glared at her. “Ooh touchy subject.” “I hope what happened between me and Nick happens to you and Kevin.”

“Lon, calm down,” Nickolas said taking her hands. “She’s only joking.”

“Yeah. She’s just been joking for the past month and a half.”

“Ok. Let’s go, Sweet Pea.” Nickolas pushed Valondra away as Kevin watched.

“Was that necessary?” Kevin asked. “You know how she feels about the subject.”

“I was only joking,” Alyssa said.

“Some people can only handle so much and I think Lon’s one of them. She loves Nick and will do anything to keep him.”

“I know. I just thought she’d find it funny now.”

“Well apparently she doesn’t.”

“I was wrong.”

>“Yes you were.”

“I’ll try not to let it happen again considering she almost lost him a few months ago.”

“Good. Let’s dance.”

“If you insist.” Kevin took her hand and they joined the other dancing couples.

“Someone tired?” Nickolas questioned sitting beside Valondra on the sofa.

“Just waiting to clean house,” Valondra replied.

“You can come clean my house any day.” He snickered and kissed her neck. “Just as long as you wear this sexy outfit. I’ll even let you clean my bedroom…and me.” She slapped his leg. “What?”

“You’ll get what. Not until we’re married.”

“Let’s get married now.”

“Not until July.”

“Please?” She shook her head. “Why not?”

“Because I’m going to make you wait.”

“You’re evil.”

“Sex ain’t that important, Nick.” She smiled. “Love is.”

“And I love you.” He kissed her.

“Me or my body?”

“You of course. I ain’t marrying you because of your killer bod. I just love the way you look in a bikini.” She slapped his leg again.

“That’s all right though, because I just love the way you look naked.”

“When did you see me naked?” She only smiled. “When?”

“Next time don’t leave the bathroom door open.” She got up and walked away with Nickolas watching her. He got up and followed her to the kitchen.

He grabbed Valondra by the waist and said, “You spy on me when I’m in the shower.” She smiled while putting her arms around him.

“It’s my little guilty pleasure, Nicky. I don’t spy on you when you’re in the shower…I spy after you get out.” She kissed him. “You come with good looks and a great package. I’m really impressed.”

“I’m glad you approve.” She continued smiling. “I can’t believe you spy on me and you skitz out when I want just a little peek.” She shrugged. “I deserve a peek.”

“On our wedding night, but you can have more than a peek.”

“You’re just being a tease now.” He kissed her neck. “Do you want to sneak upstairs?”

“That’s very tempting but no.”

He looked at her. “Why not?”

“Because we’re hosting a party and I don’t want people to start thinking we’re having sex. You know how I got the last time.”

“You completely skitzed out on everybody…including me.”

“I apologized to ya ten minutes later.”

“But you still thought I said something and a little mad yet.” She just looked at hm. “It was Alex. You know I wouldn’t do anything to make you mad at me. I love you.”

“I love you and only you.” They kissed and she left him go. She walked over to the cupboard and got a small bottle. She opened it and took out a pill.” Nickolas walked over to her, as she got a glass of water and asked, “What are you taking?”

“It’s just for my knee, Nick.” He stopped her from putting the pill in her mouth. “What?”

“You’re only supposed to take two…and you already had two.” She just looked at him. “How many do you take a day?”

“I’m not addi—“ She stopped when the kitchen door opened and they saw Lillie walk in.

“Sorry,” Lillie apologized. “I just came to get the napkins.” She grabbed the napkins off the bar and walked out.

Valondra looked at Nickolas and said, “I’m not addicted, Nicky. The pain just gets too much to handle.”

“So you down the pills,” Nickolas said. “I read about things like this, Baby; a lot of people end up addicted to painkillers.”

“I’m not going to be one of them. I’m perfectly fine. The only thing I’m addicted to is you.” She smiled and kissed him.

“Don’t get cute or change the subject.”

“I’m not addicted or will get addicted.” “That’s right you’re not, because you’re going to get surgery.”

“I can’t afford surgery right now, Nicky, and you know that. All the money I had went towards my house and I won’t get anymore until I’m twenty-five.”

“Then let me pay for it.” She shook her head. “Why not? I want to do this for you.”

>“So your girlfriend doesn’t end up a pill popper. You wouldn’t want that and your mommy might end up hating me more.”

“She doesn’t hate you.”

“So her saying you could’ve done better than me was about something else. Probably not, Carter.” She put the glass in the sink and walked out of the kitchen. Nickolas stood there and looked at the pill in his hand. He got the pill bottle and put the pill back in. He didn’t put the bottle back, but stood there looking at it and becoming worried.