~ Chapter 19 ~
Ashley was laying in bed still not believing what had just happened. What was she thinking?!? She threw her hand over her head and brushed her hair back. Did she really just sleep with this guy that she barely knew? But she couldn’t deny the feelings she felt for him; she hadn’t felt like that with anyone in such a long time. Not since she found out her ex-boyfriend was screwing around on her, and just jumping in the sac with this guy didn’t specify that he was any different…however, the way he acted with her made her smile, made her feel he just didn’t want to get lucky but maybe he actually liked her. She glanced over at Ray, he was laying on his side facing her. She smiled as she heard him softly breathing, she hated that she had to leave in a few hours. She knew if she really wanted to, she could stay, but she couldn’t…was it fear of getting hurt or maybe she just didn’t want to get sucked into something that wouldn’t work? Saving herself from a train wreck waiting to happen. She lived in California, he lived in Florida – that was all the way across the country, there was no possible way they could work. She just had to face facts, it wasn’t meant to be. It was just for fun, she had to keep on telling herself that, she wouldn’t allow herself to get sucked into a long distance relationship. His friend was Nick Carter for crying out loud! Girls would fuck Ray in a second if they thought it would get them closer to Nick…she knew how it worked and she knew men could not be trusted…especially when it was so easy to get girls. Although, Nick could get girls anytime he wanted and he still only wanted to be with Kimberly – but he also wasn’t a thousand miles away either.
“Do you think if I bribed Ashley with clothes she’d stay?” Questioned Kimberly while eating cereal at the table. She looked up at Nick, whom was leaning against the sink and drinking a coffee.
He laughed, “Really don’t want her to go that bad, huh?”
She shook her head, “Nu-huh. She’s my best friend – I forgot what it was like to have her around. She makes me feel happy.”
“Well, excuse me.”
She laughed and stood up from the table, walking over to him and wrapping her arms around his waist. “You know you make me happy,” she reassured him. “But living with Laura and the way she’s been treating me…then having Ash come, I know who my true friend is, you know?”
“I know, Baby Angel,” he said, rubbing a hand up and down her back. “I’m only playing. We can visit her anytime you want. I have a place in LA.”
Kimberly smiled wide, “Really?”
He loved how much that made her smile, which caused him to smile, “Yeah, I actually stay there a lot. I guess you could call it my home.”
She laughed, “You guess? You don’t know?”
He shrugged, “I move around a lot, especially when we did touring. I love Florida, it’s where I was raised, but California feels right when I’m there.”
“Ashley has been bugging me to move in with her for a while now.” She then shook her head, “But I don’t know.”
“Why not?” He wondered.
“Honestly?” She looked up into his blue eyes, “Well, other than I don’t want her paying everything for me, since I don’t have a job….I don’t want to be far away from you.”
Nick put a hand up to her face and slid it into her hair, gently caressing her sculpt before pressing his lips onto hers, “Baby Angel, even if you lived in Ohio for that matter, I would come and visit you. Nothing will ever keep us apart again, I promise.”
Kimberly moved her hands up to his chest and wrapped them around his neck, “I love you so much,” she whispered.
He smiled and connected his lips back onto hers, slipping his tongue into her mouth. She closed her eyes as she felt his tongue ravish hers, and his hands moving down to her buttocks, gently gripping them.
Someone then cleared their throat and they both immediately pulled away to see Ashley, “Sorry,” she mumbled, embarrassment was in her voice. “But uh, Kim. We need to go to your place so I can grab the rest of my stuff.”
“Where’s Ray?” Questioned Nick.
“Still sleeping.”
He smirked, “I guess you two really did have fun last night.”
Her face flushed, “What are you talking about?”
Kimberly laughed, “Oohh, look at that. Her face is beat red.” She then grinned, “So now who’s the screamer?”
Nick laughed, “I will admit, you two weren’t exactly quiet.”
Her hand flew over her mouth, “Oh My God!” She gasped, “You heard us?!?”
“Mmmhmm,” answered Kimberly, with a smirk. She then saw the terrified look come across her friend’s face, “Nothing wrong with that, girl. You needed it! I’m glad you had a good time while you were here.”
“I’m just never…..like this, you know? I barely know him. It’s so unlike me.”
“Nothing wrong with just letting loose,” said Nick. He then unwrapped his arms from around Kimberly’s waist, “Well, I guess I’ll get dressed.”
Kimberly smiled, “Okay. I’ll get dressed in a bit too.”
“Okay.” He sweetly kissed her before leaving the kitchen.
Ashley smiled, “You two are so cute with each other.”
“Well, you should have seen how cute you were with Ray last night. I wanted to take a picture!”
She laughed, “A picture, Kim?”
“What?” She then smiled warmly at her friend, “I like seeing you happy….I’ve never seen you smile so much. So…I have a question.”
Ashley eyed her cautiously, “What?”
Kimberly laughed, “What’s that look for?”
“I know you,” she replied with a laugh.
She smirked, “Was he good?”
Ashley laughed, “Kim, God!”
Kimberly then laughed, “What?!? Come on, we’re best friends…we’re supposed to share everything.”
Ashley chewed on her lower lip as she stared at her best friend whom had eagerness in her eyes. She then laughed, “Yes, he was good!”
“Oooh, knew it! So are you gonna see him again?!?”
“You knew it?” She raised her eyebrow at her friend.
Kimberly giggled, “Oh come on, it’s not hard to see. I mean, he’s gorgeous, girl and looks like he’s got it going on, if you get what I’m saying?”
Ashley laughed, “Kim, sometimes I don’t know about you.”
She grinned, “You loveee me.”
“Unfortunately.”
“HEY!”
She laughed, “Kidding.”
“Anyway, so are you gonna see him again or what? He sure looks like he’s into you, girl.”
Ashley looked at her and shrugged, “I don’t know…I doubt it.”
Kimberly looked at her disappointed, “What?!? Why not? You liked him – at least that’s what it seemed. Aren’t you happy with Ray?”
Ashley let out a loud sigh, “I like him, yeah, but come on, Kim you gotta be realistic. I live in California he lives here. There’s no way we can maintain a long distance relationship…I just wouldn’t be able to do it.”
“You don’t even want to try?”
“What’s the point in the heartbreak, Kim?” She then shrugged, “I can’t do it…I need my man to be with me, not thousand miles away.”
Kimberly sighed, “I wish you’d try it. I mean, he can visit, you can visit. If you really want it to work, it can happen.”
Ashley let out a small laugh, “I just met the guy, Kim. I like him, but I’m not in love with him. I had fun with him and unfortunately because of our situation, that’s all it’s going to be.” She saw dishearten in her friend’s face, “Why are you making this into such a big deal anyway, Kim?”
She shrugged, “I just want you happy.”
“I don’t need a man to make me happy.” She then looked at the clock, “Well, I better get dressed; I have to leave for the airport soon.”
Kimberly nodded, “Okay.” She watched her best friend walk away and she let out a loud sigh before collapsing onto the couch. She threw her hand through her hair. Why did she want Ashley with Ray so badly? Maybe she should just let go and allow them to make their own decisions. She was just so happy with Nick and wanted the same fate for her best friend….but unfortunately that wasn’t going to happen. Not everyone wanted that fairly tail happy ending.
Nick walked into Ray’s room and caught him getting dressed. He smirked as he stared at his friend, “So I hear you and Ashley got pretty friendly last night.”
Ray laughed and rolled his eyes at him, “Word travels fast.”
“Nah, just the screams did.”
He raised an eyebrow, “She was that loud, huh?”
“You’d be surprised how thin these walls are.” Nick then sat down on the bed, “So what’s going on with you two? You gonna see her again?”
He shrugged, “I don’t know…doubt it. She lives out in Cali, Nick. It’s not like I can just walk down the street to see her, you know?”
“Well, I told you, you could stay in my place for a bit if you wanted to.”
Ray shrugged again, “I don’t know…I haven’t even known her all that long. That just seems kind of weird to me and I’m sure it would freak her out too. I don’t want her thinking I’m some psycho that thinks I’m in love with her or something.”
“I don’t know what to tell ya then….I’m just trying to help.”
“I know you are.” Ray smiled at his friend, “And thank you for that. But it just wasn’t meant to me. Who knows, maybe I’ll see her again next time she visits Kim. Maybe sometime in the future I can visit her…but right now it’ s just not a good time.”
Nick nodded, “Yeah, and I’m sure Kim will be dying to see her sometime soon.” He then grinned, “You’ll be seeing Ash again in no time, I’m sure of it.”
Ray could feel a smirk form around his mouth. He knew that Nick may be right, Kimberly and Ashley were best friends they would want to see each other again and soon. Hell, Kimberly was having a hard time with her leaving in the first place. He looked up at Nick and smiled, “Thanks, man.”
He grinned, “Anytime. Well, Ash wants to go to Kim’s because she has a few of her things there. You gonna come with us?”
Ray nodded, “Yeah. Just let me brush my hair and I’ll be good to go.”
“Okay,” said Nick. “I’ll wait for ya in the kitchen.” That said, he left the bedroom and let Ray finish getting ready.
Ray walked up to the dresser and grabbed the black comb and quickly combed his hair so he could get rid of the bed head. Sadness began to wash over him. He was annoyed at himself for allowing himself to fall for a girl so easily, but on the other hand he hadn’t had such a good time with a woman in a long time. He didn’t regret anything, he just hated that he wouldn’t see her for a while. He had a bad feeling go through him; he had an idea that he and Ashley were going to lose touch after she left. He tried not to act too depressed, he didn’t want anyone to see this side of him, he wasn’t the sappy type.
He walked out in the kitchen and saw that everyone was already ready to leave, “So we’re going to your place, Kim?” Questioned Ray, even though he already knew the answer. Nick had told him.
She nodded, “Yep. Ash has to grab a few things there.” She then looked at Nick, “You know, you don’t have to go. After we grab everything we can just come back here and meet you.”
Ashley shook her head, “We won’t have time for that.”
Nick looked at Kimberly puzzled, “Why would you want me to stay here?”
She shrugged, “I dunno, in case Laura is there or something. I don’t know how she’s going to react when she sees us together…”
He could see the fear upon her face, “Baby Angel, don’t worry about her. She’s going to see firsthand that you’re the one I want.”
“And if she is there and does say anything,” interrupted Ashley. “I will gladly show her my fist.”
Ray laughed, “Well, damn.
Ashley shook her head, “No, you don’t know this girl. She is the devil! You should hear the way she talks to Kim, it’s beyond horrible. I have been wanting to fuck up that pretty face of hers for quite some time now. And if she says something, that will be a good excuse.”
Kimberly laughed, “Damn, killa.”
She grinned, “Just looking out for my girl.”
Kimberly hugged her, “I love you, bitch.”
“Love you more, hoebag.”
“Such love,” laughed Ray.
Ashley smirked, “This is how we show our love for each other.”
“Mmmhmm,” agreed Kimberly.
Nick chuckled, “You get used to it after a while.” He then looked at the clock, “Alright, well if we’re gonna leave, we need to leave now to beat traffic.”
She nodded, “You’re right, let’s go.”
Kimberly felt such fear as they all left the safety of Ray’s apartment. She was just so afraid of what would happen if Laura was at her apartment…how would she react? Would she start a fight right there? So many thoughts ran through her mind. She knew Laura was behind her and Nick’s minor break, she lied to them both so they wouldn’t get back together and it nearly worked!
Nick decided to drive so that Ashley and Ray could relax a bit in the back. They were talking about the future…that was a start. Kimberly couldn’t help but listen. She wanted them to want to see each other again. Ashley told him that she would love to keep in touch with him and see him again. Kimberly no longer was able to listen to what they were saying because Nick turned on the radio and it blocked all conversations out. She looked at him annoyed and he just shrugged with a sly smile. He snaked his hand over and grabbed onto hers, that was sitting on her lap and intertwined his fingers with hers. She looked up at him and smiled, he made her feel like such a little girl. She would get butterflies from the simplest touch, or the smallest smile, but knowing he was in love with her made her feel more amazing than words could ever express.
After nearly forty five minutes, they arrived to Kimberly’s apartment. She held her breath, but relief soon swept over her, as she saw that the car was not in the driveway. Laura wasn’t there! Thank God!
“Aw damn,” mumbled Ashley.
Kimberly glanced at her, “What?”
“I really wanted to punch her.”
She laughed, “I’m sure there’s going to be more than one time to be able to do that.”
She grinned, “I sure hope so.”
They all then got out of the car and walked inside the apartment. Ashley headed right towards Kimberly’s bedroom.
“See that,” said Nick’s voice, as he grabbed her hand with his. “You were worried about nothing.”
“I tend to do that a lot, don’t I?”
He nodded, “Mmmhmm. Far too much.”
She shrugged, “Sorry. I’ll work on it,” she said, with a half smile.
“Please do.” He then wrapped his arms around her, “But really, Baby Angel don’t go worrying about her. She’s nothing. She’s jealous of you; she wants what you have, but want to know something? She’s not going to get it, because I am all yours.”
Kimberly couldn’t help but smile as she felt a large smile stretch out across her face, “All mine, huh?”
He grinned, “Oh yeah…all yours, baby.”
She laughed and shook her head, “How do you make it so easy?”
He cocked an eyebrow, not understanding what she meant, “Make what so easy?”
“Making me want so you badly?”
He smirked, “I guess I’m just that good.”
Kimberly bit on her lower lip, “Damn right you are.”
“Okay,” said Ray, interrupting the couple. “I’m gonna…I’m gonna go find Ashley.”
Kimberly snickered, “Sorry, Ray. I kind of forgot you were here.”
“Thanks.”
Nick laughed, “Go find your girl so I can tease mine some more.”
“Yeah, will do.” That said he left to find Ashley…he knew this may be their last time being alone…for God knows how long.
Kimberly laughed, “Tease me more, huh? That’s not very nice.”
He smirked, “Since when do you like it when I’m nice?”
“Good point.” Nick then pulled her down onto the couch and pulled her into him, so that their bodies were pressed against each other. Kimberly’s mouth met with his, “I love you,” she murmured over his lips.
He smiled, “Love you more, Baby Angel.” He kissed her once more before turning on the TV. Kimberly smiled and rested her head on his chest, as his arm wrapped around her shoulder. Depression began to sink in, as she thought about Ashley and Ray. She really hoped they stayed in touch.
Ray walked into the bedroom just in time to hear Ashley on the phone. “Yes, that’s right 168 Pave Road. Thanks, bye.” She then hung up the phone and jumped seeing Ray standing behind her. She put her hand to her chest, “Damn, don’t do that! You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
He weakly smiled, “Sorry. I needed an escape.”
“An escape from what?”
“Those two,” he answered, gesturing his head to the door.
She laughed, “Don’t we all.” Ashley was grabbing the remainder of her clothes and stuffing them into the large pink suitcase. “I hate how I always end up over packing.”
“I think all women do.”
She laughed, “Probably.”
Ray sat down on the bed and looked up at her. He didn’t want come off noisy, but he was curious about that phone call, “So uh…who was on the phone?”
“Yellow Cab. I’m having a taxi come and get me.”
His face fell; he was hoping he would at least be able to have the pleasure of driving her to the airport. “Oh.”
She saw the disappointment fill his handsome face, “Is something wrong?”
He shook his head, “No…”
Ashley walked over to the bed and sat down next to him, “Come on, what’s up?”
“I guess I was just hoping I was gonna be able to drive ya down to LAX.”
“Oh…” she paused, “I’m sorry. I guess I wasn’t thinking.” She then looked at him, “But I think this is the best way.”
He looked at her confused, “Best way for what?”
“For saying goodbye. I think at the airport it would be too hard, tears and all. I’m just not into all that. That way if we say goodbye here, it’s simple and clean.”
“Ashley, do you even like me?” His tone sounded a little bitter, which caught her off guard.
“What? Of course I do.”
“Then why do you keep on distancing yourself from me?” He demanded, “You know I like you, and if you like me, why can’t we just try to work something out?”
She sighed and put her hand on his, “Listen Ray, I do like you, so don’t go thinking I don’t. But I don’t do the long distance thing; it’s just not my style. If I’m with someone I need them to be with me, not thousand miles away. I’m really sorry; I know it sucks because of our situation. If things were different, I’d love to give us a shot, but unfortunately because of our living situations we can’t do that.”
“Do you think you could give it a shot? And see what happens?” Hope was in his voice.
She hated this; she hated how he wanted to be with her so badly. She liked him, liked him more than she wanted to and she wished things could be different. She shook her head, “I can’t.” Ashley decided it was time for him to face the cruel truth…time for her to face it, “What we had was fun, it was something I needed. I’m really glad I met you. You’re a great guy and gorgeous and any girl would be lucky to have you.”
“You don’t want to be that girl?”
She shook her head, “No, I’m sorry. It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s just that I can’t.” A horn then honked, “Oh, that’s my ride, I gotta go.”
Ray could feel depression hitting him hard, “This fucking sucks.”
“I know,” she agreed.
Ashley then stood up and grabbed her heavy bag, “Let me get that for you,” he offered, grabbing the pink bag that felt like it weighed at least five tons.
She smiled, “Thanks.”
Ashley walked out into the living room and Kimberly jumped on her, hugging her so tightly, “I’m going to miss you sooo much!”
“I know, I’m gonna miss you too! This was so much fun.”
Kimberly pulled away and had a few tears rolling down her face, “You better visit soon!”
“Why don’t you come and visit me?”
“We’ll keep that in mind,” promised Nick.
She smiled, “Good.” She then hugged him, “It was great meeting you.”
“Likewise. Have a safe flight.”
“Thanks.” She then let out a loud sigh, “Well, I guess this is it. See ya guys later!”
“I’ll help ya to the taxi,” said Ray.
She smiled, “Okay.”
Ashley and Ray then walked outside to the taxi and Ray put the suitcase into the back of the yellow cab. He then looked at her, sadness flowing through his blue eyes, “I guess this is goodbye.”
She nodded, “Yeah, I guess it is.” She tightly wrapped her arms around him, not believing how painful this was for her. She had only known him for a week, but yet it felt like so much longer, “I’m going to miss you,” she whispered.
He was somewhat comforted that she was a little upset about leaving, “I’m gonna miss you too, baby.” Ashley could feel her eyes swelling. She hadn’t felt like this in so long, it just wasn’t fair. Ray cupped her chin with his hand and brought her lips to his. He felt Ashley’s lips part like an opening rose and that was when he allowed his tongue to slowly flick hers. As quickly as it happened, it ended, “Have a safe flight,” he said in a low voice.
Before she knew it, he was walking back into the apartment, and she watched him…wishing he would at least turn around, give her one last smile. But she got nothing. The disappointment over powered her and she quickly got inside the taxi. That was when she allowed the tears to fall….
Nick and Kimberly saw Ray enter the apartment; he looked like someone had just told him his dog had died.
“Hey, you alright, man?” Asked Nick, walking over to his friend.
He nodded, “Yeah…yeah, I’m good. I think I’m gonna head out now.” He looked at Kimberly, “Thanks for introducing me to your friend.”
“No…no problem.”
“See ya.”
They watched as Ray left and heard the tires screech over the pavement. Kimberly looked at Nick in complete stun, “What just happened? Did him and Ashley fight you think?”
He shook his head, “Nah. He just liked her a lot and I don’t think she wanted what he did. He tends to fall for girls easy…too easy. He always ends up getting hurt.”
“Aw.” She couldn’t help, but feel horrible, “Poor guy. I think Ashley is just scared, so she hardened her heart. I really wanted them to work out.”
Nick shrugged, “Not everything is always gonna end happy unfortunately.”
“We’re an exception though,” she replied, with a small smile.
Nick looked at her and smiled. He kissed her on her temple, “Yes, we’re defiantly an exception.”
“I love you,” said Kimberly, looking up at him.
Nick grinned, “Wanna prove it?”
She laughed, “When don’t I?”
He smirked, “Good point.” Nick then grabbed her and pinned her to the couch once again, “But first I get to tease you.” His fingers suddenly to her sides and to her stomach.
Kimberly began to squeal from laughter, “No, seriously, Nick. That’s not fair…stop.”
“Ugh, this is so lame,” groaned Laura. “Can we just leave?” She got dragged to go to a birthday party for Ronny’s grandmother.
He nodded, “Yeah. Just let me say goodbye to everyone.”
“Hurry,” she ordered.
He glared at her before saying goodbye to his family members. Thankfully it didn’t take him that long; it was only a small get together.
“So where to?” He asked, once they got into the car.
She shrugged, “I don’t know. My place I guess? Kim is never there anyway, we’ll probably have the place to ourselves again.” A smirk formed around her thin lips.
Ronny couldn’t help but feel excited, “Mmm, sounds good to me, baby.”
When Laura pulled into the driveway of her apartment she saw a vehicle she wasn't that familiar with.
“Who’s car is that?” Asked Ronny, as if he could read her thoughts, “I thought we were gonna be alone?”
“I thought we were.” That said, they both got out of the car and walked towards the apartment.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Sorry its been so long since my last update!
