Ashley groaned as she sorted through a mountain of clothes three days later. They were leaving for tour in two days and she still hadn’t finished packing. She had so much she wanted to bring and just not enough room in her two suitcases, but she was determined to make it work. Just as she tossed her suitcase on her bed and began adding clothes her phone rang.
“Hey babes.” She greeted Angel.
“What you up to?” Angel asked.
“Trying to figure out the smallest way possible to fold my clothes so I can take everything I need.” She laughed.
“Well you better figure it out fast because you’re officially the guest of honor at the bon fire tonight.”
“I have a feeling saying I can’t go will result in insta-death.” She teased.
“Umm yeah. You pretty much have no choice. I need one last wild night of reckless abandonment with you!”
“If I don’t finish packing there wont be any in the future either.” She laughed.
“You can finish it fast. You still have three hours, just be at the beach house by eight. Pleasssseeee.” She begged.
“Fine, fine. I’ll see you then.” She said hanging up.
An hour and a half later she had finally finished packing, only having to leave behind a few things. She sighed in relief, glad to be done and lugged the suitcase to the corner. Taking a brief moment to relax she knew she needed to get ready soon if she wanted to make it on time. She hopped in the shower quickly and blew out her hair. She threw on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt with boots before applying a little makeup. Knowing it would e colder on the beach she grabbed a sweatshirt and her purse before heading for the door.
“Where you going?” AJ asked as she passed him by in the living room.
“Bon fire.” She said trying to keep it short.
“You’re still not mad at me for the other night, are you?”
“Depends.” She shrugged. “Are you willing to let me make my own choices and treat me like an adult?”
“I just want to look out for you, that’s all.” He tried to make her understand.
“Well don’t,” she said frustrated. “I need to make my own decisions and learn from them if they’re the wrong ones.”
“Well you’re not the best at making the right decisions, so why shouldn’t I worry?” he pointed out.
“You’re one to talk.” She said angrily. “You know what, I have no time to argue with you. I’m leaving.”
“When are you coming home?” he asked before she could walk out.
“Whenever I feel like it.” She said slamming the front door.
She climbed into her Range Rover, which had been handed down from AJ when he got a new car, and took off down the road. It was a short trip to the beach house Angel and her friends had rented for the summer. Ashley was sad she wouldn’t get to spend the summer with them, but she knew she would have fun on tour. As long as she could keep AJ off her back, that is. She really didn’t know what was up with him lately. They hadn’t argued this much since before they lived together. Although it bothered her she shook off her frustrations as she pulled into the driveway. Shutting off her car she grabbed her things and made her way to the back of the house. As she walked through the gate she saw Angel and her new boyfriend Scott setting up the wood to light the fire. Angel and Scott had only been dating about a month, but Ashley could tell she was the happiest she had been in a while. As happy as she was for her friend she missed that and wished she could be that happy again.
“Babes! You’re here!” Angel squealed running to hug her friend and snapping her from her thoughts.
“Someone started drinking early.” Ashley laughed
“Um no, I’m just happy to see you.”
“You act like you haven’t seen me in years. We were together all week.”
“I know, but this is my last night with you.” She reminded her.
“Let’s not think about that and just have fun.” Ashley said taking a seat as Scott got the fire going. “Where’s everyone else?”
“On their way.” Angel said handing her a beer.
“Uhh this is probably the last time I’ll get to drink until I move.” She groaned taking a sip.
“Why?”
“Alex is back in tyrant mode. He’s going to be looking over my shoulder all summer. I’m starting to think this tour wasn’t such a good idea.”
“I’m sure he’ll chill out once you’re on the road. They’ll be so busy he won’t have time to bug you.”
“I hope so.” She sighed. “All I want is a chilled out, drama free summer.”
“Well let’s start it right now.” Angel said taking a beer for herself. “Cheers to tonight.”
Several hours and beers later the two girls stumbled through the back door to the house arm in arm laughing. They threw themselves down on the couch and waved to the last few people making their way out.
“I’m beyond trashed.” Ashley laughed leaning her head on a pillow.
“Tonight was so much fun. It’s not gonna be the same without you.” Angel said with a pout as Scott walked in from putting out the fire. “Babe! Come here.” Angel pulled him down on the couch and kissed him quickly before settling herself on his lap.
“I hate that you guys are so fricken cute.” Ashley laughed. “And I hate being single even more. You know I was the only one without a date tonight.”
“Babes, you have boys lined up just waiting to date you.” Angel pointed out.
“I’m tired of stupid boys, I need a man.” She said in a deep voice causing her and Angel to bust into another fit of laughter.
“You girls are crazy.” Scott shook his head at the two. “Baby are you ready to go? U have work early tomorrow.”
“You’re leaving?” Ashley pouted.
“Yeah, we’re staying at Scott’s tonight since it’s closer to his job.” Angel said getting off the couch. “You can stay here, I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“I kind of have no choice.” She sighed wishing Angel were staying with her. “I can’t drive and even if I got a ride if I come home drunk again Alex will have a shit fit.”
“Well you pretty much have the whole house to yourself. You might have some company soon though.” Angel smirked.
“Who?”
“Oh, you’ll see.” Her smirk turned into a full on grin.
“I don’t like that look of yours. It usually means you’re up to no good.” Ashley raised a brow trying to read her friend’s face.
“Just relax.” Angel laughed as she grabbed a bag. “Plenty of clothes for you in here. I’m picking you up tomorrow to go shopping.”
“Am I gonna hate you in the morning?” she followed her to the door.
“I’m pretty sure you’ll love me.” She laughed as she and Scott made their way out. “I’ll call you in the morning.”
Ashley locked the door behind them and sighed taking a look at the empty house. She made her way to Angel’s room and plopped herself down in the chair by her desk. She opened up her laptop and looked through her music library for something to listen to. She decided on Cascada and turned the volume loud. She sang along to ‘Every Time We Touch’ as she danced in her chair. By the end of the chorus she was up and dancing around the room, laughing at herself as she over emphasized every move, jumping to the beat as if she were in a Richard Summons video. She continued as the next song came on, oblivious to the fact someone had come into the house.
Nick dropped his keys by the kitchen counter and grabbed a water. Angel had told him someone was staying at the house tonight, but she hadn’t told him who it was. He heard music coming from her room and followed it. He stopped in the doorway and held back his laughter as he watched the girl dance, her back facing him. She continued to dance erratically to the music and he couldn’t help but laugh a little. Finally he cleared his throat letting his presence be known.
Ashley stopped dancing and froze. She wasn’t expecting someone home this soon. She could feel her cheeks start to flush as she turned to face her audience. Her face turned even redder from embarrassment as she saw Nick standing in the doorway in a fir of laughter.
“Those are some killer moves you got there.” He said trying to keep a straight face with no luck.
“Shut up.” She said shutting off the music. “I wasn’t expecting anyone. What are you doing here anyway?”
“I’ve been staying here while we prepared for tour. I don’t have my own place out here yet. Angel didn’t tell you?”
“She failed to mention it.” She said ready to kill Angel for not informing her of who her company would be.
“So think you can teach me some of those moves?” he laughed.
“You wish you had my killer dance skills.” She laughed pushing past him and walking outside to the deck for some air.
“So what are you doing here?” he asked following her taking a seat on the lounger next to her.
“Too much beer, I can’t drive home. That and the fact that I’m avoiding my brother.”
“I hope you guys aren’t fighting cuz of me.” Nick said apologetically.
“No, he’s just being an ass.” She shook her head. “He’s mad that he can no long control every aspect of my life.”
“Well I’m sorry for adding fuel to the fire.”
“He needs to get over it. I told him we’re just friends and that’s it.” She shrugged. “He thinks you’re gonna put me under a love spell or something.”
“And what makes you think I’m not trying to?” he joked. “You really think you could resist the Carter charm?”
“Oh you just make it so hard.” She teased.
“It’s ok, you can try and hide your true feelings, but I know you’re hot for me.” He smirked.
“I want you, I need you. Oh baby, oh baby.” She said in a monotone voice with a serious face. They stared at each other for a brief moment before breaking into a fit of laughter.
“Anyway.” She said changing the subject.
“I’m gonna grab a beer, want one?” he asked as he got up to go to the cooler.
“I’m good. The world just stopped spinning not too long ago and I wanna keep it that way.” She laughed.
“I know what will sober you up real fast.” He smirked walking back over after retrieving his beer and reaching out a hand to her.
“Oh really? And what would that be?” she took his hand and he pulled her up close to him. He leaned into her a little lowering his mouth to her ear.
“A nice, cool.” He paused a moment and she could feel him breathing on her neck. She swallowed the lump beginning to form in her throat, not sure of what he was about to say or do.
“Dip in the pool!” before she could even process what he had said he grabbed her by the waist and tossed her into the pool.
She surfaced to find him laughing hysterically, trying to catch his breath.
“Gotcha.” He smirked.
“You better pray to god that you can run faster then me.” She said angrily, swimming to the edge to get out.
“Just try and catch me.” He smirked and bolted for the house.
She reached the sliding door just as he locked it.
“Nick! Let me in!” she yelled trying to pull the door open.
“What was that? I can’t quite hear you.” He teased.
“Let me in!” she whined a little pouting. “Please?”
“Tell me how much you love me.” He laughed through his grin.
“You’re such an ass! Let me in!”
“Say Nick Carter is the hottest man in the world. No better yet make that the universe.”
“Yeah right, in your dreams!” she crossed her arms.
“Alrighty then, have fun sleeping outside.” He smirked and switched off the lights so she couldn’t see inside.
“Nick!” she said frustrated. “Fine. Nick Carter is the hottest man in the universe.” She said quickly in a monotone voice.
“I think you can do a little better then that.” He said, still with the light off.
“Nick Carter is the hottest man in the universe.” She said in a more cheery tone with a fake smile. “Now let me in before I kill you.”
“I didn’t like that little improv at the end, but it will do.” He said switching on the light and unlocking the door before sliding it open. “See, was that so hard?”
“I suggest you run now.” She said ignoring his question as her smile turned to a scowl.
“Good idea.” He said taking off down the corridor towards the living room. She was close in toe when he tripped over his own feet and fell to the floor. Ashley stopped in her tracks, laughing hysterically.
“Good job klutzo.” She said standing over him and wringing the bottom of her shirt out on him. “That’s what you get.”
“I think I hurt my ankle.” He said seriously wincing as he touched it.
“Are you ok?” she asked, immediately forgetting she was mad at him. “Let me help you up.” She reached out her arms to help pull him to his feet. He grabbed her hand and pulled, causing her to fall to the floor next to him.
“Gotcha again.” He grinned.
“You’re such a jerk! I really thought you were hurt.” She smacked his arm.
“Ouch.” He pouted rubbing the spot she had just hit.
“Lucky I didn’t hit harder.” She said, moving to get up but failing to notice the puddle her wet clothes had made. Her foot slid out from the water causing her to fall onto Nick.
“Good job klutzo.” He laughed mocking her. He got up from the floor and reached his arm out to help her up. “I’m not gonna drop you, don’t worry.”
“I can get up myself.” She said snootily, slipping again as she attempted.
“Now will you let me help you?” he said reaching his hand out again.
She sighed angrily as she took his hand and he pulled her to her feet.
“Can I have my hand back now?” she said as she tried to pull away.
“Depends, are you mad at me?” he asked not letting go.
“Let’s see. You pushed me in the pool, locked me out, blackmailed me to let me back in then made me fall. No of course I’m not mad.” She said sarcastically.
“I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to make you mad. I was just messing around. Forgive me?” he smiled at her placing both hands on her shoulder.
“I’m mad at you, don’t talk to me.” She shrugged his hands off and turned her back to him crossing her arms. She smirked to herself knowing the ball was back in her court.
“Come on. Please don’t be mad.” He sighed. “What do I have to do for you to not be mad at me?”
She ignored him still smirking to herself.
“Fine. I’ll leave you alone.” He sighed and turned to walk away.
“Hey, Nick.” She turned back to him.
“What?”
“Gotcha!” she laughed with an evil grin.
“You’re cruel.” He laughed slightly. “I really thought I pissed you off.”
“Serves you right.” She smirked. “And I’m not that lame, it takes more then a few mediocre jokes to piss me off.”
“You think my jokes are mediocre?” he raised a brow.
“I just call it as I see it.” She teased.
“You know you’re just asking for more right?” he warned her.
“Believe me, if that’s all you got I have nothing to worry about.” She patted his shoulder and began to walk away.
“You’re still evil.” He said, knowing she was trying to push his buttons.
“I know. It’s one of my better qualities.” She laughed walking back towards Angel’s room. “Now if you would excuse me I need to find some dry clothes and then I’m taking my butt to bed.”
“Lame, you’re leaving me?” he said following her.
“What are you an owl? Do you stay up all night?” she laughed stopping in the doorway. “Its like two thirty in the morning.”
“Nah, I’m just not tired yet.”
“Well sorry buddy you’re gonna have to find ways to entertain yourself.” She laughed patting him on the shoulder. “Which I’m sure won’t be hard for you.”
“You know, you think your little jokes are funny but you keep digging your grave deeper and deeper.” He teased her leaning on the doorframe. “Just wait until we get on tour.”
“I think I can handle you Carter.” She smirked. “Now goodnight.” She laughed pushing him out of the way lightly and shutting the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Wakey wakey!” Angel yelled jumping on Ashley the next morning.
“Oh my god you’re such a psycho.” Ashley laughed a little trying to protect her eyes from the light. “Why are you up so early?”
“I had to bring Scott to work. Now get up it’s your last day here and I intend on spending every second of it with you.”
“Can some of that time be in bed?” she laughed pulling the covers back over her head.
“No! Now get up and get ready.” Angel said smacking her with a pillow. “I’ll be waiting in the kitchen, you have exactly twenty minutes before I come back in here.”
“Yes mam.” Ashley laughed saluting her as she got out of bed.
She looked through Angels closet quickly finding something to wear and headed for the shower. Once she was dressed and ready she found Angel in the kitchen talking with Nick.
“Ready to go babes?” She smiled leaning over the counter and stealing a piece of fruit from Angel’s plate.
“Well good morning to you too.” Nick teased.
“Sorry, good morning.” She smiled at him.
“Where are the two of you off to today?”
“Shopping.” Angel grinned. “I need some new summer clothes. Why? Wanna come.”
“I don’t think I could keep up with you.” He laughed. “Nah, I still have to finish packing up my stuff.”
“Waiting until the last minute huh?” Ashley laughed.
“I never technically unpacked from when I moved in here so not really.” He shrugged with a laugh. “Just gotta fix some stuff.”
“Well we’ll be out all day. We have to get going.” Angel said putting her plate in the sink.
“Do me a favor?” he asked. “If you see anything I would like can you get it? I need some new shirts.”
“Angel Carter, personal shopper at your service. But I do have a hefty price tag.” She teased.
“Dinner on me good enough?” he said handing her some cash.
“I was kidding, but since you offered.” She smirked and gave him a hug. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Bye Nick.” Ashley waved slightly.
“What? I don’t get a hug?” he smirked at her. She shook her head laughing a little as she turned back to hug him.
“See you tomorrow.” She said before following Angel out the door.
“Can we take your car? I’m almost out of gas and you know I hate filling it up. Scott will do it later.” Angel asked as she shut the front door.
“No problem.” Ashley laughed unlocking her truck and climbing in. “You know at some point in time you will have to pump your own gas.”
“I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it but for now I have someone for that.” She laughed.
Ashley started the car and headed towards the shopping center.
“So.” Angel smirked once they were on the road.
“So?” Ashley raised a brow looking at her quickly.
“Did you enjoy my little surprise?”
“Your lucky you’re not dead.” She teased.
“Oh come on. You know you liked it. I saw how you were looking at him before we left. You totally have the hots for each other.” Angel smirked.
“You obviously need some glasses.” Ashley laughed. “Nick’s cool but there’s absolutely nothing there. We get along and we kid around, that’s it.”
“Uh huh.” Angel laughed rolling her eyes. “I know that you like him, stop denying it.”
“Even if I did, and I’m not saying I do, I’m not his type.” She pointed out.
“Type? Nick’s only type is female and hot and that you are.” Angel said. “Believe me I know my brother, he likes you.”
“And what makes you so sure of that?”
“He ignores most of my friends. He wouldn’t have asked you to dinner the other night or hung out with you last night if he wasn’t at least remotely attracted to you.”
“How do you know we hung out last night?” she looked towards her friend questionably.
“I was talking to him while you were getting ready.”
“What did he say?” she said curiously.
“If you don’t like him why do you care?” Angel asked with a smirk.
“Just curious.” She shrugged trying not to be so obvious.
“Uh huh.” Angel laughed. “It’s not like I don’t know.”
“Well if you know then why do I need to say it?”
“Because I can speculate all I want but I want a definite conformation.”
Ashley bit her bottom lip and tried not to smile as the thoughts came into her mind. "I don't know...I mean I kinda like him...but I dunno..." she trailed off.
Angel smirked knowing the answer, "Ok, well he wouldn't go into full details with me. I actually had to beat this out of him," she said, with a small laugh. "But he said he had a lot of fun with you last night and the night you guys went to dinner...he said he never realized how chill you were and that you were really funny.”
“And how does saying I’m funny and cool to hang with mean he likes me?” Ashley turned to her when they stopped at a light.
“Well if you would let me finish.” Angel laughed. “He also mentioned how you're kinda cute when you're squirmy. Apparently you don't do well with horror movies.” she softly giggled.
“Really?” she smiled a little her face blushing slightly.
“Not that you care right?” Angel smirked.
“No, not at all.” She shrugged trying to hide her smile.
“You’re such a bad liar.” Angel laughed. “It’s written all over your face.”
“You say one word to him and you die.” She threatened with a laugh.
“Ashley and Nick sitting in a tree.” Angel began to sing with a laugh.
“Shut up.” Ashley shoved her a little. “Not like anything will ever come of it. Believe me my brother will make sure of that.”
“Ash. Forget about AJ. Worry about yourself and if he gets on your case call me and I’ll come straighten his ass right out.” Angel said with all seriousness. “I’m not saying this just because you’re my best friend, but I honestly think the two of you would be good for each other. He needs a good girl in his life just as much as you need a decent guy in yours. Just let things go with the flow and don’t worry about your brother.”
“It’s kind of hard to do when he’ll be around all the time.” She pointed out.
“Well I’m not joking, I will come and beat him if needed. He is not going to mess this up.”
“I love when you get all bad ass.” Ashley laughed.
“No one gets in the way of my friends and their happiness.”
Author's Chapter Notes:
back with another...thanks so much for all the review KEEP IT UP! becuase it keeps me going! I just want to send a quick thanks to my girl Kim for helping me with the ending :) hope you enjoy! This is a long one lol
