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The concert had been booked for weeks. The tickets had been sold out in a record seven minutes. Mackenzie settled back in the cushioned seat, and thought about the concert that the boys had just wrapped up in Portland. Every time she watched the performance from the wings, it got better and better. The guys had so much energy, such a rapport with the crowd. It was great.
Being on this tour with the Backstreet Boys was so surreal. Mackenzie could hardly believe what she was experiencing. One moment, she was uncovering hidden truths about her parent’s untimely deaths, and the next, she was climbing up into the rafters above the stage, fixing a wiring problem, or playing ball with the guys. Mackenzie felt a flurry of emotions pool up inside of her. She was so grateful for all that they had done. This was a dream job, and Mackenzie counted herself lucky to have it. All of the guys were wonderful, but Mackenzie felt especially close to AJ and Howie. Those two had been so understanding and helpful. Mackenzie had been afraid to let them in, but now, they were the best friends that she had.
Suddenly, she felt someone plop on the couch next to her. She turned her head, and came face to face with AJ.
“Hey Girl.” he grinned tiredly. AJ snuggled back against the sofa, and let his eyes appraise her. She slid down in her seat, and put her feet up on the other couch across the isle. “So, we’re headed to Seattle. Ever been?” he asked. Mackenzie shook her head. AJ cleared his throat and continued, “It’s a great city. In fact they have some great stuff to do there. Will you spend the day with me, tomorrow?”
Her head pivoted toward him, and her eyes lit up with a smile. “I’d love to.”
“Great! Wear clothes that you can peal off in layers. You never know what the weather will be like in the Northwest.” Leaving Mackenzie with those words, he stood up and walked to the back of the bus. Micki shut her eyes and drifted off to sleep, anticipation for her day with AJ weighing heavily on her mind.
*****
Howie stood and stretched, easing away his cramps. He walked to the middle section of the bus, and found Mackenzie laying across the two sofas, blocking the isle. A smile played on his lips as he bent down, and scooped her up in his arms. It seemed like he was always tucking her into bed. Just as he was about to lay her on her bunk, her eyes fluttered open, and she stared up at him. “Hey there, Sleepyhead.” he said softly. She gave him a groggy smile, mumbling something unintelligible. He chuckled, and laid her, somewhat reluctantly, on her bunk. She settled her head into her pillows, as he pulled the blanket up around her shoulders. Howie perched on the side of her bed, and gazed at her. She starred back at him, and he reached out his hand to gently push her hair from her face.
Mackenzie sighed when she felt his fingers brush her cheek. His touch was so gentle. When he spoke, his voice was husky. “Will you spend the day with me tomorrow?” It was on the tip of her tounge to agree, when she remembered her plans with AJ. She shook her head. “I can’t. I already told AJ that I would do something with him.” she replied. Howie’s face fell.
“Alright......how about dinner?” he asked, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Her face broke into a smile, and she consented. Howie laid his hand on top of her own briefly, before standing from her bed, and turning out the light by her bunk. Mackenzie was left in the semi- dark, to ponder her relationships with two incredible men.
*****
“Why won’t you tell me where we’re going?” Mackenzie whined. AJ’s grin widened, and he put his finger to her lips.
“Be quiet. I’m not going to tell you.” he said, an amused glint in his eye. Mackenzie snapped her jaw shut, and gazed out the window, taking in the tall skyscrapers and bustle of the city. Suddenly, her view was cut off, as something dark and soft slid over her eyes.
“Hey!” she exclaimed. She heard AJ chuckle, and pat her hand reassuringly. I don’t want to spoil the surprise. We’re getting close.” he explained. Mackenzie’s excitement mounted. She had dressed just as AJ had told her to, donning a pair of comfortable jeans, a tee shirt, a long sleeved men’s shirt, and fleece jacket. Her sunglasses perched on the top of her head. It looked like she was going to get to use them, as the sun was peaking from the light cloud cover.
Mackenzie squirmed in her seat and heard AJ tell John to pick them up at four o’clock, as the car came to a stop. Her heart beat a little faster when she felt something tug at her shirt. She realized it was AJ, pinning a tracking device on her collar. Mackenzie’s vision was soon restored as AJ pulled the blindfold from her eyes. In front of her was a hub of activity; a large red floresent sign read “Pike Place Market”. A grin lit up her face, and she faced AJ, his expression a mirror of her own.
“I know how much you love to shop.” he snickered wryly, “And this is a great place to experience the culture of Seattle.”
“This is wonderful, AJ!” Mackenzie cried, and she meant it.
“Come on!” he grabbed her hand, and they set off, wandering the isles, sampling foods, and browsing through everybody’s goods. When they came to a seafood booth, AJ grew excited. “Wait till you see what they can do!” With that, a fish whizzed by her head. Mackenzie gasped, and jumped back, clutching AJ’s hand tighter. He giggled like a little kid and they stood there for a good ten minutes, watching the men throw fish back and forth, packaging up everyone’s orders. They fishermen’s yells faded as they moved on to a florist. Mackenzie stood back, drinking in all of the beautiful colors. AJ glanced at her, then plucked a rainbow bouquet from one of the bins and handed the lady some money. He presented Mackenzie with the flowers, his cheeks heating slightly. Mackenzie blushed and accepted the blooms, pressing them to her nose, breathing in their fragrance. Her eyes closed in rapture.
“How wonderful”, she sighed. AJ’s eyes locked on her soft parted lips, and he wondered what it would be like to kiss them. Mackenzie’s eyes opened, and they smiled at one another before moving on. Mackenzie caught sight of a beautiful sundress, it’s fabric light and airy. The dress was black, a few bold splashes of color brightened it up, in the form of flowers. She tugged on AJ’s hand, stopping him at the booth. AJ noticed the same dress immediately, and he asked the lady to see it. Mackenzie smiled as she felt the lightweight dress, and handed the lady the amount marked on the tag.
By one o’clock, the couple had nearly exhausted themselves, having covered most of the market. By this time, Mackenzie’s over shirt was tied around her waist and her sunglasses were in place. They handed their bags and coats off to Rick, who had been following the two at a discreet distance all day, and bought lunch from a vendor. They sat on a patch of grass, under the shade of a solitary tree, and ate. “How many times have you been to Seattle?” Mackenzie asked. AJ winced into the sun, thinking for a moment.
“Hmmm......four or five times. We’ve done a concert here before, and also some promotional stuff. A radio interview, you know.”
“You’ve gotten to know the city pretty well, haven’t you?”
“Fairly well. It’s one of my favorite places to visit. There’s always something happening, and this market is awesome.”
“You’ve certainly made a devotee out of me!” Mackenzie said, and they laughed. “Seriously though, AJ. This has been a wonderful day. Thanks you.” she added softly. He gazed into her eyes for a moment.
“You finished eating?” he asked. Mackenzie looked surprised.
“Yeah, why?”
“Because! We’re not through yet!” he cried, and pulled her to her feet.
~*~
“Oh AJ! This is beautiful!” Mackenzie said reverently, some twenty minutes later. He took her hand and squeezed, saying nothing. They wandered through the exhibition hall, peering into each of the tanks. The Seattle Aquarium on the pier had plenty to offer. Like children, AJ and Mackenzie raced from tank to tank, looking at each of the fish, eels, and sea creatures that the establishment had on display. They giggled, and made a game of who could spot the creature first, if it was well disguised.
“There it is!” Mackenzie cried, and laughed at AJ’s pout.
“Race you to the next one!” he retorted; they continued on. Finally, when they had seen everything in the building, the made their way outside, onto a portion of the pier which connected the indoor aquarium with the second building and outdoor habitats for marine mammals. AJ led Mackenzie to a large open tank which rested outside, on the connecting pier. “Look.” he ordered softly. Mackenzie peered into the tank, taking in all of the little starfish, shellfish, and other sea creatures. A little girl next to her was holding a sea cucumber. Mackenzie looked back at AJ with wide eyes.
“You can touch these?” she asked incredulously. He grinned, and nodded.
“Sure. Pick one up.” The little girl, having heard Mackenzie’s question, offered AJ the sea cucumber. He smiled at her and took it. The girl was tugged away by her mother, leaving Mackenzie and AJ alone at the tank. “Want it?” he asked. Mackenzie shook her head shyly. She studied the sea creatures, then cautiously plucked a star fish from it’s position on a rock. A smile played across her lips, and she giggled as she felt it’s spiny skin against her fingertips. AJ gazed at her, watching the expressions passing over her face. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with wonderment and joy. Seizing the moment, AJ leaned forward, pressing his lips gently against hers. He pulled slightly away, and starred into her shocked eyes. Then he leaned forward, kissing her again, this time more firmly than the last. Mackenzie’s head swam as she felt AJ’s moist mouth against her own. After a few moments, Mackenzie pulled away. AJ realized he was still holding the sea cucumber, and carefully replaced it in the water. Mackenzie did the same with her star fish. They sat for a moment on the edge of the tank, then without a word, AJ grasped her hand, and they continued on into the marine mammal portion of the aquarium.
*****
“Have I ruined everything?” AJ finally spoke as they observed the sea otters. Mackenzie thought for a moment, trying to sort out the muddle of feelings inside of her.
“I....don’t know. It’s hard to explain how I feel except that I’m confused.” she admitted. AJ sighed.
“I shouldn’t have kissed you. But......I wanted to so much.” he paused. “Is it Howie?” he asked, not sure if he wanted to hear the answer. She stopped walking, and turned toward him.
“I like Howie.” she stated. “This makes me.....unsure. AJ, you’re a wonderful man.” she bit her lip, “But so is Howie.” AJ nodded.
“I know Howie cares about you a lot. I...I guess I’m just jealous, because I care about you too.”
“Are you sure your feelings extend beyond that of friendship?” she inquired.
“Yeah.” he looked down and thought for a moment before taking a deep breath, meeting her eyes. “I want you to know though....... whatever happens....whatever you decide, I value your friendship. I’ll respect your decision.” They stood gazing at one another for a moment.
“Thank you.” she said softly. AJ held out his hand, no longer feeling free to take hers in his own. She placed her hand gently in his. As they wandered through the aquarium, Mackenzie’s mind was focused, not on the fish, but on the other man in her life. AJ’s heart was filled with guilt.
*****
“Do I look ok, man?” Howie asked nervously. He stood outside their backstage dressing room with Brian. He wore a pair of black slacks, and a purple silk shirt under a black sports coat. Brian appraised Howie with a critical eye. Finally, he nodded and broke into a grin.
“You look good, D. Just wait until Micki sees you. Hot, hot, hot!” he teased. Howie turned pale, causing Brian to groan, “Aww, man! Green is not your color.” Just then, AJ approached. He twisted his hands nervously.
“I gotta talk to you, D.” he stated. Howie glanced at his Rolex.
“Can it wait? It’s almost time for me to pick up Mackenzie at the bus.”
“No, it’s got to be now, before I lose my nerve.” AJ muttered. Howie’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“What?”
“Never mind. I have to tell you something.”
“Ok....” Howie encouraged. AJ took a deep breath.
“I kissed Mackenzie.” This statement was met with silence and the widening of Howie’s eyes. Brian drew in a sharp breath. Howie blinked and turned away.
“When?” he choked out.
“This afternoon.....We spent the day together, and it just kind of happened. I....I’m attracted to her.” AJ admitted, watching his best friend’s back. Finally, Howie pivoted back toward AJ, and said in a hurt voice,
“You knew I liked her, Bone.”
AJ nodded miserably, having spent the rest of the day dwelling on the overwhelming guilt he felt.
“Why? Women are always throwing themselves at you. You flirt with all of them! AJ......not Mackenzie. She’s the first woman I’ve liked in so long. Couldn’t you just let me have her?” he asked. AJ was torn up inside. He wished that Howie would yell at him, scream, throw a punch, do something. Anything other than standing there with a wounded expression on his face. Then AJ knew. Howie loved Mackenzie. His eyes widened.
“You love her.” he stated. Howie bit his lip and turned away. “It’s true.” AJ whispered, then sank heavily onto a nearby couch and placed his head in his hands. His best friend loved a woman, and he’d just tried to steal her away. For a so long, he had watched Howie remain single while he flitted from woman to woman. Howie had never complained, but had, on occasion, expressed his desire for someone to love. Howie deserved Mackenzie. She deserved him. “I’m so sorry.” he rasped. Howie began to shrug out of his coat.
“I can’t take her out. You go, AJ. She’d have a better time with you anyway.” he said sadly. AJ jumped up, and silently pleaded with Brian for help. Brian shrugged.
“NO! Howie!” AJ spun Howie to face him. Howie looked up slowly. “Take her! She’s waiting for you. You can have her, you deserve her; romance her tonight. Make her fall in love with you too, if she isn’t all ready!” AJ shook Howie’s shoulders anxiously. “I made a mistake. I’m sorry.” he added. Howie assessed AJ’s expression, and found it to be genuine. AJ looked tortured, and his eyes begged Howie to go. Brian held out the long stemmed red rose that Howie had planned to take to Mackenzie. Howie gazed at the rose, then at his best friend.
“I need to know....does she love you?” he asked. AJ shook his head.
“I don’t think so. No. She never thought of me as anything else before today. It was me. I instigated it. I, “ he swallowed hard, “Acted on my attraction.” Howie’s eyes turned back to the rose. He grabbed it, and held it in his teeth while shrugging back into his sports coat. He began to walk out the door, then turned back to AJ.
“Thanks.” he whispered. AJ nodded and watched as Howie walked toward the woman he loved. Brian peered at AJ.
“Need someone to talk to?” he asked. AJ sighed and sat with Brian on the couch.
*****
“Do I look ok?” Mackenzie asked nervously. Anita, Cheryl, and Denise laughed, nodding their heads.
“Honey, you look fine.” Denise reassured her. Mackenzie frowned at her reflection in the mirror.
“Now, how is Howie ever gonna fall in love with you when you glare so ferociously?” Cheryl asked. Mackenzie’s face lightened and she giggled with the other women.
“It’s just......I’ve never done this before. At least, not in a really long time.” she stated softly.
“I hardly think you’ll get that far on your second date.” Anita remarked wryly. Mackenzie blushed.
“No! That’s not what I’m talking about. I meant that I’ve not been on a date with a man in a while.”
“You went to the club with us.” Anita pointed out.
“That was different!” Mackenzie exclaimed. “You, Brian, and AJ were there. It was a crowded place, very open. Now,” she took a deep breath, “It’s just him and..............and me.”
“You’ll do fine.” Denise comforted her. “Knowing Howie like I do, I’ll bet that he’s just as nervous as you are.” Just then, there was a knock on the bus’s door. The women squealed, and Mackenzie paled. Anita gave her a shove toward the door. Mackenzie paused to straighten her dress, and took a deep breath. She slowly opened the door.
When Mackenzie greeted him, Howie felt his breath catch in his throat. She looked stunning in a burgundy velvet dress which fell just above her knees. It clung in just the right places, showing off her elegant figure. Her hair was a mass of curls, piled on top of her head, several tendrils framing her face. She stepped from the bus, and silently, he handed her the rose. She smelled it, and smiled softly, never taking her green eyes from his. “You look beautiful.” he complimented.
“So do you. Look handsome, I mean.” she corrected, blushing slightly. He chuckled, and offered his hand. A black limo pulled into the backstage lot. It drove right up to Mackenzie and Howie. The driver jumped out, and opened the door for them.
“Our carriage awaits.” Howie stated gallantly.
Denise, Cheryl, and Anita sat with their noses pressed against the dark windows of the bus, watching as Mackenzie and Howie disembarked.
“They look so right together.” Cheryl sighed.
“It’s about time Howie found someone who loves him for himself.” Denise commented happily.
“You think she loves him?” Cheryl asked Denise shrugged.
“I hope so. They’re adorable together.” Anita added.
“Look at us, giggling like a bunch of little girls, when they are jobs to be done!” Cheryl admonished. The three sighed, but didn’t budge from their seats as they watched the limo recede into the distance.
Mackenzie sat next to Howie, her heart racing at his close proximity. She fingered her rose, and marveled at the wonderful beginning to what was sure to be a magical evening. He gave her hand a squeeze, and they smiled at one another.
Howie helped Mackenzie from the limo, and his mouth upturned at her awed expression. When she had questioned their destination, he had replied only that, once they reached the center, she could look up at it, and know that she would soon be dining among the stars. Now, he enjoyed every ounce of her wonderment. She glanced at Howie as if to confirm that the Space Needle was their destination. He grinned, and nodded. They walked hand in hand through the center gates, and made their way toward the magnificent structure standing 600 feet high.
Mackenzie took a sharp breath once they boarded the elevator and began their ascent. It was unbelievable. The view from the elevator let them gaze out over the city of Seattle. The city’s bright lights twinkled and shimmered. Howie studied Mackenzie’s profile, thinking to himself how lucky he was. He grasped her hand in his, marveled at how soft her skin was, and looked out the glass, admiring the view. Mackenzie felt him take her hand, and watched as he starred out the window. Something wrenched her heart, almost painfully. She knew it had something to do with her feelings for this man, but she was unsure what they were. Mackenzie didn’t take her eyes off of him for the remainder of the ride.
They were seated at a lovely tale for two by the window. Howie watched as amazement played across her face; she took in the table, it’s romantic setting, the candles, and the view of the city’s skyline. Howie waited to seat her, and she felt her cheeks heat as she realized that she had kept him waiting. He smiled at her embarrassment, and leaned down to whisper in her ear.
“It’s breathtaking, but not as much as you are this evening.” He watched as her flush deepened and chuckled. The maitre d appeared from out of nowhere.
“Good Evening. May I offer you a drink? A bottle of wine perhaps?” Howie glanced at Mackenzie, who nodded and smiled. He ordered one of the finest house wines, and turned his attention back to his companion.
“This is wonderful. Thank you so much.” she said softly.
“You’re welcome.” he replied simply, and watched as the candlelight combined with the mood lighting shone on her hair, and made her lips glisten. A waiter arrived with their wine, and poured their goblets three quarters full. After he left, Mackenzie broke the silence.
“Have you heard from your family?” she queried.
“Yes. Just yesterday. My mom called on the cell phone, and gave me an update.”
“How is everyone?”
“They’re well. Some exciting news: I’m going to be an uncle! My brother’s wife is pregnant. My mom’s busy planning a shower.” as Howie continued to talk softly about his family, his desire to be a good uncle showed through. Mackenzie smiled tenderly, thinking to herself, ‘I bet he’d make a wonderful father.’ As soon as she thought it, Mackenzie knew that it was true, but wondered why she’d even be thinking about such things.
When the waiter returned a while later, Howie ordered for them both, and they continued to converse earnestly throughout the meal.
“If you could dine with anyone, living or deceased, who would it be?” he questioned.
“That’s a good one. Hmm.....” Mackenzie thought for a moment. “I’d have to say Catherine the Great. You?”
“Winston Churchill. He was so wise, I’d love to find out what made him tick.”
Mackenzie nodded in agreement. “Ok, ok. My turn. Ummm.....If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?” Howie glanced at her shyly, from under his lashes.
“A Bryan McKnight CD, a bottle of champagne......and you.” he admitted softly. Mackenzie’s eyes widened; a smile crept across her lips.
“You?” he asked softly.
“How can I possibly follow that?” she teased. “I think I’d have to bring along the CD player, since you forgot it. And I’ll add a dish of strawberries.” She raised her glass of wine to her mouth. His eyes glinted, and reached across the table, taking her hand in his. His voice was husky as he whispered,
“Sounds like you’re planning just as much romance as I am.” Their gazes locked.
“Your turn.” Mackenzie managed, swallowing the lump in her throat. He thought for a moment.
“What’s the most romantic song you’ve ever heard?”
“That’s an easy one. Tatyana Ali sings it. It’s called-”
“ ‘Kiss the Sky’,” Howie completed.
“You’ve heard it?” she asked, surprised.
“Yes. I knew that must be the song you were going to say. It’s a beautiful medley.”
“Ok, what’s your favorite romantic song?” she challenged.
“Shania Twain’s ‘From This Moment On’.”
The couple realeased hands and finished their dinner. Howie signaled the waiter, speaking softly to him, leaving Mackenzie to wonder what was being said.
“What was that all about?” she asked with a smile.
“You’ll see.” he replied. They waited, until the waiter returned. He set a covered dish on the table with a smaller one next to it. He uncovered the small one first. The aroma of melted chocolate wafted up to her nose. Mackenzie glanced at Howie, who kept his eyes on her face. The waiter lifted the lid from the second platter. A mound of fresh, red strawberries were revealed. Mackenzie met Howie’s eyes. The air sizzled between them.
He stood, and moved his chair to the space beside hers.
“Hey, you.” she whispered. He smiled, and reached for the strawberries, taking one.
“Do you like chocolate?” he asked. She nodded. He dipped the strawberry into the warm mocha colored sauce, and cupped his hand under it, bringing it towards her mouth. She glanced at him warily, before opening her jaw just enough to accept the strawberry. He fed it to her,and her eyes closed in rapture at it’s sweet taste. When she opened her eyes Howie was starring at her expectantly.
“Delicious.” she pronounced. “But don’t take my word for it.” She plucked a berry from the platter, and showed him the same curtousy that he had given her. Their eyes locked as he bit into the fruit. He swallowed, and licked a dab of sauce from his lips. They continued to feed one another the berries, not saying a word. Finally, when the dozen and a half fruits were gone, Howie reached out and tenderly pushed a wisp of her hair from her cheek. He leaned forward, holding her eyes with his own as he moved closer. They starred at one another until their lips met. Mackenzie’s eyes drifted closed as she felt the soft pressure of his mouth. His lips were moist, and caressed her own delicately. Howie pulled away, and Mackenzie wished he’d kiss her again. It must have showed in her eyes, because he smiled.
“Did you enjoy that?” he asked. She looked at him surprised.
“The kiss?” she questioned. He started and looked alarmed,
“No! I meant dinner! Did you uh.....enjoy dinner.” he stuttered, and blushed. She chuckled.
“Yes, very much, thank you.”
“Would you like to continue with our evening?” he asked, his flush dyeing down.
“There’s more?” she wondered. In answer he stood, and pulled out her chair. He signaled the maitre d, and reached for the folder on their table, slipping several bills inside. Placing his hand on the small of her back, just to touch her, he guided her toward to the front of the restaurant. A young man handed Howie the lady’s wrap, which he slipped around her shoulders. He accepted his own coat. Mackenzie reached out and tenderly adjusted the neckline. She kept her hands on his collar, and leaned forward whispering in his ear.
“Just so you know, I enjoyed the kiss, too.” They smiled at one another, held hands, and boarded the elevator for their descent.
Their limo pulled up at the pier. The attendant leapt from the passenger seat, and opened the door for them. The couple exited the vehicle, and began their star lit walk. The moon shone brightly, reflecting off of the waves, which lapped gently against the columns of the pier. Tiny white lights were strung along the tops of the posts, creating a intimate atmosphere.
As they walked, Howie placed his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. She snuggled into him, and they strolled without saying a word. Howie led her down the end of a pier, and stopped, turning to her. He took her hands in his own, and gazed earnestly into her eyes.
“Mackenzie......” he began.
“Yes?”
“I have to ask you something.” she nodded for him to continue. “Is there any other man in your life?” Her eyes never wavered from his own.
“No. There is no one but you.” she said softly. He visibly relaxed, and looked out over the calm waves. His vision skipped back to hers,
“What about AJ?” he questioned, his voice not rising above a whisper. She shook her head.
“No. AJ is a wonderful man, and a good friend, but he’s not the man I want to be with.” she responded. Howie swallowed the lump in his throat.
“Who DO you want to be with?”
“Howie....” she smiled, pushing lightly against his shoulder.
“Mackenzie....” he insisted. She raised her eyes to his, her expression once again serious.
“You. I want to be with you.” Upon hearing this, Howie crossed the small distance between them, and let his lips brush across hers. Her eyes closed, and she leaned into him, her face upturned, awaiting more of his attentions. He memorized the details of Mackenzie’s face, before pulling her into his embrace. His arms surrounded her, and he caressed her cheek with one hand, holding her close with the other. She turned her face into his palm, kissing it gently. Howie’s lips found hers, and they kissed softly, briefly. He tasted sweet and smelled of spice. She sought him again, and again. Their kisses turned warm and intimate. Mackenzie nipped his lip, holding it gently between her teeth. Howie buried his bands in her hair, pulling the pins from it. Reaching up, Mackenzie let her fingers dance across the nape of his neck, sending waves of excitment down his spine. He sighed in contentment, and pulled away to kiss her neck, all the while letting his hands run up and down her back. The feel of his mouth on her throat and collarbone took Mackenzie’s breath away. A small moan escaped her lips as Howie kissed the tender spot behind her ear. He pulled back, and took in her fever bright eyes, flushed cheeks, and kiss-swollen lips. She shivered to spite the heat between them. Howie realized that the warm night air had turned cool, and shrugged off his coat, tucking it around Mackenzie.
“We should be going.” he murmured. She reluctantly consented, and snuggled into his arm around her shoulders. The tiny lights along the pier blurred, and the noise of the waves faded out. As they walked, all that they were conscious of was the feel of one another. Mackenzie focused on the rise and fall of Howie’s chest, her head pressed against him. They retraced their steps to the limo, and sat closely, unwilling to be out of one another’s embrace.
*****
AJ lay awake in his bed. His talk with Brian had relieved some of the guilt that he felt, but the black emotions that remained were the result of the attraction he still felt for Mackenzie. AJ closed his eyes, envisioning the kiss that they had shared. The feel of her, the scent of her, her touch......AJ jerked into a sitting position and ran his hand through his hair.
“This is crazy.” he murmured to himself. The slow even breathing of the other occupants of the bus was all the response he recieved. He lay down again, and stared at the bunk above his own. Brian mumbled in his sleep. Something about the Dallas Cowboy’s Cheerleaders. AJ smiled, and relaxed a bit. Kevin’s hand dropped over the edge of the bunk above. Nick turned in his sleep. AJ drifted off, as the symphonic range of Brian’s snoring filled the bus.
*****
“Let’s not wake them.” Howie whispered as he paused before opening the door. Mackenzie looked at him, a confused expression on her face.
“There’s no where else to sleep.”
“Yes there is.” He grabbed her hand. Dragging Mackenzie to the back of the bus, he lifted the flap to a stow away compartment. He pulled out three plaid blankets, and grinned. A smile slowly dawned on her lips. Howie led her to a patch of grass shaded by two trees, right beside the bus. He spread one blanket out over the ground, and tucked another around Mackenzie’s shoulders. They sat together on the blanket covered grass. Tentatively, Howie lay back against the tree, and opened his arms, inviting her to snuggle against him. Mackenzie eased into his embrace, and he pulled the third blacket up over them both. Their slight shivers soon ceased, as the warmth from their bodies fused. The couple lay together, gazing up at the stars through the branches of the tree. Soon, sleep claimed them, just as a shooting star streaked across the night sky. Through squinted eyes, Mackenzie saw it’s light, and wished with all of her heart.
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