Carly Piper

 JC Chasez

Kassidy

Gavin 

Song Credit: Kelly Clarkson-Maybe

A Million Faces in a Crowd
Chapter 4

Carly dragged her tired body into her loft and shut the door and locked it. Airplane rides always did a number on her and right now, all she wanted to do was sleep. Checking her messages and rolling her eyes at the constant ramblings of her mother, she hit erase and walked the spiral stairs to her bedroom. Pulling back the covers, she climbed into the one thing she'd missed. Her bed, her safe haven, her home. Falling effortlessly onto her pillow, she covered herself up and closed her eyes before a second thought crossed her mind.

***
Buzzing, what the heck was that? Make it stop! Carly rolled over as her cell phone vibrated obnoxiously against her bedside stand. Rubbing a hand over her face, she reached for it aimlessly and tried her best to sound alive and alert as she answered.

"Hello." she asked, her voice thick with sleep.

"Hey sweetheart. Did I wake you?" a deep voice asked.

"Mmm, yes you did, but for you it's okay." she smiled.

"How are you babe? I've missed you. Just wanted to make sure you got in safe."

Carly couldn't help but smile. "I'm alright. Just tiered and on the verge of becoming nocturnal. I got in safely. The flight was long but I think the open mic night did me some good. I've got several people with interest."

"Good, good and of course you do! You're amazing! How could they not love you?"

"Parker, your too much for my ego but it's always wonderful to hear your praises." Carly smiled.

She could feel the grin in his voice as he continued. "I'm your biggest fan. Don't forget it babe. I'll let you get back to your sleeping. I just wanted to make sure you were back home where you belong. Call me if you need anything hun. Love you!".

"Thanks Parker. I'll be in touch soon, I promise. I love you too!" she said before she hung up.

Setting her phone back on the night stand, Carly glanced at the alarm clock beside her. In big red numbers, it displayed that it was 12:58. Rolling over, she realized that she was still exhausted and decided to take advantage of the free time she had. Closing her eyes, her even breathing led her into a land of slumber.


His hands were everywhere on her. Touching, caressing, making her want him even more. He trailed kisses down her neck until he was met with her collar bone. Dragging his caresses back up, he finally met her mouth one more time before pulling back. Looking deeply in her eyes he spoke in all sincerity as well as desire. "I want you baby, so bad. Please."

With her nod of assurance, she ran her hands through his hair. He began to kiss her again, stirring her into a heated whirl wind. When he came back up this time, he looked to her for any sign of regret before he hooked his hands under her shoulders and pulled her close. Entering her, he groaned out in pleasure as he began to move. His movements were long and sure as he unhurriedly brought them to rapture. As they cried out together, he leaned down and spread kisses across her face starting with her eyes. He moved to her cheeks, her forehead and finally her lips in a gesture of love. Sighing, he slid off of her only to bring her close to his side..


Carly came out of her hot sleep session breathing a little heavy. Rewinding her dream, she did a quick play back as her mind went on a mile a minute. She hadn't just had a sex dream had she? And had the star been.. "JC." she whispered to herself.

Shit.

Pulling off the covers, and glancing at her alarm, she decided it was early enough in the morning to be awake. She padded to the bathroom only a few steps away from her. Yes, a long relaxing shower would do. Scratch that. A long cold shower would do. Why on earth was she having a sex dream about a man she loathed? Did she really hate him? He was gorgeous and his arms around her made Carly feel safe and secure. Wanted, desired. And then there was his scent.

Peeling off her t-shirt, she inhaled deeply. Surly his scent would have vanished by now. Gasping, she was met with the faintest hint of his masculine cologne that still lingered on her clothes and suddenly he was everywhere. Their first encounter, his chiseled cheek bones. The vivid color of his blue eyes. His smile, the sexy laugh he'd give her. The moment he knocked on her hotel room door, the way she hated him and he'd still remain a gentleman. His calming caress. What it felt like to wake up in his arms and oh.. Her thoughts had gotten away from her.

Dropping the shirt, and peeling off the rest of her clothes, Carly turned on the taps and stepped into the marble shower and closed the clear door. Wetting her hair, she tipped her head back and shook it, trying her best to will away the erotic and confusing thoughts of JC Chasez.

***

JC walked into his house and kicked his shoes off by the door. He felt in dyer need of a shower and made his feet begin in that destination. Almost their, he heard a familiar voice call out to him.

"Hey ass face! Thanks for calling me this morning. I though we were going to breakfast!

JC smiled at the ever so popular antics of his brother Tyler. "Sorry Ty. I ended up staying over with a friend last night. Then I took her to the airport this morning."

"Oh a her, eh? Get some action did ya?"

JC scoffed. "No Tyler I didn't. Believe it or not, sex is not the only thing I think about! I'm capable of being a good friend to a women too!" he barked.

"My gosh Jace! What crawled up your ass? I was messing. Rough night?"

"Bittersweet. I'll just leave it at that. I'm going to shower."

"You-know-who called while you were gone. Wonder why she didn't call your cell?"

"Probably because I hit 'ignore' each time. Whatever, I'm going to go shower then maybe mess around in the studio if you need me."

"No, that's ok. Go make music and I'll leave your PMS-ing ass alone!"

****
Sitting at the piano in his home studio, JC let his fingers gently run over the ivory keys. Playing a melody here and there, he rubbed a hand over his stressed out face as emotions began to pour out in gentle waves.

Grabbing the pen he lay beside the note pad, he picked it up and began to get lost in the thoughts and emotions that poured out of him.

The broken clock is a comfort, it helps me sleep tonight, maybe it can stop tomorrow from stealing all my time.

I am here still waiting though I still have my doubts. I am damaged at best, like you've already figured out. I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing, with a broken heart that's still beating.

In the pain, there is still healing, In your name I find meaning. So I'm holding' on, I'm barely holding' on to you..

***

"Carly! I've missed you!" Cameron said as she hugged her best friend enthusiastically.

"Cameron! I've missed you too!" Carly said hugging her back. Walking into the local star bucks, they placed their order then took a seat a table in the corner.

"So spill it girl! How was LA?"

"It was good! I got several contacts!."

"As I knew you would. So give me dirt! Anything good happen?"

"What makes you think I have dirt?" Carly asked confused.

"Hmm. Could be your mother said she called you like ten times within five minutes and said you never answered. She then proceeded to call me and see if I'd heard anything."

"Oh goodness. My mother is a worry wart. I was in the shower when she went on her calling spree. I had a little, uh.. Accident in the shower. I called her back later though."

"Accident huh?" Cameron said wiggling her eyebrows.

"Mind out the gutter now please!"

"Well shoot. What happened? I'm your best friend. Have been since Jr. high. Don't leave out details either Missy!"

"I um…someone showed up at mic night. I was kind of a bitch to him. I think Avery told him where I was staying because he showed up at my door later that night. He drove me to the airport this morning." Carly said waiting for the immediate grilling she knew she'd get.

"Carly Ann, you have a one night stand?! Details NOW!".

"Ok, one--No. I did not have a one night stand. I'd hope you know me better then that and two--it was JC Chasez."

"JC Chasez? Where do I know that name?"

"He's a really big producer in LA. He had a solo career that never really took off. All possible talent aside, he's one of Hollywood's biggest playboy's, or so they make him seem."

"They make him seem? Why do I feel theirs more to this?"

"He was actually pretty nice. I almost feel bad for being such a bitch to him. Almost. I haven't quite made my mind up as to what I think of him yet".

"Do you have a way to contact him?"

"No. I refused to give him my number. I didn't want to be another notch on his bed post but as for musical purposes, Confucius say if he wanted to get in touch with me, he could easily find a way."

"Do you want him to contact you Carly? I sense there's more to this story also."

"Maybe if I wanted some pointless sex with a Hollywood socialite but since I'm not a whore, I'm good. I've got way to many things to do. I don't have time for anything like that. I'm shooting three album covers within the next two months on top of writing and whatever else comes along. Pretty soon I won't know my ass from a whole in the wall."

"Carly, not every guy is like your ex. You have to realize that. Sometime or another, you're going to have to let go."

"I've let it go Cammi. I really have. This is just my time to focus on me and my career. I have ambitions. I'm going to do what I can to see they go somewhere."

"I have no doubt, Cars. Just don't shut your heart out. You've got so much to give."

"I know, I know. I'm just not looking into things to deeply. I've got a life to live. I hate to cut this short Cam but I've got to get to the gym! It was great to see you though! And give my god daughter a hug and kiss from Auntie Carly. I miss her!"

"I will and it was great to see you too! I feel like we never spend time together anymore. You're always on the move somewhere." Cameron said standing and embracing her friend in a quick hug of goodbye."

"You know how I am! Bye Cammi!" Carly laughed before walking away.

Stepping out into the semi bus streets of downtown Chicago, Carly stopped at the stoplight and was waiting for it to turn green when her cell phone rang. Snatching it out of her bag, she held it to her ear and answered.

"Hello?"

"Carly Piper?"

"This is she. Who's this?"

"This is Max Powers with Pulse Music. I think we met in LA the other night?"

"Yes, the name sounds familiar. What can I do for you Max?"

"I wondering if you'd be willing to lend your talent for a upcoming movie sound track. We have a deadline though so we'd need you day after tomorrow at the latest and you might be out here a while. Are you interested?"

"Of course I am! I'm honored. Name the time and place!"

"I'll e-mail you a full itinerary along with your flight information. See you in two days!"

"Alright, bye Max. Thank you!"

Carly hung up her phone and took a deep breath. Her career was about to take off. She could feel it. "LA here I come." she whispered to herself, hoping she'd have what it would take.

A Million Faces in a Crowd
Chapter 6

JC woke some odd hours later and felt the spot beside him was cool and that Carly was no longer sleeping comfortably in his arms. He immediately felt the loss. Letting his eyes adjust to the darkness of the hotel room, he glanced around and noticed a low glow of light coming from what he'd guessed was the balcony. Pulling the covers off, he padded in the direction and found his assumptions to be correct. He found Carly wrapped in a thin blanket on one of the chaise lounges that overlooked the city. She looked contemplative, yet peaceful at the same time. Not wanting to startle her, he began his intro in a soft voice.

"You alright, Carly?" he questioned, taking a seat in the lounge beside her. His arms immediately caught chill of the night air as Goosebumps formed on his skin.

Carly looked up at him and smiled. "Fine. Just thinking."

"You feeling any better?"

Carly yawned and stretched a little. "Yes. I get so focused with things that I often forget to stop and take care of myself. It's stupid, I know."

"You're dedicated to this job. Nothing wrong with that, but yes. You do need to take care of yourself Carly."

"I know JC. I will." she said hoping to change the subject. For some reason, having people constantly on her back made her feel like a child but then a little voice in the back of her head reminded her that it felt good to have someone caring about her. Especially care enough to come over and make sure she slept. It was kind of unsettling in a way.

"So what are you up at this odd hour for?" he asked.

"Just thinking. Taking in the city. Kind of forgot where I was when I woke up. Scared me a little."

"Scared you?"

"I'm not used to waking up with a stranger in my bed." she laughed quietly.

"Am I a stranger to you, Carly?" he asked, looking directly into her green eyes.

"You know what I mean, JC. I don't know you very well. This is all kind of weird to me. I don't do this kind of thing."

"Do what kind of thing? And have you taken the time to get to know me Carly?"

"You know, this." she waved her hands in the air aimlessly. "Sleeping with someone I don't know. And No JC, I haven't taken the time to get to know you. I'm not sure if I should."

He looked wounded by that and Carly immediately regretted her words a little bit.

"First of all, this…" he waved his hands in the air, just as she had before he began again. "Is nothing to be ashamed of Carly. We're friends. And yes, maybe we're going about this a little backwards but it's nothing you should feel ashamed of. Finding comfort in the opposite sex is not a crime. We're not having sex. It's not a crime to enjoy someone being close to you. And what do you mean you shouldn't get to know me?"

Carly bit her lip as if she were carefully contemplating her next words as she pulled the blanket tighter over her shoulders. "This is a business thing JC. It could make or break my career. I don't want people assuming I got ahead because I 'slept' with you. This is LA, and I know how things move here. I don't want to be sucked into it. Rumors get started and things get twisted so fast. I just don't want or need anything negative affecting this. I've worked at it for so long."

JC looked down at the concrete floor and suddenly understood what she was getting at. He'd be lying if her words didn't sting.

"You think my name is going to bring you down?"

"What? JC, No! I just meant-." he interrupted her.

"You did too, Carly. Whether you meant to say it or not, that's how it came out."

"I just don't want to get involved in something I can't handle, okay? I have no intentions of staying here for longer then I have to. This place feels so jaded to me. I don't want to be a part of it."

His brows furled at that. What would he do when Carly went back home? Would she ever call him? Did she ever want to see him again? JC felt he had made headway with Carly over the passed few days and he felt like whatever they had built was all crumbling down right in front of him.

"Can I ask what you've read about me that's so horrible Carly? I know this is all still in the back of your mind. I think you might be surprised to learn the truth."

She almost looked guilty by the question. "I've just heard stories and read things. You've had your fair share of women according to the 'talk'. You've went from one woman to the next, cheating on them?"… she left the last part a question and watched as he shook his head.

"I've dated a lot, I guess you could say yes. But dating does not always entail everything people often assume it does, Carly. And cheat on a girlfriend? I'm not perfect nor do I claim to be but I've never cheated on a girlfriend. I have more integrity in myself to do something so low. I tend to treat my girlfriends pretty well and get nothing or very little in return. My ex, for starters- did no such thing. You were right about people twisting things around." he huffed. A glimmer of hurt more then evident in his blue eyes.

Carly did feel like shit right then and there. If what JC was telling her, she'd made a complete ass of herself. She knew that had been her reason for distancing herself from JC but she never expected to see him again, let alone work with him. She didn't want to get mixed up in his 'playboy' ways and trash her name before it even got a chance at it's own start in the music world.

Carly could kick herself as she did a run down in her mind. Each time she'd given in eventually to him sleeping in her bed, sex or not, it still had to mean something. You didn't fall asleep in the arms of another man if you didn't have some type of trust for them. It just didn't happen work that way or at least not in her mind. And somehow, along the way, she had managed to get herself mixed up in a whirl wind she wasn't prepared for.

"JC, I'm sorry. I don't know what to say!" Carly silently cursed herself. Bullshit. She always knew what to say. What she wasn't prepared for was JC standing and walking briskly from the balcony.

Feeling like an ass, she followed him into the hotel room and watched as he was putting his shoes on in what looked to be a hurry.

"You're leaving? It's the middle of the night." she questioned softly.

JC looked up with hurt eyes nodding. "You'll learn one day, Carly that not everything you read is the truth and that assumptions hurt even worse when someone bases their opinion of you based on a lie. And not everyone in LA is as jaded as you make them out to be. You've got to learn to look outside the box a little bit. I thought I saw better in you, Carly Piper." And with that, He picked his keys up from the night stand and walked out the door.

What Carly didn't know is that JC's heart stung just as much as hers did. Walking away from her had proven to be harder then he'd thought.

***

She stood their staring at the door, all of the sudden feeling a loss. Her mind began it's own battle arguing with itself as she cursed herself quietly. What had just happened?

Even more exhausted than before, Carly locked the door and turned the light out before throwing her pathetic self into bed. She tossed and turned for several hours before she was about to give up. Knowing exactly what was missing and exactly how to cure her bought of insomnia, she carefully played over in her head once again how his arms felt around her as she slept and the careful harmless words he'd used earlier to describe whatever was going on between them. Willing herself not to get anymore upset than she did, she tried to imagine just hours earlier, his scent, his strong arms as they enveloped her and she slept on. Lost in her thoughts, Carly laid her head on the pillow JC had used just minutes before and breathed in softly as his scent took over her mind and she closed her eyes as she finally found slumber an hour later.

****

-A week Later-

Carly stared hard at the computer in front of her, occasionally flicking buttons on the soundboard whenever necessary. Mixing music and perfecting tracks were her final tasks of the soundtrack project. Running a face over her bleary eyes, she tried to stay awake. It had been one week since she had watched JC walk out of her hotel room and one week since she'd had what could only be counted as a good nights rest.

Her days to come after that were spent in the studio basically non-stop. Her occasional five hours back in the hotel room she got each night were spent tossing and turning and were a constant reminder of what'd she'd said to put herself in the current position. She hadn't spoken to him since then and the guilt was eating her alive.

Thinking he'd have to be back to finish up the soundtrack had proven to be a false assumption. She wanted a real chance to apologize face to face but that didn't seem to be in the future cards for Carly. She had hoped to finish the current track she was editing and wrap the project tonight and be on a flight back to Chicago by tomorrow morning. Excited to be going back to what she called home, Carly couldn't help but to feel as though she was leaving something important behind. Not wanting to leave without making amends, she was torn between her professionalism and making things right with this guy who had suddenly come into her life.


Max came bursting through the door, the look of determination written all over his face and stirring Carly out of her thoughts.

"How are things going, Carly?" he asked.

"Not bad. Almost finished."

"Good. Everything is sounding amazing. I'm glad we found you for this project."

"I'm glad too, Max. I've enjoyed every second of it."

"Great. We'll definitely keep your name in mind for future projects."

"Sounds good."

"Can I hear what you have so far of that track your working on? I've gotta head out soon but wanted to give it a listen real quick."

"Oh yea, sure. Let me finish this last part and I'll give you a listen." Carly put her hair behind her ears as she shifted in the seat and began to play the track. Max took a seat beside her and began to listen with interest.

Carly took his nodding along to the beat and tapping his fingers on the chair as a good sign. She needed Max Powers to like her work. He was the backbone behind Pulse music and the one who'd be signing her paycheck.

Studying him more intently, his dark hair and muscular build, told Carly that he was a man who'd been in the business long enough and knew exactly how to do it. He couldn't have been a day over forty though.

"I like it Carly. I think it will blend beautifully with the movie. Good work. We've got everything thus far, and once your done with this track, we'll get the ball rolling to final production. I'll be in touch with you. You still going back to Chicago tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'd planned on it."

"Had enough of LA yet?" he grinned.

"I'm afraid so, Max. You can't take Chicago out of this girl. I miss it."

"I don't blame you, Carly. LA is something else. It sucks you in, one way or another."

"It does. So we're all set here? I'll drop off my final discs up front and you'll get them correct?"

"Yes. That sounds like a plan. I might have a few more producers come in and fix last minute glitches but you did an awesome job."

"Other producers?" Carly questioned, trying not to get her hopes up.

"Yeah, I'm not sure who yet. I know I might need JC in here eventually to work on a few things. That mans talent amazes me. I'm glad he worked with you Carly. The track your voice is on, is amazing."

"Thanks and yes, he is a talented guy."

"He's had a rough year, that guy. I don't know anyone else who's had their heart stomped on worse but still kept on rolling. He's one of the most level headed genuine guys I've met in the business." Max spoke honestly.

Carly felt more like the scum of the earth as Max spoke each word.

"He's had his heart stomped on?" she asked softly.

"Yes. Stomped is putting it lightly. The guy was head over heels in love. Apparently it was a one sided thing though. She was cheating on him for a long time and he had no clue. Let's just say she drug it out into the public eye and made him look like a fool. He was the last know. I've never seen him so lost in his life. But he pounced back up, as he always does."

"I didn't know. He seems like a good guy."

"He's great Carly. He's one of the best friends I've had in this business. Always willing to lend himself for the greater good of others. You know the type, wears his heart on his sleeve.''

"Sounds like it."

"He spoke very highly of you Carly. Said he met you last time you were here for open mic."

"Yeah, we didn't get off to the best start, I guess you could say."

"He'll grow on you I bet. Just don't make up your mind without giving him a chance. I bet you anything he could be a great friend to you."

"I don't doubt he could be."

"Well, I've got to get a move on it. You know what to do when your done. I'll be in touch Carly. It was a pleasure working with you." he said as he stood patting her on the shoulder.

"Bye. Thanks for everything!" she waved as she went back to work.

Work. Yeah right. Her mind was having it's own argument with itself. Ask for his number! No be professional. Carly went back an forth before taking a deep breath.

"Have a good flight Carly!" he called as we opened the door.

Do it before he's gone you idiot!

"Max!" she called out. He turned towards her, hand still on the door looking at her intently. "Would you be able to give me JC's number by any chance?" she asked timidly.

He looked at her and nodded, always a business man but an equal amount of a soft side. "Sure. I know he said he had a project he was working on in New York or something. Not sure when he was leaving though." Pulling out his blackberry, he brought the number up and read it out loud to Carly.

She grabbed a random piece of paper from the folder of papers she spread out aimlessly in front of her and scribbled it down as fast as she could and turned to Max.

"Thank you Max. I appreciate it."

"No problem Carly. I'll see you later." he waved and with that he was out the door.

Trying to finish her task, Carly couldn't help but to keep glancing at the number scribbled just minutes earlier. Knowing if she continued this annoying habit that she'd never get anything done, she tucked it back into the folder and continued working.

***
Carly paced her hotel room, making sure she'd picked up everything and had it packed for her leave. When she got back that night, her mind began it's usual arguments with her guilt-ridden self. She glanced at the number, starring at it and picking up her phone several times only to throw it back down on her bed and sigh in frustration. Having no clue what was holding her back, the situation only wore on her nerve endings even more.

JC disserved an apology and Carly deserved to explain herself and even give him a chance. She wondered what he was doing right at that moment. Did he have a girlfriend? Ugh, why was that any of her business she asked herself. The solitude of her hotel room finally getting to her, Carly glanced at the clock beside her bed and realized it was already one thirty in the morning. That meant that it was three thirty back home and normally she'd be asleep, all comfortable in her bed. Grabbing her phone, she padded softly to the one place she'd found peace in her hotel room-the balcony.

Sitting down in the familiar chaise lounge, she opened her phone and began catching up on random text messages she'd received from friends and family while being away. She'd never found the sanity or peace and quiet to respond until now. Letting everyone know she was doing fine and would be home tomorrow, she brought up her contact list and started at the named she'd added to her cell phone only hours earlier.

Closing her eyes and breathing in a sigh of nervousness she pressed send. Not expecting him to answer this late made her heart rate slow down as she listened to the phone ring. By the 7th ring, Carly let out a deep breath as his voice mail clicked on.

"Hey, it's JC. Sorry you missed me but if you leave your name and number, I'll be sure to get back with you."

Carly waited for the beep before she spoke, hoping with everything in her that she didn't sound like a babbling idiot.

"Hey JC, it's um, it's Carly. I was kind of hoping we'd get the chance to talk before I went back home. I wanted to apologize for the other night and for a lot of things I said. I hope we can start over eventually. Anyways, I'm leaving in about five hours but um, give me a call sometime if you feel like talking to me again. Bye."

And with that, Carly shut her phone and stood up and made her way back to her bed. Tossing herself pathetically down on it, she covered herself up and flipped on the TV, prepared for another sleepless night before it was time to board her plane.

***
Carly walked quickly into the headquarters of Pulse music and began her destination down the hallway until she got where she needed to be. Talking kindly with the lady at the front desk, she handed her the tightly sealed envelope with Max's information on it and smiled. Once it was placed in secure hands, she turned to walk out of the reception area and glanced at her cell phone. Noting she had no new messages, she shut it and threw it aimlessly back into her green messenger back and continued towards the door.

***

JC pushed the up arrow and waited for the doors to slide open before he walked into the elevator. Pressing number three on the keypad, he watched as it lit up and the elevator began moving up. As it dinged, he stepped off and made his way down the hall. Running a hand over his exhausted features he walked up the counter and greeted the person he'd been looking for.

"Morning, Mr. Chasez."

"Good morning Nora!" he smiled brightly.

"I just received the disc Max wanted me to forward to you." she said picking it up and handing it to him.

"Already? I thought that wasn't suppose to be done for another week or so."

Nora looked at him confused. "Miss Piper just dropped it off. She was in the studio late last night finishing it."

"Miss Piper? You mean Carly?" he asked as his stomach did a flip flop.

"Yes, Carly Piper. You just missed her."

"Thanks." JC said in a hurry as he grabbed the envelope and took off for the elevator. He pushed the down button repetedly until the doors opened and he waited anxiously until it landed on the first floor. Busting out of it, he jogged over to the main entrance of the Pulse music studio's and ran out the door looking around with small glimmers of hope.

He looked down the street only to see a cab pull off the curb and hung his head low as it began to drive away. He'd just missed her.

****
Carly had just buckled her seatbelt with a click as she sat back in her seat and was digging through her messenger bag for her ipod. Placing it beside her, she waited until the captain announced that they were going to be taking off in a matter of minutes and leaned back and closed her eyes trying to will away her stresses.

Leaving LA felt good but she was also happy for everything the passed few weeks had entailed. She'd grown as a songwriter and as a producer in such a short amount of time. Her career had a path now and she had gained the respects of some pretty big people in the business. The future was looking promising.

Doing a run down, she couldn't help but to think of the man she'd become closer with and in one moment, had willed it all away. She was a fish out of water and he'd done his best to befriend her and she'd let her assumptions and bitter words get in the way. Now she was on the way back home to Chicago, and all she could feel was guilty.

Carly prided herself in being a good person but right now, that was the last thing she thought of herself. Her mind flashed back to JC and his smile, his low key flirtatious mannerism and his easy approach. He could make her laugh and be professional at the same time and she loved that. But she blew it and now had no idea how she'd fix her faults when he she was about to be over 2,000 miles away from him.

Willing her mind to shut up, she leaned back in her seat and stared aimlessly out the window.

Hearing her phone buzz loudly in her purse, she rummaged through it and picked it up and stared at the name that flashed before her on the caller ID. Breathing in a deep breath before she answered, shaky hands opened in and lifted it to her ear.

"Hello?"

A Million Faces in a Crowd
Chapter 7.

"Hey Carly. It's JC."

She closed her eyes and took a minute to gather herself.

"Hey. I'm glad you called."

"We must have just missed each other. I just left the studio and they said you were just there yourself."

"Yeah, I worked on the tracks for Max last night and finished what I could. I was suppose to leave them for him to give to you or something." JC laughed a little.

"Yeah, I got it. So you're heading back to Chicago today?"

"Yeah, getting ready to take off soon I think." she said as she looked out the widow beside her.

"You're already on the plane?" he questioned softly.

Carly immediately felt the drop in his voice and it pulled at her heart strings.

"Yeah. I was hoping we'd get the chance to talk before I left." Her declaration hung in the air thick.

"I was hoping for that too, Carly."

"I'm sorry for what I said JC. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"Apology accepted."

"Could we start over?" she asked softly.

She could almost here the smile in his voice. "I'd like that Carly."

"Good. Me too."

"So back to Chicago again eh?"

"Yes. Let's hope I get to stay for longer than 24 hours this time."

JC let out a carefree laugh. "LA loves Carly. What can we say?"

"It seems to. So Max said you're leaving to work on another project?"

"Yeah, I think I'm suppose to leave sometime this week. I haven't been given the final word of where or when yet though."

"Well good luck with everything."

"Thanks. So what are you up to once you get back home?" he asked.

"Uh, sleep I hope. I might do a couple of open mic nights here and there at one of the clubs I perform at. Oh and I've got like four photo shoots to I need to get done. I kind of had to put them on hold when I left last minute for LA."

"Photo shoots?"

"Yeah, I do album covers for Indie bands here. I also shoot random things here and there. I love photography just about as much as I love music."

"Well look at you Miss Multi-tasker."

Carly laughed at that. "I enjoy the work."

"I feel like there's so much more I have to learn about you, Carly."

"Oh I've only just begun JC. Same goes for you though."

"It will happen in time honey. I've got your number now. There's no escaping me." he said as he tried to sound intimidating.

"I wasn't trying to escape you JC. I'm sorry I based my opinions of you on lies and assumptions."

"It's in the passed now, Carly. We're starting over."

"Good. I promise I'm not always a bitch." she chuckled and she could tell he was grinning as he spoke again.

"Let's hope so. The Carly I know can be pretty brutal."

"Yeah yeah. I really don't want to sit on a plane for the next four or five hours."

"You could sleep." he suggested.

"I could try. I don't really sleep well on air planes. I'll probably just listen to my ipod or read." Carly suggested.

"Read eh? Got anymore dirty books?"

Carly could just picture the seductive look on JC's chiseled features as he said that.

"Non of your business Mister."

"There's no shame in reading kinky books sweetheart."

"Kinky? What the heck JC. I don't read stuff like that!" she defended. Carly didn't even notice the pink stain on her cheeks until her face suddenly felt hot.

"If they're not kinky then what kind are they?" he laughed.

"We're not having this conversation JC. Next subject."

"Aw, come on. Um, let's see here." Carly could tell JC was up to no good. "What kind of sex do they have in the books?"

"JC! Oh my gosh. Mind out of gutter now please!"

He snickered at her outrage and could picture her all flustered and embarrassed. "I'm curious, that's all."

"They're romance novels, JC. It's cute sex okay? Nothing kinky or whatever else your thinking. Now please, new subject."

"Alright, fine party pooper. Do you have any idea when your getting back to LA?"

"Not off the top of my head. I know Max said he'd call me if anything came up and or if he needed me for anymore snags in the soundtrack."

"Well you should come out her a few days early never time you visit. I could show you around LA and stuff."

"That'd be cool." she agreed shyly.

"Cool. It'd be fun."

"Okay JC, it looks like we're about to take off. I've got to get going. I'll talk to you soon though?"

"Alright Carly. Have a safe flight honey. And yes, you'll be hearing from me soon. Call me when you land if you'd like, just so I know you made it home safe."

"Okay JC." His firm voice was a little unsettling. He was always looking out for her and she wasn't used to that.

"Have fun reading your dirty book Carly. Bye."

Carly rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile. "Bye JC." She said before she closed her phone and shut it off. Being friends with JC Chasez was going to be an adventure.

****
Carly pulled out her cell phone right as she slid into the back seat of the taxi and began to fill out the needed info. Running her fingers across the keypad, she sent JC a quick message as she'd promised.

I made it back home safe and sound. My dirty book was quite entertaining. Talk to you soon.

Carly

****

JC felt his cell phone vibrate against his thigh as he took walked into the front door of his house. He didn't expect to hear from Carly so soon but smiled as he opened the message. Shaking his head, he text her back.

Glad to hear you made it back alive. Thank god for dirty books ;)

JC

****
-One week Later-

Carly had just made it into her loft, juggling her camera and her messenger bag and trying not to drop either of the two objects as she tossed her keys to the small stand by the door. She grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge as she kicked off her flip-flops and plopped down on the couch.

Rubbing a hand over her tired features, Carly glanced at the clock before flipping on the TV. Noting it was only 3:30 she began flipping through the channels before settling on a lifetime movie. She only made it to the next set of commercials before she drifted off to sleep.

Twenty minutes later, the sound of her cell phone singing loudly woke her from her slumber as she answered it without glancing at the screen to see who it was. "Hello?" she answered half asleep.

"Carly, it's JC. Did I wake you?"

Becoming more awake, she rolled over and sat up a little. "I must have dozed off watching TV. It's fine."

"How have you been?"

"Busy, but good. You?"

"Same. Sorry I haven't called sooner. The vibes have been great in the studio this week."

"It's alright. That's good to hear!"

"Yeah. So what have you been up to?" he asked softly.

"I've gotten two of the photo shoots I needed to do done. I went down to the lake the other day with some friends and other then that, I've just been hanging out. Trying to get my body clock back to Chicago time."

"Sounds like a productive week so far!"

Carly laughed. "Yes it has been. I was so exhausted when I got home that I turned on the TV and only made it through twenty minuets of the movie. I'm a winner."

He chuckled at her antics. "Nothing wrong with sleeping. One of my favorite hobby's."

"Mine too but I feel if do it too much, I waste the day away."

"I know that feeling. Any word from Max yet?"

"Nope. Nothing yet."

"He'll call. I know he will."

Carly let out a yawn. "I figured he will. I'm enjoying being home for now."

"So there's no way we'd get you back to LA anytime soon, huh?"

"Who's asking?' she asked curiously.

JC laughed as he tinkered around with the soundboard in front of him. "Uh, Me?"

Carly felt her heart flip flop. "You want me to come to LA?"

"If you want to." he answered absently, silently holding his breath.

"I'm sure I'll get there soon enough, JC. And if I didn't have prior commitments I might say yes."

"I understand Carly. It's cool."

"So what are your plans for the rest of the day?" she asked casually.

"My brother and I might catch a movie later on. It's kind of a low key day. I've been tinkering around in the studio here and there."

"Sounds fun. I didn't know you had a brother."

Instead of putting blame on Carly for not knowing this bit of information, he decided to inform her now. "Yeah, he's twenty six. He lives with me, goes to law school and is a giant ball of dork. You can't not love Tyler."

"That's awesome JC. Do you have any other siblings?"

"Yeah, another sister. She's a few years younger then I am. Lives in Florida. You?"

"One sister and one brother, both older."

"Aw, Carly is the baby." he laughed.

"Yeah yeah. I'm the coolest."

"No doubts there. So How old are you?"

"Is this 50 questions?" Carly laughed as she stood up and stretched, her back cracking in the process.

"It's called 'Getting to know my new friend, Carly' smarty pants." JC said as he stood from his chair in the studio and walked upstairs.

"I'm twenty-six."

"Ah, my assumptions we're close but no cigar."

"And you would be?"

"Thirty-one. I'm an old fart."

"Oh yes. So old JC. We better get you fitted for a hearing aid soon."

He let out a full on laugh as he walked into the kitchen going right for the fridge.

"You're something else, Carly Piper."

"Why thank you, JC. I aim to please."

"Is that so?" he asked, humor laced in his voice.

"Did someone spike your water with vigra?" she questioned.

He let out another laugh. "Not that I'm aware of. I'm a guy Carly. I'm just teasing you. If it bothers you, I won't do it."

"Your fine JC. I just like teasing back."

"Okay. If you're sure."

"I'm good. You're fine."

"Why thanks Carly. You're not so bad yourself." he smirked, the cockiness evident in his voice.

"Ugh, you're too much. I need to get up and find something for dinner."

"Do you cook?"

"Yes JC. I just got a new easy bake oven last week."

"Oh, looks who just took a double dose of sarcasm."

"Haha! Yes I can cook. I'm actually pretty good at it."

"Maybe you could give me lessons sometime. I suck at it."

"You can't cook anything? Geez Chasez. I'm kind of shocked."

"I never said I can't make anything. I've been known to make a mean pop tart or two."

"Ohh pop tarts! Where do I sign up?"

He laughed again as he poured himself a glass of tea and took a drink before setting the glass back down on the counter.

"What's your specialties?"

"I'm really all about making pasta's and grilled chicken. It's my favorite."

"That sounds good. You'll have to teach me sometime."

Walking in her small, but roomy kitchen, Carly begin searching the refrigerator for something to eat. "Maybe sometime."

"Okay good. So what's for dinner tonight at casa de Carly?"

"It looks like a chef salad will do for now."

"Sounds good to me. Can I come over?"

"Haha. Sure JC."

"Okay, I can take a hint. I'll let you get back to making dinner. Call me when you're not sleeping or cooking." He smiled when he heard her laugh and could hear the sounds of her rummaging around, opening things.

"I'll do that JC. Have fun with Tyler, tonight."

"I will. Later honey."

"Bye JC."

He hit the end button and slid his phone across the counter top.

"Honey, eh?"

JC placed his hand across his heart as he gasped for breath.

"My god, Tyler, you scared the shit out of me!"

"Sorry. I couldn't resist. Who were you talking to?"

"A friend."

"You call you're friends honey?"

"Sometimes, Tyler. Yes!" JC replied, getting annoyed. He could tell where this was going.

"Do I know this friend?" he asked as he stepped around JC and opend the door to the fridge.

"No Ty, you don't."

"And you met her where?"

"I met her a few weeks ago at an open mic night for songwriters. I actually worked with her recently on a soundtrack."

"Ah, so she's a singer?"

"No. She's a songwriter actually. Hence why she was at an open mic night for songwriters." JC held his fingers up with air quotes for extra affect. "She's just kind of getting into the whole production thing. She's amazingly talented though. A lot of fun to work with too."

"And?" Tyler looked at his brother as if he expected more to the story.

"And, what? She's a great girl. I don't know her all that well yet but she keeps me on my toes for sure. She's a fierce ball of energy."

"Is she single?"

"You know what Ty, I'm not even one hundred percent sure."

"Do you plan on finding out? I mean, do you like her?"

"Yes and I'm not sure. A part of me wants to but then a part of me is still messed up from you-know-who."

Tyler nodded knowingly, still angry at JC's ex for doing what she did to him. He hadn't been the same since.

"Give it time Jace. You're still healing. It will happen when it's meant to be."

"Yeah, I know. I find myself thinking of Carly at weird times of the day. She's got this addicting personality."

"Carly, huh? She'd be lucky to have you, brother."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Tyler. Are we going to the movies or what?"

"Yes, let's go. Let me just grab my wallet and we can go."

****

-Three weeks later-

Carly grumbled and rolled her eyes as she tried to perfect the photos on the screen before her. It seemed the band she had photographed earlier in the day wasn't in to mood to play the role of models and the pictures looked like absolute shit. She'd managed to scrounge a few possibilities for what they were looking for but if they didn't approve, she'd have to shoot it all over again and that was something she wasn't looking forward to.

Her days were spent in the typical fashion of her keeping busy. She'd gotten six new assignments for photo shoots through the company she worked for and had buried herself in the work, perfecting photo after photo and loving every second of it. That was however, until today.

She kept in contact with JC every now and then, having random phone conversations with him here and there. Through their periodic chats, it became their thing to share their daily tasks and they spoke casually of life and music and then there was always their never ending banter and harmless perverted inuendos.

Carly was starting to admit to herself that she began to miss his company. Having heard nothing from Max yet, she was actually growing restless and had began to feel a void from being in LA. She just didn't have the courage to bring it up to JC even though he had asked, but she kindly filled him in that she was plenty busy with work at home and was always happy to share a melody or song idea with him.

She found out quickly that his knack for music didn't end in person but was with him wherever he went. He'd always lend her an opinion or make a kind suggestion when he knew a better way to go about something artistic. She'd even found herself holding the phone out as she played a melody, asking for his honest opinion. Carly was quickly coming dependent on his weekly chats. They gave her something to look forward to and they seemed to be keeping her sane in her crazy world. His creativity was good for her life.

Exiting out of the photo editing program she was working on, Carly stood up and grabbed her things before saying her goodbyes and making her way out the door.

She needed to take her angers and frustrations to better measures and the one thing that did that for her was the gym. That was another one of the hundred reasons she loved her loft was that the fifth floor came equipped with a state of the art gym, with everything you could possibly ever need to stay in shape. Better yet, it was opened twenty four hours a day.

As Carly walked into her loft, she tossed her stuff down, quickly changing into her work out clothes before heading up the elevator to the gym.

***

She turned her i pod down and removed the headphones from her ears and took a long drink of water from the bottle she'd brought with her, just as her cell phone chirped loudly. Glancing at the caller I.D. she smiled as she brought it to her ear.

Taking in a deep breath and trying to control her breathing, Carly answered. "Hello?"

"Hey Carly! How are you?"

"Hey Jace. I'm-" she gasped, trying to suck in some oxygen. "I'm Ok. You?"

"I'm fine. You sound out of breath. Are you alright?"

She took another swig of water trying to calm her racing heart. Working out had kicked her good. "I'm fine. Just leaving the gym."

"Oh, you had me worried for a second."

"I'm fine JC. Burning off some anger-slash-energy"

"What's wrong honey?"

"Just had some issues today at work. I might have to re-shoot a band. The photos turned out like crap. Things have just been sort of nuts"

"I'm sorry. Keep your head up. Things will get better."

She smiled. She could always count on JC for a boost of confidence.

"You're right. They will. Thanks."

"Anytime sweetheart. So what are you up too for the rest of the day?"

She didn't think anything of it before she answered. "I'm pretty sure I've been suckered into playing tonight at a friend of mine's Piano bar. I'm actually kind of excited. I haven't played in an atmosphere like that in a while."

"Oh, that sounds like fun actually. I kind of wish I could be there to see you."

"I'm sure you've got more important things to do, JC."

"You're important to me, Carly." he spoke softly but his voice was firm and final.

She didn't know how to respond. Taking her keys and unlocking her door, she walked into her loft, willing her beating heart to slow down.

"I um- thanks." she responded, hoping he'd change the subject.

"I didn't mean to scare you honey. Just making a statement."

"No, it's- you're fine. It just took me by surprise is all."

"Okay, so what's the name of this piano bar, may I ask?"

"Um, it's called the Redhead Piano bar. It's on West Ontario. Ever been there?"

"It sounds familiar actually."

"Have you spent a lot of time in Chicago?" she asked, kicking off her tennis shoes.

"My parents used to live here. They still have their house and everything, it's just they call Florida home now. I guess you could say I've gotten my fair taste. It's been about four years or so though."

"That's cool. I love it here. I can't imagin living anywhere else."

"It is a great place. So what time are you going on?" he asked casually.

"Do you plan on stalking me or something, Chasez?"

He laughed at that. "My stalker schedule is full for the rest of the afternoon. I might be able to pencil you in around ten p.m. though." he joked.

Carly couldn't help but laugh, the mood finally lighter and not so thick. She was grateful. "My very own stalker? Oh my gosh! I've always wanted one. And it's you! How did I get so lucky?"

Rolling his eyes and laughing, JC continued. "You little smart ass. You're lucky you're so adorable."

"Or else?" she gigged, edging him on.

"Or else I might have to um, yea. I got nothing."

Carly let out a light hearted girlish laugh. "That's what I thought. Not a bad bone in your body, Sparky."

"Um, Sparky?"

"You heard me. Now what are you up to today?"

"Working and talking to you of course." he quipped.

"Always working. A man of my own heart."

"You know how it goes, girl. I've actually got to get going. I just wanted to say hi and see how you're week and or day was going. I'm sure I'll talk to you soon."

"Okay JC, I'll talk to you later. Have a good night, stalker." she snickered.

He laughed, his smile going all the way to his eyes, forming small crinkles in the corners. "Goodbye, Carly."

"Bye, JC."

And with that they hung up as Carly headed straight for the shower to rinse away her work out and get around for the piano bar.

****

"Carly Piper! Get over here, gorgeous!" Parker said as he opened his arms, anticipating her embrace.

Carly walked over to him and embraced him tightly. She pulled back as he leaned forward, kissing her cheek softly.

"I've missed you, love!"

"I've missed you too, Parker. Things have been crazy busy lately. You're lucky I agreed to come tonight." she grinned.

"LA seems to love you, I hear. Who wouldn't?" he said eying her up and down. "You look amazing, girl!"

Carly blushed but rolled her eyes. "You're not so bad yourself."

"We're glad you came tonight! It's been a while since I've heard anything new."

"You know how I feel about being a performer. You're lucky I love you!"

"I love you too, babe- now get moving! Show us what you've got!"

***
Carly took a seat at the baby grand piano, rubbing her fingers over the keys before actually playing anything. Leaning forward, she spoke softly into the microphone perched in front of her. "This is song I wrote not to long ago, so bare with me as I work out all the kinks. This ones called 'City'."

She began to sing, her voice shaky at first but immediately getting lost in the song.

Theres a harvest each Saturday night
At the bars filled with perfume and hitching a ride
A place you can stand for one night and get gone
It's clear this conversation ain't doing a thing
Cause these boys only listen to me when I sing
And I don't feel like singing tonight
All the same songs.

Here in these deep city lights
Girl could get lost, tonight
I'm finding every reason to be gone
Nothing here to hold on to
Can I hold you?

The situation's always the same
You got your wolves in their clothes whispering Hollywood's name
Stealing gold from the silver they see
But it's not me

Carly's eyes were closed, playing the piano keys by memory and fading away with each word she sang. Feeling a random chill hit her arm, she opened her eyes as she felt Goosebumps suddenly form on her skin. Glancing around the bar, looking around at nothing in particular, she continued.

**
He watched from the door, taking in the site of her. Her light brown hair had been pulled into a high pony tail but seemed to be curly and cascading down her back. The black tank top she wore was low cut and scooped down her chest in a modest way. Looking further, he noted the light colored jeans and her typical foot apparel of flip flops. Her heavily mascaraed lashes were thick sweeps across the top of her cheek bones as her eyes were shut as she sang. She looked gorgeous.

Sliding as quietly as possible into a small booth, he watched in awe. His eyes never leaving hers.

**
Playing on, she scanned the audience again, smiling as she sang. Familiar faces and some unfamiliar met her eyes. Doing a once over, she came across a pair of piercing blue eyes as her head snapped back. Those couldn't be?

Though it was dark, she could make out certain features as he looked back at her. Her eyes never leaving his, she continued the song. She had to be losing it. No way her eyes were telling the truth.

Calling out somebody save me, I feel like I'm fading away
Am i gone?
Calling out somebody save me, I feel like I'm fading

In these deep city lights
Girl could get lost tonight
I'm finding every reason to be gone
There's nothing here to hold on to
Could I hold on to you?

Their eyes never left the other as she finished softly. He immediately stood up and applauded with everyone else. Carly gasped. It was him. Dressed in dark jeans and a white button down shirt made of what looked to be some kind of silk like fabric, rolled up to his elbows, he looked gorgeous. That was the only way she knew how to put it. It still didn't explain what he was doing in Chicago, at the piano bar watching her sing non the less. Still she couldn't help but to smile. She'd missed him! He was there!

He walked up to her as she walked towards him, surpassing all the compliments and musical praises from her friends and strangers alike. Meeting in the middle, they stood there, neither moving.

"JC?" she whispered softly.

He smiled, melting her insides in the process. He took a step closer. "Someone order a stalker?" he joked.

With wide confused eyes, she looked at him as if he had two heads. "You're nuts." she laughed before she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his lean frame, resting her chin on his shoulder, breathing him in. That scent all to familiar in a strange but comforting way.

JC was taken aback by this but welcomed the heat of her easily. He expected her to pull back immediately but she didn't. He graciously rubbed her back with one hand as she mumbled against his neck. "I've missed you, JC."

"I've missed you too, Carly." he spoke, his voice thick with emotion.
________________________________________________
Song credits: Sara Bareilles-City
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB4LlEaK8eM

Red Head Piano bar gallery:
http://www.redheadpianobar.com/?gallery

A Million Faces in a Crowd
Chapter 15.

-One Week Later-

JC stumbled half awake out to the kitchen as the morning sun glared through the windows. He went directly for the cabinet and grabbed a mug, pouring himself a steaming cup of coffee from the pot before taking a seat at the island. Tyler looked on from the other side of the kitchen and laughed.

“Dude, you look like shit.”

JC didn’t even look up long enough to roll his eyes. “Good morning to you too, ass. I was up late last night working.”

“It seems that’s all you ever do anymore. What ever happened to getting out and having fun?”

JC looked at his brother curiously. “What are you talking about? I get out.”

“I know you do. I just mean that there’s life beyond you’re studio, Jace.”

JC was getting more annoyed as Tyler went on. “I’m aware of that Tyler. I just need to get this stuff done.”

“Whatever happened to making your own music? Times have changed. You know you’ve still got what it takes, brother!”

JC stood, shaking his head and moving to the sink to put his empty coffee mug in it. He turned towards Tyler, arms crossed over his chest. “I don’t have time for this right now. No scratch that, I just don’t want to hear it. We’ve been over this. It’s just not the time.”

Tyler nodded, feeling like he should have known better to press the issue. Mornings were not his happiest moments. Deciding he needed a subject change, he quickly chose his next topic carefully. “How’s Carly been?”

JC rolled his eyes by smiled slightly. “She’s fine as far as I know. They love her over there, just as I suspected.”

“That’s good. She needs to visit more often. She’s pretty fun to have around, even if she does kick my ass at Wii.” He laughed slightly.

He watched his older brother shake his head and knew a smart ass comeback wasn’t far away. “Anyone could beat you, Tyler. It’s just unfortunate that it had to be a girl.”

“Hey now, I’ve beat you plenty of times! But enough about that. Do you guys have an official title yet?”

He knew Tyler was pressing for details and instead of starting another mild argument, he decided to answer his nosey questions. “We are together. We haven’t really had time to go through the kinks and specifics yet though. We both agreed that there are strong feelings there. I can tell she’s hesitant. I know her track record with men isn’t exactly a happy one but I’ve only heard bits and pieces, not to mention I was made out to be a Hollywood man whore. I just hope we meet somewhere in the middle.”

“She’s great Jace. I know you guys are good for each other. I can tell you really care about her.”

JC nodded once before running a hand over his tired eyes. “I do. She’s someone I never expected to end up with. I’m taking it day by day.”

“I know she’s something special. I just have a feeling. You’re getting wise in your old age. A couple days from 32, huh old man?” Tyler laughed when JC flipped him off.  “I guess I’ll stop bothering you though.”

JC moved around the kitchen and opened the refrigerator, looking for something to eat. “No birthday comments please. I honestly don’t even want to think about it this year. After a certain age, birthdays just become a constant reminder that you’re becoming older then dirt.”

“Joshua, please. 32 does not exactly scream over the hill. You’ve still got plenty of life left in you. Hell, didn’t you just do some kind of weird ass flip a few months ago just to see if you still could?”

JC laughed, remembering the moment with amusement. “Yes I did.”

“And you pulled it off without so much of even trying.”

He rolled his eyes, constantly trying to prove a point. He knew in the end, he did have a point. He loved the practicality his brother brought into his life. “Yeah yeah. Point taken. Thank you, Ty. Sorry I’m such an ass in the morning.”

Tyler laughed and walked towards the door of the kitchen before turning to look at JC with amused eyes. “It’s fine. Besides, I’m used to it.”

His response caused JC to grumble as he pulled out a gallon of milk for his cereal. “Yeah yeah.”

****

Carly scribbled something on the notebook beside her before going back to her guitar. “What if we bring the last verse of the chorus down a little bit and then bring it back up towards the third?”

Gavin nodded and tried her theory out loud on his own guitar, sitting in front of her. He concentrated hard on her advice and played the cords just like she had said. “Like this?”

Carly nodded and smiled. “I think it sounds ten times better. What do you think?”

He shook his head enthusiastically and continued to play quietly. “I really like it. Great thinking, Carly! I don’t know how you do it.”

She shrugged and set the guitar aside. “Me and music just understand each other. I’m happy to help.”

“You definitely have a knack for it.”

“Everyone’s meant to do something. You’re not so bad yourself, ya know.”

Gavin laughed. “It took me longer then most to figure this out. I’m just glad I did.”

“Everything has it’s place and time. Do you want to try this song all the way through?”

He nodded, holding the guitar pick between his fingers before he started strumming a light acoustic melody. His voice was added to the mix shortly there after as he looked up and smiled at her, playfully winking. Carly listened with interest. His voice held just the right amount of warmth and soul to it that it did the song justice, covering it with just the right amount of emotion it needed.

Working with Gavin had proved less of a challenge each day. Their creative minds seemed to meet somewhere in the middle and it made the process of making music that much easier. Where Carly couldn’t think of a melody, Gavin could. When Gavin couldn’t think of the right lyrics to go with said melody, Carly could. It was a wonderful balance. They’d brought in other producers a few times, mostly to observe but stood back and watched as the pair seemed to take on the task of an album with a perfect creative perspective.

She continued listening, smiling and nodding when he went through the part they had just corrected, noting that it did indeed sound ten times better this time around. It was a modification at it’s best. The song now was a solid track and Carly was proud. When he finished, he sat his guitar down and laughed as Carly stood up and clapped happily, glad that they had finally gotten it right.

“I love it! It’s about time it came together.”

Gavin smiled, accepting her hand in a high five she threw towards him in a loud smack. “You’re brilliant Carly. I couldn’t have done this one without you. Hell, I couldn’t have done ninety percent of these without you.”

“Yeah, yeah. You don’t give yourself enough credit.” She stopped, interrupted by the buzzing of Gavin’s cell phone in the pocket of his ripped up vintage jeans. “Answer it. Take a break, for the love of Pete.”

He laughed, standing up and digging for the ringing object. “You’re the best.”

Carly flipped her hair behind her shoulder dramatically and smirked. “I know. It’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it.”

She watched as he exited the studio before she glanced at her own phone, checking the time before she counted on her fingers to figure out the difference in LA.

11 p.m. Hmm.

She pictured JC cooped up in his studio, slim fingers messing with all of the settings on his sound board, trying to perfect whatever he was doing. Maybe he was out for once, enjoying the LA night scene as he once had. It seemed every time she talked to him, he was always buried in some new project, never doing anything for himself.
She had yet to press the issue of why he wasn’t making his own music but decided against it for now. Things with their relationship were still new and she wanted to tread lightly. Carly knew that there was a lot of things she had yet to learn about one certain JC Chasez.

Having talked to him almost every day since their last and his lack-of-sleep text conversation, they found that their chatter never seemed to come to a halt. They laughed, joked around all the while filling each other in on their days. It wasn’t uncommon for JC to slip in some sort of sexual innuendo, mostly because it got a reaction out of Carly. He’d shake his head and laugh wishing he was there to see her face and hold her as they slept. Carly was trying to tell herself that distance did indeed make the heart grow fonder.

She couldn’t wait until she was done in London and was almost shocked by the reaction from herself that she wanted to fly right to LA, instead of Chicago. It was so unlike her.

Her thoughts came to a halt quickly as Gavin came strolling into the room and threw himself down on the couch with little grace.

“Didn’t go well I take it?”

He looked solemn. “You guessed right. Everything’s so fucked up. I feel like I’m about to lose her.”

Carly sighed and crossed her legs, moving back and forth in the computer chair. “Something tells me you need to go to her. Try and make this right. Plead your case to her.”

Gavin looked hesitant. “I can’t choose between my fiancé and my career that’s about to take off. I’d be an ass no matter which one I chose.”

Carly laughed quietly to herself. “You’re not an ass.”

“Well I’ve done everything I could. I’ve pleaded my case to her and it’s the same shit every time. I don’t know why she’s doing this but she’s going to have to realize that I’ve got a goal and I need to see it gets made. This is my life right now. I’ve got to focus.”

“Give her some time. Maybe she needs to put things in perspective.”

“You’re right, Carly. I’m here to make music. Maybe I can put this drama into a song.” He picked up his own notebook and pen and began scribbling aimlessly.

“There you go. Put this to good use.” Carly said, as she looked on, amused at his determined and pissed off face.

***

-Three days later-

Tyler smacked his brothers back in a kind gesture as he led him into the exclusive bar and lounge. “Come on. You need to relax a little. And it’s pretty sad that I had to wait until your birthday to drag you out of that damn studio.”

JC laughed and followed Tyler inside the swanky atmosphere, grabbing a seat on one of the leather couches. “Yeah yeah, Ty. You’re lucky I even agreed to this.”

Tyler laughed took a seat himself, smiling kindly at the waitress that quickly came over to them and took their drink order. “You need to get out man. Don’t make me take you to a strip club to get you in a better mood.”

JC laughed and raised an eye brow in question. “I think this is the first time in my life that the idea actually doesn’t seem that appealing tonight.”

Tyler looked at him like he was nuts, making a surprised gasp. “What the heck Josh? You’re getting to be too much in you’re old age.”

Rolling his eyes, JC shook his head before his eyes landed on someone walking into the bar. He craned his neck a bit, looking for confirmation before turning back to his brother and taking a long drag from the beer that was just set in front of him. “Oh god.”

Following his gaze, Tyler looked on, his eyes widening. “Shit man. Do you want to leave?”

JC shook his head trying not to stare at the man that had his arm firmly wrapped around the brunettes waist. “No, it’s fine. I just- god I hope she doesn’t come over here. I’d rather do anything then have to deal with her.”

“Yeah, running into the ex on your birthday isn’t the best way to go about this celebration.”

Nodding, JC adverted his eyes away from the couple. He still felt a lot of hurt an anger towards his ex girlfriend. What she had done to him was unforgivable. Granted he’d gotten over it and moved on but the feeling never fully subsided, especially when the person that was responsible for all the hurt he’d been thrugh was standing across a room.

“I heard a rumor she was engaged.”

Tyler didn’t miss the hurt in his brothers voice. “If that big ass rock on her finger is any indication, I’d say it’s true.”

JC smiled weakly, waving the waitress over for another drink. “I need something a little more strong.”

“Josh, don’t do this. This isn’t what I brought you out tonight for. You’re in such a better place right now and look at all you’ve gained. You’ve got Carly and from my point of view, she’s ten times more amazing than you-know-who ever was. Stop beating yourself up about this.”

“You’re right. She is.”

“Speaking of Carly, you haven’t talked about her for a day or so. She been really busy?”

His face fell a little bit, picturing her in the studio, calling out orders or suggesting this melody or that specific group of lyrics, always being the leader. “Yeah, things are going well for her though and I’m happy. She deserves this more than anyone. I miss her-, more then I want to admit. This-” he gestured towards the unexpected couple. “doesn’t help much.”

Suddenly feeling bad, Tyler relented before standing and grabbing the drink bill. “You know what, let’s go home and order a pizza and just drink some beers and watch some movies. It’s your birthday and you need to be having some fun. And call Carly and see what she’s up to. It doesn’t hurt to try even if you do know she’s working.”

JC stood and followed his brother, pulling out his phone. He traced his thumb over the silver screen before debating on calling. So far his birthday had not been off the best start. Having a past relationship be thrown in his face, and the realization that the one person you wanted to be with was a million miles away sucked big time. He tried to forget about it, and not to dwell on stupid shit but he felt himself falling into a dark funk as the minutes ticked by.

Thankfully, they’d manage to exit the building without any sort of eye contact  or confrontation with the ex and were now driving back home, trying anything brighten the mood. Tyler turned towards his brother, eyes full of trouble. “Dude, you sure you don’t want to go to a strip club? You’re not cheating if you just sit there and stare.”

JC did find himself chuckling at his brothers desperate antics to cheer him up as he got into the car. “Man, you’re not right in the head.”

Tyler shrugged his shoulders, looking innocent. “What? We all know you love boobs. It’s your birthday. You deserve some kinda-.”
“Tyler!” JC interrupted. “I’m fine. I don’t need to go to a smoky bar and sit around with a bunch of perverts to make my birthday complete. Seriously, don’t even worry about it. I’m cool with kickin’ back at home with movies and shit.”  

“If you’re sure.” He looked towards JC, waiting for him to nod. His eyes shifted back to the road.

“I promise. I’m fine.” JC went to his phone and scrolled through the contacts before finding the name he wanted and waiting for it to ring.

Sighing, he shut his phone and shifted in his seat, looking out the window.

“You could have left a message.”

JC shrugged. “I’m not a big fan of messages. I always stutter and sound like an ass. I just, I don’t even know what I’d say. I’ll just try later.”

“Man, you need to get out of this funk. It’s bringing me down man!”

“Trust me, I’m trying.” JC opened his phone again and went to address his text message before he began. Hey babe. I know you’re probably busy. I just wanted to say hi. Give me a call if you get a minute, no matter how late it is my time. Miss you.

Tyler rolled his eyes as he watched his brother fiddle with the radio, his knee nervously bouncing up and down. This wasn’t how he’d planned the night for his birthday. The guy was worthy of a good time and he was bound to show him one.

Fifteen minutes later, they had pulled into the drive way of JC’s house before walking up the steps to the front door. Putting the key in an turning the lock, JC felt Tyler come up behind him and punch him in the shoulder casually. “I’m going to cheer you up! You’ll see.”

JC had to smiled at Tylers efforts to make his birthday special. The man seemed relentless. Stepping inside the door, Tyler following suit, he tossed his keys on the entryway table as he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Just as he was about to reach for it, as he walked inside further, he stopped dead in his tracks at the site that greeted him.

“SURPISE!” He looked around, startled by the sudden noise and smiling at all the familiar faces he saw. There before him seemed to be all of his closest friends, colleagues and the like. The house had been decorated mildly, just enough to get the point across of a party. A bar had been set up on one the balconies. It was almost too much.

A round of ‘Happy Birthday’s’ followed as he walked through the living room, greeting all of his friends, all dressed casually with some type of drink in their hand. Finally once he had made it through everyone, he turned to his brother standing there with an evil smirk on his face.

“You ass. You keep a damn good secrete.”

He pulled him in for a hug. “I know. I’m pretty awesome. Go have fun, you old fart. This better change your mood or I’m hiring a stripper.”

JC laughed and moved to mingle with a friend he hadn’t seen forever. He continued his conversation, talking animatedly and catching up on everything they’d missed since they’d last spoken. It felt good. He felt rude, wanting to excuse himself as his phone buzzed in his pocket once more. Shit. He’d forgotten to see who it was, hoping it was none other then Carly.

Kindly excusing himself, he stepped out onto the balcony that came off the living room and smiled and greeted his guests that had scattered themselves out there all entertained by each other. The night air caressed his face with a gentle summer breeze. It was hot out but it held just enough wind to keep the scorching heat at bay. His night was looking up already.

Grabbing his phone, he opened it and immediately smiled, reading the message on the screen. Sorry I didn’t answer. We were in the middle of recording. We’re taking a small break right now though so I can’t call just yet but I will when we’re done. Is everything okay? You seem like something’s wrong. What are you up to anyways?

His fingers began their reply. I figured you were making big hits. Everything is fine. I was just bummed. I meant to text you back sooner but I walk into my house to this surprise party Tyler threw me for my birthday. I’m pretty shocked.

He laughed out loud when he read her reply, picturing her every movement. What? It’s your birthday? Why didn’t you tell me? I feel horrible :(

JC nodded, and tried to remain polite as people passed by him, getting them as they went along. Dammit, couldn’t they see he wanted to be alone for five freaking minutes? Don’t worry about it babe. I guess we never got around to sharing that kind of stuff. I’m happy just hearing from you, even if it isn’t in the flesh.

I wish I was there. I’d find a way to make your day special.

JC’s breath hitched in his throat, trying not to think like men often did. For some reason, her words went right down south. It was obvious he was attracted to Carly, but still, he didn’t want to sound like a jackass that only knew how to think with what he tucked in his jeans. Really? Please elaborate ;)

Well first of all, I’d take you somewhere you’ve never been before but have always wanted to see. Then, I’d make you a fancy dinner. After that, once you think I’m the best girlfriend ever, we’d go out to the balcony and sip wine and just watch the stars.

He smiled as he read, picturing all of it. It seemed so much like his Carly. Sounds amazing. Anything else?

I’d kiss you, slowly until it was hard to breathe. Then I’d kiss your neck and your jaw, waiting for you to shiver against me.
 
Wow. JC was shocked that Carly was being so bold. Usually she seemed more timid when it came to the physical aspects of love. Maybe the fact that it wasn’t face to face made it easier. Swallowing hard, he looked around, hoping nobody noticed his knee jerk reactions. He cursed himself for getting so into this, in practically a room full of people. God baby, you’re killing me here. Then what?

Then I’d run my hands up under your shirt, feeling your skin beneath my hands. JC closed his eyes for a second, having the mental argument of picturing Carly doing just that and not wanting his physical reaction to be noticed. He read on. Then I’d whisper in your ear to turn around.

He read the text over again, not fully understanding it. Turn around? You lost me, baby.

His screen blinked back in no time. Turn around you dork.

Reading her reply, he tried to separate his mind from the sexual haze she’d put him in and come the reality of what she had said to do. It had taken him sixty, maybe seventy seconds before JC looked to his left, his neck craning around before turning all the way around.

He stopped, blinked, starred, his eyes widening as his lips broke out into the biggest smile.

Carly stood before him, her smile matching his. He took a few steps forward, meeting her in the middle. His arms opened wide. “Oh my god, baby! You’ve got to be kidding me.”  She flew into his awaiting embrace, her arms going around his neck as he swung her around, holding her close to him. When he finally set her down, her arms remained where they were, tightly twined around him. Reaching up to his ear, she kissed it softly feeling him shiver before she whispered “Happy Birthday, baby.”

His body reacted immediately savoring in the feel and scent of her against him. Not letting go, he pulled back just enough to look into her green eyes, shining with a sparkle he’d never seen in them before. He didn’t hesitate as his head dipped down, his lips capturing hers, letting them linger and sip hers softly. “I cannot believe you’re here. How? When did you- who let you? I just, it’s like this is too good to be true.”

Carly laughed, her hand going to his smooth jaw bone. “First of all, you can thank Gavin’s girlfriend for sending him through a turmoil. He finally got so desperate to fix things that he flew home. Secondly you can thank your brother.”

JC looked over, seeing Tyler in the distance, his face full of smiles as he talked to a blonde girl. “I owe that guy. I missed you so much.” His voice had gotten softer before he released her from his arms but still held her small hands in his.

He looked her up and down, having been so overwhelmed earlier and felt himself wanting to drool. Carly was decked out in a modest, black silk halter dress that stopped just above her knees. The fabric molded to her body in the most perfect of ways. Her neck was sparkling from the silver necklace that had accompanied it. Her long hair had been swept back and was held in place by a claw clip. The heels she wore almost made her taller then JC. It took him a moment before he could gather a response.

“My god, look at you. Do you have any idea how gorgeous you look, baby?”

Carly blushed, turning her head away from his headed gaze and resting it against him. His hands instantly went to the bare skin of her back, caressing the silkiness he found there. “I had to look amazing for you on your birthday, didn’t I?”

He tipped her chin up to meet his gaze. “You look beautiful to me everyday, Carly. But this, gosh- can I put a ‘taken’ sign on you?”

Arching her eyebrow, she laughed and shook her head. “I don’t think their will be any question.”

Dipping to kiss her once more, he pulled her along with him, their fingers laced tightly together. His smile could have lit up a Christmas tree, Carly noted as JC introduced her to his various friends.

The night seemed to pass by quickly as the couple mingled with old friends of JC’s and sipped wine. It was the first time in days that JC had finally felt relaxed and at ease and he knew it had everything to do with Carly.

The pair sat in a lounge chair on the balcony as the quests seemed to fade out slowly. It was then JC noted that Carly was beginning to look uncomfortable in her dress and heels. He turned his attention away from Tyler before turning to smile at her. “You know you can go change.”

She smiled gratefully. “Thank you. I’m not used to heels.”  

He leaned down and kissed her forehead softly. “Go babe. I‘ll be right here.”

He watched as she stood and walking slowly back into the house, taking one more glance at how amazing she looked tonight. JC still couldn’t’ believe she was here. He smiled at his brother and seriously felt the need to hug him. “Thank you this Tyler. For all of it. Especially for Carly.”

He leaned forward, giving his older brother a manly hug. “You’re welcome. I figured you could use something like this, and for Carly, I knew out of all people that she’d be the one to cheer you up. And who needs a strip club when you have her?” He winked.

“Seriously dude, it’s not like that. I care about her.”

“I know you do man. Look, I think everything is taken care of and the last of the guests are gone. I’m going to go out with some friends for a little bit. Don’t wait up.”

JC nodded, and then grinned seeing Carly make her way back. “Okay. Be careful and thanks again!”

Tyler nodded before leaving the room. JC welcomed Carly back into his arms at took in her more simple attire. Still she looked gorgeous in a pair of faded jeans and one of her signature tight tank tops. He stretched out on the chaise lounge, welcoming her to do the same and smiled gratefully as she moved to lay against him. This was what the good things in life were made of, JC decided.

“Feel better?”

Carly nodded against him, smiling softly. “Much better. I’d take jeans over heels any day.”

Snickering, JC bussed her forehead. “Can’t blame you. I still can’t believe you’re here.”

“Believe it. It‘s me in the flesh.”

“That’s the way I like it. Tonight was fun and everything, but this is what I was looking forward to the most. Laying here with you- it’s what I wanted the most.”

Carly turned on her side, facing him and bringing his cheeks in between her hands to kiss him softly. “Me too. I don’t want to talk about work, about London. I just want to lay here with you.”

“It feels good to hear you speak freely of this. Of us. I was worried it was all me for a while.”

“Nope. I was just hesitant. It’s only normal and to be honest, I still am a little. It’s just so new and there’s so many things that could get in our way.”

“I can’t blame you and it might take some time but I’ll do my best to see that it does work. I haven’t felt like this in a really long time Carly. You mean a lot to me.”

“You mean a lot to me too Jace. I never pictured myself here, with you but I‘m glad it happened.”

“I’m glad too baby. So I think we need to have that know-everything-about-you conversation. I’, positive I don’t know everything about you, Miss Piper.”

Carly giggled, draping a leg over his and scooting closer. “My birthday is October 2nd. I’m allergic to sea food. I’m addicted to expensive coffee drinks, I hate bad drivers. I broke my wrist in the fourth grade, my parents are divorced but it’d didn’t phase me, I love sleeping in late but feel guilty when I do so, working out calms my bad moods but sweating makes me feel gross, I love the city and the beach but hate traffic to get to it. Oh, and for the sake of being random, I often turn my music up loud and sing when I drive and love it when people stare.”

JC laughed, running a hand up and down her side softly. “Is that all?”

She winked playfully. “Oh there’s more. Just ask.”

He felt horrible, as he watched her yawn for the third time within five minutes. Her poor body was still on London time. “Aren’t you tired, baby? I didn’t even think that you’re still on London time.”

“I’m fine. There’s always time for sleeping. Right now, I choose to be awake, with you.”

“Okay. So let’s analyze your twenty second life story. It seems like the Carly I know.”

“Like I said, the one and only.”

“Can I ask you something without freaking out?” JC hesitated. She looked up into his gorgeous blue eyes and nodded. “What do you want for your future? Marriage or kids someday?”

Her eyes got wide but she didn’t look startled. She continued stroking his cheek, familiarizing herself with the feel of it. “I think I’d like to get married someday but I won’t take it lightly. I only plan on doing it once and I want it to be real, to be in love.” She looked as if she were deep in thought before continuing. “As for kids, I might like to have one. I’m in love with my niece and I could see how much my sister changed because of her. I’d love to feel that with the man I love.”

JC swallowed thickly and could have swore he felt the faint sting of tears hit the back of his eyes but did his best to will them away. He knew too much confession or disagreement could make or break what they were slowly building but he couldn’t help the small hopeful picture he was painting in his head. He saw Carly in all of it but didn’t want to hold his breath. He’d painted that picture before and it had all been shattered. Still, his silence seemed to scare her.

“Did I say something wrong?”

JC closed his eyes, putting the deeper thoughts to the way side before he rolled onto his back, grabbed Carly’s leg, pulling it all the way over his hip and planting a hand on her butt so that she was now straddling his slim waist.

She looked down at him curiously. His hands went to her face, caressing softly before they traveled upward to the clip that still held her hair tightly behind her. He let her soft hair fall free, around her, his fingers caressing the soft tresses.

“No baby, you didn’t. You just got me thinking about---things.”

“Good things?”

He gently pulled her face down, her lips a mere inch from his as he spoke against them.

“The best things.” JC whispered before catching her lips with his own. His hands went from her hair, down to her neck where he continued kissing her. Carly melted against him, her chest coming down to lay against his, closing any space between them that they once had. Her hands had inched slowly up his shirt, her fingers and palms grazing the skin she found there. JC gasped, not expecting such a bold move. He pulled away slightly breathless. “Baby?”

Her hands faltered for a second before she grinned, catching his lips with hers quickly before she answered. “I recall going into detail about someone’s birthday surprise..”

Welcoming her lips against his, he had to pull back once more, his breathing becoming ragged. This could get out of hand fast, JC thought to himself. “Carly, you don’t’ have to do this. You being here is enough.”

Removing her hands from his shirt, she didn’t know if she was being rebuffed. “You don’t like?”

JC laughed softly, trying not to rid the thickness between them. “You know damn well I like it baby, I’m just saying things could get seriously out of hand.”

Her face fell a little and she sat up, putting distance between them. “Oh..”

JC sat up, feeling a little guilty for stopping their heated make out session but he knew it’d be more painful for him if they were to continue and then stop. He couldn’t fault Carly though. She had good intentions. There was nothing wrong with taking things slow.

Lifting her from his lap, he rose from the chaise lounge and offered a hand down to her. “Come on baby. Let’s go to bed.”

Reluctantly, she held onto his hand as they walked to JC’s bedroom, suddenly feeling like she had opened up a can of worms between the two of them. Feeling strongly on voicing her reasons, she spoke up. “Jace,  it’s not that I don’t want you. It’s just-remember before when I asked if-.”

He halted her to continue, knowing exactly what she was talking about. Walking over to the desk in the corner of his room, JC pulled out an envelope that was still sealed and handed it to Carly. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Yes, baby. I know what you’re talking about. I wanted you to be the one to open it.”

Carly looked wide eyed as she stared at the white envelope, noting it was from a health clinic. He took a seat on the edge of the bed, waiting for her to open it and read the results. Skimming over the paper, she looked up, expression blank. “It says your negative for everything.”

JC nodded, not wanting to gloat or give her the ‘I told you so’ taunt. He was just happy she knew. In seconds flat, Carly was standing in front of him, crawling into his lap and straddling him once more. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

His hands immediately went to his hips, taking in the scent of her. “I wanted you to come to me about it on your own. If I gave it to you, it’d seem like I was pressing the issue or asking for you to sleep with me. That’s not the case babe. I knew when you were ready, you’d bring it up again.”

She brought her forehead against his, smiling slightly. “You’re pretty slick, Chasez.” Her head dipped down to kiss his neck, trailing kisses up to his ear, grinning when he shivered below her. “You’re amazing. Do you know that?”

JC groaned, trying to keep his breathing even. Carly had a talent to consume him with her kisses. The only thing he feared at this point was the force of gravity making them stop. “No, but I’m glad you think so. I want you to be happy.”

She nodded, continuing her trail down his neck until she finally met his lips. It was then where JC took control of it, his hands immediately trailing up her back. The cool feel of his hands against her searing skin caused Carly to gasp, giving JC the opportunity to slide his tongue cautiously against hers.

They moved fluidly against each other, feeling, groping and learning all new territory to this degree. Minutes ticked by, as they took turns sipping the others lips, sharing breath. Finally it was too much and JC had to pull away to drag a breath of air into his lungs. His break didn’t last long before his lips moved to the low scoop of Carly’s tank top, tracing the swell of her breasts, covered by the bra she wore.

It took no time all before JC had slowly inched her black tank top up her sides, smiling when Carly readily lifted her arms so he could remove it. His hands went directly to her lace covered breasts, caressing them with the softness of his palms and asking silent permission. At her nod, he continued, his lips descending down her neck, to her collar bone until they finally came into contact with what he wanted to feel the most.

Carly moaned, feeling the hot heat of his breath over her delicate skin. She ran her fingers through his thick hair, bringing them down the hem of his shirt before touching the muscular skin she found beneath it. Deciding it wasn’t enough, she ripped the dark polo over his head and tossed it to the floor. JC panted heavily against her ear. “I want you Carly, so bad baby but this has to be right for you. I don’t want to force you.”

She smiled, running the cool tips of her fingers up his sides, as she watched it shiver at her touch. “You’re not forcing me Jace. I want this.. with you.”

Nodding, he pulled her tightly against him, whispering against his lips. “I love you.”

Her hands went the belt on his jeans, trying to carefully undo it. “I love you too Jace.”

He kissed her deeply, his tongue chasing with hers fluidly before pulling away, he stood, her legs still wrapped around his waist. His hands went to her butt, holding her firmly against him before he released her, and she slid down his lean waist.

Her hands were on the belt of his jeans, finally succeeding in getting it open and she watched on as he kicked them off in one fluid motion.

Reciprocating the task, Carly shimmied out of her jeans and suddenly felt naked standing there in her bra and panties. Sensing this, JC pulled her tightly against him, bussing her forehead and running his hands up and down her arms. “God baby, do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” She smiled shyly, and JC took a second to take in this side of her. He was used to her sassy, head strong matter. He was glad to see this side of her.

Feeling as though she had gotten through her shyness, his hands going to the back of her bra. He easily released it and when skin met hot skin, Carly whimpered. JC lifted her, pulling the covers back before depositing her in the middle of the bed. He followed her, coming to lay half on top of her and half on his side. Tipping her chin up, he met passion filled green eyes.

Carly twined her arms around him and welcomed the sweet weight of his body against her. She reached up, bringing his lips to hers, whimpering softly at the feel of him, the taste. It was all too much. JC was becoming so much more then she had once thought.

Lifting his head, he tailed his kisses down her chest, tracing the patterns of her breasts before taking one of the sensitive buds in his mouth. Carly gasped, bringing her hands up to his head and holding on to him. “Ahhh, baby.” She whimpered. JC repeated the process, kissing nearly every inch of her as he moved down the narrow path of her body.

His lips traced the dips of her torso, loving the skin with his tongue. He moved down until he was met with the silk of her bikini panties. Tracing the top of them with soft kisses, JC felt Carly squirm slightly. Wanting to calm her nerves, he reached around and grabbed one of the delicate hands that lay in his hair. Bringing it to his lips, he kissed her palm and folded her fingers around it. She seemed to relax again, so he continued to bring her panties down a little. His eyes stopped slightly, investigating what he had just discovered on the left side of her pelvic bone.

Laying against tan flesh were three small music notes, each one going in a different direction in a modest pattern of a tattoo. How had he never noticed that before? It was innocent but yet it spoke of Carly’s passion in a nut shell.

“Baby, is this what I think it is?” He looked up at her, his fingertips tracing the design.

She laughed quietly, “It’s a tattoo, Jace.”

“How did I never see that before?” He leaned down to kiss the soft flesh, laying open mouth kisses as he moved. He pulled her panties down the rest of the way before tossing them to the side. Coming back up, he laid over her, supporting his weight with his arms, before leaning down to kiss her hotly, slowly seducing her. He pulled away slightly, whispering against her lips. “It’s kind of sexy.”  

Cupping his jaw, she winkled playfully. “You’re kind of sexy.”

JC growled, his hands coming down the cup her breasts once again. His lips moved upward this time, going to her neck, her jaw and then finally returning to her lips. He contined to kiss hotly, his tongue sliding against hers, content with doing just that for the moment. Knowing that this time, he didn’t have to stop before it got out of hand. Knowing he wouldn’t have to result to cold showers to rid his problem.

Carly’s hands skimmed over JC’s back, feeling every ripple as he moved. Bravely they moved down to the rim of his boxers, slipping in shy and curious, she ran her palms over the firm muscles of his butt. JC growled against her skin, becoming perfectly still as she continued to taunt him. Using the opportunity, she pushed his boxers down, and watched as he moved out of them in one smooth move. Her hands moved to the ridged muscles of his chest, scraping her nails over his nipples and smiling when he whimpered. Going lower, she felt the ridged dips of his stomach before bravely reaching down until she was grasping what they both wanted the most.. JC moaned out loud, his eyes immediately going shut. “Oh god.. Baby, please.”

“Please what? I want to you to feel good.”

Pulling her hand away from his aching member, he moved his hands to lace through hers, looking into her eyes and leaning down close to her. “You do baby and you will. I don’t want this to be some cheap birthday screw. I love you and you deserve this nice and slow.”

“Then love me Jace. It’s been a long wait.”

He noted how vivid and genuine her eyes looked at that moment and wanted to hold it in his mind for a long time. With each day that went by, Carly had continued to surprise him. Never once did he think their first meeting would ever lead to this moment, right here and now. Deciding they both deserved this, JC moved his hand down between her soft thighs, running a finger down her folds. His tongue caught her sweet moan just in time. “How long has it been? I don’t want to hurt you.”

Carly smiled up at him, running a hand over his features. “It has been a while. A couple years maybe?”

Nodding, JC reached over to his bedside stand, grabbing a condom and putting it on. He leaned down and nipped at her lips playfully at first, then he took control kissing them into a heated passion filled frenzy. “Then we’ll take our time. How long do I get to keep you, baby?”

“I have to leave first thing, day after tomorrow.”

Nodding sadly, he made room for himself between her legs. “Then we’ll have to make up for lost time.” Aligning their bodies, JC leaned down to read her facial expressions. What he saw nearly made his heart burst. “You ready, honey?”

At her nod, JC slid in slowly, nearly flying apart at the tight friction she created. It had been too long. Giving her time to adjust to him, he reached under her shoulders and held her close to him. At her sigh of pleasure, he trailed kisses down her face. “Mmm, I knew it’d be like this.”

JC slowly began thrusting as Carly wrapped her legs around his small waist, driving him deeper. “Like what baby?”

She moaned happily. “Like this. Amazing.”

JC cupped her face in his hands as he began to move faster. “You’re too good for my ego. But yes, amazing is the perfect word to describe this. You feel so good.”

JC continued to move faster, Carly slowy matching her hips to his down word thrusts. She ran a hand down his now sweaty back, feeling every indentation of his muscular frame below her fingers. She could feel the beautiful tension building up. “Oh god, yes.”

“You feeling it, Carly?”

At her frantic nod, he continued to move inside of her, his thrusts becoming faster paced. JC began breathing roughly down her neck, before consuming her lips in his where he instantly dove his tongue into her mouth, tasting her sweet whimpers as he went on.

He could feel her nails begin to dig into his back, knowing she was close and wanting to bring her to that breaking point. He was feeling it too, tight in hot in the pit of his stomach but he wanted this to be about them, falling down from this high together.

Taking matters into his own hands, JC reached under Carly’s shoulders once again, wrapping his arms around them and pulling her against him. In one fluid motion, he leaned back on his knees, pulling her flush against his lap as she stradled him.

“Jace, it’s too much.” She cried out.

Hanging on to her, he watched as her head was tipped back, her face reading the expression of a pleasured lady. “Are you okay, baby?”

Instead of nodding, she moved her head against the crook of his shoulder, nipping at it slightly then soothing the bites with the soft lick of her tongue. His hands went to her hips, guiding her as she moved against him, sending him into a tidal wave of pleasure. His breaths became choppy and uncontrolled against her ear. Their bodies kept up the pace, quickly and hotly- chasing that feeling.

He knew it was coming, that she could no longer hold off and he wasn’t even going to try. It was all too wonderful not to let it go, to take the fall into something wonderful. Her hips seemed to move quicker, as if they were chasing that one feeling that only they could give each other. His hands went to her breasts, feeling them against his palms, looking for any part of silky skin he could find. His tongue licked at the tightened buds, sucking fiercely and causing Carly to moan loudly. From their he tangled his hands in Carlys hair, feeling her go ridgid against him. He whispered hotly in her ear, wating her to let go-- to push them over the edge of something wonderful. “Let it go baby. I’ve got you.”

His words seemed to work like magic as her arms tightened around his neck, holding on tightly as her body went stiff and she twitched softly against him. “Oh god, Jace.”

His moan matched hers, echoing together as he thrust up once more, riding out the feeling. “Carly, baby!” He held her against him, their pounding hearts beating as one. They soothed each other, riding out the last possible wave. Carly lay lifeless against him, her silky skin covered with a thin sheen of sweat. JC gently lifted her off of him, but not letting her go as he moved to remove the protection and tossing it in his bedside trashcan.

Rolling to his back, he carried her with him, laying her on top of him. He tipped her chin up, trying to meet her eyes. She had yet to say anything. “Are you alright, Carly?”

She looked up and smiled brightly, leaning down to kiss him softly. “I’m wonderful. Happy Birthday, Jace.”

That made him smile. “Happy doesn’t even begin to describe this birthday. I owe it all to you baby. I can’t even begin to put into words what‘s going through my head.  Are you feeling any of this too?”

“Hmm, if by that you mean happy, relaxed, exhausted in the best way and like I’ve had some of the best sex ever, then yes.”

JC chuckled. “Look at me baby.” When she obliged, he traced her swollen lips. “Yes, I meant  happy relaxed, exhausted and like I’ve had best sex I’ve ever-- but it’s beyond that Carly. This wasn’t just sex to me.”

He could see her eyes begin to well up. “For me either.”

“Good. It scares me in a way of what I’m feeling. It hit me out of nowhere. I love you so much, Carly.”  

Tucking her head against his shoulder, she felt JC lift the covers to their tired bodies.

“I know you do baby. Don’t stop.”

JC smiled as he began to run his hands up and down the naked flesh of Carly’s back, feeling her soft even breathing against his neck. She had to be exhausted. Her last statement had his mind whirling once more but he knew she was right. He had not intentions to stop loving Carly Piper. She was quickly becoming that someone he  thought he’d never find again.

A Million Faces in a Crowd
Chapter 18.

JC tried to keep his composure as he walked down the small hospital hallway with Carly. With his fingers laced with hers, skin clammy with nerves, he tried to grip just a little tighter, reassuring her that he was there. He looked up at her, taking in the pale complexion of her face. Last night had knocked down one hurtle of worry with her sister but he could tell that there were others in the their wake.

Finally stopping outside of a glass window, marked ICU, JC urged her closer before kissing her forehead lovingly and letting her hand leave his grasp. “Go ahead. I’ll be right out here if you need me.”

Carly nodded back, trying hard to smile but it didn’t quite meet her eyes. “Thanks.” she said before she disappeared through the door.

He looked around and remember the small waiting area they had passed just seconds earlier and decided to take a seat on one of the chairs. He could tell what all of this was doing to Carly and his heart went out to her. He was just glad his schedule had been flexible enough to be here, helping her through this.

Picking up a magazine, he leafed through it, not really paying attention. Hospitals always freaked him out. The smells, the cleanliness. Something about them always made him uneasy. It wasn’t long before a guy about his height, with wavy sandy blonde hair and black framed glasses, came and took a seat beside him, looking haggard. “You must be JC, right?”

JC put two and two together finally. “Yeah. You’re Evan right?”

The other man stuck out his hand, before JC took it in his. “Yeah. Kassidy’s husband. Nice to meet you, man.”

“Likewise. How’s she doing?” JC asked cautiously. He felt awkward, seeing how he hadn’t even met Carly’s sister yet.

Evan ran a shaky hand through his hair. “I’m not gonna lie. It was a rough night. I’m just so glad she’s awake. Everything is looking good though. She’s passed all of the tests they’ve done with flying colors.”

Smiling gratefully, JC let himself say a silent thanks. “That’s great man. I’m glad she’s doing well.”

Evan nodded, picking up a magazine and crossing his leg over his lap. “I thought I was going to lose her. I’ve never been so afraid in my life.”

“I bet. You just have to have faith. I kept telling Carly that last night. I thought she was going to lose her mind.”

“You know, you’re right. I swear Kassidy’s face lit up like a Christmas tree the second she walked in. I really appreciate you coming all this way to be with Carly. She puts up a good front most of the time but if you look closely, her weakness eventually sneaks through.”

Laughing softly, JC tried to keep light of the mood. “Carly weak? I don’t think I’ve witnessed such a thing.”

Evan smiled back warmly, silently understanding his sister in laws boyfriend. “She’s built herself a backbone, JC. Don’t take her strong personality the wrong way. The girl has been through hell and back but she always manages to come out stronger in the end.”

His brows furrowed together in question. He hated to pry but he knew there was so much unknown about Carly. “Does this have to do with her Ex?”

Nodding, Evan continued. “They were together on and off for a while. He treated her like a princess but everyone tried to warn her that he wasn’t always the best guy. Carly chose to ignore it and was practically planning the rest of her life with him. When he got into the car accident and died, all of his dirt seemed to come to the surface and even though Carly was hurting, she felt stupid and swore she’d never walk blindly through a relationship again, let alone trust another guy. As far as I know, you’re the only guy she’s been with since it all happened.”

Taking in what he’d just heard, JC ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, I didn’t know all of that. It explains a little though.”

“That’s my only reasoning for her prickly personality. She’s a great girl but she won’t put up with anything. She’s one of the most down to earth, real people you’ll ever meet though.”

Smiling, JC nodded in agreement. “Amen.”

“Her music is her escape in a way I think but I also know she enjoys it. I think the back and forth of it all keeps her mind occupied. She loves new adventures and new places. You must have walked in at the right time.”

JC shook his head before walking over to the magazine rack. “We didn’t have the best of meetings at first. She actually hated me, I think. I guess little by little, something kind of fell into place. She had already had the image painted in her head of who I was. I still till this day don’t know what defining moment got us to where we are but I’m glad it happened. I love her as my friend before I loved her as a lover, with all my heart.”

Evan smiled warmly. “I can tell. I’ve heard her talk to Kass about you. You can hear it in her voice that she’s happy.”

“She came into my life at the most random time. I had went through a horrible public breakup a while back and decided I was done trying to love, done doing the work. I was messed up for a long time. When I met her, her sassy attitude did something to me. Like you said, she tries to put up a front but it’s all right there if you choose to look close enough.”

“I’m glad she found you, JC. She deserves it. We really appreciate you coming to help out with Ava. I know we both felt better knowing someone was there in case Carly went hay wire.”

He resumed his position back in the chair. “Don’t mention it. It’s what family’s are for.”

Thirty minutes later, JC looked up to the sound of footsteps to hear Carly walk into the lobby. He was surprised when she took a seat in his lap and laid her head on his shoulder. He looked up concerned but didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around her frame.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

She nodded against him, before sitting up. “I’m just overwhelmed. I’ve never been so happy to see her in my life.”

“Good. I’m glad she’s doing well.”

Looking around the lobby, Carly turned back to JC. “Where’s Evan?”

“He went down the cafeteria to get some coffee. I told him I’d stay and wait for you.”

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she leaned in and inhaled the warm comforting scent that was him and only him. “I know I keep saying it but I’m really happy you’re here.”

“I’m happy I’m here too.” he bussed her forehead softly.

“You ready to go? They’ve got more tests to run and Kass insisted I leave while the stick her with needles. She really wanted to meet you but made me swear that it wouldn’t be in a hospital bed.”

JC laughed. “They’ll be other times.”

Smiling widely, Carly finally realized that it was easier to breathe. “You’re right. Come on. Let’s go home.”

He smiled secretly to himself, wondering if Carly realized what she had said. Home. The two of them, in her home together. It made his heart skip a beat a little and he couldn’t help but think about what it’d be like if it was their home. The thought of marriage really hadn’t entered his mind since his ex but the more he spent with Carly, the more the subject seemed to creep into his thoughts. He knew they were no where ready for it and the fact that they both lived on different sides of the world didn’t make things any less complicated, especially with her job starting to take off. Regardless of that factor, he knew they hadn’t been a claimed couple for that long and they’d spent most of their relationship apart. Still, he only saw them going up as each day past. He knew Carly was becoming something special to him and this spur of the moment trip had proved it be true. Knowing she needed him, and would admit to doing so made JC want to jump over the moon just to get to her. It’d been a long time since that feeling had subsided deep within him. He no longer looked at his life as his own but as theirs together. She was slowly becoming embedded deep within him.

****

Coming up behind her, JC wrapped his arms tightly around Carly as she looked out the long window of her loft. He sighed as the warmth of her body met his, causing him to smile. She felt good in his arms.

“You alright, babe? You’ve been quiet since we got back.”

Snuggling against his body, she nodded and continued to gaze out at the beautiful picture the city painting in the evening. “Just thinking.”

“Anything I can do?”

She hummed softly, in thought. “You’re doing it.”

Kissing the side of her neck, he tightened his embrace and joined her in enjoying the view. He couldn’t tell how long they stood there in silence, gently swaying every now and then to an unheard melody. He sensed she was worn out and just mentally and physically exhausted. After all, she was flying back and forth to London, which was no quick flight. Once there, she was constantly working, only to get back and have something life altering happen to one of the most important people in your life. Yeah, she had a right to be whipped.

Not wanting to break their comfortable silence, JC hesitated before he asked. “Do you know when you have to go back to London yet?”

He could feel her tense in his arms. “No. I don’t even want to think about it right now. I just want to take a day with nothing on my shoulders.”

Sensing she was stressed out and agitated, he let the subject drop. “Sorry. You’re right. Want me to run you a hot bath or something?”

“Hmm, that sounds nice. I might take you up on that offer.”

JC smiled, bussing her forehead. “Give me a few. I’ll be back.”

Carly nodded, immediately missing the warmth of his arms around her.

Fifteen minutes later, JC was finally shutting off the big whirl pool style tub in Carly’s bathroom. It was made for relaxation at it’s finest. Blue and green tiles covered the walls and set the tone for the sunlight shining in from the large window. The shower was separate with clear glass surrounding it and more of the same tile. Not one, but two large shower heads finished it off. The space looked inviting and the perfect place to unwind. He finished lighting the last candle that he’d set around the tub and walked to the door meeting Carly at it.

“It’s all set, babe.”

She smiled warmly at him, the fatigue clear in her eyes. “You’re amazing.”

Cupping her face gently, he watched as she began to remove her robe. “I try. Now go relax. I’ll be out here when you’re done.”

She looked over at him, an eyebrow raised as he watched her sink into the warm bubbles. “You’re not going to join me?”

He shook his head. “Not this time baby. I’m going to let you relax alone for once.”

Carly leaned back against the bath pillow and closed her eyes. “Okay. I’ll be in here if you change your mind.”

Walking to the door, he turned to look once more before leaving the room. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

***
Carly immerged from the bathroom, freshly bathed and looking one hundred percent better. Following the melody of the piano through the loft, she found JC sitting at the black baby grand, glasses perched on his nose, dressed down to black wind pants and a white v neck t-shirt. He looked relaxed and sexy all at the same time.

Sneaking up behind him, her arms went directly around his neck, savoring in the scent that came from being close. He turned around and brought his hands up to trace the smooth skin of her arms.

“Feel better?”

“Mmmhmm. It was just what I needed.”

JC wrapped his arms around her waist and began pulling her onto his lap. “Good. I’m glad.”

“So what’s been going on with you? We haven’t had any time to just sit down and talk. I feel bad for taking all of our time.”

Shaking his head, he cuffed Carly under the chin. “Don’t apologize Carly Ann. It’s been a rough couple of days for you. Things back home are fine. Been working with an up and coming pop artist here and there. Nothing new.”

“That’s good. Any more thought of doing your own thing?”

He shook his head again. “Not really. I just don’t think it’s the right time.”

She brought her forehead close so that it rested against his. “The world has no idea what they’re missing, Jayce.”

“They’ll hear it some time maybe, when it’s right for me too.”

“Do I get my own personal concert tonight?” Carly asked, as her lips began a soft trail from his jaw bone, all the way up to his ear. She smiled as he shuttered.

“Keep that up and you can have whatever you want.”

“Oh, well if that’s the case…” Her fingers trailed up into his hair, nails scraping his scalp. She turned her body and rearranged her legs so that she was now straddling his lap on the piano bench. His hands went directly to her butt, holding her closely against him.

Once she left his ear, she repeated the process on the other side of his face. From there she moved to his neck, nibbling softly as her fingers moved down to inch inside the hem of his t-shirt. His skin reacted instantly, feeling the Goosebumps underneath her fingertips. She reveled in his hot flesh, becoming familiar with the feel of him and needing it more as each moment passed.

She looked up to see his blue eyes starring hotly back at her. Cupping his jaw once more, she met him half way as their lips met in a passionate kiss. He took his time, slowly nipping at first before his tongue traced the seam of her lips, begging for entry and needing more.  

Carly obliged, opening to him sweetly as she chased his tongue with her own. His hands went to the tie of her robe, slowly uniting it, hoping she hadn’t taken the time to put anything on after her bath. He pulled the soft cotton away from her shoulders, happy to see that her flesh was indeed naked for his hungry eyes. He dipped his head, lips kissing her collar bone and moving down to the swell of her breasts. Carly gasped at the contact and reached from him as one strong arm came up behind her, bending her backswords and leaning her against the piano, random keys playing aimlessly as she moved.

She held on to him as he continued to kiss, lick and suck inch by inch of her heated skin. Arching up, trying to get more of him, Carly couldn’t hold back the moan that was dying to escape her lips. “Jayce, baby….”

“What Carly? Tell me what you need honey.”

“I need you.”

“You’ve got me.”

The piano keys continued to play their own erotic melody as Carly moved and writhed against the torment of JC’s lips. His hand trailed down, moving more of the robe off of her as he went. His finger tip traced the silky skin of her belly button, smiling as she shivered. His moved back up, taking each of her breasts in his hand, thumb tracing around the sensitive bud. Her hands once again dove into his hair, fingers running through and welcoming his lips on her skin. Her hands then reached for his t-shirt, urging his arms up so she could discard it. Once it was gone, he looked back down at her, his eyes now a deep, dark shade of blue, making her even hotter.

He hugged her against him as they both moaned at the heat of flesh meeting flesh.

“Too many clothes.” She whispered.

“Want to take this to the bedroom?” he asked in-between placing kisses up and down her torso.

“No. Here, please Jayce.”

He smiled against her skin. “You don’t have to say please baby. I’m not going anywhere.”

She looked at him, a fierce but serious look plastered across her face. “Good. This is where I want you.”

He took in the look she gave him, feeling it go straight to his heart. His head leaned forward, resting  his head against hers as he looked down into her eyes hotly. He kissed her once before pulling away and continuing his gaze on her. They shared breath, lips rubbing softly together but not entirely kissing.

Neither could break their gaze, just reeling in the intimate moment that was taking place. He nuzzled his nose with hers once more before dipping down and placing the lightest kiss on her lips before he pulled back, forehead not leaving hers. “I love you so much, baby. I never thought I’d be able to feel this again. From the top of my head, down to my toes, I love you.”

Carly let one lone tear slip from her cheek even though several more threatened to fall. “I love you too, Jayce. So much. I never expected I’d ever be here, in this moment with you feeling everything I feel.”

“Things happen for a reason.”

“Mmm, that they do.”  Her hand took hold of his jaw, kissing him deeply, tongue delving in slowly to taste him. He gave back in return, letting her take the reigns. His hand trailed down her body, slowly moving over her most intimate area, as she gasped and arched her body against him. Carly let herself get lost in the moment and the feel of his body as he continued to bring her to new heights. For a moment, she forgot about the rest of the world and all of the stress and weight that had been weighing on her shoulders.

Eyes closed and lip between her teeth, the pleasure almost drowned out the sound of her phone ringing in the kitchen. Suddenly her eyes shot open, willing it to stop but her thoughts drifted back to reality. She shot up, pulling the robe around her heated skin and jumping off of JC’s lap. He looked at her hungrily, trying to pull her back against him. “Baby?”

“My cell. It could be about Kassidy.”

He nodded, bringing a hand to his fast and trying to calm his raging hormones.

Carly reached for the phone, positive that she caught it right before her voice mail kicked on. She tried to control her ragged breath.

“Hello?”

“Hey Carly. It’s Gavin. How’s you’re sister doing?”

Relieved that the call had nothing to do with her sister, she had to hold back from rolling her eyes. “Shes…” another deep breath. “She’s doing better. She’s out of her coma.”

“That’s good. I’m glad.”

“Yeah. It’s been rough around here. Everything alright there?”

“Um, no actually and I’m sorry for bothering you. It’s just, well they sent this asshole of a producer to fill your shoes. I cannot stand this guy. He walks in here like his shit doesn’t’ stink. I swear I’m about to backhand him.”

Carly laughed, picturing Gavin going off on someone. His temper seemed like it turned on by the flip of a light. “I’m really sorry for leaving like this. Just stay calm and don’t hit anyone. I’d hate to come back and find out your in a London jail.”

“It’s just, I miss you. Things aren’t the same. The styles are no where alike.”

She supposed she could see that. They had been working together non-stop on his album, still his comment didn’t sit well with her. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Ok. I’m sorry for bothering you. I just had to vent.”

She laughed softly along with him. “I understand. I’ll see you soon.”

“Alright. Bye.”

“Bye, Gavin.”

Carly hit the end button on her phone and walked back into the living area. JC still sat there at the piano, shirtless and black squared framed glasses perched on his nose. Thinking to herself that she’d never seen anything more gorgeous, she went over and resumed his place on his lap.

He looked up, concern written on his beautiful face. “Everything alright?”

“Yeah. It was Gavin, actually.”

His brows furrowed, trying not to reveal his jealousy. “And?”

Her arms went back to rest around his neck. “Apparently they sent a temporary producer to fill my shoes and the guy thinks he’s the shit. It’s not going over very well with Gavin.”

“He can deal with someone else for a few days. It won’t kill him.”

“Oh yeah?” Carly smirked, placing kisses on his neck.

“Yeah. You’re not going back because I’m going to keep you.”

“Oh?” She moved to rub her lips against his, teasing him. “What are you going to do with me?”

He reached up nipping at them in return, and holding the kiss. “Hmmmm.” the hum that came from his throat did hot things to her body. “I’m going to keep you and make wild, hot love to you until you can’t walk.”

Her eyes popped open, smiling but slightly shocked by the bluntness of his comment. “Sounds tempting.”

His hands went to remove the robe from her body, this time taking it and tossing it across the room. “We won’t be needing this for a while.”

“Oh yeah?”

He nodded once before his hands slid around her back, cupping her butt and lifting her to the top of the piano. Her feet caused the keys to play a few notes, providing the music for their love. She looked down at him, the passionate gaze still in his eyes as his hands trailed the inside of her thighs. Carly moaned loudly, as his head dipping down, beginning at her breasts and moving down to her belly button.

Her body tensed as his kisses trailed lower. “Jayce?”

“Relax, baby. I’ve got you.”

“This isn’t fare to you.”

“Who’s keeping score? Just let me love you.”

Her back arched again as his kisses got further south and more intimate as he continued caress her. She savored every touch and every feel of his lips against her most sensitive flesh. The moment stood still for Carly and she couldn’t put a finger as to why. Their loving seemed to get better with time, bringing them to new levels. It wasn’t long before her body began the soft tremors of ecstasy before she went ridged and let herself go. He held on to her, soothing her as she came down from her first rush of their love making. He instantly stood, wrapping her in his arms. Her hot kisses met him in welcoming, her long hair framing around their faces.

Finally JC, couldn’t take it anymore. “Bedroom?”

“Yes. Now.”

JC moved quickly, climbing the stairs of the loft to her bedroom. He laid Carly on the bed, trying to pull the comforter back in the process. He smiled down at her, her hair splayed out across the pillow. He dipped his head down, kissing her once before he moved to kick his pants and boxers off quickly.

“Finally.”

She smiled up at him, taking in the smoothness of his skin against hers, naked. Everything about it felt right. She traced her hands up his arms, over his broad shoulders, feeling as his muscles flexed as he held himself above her. Her nails went from his back, down to his butt, feeling the firmness she found their. Pushing him back, she came above him, straddling his waist once more. Leaning down, she took his mouth in hers quickly before beginning the trail south. She stopped, paying attention to the flat discs of his chest as moaned. Her palms tickled the soft patch of hair that lay their, admiring his lean frame.

“Baby, I’m already seduced.”

“I want to take my time. It’s always you giving to me. I feel like I never give you a turn.”

JC laughed, despite the situation they were in. “Carly, you’ve given me plenty of turns. Stop trying to make our love about proximity.”

“You want me to stop?” She raised an eyebrow in question as he gasped, her hands and soft fingers trailing down to his aching member.

“Oh god…” He arched up, relishing the feel of her hand pumping him to a blissful pleasure.

“That’s what I thought.” She moved down to kiss his stomach, admiring every dip of muscle and lean inch that made up her lover. She took her time before going lower, and just as she was about to close her mouth over the area she knew he wanted her the most, his cell phone buzzed loudly in his pants, laying carelessly on the floor.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” JC groaned, as he felt her lips and cool breath slip away from his aching body.

Carly giggled, moving away as he went to fetch for the annoying object. The one side of him wanted nothing more than to ignore it and finished what they had started. The realistic side of him knew that his job required more than that. “Hello?” he no less than barked into his phone.

“Mr. Chasez, this is Rocktunes music calling. I was wondering if I might speak with for a moment regarding a record label?”

JC groaned in frustration. Where the hell had that come from? “Look, this isn’t a good time right now.”

“Might I return your call at a better time?”

He couldn’t prevent rolling his eyes. “Yeah, sure. Whatever.” He hit the end button before the person could say goodbye. He realized what he had just done and the severity that could have on his career but he didn’t’ care. He wasn’t interested in making an album. The one thing he wanted the most was laying on the bed beside him, naked, beautiful and glowing in the evening glow of the city.

Shutting the phone off completely, he tossed it to the dresser nearest to him and returned to the bed. Coming into her welcoming arms, his urgency had his nose bumping into hers.

“Slow down, baby.”

“I can’t help it. I’ve never hated cell phones more that I do today.”

“We’ll get there. I promise.”  Carly said as she kissed him, arms wrapping around his shoulders.

“Now?” he looked down with pleading eyes, welcoming her kisses that grew more frequent as time slowly ticked by.

“Now would be great.” Carly opened her legs slightly, making room for him as he slid in slowly, elongating the heat of him coming into her.

“Oh gosh, Jayce…”

“I know. I feel it too, trust me.”

When he tried to raise himself on his arms to move above her, Carly pulled him back down until they were meshed together, chest to chest, touching from head to toe. Her slender legs went around his waste, crossing at the ankle. “Like this.”

He let out a loud groan, his head going to her neck, tongue sweeping out to trail the dips of her collar bone. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” she said in a breathy whisper, as she began moving her hips to his shallow downward thrusts. They continued moving, all the while feeling, kissing and making love to one another as the city of Chicago was moving around them through the bay windows of the loft. It should have felt like a loss of privacy for the couple but it didn’t. He now understood Carly’s love for the city. His gaze was focused on hers, watching her face began to contort in ways it only did before pleasure consumed her.  He quickened his pace, rocking swiftly into her. Then all at once it was too much. His body went tight, deep blue eyes burning into deep green and it was then that the world fell about into sparks of unnatural.

Her moan mixed with his groan as they came crashing down together. “Jace! Ohh..”

His head rested in the crook of her neck as they both panted, filling in the silence of the loft. Their skin was slick with sweat as they held on to one another, their rapid beating hearts slowly returning to normal.

“Oh my god.” He panted.

“Mmm, yeah.” She traced an idle finger up and down his back.

“That, was.. Yeah. I don’t have words. Amazing, hot, beautiful.”

“I have to agree.”

He rolled them over, carrying Carly with him and tucking her against his chest. She curled right against him, her arms laying lazily around him. Time ticked by as the lovers lay, curled up to one another in the end results of ecstasy. It wasn’t long before reality sunk in.

“Baby, please don’t shoot me but I for--.”

“I’m not going to shoot you. I forgot too.”

“Okay, so?”

“I don’t have time to worry about it Jayce. As long as you didn’t just give me some-.”

“Carly, No! I believe in monogamy, thanks.”

“Ok then, we’ll just have to be more careful from now on or I need to go on the pill.”

“You’re not now?”

She looked up at him, waiting for him to lash out at her. “No.”

“Ok. Next time I’ll try to be more careful. I just got so caught up in you.”

“Don’t worry about it Jayce. I’ll drive myself insane if I worry.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” He continued to hold her, content to just feel her soft weight against him. This is what love felt like he decided. Things had finally started to make sense to him for once and just when he was getting used to it, she’d be in another country before too long.

“Don’t be. Just relax.”

“That I can do. How long do I get to keep you for?”

“I’ll probably have to leave late tomorrow night.”

He sighed, letting her feel the heavy feeling in his chest. “Okay.”

“I know, Jayce. I don’t want to go, trust me.”

He moved her to her back, coming over her as her hands pushed his bed wild hair out of his face. “Stay then. Or come back to LA. I feel like every time I get a second with you, I have to tell you goodbye.”

“It won’t always be this way, baby.”  He was going to make her cry again. This time from the reality of his words.

“When you’re done in London, come back with me for a few weeks. You know I’d love  you there with me for more then a day or two. Ty loves you too!”

“I’ll see, Jayce. I want to be with you.”

“You don’t even have to leave if you don’t want to. Stay in LA as long as you want.”

He looked down at her with hopeful eyes, silently hinting what he was feeling deep down inside. “My family, my home. I can’t just leave it.”

He sighed in defeat, already missing her. This was getting old fast. Instead he laid his head on the soft padding of her breasts, holding onto her tight. “Just think about it, Carly. I love you too much to keep telling you good bye.”

“I will think about it. And I love you too. Reality just gets in the way of things.”

He didn’t say anything but tighten his grip a little. Yeah, reality always seemed to get in the way.
***
Dragging herself down the familiar hallway of her long term hotel room, Carly carelessly unlocked the door and stumbled inside. She was exhausted beyond belief and as much as she loved her job, being in London was on the bottom of the list for things she’d rather be doing. Life had seemed to take a hectic toll and even though she knew she could handle it, things had taken an interesting turn. Already she found herself wondering if her sister was doing ok, if her niece was alright and being taken care of and of course JC was on the top of that list. As much as she loved him, she had no idea how she could make a relationship work when he was in LA and she never stayed anywhere for a long period of time. Meeting him was one thing but falling in love was something she never saw in the near future.

Tossing her suitcase in the closet, she walked to the bathroom, to wash her face and change into her pajamas. Once the task had been completed, she threw herself into the queen sized bed and buried herself in the Egyptian cotton sheets. Yes, this is what she needed. Sleep. Lots of it with no interruptions.

Just as she was about to drift off, Carly groaned at the sound of her cell phone ringing annoyingly. Cursing herself for forgetting to shut it off, she pulled it to her ear to answer it. “Hello?”

“Carly, it’s Gavin. Did you make it back alright?”

She smiled, not being able to yell at the man for his caring compassion.

“Yeah. I just got in, thanks.”

“That’s good. Is everything alright? How’s your sister?”

“She’s good. Doing much better now.”

“That’s good. I just called to see if you were back yet.”

Carly laughed at the tone of his voice, sensing there was more to his sentence.

“And why’s that?”

“I’m outside your door. I just wanted to say hi.”

Slapping a silent hand over her face, Carly dragged herself from the comfort of her bed and walked to the door, opening it to see a smiling Gavin looking about as haggard as she felt, dressed in baggy gray sweats and hooded sweatshirt.

“Surprise.” he smiled.

Shaking her head, she stepped to the side to allow him entry. It wasn’t particularly late but she was about to fall asleep standing, convinced her body clock was permanently messed up.

“Hi.”

Carly opened her arms, accepting the friendly hug he gave. He was just being a nice. They’d spent nearly all of their time together since she’d landed in London, writing, recording and getting to know one another. He had become a good friend once she had got past his cockiness.

“You look whipped.” He mused.

“I feel whipped. I want to sleep for a month.”

“Aw, I can let you go sleep if you want.”

Shaking her head, she walked to the small living room area of her suite and took a seat on the couch, he grabbing a chair across from her.

“You’re fine. So did you survive the dreaded producers they sent?”

Gavin rolled his eyes while shaking his head. “The guy was an ass. I have no idea why they sent him. You can’t just step into a recording studio, pretending like you’re the king of the planet and tell me what to do.”

Carly laughed. “Yeah, I can see where that wouldn’t go over big with anyone.”

“It just…” he paused, looking at her intently. “Wasn’t the same.”

Trying to sidestep his comment with a yawn, she made a scene trying to cover it with her hand, hoping he’d take the hint. “Sorry.”

He laughed and stood up, walking to the door. “I can take a hint. Get some sleep. I just came by to make sure you were okay and made it back alright.”

Following him, they stood by the door. “That’s sweet. Thanks for checking on me.”

He nodded, leaning in for another hug. Instead of pulling apart right away, he stilled. Out of nowhere, Carly realized his lips were directly beside her ear, stirring her hair softly. “I’m just glad you’re back.”

She froze for a moment, taken off guard by the closeness of his confession. Finally when he pulled away, his face hadn’t gone that far. He was inches away from her, the same intense gaze still visible in his eyes. Her body froze, about to protest but before she could, his lips were on hers.

A Million Faces in a Crowd
Chapter 19

Carly rolled over as the alarm on her cell phone went off annoyingly. Her body resisted the urge to wake up and she cursed the reality of being in different time zones. It just wasn’t a natural thing for a sleep pattern. In fact, there was nothing close to a pattern. The more she dealt with it, the harder it got.

She carelessly rubbed the fatigue from her eyes, begging her body to wake up just a little. It wasn’t long before she did a mental check of where she was, what she was suppose to be doing and exactly what had happened with Gavin last night when she had arrived back in London.

Having never saw it coming, she cursed herself for getting into the position where he had an opportunity to do such a thing. They were friends yes, a little closer then most male and female friends but thought it was understood that that’s where it ended. She was in a committed relationship with a man she had grown to love more and more every day and he was nursing a broken heart from a woman who never thought he was good enough. It was a sad dynamic. A kiss might have only been a kiss but it was looked at as an interlude to more.

Finally pulling herself from the comfort of the hotel bed, Carly dragged her body into the bathroom, immediately going for the shower and turning on the water. She undressed and stepped in, letting the hot water pour onto her aching body, trying to clear her head.

She had a gnawing guilt sitting in the pit of her stomach all coming back to the man she loved the most. She knew she had to tell him and honestly had no idea how he’d take it. He’d been cheated on before and more than heartbroken with that and with the distance that came with their relationship, she knew no good could come from the news.

She contemplated calling him right then but mentally did a time check for L.A. and figured he’d be sleeping. This also wasn’t something you just blurted out. You had to ease into it. Not being there to tell him face to face was going to be hard. When you were in front of someone, you could take in their body language, judge the look on their face, maybe even hug them for reassurance. With this, that wouldn’t be the case-- unless she waited to tell him.

JC was only half of the problem. Carly had to figure out exactly what to say to Gavin, how to speak with him maturely and let it be known that she was happily taken. Last night after he’d kissed her, she’d been so shocked and pissed off, that she had shaken her head, shoved him less than kindly out her door and then slammed it shut. He knew he had crossed the line. Last night was not the time to get into the tirade she was about to begin with though. Sighing, she finished the last of her hygiene and stood against the hard, hot spray of the shower, praying that all the answers to her questions would just pour out.

****

Carly rolled her eyes as she stopped in front of the studio door. She really didn’t want to be here anymore. London was fine up until now and before last night, she saw herself missing the beauty of the being there. At this moment now, that wasn’t the case. She bit her tongue, pulling the door open, stopping herself from going on a tirade, cursing insanely at Gavin. She knew better. That wasn’t the way to go about this situation. Regardless of everything, she was a producer, a professional at that and she’d just have to learn how to swallow a little bit of her pride.

Stepping inside the room, she spotted Gavin warming up his voice with one of the sound techs they’d been working with. It was getting down to crunch time. His album had a deadline. Thankfully, when it was signed, sealed and delivered, she’d be on the first plane back to Chicago, or L.A. for that matter-- hopefully.

Gavin’s eyes shot up, guilty and sulking as soon as he spotted Carly. She rolled her eyes in return. This was going to be interesting.

“Morning.” He greeted her.

She nodded, no warmth to her voice. “Hey. You about ready?”

He turned to the sound tech who gave him a nod. “Yeah. Let’s get going.”

The other man turned to leave, leaving Carly and Gavin in the room by themselves. The tension was thick and it was only a matter of minutes before someone said something.

“So..” he began.

Taking a seat at the sound board, Carly tweaked several knobs and pushed a few buttons, getting everything ready for him to start recording. “Let’s get this started. Get in the sound booth.”

Gavin grumbled something under his breath and stood to walk to the booth but stopped right in front of Carly, staring at her steadily.

“I’m sorry about last night.”

She fought the urge to laugh in his face. “Good. You should be.”

He shifted his weight from one foot to another, placing his hands in the pockets of his jeans nervously. “I just.. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“Well you should have used your head Gavin. You know I have a boyfriend.”

“I know you do. It’s just-- I’m sorry again okay? I hadn’t seen you in a while and then you were there, looking all cute and vulnerable and I just went with it. I really like you. I know that’s stupid of me and a lame ass excuse, it’s just---whoever your boyfriend is better realize how lucky he is.”

Her response took him off guard. “I’m sure he does.”

“You just never really talk about him. It was easier for me to picture you single.”
She did roll her eyes again right then and there, making sure he saw how ridiculous his excuse was. “I choose to keep my love life to myself, thank you.”

“Look, I said I was sorry. I know it doesn’t take it back. I just wish--wish things were different.” He whispered the last part.

“You need to know that it cannot, and will not happen again, Gavin. I’m fine with being your friend but not when you cross lines like that. My boyfriend and I are apart more than we are together and I’m sick to my stomach with the guilt of even telling him. It’s not like I can be there to reassure him this won’t happen again. I work with you.”

Gavin shrugged his shoulders carelessly. “Don’t tell him.”

Carly’s eyes got wide with anger but she bit her lip in thought but then quickly came to her senses. “I can’t not tell him.”

“Sure you can. Forget it happened. Let it be. Don’t mention it.”

Shaking her heard, she went back to the sound board. “That’s not how real relationships work, Gavin.”

He held his hands up, dramatically. “Well excuse me. You know everything. We all know I’m the best at fucking those up.”

“Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get in the sound booth. We have deadlines.”

He walked forward to the booth, muttering to himself. “I’m aware of the deadlines thank you very much.”

“Good, then lets hurry it up. This is the last place I want to be right now.”

He turned back to look at Carly right before walking into the booth. “Well don’t let me keep you from your precious boyfriend.”

Sighing hard, Carly bit her lip to prevent her come back. The whole situation wasn’t even worth it. Gavin wasn’t worth it. Boarding a plane couldn’t come soon enough.

***

They worked long and late in the studio, trying to perfect everything they possibly could. The tension had seemed to settle a little but was still floating around every now and then. Carly would give him direction and he’d snap back at her but she figured he was just feeling stupid for his actions last night.

Gavin had the type of personality similar to a small child. If he didn’t get what he wanted, he usually had some pathetic ploy to fire back with. Carly took his complaints as they came, wanting nothing more than to get finished--as finished as possible so she could leave and not look back on London or Gavin or anything to do with him for a very long time.

***

She paced her hotel room, taking time to tighten her pony tail she had just made, and randomly stop in front of the window, overlooking all of London at night. Looking over at the lounge chair, she stared hard at her cell phone, mentally cursing herself. She hadn’t talked to JC all day, he knowing she’d be working hard since she had been away. The mental argument had multiplied since she had been done for the day and came back, knowing that this time now was perfect to speak to him.

Carly tried to find the right words, tried to wonder if he’d get mad, or be upset. They hadn’t crossed that line in their relationship yet and until now, she was convinced that just maybe they could avoid it. Not a short time later, her heart won the argument against her brain and thoughts and she soon found herself picking up the silver object and hitting the speed dial connected to him. Tossing herself on the edge of the bed, she bit her lip as she waited for it to ring.

“Hey babe! I was hoping you’d call.”

She smiled. Just the sound of his voice was the perfect ending to a stressful day. “Here I am.”

“How did today go? Did you get a lot done?’’

She shifted her weight and crossed her legs. “Yeah we did. We were in the studio the entire day. I’m hoping we’re about done.”

“That’s great babe. You can come back home.”

She arched an eye brow, wishing she was there to see his face. “Where’s home Jace?”

“I wish it were L.A. with me, Carly Anne.” His voice was so sure, so strong.

“Jace…” She wasn’t expecting such a blunt offer. Maybe she could tell him about the whole Gavin thing a little later.

“What babe?”

“It’s so fast.”

“Is it Carly? I know you enough to know I love you, that I’m in love with you. This game we keep playing is killing me. I know it’s your job but still, it doesn’t stop me from wondering what it’d be like to wake up next to you every morning in my bed and not have to drive you to the airport all the time or fly to wherever you are. I just…”

“Don’t. Don’t do this when I’m not even in the same country as you. You know I love you too. I’m just too tired to explain why it’s too soon and I might say yes if you keep up all this sweet talk.”

JC laughed a little, thankfully lightening the mood. “Maybe I should keep talking then.”

“Ugh. You’re cruising for trouble Mr.”

“And just what kind of trouble would that be?” he asked, arching an eye brow though she couldn’t see.

“The kind where I kick your ass.”

He let out a cross between a scoff and a laugh. “Sassy pants is back.”

“Whatever, Chasez.”

“Are you alright? You seem kind of all over the place tonight.”

Bringing her left hand up to her head, she tried to rub soothing circles against the skin. “I’m fine. Just.. tired. What have you been up to?”

“Um, I’ve just been hanging out with Tyler. We thought about going home to see our parents. Don’t know if we’re going to go though.”

“Aw, that sounds fun! You should go!”

“I’m actually waiting to here back about a producing gig.”

Her ears perked up. She was excited for him. “Oh yeah? That’s great Jace.”

“Thanks. So you won’t miss me if I go to Florida?”

She giggled, then rolled her eyes over his antics. “I never said that. You know I miss you.”

“Aw, you really do care. I knew it.” He mocked.

“Oh please.” She was silent for a moment, the pressure laying thick.

“Carly?”

“I’m here. I’ve just-- I need to tell you something.”

He was silent for a second, almost like he knew what she was about to say wasn’t good news. It was just a kiss, Carly told herself. It’s not like she slept with the guy. They could get through this.

“What’s wrong, baby?”

She sighed, already melting at his simple endearment. “Promise me you won’t get mad?”

“I can’t promise unless I know what you’re going to tell me.”

“Just promise me. And know that I love you and only you.”

He sighed heavily. “Alright…”

“So I got home last night, late and was exhausted as the day is long. Went directly back to my suite and Gavin called. He seemed-- I don’t know, upset or annoyed about something. Next thing I know he’s at my door, all excited to see me.”

She took a deep breath, standing now and pacing the room. Deep breaths, she told herself. JC on the other end of the phone was stoic and his breathing was even but she knew he wanted her to continue. “And?”

“So he comes it, is venting about one of the other producers and what not and I let him know that I need to get to bed if he expects me to function tomorrow in the studio and he goes to hug me goodbye and lingers for a little bit. Next thing I know, he pulls away from the hug and he’s kissing me.”  Carly held her breath as the last words slipped out.

She could hear a small gasp on the other end of the line and was already regretting being so damn far away. It was now multiplied. “He kissed you?” His voice was full of surprise.

“Yes.” A simple confirmation. It was hard to breathe.

“He fucking kissed you, Carly?” This time there was some edge to his voice, almost like he was accusing her.

“Yes, Jace. Don’t ask me why.”

“What did you do?”

Her heart rate was quickened. This was headed for disaster. “What do you think I did, Jace? I pushed him away, and told him to leave. I don’t know what the hell he was thinking.”

“I knew my intentions were right when I had a bad feeling about that guy.”

“And what’s that suppose to mean?” Carly snapped back.

“Exactly what it sounds like. He’s had a thing for you since day one.”

Carly scoffed. “I don’t think so. I’m pretty sure I was a bitch to him for like the first few days.”

“Obviously not enough to let him know you where you stand with your boyfriend.”

“Damnit, Jace. Don’t do this. I let him know I had a boyfriend. I mention you all the time.”

“So what, he just missed you so bad that he had to come to your room at all hours of the night and randomly kiss you?”  

“I don’t know. Maybe he was drunk Jace.  I don’t know but I can tell you it meant nothing. And believe me when I tell you that I laid down the law this morning when we began working. I hope you don’t think I’d just let something like that breeze by.”

“You yelled at him?”

“Uh yeah, I did. He’s a friend. Plain and simple. Well--he’s lucky if he can even call himself that anymore.”

“I hate being so far apart.” His voice softened.

“Me too Jace. It’s over and done with though. I just-- I knew I had to tell you. I didn’t know how you’d react.”

“How am I suppose to react, Carly? You’re my girlfriend  and you’re gorgeous and sexy and sometimes you fail to see that about yourself. And your on the other side of the world working with a man who thinks it’s okay to kiss a girl who’s committed to someone. It’s not right. I’ve been down this road before.”

Carly stopped in front of the window again, trying to get lost in the picture painted in front of her. The reality of this was just all too much, still she had a point to prove. “I’m not her, Joshua.”

He let out a shaky breath and it met hear ears quickly and she wished she was by his side, reassuring him more than ever right about now. “I know that, Carly.”

“Do you? I hope you know me better than that. Like I said, I love you. I’m committed to you! This is a business situation or I’d be on the first plane back to L.A. Yes, L.A. with you because it’s where I want to be. You’ve just got to trust me.”

He was quick to answer. “I do.”

“You’d better, because this will never work if you don’t.”

“I do. It’s just hard. Its bad enough being away from you. Now I have to paint the picture of this ass whole kissing you, thinking it’s okay.”

“Trust me. He knows its not okay. I think he’s even a little afraid of me now.”

JC finally let out the smallest laugh and it went right to Carly’s heart. He was relaxing, at least a little. “Afraid of my own little sassy pants? Now why doesn’t this surprise me?”

She laughed right back with him. “Because it’s true and that’s just how I am. It’s a gift. I can’t help it.”

“You are a gift babe.”

“Are we gonna be okay, Jace?”

He let out another sigh, this time hopefully from relief. “Yeah. I think we’ll be fine. This will just be a whole lot easier when you’re not in London.”

“I know.”

“Do you know how much longer you’ll be there?”

“I’m not one hundred percent sure yet. I know we’re really behind which is why we worked all day today. I know Gavin wants me to re-do some of the stuff they did while I was gone. It’s getting to be a ticking count down.”

“Ugh, just his name pisses me off.”

“Don’t Jace. This is strictly business. Forget it even happened.”

“Yeah right, Carly. How would you feel if I kissed another woman?”

She was silent for a moment, contemplating. “Ugh fine. I see your point.”

He snickered a little. “Told you.”

“I need to get to bed, Chasez.”

“I wish I could hold you as you slept.”

“Me too. But you did that the night before last.” She reminded him.

“And it was heaven.”

“You romantic sap. You’re not making this any easier on me.”

“Fine. Go to sleep. I love you, Carly Anne.”

She softly kissed the receiver of her phone. “I love you too, Jace. I’ll call soon.”

“Yeah. Alright.”

Just as he was about to hang up her voice drew him back. Carly refused to end the conversation without letting him be very sure that she meant what she had said.

“Hey--.”

“Yeah?” he asked.

“I’m serious Jace. It meant absolutely nothing to me at all and never will. I love you so much and no one can take that away from me. Believe me when I say I’d leave if I could but this is business only. I can’t blow something this big when I’m trying to be someone. You have to understand but like I said, I love you.”

She could tell he was smiling. “Okay. I understand. And I love you too, so much. I‘m sorry I‘m being all macho about this.”

“It’s fine. I know this is hard but we’ll get through it. You’ll see.”

“Night, baby.”

“Night, Jace.”

***

The week just kept getting worse! Carly growled as she slammed the studio door shut, walking out the hallway and hitting the down button on the elevator. She had had enough of Gavin!

He’d started off the day, coming in and insisting the last song they had recorded didn’t sound right and didn’t have the right techs to his specifications. Much to Carly’s annoyance, that meant that they had to tank the entire song and start from scratch, all to his snooty specifications. Sometimes she felt like a door mat. The guy was hard headed and wanted things his way-- she was there to do his dirty work.

His mood had also seemed to go sour once he realized that she wasn’t backing down and falling into her arms. It was almost as if she had to continually remind him that whatever friendship they once had was squashed. She was there for business and business only.

They worked, long and hard, on Carly’s insistence and reminding him that she wanted a good album for him but she wanted it done and done now. He seemed to follow her lead and do the work but not without throwing a cocky remark in here and there. Even with her witty and sassy personality, his constant snapping and whining had her wearing thin at the moment. And to top it off, Gavin had informed her that they were bringing in another producer to help speed up the process. They had already passed their first moment of ‘crunch time’ and having an extra two hands would hopefully speed up the process.

Carly officially needed a break!

Stepping out into the late evening summer air, she sighed deeply and it waited for it to calm her down just a little. She needed a moment to herself, not dealing with anything musical. Some sense of self. Being hauled up in a recording studio with a man she was growing to strongly dislike was wearing her thin. She picked up her phone and sighed when she realized she had no missed calls.

Her nightly chats with JC seemed to lessen, the more hectic her schedule became. They’d sent the occasional text messages back and forth and sometimes, it was all Carly needed to get through the day. She was happy he didn’t hover over the subject of Gavin but was sure to make sure everything was going well and that he hadn’t once again tried to cross the boundaries.

It was almost a pestering feeling having her boyfriend check up on her but she tried to see it from his point of view. In a way, it was kind of cute and made Carly miss JC even more. In other ways it clawed at her patience.

Checking her watch, she drug herself back into the studio doors and headed in the direction up to the seventh floor. She could feel a headache coming on and her body ached. She needed a strong alcoholic drink to relax her and normally she avoided those beverages whenever possible. This was an exception. Gavin was an exception for a lot of things.

She pushed the up arrow and waited for the doors to open, lost in her mood. Once it dinged, Carly drug herself in carelessly, not seeing the man standing inside, holding a brown leather bag and accidentally walked right into him.

She looked up, hearing a light chuckle, embarrassed and immediately apologizing when the scent of the small space caught her senses. She knew that scent anywhere. Suddenly her heart rate quickened, feeling warm arms holding her elbows steady. The touch was familiar too. Looking up, her brain made the connection, falling into the sky blue eyes and trying her hardest to find words, any words, all begging for an explanation.

“Jace?”

A Million Faces in a Crowd
Chapter 21.

It had been two weeks and Carly had to admit, she was miserable. Waking up that morning, she rose, stopping to glance out at the morning view of the city and even that didn’t seem to settle her. Almost two weeks since she’d left London, mad as heck at JC and his jealous ways.

He had tried to call, numerous times but she didn’t pick up. She needed to give him time to reassess their relationship and time to not be constantly flying back and forth from country to country. Surprisingly, she had managed to leave Gavin without getting in trouble for running out on her job. Carly knew though, that it was JC’s being there that had probably saved her job, and saved Gavin’s album. She knew he wouldn’t leave until it was complete. That’s just the type of person he was.

The only part of her that felt good was knowing she was home and her sister was doing well since her accident, living life as if nothing had happened. It was a big relief.

Dragging herself down the winding loft stairs, she walked groggily to the kitchen, in search of coffee. When she finally looked up, she gasped seeing someone sitting at the island counter.

“Kass, you scared the shit out of me.”

Her sister wasn’t amused. “Sorry. You won’t answer your phone. I had to come make sure you were alive.”

“Very funny. It’s called rest. It’s good for the world.”

Kassidy stood to pour her sister a cup of coffee she had just made. “That’s crap and you know it Carly Ann. I’ve known you forever. You don’t rest. If you sit still for more than a day, I’m convinced you’d combust.”

“Ugh, whatever.”

Kassidy laughed. “Good come back sis. So when are you going to tell me what’s really wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong. My gosh, are you trying to win a Grammy for biggest nag?”

“Um, news flash. I won that like ten years ago. But seriously, spill it. Something happen with JC?”

Carly sighed, annoyed before plopping down on one of the bar stools, coffee cup in front of her. “Yes. If you must know.”

“Are you going to share with the class or am I going to have to drag this out of you?”

“Seriously Kassidy, you’re pissing me off. Yes we got into a fight. You remember me telling you about Gavin right?”

“The acoustic-ish musician you’ve been in London working with? Mmmhmm.”

“Well, he kissed me.”

Kassidy’s eyes went wide. “Are you serious? I’m guessing JC didn’t take it well?”

“Well, he didn’t freak out like I thought he would. Things were fine and then he shows up in London. He swore he was called to come to help us catch up before the deadline but I swear, he was jealous as heck. I felt him hovering over me every second, analyzing every conversation or eye contact with Gavin and I.”

“So you left?”

“Well yeah.” Carly looked at her sister like the answer should have been a given.

“Well that was dumb. He’s only human Car.”

“I can’t put up with jealousy Kass. Especially while I was trying to do my job. Gavin and I were like best friends for the longest time. He’s a good guy but he’s had his highs and lows in life. He’s not perfect. Kissing me was definitely a low point. He’s apologized plenty of times.”

“I think you should give him another chance.”

“I need time right now. I need to not be working, or flying from this country to that. It was wearing me down.”

“So take some time, think. Do what you have to do. Have you talked to JC since you left?”

Carly shook her head slowly. “No. I didn’t want to hear it. I didn’t want to think about all of it for a while.”

“Psh, don’t give me that. You’ve never walked away from anything. And I’m surprised by this. You told me you loved him, Carly.”

“I do.” She defended.

“Then why are you making him go through all of this? You know he’s probably hurting just as bad. I can tell he loves the hell out of you. I’m sure you could hash it out.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know. I just-- his ex cheated on him in front of the world while he was completely oblivious to it. I know he’s just worried the same thing is going to happen. I told him we’d never work if he didn’t trust me.”

“Well think about it, Carly. His break up was when? And he’s dated how many women since the whole thing with the ex? He’s probably just getting his feet wet again, scared to death that he’s A- dating again, and B that he’s going to mess up somewhere. Don’t blame a guy for worrying to much.”

“I understand that but with this industry I work in, well we work in, a lot of the people I work with are men. He works with women all of the time. You have to have a great deal of trust.”

“Maybe he’s slowing catching on.”

“Maybe I’m just scared of where this is all leading.” Carly whispered.

Kassidy looked surprised. “Scared? Of what? That he loves you or that you love him?”

“All of it. I never saw myself with someone like him. Hell I didn’t even like him when we met. I just feel like I’ve been swept off my feet and one wrong move could leave me flat on my face.”

“I can understand that you’re scared of all of this. Heck, with a past liked yours I would be too. I think JC is different though. You’ve just got give him a chance.”

“It’s hard to give him chances, to get to know him and spend the time with him we’re suppose to when I’m always gone. I love my job, I just don’t see where a serious boyfriend fits in.”

Kassidy stood and padded her sisters leg. “Call him. I think you’ll be surprised if you just give him a chance.”

“We’ll see.”

“You know I’m right.”

Carly rolled her eyes. “Oh but of course. You’re never wrong are you Kassidy?”

Kassidy laughed. “It‘s a rare occasion.”

*****

“Damn, JC. Are you trying to break every heart in America?” Matt asked.

JC put the head phones down and took one of the black computer chairs in his home studio. “Not necessarily.”

“When are you going to stop bull shitting around with this and put your stuff out there and make a record?”

JC shrugged, crossing one leg over his lap. “When it’s right for me.”

Matt raised a brow in question. “And that would be when exactly?”

JC let out a frustrated sigh. “When I can find someone who backs me one hundred and fifty percent. Someone who will let me do an album my way and not shit all over me. I want to have a say in things. That just seems impossible these days.”

“You know, it won’t be long before I get my own label up and running. I’d be more than willing to back you and give you the reins as much as I could.”

JC looked hesitant. “I don’t know man.”

Matt nodded, trying to encourage him. “You know you’d got more talent than anyone I know. And look at you, hauled up in this studio recording these depressing love songs.”

“Yeah yeah. Sometimes it helps for me to get it off my chest, even though no one else will hear it.”

“Still no word from Carly I take it?”

He hung his head low, running a hand through his hair. “No. Thanks for reminding me.”

“She’ll call. I know she will.”

“I don’t know man. I think I really made her mad. I just don’t know the severity of it.”

“Maybe she’s taking the time to think.”

“Then I’ll give her that. It’s been almost two weeks. I just want to know she’s alright.”

Matt nodded. “I’m sure she’s fine. Why don’t you stop moping around and we’ll go out tonight?  It’s been forever since us guys got out for the hell of it. Come on! Drinks on me.”

“I don’t know…”

“Seriously JC, this isn’t good for you. It’s not going to hurt. Come on out and loosen up a little. Maybe it will take your mind off Carly.”

JC threw his hands up in defeat. “Alright, fine. I’ll go!”

Matt smiled. “It’s about damn time.”

***

Carly bit her lip as she waited for another one of JC’s messages play. Each one she listened to seemed to tear at her heart even more. His voice was soft but thick with emotion.  

“Hey Carly. It’s me--again. Look I know you’re probably sick of hearing my voice but I just thought I’d try to call anyways. I’m worried about you. Even if you don’t want to talk to me, let me know you’re alright.. Please. We can’t work anything out of you won’t talk to me. Well, I guess I’ll let you go. I love you.”

She bit her lip to prevent the tear that threatened to fall from her green eyes. Carly knew that if she admitted it to herself, it was killing her just as bad as it seemed to be him. She could be spending her time with him right now, instead of sitting at home wallowing in her anger. Still, it didn’t’ give him the right to behave the way he did. She wasn’t going to give in just yet.

Deciding to swallow her pride, if only for a minute, she opened her phone and sent him a quick message.

I’m fine. Stop worrying.

Letting out deep breath, she tried not to stare at the screen awaiting his reply. When her phone beeped seconds later, she didn’t have to look to see who it was. She knew.

I’m glad baby. Thanks for letting me know. I’m here if you need me.

She didn’t even try to prevent the smile that crept across her lips. Just a simple message from him had somehow made her feel a little better, even though he was the problem.

Maybe she’d been thinking enough.

***

“It’s about time your skinny ass got out and had some fun.” Tyler yelled over the loud music of the club, as he patted his brother on the back.

JC rolled his eyes. “Alright. You guys have said that enough already.”

Matt grinned over at Tyler. “I think our boy needs a drink.” He ushered over a waiter.

Tyler nodded. “You need to relax a little, brother. Let’s get you feelin’ good.”

JC rolled his eyes as Matt kindly passed out shots to each of them, tipping his back easily. He stood their waiting for JC to do the same. When he finally tipped the brown liquid back and swallowed, both men hollered even though no one could hear over the thumping music.

“I’m gonna go find me a hot little thing to dance with.” Matt called, slamming his drink on the counter and picking up a beer.

Tyler laughed, looking to his brother. “Did she call yet?”

JC shook his head, tipping his beer back, taking a long drink. “I got a text, letting me know she was fine.”

“Well that’s something right?”

JC gave his brother an annoyed look. “Yeah. It’s great. I haven’t spoke with my girlfriend in two fucking weeks and all I get is a text message. I’m fantastic, you ass.”

“You must have really pissed her off.”

JC slammed his bottle down, getting more agitated. “Thanks captain obvious.”

Tyler threw his hands up in defense. “Don’t bite my head off. I didn’t do anything. I’m just saying, Carly loves you. I bet you anything she’ll call.”

“Yeah, until then I’ll just sit around and wait like it’s no big deal.”

Tyler ordered himself another beer, placing his empty one of the bar counter. “Whatever man. I’m going to go dance or some shit. You’re depressing me.”

“Good. Go.” JC waved. He continued to nurse his beer until it was gone and then ordering another. By the end of the second one, he had to admit that he was finally starting to feel a good buzz.

“Hey there handsome.”

JC looked up to see a tall blonde with her cleavage hanging out, looking like your typical bar whore. “Hi.” he said lamely.

“What are you doing sitting here all by yourself? Why don’t you come dance with me?”

He tried not to roll his eyes. She was killing his buzz. “I’m good thanks.”

“You sure about that sugar?” The blond asked, leaning forward against the bar to order a drink, making sure she gave him a clear view of her breasts.

“Yeah. I’m positive.” He said, grabbing a new beer and tipping it back in a farewell.

He walked cautiously thought the swarming bodies of people, feeling the base beat loud enough that he felt the floor vibrate. He squeezed through, pulling off people that randomly grabbed a hold of him and tried to dance. This was not the place for a taken man to be, even if Carly wouldn’t call in that right about now.

He finally spotted Matt in the corner, hauled up a booth, drink in his hand and speaking to a group of people.

“There you are, ass! I was looking for you.” Matt slurred.

“I didn’t’ move dumb ass.”

Matt laughed. “Oh. Well then. Let me introduce to you some of my friends from college. This is Brad and Taryn. Guys, this is my good friend JC.”

He kindly shook hands with everyone, noticing how much the only female sitting in their little circle resembled his girlfriend. She looked oddly familiar for some reason and he’d swore he’d seen her before. His head hung low, feeling more and more sorry for himself. Taking another swig of his drink, he suddenly had a wave of confidence shoot through him. “Wanna dance?” He asked her.

Matt looked surprised, eyes wide by moved out of the way for her to come forward.

“What?” She laughed, raising her voice.

JC leaned forward, moving close to her ear, drink in hand. “I said do you wanna dance?”

She nodded her head, handing her drink to Matt who set it on the table and JC followed suit. He led her out onto the busy dance floor full of bodies.

His hands went around her hips casually, not trusting himself to get any closer. She resembled his girlfriend in many ways but she didn’t feel like Carly; didn’t smell like her. When she tried to get closer, JC felt himself pulling back, knowing that this wasn’t leading anywhere good. He might have been close to drunk but wasn’t about to completely sabotage his relationship. The guilt would eat him alive.

He tried to forget about everything and have a good time, even if it was to get lost in the music for a few minutes, it’d be worth it. The drunken feeling of the alcohol wasn’t cutting it. JC missed Carly. He went back and forth the possibility of flying to Chicago but quickly decided against it. If she needed time, throwing himself at her wasn’t going to do any good.

It wasn’t long before the song had ended, and to save his sanity, JC led Taryn back to the group of people, where Tyler now was along with Matt. JC was glad that his invitation to dance wasn’t misinterpreted into something more because he had to admit, he was feeling weak and as he downed yet another beer, his inhibitions were disappearing by the second.

“Hey man, some friends of mine are in town for the weekend and are having a party at one of the hotels not far from here. You guys should come.” Brad said.

Matt looked to JC and Tyler, looking for an answer and nodded wrapping his arm around his old college friend nearly losing his balance. “Sounds good. JC, Ty, you guys in?”

JC shrugged, knowing that if he declined, Matt would make a drunken scene and right now, he didn’t even care. He knew he’d rather be at home, waiting- hoping Carly would call but that would only add to his sucky mood. A change of scene couldn’t hurt.

As everyone continued to sit around and talk, JC nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt his cell phone vibrate in his pocket. He quickly retrieved it, hoping and mentally praying that it’d be her. He let out a sigh of relief when his wish came true, quickly trying to make it out of the noisy club before she hung up. He had to hurry.

By the time he had made it outside, he had sobered up a little but his phone had stopped buzzing. “Shit” he cursed, dialing the familiar number.

He dragged one foot across the cigarette covered cement, one hand in the pocket of his jeans as her phone continued to ring. JC was slowly feeling like he’d missed his one chance. Glancing at his watch, he did the mental math confirming that it was 4:00 in the morning her time. Just as he was sure her voice mail was going to pick up, he heard the phone go silent for a second before a soft voice answered.

“Hello?”

“Carly, babe- I’m sorry I missed your call.”

“Are you busy?”

He looked around as cars drove by, honking obnoxiously, wishing he was at home where it was quiet. “No. Not if you’ll talk to me.”

“Where are you?”

“The guys drug me out with them. We just went to have a few drinks. No big deal.”

“Oh, I can let you--.”

“No!” He interrupted. “I want to talk to you. This is killing me.”

“I don’t know where to start.” She sighed.

“Are you still in Chicago?”

“Yeah.”

“Everything okay with Kassidy still?” JC asked, deciding to cover all the bases.

“Yeah, she’s fine. You’d never know she was in a coma.”

JC laughed a little. “That’s good.”

“Yeah.” Silence ticked on. “Everything get finished with the album?”

“As far as I know. I did what I could.”

“Good. Sorry I left.”

He let out a shaky breath. “I’m sorry I was such an ass.”

Carly laughed a little. “So am I.”
“I didn’t mean to act like that. I just love the hell out you Carly. I need you to keep me in line. I don’t want to slip back into my old ways.”

“I--I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, Jace.”

His heart stopped. “Yeah? About?”

He could hear her let out a breath. “Us.”

JC swallowed hard, not liking the direction of this. He was going to lose Carly. He refused. “Oh yeah? Good things I hope.”

“I was thinking that we--.”  Carly started but stopped when she heard the voice in the background. The very female voice.

“JC, are you coming back to the hotel?” Taryn called.

Shit! JC cursed himself, turning quickly and throwing a “No, I’m taking a cab home.” over his shoulder.

He hoped Carly hadn’t heard that but he knew better. He just waited for his cue to start explaining.

“Who was that?” Carly asked, her voice trying to remain calm.

“It was one of Matt’s friends. I swear Carly.”

“Oh.”

“I’m really sorry about that. But keep going. You’ve got my full attention, babe.”

“You’re busy. It’s fine. I’ll just let you go.”

“Carly, No! I’m sorry--.”  But he knew it was too late. She had already hung up on him.

JC ran a hand over his tired face in frustration before hailing a cab. He tried dialing Carly’s number, only to hear her voicemail click on like he know it would. He’d been so hopeful when she called, thinking that things could finally shape up. Throwing himself into the taxi, he counted down the seconds before he was home, able to wallow in his own misery, alone and without any possible interruptions hoping that maybe-- just maybe his girlfriend would call him back.

A Million Faces in a Crowd
Chapter 22 (part 1)

“You really think we can do it like this?” JC asked, scanning over the documents.

Matt nodded. “Yeah man. If you’re willing to give me a shot with this whole record deal thing. I’m no professional but I wouldn’t screw you over.”

“I know you wouldn’t. You’ve been in this business for long enough.”

“Just look everything over. I tried to get you the best gig I could. You know your music will sell it’s self. I’m sick and tired of you letting those amazing songs collect dust on your computer. It’s just not fair to the world of music.”

JC laughed. “You know you sound like some sappy teenie bopper right?”

Matt rolled his eyes. “Whatever JC. Then you’re fans are right. You could have them eating out of the palm of your hands. Don’t you want that again? To have fans singing along with you, knowing your lyrics, getting to lay it all out there and let people lose their minds for a little bit?”

JC sighed, tossing the papers aside. “I don’t know. I honestly don’t know if this is where I need to be right now. I did my thing, sang all my songs, broke records- you name it. I just keep thinking my time was then. I’m getting older now. Music is still my priority, it’s just not being on the stage. I’m perfectly content producing.”

“Then are you sure you want to do this?”

JC shrugged. “I guess I could give it a shot. If someone’s willing to back me, I’d be an idiot to pass it up.”

Matt laughed. “You are an idiot. I’m laying it all out on the table for you, strings and everything. You’ve got the music, the talent, the support. What more do you need?”

He watched as JC checked his cell phone for the tenth time in the last fifteen minutes.

“Now that’s a loaded question.”

“What’s with your obsessively checking your phone? Still no word from Carly?”

JC shook his head, replying nothing.

“I’m sorry, man. How longs it been?”

“Long enough. Almost three weeks since I’ve seen her. Five days since I talked to her last and she hung up on me.” JC grumbled.

Matt smacked him on the arm, comfortingly. “Damn. She must be mad.”
“I don’t know what’s going on. She’s never done this. Something tells me something more is going on. I just feel like I deserve an explanation. It’s killing me.”

Nodding, Matt stood, grabbing a bottle of water. “Give her time. I’m sure she’ll call. Maybe she’s busy or just needed to clear her head.”

JC ran a hand over his weary face. “Yeah. Maybe that’s it.”

***

“I cannot believe someone had to screw up shit that I worked forever on.” Carly scoffed.

Max nodded, apologetically. “I’m really sorry. Something got messed up in the transfer, Carly. I know if anyone could fix it, it’d be you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. I just flew five hours over night to fix someone else’s mistakes. This is going to take me hours, I hope you know.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got help coming. I told you we’re past deadline. This is costing our company a shit load of money.”

Carly raised an eyebrow. “What help?”

Max shrugged. “I don’t know. The team said they’d send someone good, reputable.”

“Reputable. Pshhh. I wouldn’t be here if that was the case.”

“I’m really sorry, Carly. I know it will probably mean nothing to you, but I appreciate you flying in on such short notice.”

“Yeah, don’t mention it. I can always sleep another week.”

Max laughed at her no nonsense attitude he had come to love. “I’ll let you be so you can work. Call me if you have any problems.”

Carly nodded, going back to the computer and the list of errors she had to fix. “Yeah yeah.”

She continued to work for the next few hours, oblivious to the time and trying not to grumble, mentally cursing of the man or woman who had messed up Gavin’s music in the transition process from London to LA. She hadn’t planned on being back here for a while. Time was what she had wanted and asked for but work had called.

Deciding it was time for a coffee break, Carly got up and drug herself out of the studio she had been hauled up in. Looking out of the bay windows that lined a majority of the building, it wasn’t a surprise to her that it was now dark out. Trying to suppress her yawn, she did a mental check of time. Night in LA meant even later in Chicago and having been woken out of her less than peaceful slumber only added to her tirade.
After stopping at the coffee machine, she walked back to continue her work, waiting for the caffeine to kick in. She was crashing fast.

Jumping back into where she had left off, Carly was pleased to see she had made some what of a progress. Max was right. This was going to take forever and she would without a doubt need an extra hand if he expected it by a certain time. Apparently, when people messed up, they messed up good. She only hoped Max sent her someone who knew what they were doing.

Stopping for a second, she turned towards the door, hearing people talking, wondering to herself who in their right mind would be coming into the studio this late in the night to work on something? Surely Max wouldn’t send someone at this hour…

Hearing the door open, she turned to it, thinking it was one of the other employees of the studio coming to let her know they were locking up. Her eyes widened, and her breath hitched, not being able to think, to speak or breathe. Out of all the people Max could have sent, it had to be him. He did say reputable didn’t he?

JC stood there, decked out in light blue track pants, a white cut off t-shirt and what looked to be like some kind of athletic flip flops and Carly couldn’t remember him looking more gorgeous. It has been a long time since she’d seen him, almost too long and it took all of her stamina not to burst into tears at that moment.

“JC…” She gasped.

“Carly…” His voice came out in a whisper.

“They sent you?”

He nodded, coming further into the room but keeping his distance still.

“Yeah. Max said something went wrong when they went to make the final copy.”

Carly swallowed hard, professional façade on again. “Yeah. It’s worse than I thought. I’ve been working non stop. I’m going to be here forever.”

He nodded, hands shuffling in his pockets nervously. “Well I’m here now. Two is better than one right?”

She gave him a half smile, not knowing what to say as he took a seat beside her. “Why’d you come this late?”

He shrugged. “You needed help.”

Her eyes widened, breath hitching as the scent of him enveloped her as he moved closer. “You knew I was here?”

“Yeah I did. Max said you’d flown over night. I knew you’d be tired and could use the help.”

“Is that the only reason?” She whispered.

His blue eyes met hers in an intense stare. So much question and tension filled the room. He responded, his voice husky. “You know it’s not, Carly.”

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “I um, I needed time.”

His eyes never left hers. “I know that. I tried to give it to you.”

“But?”

He reached his hand out to touch her face, but quickly pulled it back, still not knowing where they stood. Every second that ticked by hurt more and more.

“I couldn’t sleep knowing you were in LA and I wasn’t there with you. A part of me is committed to this job and the other part of me is committed to you, to us. Since you left London, it’s been nothing but hell for me, Carly.”

Her eyes welled up but she quickly brought herself together. “I can’t be in a relationship where you don’t trust me, JC.”

Running a hand through his hair, he nodded, exhaustion evident in his voice. “I know that and I am sorry. I acted like an idiot and I shouldn’t have. I don’t know what came over me but picturing the two of you together, I just get a bad feeling about that guy.”

“You were an idiot. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

“I know that now. It’s just not having you around, it’s been killing me. I don’t want to lose you over something so dumb--.”

“The way you were behaving was dumb, JC.”

He was shocked by her interruption. “I know that now. I said I was sorry.”

“There’s going to be other times where I’m away, most likely working with other male artists. If this is going to become a trend, we’re never going to work.”

His head snapped up, fear written all over his face. “We will work, Carly. You’ve just got to be patient with me. I’m trying to tell myself that your not my ex and that this can work out. I can’t be without you though.”

She shook her head. “You never once asked me how I felt, Jace. You just assumed this was all about the way you were acting. I needed this time to think things over. To think about us. We’re apart more than we’re together and there are times where we get shoved into serious and that scares the hell out of me. It’s going to take a lot of fighting.”

“Did you?” he whispered.

She turned towards him once more, rubbing her tired eyes. “Did I what?”

“Think things over?”

She sighed, suddenly not in the mood to hash this all out here and now. She had work to be done, deadlines to meet. Her paycheck and career depended on it.

“I’ve got get this done, JC. Max has me on a time frame. They’re paying extra for the editing studio.”

He nodded, knowing she wasn’t going to continue. “Dammit, Carly. I think this is a little more important.”

She shook her head, unable to admit that he was right but still, her wall had come up. It was too late now. “I can’t do this now. I’ve got to get this done.”

JC turned away, obviously pissed off by the situation but trying to keep his frustrations at bay. It would only make things worse. “Fine. Work. I’m sorry I care so much.”

Carly let out a silent breath, thankful he had dropped the subject. She couldn’t get into this, not here and now with no sleep and her emotions wearing thin. Trying to push the scent of him, and the heat from the closeness, Carly cleared her thoughts and tried to erase the memory of what it felt like to hug him, to touch him. She couldn’t let his being there ruin the fact that she was there to do a job, even though it was killing her deep down.


****

It had been hours since they had began the countless corrections on Gavin’s songs, perfecting and editing every single glitch and mess up. He worked hard, stealing glances every now and then. Surprised that the atmosphere hadn’t turned totally awkward, he still had small glimmers of hope. He figured the quicker they got done, the quicker he’d have a better chance at speaking with Carly in private where she couldn’t use that ‘work’ excuse she’d come to love.

He couldn’t help but steal small glances are her, still letting it sink in that she was in LA regardless if she hadn’t meant to run into him. He watched her several times, noticing her face flinch as she’d stop and take a deep breath, holding her stomach, obviously in pain.

“You alright?” He asked, concerned.

Her brows knitted together, trying to hide any discomfort. “I’m fine. Just a stomach ach.”

JC leaned forward, cautiously placing a hand on her knee. “Want me to get you anything?”

Carly exhaled the breath she had taken in, hoping to alleviate some of the pain. “No. I think I’ll be fine.”

He nodded, tapping her leg softly before going back to work.

***
It had been hours since they had started, JC noted, taking a look at his watch and cracking his neck. He smiled softly as he noticed Carly had dozed in and out for what seemed like the millionth time in the past fifteen minutes. He contemplated telling her to take a break but knew she’d turn him down. Still, his love for her won that battle.

“Carly, why don’t you go sleep for a bit?”

She looked over at him through bleary eyes, quickly trying to appear awake. “I’m good. I just-- yeah. I’m fine.”

JC chuckled softly. “Stop trying to be a hard ass and go sleep, Carly.”

She went to say something, a snaky reply no doubt, when she was cut off by a yawn. He shook his head, smiling brightly, knowing she had lost the battled.

“I don’t need to sleep.” she said as she stretched her arms over her head, but quickly toppled forward. “Ouch, shit!”

JC was on his feet in a flash, catching her in his arms and leading her over to the couch. “Are you okay?”

She panted, arms wrapped about her waist. “Yeah. I don’t know what it is. There’s like a sharp pain or something. Maybe it’s just from sitting all day.”

“Don’t you think we should go to the ER and get it checked out?”

Carly shook her head immediately. “No. I’m sure it’s nothing serious.”

“Will you sleep for a little bit at least? I can keep working on this and we can pick up after you rest.” JC said as he reached a hand up to rub her shoulder, watching her instantly relax.

“Ugh, fine. But make sure you wake me up in an hour or two. I’ve got to finish this. I don’t have time for sleep.”

“Stop fighting, babe. I’ve told you so many times that you need to take care of yourself. The work is getting done, so chill out.”

“I do take care of myself, thanks. This is just a little more important. I didn’t fly all this damn way to sleep on a couch in a recording studio.”

“Who’s couch did you plan on sleeping on?” JC questioned, knowing he was pushing her buttons.

“Don’t start with me, JC.”

He rolled his eyes, chuckling at her stubborn antics before straightening out her legs and covering her up with the blanket draped over the back of the couch. Leaning down, he ran a hand softly over her head, cuffing her chin. “Sleep. I’ll wake you up in a bit.”

~
He watched her toss an turn from his seat where he had tried to continue working but his thoughts wouldn’t stop haunting him. He had so much to say, so much to prove, so much time to make up for. Finally deciding he had had enough, JC made his way over to the couch in the corner, kneeling down and rubbing a hand up and down her back, knowing it had lulled her to sleep before. She instantly settled, finally landing with her back to him and the perfect angle to keep his hand where he wanted. When he knew she was asleep, he leaned over her shoulder, pressing a small kiss right under her ear before he whispered what he had wanted to say since he walked in.

“I’m here, baby. Don’t give up on me, okay? I love you too much to let you go without a fight.”

Once he had spoke, he turned around and went back to working again. When he turned his back, he missed out on the silent tear that fell from Carly’s sleeping eye.
 

A Million Faces in a Crowd
Chapter 22 (Part 2)

JC continued to work, trying not his mind wonder to other things and the other person laying four feet away from him on a couch across the room. He tried not to glance back at her, ignoring how cute she looked with her t-shirt ridding up her back, exposing her smooth skin. He tried not to notice how she tossed and turned, seemingly uncomfortable. His heart went out to her, wanting to fix whatever was bothering her but he remembered her ‘business as usual’ attitude. Still, if she kept this up, his loyalty and love for her was bound to get in the way.

Taking his glasses off, JC rubbed his tired eyes before placing them back on his head. He cursed, reminding himself that he had read over the same thing for the last forty five minutes. About to give up, he was interrupted by Carly shuffling behind him. He turned to see her looking in all her sleepy glory, looking around blearily. Smiling softly at her, he noticed that all of the color had drained from her face. Something had to be wrong.

“You alright, babe?”

She looked at him through heavy eyes before standing weakly and wrapping her arms around her stomach. “I think--, I think I’m going to be sick.”

JC jumped to his feet, watching as she scurried out of the studio and down the hall to the restroom. He waited outside, cringing when he heard the sounds of Carly getting sick to her stomach. Normally, such a thing would have him running as far away as possible but all he wanted to do at that moment was be there for her.

“Carly, honey, can I do anything for you?”

He didn’t expect the weak voice that came through the thick wooden door. “It hurts.”

Not caring what she did, he walked into the one stalled bathroom and saw her looking weak and small, hunched beside the toilet. Going directly to the sink, he grabbed a few paper towels, running them under cold water and immediately crouching down to run them against her forehead. Her skin was hot and clammy and her face looked drained of all energy.

“What hurts, Carly?”

She pointed to the side of her stomach, still holding onto it. “Right here.”

“Anything like this ever happened before?”

She shook her head quickly before tearing herself away from his reach, leaning over the toilet seat and getting sick again. “I think we should go to the Emergency room.”

“Jace, No! It’s probably just a flu or something.”

“Not if you have pain in your stomach. Please Carly? Let’s just get it checked out.”

She went to respond but found herself once again throwing up again. He rubbed her back, holding her hair back as she continued to get sick. He could feel her body shake beneath his fingers. She didn’t look good at all.

When JC was sure she was done, he went to retrieve another cool paper towel, running it over her warm, flushed face. To his surprise, she leaned forward, leaning her forehead onto his shoulder, taking deep breaths.

“Baby, please. Let’s just go get it checked out. If it’s nothing we can come back.” He said.

Her response was not convincing at all. “Work, Jace.”

“Screw work. Your health is more important to me. If Max wants to pitch a fit, tell him to call me. We’re going to the ER.”

Carly let out a little grunt, weather it was from pain or protest, JC didn’t know. “Fine.”

His eyebrows raised, wanting to wait just a second for her to come to her senses and reject but he didn’t give her time. He stood, swooping her up in his arms where he went back into the studio to shut everything down.

It took less than ten minutes and they were already in his car, en route to the nearest hospital.

***

JC sat beside Carly, curled up in a ball on the hospital bed, waiting for the doctor to come in. The ride there had seemed endless, but he did his best to reassure her that she’d be okay and that he wasn’t leaving her and that’s exactly how it had panned out.

She looked young and small in her moments of weakness, JC noted as he continually rubbed soothing circles against her back. His thoughts were on high speed, trying to calm her, as well as himself. His fear of hospitals didn’t even seem to register. He just wanted Carly to be okay.

They waited for what seemed like hours until a nurse had finally come in to get her stats. He almost felt like he was in the way or stepping on toes by being their as they poked and prodded her but she had looked nervous as hell and that didn’t sit right with JC.

When the doctor finally had come in, he insisted on leaving the room while they felt around on her stomach and did all the necessary exams. He had no idea what other things needed to be done and knew nothing about medical stuff so he decided to give Carly the privacy she deserved, leaving the room. He paced the white and shiny hallway, outside of her room and tried to think of positive things. It had a been a long time since JC had first met Carly Piper and it was amazing to think about where they were today, if only he knew himself. He knew he loved Carly and was almost sure she loved him the same, but she had hit a bump in the road. Traveling meant that your time together was limited and him being a macho, jealous, ass hole didn’t sit well with her. He knew he had only himself to blame. He just hoped that’d she’d realize he’d messed up and be able to love him like before.

Glancing at his watch, JC noticed that it had been at least fifteen minutes since he left the room and figured it’d be safe by now to come back in. Walking up to the door, he waited for a moment, seeing if he could hear anything.

“Where is the pain at?” The doctor had asked.

“Right here.” Carly said, pointing to her lower stomach.

“When was your last period?”

Carly paused for a second. “I um-- I don’t remember. A few months ago maybe? I’ve been traveling a lot for work and the stress has kind of messed it up I guess.”

The doctor nodded. “Any chance you could be pregnant?”

“What? I don’t think so. I’m always--.”

JC chose that moment to come back into the room, his face slightly pale. He noticed the way Carly wouldn’t meet his eyes.

The doctor nodded. “We’ll run some more tests and be back.”

Walking to her beside, JC leaned over her and kissed her forehead softly. He tried to calm the thudding in his heart from what he had just heard. Those were typical medical questions weren’t they? Why was it hard to breathe? “Feeling any better?” He asked, caressing her face.

She shrugged weakly. “Same.”

He took a seat beside her bed. “Did the doctor say anything?”

“They’re going to run some tests and take me for a CT scan or something like that. They just said I‘m running a really high fever.”

His palm immediately went for her warm forehead. “Do they have any idea?”

Carly held her hand out as the nurse came barging into the room to start her IV. JC took a deep breath, trying not to look at what they were about to do. “They said it could be a kidney stone or maybe something with my appendix.”

JC swallowed hard. “And they can fix that right?”

She nodded. “Yes, Jace they can fix it.”

It wasn’t long before they had come up wheel her off to X-ray to get a CT scan. JC wasn’t far behind, not wanting to let her out of his site.

Shortly there after, they were once again in her small room or the ER, awaiting her test results. They had finally given Carly some pain meds, hoping to help her rest and it seemed to be working as she dozed in an out. JC felt the urge to touch her right then, waiting nothing more than to feel her skin against his. He took one had, running his long fingers through her soft tresses. One finger traced from underneath her ear, and down to her neck, just being close, feeling her soft flesh.

He was lost in his thoughts, his mind reeling and not even paying attention when a group of nurses and a doctor JC had recognized from before came into the room in a hurry. JC looked up, immediately to his feet as he watched them rush at Carly.

“What’s wrong?” he questioned, alarmed.

“Her appendix is inflamed. We need to do emergency surgery right away.”

JC eyes widened. “Is she going to be okay?”

“Yes, as long as we get her into surgery in time. Are you her husband?”

He cleared his throat. “Boyfriend.”

“Do you know when she ate last?”

JC scratched the back of his neck. “I don’t know for sure but I know she had some coffee earlier but she got really sick right before we came. Whatever she had inside of her, she got rid of.” he said, knowing that Carly would never stop to eat while working.

“Alright then. We’ll give her some medicine to make sure her stomach is empty and then we’ll take her. Someone will be down once we start the surgery to come and get you.”

JC looked confused. “You’re taking her right this second?”

The doctor nodded, unhooking her IV meds. “Soon, yes. The sooner we get her in the OR, the better. This can be life threatening.”

“I don’t want to leave her.” He said, quickly standing and running a hand over her head, as she stirred. Not long after her eyes slowly opened and she became awake. Before JC could say anything, the doctor intervened.

“Miss Piper, your CT scan showed that your appendix is severely inflamed. We need to do emergency surgery right away. I need you to sign these consent forms.”

Her eyes went directly for JC’s, confusion and fear written all over her face.  “Surgery?” She whispered.

JC leaned down to buss her forehead. “It’s okay, Carly. I’m not going anywhere.”

She nodded, signing the forms the doctor had given her. “Promise?”

His nod was firm. “I promise, baby. I’ll be here when you wake up.” He reached his hand out, lacing it with hers, doing his best to try to comfort her. It made him feel good that she didn’t fight him but then again, in moments like these, people usually crumble and let their guards down. After all, the rest of her family were millions of miles away. Still, he’d take what he could get. Even if she said she hated him, he’d still be there for her.

He stepped back as the nurses came around her, checking her vitals once again and pulling up the railings, securing her inside the bed, preparing to move her. JC could only stare. Knowing they were going to take her soon, he leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on her cheek, whispering softly in her ear. “You’ll be fine baby. You’re one of the strongest people I know. I’ll be right here when you wake up. I love you.”

He wasn’t prepared for the look on her face as he pulled away, seeing small tears escape the corners of her tired, green eyes. “I’m scared.” She whispered.

JC swallowed, not use to dealing with this side of Carly. Sure, she’d let her guard down before where he was free to protect her and take the lead of things but those moments were few and far between. It stung to know that he wasn’t allowed to go up with her. He almost cursed himself for not telling the nurses he was her fiancé.

 “You’re going to be just fine. I promise.” He said as he used the tips of his fingers to brush her tears away.

She nodded weakly, as the nurses stepped in. “We’re ready to take her.”

JC nodded, taking his time as he let go of her hand. He tried to give her an encouraging smile.  “Love you.” he mouthed.

She tried to smile through the fear written on her face but it didn’t quite meet her eyes. They began pulling her away and JC could only watch, knowing it hurt that she hadn’t said she had loved him back. He tried to push the thought from his mind but she was about to be put to sleep and have some major surgery done. He needed to know that she still loved him.

Just as she was about completely leave the room, he heard her voice. “Wait! Jace..”

JC’s head jerked back, looking in her direction as he came rushing over to her, as all of the nurses stopped and stared. He looked at Carly curiously, as she reached up, grabbed his shirt and pulled him down to her eye level. “I love you too.” She said groggily. She held his face in her hands, reaching up to kiss him quickly on the lips.

When he pulled back, JC couldn’t prevent the soft smile that had taken over his lips. He didn’t even care that everyone had seen that and his cheeks were a little warm from the display of it all. She had said it back. It was easier to breathe.

“We really need to go.” The doctor said firmly.

JC nodded, stepping back and returning to wait in her room.

**
It seemed like hours, almost days as he paced the squeaky hallways of the surgery floor. His mind raced, forced to slowly take in everything that had happened within the last twenty-four hours. Things still weren’t back to one hundred percent with Carly but knowing that she still loved him went a long way. He had every intention of repairing their relationship but she had needed time and so he gave it to her. It wasn’t until Max had called about finishing the project errors on Gavin’s CD that JC knew this was his time.

He had hated to trick her into being in the same room with him but in all his defense, he would have lended his talent and effort, had she been there or not. Then there was the awkward tension she had put between them, or her wall more like it. He wasn’t use to being in the same room as her and not being able to touch her, or be close to her, or having free rein to kiss her if he felt like it.

JC knew she was more than likely tired and agitated for being drug across the country to work but her agitation had most likely been the on comings of her illness. Not knowing why, he felt the strong need to be there for her and protect her even though she wanted nothing to do with him. He knew she was putting up a front and in the end, it came down to his love for her.

Still, being here in the hospital, watching her go through something like this just threw their whole relationship, or whatever they were into something serious. He wanted to always be there for her, be the one she counted on in times where she was weak. He just didn’t know how it’d happen with her living in Chicago and him being in L.A. and it had seemed all hints or suggestions of her rerouting were declined.

Still he had some hope. His mind drifted to everything that had happened while they were apart and not talking and there had been so many times that he wanted to call her and just hear her opinion on things. He was in the works of releasing another solo album and having Carly there for his support would have meant the world to him. She was partial reason for him deciding to give in to the offer. She was constantly telling him his voice was being wasted with all of the beautiful melodies it was capable of producing. He tried to tell himself that if he did release another solo album, that things would only get crazier for their relationship and contemplated the fact of backing out of the whole deal.

Only time would tell.

He glanced at his watch again, wondering what was taking so long. They had said the surgery would only take an hour and a half tops, and it had already past two. He tried not to think the worst.

Ignoring all calls on his cell phone, JC tried to keep his head focused on one thing and one thing only. He’d put up with Max later. Carly was more important.

Finally giving up his pacing, he took a seat in one of the hospital chairs attached to the wall and ran a hand over his exhausted face. He had gotten to the studio at almost 12:30 and it was now past 3. It was all worth it though.

Yawning once more, he debated going to the small vending machine and getting come coffee but he honestly didn’t want to leave incase one of the nurses came to get him. Closing his eyes just for a second, he was quickly brought back to reality.

“Mr. Chasez?”

“Yeah. That’s me.” He said sitting up, becoming fully awake.

“I came to let you know Miss Piper is out of surgery and she did fine and is in recovery. You can come with me if you’d like to see her.”

JC nodded, standing up. “Yes, of course.”

**

She looked small and innocent, JC noted as he watched Carly continue to sleep. He had felt a great weight lift from his shoulders knowing that the surgery had went smoothly. Still, so much was up in the air. Deciding not dwell on the what ‘what if’s’, JC focused on the now and did his best to comfort the woman he loved.

He pulled a chair up to her bed, supporting himself on his elbow as he combed her hair away from her face. He remember the few times before they had fallen asleep together that he’d found himself doing that, recalling the soft purr of relaxation she’d given him.

She did just that, not seconds later and he smiled, knowing it still worked. Leaning down, her kissed her cheek, letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding at the feel of warm skin against his lips.

“I’m here, baby. Just rest.”

Carly slowly inched her way backwards, coming closer to his touch as he continued to sooth her. He tried to stop the yawn that was begging to be released but failed miserably. Looking towards the closed curtains in her room, he could see the faint oranges that indicated that the sun was coming up. But that didn’t matter because JC knew that he didn’t want to be anywhere else than with Carly even though the hospital wouldn’t be his first choice.

Still, he had crossed one hurtle and just hoped he had what it took to cross the others. His mind continued to nag him, running through all the events of the early morning and there was one that he had tried to avoid but it just wouldn’t go away. The word ‘baby’ seemed to be on repeated and he tried to tell himself that he was just overreacting. Doctors had to ask that kind of thing didn’t they? He knew nothing about periods or anything like that but just hearing them asking her made his heart skip a beat.

Was Carly pregnant? Was that why she had been so distant from him? Had she been trying to tell him all along but was scared? They had been having sex so it was possible and remembering the night before she went back to London came screaming back at him. Suddenly, it was hard to breathe again. Did he want to have a child with Carly?


Having a child was a serious deal. It tied two people together forever. Was he ready for that? Was Carly ready? He tried not to get ahead of himself, knowing he’d only drive himself crazy. Knowing Carly better than that, he’d hoped she’d swallow her pride and put whatever was between them to tell him she was having their child. It just didn’t make sense. JC felt a whole new obstacle being thrown at him and just hoped he had what it took to make it through.

The first one was getting Carly healthy again, the second was mending their relationship.

A Million Faces in a Crowd
Chapter 23.

Opening the door to his car, JC helped Carly slid in carefully. Once she was secure, he ran around to the driver side and climbed in. He looked over at her, her face still slightly pale as she leaned back against the seat. Starting his car, he finally pulled away from the hospital entrance.

The radio played softly and filled the silence that took over the car. He had so much to say but had no idea where and when to begin, he only knew that now was not the time. JC was just thankful Carly had made it out of surgery alright and was on the road to recovery. He smiled, remembering how she had argued when he suggested she come stay with him until he had become more adamant, insisting until finally in her drug induced state, she gave in. He refused to let her go back to the hotel she had planned to stay at and be all alone, knowing she’d be in much better care with him. It helped JC out a little when the doctor had interject the conversation and suggested it’d be good for Carly to stay with someone while she recovered.

“You doing okay?” JC asked softly, looking over at her.

She kept her eyes closed but nodded. He reached over and easily grabbed her hand, taking it in his and rubbing her fingers over her knuckles. Her skin still felt a little cold but it was better than nothing. JC just wanted to feel her somehow. He’d have to wait until they got home, and a lot longer before he got a chance to dig a little deeper.

**

He helped her up the steps and into his house, taking them slowly and in small steps. When they finally made it into the living room, JC helped make her comfortable on the couch. He had insisted she lay down in his bedroom but she had refused, covering it up with the fact that the couch was much closer. It only seemed to be getting worse. Lifting her legs, he settled her so she was laying down and then covered her with a light blanket. When he reached down to place a kiss on her lips, she turned her head, making him kiss her cheek. JC’s face sunk a little, the pain hitting him deep. She was still trying to push him away.

“Need anything?”

Carly shook her head. “No. I think I’m Ok. Thanks though.”

He nodded, squatting down so he was at her level. “Alright. Just let me know if you do. Remotes right here. I’m going to go jump in the shower real quick, okay?”

“Kay. I’m just going to sleep.” she said weakly.

JC smiled, finding it odd to see her weak and vulnerable. “That’s what you need, honey.”

And with that he left the room.

When he came back minutes later, Carly was fast asleep with the TV on. He readjusted her covers, wanting to make sure she was comfortable. Feeling the need to be close to her, he sat down at the end of the couch, carefully placing her feet in his lap. For now, that would do.

***

JC stirred, coming out of slumber and immediately sitting upright, not realizing her had dozed off. He turned to his left, seeing Carly sitting up sleepily, looking confused and in pain. He ran a quick hand over his face, quickly becoming awake.

“You alright?” He asked, his voice thick with sleep.

She looked up through heavy eyes. “I’ve gotta use the bathroom.”

JC nodded, standing up and helping her ease out of the couch. “Easy, honey. Small steps.” JC urged.

Carly groaned, doing her best to stand up straight, trying not to need his help but she was weak. “This sucks.”

Smiling warmly, he helped her into the bathroom down the hall from the living room. “I know it does, Carly. You’ve just got to get better.”

She nodded, turning to stare at him, waiting for him to leave. He looked at her confused. “I can take it from here.”

“Are you sure? I can help you--.”

“Dammit Jace, I can pee by myself.”

Taken aback by her outburst, he stepped back, letting her do her business. “Fine. I don’t know what you’re so worried about. I’ve seen it all before.”

Carly rolled her eyes. “That’s different.” she grumbled.

“How is that different?” JC arched a brow.

“We were… things were just different.”

His heart immediately sank. She was putting her wall up once again and it stung like hell. Was she saying they weren’t together anymore or that she just wanted some privacy? For some reason, fear shot through his veins. He wondered what was making her act like this even though he has just proved himself too her within the last three days.

Apparently that wasn’t enough.

He made sure Carly didn’t miss the pained look on his face. She had to know she was ripping him to shreds. “Whatever. I’ll be just outside if you need me.”
Carly nodded, as she slowly shut the door.

JC waited outside, true to his word and wasn’t the least bit surprised when he heard her yelp out in pain, minutes later.

“Carly?”

Instead of a reply, all he got as a gasp. One that he had come to learn was her way of covering up the pain she was really feeling. Knocking twice on the door, he turned the knob. Coming to her side, where she stood at the sink, he took in her hunched over body and the shorts she had on pooled at her ankles.

“I can’t fucking bend over.” She cursed.

JC bit back his chuckle, having never heard her curse like that but figured it was a mix of the strong painkillers she was on, not to mention the frustration of being held still, which she wasn’t use to.

He decided against a joking around with her, knowing his words could easily cause another outburst. Instead, he leaned down, bringing her shorts up her slim legs and around her waist. “It’s not that big of deal.”

“I can’t even go to the damn bathroom myself JC. This sucks. I don’t know how to sit still.”

“You’ll have to learn, Carly. You just had surgery and have stitches.” he said softly as he helped guide her out of the bathroom.

“Thank you captain obvious.” She snapped back.

He brought her back to the couch, settling her once again. “You’ve got to be starving. Can I make you anything?”

Carly crumbled. “I’m not hungry.”

JC gave her a stern look. “Then you’re not getting anymore pain killers. Your doctor said you have to eat if you take them.”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine. Crackers or toast or something.”

JC nodded, disappearing into the kitchen. “Comin’ right up.”

He returned a few minutes later, carrying a tray of toast with her favorite kind of jelly, some apple sauce and a small cup of jello.

“Eat up, babe.”

“Thanks.” She said before reaching for the toast.

JC nodded in approval, excusing himself.

***

Reaching for his cell phone that vibrated obnoxiously in his pocket, he answered it before it stopped.

“Hello?”

“JC, it’s Matt. They need you down here to sign some stuff.”

“I can’t right now, man. I’ve got to stay home with Carly.”

“She’s there?” Matt asked, confused.

“Yeah. She’s been in the hospital for the past three days. She had her appendix removed.”

“But I thought--.”

JC interjected quickly. “Long story. Don’t ask. I’ll explain later.”

“Um, alright. You really can’t leave?”

“No. I’m staying put. She needs me here.”

“You know this might put a damper on things right?”

JC ran a hand through his hair growing frustrated. Right now, signing with a record label was the least from his worries. “I’m sorry, Matt. I won’t leave her alone.”

Matt sighed on the other end, obviously frustrated. “Ok. I guess I’ll be in touch.”

He nodded, even though he knew no one could see him. “I’m sorry. I’ve just gotta do this.”

“I know, Jace. See ya.”

The line went dead and JC stared at his cell phone for a moment before dropping it back into the pockets of his sweats. It almost made him laugh to think that he was passing up important meetings to sign legal documents that could make or break his musical career. The JC ten years ago would have dropped everything, girlfriends included just to be where he needed to be for his job because he was a perfectionist and his life revolved around his music. He almost looked at it as growth because even though music was still a big part of his life, Carly had become an even bigger part. He just wished he knew why it was her that was different. It was like she was filling that void he never knew existed. Now, all he had to do was convince her too. It seemed easy enough right?

***
By the time he hung up the phone, he realized it was getting dark and most of the day was already gone.

Walking back into living room, JC was pleased to see Carly had nibbled all of her toast away, minus the crust but was happy she had finally ate.

“How’s the toast?” He asked, taking a seat beside her.

She looked over at him and nodded. “It’s good. Thanks again.”

He winked casually, trying to keep the mood light. “You’re welcome baby. Need anything else??”

“Maybe some more pain meds in a little bit.”

“That I can do. You going to try to sleep more?”

Carly rolled her eyes at him. “No. I’ve slept. I’m already so sick of this. Who was on the phone?”

He patted her foot that was covered by a light blanket. “You’ve got to rest to get better, honey. And how did you know I was on the phone?”

“I’ve rested. I don’t know how to do that for more than a day or two. It’s pissing me off though. And I heard you talking.”

“It was nothing. Just Matt.”

“Oh, you need to work on something with him?”

“No. It’s fine. I want to be here with you.”

She eyed him curiously. “I’m a big girl, JC.”

“I know you are, Carly. Stop worrying and get better.”

Rolling her eyes, she shifted. “Why don’t you let me go finish Gavin’s stuff for Max?”

“It’s been done.” JC said, looking away. He could tell she was itching for a fight.

“What? By who?” She yelled.

“Calm down, Carly. I called Max when you were in surgery. He got someone else to finish it up. Believe it or not, I was pretty damn close to being done before you woke up and got sick the other night so stop stressing. It’s not good for you.”

“There goes my career.”

JC looked at her, a little shocked. “Oh, you’re welcome, Carly.”

She rolled her eyes. “And what’s that mean?”

Throwing his hands in the air, JC became frustrated by her attitude. He wasn’t used to this side of her. “Oh I don’t know. How about thank you for busting your balls to come help me finish someone else’s errors so you weren’t stuck in the studio for days. Or how about thanks for being there for me when I was sick even though you hadn’t called your boyfriend for weeks, making him worry about where in the hell our relationship was going or what he did. Or how about calling Max and covering for you so your job is perfectly fine?  Perhaps thank you for loving me even though I’ve been nothing but rude and short tempered and snappy with a man who loves the hell out of me.”

Carly stood there, eyes wide with surprise by his anger. She’d never seen him get upset like that and it took all of her willpower to stop her jaw from hitting the floor. Still she couldn’t talk, couldn’t move. The only thing she did was sit there, silently while she though of the right words. Even she was surprised when her eyes began to well up a little. “I’m sorry.” she whispered.

JC shook his head, not even choosing to accept her apology like that. It didn’t even mean anything to him in the heat of the moment. Instead, he chose to walk away and maybe let his words sink in a little.

“Whatever. I’m going to bed.” He said as he got up to leave without giving her a chance to reply.

Carly could only stare at the place next to her that he had now vacated.

**

JC woke, not even an hour later, staring aimlessly at his ceiling. He knew he’d never be able to sleep knowing Carly was out in the living room and that she might need him. He felt like a jerk for his outburst but was thankful it finally happened at the same time. He needed a release and to let her know all of the things he’d really been feeling. There may not have been an act of making up and he still had no idea where things were headed but it felt good that maybe now, he had put the thoughts in her head.

He tossed several more times before tossing the covers off of him and exiting his empty bed and walked towards the living room. The house was completely dark until he got closer, seeing she had left one of the lamps on. He wanted to check on her without her knowing he was actually checking on her. To his surprise, as he got closer into the room, her movements seemed to increase. Maybe she was awake.

“Jace?” Carly whispered, her voice strained.

“Yeah it’s me.”

He heard her sigh, and figured she was most likely in pain. Suddenly he felt like a jerk.

“Can you get me a pain pill, please?”

“Yeah, sure.” He said as he moved towards the kitchen grabbing them and a glass of water in a hurry. He was by her side, seconds later, taping one of the pills into the palm of her hand.

“Thanks.” she said, swallowing the pill with the water he’d handed her.

“Is it bad?”

Carly shifted a little, trying not to show pain. “It’s fine.”

He wanted so badly to reach out and pull her into his arms but right now that just wasn’t possible. Still he could see her mood and attitude had changed considerably.

“Need anything else?”

“A hug?” Carly asked softly.

He looked down at her in surprise, wondering if he’d really heard her right.

“Seriously?” He asked, wanting to be sure.

“Mmmhmm.”

Leaning down in front of the couch, he stood on his knees before taking her small frame in his, cautious not to hurt her. It might not be as close as he wanted but it still felt good all the same. It had been way too long since he’d held Carly. He took his time, letting the soft feel of her sink into him, absorbing all of her that he could. The scent of her overtook him, reminding him of all the little things that made her who she was, and who he loved. When she laid her head on his shoulder, he slowly ran a hand up her back, smiling as she purred contently as she always had. Maybe there was some hope.


“I’m sorry.” She whispered. Pulling back, but not fully pulling away all together, JC could have swore he was hearing things. Carly must have known because she repeated it again. “I’m sorry I’m such a bitch to you.”

“Hey, I never said that.”

She shrugged, tears sliding out of nowhere from her eyes. “But I was.”

JC let out a deep breath that he’d been holding too long and suddenly it was a little easier to breathe. Maybe his outburst had done some good.

“Wanna come to bed with me, Carly?” He wanted to hold her for real. Not hunched over the couch, trying not to hurt her if he moved slightly.

“I um--okay.”

Surprised, JC stood up, pulling the covers off of her and watching her cringe as she tried to swing her legs off of the couch. Deciding to make this process easy, he took matters into his own hands. He leaned down in front of her once again.

“Put your arms around my neck.” he instructed.

When she did as she was told, he took her legs and draped them over his arms, lifting her up against his chest. He was pleased to see she didn’t groan in pain as he walked through the house and into the bedroom, carefully depositing her on the bed. Going around to his side, he joined her.

“You alright?”

She turned to him, smiling softly with what little glow came from the TV that he been on but muted. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

She looked down and took note of the space between them and suddenly felt a loss. Usually the times she’d spent in this bed, Carly was curled tightly against JC, spooned together like lovers often lay.

“You can come closer, if you want.”

Not thinking twice, he moved over, cautiously enveloping her in his arms. It felt like heaven.

Letting out a sigh, JC smiled to himself. “I’ve missed this.”

Carly turned towards him, running her hand through his thick waves. “Me too. I’m sorry again Jace. I didn’t mean to be like this.”

He nodded. “Apology accepted. I know I started all of this by coming to London. I shouldn’t have stepped on your toes even though Max asked me too. Gavin’s album was your thing.”

She looked at him seriously. “You’re right. You shouldn’t have but I can see from the musical stand point why you did. I just feel like you came because of what I told you happened with Gavin.”

“Baby, Gavin had nothing to do with this. I was asked way before you even told me that happened. I will admit though that it made me feel better to be close to you after I did. I can’t help but to want to make sure you’re alright.”

“Jace, you have to understand I’m a big girl. You were hovering like crazy which I just cannot stand. I’m too independent to have a babysitter breathing down my neck, watching my every step with Gavin. Trust is really big to me and it needs to be with you also.”

Grabbing her hand, he laced their fingers together. “I do trust you, Carly. It’s him I don’t trust.”

She laughed a little. “Same thing, slick.”

JC groaned. “I promise I’ll work on it. You have to understand that my ex did damage to me. I don’t want to be that jealous guy that’s constantly breathing down your neck. I honestly didn’t think I’d be with someone again after I’d been dragged through the ringer. When I met you, all of that changed for me. I fell in love with you and I was gone and all of those male instincts just came out.”

Turning more into him, Carly’s hands traced his t-shirt covered chest, his arms, his shoulders before landing around his neck, feeling the hair at the base. “I know you have built in male instincts but you have to learn that I’m not your ex. I felt smothered Jace. I was burnt out, flying here to there, trying to be the best producer I could be, all the while trying to be the best girlfriend. In the end, it was me you didn’t trust. I could say the same for you. You go to a lot more parties and functions than I do.”

“I’ve never once touched another woman since I’ve met you.” he said adamantly.

“And I’ve never once touched or looked at another man the way I do with you.”

“So I’m the jealous arrogant, asshole of a boyfriend. I get it.”

He didn’t expect her to laugh right then but she did. It was like an airy and a breath of fresh air to the Carly he had missed. “You’re not an asshole, Jace. You’ve just got to work on things.”

“Ok. I can do that. That still doesn’t explain why you didn’t call. I had no idea what was going on, where you were. It seriously scared me, Carly. I don’t think you realize how much I love you.”

She looked a little guilty then, bringing her hands down to rest between them. “I needed time to think. I told you I was burnt out. I wanted to go home, re-evaluate life and not be wanted by someone or pulled in another direction.”

JC nodded in understanding. “But you could have told me that. Leaving London and then not taking my calls to at least let me know..”

“I let you know I was fine, Jace.”

“It’s not the same.” He whispered softly.

“I can’t go back and change it. I can only move forward. I’ll remember that next time.”

JC looked at her sternly. “There won’t be a next time. I hate fighting with you.”

“Babe, we’re going to fight. We’re going to have dumb arguments. It’s kind of inevitable.”

Feeling suddenly defeated, he dropped his head to her shoulder, breathing her in and just content with feeling her. “You’re right. I’m sorry for being an ass and coming to London. I should have stayed out of everything.”

Carly shivered. “You said that already.”

“And you haven’t said if I was forgiven.”

She laughed a little. “I’m deciding.”

“Oh?” His nose grazed the dip in her neck eliciting another shiver from her.

“Yes.” she didn’t move.

“Well while you’re deciding, could I please do something?” he asked, eyes coming up to meet hers.

“And what’s that, Jace?”

His face lay in front of hers, far enough away to make out every feature of her face and for her to do the same for him. When his nose bumped with hers, he pulled back again, smiling slightly. “Can I please….”

She arched up against him, as much as her body would allow in it’s sore state. Her hands went to rest on his biceps as he curved against her, one of his legs coming to rest between her one without actually being on top of her. “Hmmm?” Carly hummed.

“Kiss you?” he finished, with a soft puff of air against her face. “It’s been too damned long.”

Her hands moved up, running through his hair as she pretended to think. “Yes, please. It’s killing me too.”

It wasn’t a second longer before his lips came down on hers, soft and warm. He tasted her lips until it wasn’t enough, and his tongue began pushing at the seem. When she allowed him entrance, he still kept it slow and sweet, tasting and nibbling, reuniting their breaths as one. When he pulled away, her eyes were heavy and clouded, meeting his as her hands rested in his hair. His thumbs traced her bottom lip before coming down once again and capturing them in one more sweet caress.

“I love you, Carly. So much.” He whispered, against her.

“I love you too, Jace. So much.”

He climbed off of her carefully, coming to lay on his side, scooting up to lay against her, arms going easily around her body as her head rested against his chest. Pulling the covers up, he covered them, noticed she was fighting sleep. Several minutes passed by with nothing but the sounds of even breathing filled the room. JC had assumed she was already asleep with the help of the pain medicine she had taken until her voice interjected his restless mind.

“Jace?”

“Hmm?” he hummed against her shoulder.

“Thank you for taking care of me and putting up with me. You really are a good guy.”

He tired not to chuckle, accepting the compliment. “You’re welcome baby.”

JC didn’t question it, deciding that the pain killers were probably doing the job of making her sleepy and vulnerable. He wondered if it was them that had something to do with her sudden change in attitude or if this was all real. She was the old Carly again-loving, kind, passionate. Not wanting to think that she could avert back to her old ways in the morning, JC kissed the side of her head before leaning back and closing his eyes, finally hoping to find slumber. Not everything was fixed at the moment and it’d most likely be a while before it was, but he felt like the first hurdle was jumped. She still loved him and she did it with trust while sleeping in his arms as she once had.