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.