Chapter 18

An hour and a half later after a LONG walk, and a lot of talking April returned to the condo.  Things were far from fixed, but at least they were headed in the right direction. 

“How did it go?” Michelle asked as soon as April stepped through the doorway.

April shrugged.  “Not great, but also, not terrible. It could have gone a LOT worse.”

“Was he pissed?” Michelle continued.

April gave Michelle a look.  “What do you think?”

Michelle giggled. “Ok, yeah, silly question.”

“Where is Alexis?” April asked.

Michelle cracked a smile.  “She said something about needing to get a few things for Josh’s birthday surprise.  Really, I think it was just an excuse to get out of the house, keep her mind occupied while we waited for you to get back.”

April nodded. “Makes sense.  I would have done the same thing.”

“So, now what?” Michelle asked.

April made a face.  “What do you mean?”

Michelle smirked.  “Well, you did what you came here to do so, now, what’s your plan?”

April giggled.  “I honestly hadn’t gotten that far yet.  I was too focused on the task at hand.  I need to call Amy, she’s probably worried sick.  She’s left me three messages already this morning.”

“How long are you staying in LA?” Michelle asked.

April smiled.  “Not sure.  A few days maybe.  I have to go back at some point, especially now that I have a fashion show to prepare for.”

“Yeah, when were you planning that for?”

“September, I think, mid-September.”

“So, a fall show?”

April smiled and nodded.  “Yes.  I love fall, the colors, the smells, the textures.”

Michelle laughed and shook her head.

“What’s so funny?” April asked making a face.

“You and Lexi, I know neither of you will admit it, but you are more alike than you realize.”

April smirked a bit and shook her head.  “Well, we are twins.”

“It’s good to hear you finally acknowledging that fact.” Michelle answered.

April made another face.  “I never denied it, I just didn’t volunteer that information.”

Michelle nodded and smiled.  “Fair enough, and now that you and Alexis are speaking to one another again does that mean we will be seeing more of you?”

April laughed.  “I would imagine so, but we are both pretty busy so I can’t make any promises.”

“Well, the two of you do have a birthday coming up.”

“Ugh! Yes, I know.  The big 28. Don’t remind me.” April groaned.

“You’re not excited about your birthday?”

April smirked. “Not hardly.  For that past eight years my birthday has been just like any other day.  I get a call and a card and typically a gift from Mom and Dad, a call and a gift from you, a gift from Amy and a text from Alexis and that’s about it.”

Michelle grinned.  “Well, maybe this year will be different.”

April gave Michelle a look.  “Doubtful.  I will be in New York, you and Alexis will be here and Mom and Dad will be in Florida.”

“Says who?”

April sighed and shook her head.  “Look, I get it.  I’m happy that Alexis and I are on speaking terms again too, but I am also not so delusional that I think things are perfect between us.  We still have a long way to go, and truthfully, things may never be the way they were.  Also, yes, I’ve made my peace with Josh, said what I needed to say, but that’s a weird situation too.  We aren’t friends but we aren’t enemies anymore either.  My being here just makes it awkward for everyone and I don’t want that.”

“It doesn’t have to be awkward.” Michelle argued.

April laughed.  “I know it doesn’t have to be but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t.  Josh and I were together for almost two years and we were friends before that.  FINALLY, he can stand the sight of me.  For now, that’s enough for me.  I am not going to push my luck.  Not to mention the fact that I want to give him and Alexis time to sort out their feelings without ME hanging over their heads.”

Michelle giggled.  “Yeah, I don’t get them.  They need to just go for it.  He loves her. She loves him.  Just admit that and be a couple already.”

April laughed out loud at this.  “I TOTALLY get it.  Getting over past relationships is TOUGH enough, the fact that Josh’s ex is Alexis’s twin sister just makes it worse.  YOU are the one I don’t get.”

“Me?” Michelle squeaked.

“Yes! You!  What is your deal anyway?”

“What do you mean?”

“You and Justin.  You like him, don’t you?”

Michelle blushed.  “It’s complicated.”

“How is it complicated?  You like him.  He obviously likes you.  Sounds pretty simple to me.”

“He’s Justin Timberlake.  He is one of Josh’s best friends.  How awkward would that be if it didn’t work out?”

April smiled.  “Don’t put the drama between Alexis, Josh and I on your relationship with Justin.  That’s not fair to anyone.  If you like him go for it, and so what if he is Justin Timberlake.  ANY guy would be lucky to have you!”

***

It was now Tuesday.  Josh’s birthday.  April had gone back to New York the day before but the three sisters now had a group text going and planned to Face Time once a week, so long as schedules allowed.  They had a LOT of catching up to do. 

Josh would be spending the day with the guys of *NSYNC but had plans with Alexis that evening.  What those plans were, he didn’t know.  Truthfully, even though it was HIS birthday he did plan to grovel a bit first.  Getting angry and yelling at April about Alexis and what she’d done was a bit over the top.  He understood why she’d done what she did.  He didn’t like it, but he understood it, and for that reason she deserved an apology.

At the moment, he, Justin and Lance were headed to a swanky pub in Hollywood where they would be meeting up with Chris and Joey for lunch.  Justin was driving, JC was in the passenger seat and Lance was sitting in the back.  There was music playing on the stereo but it was just background, no one was paying attention, at least not until the DJ started talking.

“And now…the new one from Danielle M…this is one is a BOP my friends!”

Upon hearing the opening beat Justin cranked up the volume and started to bounce in his seat.

“AWWW YEAH, this is my JAM!” Justin exclaimed.

Meanwhile, Lance couldn’t help but chuckle and JC sat there dumbfounded as he listened.  His jaw was practically on the floor and his eyes were wide as the lyrics registered in his brain.

She might’ve let you hold her hand in school

But I’mma show you how to graduate

No, I don’t need to hear you talk the talk

Just come and show me what your momma gave, oh

You’ve got a very big shhhh

Mouth, but don’t say a thing

Then, as soon as the rap started Justin cranked the volume up even louder and began rapping at the top of his lungs and grooving along with the beat.  Justin was in FULL Carpool Karaoke mode, body rolling in his seat and waving his hands in the air as JC sat there looking completely mortified.  In fact, Justin was making such a spectacle of himself that people in the cars around them were starting to stare causing JC to sink down in his chair and cover his face with his hand.  Lance on the other hand had decided to pull out his phone and film Justin’s antics from the backseat. 

It’s Myx moscato, it’s frizz in a bottle

It’s ‘Chell-e full throttle, it’s oh, oh

Swimming in the grotto, we winning in the lotto

We dipping in the powder blue, four door

Kitten so good, it’s dripping on wood

Get a ride in that engine that

Could go

Batman, robbin’ it, bang bang,

Cockin’ it

Queen Chell-e dominant, prominent

It’s me; Chell-e and Dani

If they test me, they sorry

Ride his uh like a Harley

Then pull off in his Ferrari

If he hanging, we banging

Phone ranging, he slanging

It ain’t karaoke night

But get the mic cause I’m singing

By the time the song finished Lance could barely control his laughter from the backseat. He was clutching his side and trying desperately not to make noise as he laughed so hard his stomach hurt and JC looked as if he was about to self-combust.

Justin turned the volume down slightly then looked in the rearview mirror and noticed Lance cracking up.

“What is your damage Bass?” Justin smirked.

Lance took a moment to respond.  He was still trying to stop laughing. 

“OH MY GOD! I can’t! I just can’t! That was EPIC! I am sending that to Melinda for the website!” Lance managed to get out between gasps for air.

“You’re sending what to Melinda?! LANCE! You did NOT just film that?!” Justin snapped.

Lance laughed more.  “Oh, YES! YES! I did!  I’m sending it to Melinda and Michelle!”

At this Justin started to try to grab at Lance from the driver’s seat. One arm reaching around the driver’s seat while Justin gripped the steering wheel with the other.  Lance dodged and slid around trying to avoid Justin while JC continued to try and disappear into the passenger seat.

“Will you two STOP?! Just STOP! Justin, you’re gonna wreck, and Lance, NO ONE needs to see that! Seriously, I don’t know you, either one of you!  Chris, Joey and I can go on as SYC, it will be fine.” JC groaned loudly.

“Not hardly!’ Justin snorted.

“Yeah, sorry man, the fans have spoken, that won’t fly.” Lance added still chuckling a bit.

JC just smirked a bit and shook his head.  “What was THAT anyway?”

It was Justin’s turn to laugh.  “Have you not heard that one before?”

JC shot Justin a withering look.  “Obviously not.”

Justin grinned.  “I told you! I told you that you were missing out! I told you, you needed to hear it!  Your girl can SAAANG!”

“I know she can SAAANG, but THAT song!” JC replied, his pulse racing.

Just hearing Alexis belt out a song like that was doing things to him that JC wasn’t quite prepared for. 

“THAT song is HOT! Seriously, I CANNOT wait to see the video!” Justin gushed.

“Only because you’re hoping Michelle will be in it.” Lance smirked.

“Whatever man!  The song is HOT, end of story.” Justin snapped.

Moments later they pulled up to the Valet.  Justin and Lance were out of the car first.  JC, however, was still trying to calm himself and his hormones after hearing that song.  It was one thing when he sang a suggestive song like that but it was quite another hearing Alexis sing something so sexual and suggestive.

“What’s wrong with him?” Joey teased, nodding to JC as Justin, JC and Lance joined them at the table.

“He just heard Alexis’s new song.” Lance chuckled.

Joey grinned.  “For the first time?”

“Apparently.” Justin snickered.

“DUDE! What do you live under a rock?! Where have you been?!  That song is FIRE!” Chris said smiling.

“I never said it wasn’t.” JC protested.

“So, then what’s your issue?” Joey teased as they all took their seats.

“It’s just…” JC started awkwardly.

Justin looked at his friend and grinned. He knew exactly what JC’s issue was with the song. 

“It’s just that it’s a HOT song, she sounds HOT singing it, AND it’s making you think and feel things that you don’t quite know how to respond to given your history with her.”

JC was in shock.  Justin had just hit the nail right on the head.  In fact, his explanation couldn’t have been more perfect.

“Exactly!” JC replied.

“Welcome to dating a fellow musician.” Justin smirked.

“We aren’t dating.” JC replied.

“You’re not?! Then WHAT are you doing exactly?” Joey shot back.

“I don’t know…exactly.” JC sighed.

“Might want to figure that shit out before we go on tour with her.” Chris smirked.

“Ya’ think.” JC grumbled.

“Ok, ok.  This is supposed to be fun, not an argument.  Let’s give JC a break.  It is his birthday.” Lance said chuckling a bit.

“Yes, please.” JC replied sighing.

***

After lunch with the guys, JC returned to his house briefly.  Alexis had something planned but wasn’t providing any details. All she’d said was dress comfortably and wear a hat.  When he asked what kind of hat she simply replied “baseball” so, of course, he’d pulled out his favorite Dodgers cap and put it on with a pair of faded jeans and a dark blue, V-neck t-shirt. 

His outfit wasn’t anything fancy but it was definitely comfortable.

Shortly before 4 p.m. Alexis arrived at JC’s house in her blue Volkswagen beetle.  He opened the door to find her dressed casually in a pair of faded jeans, a dark green scoop neck t-shirt and a pair of sunglasses.

“Are you ready?” Alexis asked smiling from the doorway.

JC looked down at her and grinned.  She looked AMAZING. 

“Umm…uh…yeah, I think so.  You still haven’t told me where we are going so, I’m not sure.”

Alexis smiled.  “You’ll find out soon enough.”

He nodded then smiled back at her.  She looked happy.  Happier than he remembered seeing her since they’d re-united.  It made him feel good.  Truthfully, everything about her made him feel good but he was still trying to navigate his feelings and now that April was no longer hanging over him, he felt a bit more confident.

“I heard your new single.” JC blurted as Alexis pulled out of the driveway.

Alexis immediately blushed a bit and bit her lip.  She could only imagine what he must be thinking.

“Oh?!”

“Yeah, it was…”JC stuttered awkwardly.

Alexis giggled. “It was what?!”

“Something…it was something.” JC managed to reply.

“Something?! Ok, what does that mean?”

JC chuckled.  “I don’t know…I just didn’t expect…”

“Didn’t expect what?’ Alexis asked raising an eyebrow as she looked at him briefly.

“I didn’t expect you to be so…”

Alexis made a face.  “So, what?! Sexual? Suggestive? Why? I am a grown ass woman Josh.”

JC grinned. “Yes, yes you are.  You’ve made that abundantly clear.”

“Have I now?” Alexis smirked.

“Umm…yes…yes you have!” JC chuckled.

“Good of you to notice.” Alexis shot back.

JC grinned at her then placed a hand on her thigh.  “OH! I noticed! Trust me on this!”

Alexis blushed slightly.

Minutes later they were pulling into the parking lot at Dodgers stadium.  JC looked over at Alexis in surprise.  This was not at all what he had expected. 

“A Dodgers game?” He asked smiling.

Alexis nodded.  “I wanted to do something different, something you wouldn’t expect.”

JC smiled at her more.  “Mission accomplished.”

Once they were out of the car JC’s hand instinctively found hers.  Alexis bit her lip and tried to hide her smile.  She really did love the way her hand felt in his but didn’t want to be too obvious about it.  There was still so much about their relationship she was unsure of.

Inside the stadium they wasted no time finding their seats.  Alexis had sweet talked Adam into getting her seats in a Field box right on the First base line.

“Field box seats?” JC asked, his smile wide.

“Yup.” Alexis replied grinning.

“How did you swing that? These are hard to get.”

JC was definitely impressed and it made him smile to think she’d gone out of her way to do something special.

“Just because you’re Boyband royalty doesn’t mean you’re the only one with some pull.  I’ll have you know I have 2 songs on the charts right now and an album as well.  I know people.” Alexis smirked.

JC chuckled and nodded.  “No complaints here.  This is AWESOME!”

The players took the field for the National anthem right then and JC removed his hat.  Try as she might to pay attention to what was happening on the field Alexis could not take her eyes of JC.  He was currently mouthing the words along with the military quartet on the field and he looked utterly adorable.

“That’s such a rush.” JC said as they took their seats.

“What is?” Alexis asked.

“Singing the National anthem to a packed crowd.”

“You’ve done it?” Alexis asked in shock.

For her, it was slightly embarrassing that she knew so little about his career.  Apparently, she’d missed out on a lot.

JC smiled over at her.  “Only a couple times.”

“When?”

JC chuckled a bit.  He found it a bit endearing that she knew so much about him but very little about his time with his *NSYNC.  Watching her learn those things about him gave him a bit of a rush.

“Umm…game 3 of the World Series in 2000 and the Winter Olympics in Utah in 2002.”

Alexis giggled and shook her head.  “Yeah, ok, so nothing major!  GOD, I feel like an ASS sometimes for not knowing stuff like that.”

JC cracked a smile and placed a hand on her thigh again.  “Don’t! I get it! Trust me!  If it had been the other way around and you walked out on me, I probably would have done the same thing, and since we are sort of on the topic, I owe you an apology.”

“An apology for what?” Alexis asked curiously.

JC sighed.  “I got mad the other day, when you and April tricked me into meeting with her.  I got mad and I yelled at her about you.  She defended you, and yelled back at me for it, but I still feel like I owe you apology.  I know why you did what you did, and again, I probably would have done the same thing if the roles had been reversed.”

Alexis nodded and smiled back at him.  “I appreciate the apology.  I don’t take it lightly.  I know you mean it. I also understand why you got mad.  We predicted you would, but there really was no other option.”

“I know.  I just want you to know I’m sorry for getting mad at you.”

“I do.  Now, how about we get back to celebrating your birthday?  It’s not every day you turn 30.”

“Ugh! 30! It sounds so…” JC groaned.

Alexis laughed.  “Don’t you dare say old!  You are NOT old and you DEFINITELY don’t look old! You look…”

JC raised an eyebrow. 

Alexis noticed his expression and couldn’t help but laugh.  “Whatever?! We’ve discussed this!  You’re HOT and you know it!”

JC laughed. “True! I just didn’t realize you thought that way.”

Alexis smirked.  “Yes, you did! We discussed that as well so quit pretending like you forgot.”

“Like I could forget a thing like that.”

“Well, you are 30 now.” Alexis teased.

JC just laughed and shook his head.  It was good that they were joking with each other again.  The past few days since April’s arrival and departure had been a bit awkward and tension filled.  Thankfully, the tension seemed to have left with April, at least for the most part.

“Are you hungry?” JC asked.

It was the end of the 2nd inning and after 5 pm, needless to say his stomach had started to growl a bit.

Alexis nodded.  “Starved.”

JC looked around and there, just a few rows away was a crowd vendor who looked like he had hot dogs and beer.  Perfect!

JC waved the man over and then looked to Alexis.

“Would you like a hot dog?”

“Yes please.” Alexis replied nodding.

“Three hot dogs and two beers, please.” JC told the vendor.

“Do you want ketchup or mustard?” the vendor asked.

JC nodded. “Yes, please.”

“And relish, please.” Alexis added.

“That will be $25.50.”

JC started to pull his wallet from his pocket but Alexis immediately intervened.

“No way! It’s your birthday! I got this!” Alexis exclaimed as she pulled a $10 and a $20 from her cross-body purse.

“You’re sure?” JC asked smiling as the vendor started handing him items.

“Absolutely!” Alexis replied handing the bills over to the vendor.

The vendor smiled.  “I’m sorry…I’m not tryin’ to be THAT guy, but you’re Danielle M, aren’t you?”

Alexis nodded. “Yes sir.”

He grinned more.  “Thought so.  My daughters are both BIG fans.”

Alexis started to blush.  This was actually the first time she’d been recognized in public. It was a bit surreal and thrilling at the same time.

“You got a napkin?” Alexis asked nodding to his bag.

“Yes ma’am.” He said grinning as he immediately started rummaging through the bag.

Meanwhile, JC could only stand there grinning.  He remembered the first time he’d been recognized in public, back in the days of MMC so he was perfectly content to stand back and watch Alexis have this moment.

Alexis found a pen in her purse, then took the napkins from the vendor and smiled.

“What are your daughters’ names?”

“Amber and Rachel.” The vendor replied, now grinning from ear to ear.

Alexis nodded then quickly scrawled a personalized autograph to each girl onto the napkins and handed them back to the vendor.

“Thank you! You just got me some MAJOR brownie points with my girls!”

Alexis nodded and smiled.  “You’re most welcome.”

Once the vendor made his exit JC and Alexis settled back into their seats with their food and beers.

“Was that your first autograph?” JC asked as he popped the top on his beer and took a sip.

Alexis smiled and nodded. “Yeah.”

JC smiled over at her.  “Get ready girl, that was the first of many. I promise you.”

Alexis blushed. “We’ll see about that.”

JC shook his head fervently.  “Don’t doubt yourself.  You’ve got SKILLS. You’re already topping the charts! Trust me on this, I’ve been in the business long enough to know SUPERSTAR when I hear it! You’re a SUPERSTAR! I’ve known that from the day I walked into the studio.”

“Thanks.” Alexis replied blushing a bit more.

It made her feel good to know that he thought so highly of her abilities and she knew he meant every word.

They sat quietly for a bit after that, just enjoying each other’s company and their food.  It was nice to just be out together, just the two of them.  Truthfully, they hadn’t spent a lot of time together, just the two of them since crossing paths again and Alexis was determined to remedy that while they still had a bit of free time every now and then.  Soon enough they would be shooting the video, then there was the *NSYNC album release and promotion and then tour prep after that.  They were both about to be incredibly busy.  With that in mind Alexis was determined to make the most of the time they did have.

“This was a great idea.  Thank you for bringing me.” JC said just before the 7th inning stretch.

“Happy birthday.” Alexis said smiling.

JC stood just as the 7th inning stretch music started to play causing Alexis to look at him curiously.

“What are you doing?” Alexis asked.

JC smiled back at her.  “It’s the 7th inning stretch, you’re supposed to get up and stretch.”

“That’s a real thing?” Alexis asked laughing.

JC laughed.  “Have you not been to a baseball game before?”

“Umm…no.” Alexis replied.

JC grinned.  “We need to get you out more.”

“We?!”

JC chuckled.  “Ok, I need to get you out more.”

“No arguments here.”

JC grinned and bit his lip.  “SO, you’re not opposed to being seen with me in public?”

Alexis made a face.  “No, why?!”

JC grinned and nodded across the field to the giant screen above the stands. 

“Because we are on the “kiss cam”!”

“The what?!” Alexis exclaimed.

“The Kiss Cam!” JC answered, still grinning.

“What does that mean?”

Alexis looked across the field and sure enough, there on the giant screen were her and JC in heart frame.  She looked back at JC.  His face was now inches from hers.

“Are you gonna let me kiss you or disappoint a stadium full of people?” He whispered.

Alexis swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded.  “Go ahead.”

Grinning, JC’s hand went to the back of her head as his lips lightly brushed hers.  Alexis smiled against his lips then deepened the kiss as the crowd erupted with cheers.

JC and Alexis were both smiling as they pulled away and the game continued.

“You do know that’s going to be ALL OVER the evening news.” JC chuckled.

“I would be shocked if it wasn’t.” Alexis smirked.

“I hope that’s ok.”

Alexis giggled.  “Would I have let you kiss me if it wasn’t?”

JC chuckled nervously. “I don’t know.  Would you?”

Alexis laughed.  “Nope!”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“You do that.” Alexis teased.

After the game, which the Dodgers won 4-2, Alexis and JC headed back to JC’s place.

“Are you coming in?” JC asked once they were parked in his driveway.

Alexis smiled.  “I don’t know, am I?”

“I asked you first.”

Alexis giggled.  “Josh, do you want me to come in?”

JC nodded and smiled.  “Yes, please.”

Alexis turned off the engine and stepped out of the car then followed him to the door.  She waited anxiously as he undid the lock and deactivated the alarm but didn’t say anything until they were inside.

“Now what?” Alexis asked as she tried to hide the nervousness in her voice.

JC smiled back at her.  “Well, I haven’t opened my present yet.  I thought we could do that.”

“You haven’t? Why?” Alexis asked surprised.

JC smiled and started to lead her to the living room area.

“Well, for one, it wasn’t my birthday yet and two, I wanted you to be with me.”

Alexis nodded and bit her lip then sat down on the couch next to him.  The bag she’d placed the framed photo in was sitting next to the couch, untouched. 

Without saying a word JC reached into the bag and pulled a wrapped package from inside.  It was soft and a bit squishy and he looked at her confused.

Alexis couldn’t help but laugh. 

“That’s from Michelle...NOT me! Just remember that.”

He looked at the package skeptically then shook it.  It didn’t rattle.  He was intrigued.  Then, he placed the package back down on his lap and started to rip into the paper.  His eyes went wide and a deep laugh escaped his lips once he’d removed the package from the wrapping.

“What the fuck?!” He laughed.

Alexis giggled.  “She said she heard that underwear was on your Rider.”

“Where did she hear that?” JC chuckled.

“I don’t know, and frankly, I don’t want to.” Alexis smirked.

“Well, tell her “thank you” I will be saving these for the tour.” JC said grinning.

“So, it’s true?!” Alexis snorted.

“Maybe.”

Alexis just shook her head and nodded to the gift bag. 

“Go ahead and open it.”

Carefully, JC reached into the bag and pulled something rectangular, hard and wrapped in tissue paper from the bag.  Again, he placed the package on his lap but this time he was careful as he pulled at the tissue paper.  Once the tissue paper was free his eyes widened in surprise. 

There was a picture of him and Alexis looking back at him.  They were both laughing and their eyes were smiling as he struggled to hold her on his back.  He’d completely forgotten about this picture and this moment until right then.  It made him sad about all the time they’d lost but happy that he’d found her again in the same moment.

“Wow!” JC whispered.

“You like it?”

JC looked up at her, his eyes a bit cloudy as he forced back the lump that had appeared in his throat.  He nodded then took her face his in his hands. 

“I LOVE it! It’s perfect!” He said before kissing her softly.

“Josh…I…” Alexis started as he pulled away.

“Stay with me tonight?” He replied, his voice still just a whisper.

“I…” She started again.

“Please.” He replied.

Alexis nodded.  She didn’t know how else to respond.  Ever since their first time together she’d wondered if and when there would be a second time.  Now, it seemed as if there might be and she was beyond curious as to how it would feel.

As if reading her mind JC stood from the couch and took her by the hand.  Without saying a word, he led her through the house and up the stairs to the master bedroom.  He stopped at the foot of the bed then turned her to face him. 

“You make me crazy!” JC said smiling a bit.

Alexis made a face, which made him smile more.

“I mean that in a good way, like I can’t get you out of my head.  Everywhere I go, everything I do, you’re there.” JC replied.

Alexis stayed quiet but her lips were starting to curve into a smile.

“I turn on the radio…there you are.  I turn on the television…there you are.  When I go to sleep at night…you’re in my dreams. When I wake up…you’re the first thing I think about. You’re everywhere.”

Alexis grinned.  “Payback is a bitch, isn’t it?”

“Payback?!” JC chuckled.

“YES! Payback! Now you know how I have felt for the past eight years.”

“Is that so?” JC asked grinning.

Alexis nodded.

“What should we do about that?” JC teased.

Alexis bit her lip and grinned up at him.  “Well, you are the birthday boy, what do you want to do?”

He didn’t answer, at least not with words.  Instead, he stepped closer and snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her close.  She smiled up at him and wrapped her arms around his neck as his lips crashed down on top of hers.  His lips moved expertly across hers, pulling her bottom lip between his teeth and then thrusting his tongue into her mouth.  Alexis moaned softly against him as his hands started to fumble with the button on her jeans.  Within moments her jeans were down around her ankles and she quickly stepped out of them all while still kissing him.

It didn’t take long before they were both half naked and on the bed.  She was in a pair of dark green lace, boyfriend cut underwear and matching dark green, lace bra and he was in nothing but a pair of black boxer briefs with his Leo pendant still dangling around his neck. 

They were lying on the bed, facing one another, their bodies tangled together as he continued to kiss her.  He was kissing and gently biting at her neck at the moment and the feel of his lips and teeth on her neck was making her feel all warm and tingly.

“GOD! You are AMAZING! I’m an idiot for not realizing that sooner.” He whispered in her ear.

Alexis cracked a tiny smile then pulled away and put a finger to his lips.  “Shh!  Better late than never.”

“Mmm! Yes, Pretty lady! Yes, and I promise I won’t forget it.” He replied as he wrapped his arms around her then rolled them both so that he was on top of her.

“See that you don’t.” Alexis said with a smirk.

“I won’t.” He said with a wink before pushing her bra up a bit, lowering his head and gently pulling her breast between his lips.

He tugged ever so slightly with his teeth and she moaned and arched her back.

“Josh!” She whimpered as he began to tease her a bit with his tongue.

While he was teasing her with his mouth his hands went to the waistband of her panties as he pushed them down a bit.

“Mmm! I love the way you say my name.” He whispered.

Smiling to himself, JC moved his mouth to the space between her breasts then started trailing kisses down her body until his face was hovering just above her lady parts.  He looked up at her and smiled, his eyes basically asking permission for what he wanted to do next.

Alexis bit her lip and nodded.  It was all the confirmation ne needed.

In the next moment Alexis felt his tongue between her legs, teasing the most sensitive part of her and it was as if a shockwave shot through her in that moment.  Her hands gripped the sheets on either side of her, balling them into her fist as her knuckles turned white.  Her back arched and a small scream escaped her as she called out his name again.

“JOSH!”

JC hands went to her knees, gently holding them for support as he continued to tease at her with his tongue. 

Within a few minutes he could feel her body start to slightly tremble beneath him and it was then he decided to switch gears.  He lifted his head, pushed his boxers down then grabbed her hips and pushed himself inside of her.

Once again, she arched her back to meet him.

“GOD! You feel so GOOD Lexi!” He moaned.

Alexis grabbed at his forearms and looked up at him, her eyes wide with excitement.

“You don’t have to be so gentle this time.” She managed to get out.

He bit his lip and smiled down at her.  “You’re sure?! I am not trying to hurt you.”

Alexis nodded.  “I’m sure, and you won’t.”

JC smiled, popped a kiss on her lips then pulled back a bit before pushing back into her with a bit more force.  Over and over, he thrust into her until they were both shaking.

“LEXI!” He groaned loudly as lost himself inside of her and his head fell back a bit.

Alexis felt herself hit the peak at about the same time.

“OH!” She moaned.

JC collapsed gently on top of her, burying his face in her neck and kissing her softly until he was able to move again.  Smiling to himself, he wrapped his arms around her and rolled them both over so they were now lying on the bed, facing each other again, their bodies still connected.

When Alexis finally opened her eyes, he was grinning back at her mischievously.

“What?!” She asked raising an eyebrow.

“I was just thinking…if my memory is correct…”

Alexis’s eyes widened.  “Don’t you DARE compare me to April right now! So, help me Josh, I will jump out of this bed and leave your ass…”

JC chuckled and then quieted her with his lips.  “Shh! I promised you, I would NEVER do that again…I meant it. All I was going to say was, if memory serves me correctly, Marc took that picture.”

Alexis bit her lip and tried to appear unaffected.  He had no idea that Marc had been her first, and NOW was definitely not the time for that discussion.

“Do you still talk to him much?” Alexis asked bravely.

JC shook his head.  “I haven’t.  Not in a while, but I should.  I should give all of them a call.  Marc, Tony, Jason, Dale, Matt…we need to catch up.  It’s been way too long.”

Alexis smiled and nodded.  She understood the need to re-connect, especially now that she and April were speaking again.

“Then you should call them.  I bet they would all love to hear from you.”

JC smiled and kissed her forehead.  “I will, but right now, right now I really just want to cuddle with you.”

“Sounds good to me.”