Chapter One

I reached for the phone and dialled the number, waiting.

“Hello?” Came his voice

“Nick” I said softly

“Hey Reese” He said softly

“He still hasn’t come home” I said starting to cry

“He will” He answered

“Can you come over? Or can you come get me so I can go there?” I asked

“Sure, I’ll be there in 20 minutes” He said

“Can I call you on your cell? So I can keep talking? I don’t wanna be alone and talking to you makes me feel ok” I spluttered, choking on my sobs

“Ok, sweetie, I’ll call you ok?” He said

“Ok” I managed to get out. I hung up the phone and sobbed while I waited for it to ring. When it did I picked it up and took a breath.

“Nick?” I asked

“No, Alex” Was the reply

“What do you want?” I sobbed

“To say that I’m sorry” Was his reply

“You left me to deal with everything myself” I screamed

“I’m coming home. I just need to pay the Hotel bill and I’ll be there and we can talk” He said

“I won’t be here” I said and hung up, starting to cry harder. The phone started ringing and I picked it up but held m,y breath.

“Reese? That you?” Said Nick he sounded worried

“Nicky” I said my sobs becoming louder and my breathing becoming ragged

“Calm down Reese” He said

“He’s coming home. I don’t want to see him” I cried

“Shh, it’s ok I’m almost there. Can you get upstairs to back I bag?” He asked. I was on crutches for my broken leg and my Ribs were still a bit tender.

“No” I choked out

“Ok, is the front door unlocked?” He asked

“The back is” I said

“Ok, when I get there I’m gonna go straight upstairs and get you some clothes and then hopefully we’ll be gone by the time he gets there” He said

“I hope so” I answered

“Pick a song and I’ll sing it for you” He said

“No One Else Comes Close” I sobbed without a second though

“When we turn out the lights the 2 of us alone together, something’s just not right and girl you know that I would never ever let another’s touch come between to the 2 of us, cos no one else will ever take your place. No one else comes close to you, no one makes me feel the way you do, you’re so special girl to me and you’ll always be eternally. Girl with just a touch, you can do so much, no one else comes close. And when I wake up to the touch of your head on my shoulder, you’re my dream come true. Girl you know I’ll always treasure, every kiss and every day, I’ll love you girl , in every way, and I always will cos in my eyes, no one else comes close to you, no one makes me feel the way you do, you’re so special girl to me and you’ll always be eternally. Everytime I hold you near you always say the words I long to hear, girl with just a touch you can do so much, No One Else Comes Close” He sang to me and I eventually calmed down, so that I was just sniffling.

“Ok I just pulled up at the house so I’m gonna go now ok?” He asked and I heard the scrunch of tires on gravel

“Ok” I said

“Cya in a second” He said with a chuckle and hung up. I always hung up and watched the back door through the kitchen. Nick came running up the stairs to the deck and slammed open the door. He gave me a wave before running up the stairs 2 at a time. He came down 10 minutes later with a bag over his shoulder.

“Ok, you ready?” He asked. I nodded and he helped me stand up. I cringed as I turned my body the wrong way.

“Are you ok? You want me to carry you?” He asked

“It just hurts” I said tears spilling down my cheeks.

“Ok, hold tight and clench your teeth” He said. I put my arms around his neck and he bent down a little and carefully lifted me into his arms.

“Oh god that hurt” I said

“Sorry, can you reach your crutches?” He asked. I let him go for a second and reached down to get my crutches. I held on to them as he carried me through the kitchen, careful not to hit my leg on the door. He slid it closed with his foot and carried me down the stairs and around the side of the house to his Durango. He sat me on the seat and helped me belt up and than climbed in himself. Just as we pulled on to the road I saw a cab turning the corner.

Chapter Two

When we got to Nicks he carried me inside and sat me on the couch, returning to the car to get my bag. He came back in just as the phone started ringing. I let him answer it.

“AJ, I don’t think she wants to talk right now” He said turning into the kitchen. I strained to hear his side of the conversation.

“To tell you the truth, she looks like shit. I don’t think she’s been sleeping again… Yeah she’s here… not today, let her cool down for a little while” He was saying and than I couldn’t hear anything because he’d gone outside. I lay my head back and closed my eyes. After a while I felt him sit beside me and opened my eyes again, turning my head to look at him.

“He’s gonna come out here eventually Reese, I can’t keep him away for ever” He said softly

“I know” I said

“Did you wanna lay down?” He asked. I shook my head. He picked up my hand and held it.

“Movie?” He asked

“If you want” I answered

“What do you want?” He asked

“To not be in so much pain” I answered with a sigh

“Would you feel better laying down?” He asked. I shrugged.

“Sit tight for a second” He said and stood up. He quickly put The Emperor’s New Groove on and turned around smiling at me.

“I dunno why, but I love this movie” He grinned. I chuckled. He helped me Lay down and than let me rest my head on his lap. He awkwardly put his arm over the back of the couch so he wasn’t touching me while he put the other on the arm rest. We watched the movie in silence. I don’t think either of us knew what to say really.

“Hey Reese” He said after a while

“Yeah?” I answered

“My arm is goin to sleep” He said. I laughed.

“You can touch me Nick, I’m not gonna get angry” I said. He stretched his arm out, trying to get the feeling back and than gently laid it across my stomach.

“Why did he leave?” I asked out of no where

“I don’t know sweetie, I don’t know” He said with a sigh

“So much for being married” I said

“It’ll all be worked out in a few days” He said

“Yeah I guess” I answered. The phone started ringing and again I let Nick answer it.

“Sure think Jenn I’ll put her on” He said and handed me the phone.

“Hey Jenn” I said

“AJ told me you were there” She said

“Yeah I’m staying with Nick for a few days, I don’t want to see him” I said

“That’s fair. Tell you what, when you feel up to talking to him, give me a call and I’ll be the moderator” She said

“Thanks” I said smiling. Nick was now playing with my hair.

“What are you and Nicky doin?” She asked with a hint of a smile in her voice

“We’re watching a DVD” I said

“Uh huh” She said

“That’s it” I said laughing

“Aww ok, well I’m gonna let you go now ok?” She said

“Ok” I answered

“Behave” She said softly

“Always” I replied. She hung up and I passed the phone back to Nick who hung it up.

“My ribs are starting to hurt, can you help me sit up?” I asked him. He nodded and slipped away from me and than helped me sit up. I closed my eyes and tensed as a sharp pain went up my sides.

“Are you alright now?” He asked

“yeah, thanks” I nodded. He smiled and sat back beside me, I couldn’t help but lay my head on his shoulder. I Must’ve gone to sleep because when I opened my eyes I was in a bed. I turned my head and saw a lump beside me. Thinking it was just my sheets and dooner I carefully rolled over and flung my arm out, coming into contact with a body.

“Reese?” Nick mumbled

“Nick what the hell?” I asked, taking my arm away.

“You weren’t sleeping real well so I figured I should put you in my bed with me so I could sorta keep an eye on you” He said with a yawn as he rolled over. My eyes had adjusted and I could now make his face out in the dim light provided by his alarm clock. His eyes were still closed

“Thank you” I said

“Mmm” Was his reply.

“Nick” I said. His eyes fluttered open and he looked at me

“Why did you kiss me? That day we were watching movies” I said

“I don’t know. I don’t like seeing you hurt, I thought that if I kissed you you’d stop hurting” He said, closing his eyes again

“It worked” I said. His eyes flew open and he propped himself up on his elbow

“What?” He asked

“When you kissed me, I stopped hurting” I said. He bit his lip for a second and looked away. I glanced at him. He leaned over and pressed his lips against mine

Chapter Three

I kissed him back, and it was as if time stood still until he pulled away.

“Nicky…” I whispered, keeping my eyes closed. I felt his hand on my face and opened my eyes again.

“Get some sleep” He said softly and lay back down. I carefully moved a little closer to him and he put his arm over my stomach. Nick went back to sleep almost instantly but I lay there for ages, trying to will the pain away. I went to sleep about 2 hours later and woke up to find Nick not in bed with me. I carefully stood up and hobbled to the stairs, I looked at them for a minute and than started going down, mega slowly. When I reached the bottom I saw Jennisen sitting on a recliner and AJ in the door way. Jenn was smoking a cigarette.

“Right McLean, you have 30 seconds to explain yourself” She was saying

“I don’t have to explain anything to you” He spat. Nick was standing in the kitchen door way shaking his head. Jennisen leapt to her feet and lunged at him. Nick ran forwards as she started punching and screaming at him. He was trying to defend himself. He pushed her backwards and Nick caught her but she pulled away from him and lunged again,

“STOP IT” I screamed tears pouring down my cheeks. 3 sets of eyes fell on me. AJ’s face was a mixture of confusion.

“Reese I’m sorry” He started

“Fuck of, all of you just fuck off” I screamed hysterically slumping against the wall and sliding down. I sobbed so loud that I was sure the people in Canada could hear me. Nick was the one who ran to my side. AJ didn’t move, Jennisen looked down.

“It’s ok, it’s ok, shh, come on” He said and picked me up. I howled into his shoulder as he carried me over to the couch and sat down with me.

“I want you both to leave” He said. He sounded so cold that I started crying harder.

“I just want to talk” AJ said

“Fuck AJ, leave or I’ll fucking throw you out” He snapped

“But-“ AJ started

“LEAVE” Nick yelled. I didn’t know if Jennisen had already gone, I assumed so. I heard the door close behind AJ. Nick started rubbing my back gently as I clung on to him.

“I hate him” I sobbed “I hate him”

“Shhh, calm down it’s ok” He said rocking us gently. As he held me I started to calm down and stopped crying long enough to look at him. He half smiled. I kissed him gently and he kissed back, still rubbing my back. I slid my hand up the back of his neck and into his short hair. When he broke the kiss we were left breathless. I leaned my forehead against his and tried to catch my breath.

“Lay down and I’ll get you some breakfast” He whispered. I nodded. He helped me lay down and gave me another kiss before going into the kitchen. I reached for the remote and turned the tv on, flicking it to the cartoons. After about 20 minutes Nick came out carrying coffee and bacon and eggs on toast for both of us. We ate in silence.

“Why was he here?” I asked when we were done

“I guess he wanted to see you” He answered

“Did he see you and I in bed together?” I asked

“No I’ve been up for a while, so I was downstairs when he arrived. Jennisen was the first here though” He said. I nodded and carefully laid back down

“Thanks for breakfast” I said to him. He smiled and cleared the dishes away.

“Come on I’ll help you have a bath so you can relax” He said. I smiled and let him carry me upstairs.

Chapter Four

He lay me on his bed before going into the bathroom off his room and I heard him start to put water in the bath. He came back in 10 minutes later and handed me a towel.

“Undress and put that around you” He said and went back into the bathroom. I giggled and quickly undressed. I wrapped the towel around me and waited. He came back in to his room and grinned at me before going out the door. I heard him go down the stairs and than a while later he came back up and appeared in the door way holding a garbage bag and some elastic.

“When I was little I broke my leg and Mom waterproofed my cast” He said and gently eased my leg into the bag

“how?” I asked

“Well basically she put it in a garbage bag and put elastic around it. No water got in” He said. I laughed as he slowly put the elastic on and moved it up to my knee where the cast stopped. He secured it gently and than lifted me up gently.

“I put bubbles in so that when I put you in you could get rid of the towel and I wouldn’t see anything” He said with a nervous grin

“I don’t care if you see or not” I answered. He kissed my forehead and carefully lowered me into the hot, but not too hot water, when I was in I took the towel off and handed it to him. He chucked it in the shower and went to go out the door.

“Will you stay with me?” I asked

“If you want me too” He answered

“I do” I said. He smiled and came back in, sitting on the floor beside the tub.

“Do you wanna get in?” I asked. I saw a blush rising to his cheeks as he shook his head.

“If I get that close to you I might not be able to control myself” He said not looking at me, but I saw a hint of a smile on his face

“Depressed Wives need lovin too” I whispered. He looked up at me and knelt up, leaning over the side and kissing me gently.

“I know, but I can’t do that to my best friend” He whispered back

“But you can kiss me?” I asked

“Kissing isn’t the same as making love” He said. I stayed quiet.

“Reese” He whispered. I looked at him. He touched my face gently and let his hand fall down to my shoulder. He bit his lip as his hand dipped under water as he ran his hand down my arm. I leaned back against the cool tub and closed my eyes as he moved his hand up my stomach and grazing my breasts before he stopped and took his hand from the water.

“I’m sorry” He said, his voice cracking

“If you want to touch me, do it” I said, keeping my eyes closed

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to, how hard it’s been to be around you knowing all along that you were AJ’s girlfriend, and than his wife” He said looking down at the floor.

“Get in with me, we’ll relax together” I said. He shook his head.

“I’ll make sure you keep control” I said. He chuckled a little and stood up.

“Well don’t look” He said as he pulled his shirt over his head. This time I laughed. He disappeard into his bedroom and I listened intently. I heard him go out of the room and sighed. Maybe he didn’t want to after all. I closed my eyes and lay my head back for a while before I heard him again. He was singing softly too himself. He came in carrying 2 beers and the cordless phone.

“Figured we may as well relax with a beer” He said with a shrug. I smiled. He set them on the counter and got this cute little grin on his face as he undid his belt. I watched intently.

“Don’t watch me” He said nervously

“I’m sorry” I said closing my eyes. I heard him strip the rest of his clothes off and then heard him open the 2 beers and was tempted to open my eyes and check him out.

“Can you move forward a little?” He asked

“I’ll try” I said and held on to the sides as I carefully and gently moved myself forward.

“Is that enough?” I asked

“Uh huh, I’m probably gonna hurt you a little so I’m sorry” He said and I felt him step into the tub behind me. He sat and bumped my sides as he slid his legs down beside me.

“I’m sorry” He said again. I just nodded.

“Ok, lean back” He said after he’d made himself comfortable. I slowly leaned back and grinned as I felt ‘him’ press against my back.

“Shut up” he said as I turned my head up to look at him. His face was red again. I giggled and shifted a little so I could kiss his cheek. He handed me a beer and I took a swig as he wrapped his free arm around my chest, holding on to my shoulder.

“This is nice” He said

“Mmhmm” I answered, closing my eyes and resting my head in the crook of his neck and shoulder. He turned his head and planted a kiss on my forehead.

“you’re beautiful” He whispered. I smiled. We were both startled when the phone started ringing.

Chapter Five

“Hello?” He said. I struggled to ehar what the person on the other side was saying. I couldn’t hear though.

“Oh Hey Rok” He said and I tuned out, completely relaxing myself

“I’m in the bath” Nick said and I smiled and ran my hand up and down his arm

“Uhh, she’s here” He said and I chuckled he put his hand over my mouth and I started laughing harder.

“She’s in the bath with you?” I heard Brian yell and Nick pulled the phone away from his ear

“Uhh no” Nick said

“Alright yes we’re in the bath together, we’re just relaxing” He said and paused, sighing.

“Yeah well depressed wives need lovin to Rok” He said and I grinned and sank lower in to the water, trying to ignore the pain in my leg and now in my ribs. I tuned out of Nicks conversation again and swigged my beer. I rested it on the side and turned my head to the side and closed my eyes. I could hear his heart beat and it sounded peaceful and it was relaxing to feel him breath. After a while he hung up and sighed.

“Brian’s got the shits with me” He said

“Relax” I said. He sighed again and trailed his hand up and down my arm.

“It’s not fair” I started

“What’s not?” He asked

“AJ’s allowed root around, but as soon as I start to have fun, I’m the worst person in the world” I said

“Who cares. I’m keeping you sane” He said. I agreed and we stayed silent. We finished our beers and still stayed quiet.

“I think we should get out” I said finally

“Hmm, yeah” He answered. Neither of us moved.

“Nicky” I said

“Ok, I’m getting out, lean forward” he said. I chuckled and pulled myself forward a bit. He slipped out and I turned my head to look at him. I was a little taken a back at exactly how big he was.

“Don’t look” He whined pulling a towel around himself. I stuck my tongue out and he laughed.

“So how am I gonna get you out without seein anything?” He asked

“I don’t care if you look” I said

“Hmm, alright he said and betn down, picking me up gently and lifting me from the water. I could see he was trying not to look and half smiled.

“Can you stand?” He asked

“I’ll try” I answered. He slowly set me down and I cringed. He helped me stand up with one hand while he reached for his robe with the other.

“Here put it on” He said carefully holding me up. I slipped it on and he tied it up and than carefully picked me up again.

“Where are you taking me?” I asked as he walked through to his room and out the door

“Sun room” he answered. I smiled. When we got there he lay me on a day bed and propped a pillow under my leg.

“I’m jus gonna go put some short pn” He said to me. I nodded and leaned up to kiss him. He pecked my lips quickly and smiled before walking back to his room. He reappeared a few minutes later wearing a pair of board shorts and sat on the day bed beside me.

“You want some food?” He asked

“No I’m ok” I answered

“Ok” He said

“lay with me” I said. He lay beside me and I put my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes and drifting into a peaceful sleep.

Chapter Six

2 months had passed and I was still at Nick’s place. My ribs weren’t sore anymore, though I still had some bruising but my cast was off, for which I wan thankful. AJ was still taking drugs and drinking and rooting around, but I just didn’t care. Sure I still loved him but I didn’t care to know that he was killing himself. The way I looked at it if he wanted to do that too himself, he didn’t want to be married. Although I was slowly getting better, I still dreamt of my unborn child and AJ and I living together for ever. To day was the day that all the guys and myself had to do a press conference, to justify all the rumours that had been spread. I was a nervous wreck as Nick and I drove to the studio.

“Don’t worry it’ll be fine” He said to me

“I’m not sure I want to see him today” I said

“We’ll be 10 minutes” He said

“yeah 10 minutes too long” I answered. When we’re finished I’ll take you out on my boat and we’ll have a picnic ok?” He asked

“Alright” I said and smiled. We met everyone outside the studio, including AJ. He looked like shit. He had bags under his eyes and his skin was pale.

“Rhia” He said softly

“Don’t” I said, not looking at him

“Can we talk?” He pleaded

“I don’t think it’s a good idea” Said Kev

“I just want to talk” He said “In private” he added looking around at his friends.

“Whatever you have to say to me can be said infront of our friends” I said softly. He sighed and looked down.

“I love you and I want us to be together again. I want you to come home so I can take care of you” He said

“I’m not going home while ever you’re drinking and doing drugs” I said. He looked down.

“I’ll go back into rehab” He said

“You do that and than come and talk to me” I said. He sighed and nodded. We went in and immediately camera’s flashed and journalists were throwing questions at us.

“Quiet please” Kev said, a little annoyed. They all shut up and AJ stepped up to the microphone, clearing his throat and looking at me.

“Myself and my wife, Rhianna would like to announce a temporary separation as we deal with the car accident that severely injured Rhianna and killed our unborn child. As a result of our separation she has moved out of our house to stay with Nick in Tampa while we sort it out. I am still very much in love with Rhianna, but we are both having problems that need time to deal with” He said, his voice shaking, like he was about to cry. I looked at the floor in front of me and felt Nick give my arm a squeeze. Kev took over.

“Both AJ and Rhianna are dealing with depression and it was advised that they take a break. This means that the Backstreet Boys will be on hiatus until further notice” He said. I tuned out, not wanting to listen. Nick guided me off the platform after the others and I managed to say goodbye to them all with out screaming. The drive back to Tampa wasn’t very eventful. I followed Nick inside and stopped him in the kitchen.

“Can I have a hug?” I asked him softly

“You don’t have to ask sweetie” he said wrapping his arms around me and hugging me close

“I’m so confused” I said with a frustrated sigh

“What about?” He asked

“Alex. I love him, I do, but part of me doesn’t think that he deserves me if he’s going to kill himself with drugs and alcoholism” I said

“That is completely fair Reese and he understands that. If he doesn’t go back to rehab than he obviously doesn’t love you as much as he says he does” He answered. I sighed again.

“Let’s get some food packed and go out on the boat, it’s relaxing, I promise” He said

“Even in this weather?” I asked, talking about the chill in the air

“I promise” He said again. I sighed and nodded, letting him go. We started packing some salad stuff and bread into a bag and than made a thermos of hot chocolate and a thermos of coffee. We put the food on and than he grinned at me.

“You stay here, I’ll be back” He said and climbed off, jogging up the pathway and disappearing through the trees. I sat on the seat and pulled my knees up, hugging them and shivering slightly. When Nick came back he was carrying a a couple of doona’s and pillows and a bag. I looked at him curiously as he climbed back aboard. He chucked them in the small cabin down the steps and grinned at me.

“What was in the bag?” I asked

“More clothes” He said and grinned again before climbing up the stairs to the driving area. I followed and sat on the stool as he started the boat.

Chapter Seven

Jesus Christ it’s cold” I yelled over the roar of the wind and engine and water splashes

“Come here” Nick said. I carefully stood and shuffled over to him, wrapping my arms around myself. He pulled me in front of him and wrapped one arm around me while he used the other to steer. He slowed the boat to a stop when we were in open ocean and dropped the anchor. We climbed down the stairs and Nick got the bag with our lunch in it and started setting it out after laying down a picnic rug. I sat and helped him.

“You want some music on?” he asked me

“Only if you do” I said with a smile

“May as well” He grinned. I smiled and watched him go down into the cabin. A second later I heard Nirvana start playing. He came back up and sat opposite me.

“Let’s eat” He said. We both grabbed food and started eating, talking, laughing and joking around. When we’d both stuffed ourselves full he packed up and told me to sit on the back seat. I did as he asked and waited, staring out at the land in the distance. Nick came back up a minute later struggling with a mattress. He grinned as he stumbled backwards as the mattress finally popped free. He lay it on the floor of the boat and than went back down. He came back up again carrying the pillows and 3 doona’s.

“We’re staying out here for the afternoon” He smiled at me. I smiled back and watched as he quickly made up a makeshift bed. I kicked off my shoes, as did he and we both climbed under the 3 doona’s and snuggled up. I had my head on his shoulder and he was holding me tight. I sighed and rolled onto my back staring up at the partially cloudy sky. I felt Nick move and than his face was above mine. I smiled up at him. He bent his head down and kissed me. I kissed him back, closing my eyes. Since I started living with Nick all we’d done was kiss, we’d not had sex and I didn’t expect us too. We’d taken a fair few baths together in the past 2 months and we’ve slept in the same bed since I came to stay. But I think Nick was to shy. I wouldn’t say no if he ever made the first move. Depressed wives need lovin too I thought and started chuckling against Nicks lips.

“What? What’s so funny?” He asked pulling away

“I’m sorry hun, I was just remembering something I said a while back” I replied

“Right now? And here I was thinking this would be kinda romantic” He pouted

“Aww it is. Remember when I sadi to you ‘Depressed wives need lovin too’? I was thinking of that” I said. He smiled.

“Lovin I can give you” He grinned and bent his head down to kiss me again. I kissed back and was a little shocked when he broke the kiss and pulled me into a sitting position. He started taking my jacket off and I let him. He dropped it on the floor beside us and started pulling up my shirt. I smiled at him and he smiled back, a slight blush rising to his already flushed cheeks. We were soon both entirely naked and had the blankets pulled over us as we kissed. This was the first time we’d actually explored each others body. Sure while we were in the bath Nicks hand ‘accidently’ slipped down to my breasts once or twice but that was nothing compared to what he was doing now.

Chapter Eight

His long fingers dipped inside me and I gasped in pleasure, arching my back up against him.

“Nick” I breathed as he moved his fingers in and out. He started kissing my neck and I got shivers down my spine, accentuating the immense pleasure he was giving me. I slid my arms around his back and held on to him, moaning ever so slightly when he bit my shoulder gently. He rubbed his thumb over my clit and I gasped again and let out a long moan as an orgasm hit me.

“Oh jesus” I said arching my back again, my eyes were wide and my mouth open. I clung on to him as the wave of pleasure subsided.

“Jesus Nick, where did you learn to do that?” I asked, looking at him. He smiled.

“You leanr a few things when you travel the world” Was all he said before he ducked under the covers, trailing kisses down my throat, between my breasts and down my stomach.

“Nick?” I asked pulling the doona’s up too look at him. He looked up at me and was shocked to see pure and unconditional love in his eyes.

“Nicky…” I trailed off. He just smiled and I forgot everything as I felt his tongue on my clit. My fingers found his hair and I gasped as he bit down a little. Within seconds he had me squirming as another orgasm washed over me. He made his way back up my body and popped his head out of the blankets, grinning and wiping his mouth.

“You are amazing” I said gazing up at him

“Jus giving a depressed wife some lovin” He whispered before pressing his lips to mine. I kissed him back, tasting myself on his tongue. He pulled away and smiled down at me. I wrapped my arms and legs around him and rolled over, ending up on top.

“Oh so that’s the way you wanna play” He said with a smile

“I’m not playing Nicky” I said as I shuffled down his body. I glanced up and made sure he wasn’t looking before taking a shaky breath and staring intently at his penis. I wasn’t sure how to give head. AJ and I never did much foreplay so I’d never given him head. I carefully took it in my hand and felt it start to throb. I had to clamp my other hand over my mouth so I didn’t start laughing. I decided to experiment and flicked the tip of my tongue over the tip of his penis. I heard him moan and smiled, doing it again. I eventually took him in my mouth and tasted the salty bitterness that I’d read about. I didn’t mind it though and kept going. I started moving my head up and down and closed my eyes, enjoying the sounds coming from him. His cell phone started ringing and I heard him swear. I stopped and pulled my head away, moving back up and bringing my head out.

“It’s Jennisen, you can answer it” He said with a disappointed sigh.

“Hey Jenni” I said

“Girl, whatchu doin?” She asked

“We’re on Nick’s boat, it’s really pretty out here” I said

“Uh huh, I’m sure you’re lookin at the water too” She said

“Well I was before” I said and looked at Nick who had his eyes closed. He smiled. I saw movement out of the corner of my eye and looked, seeing the blankets move up and down. I looked up at his face, which was flushed again, but his lips were open a little and his eyes were closed still.

“Hey uhh… Jenn? Can I call you back when we get back his place?” I asked and heard him chuckle

“What’s he doing? Reese? What’s he doing?” She asked

“Uhh, he’s not doing anything” I said. This time he laughed.

“He’s getting off isn’t he?” She said

“Well… no” I said

“Jesus Christ Reese, are you gonna fuck him?” She asked point blank

“What? No, I’m married” I said and bit my lip, looking at Nick, his smile faded and he stopped what he was doing. Great one Rhianna I thought and mentally kicked myself

“Jenn, look I gotta go” I said and didn’t wait for a reply, instead I just hung up. He still had his eyes closed.

“I’m sorry” I said

“Yeah… I know… but he’s a sleaze for treating you like shit. And plus, I’m just giving a depressed wife some loving” He said and smiled at me, finally opening his eyes

“You looked so hot doing that” I said

“Hmm, feels good. Felt better when you were giving me head though” He said turning to look at me. His short hair was now spiking in different directions and his blue eyes sparkled.

“Well, I should probably finish what I started” I said with a smile and ducked back under the covers. No sooner had I taken him in my mouth again, than his cell rang again.

Chapter Nine

“Hello?” He said, he was struggling to keep his voice calm as I moved my head up and down

“Oh hey, yeah I took her on the boat, to uhh, get her mind off things” He said taking a deep breath

“No, we’re just talking” He managed to get out

“Hold up D” He said he shoved the phone under the blankets and than I heard him grunt and moan as his cum shot into my mouth. I pulled my head back a little and swallowed some, deciding that I’d tasted better saltiness, but would happily do this again. When the liquid had stopped shooting into my mouth I licked it off his penis.

“Sorry, bro, I uhh, had to get something for Reese” He said into his cell, he was holding his breath. I kissed my way up his body, stopping just before I kissed his lips.

“I swear to god, Howie, we’re only talking” Nick was saying

“Yeah ok, I’ll call you when we get back, or I’ll talk to you after Reese is finished talking with Jenn” He said. He wrapped his free arm around my back and was trailing his fingers up and down my spine. I started kissing his neck.

“Ok, bye” He said and hung up

“Oh god, you are evil” He groaned flipping us over. I laughed.

“I can’t believe you did that to me while I was on the phone” He said

“Mmm, you handled it well” I said with a laugh. He clasped my hands in his and brought them above our heads. He held them both with one hand and slid the other down my side.

“It’s one thing to fool around, but fucking is taking it a step further, if you say no right now I’ll stop” He said looking me straight in the eyes

“I don’t want you to stop” I said looking back

“Are you sure?” He whispered, bending his head down to my ear

“Positive” I whispered back. He planted a small kiss on my collarbone and reached between us, guiding himself in. I arched my back up into him and let out a long sigh. He kept holding my wrists with one hand while he cupped my breast with the other as he moved in and out of me gently. He let my wrists go and propped himself up closing his eyes and letting his head drop. I ran my fingers through his hair and made him look at me before pulling his face to mine and kissing him. He broke the kiss and groaned, kinda loudly. It sounded like he was frustrated. I closed my eyes and took a breath.

“Faster” I breathed

“Faster?” he asked. I nodded

“I don’t wanna hurt you” He said. I opened my eyes and looked at him.

“If it hurts I’ll tell you to stop” I answered. He nodded and bit his lip. He put his other arm out and pushed himself up so there was a bit of a gap between our chests. He took a breath and started to go faster.

“Oh god” I gasped, holding onto the back of his neck with one hand while the other clenched the pillow underneath my head.

“Jesus Reese” He grunted tipping his head back. His cell started ringing again and I slammed my fist down on the mattress.

“Jesus Christ would you people leave us the fuck alone?” Nick snapped, answering the phone and than hanging up and chucking it into the cabin. He lowered himself on top of me and buried his head in my neck.

“I’m sorry” He said. His voice was muffled

“Killed the mood a little” I said. This time I was trailing my fingers up and down his spine.

“Killed the mood big time” He said, lifting his head. I half smiled at him. He pulled out of me and rolled onto his back beside me. I shivered a little and pulled the blankets up to my chin.

“Did you wanna go?” He asked, turning his head to look at me

“It’s up to you” I answered. His cell started ringing agin and he groaned. I should answer it” He said

“I will” I said sitting up and pulling the top doona around me. The air was cool as I stood up and walked down the steps. I picked his phone up off the ground, surprised it wasn’t smashed into a million pieces.

“Hello” I said

“Rhianna” Said AJ

“Alex” I said. Nick lifted his head from the pillow and looked at me.

“Why is Nick so cranky?” He asked

“No one will leave us alone” I answered and sat down beside Nick

“What do you mean?” He asked

“People keep ringing us. It’s annoying” I said

“Why? Do they interrupt?” He asked softly

“What’s it to you?” I replied

“You’re my wife” He answered

“Yeah well I bet you weren’t thinking about me while you were fucking that other girls brains out” I said bitterly

“So you are fucking him?” He asked. He sounded hurt. I stayed silent. Nick had sat up now too and was watching me.

“You know what Alex?” I asked

“What?” He asked, his voice cracking

“I am fucking him and it’s the best time I’ve had in 6 goddamn months” I said and hung up.

Chapter Ten

Nick looked over at me and I pouted.

“This is so fucked up” I said throwing myself back down on the mattress

“How about we go back to the house, change into some other clothes and go shopping?” Nick asked

“If you want” I said with a sigh

“There’s not many other options” He said laying back down beside me

“We could just turn your cell off and stay out here all night” I said

“It’ll be cold” Nick said

“Well we can go abck to the house and get more clothes and blankets and food” I said

“So you wanna camp out on the water?” He asked. I nodded.

“Alright, we’ll go home and get more food and clothes and a heap more doona’s and than we’ll come back out, ok?” He asked. I nodded. He started picking up his clothes and pulled his pants on under the blanket before standing up and pulling his shirt and jumper on.

“You gonna get dressed?” He asked

“It’s too cold” I said with a half smile

“Aww, if you’re quick you’ll warm up in no time” He said

“Alright” I said and started to quickly dress. When I was done I helped him put the mattress and doona’s in the cabin and then he pulled the anchor up and started the boat. I huddled against him as he steered the boat back toward his dock.

“How do you know you’re way around?” I asked

“GPS” he said pointing to a screen positioned near the throttle

“You’re amazing Nicky” I said, more to myself than him. I don’t think he heard anyway. He moored the boat and tied it up before helping me off and then grabbing the bag which had our food in it. We went up to the house and the phone was ringing. The machine answered it and I listened to the message.

“Hey, Tis Nick, I’ve taken Reese out on the boat so call my cell if it’s important” It said and he left his number

“No wonder people were annoying us” I laughed

“I said if it was important” He whined. I smiled and kissed his cheek.

“Can I ring Jenn?” I asked

“You don’t have to ask” He said shaking his head. I shrugged and picked up the phone, dialling the number.

“Hello” Said Howie

“Hey Howie, can I talk to Jenn?” I asked

“Oh sure Reese, I’ll put her on” He said I waited a moment and smiled when I heard Jenn saying thanks to Howie.

“So you were rooting him?” She asked

“Not when you rang” I said

“So after?” She asked

“yeah” I said

“And..?” She demanded

“And what?” I asked laughing. Nick looked up and smiled at me

“And I want details!” She said

“Aww but I don’t wanna do that to Nick” I said

“Stuff Nick, just tell me!” She exclaimed

“Well he has the best fingers and his tongue is absolutely AMAZING” I said. I saw the blush ride to his cheeks again, but a grin spread across his face

“And that’s it?” She asked

“No, that’s not it, we were just like laying on the floor of his boat on a mattress after we’d had lunch and we were talking a little and than he kissed me and than suddenly we were completely naked and under the blankets and he started, you know” I said, Nick laughed.

“He started what? Reese you need to tell me” She said

“He started fingering me” I said and this time I felt the blush rise to my own cheeks

“Yeah what else” She said

“Well you know he did that for a minute and than all of a sudden he rubbed his thumb over my- over my, well he rubbed his thumb over me and I had like the best orgasm ever” I said. She squealed

“Than what?” She asked

“Well” I said hoisting myself up on to the counter

“Well what? tell me” She said. Nick came over and pressed a button and she was suddenly on loud speaker.

“He went down on me” I mumbled

“He what?” She yelled. He started laughing

“Uhh, you’re on loud speaker” I added

“I, don’t care. But he went DOWN on you?!” She asked

“Yeah” I said

“And?” She asked

“What? It was good” I said

“It was just good?” She asked

“No, it was amazing, unlike anything I’ve ever felt before” I said. Nick grinned as he chopped up carrot

“How big is he?” She whispered. Nick looked up at me with his eyebrow raised and a grin on his face

“Let’s just say that he’s VERY gifted” I said

“Above average?” She asked

“WELL above average” I said. She squealed again.

“What else happened?” She asked

“Well I gave him head” I said

“That was good” Nick piped in

“he’s listening?” She asked

“He put you on loud speaker” I said

“Hi Nick” She said. He laughed

“And did you guys get it on?” She asked. I looked at Nick and he looked back.

“Yeah, for a little while” I said

“What happened? Why for only a little while” She asked

“Because AJ rang” Nick said

“Oh geez” She said

“But we’re gonna camp on the boat tonight, so who knows what’ll happen” I said grinning at Nick. He grinned back.

“Did you guys use protection?” She asked. Nick bit his lip and I looked down.

“No, but it’s the wrong time of the month” I said softly

“No, you HAVE to use protection when you’re with Nick. What if you get pregnant? How you gonna explain that to AJ? Oh hey Alex, I was rooting Nick and now I’m havin his kid’” She imitated

“He knows I’m with Nick” I said stupidly

“Well that doesn’t change the fact that you could still get pregnant” She said

“Ok, I’ll make sure he uses a rubber” I said looking at the floor

“Good. I gotta go cos the girl fitting my wedding dress has arrived. I’ll talk to you later, let me know how it goes tonight” She said

“I will” Is aid

“Protection” She said

“yes jennisen” I said

“Bye hicka” She said

“Cya” I said and hung up, looking at Nick. He was putting all the food he’d chopped up in containers.

“So, is there a chance?” Nick asked

“Slight” I answered

“I need to go to the store than” He said

“I’ll come too” I said sliding off the counter

“No, not a good idea, people will put 2 and 2 together and realise that we’re together” He said

Chapter Eleven

“I’ll be back in a while” Nick said grabbing his keys and wallet. I nodded and smiled at him. He came over and kissed me gently.

“Hurry back” I whispered. He grinned and jogged out the door. After a minute I heard his car on the gravel and sighed. I went up to his room and looked through my select few clothes and grabbed another jumper and shirt. I got Nick another jumper and shirt too and shoved them in the clothes bag he’d packed. I went down stairs just as there was a knock on the door. I dropped the bag near the kitchen door and went through the house to answer it. I opened the door and saw AJ standing there with a bottle of JD in one hand and a joint in the other.

“Hey Rhianna” He slurred

“Alex, you’re drunk” I said sliding myself behind the door a little

“I came to say that I’m sorry” He said and stumbled backwards

“Alexander, please, I’ll come see you tomorrow” I said

“Oh ok, well see you than” He said and turned, stumbling down the steps. I closed the door and locked it than ran through to the kitchen and locked that door too. I sat on the stairs waiting for Nick to come back, a little scared but mostly worried about AJ. The door unlocked and Nick came in, a little puzzled.

“The door was locked” He said to me

“Yeah Alex came here. He was drunk” I said

“Are you ok?” He asked me

“Yeah” I answered

“Well I got some condoms and I also got you some morning after pills. Just in case you know when we were on the boat” He said. I nodded and followed him into the kitchen.

“Are you sure you wanna go out on the boat?” He asked me

“Positive. I wanna be as far away from land as I can be without going RIGHT out to sea” I said. He smiled and set the pills on the table before shoving the bag with condoms in it into the bag with clothes in it.

“We should get goin before it gets too dark” He said

“Alright” I said. I quickly took the Morning after pills and grabbed a bag. He took my hand and we went out the door. He locked up and set the alarm and lead me back down to the boat. He helped me on and we put the stuff in the cabin.

“I’ll be back” He said climing off and walking towards his little shed. He came back a minute later carrying 3 lanterns and what looked like a mini BBQ. He put it down in the cabin and we climbed up the steps to the control area. We stayed silent as he steered the boat away from land and than he picked up the 2-way radio. All I could make out was ‘Camping in open waters over night’ and ‘Carter out’.

“If you go out at night you need to let them know so they can keep an eye out for storms coming across or rough seas or if we’re in the way of another boat” He explained when he saw my puzzled look.

“Oh” I said. He just smiled and slowed the boat to a stop, dropping the anchor. The sun was beginning to set so we curled up on a seat together and watched it.

“Wow that is so pretty” I whispered

“Hmm, I’ve seen something prettier” He answered

“What can be more beautiful than a sunset on open water?” I asked looking at him.

“Uhhhmmm, you” He said. I grinned and kissed him.

“You want some food?” He asked when we broke the kiss.

“Mmm, yeah” I whispered. He smiled and stood up, making his way to the cabin. He came back up carrying 3 poles and the 3 lanterns. He stuck the poles in holes around the boat and then hung the lanterns up, lighting them with a lighter. They cast gentle shadows out over the water and lit the entire boat up. He brought up the Mini BBQ and the bag of food and set it up. I sat huddled up in my jacket and watched him intently.

“Gotta have a relatively hot meal out here” He said lighting it. I nodded and watched him chuck pasta sauce into a saucepan along with already cooked pasta and some meatballs you just needed to heat up. He also chucked in some of the vegetables he’d cut up.

“Nicky” I said

“Yeah” He answered

“Is it wrong to love your husband, but at the same time love someone else too?” I asked. He thought about it for a while and turned to look at me.

“I believe that you can love any number of people but you can only be in love with 1 person” He said softly

“That sounds about right” I said

“Why?” He asked. I knew that he knew what I was about to say.

“I love Alex, but at the same time, I love you. I’ve not been this happy for so long”

“You can love whoever you want whenever you want but if he puts himself back in Rehab I’ll know to stop doing this. I’ll know that you and he will work things out and I’ll stop. I’ll go back to being your best friend” He said

“What if I don’t want things to work out between Alex and I?” I asked softly

“We’ll see what happens” Was all he said as he stirred our food gently. I stood and went over to him, wrapping my arms around his waist and hugging him.

“You’re special Nicky, remember that” I said. He rubbed my back and kissed the top of my head. When our dinner was heated up he served it into a massive big bowl and lead me to the seat. We sat down and he placed the bowl on the ground. I realised for the first time that the boat was rocking gently. He took my hands in his and I looked up at him. He smiled and kissed my left hand and than my right.

“Listen to me Rhianna” He said softly. He called me Rhianna.

“I’m listening” I answered

“Whatever happens between you and AJ I’m gonna be here for you. If you don’t work it out, I’ll help you pick up the pieces. If you and he do work it out I’ll be the first one to congratulate you. You are an amazing woman Rhianna Scarlet McLean and you’ve been through a lot. I’m not gonna stand between you and AJ but while ever he’s being an asshole I’m gonna step in and take care of you” He said. I stayed quiet, not sure what to say.

“When we were fooling around earlier. Was that taking care of me too? Or was it real” I asked a tear slipping down my cheek

“It was real” He whispered pulling me into his arms.

“I love you Nick” I whispered. Either he didn’t hear more or he chose to ignore it because he didn’t reply. We hugged for a while before he picked up the bowl and handed me a fork.

“Dig in before it gets cold” He said with a smile.

Chapter Twelve

We’d finished dinner and had dragged the mattress back up onto the deck and were now spreading out the various blankets and sleeping bags we’d brought with us. When we had them all laid out Nick started to strip off.

“Nick, you’re gonna freeze” I said

“No I won’t” He grinned

“Don’t be so cocky…” I said with a little chuckle

“It’s called body heat sweetheart. Someone else’s body heat provides more heat than anything clothing or blankets can” He said, sliding under the blankets. A second later he chucked his jeans and boxers down into the cabin.

“Is this just a way of making me get naked?” I asked

“Nope. I’m serious” He said grinning up at me. I quickly stripped down to my jeans and than slipped under the covers, taking them and my panties off and chucking them down into the cabin. I snuggled up to him and he lay his hand on my stomach.

“Reese” he said softly

“What?” I answered

“Can I ask you something? About the accident?” He asked

“If you want” I answered, my voice shaking a little

“If you don’t want to talk about it I’ll understand” He said

“No, it’s ok” I said

“Did you feel it?” He asked after a while

“I don’t remember feeling anything, but I remember actually watching as the car hit us” I said

“Did you know that you lost the baby?” He whispered. He’d begun tracing circles on my stomach with his thumb now.

“Pretty much” I said with a sigh.

“I’m sorry” He said

“For ages after the accident I kept thinking that I was still pregnant. That Donna Bella was still growing” I said

“Will you try for another?” He asked

“I don’t want to. Not with Alex” I said turning my head to look the other way. I felt guilty in a way.

“But you still want a baby?” He asked

“Yeah” I said

“Who with?” He asked

“I don’t know. You? Maybe” I said. He chuckled.

“I can’t see me as a father” He answered

“Well you never know” I said

“Do you want the lanterns on still?” He asked

“Not really, they’re bring in my eyes” I answered. He stood up and quickly turned them off before dropping back onto the mattress beside me and pulling the blankets back up. He rubbed his hand on the mattress before putting it on my stomach again.

“Wow… look at the stars” I whispered

“I’m busy” He answered

“Doing what?” I asked turning my head to look at him

“Looking at the beautiful woman laying beside me” He said. I smiled and moved closer to him. He leaned over and pressed his lips against mine in a gentle kiss. I kissed him back, feeling his hand slip around to my side. I put one hand in his hair and the other around his back, holding him. His cell started ringing.

“Fuck, I forgot to turn it off” He groaned, breaking the kiss.

“Just answer it. Not like I can go anywhere” I smiled. He reached over me and picked it up off the floor.

“Speak” He said and pressed a button

“Nick, it’s me” Kev’s voice came across the line

“Kev” Nick said

“Listen bro, I need to talk to you” He said

“Go ahead” Nick said motioning for me too be quiet. I nodded.

“You’re out on the boat right?” Kev asked

“Yeah, Reese wanted to camp out here” He said

“I can tell you’ve got me on speaker phone” Kev said with a little chuckle

“Yeah well, I don’t like not including Reese in conversations” He said. Kev laughed.

“Well, I rang to say that AJ’s admitted himself to rehab again” He said. Nick looked at me

“That’s good” Nick said softly

“Reese, how you doing sweetheart?” Kev asked me

“I’m fine” I answered

“Since you’re both there, I’d like to ask you both something” He said

“Shoot” Nick said

“Are you guys going to stop if AJ gets better?” He asked. Nick and I looked at each other.

“I’ll stop when Reese asks me too” Nick said

“Reese?” Kev asked

“When Alex can prove to me that he’s better, that he’s not going to run straight back to the pub when something goes wrong than I’ll stop what I’m doing” I said

“That’s completely fair sweetheart and I don’t blame you one bit for getting every ounce of happiness you possibly can” He said

“Than why did you ask?” Nick asked him

“Because I needed to know. Reese just promise me something?” He said

“What?” I asked

“Promise me that if he makes the effort, you’ll make the effort” He said. I thought for a minute and looked into Nicsk eyes.

“Promise” I said. Nick looked away, but nodded his head

“I’ll let you 2 go now, sleep tight and stay rugged up, it’s gonna be cold tomorrow” He said

“We will” Nick said

“Cya Bro” He said

“Cya” Nick said and hung up. I watched him turn it off and half smiled.

Chapter Thirteen

He lay half on top of me, kissing my neck and shoulder as the boat rocked gently. I held on to him, one hand in his hair, the other on his back. He pulled back a bit and looked at me.

“What?” I asked with a smile

“This isn’t as good as this afternoon on the boat” He said, brushing my hair off my face

“If you can make a girl orgasm twice in 10 minutes I think you can liven things up a little” I answered. He got a little grin on his face that I could just see in the dim light from the moon. I felt him start to shift his hand down my stomach and felt myself get excited in anticipation. Soon I felt his fingers rub over my clit and took a breath.

“You got any ideas?” He asked. I shook my head as I felt one finger slip inside me.

“How’s this?” He asked, moving his finger in and out at an agonizingly slow pace.

“Faster” I gasped as he rubbed his thumb over my clit

“Faster huh?” He said and quickened the pace, but only slightly.

“More” I mumbled, arching my back up

“I couldn’t quite hear you, what was that?” He asked a teasing smile on his face

“More” I begged, louder

“More what?” He teased

“fingers” I said, gasping again when he rubbed his thumb over my clit. I felt another finger slip in and again he moved them at an agonizingly slow pace.

“Nicky” I breathed

“What?” He asked, that teasing smile still on his face

“Faster” I said

“And what do I get if I go faster?” He asked

“Anything you want” I groaned

“Anything?” He asked. I nodded. He quickened his motions and I felt my orgasm building up and just when I thought I was about to burst, he stopped. I looked at him, he grinned and bent his head, kissing my shoulder.

“Why did you stop?” I asked, panting softly

“A little technique I inherited from a German girl” He said

“What? Stop jus as she’s about to orgasm so she can kick your ass into oblivion?” I asked

“No, you’ll see” He said with a laugh. I lay there, looking up at him as he bit his bottom lip. He looked like he was concentrating on something, but I didn’t know what. Suddenly without warning my orgasm hit and wave after wave of pleasure rippled through me and I couldn’t help but scream out.

“What the fuck just happened?” I whispered as I lay, puffing

“What just happened, is you had an orgasm” Nick grinned

“But you weren’t doing anything” I said

“Yes I was, you just probably couldn’t feel it. I was rubbing your clit really gently” He said

“Holy shit… that was amazing” I said

“Mmhmm, gotta love those German Chicka’s” He grinned. I laughed and grabbed his head, pulling it to mine as I kissed him.

“So I can make you scream now huh?” He asked when he broke the kiss. I nodded.

“Was that exciting enough for you?” He asked

“Oh hell yeah” I said. He rolled onto his back beside me and turned to look at me. I grinned and rolled onto my side, facing him. I rested my hand on his stomach and inched it down.

“Whatcha doin?” He asked with chuckle

“Ima repay you” I grinned back. He smiled as I took hold of him. He was so big that I couldn’t fit my hand around him.

“Even when it’s cold you’re big” I said. He laughed

“I’ll be back” I said going to duck under the covers

“Reese” he said quickly. I looked at him.

“I don’t want you to give me head” He said. I looked at him, puzzled.

“I’ll be happy if you just let me make love to you” He grinned

“Like I’m gonna say no to that” I answered

“Good, cos I’m so fucking horny right now” He said and growled in my ear. Shivers ran down my spine and before I knew it, I was on my back and Nick was above me.

“Condom?” I asked. He nodded. He eased into me and we both moaned softly. I slid my arms around him and held him tight as we moved as one. I felt his breath on my neck and shivered. He kissed me gently and I realised that I was falling for him. A tear slid down my cheek and he looked at me. I looked at back and knew straight away that he felt the same. No, you can’t fall for him I thought to myself and closed my eyes. He started kissing my neck, moving a little faster. I gasped as I felt his tongue on my nipple. My eyes flew open and I moaned his name softy.

“Rhianna” He breathed into my ear and I lost control. I cried his name out as I had yet another orgasm. He tipped his head back and moaned as he started to cum, his lips were slightly parted and his eyes were closed.

“Oh God Nicky” I said, overwhelmed at how much I wanted to cry. He rolled off me and lay on his back puffing. I felt my the tears sting my eye and struggled to hold them back. I covered my eyes with one hand and squeezed the pillow with the other. I managed to roll onto my stomach before I started sobbing.

“Hey, Reese baby what’s wrong?” Nick asked me, concerned. I just howled into the pillow I felt him move closer to me and pull the blankets up further before putting his hand on my back and rubbing it gently

Chapter Fourteen

I’d calmed down a little now and was laying, snuggled in Nick’s warm embrace, talking. He wanted to know why I started crying.

“I’m just confused” I said with a sigh

“About us?” He asked

“Yeah and Alex” I said

“If it makes you feel better, I’m kinda confused myself” He said

“Why?” I asked

“Well, this is so perfect, I’m with the woman of my dreams out on a boat in the middle of no where and I just had the best sex I’ve had in about 3 years and for the past 6 months I’ve been falling asleep with her in my arms. But at the same time, I Know you’re married and I know that eventually this is all gonna have to stop and I’m just confused by my thoughts and feelings” He said

“What are they?” I asked

“Resentment towards AJ for doing this to you, sadness that I’m gonna have to stop touching you and kissing you, jealousy at AJ for being married to you, love towards you. God I love you Rhianna” He said, playing with my hair.

“I love you too Nick” I answered, softly.

“You sleepy?” He asked. I nodded.

“You?” I replied

“Not really, you go to sleep, though” He said

“Hmmkay, gnight Nicky” I whispered

“Night baby” He answered. I closed my eyes and went to sleep to the gentle rocking of the boat. I woke up maybe 2 hours later and rolled over and found Nick was not in the bed beside me.

“Nicky?” I called out

“I’m here babe” He answered

“Why arne’t you in bed?” I asked

“I needed to take a piss” he said laughing

“Oh” I said. I closed my eyes and waited until he came back. He dropped into the bed beside me and pulled the blankets right up.

“God it’s cold out there” He said

“Don’t touch me until you’re warm” I said. He laughed again and pulled me against him. I screamed out as I felt his icy skin against mine.

“You’re evil” I said starting to shiver

“Body heat is the best heater” He said

“I’m not gonna have any body heat left in a second” I said through a yawn

“Aww I’m sorry baby, go back to sleep” He said and kissed my head. I closed my eyes and tried to go back to sleep. It didn’t come  until about an hour later when we were both finally warm. I didn’t wake up again until the following morning, and again Nick wasn’t in bed with me. I sat up and shivered from the chill on my bare back. I heard Nick’s voice but couldn’t see him. I dressed quickly and stood up. I found him up at the wheel talking on his cell phone.

“Yeha she just woke up, so we might start heading back now” He said as he smiled at me He said goodbye and hung up.

“You right to go home?” He asked

“If you want” I answered with a shrug

“Well Kev’s waiting for us, so we probably should get going” He said. I nodded and helped him put everything down in the cabin. Before we started home though, he radioed the coastguard and told them we were on our way home. I stood in front of him and hugged him all the way home. When we arrived he tied the boat up and helped me off and we went up to the house. Kev was sitting at the table out on the deck with a cup of coffee flipping through a paper.

“Morning” Nick said

“hey you 2. Jug’s just boiled if you want coffee” He said with a grin

“You want one?” Nick asked me

“yeah that’d be nice” I said. He smiled and leaned forwards, kissing my forehead before going inside. I sat opposite Kev and he smiled at me.

“How was your night on the boat?” He asked

“It was good. Nice to get away from it all you know?” I said

“It’s relaxing out on the water” He said with a nod

“here you go” Nick said placing a coffee in front of me and sitting at another chair. Kev closed the paper and spun it around. Nick and I both looked. There was a picture of Nick and I from earlier that week when we’d gone shopping, we were laughing at something. I think it was a joke that Nick told, but he had his hand on my back and we were walking close. There was a picture beside it of AJ and a girl, I assumed it was Maria, the girl he’d been with since the accident. The headline was : ‘Could Separation Be Permanent? Looks Like It’.