When Kelly got home that afternoon, she quickly changed into a pair of jeans and one of her favorite sweaters. Although this was California, it still could get a little chilly in the fall, especially by the ocean. And that was exactly where she was going to take Kevin. She knew a beautiful, out-of-the-way spot where there wouldn't be a lot of other people, especially this time of year.

She had made a quick stop at the store on her way home from work and picked up some food from the deli. She wished she would have had time for something homemade, but it was the best she could do on short notice.

She was ready with time to spare, and as she waited for Kevin, she began to get nervous. This was her first real date with him, after all. And although she had talked to him many times on the phone over the last couple weeks, she hoped they would be able to find something to talk about when they were together. If worse comes to worst, I guess I can always bring up the subject of the radio station, she thought. She wasn't going to mention Lori's request to him until the last minute, because she was afraid that once she did, that would be the end of the date.

When Kelly answered the door a few minutes later, Carlos was waiting to escort her to the car.

She grabbed her things and they headed outside. Carlos opened the car door for her, then took the picnic basket out of her hand as she climbed in the back seat. Instantly her eyes met Kevin's. For a moment Kelly forgot to breathe. Television and magazines just couldn't depict how truly gorgeous this man was.

Kevin was looking at her as though he was going to kiss her, but then the moment passed. He reached for her hand as, eyes twinkling, he said, "Finally we meet again."

Kelly laughed as she said, "It's only been two weeks."

"I know, but it seems longer," Kevin sighed. Then thinking of the picnic basket he saw Carlos set in the front seat, he said, "You brought food."

"Yeah, it seemed like the easiest way. I didn't really think you wanted to go through McDonald's drive-thru," she said.

Kevin laughed. "Yeah, I get enough of that with AJ."

Kelly laughed too, and then leaned forward to give directions to the driver. Then she sat back and tried to relax.

This should be an interesting evening, she thought.

When Kevin finally arrived, he sent Carlos to the door. He had been in the public eye so much for the last two weeks, but now that he would be seeing Kelly, he wanted to stay out of it as much as possible.

Kevin watched as Kelly came out the door, escorted by Carlos. She was just as beautiful as he remembered. As she climbed into the car, Kevin resisted the urge to take her in his arms and kiss her. Patience Kevin, patience, he told himself.

There would be time for that later.

Kelly breathed in the salt air as she and Kevin sat on the rocks overlooking the ocean. "I don't think Heaven could be any better than this," she sighed.

"It sure is beautiful," Kevin agreed. He had been to the ocean before, but Kelly had chosen the perfect spot for them to enjoy their picnic.

Kelly knew Kevin was talking about the scenery, but she was thinking more about the man she was with. He was a perfect gentleman, in the true southern manner. Everything was so perfect; the food, the conversation, the location. The sun was just beginning to set, and she knew they would have to get back soon, but she wanted to make it last as long as possible. She glanced over at Kevin and saw that he was staring at her intently. She blushed and tried to look away, but found it impossible. She felt hypnotized by those eyes, and she wondered what Kevin was thinking.

He reached a hand up and touched her face. "Kelly girl, I haven't felt like this with anyone in a long time," he said softly. He leaned forward and touched his lips to hers.

Kelly could feel her heart beating so hard she was sure Kevin could hear it. Kissing Kevin was everything she ever thought it would be, and more. Oh yeah, the real thing was definitely better than the fantasy.

Kevin pulled away, and for a moment Kelly was incapable of forming a coherent thought, until she realized that she had been holding her breath. She let it out in one big whoosh which made Kevin laugh, breaking the intensity of the moment. She blushed again.

"Did anyone ever tell you how cute you are when you blush?" Kevin asked.

"No, they usually just give me a hard time about it," Kelly said, thinking of the ladies at the radio station. Suddenly she remembered Lori's request. Well, she might as well get it over with as soon as possible. "Kevin, I need to ask you something."

"Okay..." Kevin said expectantly.

"Could you kiss me again first?" she asked. Kevin willingly obliged, although he had no idea what all this was leading to.

Their second kiss was even better than their first. Kelly thought that maybe she wouldn't ask Kevin after all; she'd rather keep kissing him.

But Kevin was curious. "So what did you want to ask me?" he said.

Kelly explained to him how Sue and Lori had found out that she was going out with him, and how Lori was "blackmailing" her. "So I was wondering if any of you would consent to being interviewed for the morning show tomorrow. Any one of the Backstreet Boys will do."

"That's no problem," Kevin said. "We're used to doing radio interviews. I'll come for sure, and maybe AJ or Brian will come too. What time do you want us there?"

"All I need is for you to call in," Kelly protested. "You don't really have to come down to the station."

"Hey, would I miss an opportunity to see my girl at work?" he asked.

"You'll have to get out of bed before noon," she teased. Kevin just rolled his eyes. "Okay," Kelly said. "It's probably best if you could get there around 8:00." She was only working until noon the next day anyway because Hayley, Beth, and Kimberly were coming in and she had to pick them up at the airport.

It was starting to get dark, so reluctantly they headed back. Carlos was waiting for them at the car, looking slightly bored.

They didn't say much on the way home. Kelly just enjoyed being snuggled up next to Kevin. When they got back to her apartment Kevin walked her to her door and kissed her again. It was hard for him to tear himself away, but Kelly reminded him that it was going to be an early morning for both of them.

After he left, Kelly went inside. She noticed the answering machine light was blinking, and thinking it might be Kimberly or Beth, she pushed the button to listen to the message. It was from Lori. "Kelly, call me as soon as you get in. Thanks."

Wondering what was so important, Kelly dialed the phone. When Lori heard Kelly's voice, she said, "I'm so glad you called. Did you ask him? What did he say? Do I get the interview?"

Kelly was slightly irritated. "Is that all you called for? Yes, I asked him, and yes he will be there tomorrow, and possibly Brian or AJ. Are you happy now?"

Lori was incredulous. "They're coming in?! To the station?! Girl, he must really like you!"

"Yeah well, you owe me for this one," Kelly told her.

"Anything...honestly Kelly, I never really thought you would ask. But thank you so much!" Lori hung up the phone.

It wasn't that late, but Kelly was exhausted. She climbed into bed and turned on the tv. She needed to unwind a little before she could sleep. As she flipped the channels, she caught a small blurb about the upcoming concert on the local news. As she saw the Boys faces flashed on the screen, she suddenly realized that in less than 24 hours she would be meeting Howie, AJ, Nick, and Brian in person.

But it was the thought of Kevin's kisses that kept her awake till well after midnight.

Chapter 13
Chapter 11
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