Drew was awakened by Kayla tossing and turning. He heard her cry out "Scottie" and woke her up. Her eyes shot open and she looked at Drew and started crying. He pulled her against him and held her. "Shh love, it's alright. Don't cry."

"I miss him Drew. It is all my fault."

"No. It's not love. Do you want me to call Heath?"

"No, don't wake him up. It will scare him if you call him this late. I'll be okay with you here." She stayed in Drew's arms until she had calmed down.

"Do you want to talk about it baby?"

"Yeah, I guess I need to tell you huh? Well, Scott was my big brother. We were really close. And it is my fault he is dead."

"Kayla, Heath told me your brother was killed by a drunk driver. How is that your fault?""He was coming to pick me up. I called the house for my mom to come get me after the football game was over. They had forgotten I was still there. I had to be there, I was a cheerleader. Scott was the only one home and told me he would come and get me. On the way, he was T-boned by a drunk driver who ran a stop sign. One of my friend's dad was a cop who heard it on the scanner and took me to the hospital. I didn't know he was already gone. I still have nightmares where I see him. I miss him so much, and he would still be alive if it wasn't for me."

"Now you know that isn't true."

"Of course it is. He would have stayed home if it wasn't for me."

She started to cry again and he held on to her. He wondered if anyone else knew how she felt because Heath didn't tell him that part. He didn't understand the guilt she felt. How could she blame herself for it. He grabbed his phone and send Heath a text, on the off chance he was still awake. Drew stroked her hair and spoke softly to her, trying to calm her. About ten minutes later, Heath banged on the door. Stu answered, "Where is she?"

"What? It is late. What are you doing here?"

Heath moved Stu out of the way and called for Kayla. "Oh, right. She is in Drew's room." Stu wondered why Heath was over there at 3 a.m. He went in Drew's room and Kayla was still crying into Drew shoulder. She looked up and saw Heath and started crying harder.

"Baby girl, what is the matter? You have to calm down."

"Scott" is all she said.

"Kayla Jo, now you know your brother wouldn't want you crying over him like this. He loved you. He would want you to be happy."

Drew looked at Heath, "she told me she blames herself."

"What? Kayla, it is not your fault. It was an accident."

"No. It. Was. My. Fault." she cried out.

"Damn it. No it wasn't. I am not going to let you blame yourself for that. It just happened baby. The only one to blame was the son of a bitch who hit him." Heath wrapped his arms around her and she was cradled between him and Drew. Stu came in to see what was going on and it broke his heart to see her in so much pain. He always cared for her and kicked himself for being a jackass and letting her go. But he was glad she had Drew now. They were good together. He walked out and went to get her a glass of water. Truth was, he really didn't know what else to do for her. He was close to his brother, and couldn't imagine something happening to him.

Kayla eventually cried herself to sleep, and Heath went back home. "Take care of my girl Drew" he said as he walked out.

Drew lay with her, smoothing her hair and stroking her cheek as she slept. Stu came in and sat on the bed next to them. "Glad she is finally asleep mate."

"I'm not. That is how it all started."

"You can't protect her from everything Drew."

"I can try. Heath was right, she has been through so much. I can't imagine her walking around with all this guilt. I always wondered why she freaked out on me when I got into a row with my brother John. She told me I had to make up with him because I wouldn't get over it if something happened to him. I thought she was being morbid, but the truth is, she knows."

"She wants to spare you that pain. I understand that. She loves you a lot Drew. I hope you realize that."

"I do. I love her too."

"I was shocked as hell at the scene I walked in on tonight by the way."

Drew laughed, "Oh yeah, that. Well, sorry then mate."

"No, don't apologize. That was the hottest thing I have ever been a part of. I asked Ste if that was a normal thing for you three. He said no, only once before."

"Yeah, Kayla is a wild girl. But so sweet at the same time. I think that is why it turns me on so much. She looks so sweet and innocent, but I know how brazen she is in bed. I mean, she gave me a blow job down at FCW when anyone could have walked in. She wows me every time."

"You are a lucky man. She is just about every man's fantasy come to life."

" I know. I don't plan on ever letting her go. I just wish she was open with her life as she is in bed."

"Just give her time. She will be. I better head back to bed. See you in the morning mate."

"Yeah, goodnight." Drew curled up closer to her, saying a silent prayer that she didn't wake up crying again. He ultimately fell back asleep as well, his arms protectively wrapped around her. She woke up later and snuck out of bed and went to find Stu. She figured he was awake, because he always was. She rapped softly on his door and called his name. "Stu?"

He came to the door, "Kayla, love what is it?"

"Can you talk for a minute?"

"Sure, I was just reading anyway. Come in." Kayla walked in and sat down on his bed. "So what do you want to talk about?"

"Drew."

"Oh. What about him?"

"There are some things I need to open up to him about, and I don't know how he will react. I figured it was safer to ask you than Stephen."

"Why is that?"

"Because you can be more objective. And I have known you longer."

"Okay Kayla. So what is it?"

"Some things, even Heath doesn't know, so you don't say anything until I can tell him. Deal?"

"Deal. Just tell me."

Kayla opened up to Stu, feeling relief that she could get some of it off her chest. There was still some that she couldn't talk about, not yet anyway. And things that she only wanted to share with Drew.

"Drew loves you, he will understand. It hurts him that you can't open up to him."

"I know. I never want to hurt him Stu. But I don't want him to think less of me."

"For the last time, love, most of that isn't your fault. I would say the majority of it isn't your fault. He will understand. Just let him be there for you. Let him be the man you need. He will be. Drew is one of the best people I have ever met. And one of the most accepting. Now, go back to your man and tell him you love him. You already let him in your heart if you love him, and I know you do. It's okay to have a wall up to protect yourself, but there is no need to protect yourself from him. He will never hurt you. He would never put his hands on you. And he won't leave you. Just give him a chance."

Kayla started to tear up. "Thanks Stu. You are a good guy too you know."

"Yeah, but don't let it get out. It will ruin my image."

Kayla went back into Drew's room and climbed back in bed next to him. Drew woke up again "where have you been love?"

"Talking to Stu."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I just needed to talk."

"You should have woke me up Kayla. I would have talked to you."

"No, it's okay. I will tell you everything later. I promise. I love you so much Drew. Please don't be upset with me."

He took a deep breath "I'm not love. I'm not jealous. I know you love me. I just wish you would confide me like you do Heath and apparently Stu."

"Baby, I was talking to Stu about you silly. And well, I have known Heath forever. I promise, tonight, we stay in, just you and me. If you are going to be my man, there are a lot of things you need to know. But I will be honest with you. I promised you I would never lie to you or hurt you, so I won't. Just don't leave me. I don't think my heart could stand it."

"Kayla, I'm not going anywhere. Let me be your man. Let me take care of you and protect you."