Chapter 2 Kevin slammed down the phone in disgust. Nobody could get anything right these days! He had just spent an hour on the phone with his old friend, Michael Jamison.

Michael had become an accomplished private investigator while Kevin became a Backstreet Boy. As different as the two friends were, they were almost like brothers.

Kevin needed Michael's help now to figure out the mystery that lay before him. Namely one, Cassie "Unique" Dawson.

Kevin stood and began pacing. There had to be a way to figure out what she was hiding. A different approach that Michael wasn't using.

He smiled suddenly as an idea came to him. It was already halfway in motion without any effort on his part. All he need was to get close to Cassie and make her trust him.

He would finally see what Cassie was hiding and put all his questions to rest. In the meantime, he would concentrate on getting through this without Cassie finding out what he wanted to do.

"Just you wait, Cassie," Kevin murmured softly spying on the girls in the distance. "I'll find out what you're hiding. Bet on it."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Cassie sighed as she turned off her cell phone. The other girls looked at her questioningly. She rubbed the back of her neck, feeling the tension that grew there, but continued to smile.

"So, how is he?" Katie finally asked.

"He's going to be okay." Cassie replied tiredly. "I feel bad though. I should be there."

"Well Hun, if he's anything like you he'll survive." Claudia smiled sympathetically.

"Yea, but he needs me." Cassie said sadly.

"Who needs you?" Brian's voice made all the girls turn. He approached them slowly, smiling hesitantly. "Did I interrupt something?"

"Ugh, no we're fine." Lexi said quickly.

The girls looked from Brian to Lexi and back again. Everyone found out about the kiss, now they wondered what would happen between the two.

"Are you sure?" Brian asked finally, focusing his gaze on Cassie. "It sounded like y'all were worried about something or SOMEONE."

Lexi decided a change of subject was needed. She cleared her throat and stepped closer to Brian. "Um Bri, we need to talk."

Brian nodded. "I know. That's why I came over here." Lexi took his arm and led him away from the girls.

The others watched as the couple disappeared into one of the dressing rooms. Sarah shook her head. "This situation is totally screwed."

"You think Brian would ever leave Leighanne?" Katie wondered.

"Doubt it." Claudia said turning to the girls. "He's loved her way too long just to give it up."

"So you think Lex will tell him all bets are off?" Sarah asked in shock. "I thought she was crazy about him!"

"Yea, but she would never come between two people like that. You know that as well as the rest of us Sarah." Katie said.

Claudia turned to Cassie, who was presently staring off into space. "Cass? What do you think?"

Cassie turned to the girls. "What? Oh.. About Lexi and Brian?"

They all nodded and waited for an answer. It seemed Cassie always knew the right thing to say. Maybe she'd know what to make of this whole love triangle.

She sighed and shrugged. The girls frowned with concern. "Hey," Katie said softly. "It'll be okay. We'll only be gone three more months, and then you can be with JJ everyday."

"Until we leave again." Cassie sighed slumping into a chair.

"You knew the sacrifices you had to make in order for this to work." Sarah pointed out.

"Of course I did and I wouldn't change anything, but." Cassie trailed off.

"But you miss him. a lot." Claudia finished quietly patting Claudia's shoulder.

"Yea, I do." Cassie frowned closing her eyes and rubbing her temples. Life was just too complicated.

"Hey girls, how's it going?" Nick's cheery greeting made the girls look up again. They all smiled.

"Hey Nick," Katie smiled sweetly up at him. "How's the ankle?"

Nick blushed slightly still smiling. "It's ugh okay. Not so sore anymore."

"Aww. are you sure?" Katie asked sympathetically. "It was such a shame you couldn't finish our game the other day. I was having fun kicking your butt!"

The girls could not help the laughter that followed and Nick tried his best to laugh along. He ended up blushing more now. He turned away, feeling pretty glum, mumbling some excuse to leave. The girls said their good-byes as he walked away then turned to Katie.

"Do you always have to make fun of him, Katie?" Cassie asked, grinning slightly.

"No. Not all the time." Katie replied. "Just when he thinks he's better than me."

"You do realize that if you two ever got into a real fight you'd still have to see each other everyday, don't you?" Claudia asked pointedly.

"I know. That's why I don't let him get to me." Katie shrugged.

"Funny. It didn't look like that." Sarah laughed.

Katie threw her a look. "Well at least I don't jump all over AJ every time he comes to say hi."

"I do not!" Sarah protested, but the telltale blush highlighted her cheeks.

Cassie laughed. Her younger sister sure had a thing for AJ, but she also had a strong suspicion that Katie liked Nick. No matter how much they denied it.

She had known the girls all too long for them to hide anything. This is what worried her when she saw Lexi leave the dressing room a few minutes later. Lexi looked like she'd been crying, but trying her best not to show it.

Cassie frowned again. Nothing was going right, except that P.U.R.E Harmony was on their way to stardom. Nevertheless, at what price, Cassie thought glumly. Josh needed her, and she was halfway around the world from him!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"You are my fire. the one desire. believe when I say. I want it that way." Brian sang soulfully. The crowd screamed, and the cameras flashed as the guys did what they were born to do.

The girls watched from the side of the stage as the guys performed. Their part of the show already done.

Lexi had been oddly subdued ever since her talk with Brian and the girls respected her privacy. In the meantime, Cassie had given strict orders to leave her alone. She had known better than anyone what it was like to need some time alone. Hadn't she needed time five years ago when.

Cassie shook her head. Now was the time to go back to the past. What mattered was the future, for her to get home to Josh. She sternly told herself that as she watched the guys. They looked so good out there. just like that night. Suddenly, Cassie couldn't help but get lost in the memories.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Hey there, you look a little lost." Cassie smiled openly as the handsome stranger turned to smile back.

"Actually, I could use a little help." He said with a small grin.

"Well, that's what I'm here for," she replied.

"Are you some sort of angel?"

"No."

"Could've fooled me, beautiful."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Cassie shook her head, banishing the memory. This wasn't the time to live in the past.

Her eyes went back to the stage and she saw the guys again. She gazed long enough to catch Kevin's gaze. He smiled at her, giving a small wave. Cassie's heart constricted as she gazed into his eyes. eyes so much like Josh's.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"You guys were amazing!" The stage manager gushed as they came off stage.

"Thanks." Kevin said picking up a towel and water bottle. He hurried off to the dressing room to change.

They all had a flight to catch by midnight if they wanted to be in the next city on schedule. Everyone was hurrying.

Kevin sighed as he stepped outside. He had to start talking to Cassie in depth. Then he could figure out what was so intriguing about her.

He noticed a silhouette standing by the cars pacing. He let his eyes focus and he realized it was Cassie.

Her body rested lightly against one of the bumpers and she put a hand to her temple. Kevin wondered what could be wrong. He straightened slightly, then started to make his way or so he could find out.

As he got closer he realized she was on the phone. He noticed that she was always carrying her phone around. Previously Kevin thought it was because she liked being in contact with everyone at all times, but he was beginning to realize it could be the other way around. Maybe someone always needed to be in touch with her.

"Aw. Baby, I miss you too," Cassie was saying as Kevin approached her. He froze in the darkness, not wanting to intrude, but not being able to walk away. "Mhmmm, I know Honey, I know. you did? Really? I'm glad. What's she say? Oh yea? Good."

Kevin noticed a note of sadness creep into her voice, despite the fact she was struggling to sound cheery. He wondered who she was talking to.

"Okay Josh. I gotta go now. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?" Cassie said after a few minutes of listening to the other person. "Yes baby, I love you too. I'll tell 'em. Good night."

A soft chuckle came from Cassie's lips and the sound oddly sexy to Kevin. He guessed she was talking to a boyfriend.

Kevin felt a sudden pang of jealousy hit him. Jealousy? He had nothing to be jealous about.

Right now, she and Kevin were just working together on this tour, and they were friends. That was all, right?

"Of course it is." Kevin muttered softly, without realizing Cassie was close enough to hear him.

"Oh my." Cassie jumped up in surprise. "Kevin, it's only you. Damn you scared me."

Kevin smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry. Well, I sort of heard your conversation."

He saw Cassie's shoulders tense up, and he wondered why she was so nervous. "You did? What did you hear?"

Kevin shrugged. "Mostly the good-bye."

"That's all?" Cassie relaxed slightly.

He nodded. "Yea, I'm sorry. I didn't know it was a private conversation. Was it your boyfriend?"

Cassie frowned. "Boyfriend?"

"I heard you say the name Josh." Kevin explained.

"Oh. well. No, he's not my boyfriend."

"Oh," was all Kevin could say.

"We should get going." Cassie said softly breaking Kevin's train of thought.

"Going?" Kevin looked confused.

"Yea. to the airport." Cassie said with a small smile. Kevin nodded.

"Yo Cassie! Get your butt in here!" Katie yelled from one van.

Cassie laughed as she brushed past Kevin. He caught a bit of her perfume. She smelt like flowers, fruit, and baby lotion.

Kevin chuckled. He had seen the girls use baby lotion at some of the rehearsals. They said it was better for their skin than regular lotion. Whatever the case, he liked it.

"Kev! Get your ass in here before we miss our flight!" AJ yelled.

Kevin jogged over and got in. The guys stared at him, wondering what he'd been doing out in the cold. They figured he must've been thinking about something.

He sighed as the van started moving, and settled into his seat. The guys could stare as long as they wanted, but he couldn't answer the questions he saw.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"He said THAT?" Katie asked in disbelief, shaking her head slowly. "I can't believe Bri said that."

"I can," Lexi said sadly. "I heard him say it.. to me!" "So he doesn't want to break up with Leighanne, huh?" Sarah sighed seeing Lexi depressed

"No, and I don't blame him." Lexi tried smiling. "After all I'm just me. Leighanne, well she's been with him so long. They are a cute couple."

"Yea," Claudia nodded sympathatically. "But still, you're kind of hurt, huh?'

"Kind of?" Lexi laughed sadly. "You could say that. My heart feels like it was shattered into a million pieces. So yea, I am kinda hurt."

Claudia shrugged. "Sorry."

Lexi sighed heavily. "It's not your fault. It wasn't meant to be. Right Cass?"

All eyes went to Cassie, who had been silent up until then. She looked at the girls and groaned inwardly. She was expected to answer that, wasn't she? She tried her best to smile.

"Ya never know, Lex." Cassie said. "He could change his mind."

"Gee thanks." Lexi replied sarcastically. "You know, ever since Josh got sick you haven't been much help."

Cassie frowned. "I'm sorry. I just haven't been able to think about much else."

Lexi rolled her eyes. "I know. I just wish I could make all our wishes come true. That isn't happening though."

"Not exactly," Katie said dryly. "We are after all best sellers."

"Sometimes I wonder what it would be like without all this," Sarah gestured around the dressing room. "Without stardom, the fans, the guys."

"the guys definitely are a big part of this." Claudia sighed.

The girls looked at her. Something was bothering her and they hadn't even noticed it until now. She looked very tired. Cassie saw Claudia for the first time in a while quite clearly. She had dark smudges under her eyes, and a troubled look.

"What makes you say that, Claud?" Cassie asked finally.

Claudia shrugged. "Oh, no reason. You have to admit without them this wouldn't be happening. They were the ones who inspired us and now they're boosting our image."

"Don't forget they weren't thrilled when we signed those contracts." Katie said. "True," Claudia nodded, "And they didn't accept we were that good until we sang for them. All I'm saying is maybe they had good reason to."

"Claudia! We've worked our asses off to get here and you're doubting our skills?" Sarah snapped.

"No!" Claudia said quickly. "I'm just sayin the guys are number one for a reason. What if we never beat them?"

"This isn't a battle Claud." Cassie sighed impatiently.

"I know, but others don't." Claudia replied.

"Are you talking about this stupid rivalry between Katie and Nick?" Lexi asked.

"No, I'm not."

"Then what is it?" Lexi wondered.

"Well.it's," Claudia sighed, "ugh just forget it."

The girls shrugged. Claudia really wasn't making any sense right now. They decided to just leave it alone. Claudia was a smart girl, she would sort it out eventually.

"So. this isn't about Katie and Nick?" Cassie asked when the others turned their attention to the Play station.

"No." Claudia shook her head slowly. She sighed deeply. "It's about me and Howie."

Cassie looked shocked. "You and Howie?"

Claudia smiled. "Yeah. you know what? I'm sure it'll pass."

Cassie sighed as she leaned back in her chair. What a tour this was turning out to be, she thought.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*

Kevin sighed as he leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his hair. What an afternoon this had been signing endless autographs. He was exhausted.

He sighed again as he slowly walked towards the back door with the rest of the guys. Suddenly his cell phone started ringing. He slipped it out of his bag and answered it. It was Michael calling.

"Kevin, you won't believe this!" Michael said excitedly. "I checked some medical records and get this. Miss Cassandra "Unique" Dawson was hospitalized back in 96. She was there for a whole month!"

"Hospitalized?" Kevin questioned. Was Cassie sick? Was she dying?

"Because she had complications with. are you sitting, Kev. with her pregnancy!" Michael replied. Kevin suddenly wished he was sitting.

"So she had a baby?" Kevin asked still in shock.

"She sure did! Healthy baby boy. He was born two months early, but safe and sound. He weighed in at 5 pounds 2 ounces, all parts accountable." Michael chuckled. "His name's Joshua James."

"Joshua," Kevin repeated slowly. "Josh." He knew now who Cassie had been talking to.

"Anyway. the birth certificate doesn't say who the father is, but Joshua now stays with Cassie's parents and younger twin sisters. They live north of Milwaukee in Muskego." Michael said.

"That's great." Kevin said absently. Cassie would kill him if she found out what he was doing. All he knew was that he felt like an ass right now.

"You know, Kev, I'd say this is some big news. If the media ever got a hold of this it would be chaos. "Michael said quietly. "The girls would be the scandal of the century."

Kevin frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Well he girls are known for being so good, so wholesome, so "pure". If everyone found out that one of them had a kid out of wedlock it would be HUGE news." Michael commented.

"They never claimed to be perfect. Besides nobody thinks like that anymore." Kevin said defensively.

"Imagine what this would could do to a fan base, Kevin. The kid's going on five soon! Which means he was born before she was famous meaning she lied to everyone!" Michael exclaimed.

"How is hiding the truth a complete lie?" Kevin asked.

"Kevin, how would your fans react if you said you were married with three kids." Andrew said. "And P.U.R.E Harmony is just getting to the top. Think what would happen if this got out."

Kevin's voice was harsh when he spoke. "That's why we're not letting this out, Michael."

"Then why the hell did I got through all this work?" Michael asked shocked.

"Just don't say anything. You hear me, Mike?" Kevin insisted.

Michael sighed. " all right Kevin. I won't say a word."

"Look I gotta go. Thanks." Kevin said.

They soon hung up and Kevin looked around to see that nobody overheard him. The other guys were already in the van, and everyone else was working.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Cassie shot up suddenly hearing her cell phone ring. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand and blinked to make sure she was seeing correctly. Four in the morning?

She sighed as she slipped out of bed and stumbled over to her bag. Before she could get to it she knocked over a lamp and jumped at the loud crash.

The lamp wasn't broken, but her phone was still ringing. She dug it out of her bag and answered. "Hello?"

"Cass? Is that you?"

"Of course it is, Mom. Who else would answer my phone at four a.m.?" Cassie grumbled. "Mom, what's wrong?"

Mrs. Dawson hesitated. "Cass. its JJ. He's not doing good."

Cassie's heart stopped. "What do you mean?"

"Your dad and I had to take him to the hospital. His fever was out of control and well he wants you."

Cassie felt tears begin to fall. "Tell him I'll be there."

"What about the tour?"

"Mom, who cares? My baby needs me so don't try and change my mind. Tell him I love him."

"Okay Cassie, but hurry."

"I will."

She hung up quickly and looked around. What should she do first? Well, she needed a flight. She ran to the nightstand and pulled out the phone book. As she searched for the airports number, a knock sounded on her door and jumped again, dropping the phone book with a loud thud.

"Cassie? You okay? I heard a crash," It was Kevin's muffled voice she heard through the door.

Sighing, she opened the door and stared at Kevin. He looked down at her with concern in his eyes, then peered in the room behind her. She sensed he knew something, but he was there and she could use all the help she could get.

"Kevin, I'm glad you're here." Cassie said finally.

"What's wrong?' Kevin questioned.

"I." Cassie realized the guys didn't know about Josh. "Well, it's a really long story and I don't have the time to explain, but I need a plane to Milwaukee."

Kevin's eyes widened in surprise. "For what?"

"It's a family emergency," Cassie said urgently, "It has to be now. I'll explain later."

Kevin looked thoughtful for a minute, then he smiled. He touched her face gently, tipping her chin up so he could look directly into her eyes.

"Don't worry, we'll get there." He said softly.

Cassie nodded knowing somehow Kevin wouldn't let her down. He always had been like that. Sweet and always ready to give more of himself. just like when. Cassie blinked.

Nope, not now, remember Josh, she thought. She let Kevin in and half- listened as he made some phone calls.

Half an hour later, they piled into one of the rental cars and headed to the airport. Once they arrived, Kevin rushed Cassie past the gates before she could even say thank you and they were taking off. Then again she had all the time in the world to thank him because Kevin was sitting right next to her!

"Kevin," Cassie said slowly, "Why are you here?"

Kevin smiled easily. "You said you'd explain later. Now is later."

She looked into his twinkling green eyes and found herself getting lost in them momentarily. Of course she was, she always had been a sucker for guys with green eyes. That's why she had fallen so hard that night.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Are you some sort of angel?" Kevin asked with a teasing grin.

"No." Cassie smiled shyly.

"Could've fooled me, beautiful." Kevin touched her face gently as he said the words. Cassie smiled back.

Kevin Richardson was here in Cassie's favorite club. It had been rumored he was going to be there, but the brilliant 23-year-old never bought into any rumors. She had run right into him. Unfortunately he wouldn't be there long.

"Maybe you can help me." Kevin interrupted her thoughts.

"Maybe." Cassie nodded.

"See, I'm looking for my friend. I kinda lost him in here."

"That happens a lot," Cassie giggled. "But I think I saw him by the bathrooms."

"You did? How did you know what he looks like?"

"I saw him come in with you," she lied.

"Well, thanks." Kevin held out his hand to her. Cassie took it and marveled at the strength she felt there. She simply smiled like an idiot. "You could come with me to look for him."

"Why not?" Cassie heard herself say.

Great." Kevin released her hand, only to put his arm around her waist gently.

'Wait until the girls hear about this,' she thought.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Cassie blinked as she came back from the memory of that night. The girls never found out about that. She had kept it a secret ever since it happened.

Since that night her life had never been the same. Which was why she wouldn't remind Kevin. She doubted he remembered it anyway.

"Hey," Kevin's soft whisper startled her even though she'd been staring at him for the last five minutes. "Welcome back. How was the trip?"

"Trip?" Cassie looked confused.

"Your little daydream. You were thousands of miles away." Kevin smiled.

"Oh," Cassie smiled slightly. It was more like four years away, she thought.

"So now will you tell me why we need to fly to Milwaukee on such short notice?" Kevin asked.

Cassie looked at him, uncertain what to tell him. How do you tell someone you had a one-night stand four years ago?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"What do you mean they're gone?" AJ asked in disbelief. He stared incredously at the management team before them.

"I mean exactly what I'm saying," one manager replied. "Kevin took Cassie back to Milwaukee for some family emergency. He didn't say anything else."

If it had been such an emergency then why hadn't any of the other girls gone back home? The four girls in question sat looking down at their feet. They hadn't said a word all morning.

"They'll be back before you know it." Another executive spoke up.

"If you say so." Howie said uncertainly.

Soon the business people had left, and the guys were left alone with the girls. They waited for somebody to explain, but all the girls were strangely mute.

AJ cleared his throat finally and Sarah looked up at him. "Is there something we need to know?"

"Not really." Claudia answered.

"Where are Cassie or Kevin then?" Nick questioned.

"In Milwaukee or are you deaf." Katie snapped.

"We heard," Howie said defensively. "What we want to know is why?"

"How would we know anything?" Lexi asked quietly.

"She's your cousin!" AJ exclaimed.

"He's also your cousin," Sarah pointed out, looking at Brian. "And she's my sister. That doesn't mean we know where they'll be every second!"

"Okay. Okay," Brian said finally. "Before this gets nasty we'll accept the assumption you don't know where they are."

"So what do we do now?" AJ wondered.

"Go to the next city. Our planes leaves in two hours." Katie said simply.

The guys sighed. So what if the girl had a point. That didn't mean they got the best of them. They would find out was going on sooner or later.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Kevin, this is Josh," Cassie said softly, caressing the little boy's head as Kevin moved closer. Cassie had told him everything except who the father was.

Today though he was meeting Joshua James in the flesh. Kevin smiled at the little boy that eyed him suspiciously. The little guy was adorable with dark brown hair and tanned skin like his mommy, but he had the greenest eyes ever. Kevin stared into Josh's eyes and saw a reflection of his own.

Kevin blinked. Maybe he was just imagining things. A lot of people had green eyes. But as he studied the child longer, he saw things that scared him half to death.

Josh had a strong face, not a sweet curving jawbone like Cassie's, his nose was proud and straight, not button-like, and those eyes. How many times Kevin looked into those eyes.. As a child.

"Momma, who is he?" Josh questioned. Cassie held her breath as she saw the recognition dawn on Kevin's face.

"You." Kevin looked at her strangely, as if seeing her for the first time.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Are you sure you want this sweetheart?" Kevin murmured as his hands roamed over the girl's body.

"Mmm yes," she said, offering herself to him.

Kevin groaned as he felt her press up against him. His lips sought out hers and once again they shared a passion filled kiss.

"Honey," Kevin said against her lips, "the bedroom's that way."

"Mmm." Was all she could say.

Kevin took that as a good enough answer as he picked her up and carried her to the double bed in his room. Her dark hair spread across the pillow like silk and he couldn't stop from running his hands through it.

Finally, not being able to take it any longer, he held her hands above her head as he plunged into her, hearing her satisfied moan mingling with his own.

When they both reached the climax he collapsed on top of her. He felt her arms go around him and he rolled slightly, bringing her to his side.

He heard her say that she should leave, but he didn't want to let her go just yet. He inhaled her sweet scent lightly.something light, flowery mixed with baby lotion.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"It was you." Kevin said huskily, memories of that night flooding back "You were the girl who helped me find Howie and then we."

Cassie looked down in embarrassment. "Why didn't you say anything?" Kevin asked, pain in his voice. His eyes fell to Josh.

"I didn't think you'd want to know." Cassie said finally, tears sliding down her cheeks. " I figured you wouldn't have remembered anyway."

Kevin saw the pain in her eyes. He reached out and held her hand comfortingly. "What was I supposed to do? I had no way of contacting you, so I told everyone else I was pregnant by somebody else. Nobody knows we met that night."

"Momma, my tummy feels funny." Josh said suddenly.

Cassie looked down at her son and rubbed his tummy gently. "It'll be okay, baby. The doctors will take care of you."

Kevin watched as mother and son hugged, and his throat constricted with emotion. His son. Joshua James. Richardson.

Michael had never found out who the father was. Now Kevin knew why! Cassie kept it a secret from everyone, including him.

Kevin wanted the whole world to know he had a son and- Kevin's hopes plummeted in a millisecond. There was no way this could get out. It would hurt both their careers.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~**~*~*~*

"Michael, what are you doing here?" Howie asked in surprise. He had been on his way out to do some shopping for his family when he ran into Michael in the lobby. The two men had met occasionally, through Kevin of course.

"Hey Howie, I'm actually here to see Kev." Michael smiled easily.

Howie frowned. "Well, sorry man, but he's not here."

"He's not? Where'd he go?" Michael questioned.

"Personal and confidential." Howie smirked.

Michael nodded understanding. "It's all good Howie. I just had some stuff for him he asked me to research."

"Oh," Howie looked over the manila envelope Michael had. "I could give it to him when he gets back."

"Thanks. That's a big help." Michael said handing it over. "You look tired Howie. Something keeping you up at night?"

Howie laughed. "Just work.. as usual."

"Touring like this must be exhausting." Michael said slowly. "But Kev mentioned some fine ladies this tour."

"Yea, they're sweet girls." Howie admitted.

"You don't have anything against them do ya?" Michael questioned.

"Who me? Nah." Howie said sarcastically. "There's just this one girl, Claudia. She's been getting on my nerves lately."

"Oh?" Michael was all ears.

"Yea, she beats me ay everything." Howie commented. "I mean these girls are good. It'd just be nice to bring them down a few pegs, ya know."

He patted Howie's shoulder and grinned. "You never know what could turn up."

Michael turned to leave. So the girls needed an ego adjustment? He'd sure give it to them.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*

At first Josh had been afraid of Kevin, but he soon won him over with a Game boy and tons of games. Cassie sighed as she watched them now. Kevin sat reading a book to Josh as he listened closely.

Even if her and Kevin ended up together, she realized Josh needed a dad and now he had one. The shrill beeping of her cell phone interrupted the quiet time and she rushed to get it. She knew they should've been back by now, but she couldn't just leave Josh yet.

Kevin half-listened as Cassie started talking to whoever called. "Daddy," Josh said impatiently. "You're not reading!"

Kevin smiled down at him. "Sorry JJ, I was just wondering who called your Mommy."

"It was prolly Auntie Kat. She calls here all da time." Josh dismissed. "Keep reading Dad."

Kevin chuckled as he picked up reading again. He finally finished the story and kissed Josh goodnight. As he tucked him in Kevin saw a look of sadness come to Josh's eyes.

"Something wrong, JJ?" Kevin asked in concern.

Josh looked up at Kevin with big eyes. "You and Mommy are leaving again, huh?"

Kevin took him into his lap and kissed his forehead. "Yeah JJ, we are, but we'll be back."

Not for a long time. You'll forget about me." Josh argued.

"We would never do that." Kevin smiled.

"So when you come back will you live with Mommy and me forever and ever?" Josh asked.

Kevin faltered. He hugged Josh knowing that there wouldn't be any clear answers until he talked to Cassie. As if on cue she re-entered the room.

"Kevin, we need to talk." Cassie said stiffly.

Kevin frowned at the anger he saw in Cassie's features. Something had gone wrong, he could see that.

Slowly they both tucked Josh in bed and kissed him goodnight. After that had been done Kevin followed Cassie, noticing her barely controlled anger.

He waited for her to speak as they entered the living room of her cozy apartment. "How could you?" She asked coldly.

"Cassie, what are you talking about?" Kevin asked, slightly baffled.

She let out a slight laugh. "You know EXACTLY what I'm talking about, Kevin Richardson, and I want to know how you could do something like this!"

"Like what?" Kevin asked in confusion.

"THIS!" Cassie threw the newspaper at him in disgust. 'Look at the headlines!"

Kevin glanced down and felt his color drain. "Oh my God," he stuttered. The bold headlines read: " RISING STARS FALL.P.U.R.E HARMONY SECRETS BROUGHT TO LIGHT! "

"Cassie. I.. I didn't know." Kevin tried explaining.

"Bullshit!" Cassie screamed. "Don't lie to me you asshole! You knew! You knew the whole time I had a son, didn't you?"

Kevin fell silent, knowing he couldn't lie. Casie let out a pained sound. "You KNEW! You hired that damn investigator and found out. and he told everyone! You ruined our career." She fought the tears she had. "Why Kevin? We worked so hard for this. Only to have it ruined because of you!"

"Cassie, wait, I didn't m." Kevin tried to argue.

"They took us off the tour!" Cassie nearly screamed.

Kevin was shocked. "What? What do you mean?"

Cassie wiped her eyes relentlessly. "I mean what I just said! Jive kicked us off. Katie just called! They were told to pack and go." Kevin was speechless. "They said it was to protect us from being hounded by reporters and. and. and so we don't drag you down with us. God! The girls don't deserve this. it's all my fault."

Kevin reached out to hold her. "Cassie, that's not true."

She yanked away violently. "Don't touch me," she snapped. "Don't you EVER come near me again. I hate you."

Kevin fought back the hurt those words caused him. "You don't mean that."

"I mean it Kevin." Cassie said softly. "You come near me again and I'll kill you." Kevin stared at her. "I want you to leave."

"I'm not leaving Cassie." Kevin argued.

"Oh yes you are." Cassie snapped glaring at him. "They want you back immediately and I don't want you here a minute longer! And I don't want you ever to come near my son again!"

"You can't keep him away from me." Kevin challenged.

"I did it for four fucking years Kevin, just watch me!" Cassie threw back.

She was right, but he didn't want her to. He realized he wanted to be part of their lives, but he also needed to get back.

"Fine. I'll go." Kevin sighed. "But I'll be back. I swear I will."

Cassie was silent as tears streamed down her cheeks. She never wanted to see him again, at least that's what she told herself.

P.U.R.E Harmony was a lost cause. But as the door closed behind Kevin, Cassie wondered what was the greater loss..her career.. Or her heart.