Thanks for all of the PMs and reviews! They really make my day! EternityLoveHope asked if I was planning on doing the whole story from Stephanie's POV. She thought it would be nice to see some other POVs. I told her that I was originally going to do Carlos's take on their first meeting, but I wasn't sure that I could do it justice. She encouraged me to try, so here is my attempt at Carlos's POV of Friday night! ;)

Carlos's POV

I strolled out of the football game with the guys and headed towards our cars. Our group didn't really care about sports. We didn't play sports, didn't watch sports. We didn't really care whether our team won or lost. We just came to the games to see and be seen. This was where everyone was on a Friday night, so it's where we were, too.

We stood around bullshitting, and I watched a group walk through the gate and head towards their cars. They stopped in the middle of the parking lot and paired off, couples headed out for burgers, bowling, or pizza. I watched as one girl walked by herself to her car. I couldn't see her face from here, but her body was smokin' hot. She was a majorette, so her long slim legs were covered only by thin tights. I trailed my gaze up and down, from the tops of her white boots to where the sequins started on her hip. She had a slim waist, and her hips flared out just enough to give her body a soft curve.

My cousin, Lester, nudged me. "See something you like?" he smirked.

"Shut up, Santos!" I barked at him.

She waved to a couple carloads of friends. Why wasn't she going out somewhere tonight? Didn't she have a date?

She reached into her car to grab a jacket when someone stepped up behind her. The guy wrapped his arms around her waist, and she screamed. I stood up straighter and took a step in her direction. I watched as she turned around and smiled at the guy. I felt my hands clench as I realized who the guy was. Joe Morelli.

I personally had no beef with the guy. He'd never so much as looked in my direction let alone spoken two words to me. Probably because he thought I was inferior. His group from the Burg seemed to be under the delusion that being Italian was one step down from sainthood. Seeing as how I was Cuban, that made me less than worthy of his time. No, I had no personal reason to despise the guy. I just hated him on principle. I had had the unfortunate luck of being stuck in the same gym class as Morelli since freshman year. While he showered his hairy body, he felt the need to tell one and all about the latest virgin he had deflowered or which girl he had gotten to take it up the ass. The guy was a pig.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of sex. A huge fan, in fact. I just didn't appreciate the way Morelli talked about it. I felt sorry for the girls he had lied to, promising that he was in love with them just to get in their pants. Maybe it was because I had four sisters, but I had always been taught to treat women with more respect than that.

I popped open a beer and took a long drink, watching as Morelli helped the cute little twirler into his truck. I hoped that she wasn't about to become his latest conquest.

The guys were ready to leave, to head out for our side of town. There were always girls over there who were ready for a good time. Plus there were rumors of a party one street over from my house. But I couldn't leave. We sat and drank as the parking lot cleared out. Finally there was just one car left. Her car. I couldn't leave until I knew what had happened to her. I don't know why. I couldn't explain my need to know. I just felt a pull to stay here. I had to see him drop her off, had to know that he hadn't hurt her. I didn't want to hear a story about her in the locker room on Monday.

We joked around, sitting on the hoods of our cars and smoking for a couple hours before I saw headlights moving in our direction. I sat up when I saw the truck approach the field. It was Morelli's truck. It pulled over next to her car and parked. My eyes widened when the curly haired brunette hopped down out of the driver's seat. Where was Morelli? Why was she driving herself back to the field?

She looked over in our direction and hurried to her car. I could tell that she was nervous. She was a girl all alone at night in a dark parking lot lit only by a few lights. She was right to be cautious. She slid in and tried to start the car. I could tell the engine hadn't caught.

Something was wrong with her car. Maybe this was why I had felt the need to stay here tonight, the pull I couldn't explain.

Without saying a word to the guys, I sat my beer on the hood of Lester's car and headed over to her. I looked through the window and saw her sitting with her head on the steering wheel. She was no doubt frustrated about her car.

I knocked on her window, and she let out a yelp and jumped. I motioned for her to roll down her window, and she cracked it about an inch. I smirked. Yep, she thought I was trouble.

"You got a problem, Babe?" I asked, crossing my arms across my chest.

She took a deep breath. "My car won't start." She admitted. I looked into her wide blue eyes and felt a surge of pride. This was something I could help her with.

"Let me take a look?" I asked.

She hesitated, and I shook my head. "Would you rather sit here all night?" I tried to rationalize with her.

She knew that I was right, and I watched as she blew out a deep sigh and opened the door. I reached out a hand to help her out of the car. She grabbed it, and I felt a jolt of electricity as I pulled her out of the car. She looked up into my face with wide eyes, and I was pretty sure that she had felt it, too.

I climbed into the car and sat there trying to calm my nerves. What the hell was going on? I mean, the girl was cute, but I've been around beautiful girls before and they'd never affected me the way this girl had. I scrubbed my hands across my face. Pull yourself together, Manoso! I ordered myself. I took a deep breath and turned her car key. I heard the telltale click, click, click, click. She had a dead battery. That was easy enough to solve.

I gave myself another pep talk before I climbed out of the car. She's just a girl. Just treat her like you would treat any other girl. That all went out the window when I climbed out of the car and saw Lester standing with his arm around her. Son of a bitch! I glared at him, and he dropped his arm. Damn straight he'd better drop his arm! Wait a minute! Where the hell were these possessive feelings coming from? I shook my head slightly and walked over to stand in front of her.

"It's dead, Babe. Any idea what happened?"

She groaned and buried her face in her hands. "Yeah. My trunk light doesn't always shut off. When I threw my bag in the trunk earlier, I was distracted. It probably stayed on the whole time I was gone."

My back stiffened. That reminded me why she had been distracted earlier. Morelli had been talking to her. But Morelli wasn't here now; I was. She needed help, and I was the one who was going to help her. Not Morelli.

"Want me to jump you, Babe?" I offered.

She uncovered her face and her jaw dropped open. "What?" she squeaked, her eyes nearly popping out of her head.

I couldn't help it. The expression on her face was just priceless! This girl was too sweet and innocent for her own good! I started laughing hysterically and so did the rest of the guys.

"Your car, Babe. Want me to jump your car?" I managed to choke out.

Her face flamed a bright red and she squeaked out her reply. "Oh! Um, yes, please. But I don't know how to hook up those cable thingies!"

I couldn't help myself. I had to touch her again. I smiled and put my arm around her shoulders. "I know how to hook up those cable thingies. You'll be good to go in just a couple of minutes, OK?"

She nodded at me, and I squeezed her shoulder. I walked over to Lester's Mustang and started it. I pulled it in front of her car and popped both hoods. Cal helped me hook up the cables, and in no time, her car was started.

I left her car running so that the battery would have time to recharge, and I walked over to her. I meant to tell her that she was all set. But then I stood in front of her and looked into her beautiful blue eyes. When I opened my mouth, I heard my voice ask, "Let me drive you home?"

"Why?" she questioned softly. Because you're beautiful. Because I don't want you to leave. Because I want to spend just ten more minutes with you.

"Just in case, Babe. I'd hate for you to get half way home and have more problems." Well, that was true, too. Her car should be fine now, but I wanted to be sure that she made it home OK. I was filled with a completely irrational need to protect her, and I didn't even know her name. I just wanted to wrap her up in my arms and hold her.

She wrinkled her forehead at me. "But then how will you get home?"

She was worried about how I would get home! My heart swelled a little bit, and I glanced over at the guys. "My cousin will follow me."

Lester nodded.

She bit her lip, and I could tell that she was nervous. This wasn't the kind of girl I was used to dealing with. This was not a girl who would be comfortable riding alone in a car with a strange boy. This girl was special. I needed to put her at ease.

I grinned at her. "I promise not to attack you on the way to your house," I reassured her. "But would you feel better if Cal rode with us?" I motioned to him.

She shook her head. "No, it's fine. I'm just not sure what my parents will think of me coming home past curfew with a couple carloads of guys." She blushed.

I loved watching that beautiful color spread across her cheeks. It made her eyes seem even more blue. I was so busy admiring her eyes and her pouty pink lips, that I didn't even respond to her concern.

Lester must have seen the glazed expression in my eyes because he grinned and answered for me. "I'll park at the end of your street. How's that? Your parents will only see Carlos."

She smiled in relief. "Thanks!"

She had agreed! I could take her home! I took her hand and walked her over to the passenger side of her car. When I opened the door for her, the guys started whistling and catcalling. I was going to kill them! I glared at them, and the whistles turned to coughs and throat clearing.

I helped her get in and then I ran around to the driver's side of the car. I climbed in and looked over at her, waiting for her to tell me which way to go to get to her house. She just stared back at me. I raised an eyebrow at her, and she raised both of hers back at me. I wondered what would happen if I took off my shirt? That thought made me grin. Finally I broke the silence. "Babe, you're going to have to give me directions. I don't know where you live."

She blushed and closed her eyes. I heard her mutter under her breath, "If he weren't so freaking hot, maybe my mind wouldn't be scrambled around him!"

I felt my chest puff up just a little bit. I could tell that she hadn't meant for me to hear her, but I was glad that I had. At least we were on equal footing! She was just as flustered around me as I was around her. I tried to cover my laugh, but she looked up and realized that I had heard her.

"Out loud?" she groaned.

"Yeah, Babe, out loud." I grinned.

She blew out a sigh, and I could tell that she was embarrassed. I didn't want her to be embarrassed about her attraction to me. I was already hopelessly attracted to her. I could tell that she was innocent and sweet. She had the most beautiful big blue eyes, and I wanted to see what her pouty pink lips would feel like pressed against mine. I reached over and took her hand. Immediately I felt the same spark that I had earlier. I hoped she did, too.

She gave me directions to her house, and I drove her home in a daze, holding her hand the whole way. I just couldn't make myself let go.

I pulled into her driveway, and a woman opened the door. I was guessing this was her mom. "Stephanie Michelle Plum…" she started to lecture, but gasped when I climbed out of the car.

The disapproval on her face brought me crashing back to reality. This was the Burg. These were the people who thought that The Godfather was on equal footing with the Bible. There was no way that a girl from this section of town would be interested in seeing a guy from my section of town. She was too good for me. I knew it, and from the look her mother was giving me, she knew it, too. Even if I managed to get my Babe to go out with me, it would only be a matter of time before she realized it as well.

Her dad stuck his head out the door and gave me a once over. He glared at me and then addressed his daughter. "Pumpkin, what's going on?" he asked in a gruff voice.

"My battery died after the game. Carlos jump started it for me, and offered to drive me home in case it gave me any more trouble." she explained. My heart sped up a little bit when she said my name. She remembered my name! And now I knew hers. Stephanie. Stephanie Michelle Plum, according to the start of her mother's lecture.

Her mother was still staring at me suspiciously, but her dad looked over at me again and nodded. He stuck out his hand. "Frank Plum." I shook his hand. "Carlos Manoso. Nice to meet you, sir."

"I appreciate your helping out my little girl. You got a ride home, son?"

I nodded. "My cousin followed us. He's waiting at the end of the block." I gestured to Lester's black Mustang.

Her dad turned and pushed her mother through the door. "Five minutes, Stephanie." He ordered and closed the front door. I could hear her mother protesting on the other side.

I grinned at her and raised her hand, kissing her palm. I wanted to bend her over and kiss her full on her pouty lips, but I knew that I couldn't. This girl was special. She deserved to be treated with respect. Plus her father had given me a small measure of trust by letting her stay out here alone with me for a few minutes. I wasn't going to ruin his opinion of me. If he approved of me, maybe Stephanie would, too.

"I guess I'll see you around, Stephanie." I told her. She nodded, and I walked down off the porch and jogged back to Lester's car.

C&S C&S C&S C&S C&S

I opened the passenger door and climbed in. Cal and Lester were waiting for me. The ribbing started right away.

"Man, Carlos! You've really lost your touch! Usually you get to second base within an hour of meeting a girl!" Cal teased.

I glared at him. "She's not that kind of girl!"

Lester smirked. "Did you see those legs? God, what I wouldn't give to feel those legs wrapped around me!" I punched his arm. Hard.

"Ow, man! What the fuck?" he growled.

"Don't talk about her like that!" I snarled.

His eyes widened as he looked back at me. "Jesus Christ! You like her! Cal, do you see this? The great Carlos Manoso has been undone by a little white girl from the Burg! Holy shit!"

I rubbed my temples. "Shut up, Santos!" I barked.

Lester howled. "I can't wait to talk to Tia Maria! Wait until she hears that her little Carlitos is head over heels in love!"

I glared at him. "Unless you want me to tell Tia Carolina what's in your sock drawer, you'll shut the hell up!"

Lester paled. "Damn, man! That's cold!"

We dropped Cal off first, and then Lester parked in my driveway. I raised an eyebrow at him when he shut the car off and climbed out.

"What?" he asked innocently. "Maybe I need a drink of water."

"And you can't wait the two minutes until you get home?" I asked dryly.

"Maybe I want to say hi to my other cousins."

I glared at him. "Keep your mouth shut, Lester. I mean it!"

He just gave me a shit eating grin as we walked through the door.

Mama poked her head out of the kitchen. "Lester! Carlitos! Come have a little snack and tell me about the game."

Lester grinned. "I'd love to, Tia Maria!"

I shook my head and swore under my breath. If he weren't my cousin, I would kill him. I followed him into the kitchen and sat down at the worn wooden table.

Mama gave us both a big mug of hot chocolate. "So, how was the game?" she asked.

"Fine, Mama." I answered her.

Mama tipped her head to the side and looked closely at me. "What happened, Carlos?"

My eyebrows furrowed together. "What do you mean, Mama?"

"You have a strange look on your face. What happened tonight?"

"Nothing, Mama, nothing!" I rushed to reassure her.

She narrowed her eyes and her mouth became a thin line. "Did you get yourselves in some kind of trouble again tonight?"

"No, Mama!"

"Don't you lie to me, Carlos!"

I looked over at Lester, but he was no help. He was smirking and looking at Mama.

"I'm not lying, Mama! We didn't get in any trouble tonight!"

Lester finally spoke up. "In fact, we were the good guys tonight."

My Mama quirked an eyebrow at him.

"We helped a damsel in distress." He winked at me. "Well, Carlos helped her."

Mama looked back at me, an expectant look on her face. "Well?"

I blew out a sigh. "A girl from school couldn't get her car started after the game. Her battery was dead. So I used Lester's car and gave her a jump."

My mother's eyes widened ever so slightly. "And?"

I rested my forehead on my hands. "And I drove her home." I mumbled.

"Excuse me?"

I cleared my throat and looked up. "And I drove her home to make sure that she didn't get stranded."

"You drove a girl home from the game?"

"Yes."

"And she is a nice girl?"

"Very."

"Beautiful?"

I felt my body respond to the memory of Stephanie's legs. "Yes, Mama. Very beautiful."

She smiled so wide that it stretched across her whole face. "Ricardo!" she squealed. "Ricardo, come in here!"

My father came running into the kitchen, a look of panic on his face. "What is it? What's wrong?"

My mother beamed. "Nothing is wrong! Everything is perfect! Carlos has met a girl!"

I groaned and laid my head down on the table as Lester laughed hysterically.

So, do you want Carlos's POV from Saturday? Or should we just keep going with what happens on Sunday?