Thank you morrowsong and Idcam for the reviews.

Heather swiftly quit the small diner. Stopping on the sidewalk, she fixed her eyes upon the ominous-looking black clouds above her. She didn't remember the forecast calling for precipitation today.

"Well, shit. Looks like rain," Kevin said as he appeared behind her.

"We should make haste," Heather stated.

A rumble of laughter erupted from the big man. "Ain't much haste in this battered body but sure, we'll try not the get caught in the rain.

Heather glanced up at him timidly before averting her eyes to the ground. She concluded he probably wouldn't appreciate her correction on his improper English – no one ever did - so she started off.

Luckily, her speed made up for his stride and they were able to keep a relatively even pace. However, their fortune had run short when it came to keeping to rain at bay. What initiated as a few sporadic drops, promptly shifted into a torrential downpour of epic proportions.

"Oh, no!" Heather cried as she quickened her pace. Suddenly, she felt a strong hand wrap around her upper arm and pull her into the safety of a nearby store.

"Just hold your horses a minute, Little One," the giant said to her, "You aren't going anywhere."

"Like hell, she's not. You two are both soaking wet. Get the fuck out of my shop!" a grouchy, middle-aged man, who looked like he could be Danny Devito's brother bellowed at them.

Kevin scowled at the man with rage. If not for Heather he would have walked over and punched the guy.

"I'm sorry," Heather muttered. At first, Kevin thought she was speaking to the shop owner but she craned her neck to look up at him. "I-I have to get back!" With that, she burst through the door back into the raging storm. She needed to make it back to the hotel before her father.

"Wait!" Nash called after her. "Fuck me! You're kidding, right?" he growled before giving chase after her.

The rain pelted them relentlessly as they splashed through the puddles that had quickly collected on the ground. The water was soaking through their clothes, seemingly to the bone.

As he closed in on the girl, Kevin questioned why he didn't just let the girl go and deal with her own problem. If she wanted to run through the rain like a madwoman, he should just let her. She was being absolutely ridiculous. For all her smarts, she was being completely asinine right now. He could feel the sharp pain beginning in his knees as he ran after the girl, dodging people and objects along the way.

Just when he thought he had reached her, she sped up further as the hotel came into sight. Sprinting through the doors, she skidded across the slippery tile almost busting her ass before reaching the safety of the carpet. The few people that littered the lobby stopped to stare at her and her face flared as she continued on as disregarded as possible.

As Kevin entered the hotel lobby, he wiped the dripping water from his face, giving him an unobstructed view of the young female waiting to board the elevator. The testy behemoth trudged over to the young girl and glowered down at her. Her eyes flickered towards him in a brief, dread-filled glance. Her breath caught in her lungs and she started to tremble.

The doors opened and Nash held them as he gestured her inside. She didn't meet his gaze but followed the silent instructions. He stepped in afterward and the doors shut, enclosing them within. "What floor?" his deep, bass voice was remarkably composed. Seeing the fear in her eyes had quelled his anger. He wanted to be the usual crab-ass he was when people pissed him off, but she was much too delicate to endure his wrath. She became immobilized with fear if she even suspected someone was irritated with her. Poor thing.

"F-four," she stuttered out through chattering teeth. She folded her arms across her chest as her body shivered in the cool of the air conditioning. They were both as drenched as drowned rats; the water dripping off them, forming puddles under their feet.

Heather watched Kevin remove the hair tie that had been holding his long mane. Bending over, he twisted his hair, wringing out the excess water onto the already damp carpet. As he was returning to his full stature, he performed an overemphasized hair flip, tossing his head back. He finished with a shake of his head, tousling his locks. The corners of his mouth tugged into a slight smirk as he gazed down at her.

The color spread across her features as she bit her lip, attempting to mask the grin playing on her mouth. A bizarre, giddy sensation that was simultaneously wonderful and horrific, permeated within her ribs, giving her an odd sort of warmth. To say that this man was charismatic was grossly understated.

After what seemed like an eternity, the elevator came to a halt and the doors opened, releasing them into the hall. Silently, Heather made a B-line for her room with Nash trailing behind her. She breathed a sigh of relief as she reached for the door handle. It then dawned on her that the room was inaccessible as she wasn't in possession of a room key. "Shit!" The word expelled from her lovely mouth in aggravation and panic.

The large man had never heard that sort of language from the reserved young lady. Her use of profanity caught Nash off guard and he raised an eyebrow at her. "Everything alright?" he questioned.

Heather glanced up at him sheepishly, mortified by her lack of poise. "Reves is in possession of the spare room key," she said in dismay. She took off her small backpack. The contents were slightly damp but likely salvageable. She rooted around to find her cell phone. It seemed to have been protected from any substantial amount of moisture. On the downside, however, it was dead. She must have neglected to charge it. "What am I going to do?" she inquired with apprehension.

"Come on. You can call Mark from my phone," Kevin told her.

Heather shook her head. "I can't. If my father learns that Rev disregarded his instructions the consequences could be dire."

Kevin paused, looking down at her. He doubted that very seriously, although, he had to admit, he admired her persistence and loyalty. Additionally, he could identify with her urge to protect her sister. It was the same sentiment he had towards his friends who were like brothers to him. Her sister had ditched her and she still wanted to cover for her.

"Listen, you gotta at least get out of those soaking wet clothes," he told her firmly as his eyes fell on her lips that were actually becoming tinted blue. Never mind her tiny body that was shivering and shuddering. "You can call the front desk from my room to have them unlock the door." Not giving her the opportunity to protest, he began guiding her in the direction of his room in the same manner he had led her to the car the other night.

Moving up one floor, they reached Nash's room. He unlocked the door and let them inside.

Heather stopped, her large doe eyes staring up at him, curiously.

"You can use the bathroom," Kevin told her, pointing to the doorway. "There are some towels in there. He turned away to pull some dry clothes from his suitcase.

Heather stood there, silently waiting for him to acknowledge her again. He looked at her peevishly as if to ask, why are you still here?

"Um…" she squeaked.

"Um, nothing. Now, get in there and get out of those clothes before you make yourself sick," he said in a firm yet gentle tone.

Sighing, Heather found her feet shuffling towards the bathroom. When she reached the threshold she halted and turned. "I…" Kevin had already removed his shirt and the sight had taken the words from her mouth. She found her gaze drawn to his bare chest as her eyes followed the beads of water from his hair running down the smooth flesh. A flame ignited on her face, though she hadn't the slightest comprehension as to why. She saw shirtless wrestlers every day. It was all part of the agenda.

Her attention didn't go unnoticed by the giant who took the opportunity to scold her playfully, "Don't look at me like that. I'm not some piece of meat," his voice thundered.

With wide, terrified eyes, Heather gasped. "I…s-sorry!" She closed the door behind her so quickly it produced a bang as it slammed shut.

Kevin frowned on the other side. He seemed to have frightened her. As much as he wanted to, she was much too skittish and timid for teasing.

Heather stood in the middle of the bathroom, pondering how on Earth she could have gotten herself into such a predicament. What had she been thinking, bolting through the rain like a fool? To cover for her sister? To obey her father? That certainly worked finely in her favor. Here she was holed up in this man's bathroom drenched and in a terrible conundrum.

She took a step, feeling the water seep from her high tops like it was being wrung from a sponge. Her sodden clothes clung to her skin and her body shivered with chills. Every moment of this day since she had looked up to see Nash staring down at her in the diner had been utterly humiliating. The challenged she now faced: she couldn't very well remain in this bathroom forever, as much as she wished that were the case. More pressing, what was she to clothe her body in? She sat on the edge of the tub, feeling overwhelmed and defeated.

Glancing around the tiny room, she noticed a white bathrobe hanging from the back of the door. It was not what she would classify as an ideal solution, but it would have to suffice. She sat staring at the drape of cloth another few minutes, not overly eager to quit her hiding place.

She wasn't certain of the amount of time she had been locked away in there, but she knew the time was drawing near for her to make her appearance. She sighed heavily and reluctantly reached for the laces of her Chucks.

Kevin sat on the edge of the bed. He had put on a simple wife beater and gym shorts. His damp hair was pulled back into a ponytail. The little girl had been in the bathroom for quite some time. He wondered if she was alright. Perhaps she had died of embarrassment as a result of his teasing? Guilt then settled over him. He shouldn't have been so flirtatious with her.

Kevin heard the door handle turning behind him, followed by the slow creak of the door hinges. He stood and turned. Her head was poking out of the doorway. Her hair was twisted up in a towel on top of her head like a turban. "Hey, I didn't mean…" His voice fell off as the bashful creature emerged from the bathroom, clad in nothing aside from a bathrobe.

Nash stood slack-jawed as they stared at one another from across the room. It hadn't dawned on him until this moment that she had no clothes to change into. That's what she was trying to let him know as she was protesting. God, he was a jackass!

"I…I haven't any clothes to wear," Heather whispered, stating the all too painfully obvious. Breaking away from his scrutinizing gaze, she turned her head. She held the robe shut tightly with one hand at her neck. The giant continued to stare at her, causing her to feel even more apprehensive. Had she made some sort of mistake by appearing like this when she had no other choice?

For once, Nash truly didn't know what to do or say. She was most assuredly naked beneath that robe and she was obviously mortified and humiliated. His contrition was probably the only thing preventing an erection from pitching a tent inside the thin fabric of his shorts. Should he offer her a tee-shirt? Something? His body went on edge. Yeah, because that's what he needed; to see her in one of his own shirts, draped over her tiny frame like a dress while the neck hung off her milky shoulder. His mind painted a very vivid picture for him and he stifled a groan. This was beyond fucked up. How the hell did he keep getting himself into these situations? He kept sticking his nose where it didn't fucking belong, that's how.

Shaking free of his thoughts, he told her, "You can use the phone to call the front desk." He pointed at the phone on the nightstand by the bed where he stood.

"Thank you," she muttered incoherently, eyes still fixed on the floor. She moved slowly around the bed. They both halted as he tried to step to one side to let her pass. She stepped in the same direction, awkwardly blocking herself.

They both shuffled themselves again, to the same result. Gently grasping her shoulders, Nash slowly spun them around so she now had access to the phone. Her mouth stretched into a thin smile before she turned towards the phone.

Heather slowly picked up the receiver and hesitated a moment before punching the speed dial for the front desk. After informing the receptionist of her issue, she was met with the response that although housekeeping was in possession of a master key, they were not permitted to unlock rooms for guests in these circumstances. Only the manager had that authority and he had left for lunch.

"Yes. 217. Fourth floor," the young girl demurred. "I thank you kindly. You've been most helpful." Heather returned the receiver with a click. She turned to look at Kevin and was a little surprised to see him sitting near the foot of the bed. "Well, um…" she stopped as she started to rock back and forth on her heels.

"Yes?" Nash urged her on.

"It appears that the hotel manager is the only individual with the authority to unlock the room. Unfortunately," she paused adjusting her glasses, "he is currently out to lunch and should return in approximately forty-five minutes to one hour." She glanced at him before shifting her head awkwardly.

"Well, alright then," the big man said, eyes trained on the young girl. This wasn't doing anything to help his psyche, spending the next sixty minutes gawking at her. "Have a seat," he gestured to the bed. "No point in standing there for the next hour."

Heather couldn't argue that point and slowly sunk down at the head of the bed. Having nowhere to cast her gaze, she fixed her eyes on the bedspread. After a moment, she glanced at him. "I'm so terribly contrite about all of this," she mumbled in earnest. "I possess this foolhardy tendency to panic when I become apprehensive.

Kevin looked at her rigid posture, her hands resting on the lap of the white terrycloth. She had been - as she put it – foolhardy, but although his knees currently felt as if they had taken a couple of shots from a sledgehammer or a chair, his only regret was having to gander at her tiny frame sheathed in little more than a towel. His gaze lingered on her a moment longer before he spoke. "It's okay. You were worried about your sister. I admire that type of loyalty, to be honest."

A pink glow spread across the girl's face. "A fair amount of good that has done me, I suppose. She prefers to spend her spare time in the company of Scott."

"That upsets you deeply, doesn't it?" He knew it was a rhetorical question. He just wasn't sure of a response at the moment.

"Yes, it does," she said with surprising conviction. The next instant her eyes became downcast, and she lost it. "We used to do everything together. Now, it seems she is just another person I am driving away."

Her eyes became glassy, and he silently begged her not to cry, as his guilt compounded. This poor girl clearly had some type of abandonment issues going on and here he was, practically undressing her with his eyes. Who the fuck would do that, other than some perverted creep? He was becoming more disgusted with himself with every passing moment he spent in her presence. "You don't drive people away," he said shaking his head, "You have tons of people who care about you."

"I am not so certain about your assertion, but thank you."

"Well, I'm sure I almost blew my knee out chasing after you," he said with more gruffness to his voice than he had intended. His own words hit him like a punch to the gut.

Fortunately for him, she didn't seem to read into any intended meaning on his part. She only frowned at him. "I'm very sorry. I never intended to have you rushing after me. Also, do forgive me if I am disturbing you."

Hell yes, you're disturbing me! I've been pretty fucking disturbed by my thoughts as of late, he wanted to divulge to her. "You're not disturbing me," he told her gently.

Heather wasn't entirely convinced that she wasn't encroaching on him. "I don't wish to be a burden to you. You truly have no obligation to look after me."

"I know that. I was concerned for your safety," He ignored his conscience asking him if he could keep her safe from himself.

"And I thank you for that, but I don't wish to hassle you any longer. I can wait in the hall, by my room." She stood, ready to leave. There was a perturbed sense of uncertainty growing inside her. Her mind recalled his previous statement. Had he insinuated that he cared for her in some small measure? She must be daft.

"Don't be ridiculous. You're not going to wait in the hall for some jabroni to come unlock your door. She had already proceeded to begin walking towards the door. He groused, "And in a bathrobe, no less."

Just as she had passed him, Kevin grasped her wrist, gently tugging her back. As the unexpected force yanked at her small body, her foot caught on his. She expelled a tiny yelp as she felt herself falling backward. Her petite frame inadvertently deposited right in the behemoth's lap as her hands clasped the fabric stretched over his muscular chest.

His arms had caught her awkwardly, one hand supporting her back. With their faces mere inches apart, their gazes locked on one another. His body stiffened as his brain processed the featherweight pressure on his lap. "Be careful," his voice was low and gravelly. He was honestly uncertain as to whether he was speaking to her or himself.

His voice was like smooth silk against bare skin. Heather's heart was already thrashing against her ribcage like a battering-ram and her stomach felt as if it were performing somersaults.

It went without stating that Nash's disposition was in no way improved upon. He had been attempting to drive the thought of this girl from his head for the past few days. Now, here she was, naked as a jaybird under that robe, sitting in his lap with her tiny hands on his chest. If that wasn't the definition of irony, he didn't know what was. Staring into her eyes, they sparkled like a pair of emeralds as a myriad of emotions and questions were reflected back towards him. His hand drifted gingerly down her back as if guiding the shiver that ran down her spine. She bit her lip and adjusted her hips ever so slightly. Her subtle movement caused his member - which he had been willing with every ounce of power to stay dormant – to lurch, beginning to spring to life. He stifled a groan as her eyes narrowed in bewilderment, then promptly widened with shock and a small gasp escaped her lips.

"I'm sorry! I…" She broke the gaze as she sprang up as if she had just come to the realization that she had been sitting on a pile of hot coals. Tripping over him again, she nearly fell to the floor.

Heather sat on the bed avoiding his eye. The towel that was fixed on her head had become loose and was starting to unravel as it sat lopsided. The young girl was taken back when he closed the gap between them and an enormous hand reached out for the large rectangle of cloth. It was gently pulled it from her hair, allowing the dark tendrils to cascade down her back and shoulders.

Mercy. She was a sight, her long hair falling everywhere while her cheeks were painted pink, glowing against her alabaster skin. He dropped the towel beside them on the bed and his hand was brought to her damp hair, his lanky fingers combing through her silky strands. His actions drew another shudder from her small frame. Her chest locked up as a foreign sensation coursed through her.

"You're just a bit gawky, aren't you?" he chuckled, teasing her tenderly, unable to help himself.

"I-I have terrible equilibrium," she murmured.

Kevin merely smirked at her as his fingers continued to toy with her locks.

Curiously, she found herself leaning into his touch as something unnamable was beginning to take root in her. Her scalp tingled each time his digits buried themselves in her hair.

With one last stroke, his hand left her tresses and carefully grasped her chin, lifting her face toward his, forcing her gaze upon him. Her heart stopped, then it was racing at warp speed the next instant. She couldn't endure his excruciating stare, nor could she look away.

His thumb delicately traced the smooth, lush flesh of her lips. They trembled under his touch and parted slightly, in awe of his conduct. So perfect and pure, her chaste lips beckoned for his to impart their wisdom to her.

He leaned into her, only vaguely astounded that she rightfully smelled like the pages of a brand new book. He smirked slightly and stared at her with an expression of hunger painted in his hazel eyes. "Just for the record…" his bass voice conveyed a husky, sensual timber that caused Heather's breath to hitch and her stomach to tighten. His lips approached dangerously close to hers. Just as he was about to lay claim to her virgin mouth, an infernal ringing sounded throughout the room, startling the bashful girl. She jolted and Nash pulled back slightly.

She continued to stare at him for a moment, remaining dazed. Kevin's visage displayed both shame and disappointment, which was reiterated in his infliction when he spoke. "It's the phone, Little One," he said, his cadence languid and subdued.

Pulling out of her daze, Heather blinked and the spell was broken. "Oh!" she gasped, leaping up from the bed. She turned towards the nightstand and grabbed the telephone receiver. "H-hello?" she mumbled breathlessly as her heart was still racing. She listened to the caller on the other end, and when the call was completed, she thanked them and hung up.

Heather slowly spun around, not meeting his eyes. "Th-the manager has returned early," she paused. Just their proximity had been too great to process at once, let alone his actions thereafter. "H-he will be present, within a few minutes to unlock the door," she whispered.

"Okay," was all Kevin said with a nod. She refused to look at him and to his chagrin, he had to confess, it somehow stung.

Heather gathered her clothes from the bathroom in silence and set off to her own room.

Kevin accompanied her to ensure she reached her destination unharmed.

He was glad he had done so, for, at first glance, the manager seemed taken back by Heather's odd attire. Having seen sights far more bizarre, he shrugged and proceeded with his duty. Before inserting the key, however, he stopped and took a gander at the girl, his eyes raking over every line underneath her robe.

"Ahem," Nash cleared his throat in his gravelly tone. He was standing back, now glowering at the man with his jacked arms folded over his broad chest.

The man swallowed hard and continued his task. He pushed the door open for her. "Here we are," he said, nervously, "If you need anything el-"

"No. Thank you!" The young girl blurted out as she bolted inside the room, allowing the door to slam shut behind her. She knew she had been quite discourteous to both men, but her every sense at present, was too overwhelmed.

Dropping her belongings right on the floor where she was standing, she flung herself on the bed and buried her flaming face into a pillow. Her heart pounded as she recounted the events that had lately transpired. She felt herself smile against the plush cushion as her eyes began to sting from tears.

She lifted her head. Had that been an illusion? Had he tried to…to…kiss her? Her emotional antithesis was leaving her feeling conflicted. On the one end, she was relieved for the interruption of the telephone. On the other, she was crestfallen. The sensations he instilled within her were like nothing she had ever experience before; akin to floating.

Thinking of how closely their bodies met, left her with a hollow cavity within her chest as she yearned for something she had never known. None of the boys at school had ever sparked an interest in her in such a manner. Consequently, this man was probably twice her age. Was she some sort of freak? Surely, she had to be. Fear and doubt began to take root inside her. Perhaps, what had transpired between them was a grand delusion she had fabricated? Yet, he had touched her and their lips were merely a breath apart. This was all exponentially bewildering.

She wasn't afforded much more time to ponder this as Reves burst through the door. Her breath came out in heavy pants. "Dad's not back?" she asked. Heather only shook her head. Reves looked at the pile of damp clothes on the floor. "What happened to you? You get caught in the rain?"

"No thanks to you," Heather muttered disparagingly as she got up from the bed. She approached her suitcase and retrieved a set of dry clothes. She kept her face turned away and hidden as she felt her visage would betray her.

"I never told you to go out in the rain," Reves shrugged, refusing to be blamed for her sister's foolery.

"You- Never mind," Heather groused before taking her fresh garments and heading towards the bathroom. She wasn't in an emotional state to argue futilely with her sister.

Having returned to his room, Nash paced the floor like a caged animal. He was reeling from his exploits. What had he been thinking? He had almost kissed the girl, for Christ's sake! He had gone from lewd fantasies to trying to take advantage of her. She probably found him fucking revolting. Evidently, she couldn't wait to get away from him when she ran into the room without so much as a goodbye.

He attempted to shake himself from this self-loathing state. Why the hell was this happening to him? She was nothing more than a silly kid, but he craved her deep within his core.

Kevin sat down on the bed, rubbing his temple. He couldn't do it. He desired the girl in more ways than he could count, but he would ruin her. He was a scoundrel and a reprehensible prick. Hard as he might try, he would crush her delicate soul and kill the dim light that was left in her eyes. Not to mention, Mark would literally murder his ass.

He couldn't risk another episode like this. He had to ignore and steer clear of her as much as possible. Simply act like she didn't exist. Then these lustful feelings would pass and things would go back to normal. At least, that is the lie he used to pacify himself.

Well, that escalated quickly. Let's see if Nash's plan works out for him.