CHAPTER 22

Tristan’s mind was racing. She hadn’t moved from the tree when they pulled away. She had leaned back against it and then her legs seemed to go out from under her. She slid down the trunk of the tree to the ground and held her knees up against her chest. She didn’t know what she was feeling, everything had happened so quickly. In a matter of just a few minutes, Kevin had managed to shock, scare and excite her. She, in turn had loved, hated and wanted him. Then he was gone - like a ghost. The words he had spoken in her ear, the tone of his voice, his hands on her had aroused her. Her panties felt damp. These feelings were strange to her and she didn’t know how to handle them.

The drive to Richmond was quiet. Kevin sat in the back seat, his head against the window. Sometimes he made a pretense of looking at the countryside but most of the time his eyes were closed. Brian and Leighanne didn’t say much either. They didn’t feel like they could discuss the day's events in front of Kevin so they remained silent.

They were in the air by 4:10, on the way back to Orlando after a stopover in Charlotte. They were all exhausted and frustrated because there had been no resolution to Kevin’s heartache. Over the years, Brian had seen Kevin display a myriad of emotions but couldn’t recall ever seeing him show desperation. It scared him a little. Brian made it his business to sit next to Kevin on the plane, hoping to find out what had happened in the trees at Tristan’s house, but Kevin was not forthcoming. Damn, why does he have to keep everything bottled up? He knows he’d be better off talking about this and letting it out - maybe we would be able to give him some encouragement.

Kevin put his head back on the seat and closed his eyes. He’d done it - he’d taken Nick’s advice and now he’d have to sit back and wait. He feared he’d lose his mind if he didn’t hear from her soon. His mood slowly shifted to despondency. This also concerned Brian given Kevin’s tendency towards depressive episodes in the last year or so. These episodes had been relatively rare, but recent ones had led Kevin to alcohol for relief. The others didn’t know about this, although Nick might have an inkling of Kevin’s potential problem after last week. Brian decided that he’d try to get Kevin to talk.

“How do you think it went back there, Kevin?”

Kevin didn’t move, didn’t open his eyes. “I really don’t know, Brian. I don’t know if she’ll come or not.”

“Well, what did you say to her?” Brian paused. Kevin opened his eyes and looked at his cousin and Brian turned his head away from his gaze. “I’m sorry - none of my business.”

Kevin considered this. It was true that it was no one else’s business, but in this group, there were few secrets. Personal problems and dilemmas affected them all. He was used to being on the listening end, though. Kevin tended to be stoic and it was hard for him to reveal too much. But Brian had stood by him and had even made the trip with him, sacrificing his holiday. Kevin felt that Brian had earned what few answers Kevin could provide.

“I told her what I wanted.”

“I think I know how you feel, Kev, but what do you want from her?”

“I want her to want me, Brian.”

“I believe that she does, Kevin.”

“Or she did,” Kevin answered. “Or thought she did. She wrote to me once that timing was everything. She’s going to start touring again. Maybe I’m too late.”

Kevin reached into his bag and pulled out a Walkman and cassette tape. Brian noticed a label on the tape that read ‘Air and Variations in E major’. Kevin put on the headphones, popped in the tape and closed his eyes again. There was no more talk.

************

Rehearsals for the New Years Eve show started the next morning. In the afternoon, the Boys made a benefit appearance, looked over some new songs and did a photo shoot. Kevin kept his cell close at all times, but there was no word from Tristan. The 28th was spent doing individual interviews, a press conference, a visit to a local children’s hospital and a segment for ET. Still, Kevin heard nothing.

By the 29th, Kevin’s nerves were about shot. He’d tried to call Tristan’s house several times, but there had been no answer. He wondered if he’d said too much to her and she was deliberately avoiding him. If he’d had time to sit and talk with her, maybe he could have been more ‘delicate’, but he hadn’t had the luxury of time to think. He’d only had time to feel.

Nick had been on his case some, too. He was blunt about wanting information but Kevin wasn’t ready to spill it to him. He knew that Nick was fond of Tristan and had no qualms about showing it. He pestered Kevin with a slew of questions - one after the other. Kevin met his questions with silence.

“Well, did you see Tris?”
Yes, Nick.

“Is she coming back?” Nick got right to the point.
I don’t know, Nick.

“What did you say to her?”
That I wanted her in my bed, Nick.

“What did she say?”
Didn’t give her time to say much, Nick.

“Have you talked to her since you saw her?”
No, Nick.

Nick was annoyed with Kevin’s refusal to answer his questions and Kevin was losing patience with Nick’s unrelenting persistence. Tension was mounting between them again.

“Shit, Kevin! You’re not the only one who cares about her, ya’ know! We’d all like to see this work out, but if it’s not going to then I think that we deserve to know that, too!”

“Deserve?! Why do you think you deserve anything?”

“Don’t be an ass, Kevin! Our lives are all connected, like it or not. We deserve to know because we love you.”

****************

By December 30th, Leighanne had decided that she couldn’t stand the waiting any more. She was determined to track Tristan down and try to find out what she was going to do. If she was planning to return - great! Just let someone know before Kevin had some sort of breakdown. If she wasn’t coming back, then tell him. It was cruel to leave him hanging. Leighanne didn’t know what Kevin had said to Tristan in Virginia, but judging from his mood on the return trip, she guessed that it had been a passionate discussion.

All of this was affecting Brian, too. He had been sticking close to Kevin in case anything happened. He had told her that Kevin was prone to depressive episodes and since Kevin hadn’t heard anything from Tristan since the trip, Brian felt that he needed to be close to him in case things didn’t work out.

Leighanne called everyone she could think of who might know of Tristan’s whereabouts. No one she called knew anything, but they often offered suggestions about where else she might try. By following various leads and rumors, she finally discovered that Tristan was to perform in Charleston that very night. Leighanne called the venue, but Tristan hadn’t arrived yet. She was told that the concert was at eight and should last about ninety minutes. There would be a reception afterwards. Tristan had agreed to conduct a class for local students the next day. They told Leighanne that a voice mailbox had been set up for Tristan and that she was welcome to leave a message for her, which she did.

*****************

Mike had arrived from LA that morning. He felt like he should be at the Boys final concert of the year. After all, they were his most profitable clients and it looked like things could only get better.

He arrived at the rehearsal hall later that day. Walking towards the stage area, he spotted AJ sitting on the edge of the stage with a towel around his neck and taking a large swig from a bottle of water.

“Hey, J!" Mike called, walking towards the stage with his hands in the pockets of his very expensive suit. “How was your Christmas?”

“Great, great. Yours?”

“It was okay. Christmas in these warm climates just doesn’t seem quite right, though.”

“True, true.” AJ nodded.

“So, did the other guys have a good Christmas?”

AJ’s antennae stood up a little. “They seemed to.”

“How ‘bout Kev? Did he get to see Tris?”

AJ looked at Mike. He was smiling and jovial. Kevin really liked him and was pleased with the job he’d done on their management team. His questions seemed innocent enough. We’ll see if he’s gonna ask about everyone or if he’s gonna settle on Kev.

“Think he did......yeah, he did.”

“Is she still in Virginia?”

“Far as I know.”

AJ noticed that Mike seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. “Too bad. Kev seemed to be fond of her. Bet he misses her since she lived with him and all.”

“Couldn’t say. She’s a great woman, though,” AJ answered. He’s fishing!

“Kevin can have his pick of great women, AJ. Tristan is sweet, but Kev never really struck me as the type who went for ‘sweet’.”

Son of a bitch. Well, if he wants to go fishing, I’ll make sure he catches something. “Well. Mike, you know how southern women are raised - lady in the living room, cook in the kitchen, whore in the bedroom. Maybe Tristan isn’t so ‘sweet’ in private.”

Mike frowned.

****************

When Tristan left Orlando, she felt like she had laid all her cards on the table. It had been painful for her to open herself up like that but she’d felt a compulsion to be honest with Kevin and let him know how she much cared about him, even though he was unable to return those feelings. She honestly thought that part of her life was over. Then when Kevin showed up at her house and said those words to her, she knew that she was going to have to make some difficult decisions. She had never wanted any man before. Now, the one she wanted and thought was beyond her reach had come to her, pleading for her return. She wanted to go to him but she was afraid. She didn’t want to hurt like that again.

When she got to her hotel room, she still didn’t know what to do. Tristan checked her messages and was surprised to hear a voice mail from Leighanne. Tristan closed her eyes as she heard the voice. Leighanne sounded upset.

“Tris - it’s Leighanne. Listen, I’m sorry to bug you and all. I don’t know what’s going on but please call someone down here and let us know what you’re going to do. Call Kevin - please! He really needs to hear from you.”

*****************

There would be no middle ground for Kevin tonight. He would put on his Backstreet face for the crowd, but he knew that when the calendar changed at midnight and a new year began, he would either have hope and the chance for a purposeful life with Tristan or he would be alone - physically with a bottle or emotionally with some woman he had no feelings for. Maybe both.

The show started and there was still no word from her. He didn’t really expect one anymore. Either she would come or not. The crowd would never know that he wasn’t thrilled to be here. He danced, thrust his hips and shook his ass like they expected him to do. He blew kisses and singled out women in the audience to sing to. Automatic pilot was a wonderful thing. You could get from point A to point B with no effort and little memory of the trip. During costume changes and solos, he would scan people backstage looking for her. If he saw blond hair, he would do a double take, but there was no sign of her. He felt in his gut that whatever played out on this last day of the year would echo his future.

The festivities continued after the show and they were all there. It was New Years Eve, after all, and the Backstreet Boys had to be there with their hometown fans to ring in 1999.

***********

“Nick?”

Nick heard a voice coming from a darkened hallway off the backstage area. He was tired and didn’t really want do anymore of the ‘fan’ thing tonight. He turned to the voice but couldn’t see anyone in the dark space. Then his eyes focused on Tristan as she stepped into the dim light of the room.

“Damn, girl! I was afraid you weren’t gonna come back!”

“I wasn’t sure I was, Nick. I still don’t know if I should be here.”

Nicked hugged her tightly to his chest. “Sure you should be here! Kevin doesn’t know you’re here, does he.” It was statement, not a question.

“I haven’t seen him. There are so many people.......”

“I’ll go find him for ‘ya.!”, Nick grinned. “I’m glad he didn’t scare you away. He’s been so damned quiet since Christmas. I thought maybe you’d told him to go fuck himself..........ooops, sorry.” He could see that she was scared Her hands shook a little and her voice wavered.

“I just feel so....so...vulnerable right now. So naked.”

Nick frowned and nodded his head. Tristan mistook his look as one of understanding and sympathy. In fact, Nick was concerned. He felt a little protective of Tristan, despite the age difference. She was vulnerable. As for naked - well, he thought she might really feel naked before the night was over. He might have to kill Kevin if he hurt her again. He wouldn’t tell Kevin that, of course, but that didn’t make it any less true.

“Don’t move. Let me find him.”

Tristan moved back into the dark hallway. After a while she saw Nick pulling on Kevin’s arm, jerking him over to where she was.

“Dammit, Nick. Don’t go setting me up! I sure as hell don’t need your help!”

“But Kev, this one’s special - real hot - and she wants you!”

“If she’s so damn special and hot, why don’t you make a move?”

“Man, believe me, I would, but she only has eyes for the tall, dark and handsome type. I really think you’re gonna like her!”

“Not interested, Nick.”

“You will be.

“Nope, I won’t.”

“Care to put some green on that? How about a hundred?”

Kevin laughed. “Shit, you’re on! You just bought me a new sweater, you cocky son of a bitch!”

Nick stopped and pointed towards the hallway. When Tristan stepped out, Kevin stopped laughing and tried to swallow the lump in his throat. He gaped at her, not particularly confident that he really was seeing her.

Nick was waving his hand in front of Kevin’s face, trying to break him out of his trance.

“Kev? - Man - didn’t I tell you she was something special?” Nick laughed and held out his hand, rubbing his thumb against his fingers. “You forgetting something Kev?”

“Catch me later.”, he whispered, still staring.

Nick backed off and left the two alone. Even with hundreds of others nearby, they were alone. Kevin felt like he was standing outside of his body watching himself. The crowd had started counting down but Tristan couldn’t seem to move forward. He reached out and pulled her to him, thinking he might never let go. Tristan responded and let herself fall into his arms, whimpering against his chest as he rocked her.

Happy New Year.

CHAPTER 23

The ride back to Kevin’s house was silent. Any attempt at normal conversation would seem petty. The atmosphere in Kevin’s truck was intense and neither of them wanted it to dissipate on the heels of shallow chit-chat. They both knew what would happen tonight. He drove with one hand, holding hers in the other, squeezing it from time to time and glancing her way. He felt her fingers tremble and thought she was nervous or afraid. She was a little nervous but not afraid. Not afraid of him at any rate. She was fearful that she wouldn’t measure up to any expectations he might have. He didn’t know for a fact if she’d ever had a lover before or even a serious boyfriend. She had said things in Stockholm that might have indicated her relative innocence, but never to him or any of the guys.

Kevin just wanted this to be good for her. He had already discovered that she was capable of great passion. If he could release that in her, he honestly thought he could die a happy man. He had told her what he had dreamt of doing with her, to her and for her. Her arrival in Orlando had told him that she accepted this, that she wanted him to have those things - that she wanted them, too. It was important to him for her to feel that he was making love to her, not just having sex. Making love and having sex could be totally unrelated. He wasn’t sure he had fully understood that until he fell in love with her.

They entered the house and went directly up the stairs in the dark, Kevin holding onto Tristan’s hand as he guided her up behind him. When they walked into Kevin’s room, he stopped, held her close for a moment and then kissed the top of her head.

“One minute,” he said and made his way over to a small table in the corner of the room.

She could hear him fumbling around and then heard the strike and smelled the sulfur of a match. Tristan watched as Kevin lit a lone candle that sat on the table near the bed and looked at his silhouette as the light shown behind him. The candle illuminated the room in a soft light - low enough to be soothing, bright enough to see.

He walked back to her, removing his jacket and when he reached her, he took hers as well. Kevin wrapped his arms around Tristan, holding her up against his body, almost like he was afraid she might run away.

“Tris,” he finally spoke. “You know how much I want you, don’t you?” He put his face in her hair and breathed deeply.

“I want you, too, Kevin. I want this to happen, but......” Tris’ throat closed up and she found it difficult to speak. She blinked back tears and went on. “......you should know some things about me before we go on.”

“What is it , baby?” He was still holding her tightly.

“Kevin, I know that you don’t expect a 24 year old woman to be a virgin and, technically, I’m not.” Tristan’s voice was shaking, but Kevin had to let her go on. He had to know that she trusted him enough to tell him this and to express her fears to him. He knew that if she could trust him now, especially after she had felt that he had rejected her in the past, that she would trust him later when he was making love to her. She went on, “I was raped a year and a half ago. That’s the only sexual experience I’ve had.” Tristan could barely hold back the tears. ”I’m sorry....so sorry.”

Kevin held her away from him and looked deeply into her eyes.

“Tristan.....I’m sorry about what happened to you. I really am. But you shouldn’t apologize You did nothing wrong - that animal did! Purity is a state of the heart - it’s not physical.” He paused, searching for the right words. "If you’re inexperienced it’s only because you’ve never given yourself to a man before. You can’t understand how it touches me to be your first. I hope that I’ll be your only.” He pulled Tristan back into his arms.

“But Kevin,” she wept into his shoulder. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I don’t know any....any....tricks.”

Kevin smiled into the top of her head. God, he loved her!

“Baby, I don’t want ‘tricks’. I want you, not a performance. I want us to love each other honestly. Just don’t fight what your body tells you to do - or what my body tells you to do. Okay?”

She nodded into his shoulder. “Okay.”

Kevin stepped back away from her and, placing his hands on her shoulders, bent down to kiss the tears away from her eyes and cheeks before he found her mouth. Their lips were already parted when they met and their tongues found each other quickly. His tongue moved into her mouth, encouraging her to meet him, which she did with no hesitation. Tristan couldn’t control the soft moan that escaped the back of her throat and when his mouth left hers and traveled down and around her neck, she had to gasp for air. Her hands moved down and then up inside of his sweater, finding his nipples and rubbing her fingers against them. His kisses stopped and his head fell to her shoulder as he groaned at the sensation she had created. He pushed his hips against her and she could feel his stiffness.

One of Kevin’s hands began to caress her breast through her blouse while the other hand began to unfasten the buttons, opening each one slowly, before it found its way inside. He backed her up against the wall so that he could press his hands and body against her tightly. His mouth went to her throat as the blouse slid to the floor and his fingers played at the edge of her bra, teasing the lace and the sensitive skin beneath. He unfastened it and slid the straps from her shoulders causing it to fall to the floor beside her blouse. Kevin found her zipper and slid it down slowly before pushing the skirt down and off of her hips. Standing back form her, he pulled his sweater over his head.

He stood for a moment, letting his eyes take in the woman before him. Tristan was still leaning against the wall, as if for support, her eyes closed and the hint of a smile on her lips. Strands of hair fell to the front of her body threatening to cover her breasts which rose and fell with her breathing. Her breasts were supple, creamy and voluptuous. His eyes traveled downward to her flat stomach and on to the junction of her thighs. She still wore panties made of pale pink lace, the same color as her nipples. Her legs were long and slender, her thighs the same creamy color of her breasts. She reminded him of a watercolor, pale and translucent in the candlelight.

Tristan opened her eyes and gazed at him as he pushed his sweats to the floor and walked slowly towards her. His erection was straining at the black silk of his boxers and she had the urge to touch him there - to stoke his swelling. Kevin put his hands in her hair and kissed her again, running his hands down her bare back to her backside. This time when he left her mouth he continued to taste her, running his tongue down her neck and throat to her cleavage.

Kevin felt Tristan grab his hair and hold him there as his tongue and lips wandered to her breast, nipping the soft skin with his teeth. When he locked onto her nipple and began to suck forcefully, her legs began to buckle and she groaned his name, causing him to harden even more. He moved one hand from her bottom to the front of her leg and began to stroke her inner thigh, still sucking and nipping at her breast. Then his hand moved up over her panties and past her stomach until it reached the untended breast and began to knead. Kevin’s fingers splayed open as his hand pressed on her and then they tightly closed, catching the pink bud between his fingers and squeezing.

Tristan thought she might collapse and she pushed her hands deeper into his hair, curling her fingers.

“Jesus, Kevin!” she gasped. Then her voice fell. “What are you doing to me?”

He paused then and moved his hands back to the top of her panties where he pushed the pink lace to the floor. When he came back up to her mouth, she felt his hands wrap under her bottom and lift her. She instinctively put her arms around his neck as her legs encircled his waist. He could feel her dampness pressing up against him as he carried her to his bed.

Tristan felt Kevin lean forward as he placed her on the sheets. She watched his face as he moved beside her to lay at her side, propped up on one elbow. He was so beautiful. As he looked down at her, she could see the shadow of his dark lashes on his cheek. He ran his fingers down her body from her shoulder to her thighs, barely grazing the surface of her skin. Shivers crawled up her spine.

She continued to watch him as he studied her body in the candlelight. She was excited by his gentle exploration. When his fingers reached her pubis, her hips lifted of their own accord to meet them. His lips held the trace of a smile at her reaction to his touch.

The back of Tristan’s hand went to Kevin’s shoulder and slowly moved down his chest with the same light touch that he was using on her. But when her hand began to descend, his fingers stopped. He closed his eyes, letting out a long sigh until her hand reached his hardness and began to stroke him through the silk. Kevin moaned and then grabbed her hand to stop her.

“Tris, you don’t know how badly I want your hands on me.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingers. “But I know that I wouldn’t want you to stop. It won’t take much for me tonight. Do you understand?”

“I want to feel you, Kevin,” she whispered.

“Oh baby,.....I want that, too. I ache for it. But not yet. Okay?”

“Okay.” she answered as her hand went back to his chest. Her fingers began to circle his nipples.

“Oh, Tris.....” he murmured at her touch. His hand went back to the soft fur that covered her womanhood and then moved down between her thighs.

Tristan took a breath when she felt his fingers separate her delicate folds and then run the length of her to her swollen clitoris. She tensed when he touched her there and her hands tried to find something to hold onto. Kevin continued to manipulate her and when she had reached her edge, he leaned to her, kissing her deeply and inserting his finger into her.

Tristan cried out against his mouth as Kevin slowly moved his finger in and out of her. After several strokes, he added a second finger, stretching her gently. She murmured his name again and again under her breath.

“Shhhh....You’re doing fine, Tris. Relax, baby.”

Tristan’s hips began to move in response to the motion of Kevin’s hand. He watched her face. He didn’t want her to cum - not yet. He wanted to be inside of her the first time he brought he to climax. Her movements were becoming more urgent and he could feel a slight spasm around his fingers. Kevin put his mouth to her ear and gently stroked her hair with his free hand.

“You’re so warm inside, Tris. So wet.... So tight..... Are you ready for me, baby?” he whispered.

“ Please, Kevin.....yes.....please!”

Kevin withdrew his fingers slowly and brought them back up to her stomach, deliberately brushing her swollen button on the way. Tristan groaned.

Kevin’s silk boxers were binding him painfully now and he removed them as he watched Tristan try to catch her breath. She was breathing through her mouth, almost panting. She didn’t take her eyes off of him as he gently spread her legs and positioned himself between them. Kevin leaned over top of Tristan and held her forearms down to the sheets as she raised her knees and pushed her hips against him. Their eyes locked once again and she gazed upon his face. He was searching hers intently. She might have thought he was angry by his expression if she hadn’t been able to read the tenderness and passion in his eyes.

Kevin pressed himself up against Tristan’s opening and began to penetrate her. God, she was tight. His pleasure was exquisite. His body cried for him to thrust himself into her fully and without mercy but his heart persevered and he moved gently. Her face seemed to glow with a kind of wonder. She wasn’t afraid. He had her trust.

“You tell me if I need to stop, Tristan, and I will”

She nodded to him slightly in response. He was so much larger than his two fingers had been. She had expected some pain, but it caught her by surprise as he entered her more deeply. Tristan cried out and tried to raise her shoulders as Kevin caught the pain in her face. His movement stopped and his arms went around her back, pulling her to him and trying to soothe her.

“I’m sorry Tristan...I’ll stop...It’s okay, Tris......We’ll stop this now....” he whispered in her ear.

“No! Wait.... One minute....I’m okay. Don’t stop Kevin. Please....Don’t move out of me!”

“I don’t want to hurt you, Tris....I.....”

“PLEASE!”, she cried and then spoke more softly. “I want this Kevin. I need this. I need you completely....I’ll be alright.”

“Okay Tris, alright...Slowly, baby...Relax...” He needed this, too. Desparately.

He continued to move into her and when he had filled her completely, he paused, giving her time to accommodate him. After a few moments, her hips began to move and their rhythm began. Her eyes closed again and she began to murmur words he couldn’t understand.

Kevin couldn’t control this anymore and he began to move more forcefully into her. Harder. Faster. He watched as she began to quiver, her walls tightening, creating for him an intense pleasure that was almost unbearable.

When Tristan reached her peak, her back arched and she ground her hips against him, screaming for him. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He followed right behind her, emptying himself with a force he had never felt before and collapsing into her neck, groaning her name. They were both trying to draw a complete breath and were covered with perspiration. After a few moments, he withdrew and then entered her once more, easily now, as her muscles relaxed and his erection began to subside. He could feel his semen inside of her and her walls contracting around him. Kevin laid his head on her shoulder and rested until the tensing stopped and then he moved off of her and back to her face. Their mouths and tongues met again, not with urgency this time, but with a tenderness that echoed their fulfillment.

CHAPTER 24

When Kevin stirred at 8AM, his head was on Tristan’s belly and her arm draped across his shoulder. He didn’t want to move. He thought he could probably spend the rest of his days either on her or in her. Kevin raised his head slowly and looked at her, her arm falling to the bed.

Her hair spread across the pillow and onto the sheets. She had a lot of hair. For a moment, he wondered what it would feel like moving lightly across his body. He’d have to find out. Last night was just a beginning. A new beginning. A new year. A new album. A new tour. A new life.

Only their legs were covered and Kevin was chilly. So was Tristan by the look of her breasts. Her nipples reminded of him of pink pebbles and he wanted them in his mouth. He felt himself tightening but decided she should sleep. Kevin pulled the covers up over them and snuggled next to her and she turned to him, still sleeping and buried her face in his chest. His wrapped his arm around her shoulder pulling her closer and drifted back into sleep, relishing the contentment that had escaped him for so long.

The phone rang at 9:30 startling both of them out of their sleep.

“Hey, Kev. It’s Nick!”

“Yeah, Nick. I think I can recognize your voice after six years,” Kevin said, absently twisting a strand of Tristan’s hair between his fingers.

“Yeah, well....is Tristan there?”

“What the hell do you think?” Kevin snapped, annoyed at the intrusion. "Do you want to talk to Tris?”

Tristan opened her eyes at the mention of her name and started to raise her head. Kevin gently pushed her back down to her resting place.

“Well, no actually.”

“You just felt compelled to call here at 9:30 on a holiday to see if she happened to be here?”

“Is she alright?”

“Why wouldn’t she be, Nick?”

“No reason, Kev. Shit. Chill, man!” Nick didn’t like Kevin’s attitude. He sounded a little defensive.

“Did you call about something or did you just want to get the scoop on Tristan?”

"Jeez, Kevin! Go take a Midol or something. I called because Mike wants us to come over to the complex today for New Years. You know, football, food, beer. I told him I’d give you a call. Girlfriends are invited, too.”

Girlfriend. Is that what Tristan was? His girlfriend? The term seemed a bit superficial for his feelings.

“What time, Nick?”

“Mike said noon until whenever. You coming?”

“Yeah...maybe. Listen, sorry I jumped down your throat. Guess it’s too early for me.”

“No problem. See you two there.”

Kevin hung up the phone and felt Tristan move in to nuzzle his neck.

“Well, well....Am I gettin’ some sugar first thing in the morning?” Kevin chuckled.

“Sugar and anything else you want.” Tristan smiled into his neck and snaked her arm around his waist.

Kevin felt himself stiffen at her words and reached down to bring her hand to his mouth. It was then that he saw the bruises on her forearm.

“Let me see your other arm, Tris.”

Tristan brought her arm out from under the blanket and Kevin held it up for examination.

“Damn!”

“What’s wrong, Kevin?” Tristan sat up quickly and winced.

“Are you alright?” Kevin asked, alarmed at her grimace.

“Yes, just a little stiff, I guess. What’s wrong?”

He held her arm out and pointed to the bruises. “This is what’s wrong, Tris. I must have done this to you last night when I......you know.”

Tristan looked down at the blue marks on her arms. “Oh, don’t worry about these. I’m just so pale and thin-skinned. I bruise very easily. It’s nothing, really.”

“Do they hurt?” he asked, pressing down lightly on her skin.

“No! Honestly, Kevin I’m fine!” she smiled.

Kevin looked back down to her arm. “Maybe I got a little too carried away last night.”

“Hon, when you stop getting carried away, then I’m outta here!” Tristan laughed, pulling the sheet around her. She made a move to get up and froze.

“What’s the matter, Tris?” Kevin’s eyes were darting over her body as he moved to her.

“Just a little stiff, Kevin! I think that’s to be expected, sweetie. Now calm down!”

“God, I did hurt you....”

“Kevin - stop! You didn’t hurt me. Relax. Please.”

Kevin looked at her for a moment. “You - sit. Don’t move!”

Kevin jumped out of bed and walked into the bathroom, not bothering with any clothes.

“Great ass!”, Tristan laughed. He wiggled his rear end and kept walking. What is he doing? she wondered, grinning at his little dance. She could hear the sound of running water and of cabinets opening and closing. Soon Kevin came back out and walked over to her, no sense of modesty evident.

“Come on.”, he said, pulling off her sheet and lifting her effortlessly. He carried her into the bathroom and eased her into the bathtub which he had filled with warm water and bubbles.

“Bubbles?” she smirked.

“Hey, so sue me! I like to relax in the tub sometimes. I get sore and stuff!”, Kevin defended himself as he slid into the tub behind her, pulling her back against his chest.

“Ummm....this feels so good," Tristan sighed and nestled into him. “It’s so warm!”

Kevin wrapped his arms around her shoulders and across her breasts.

“Well, you did look a little chilly this morning.” he said, remembering her pink pebbles. He gently squeezed her hardened nipples.

Tristan pushed herself into his chest. “I’m not chilly now.” she murmured. “In fact, I may be getting a little too warm.” She slid her bottom up against his groin, feeling his hardness. “Kevin? There’s something poking me in the back. Will you see what it is?”, she grinned, not turning to look at him.

He rubbed himself against the small of her back. “I don’t think I can find it by myself”, he whined, enjoying the game.

“Okay, Let me see if I can help.”

Tristan reached around behind her back and clasped on to the mysterious object. Kevin froze and grabbed the sides of the tub.

“Jesus, Tris!”, he cried, jumping a little.

“Looks like I found it!”, she turned to him, smiling. She was amazed that what she held in her hand had managed to fit inside her body just a few hours ago.

“The real question is - what do you plan to do with it, now that you’ve found it?” Kevin wiggled his eyebrows.

“What do you suggest?”, Tristan asked coyly, moving her hand slowly up and down Kevin’s shaft. She ran her fingernail across the tip.

“God damn, Tristan.....” he groaned, closing his eyes and leaning his head back. “I think you should just keep doing what you’re doing.”

Tristan turned her body to face him, releasing him in the process. Kevin’s head came up and his eyes opened, but before he could protest, she had him in her hand again. Her other hand went below the bubbles.

“Well, what’s this? I think there’s something else down here!”

She gently stroked Kevin’s balls under the water and then took them in her hand, squeezing them softly. He sucked in his breath and held it, closing his eyes again. His hips jerked upwards.

“Fuck...”, he whispered.

“Is that what you think I should do with it, Kevin?”

Kevin’s eyes flew open at her response and he found himself surprised and titillated. He wondered if he had unleashed a monster - a very sexual and appealing monster. The idea was attractive to him and he felt his arousal grow.

“I feel that would be the appropriate action to take at this time.” His mouth was smiling, but his eyes were serious.

He didn’t hesitate as he put his hands around Tristan’s waist and pulled her closer to him. She moved her knees to the outside of his legs and straddled him.

“I see you’re still cold.” Kevin smiled as he examined her breasts with his hands.

He pulled her forward and let them fill his mouth. His tongue circled and flicked her nipples. When her head fell forward he positioned himself at her opening and pushed her hips down, forcing her heat to swallow him.

It felt to Tristan that Kevin had filled her entire belly. She sat on him, not moving, enjoying the sensation. She could feel her muscles grasping him and heard him groan. Still, she sat motionless as if in a trance, until she felt her body rise as Kevin’s hips pushed into her. His instinct to thrust was overwhelming and he had to move.

“Please, Tris....you’re teasing me, baby.” He looked as if he were in pain.

Tristan snapped back to reality. She leaned down close to his face.

“Is this what you want me to do, Kevin?”

She raised herself ever so slowly until she was almost, but not quite off of him. She paused and then lowered herself again, moving as slowly as she could stand. Kevin’s breathing became harsh and his hands held her tightly, trying to control her movements.

“We just need to pick up the pace, darlin’.” His thumb went to her clitoris and stroked her lightly and taking her by surprise.

Tristan gasped and her walls clenched around Kevin, driving him crazy. His light touch continued and she began to move faster. Kevin applied more pressure and she slipped down on him hard, forcing him to her cervix. Water and bubbles splashed out of the tub as the lovers went on, moving against each other.

“I’m almost there, Tris!”, Kevin moaned, holding on to her. His thumb had left her. He didn’t need to guide her anymore. Her own need was doing that.

Again he watched her face. He loved to watch her cum. Her eyes became glassy and unfocused. She shivered and she fell forward onto his chest. Her body seized him with such force that he came immediately. His unexpected release caused him to shudder and he held Tristan tightly, quieting her movements.

They remained in the water, Tristan laying on Kevin’s wet chest, and stayed connected until they floated down from their high.

********************

Mike was highly irritated, but no one would have ever guessed it. Sure, he had told the guys to bring their girlfriends to his little get-together, but he sure as hell hadn’t expected Kevin to show up with Tristan. He became more upset when he discovered that all of the guys knew that she had come back to town last night. He had caught enough bits and pieces of their greetings to realize that she had been at the party last night. Why the hell didn’t he know?

But he played his part as the attentive host well. “Oh Tristan, what a nice surprise! Oh Tristan, it’s so good to see you! Oh Tristan, you look wonderful! blah, blah, blah.... He almost made himself gag.

Mike was a little disgusted with Kevin, too. Serious and sullen Kevin had suddenly become ‘Captain Congenial’. He was even smiling at Nick’s lame attempts at humor. Kevin was just too damn happy and this worried Mike. He was relatively sure it wasn’t crack, so it must sex. Pretty damn good sex. Shit, how good could it be with that innocent ‘Pollyanna’. She probably didn’t know a blow job from a lube job. But it was sex, alright. You could almost smell it on him. Kevin was one satisfied S.O.B.

Mike stood back and watched the reactions of the others to Kevin and Tristan’s apparent “couple” status. Brian and Leighanne were positively orgasmic, despite the fact that they probably didn’t know what the word even meant. Howie, the dumb bastard, just keep saying how happy he was that Tris had returned. His sincerity was cloying. Nick, too, was practically climbing up her ass, but he seemed a little distant with Kevin. Amanda was laughing and teasing Tristan. What the two of them had in common was one of the great mysteries of life. Must be something about opposites attracting...... When he turned to AJ, to gauge his reaction to the great homecoming, he discovered that AJ was staring at him.

Mike picked up two beers and strolled over to AJ who was leaning against some open bookcases that separated the living area from the kitchen.

“Happy New Year, J”. Mike grinned, offering AJ one of the beers.

“Thanks, man.”, AJ took the beer and popped the top.

They stood for a moment watching the group that had gathered around the TV, yelling at the football players on the screen.

“Good to see Tris again, isn’t it?” Mike smiled, pointing towards the small gathering.

AJ glanced at him sideways. “Yeah, I’m glad she’s back.” He took a swig from the can.

“You are? Why?....I mean, you guys only met her two and a half months ago. It’s not you’ve really gotten to know her or anything.”

Uh oh. Fishing again. This time I’ll bait the hook for him. Well, some of us have gotten to know her pretty damn well, Mike.” AJ watched Mike frown.

“Where is she staying this time? I think the label can put her up here for awhile - until she finds a place.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Mike. She may have already found a place.” AJ nodded his head towards Kevin.

Mike looked over and saw Kevin and Tristan cuddled up on the sofa like two goddamn peas in a fuckin’ pod.

“Shit, J! I know Kevin likes her alright, but she’s not really ‘all that’ is she?”

AJ looked at Mike and could almost see the bee up his butt.

“Kevin seems to think she is.”, he grinned

******************

Leighanne, Amanda and Tristan eventually excused themselves to the kitchen so they could catch up on news and girl talk. The guys didn’t seem to notice except for Kevin who kept looking over the arm of the sofa so he could peer around the bookcases and into the kitchen.

“I’m really sorry I didn’t see you last night.” Leighanne smiled at Tristan. She was glad to see her back. “What time did you get here?”

“About 11:30.”, Tristan answered.

“Did you get my message in Charleston?”

“Yes, Leighanne and I’m glad you found me. I didn’t know what to do and it was so easy not to do anything.” Tris looked down at her hands and then back to her friend. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to talk to you in Virginia.”

Leighanne laughed. “Tristan, that trip was so rushed - I didn’t think we’d make it. And then, when we left, Kevin wouldn’t talk. We didn’t know what had happened.”

“What the hell did happen?” Amanda butt in.

“Nothing really.” Tristan looked at her hands again.

“Nothing, shit! You’re here aren’t you? I about croaked when I’d heard you left Orlando without a word. Come on - give! What kind of magic did Kevin work on you?”

“No magic, Amanda. We just got our heads straight, that’s all.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet his ‘head’ was straight alright - straight up in the air!” Amanda laughed at herself, impressed by her own joke.

Tristan and Leighanne had to think about that one for a minute. When they figured out Amanda’s great leap at metaphor, they cringed.

“That’s pretty bad, Amanda.”, Leighanne scolded.

“Hell, you think everything is bad Leighanne.”

Amanda stepped over to the sink and then turned to Tristan, eyeing her carefully.

“I figured you and Kev must must have had a fight or something and that’s why you left.”

“Amanda,” Tris said patiently. “The album was finished and it was time for me to go.”

“Bullshit!” Amanda laughed while Leighanne glared at her, trying to make her stop.

Nick stood in the kitchen entryway, grinning at the three women.

“Ya’ll are having a little too damn much fun in here. I think it’s time for me to put a damper on things.” he said in mock seriousness.

“Get outta here!” Amanda fussed. “We’re having girl talk!”

“God, Amanda. You’re such a bitch. No wonder AJ loves to tour!”, he teased. “Anyway, I’m just in here for ice. I’m not spying or anything!” Nick made a face.

He put the ice bucket on the counter and helped Tris pull the trays out of the freezer. They set the trays on the counter and Tristan pushed up her sleeves to crack ice into the bucket.

“Jesus, Tris!” Nick looked at her seriously as he grabbed her hand. “What the fuck is this?” He pointed to the bruises on her arm. Amanda and Leighanne came over to take a look. They stopped and looked at Tristan, too. They were all awaiting an explanation.

Tristan tried to think quickly. “Uh.....one of my brothers decided to swing me around when I was home. Like when we were kids. We were just acting goofy!”, she laughed.

Leighanne and Amanda laughed along with her, satisfied. Nick wasn’t satisfied. Those bruises hadn’t been there last night.

“Nick! Where’s that ice, man?” Mike came into the kitchen carrying some empty glasses. He saw that Nick had a hold of Tristan’s arm and saw the bruises.

“Damn, girl! What are those? Somebody give you a hard time or something?” he asked, pointing to the blue marks.

Nick noticed Tristan’s face color at Mike’s remark.

Tristan went through her story again, adding a little more detail this time and talking about her sensitive skin. She was really wishing that she hadn’t pushed up her sleeves. It had turned into such a big deal. She certainly wasn’t going to say what really happened.

“Don’t you love big brothers?”, Mike laughed after her explanation. “They can be such a pain in the ass. I should know - I am one!”

Mike smiled and fished an ice cube out of the bucket, dropping it in his glass as Tristan pushed down her sleeves. Mike wasn’t buying it.. Those bruises were fresh. He glanced over at Nick and could tell by his face that he didn’t believe her, either. The he watched as Nick turned his head and looked quickly at Kevin - glaring.

Mike suddenly discovered a new found respect for Kevin. Well, well, well. Looks like the Train likes it rough!

Tristan Trilogy - Story I

"Will You Play for Me?" is a work of fiction.
The characters and events portrayed are fictitious.
Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental.

Copyright ©1999
All Rights Reserved
No part of this text may be copied or reprinted
without the author's permission.

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Fiction by Grace