My dad was a bodyguard. He worked for all kinds of people, Madonna, Beastie Boys, Lionel Ritchie… and then my favourite.. New Kids On The Block.

Its pretty exciting looking back now at all the people my dad worked with. Back then I didn’t really grasp just how famous these people were. They were just people my dad looked after.

He was away a lot when I was a kid, but we managed. Mom would drive us out from time to time to visit him, and it was something that me and my younger brother enjoyed. Back in the late 80’s/early 90’s we would always drive from our small house in Boston and travel as far as New York and Florida to see him. Sometimes the drives seemed like they took forever, but they are memories I cherish.

My dad always said his favourite job was working with the New Kids, and it was my favourite job of his too! I remember it fondly, hanging out backstage. I was a whirlwind, rushing about everywhere, full of energy. I can remember the guys in the band humouring me. Mainly Joey, who thought it was funny to chase me. Jordan would always tickle me and Jon would mess my hair up. I used to be scared of Danny because he never spoke to me… but my favourite out the bunch was Donnie.

Mom always recalls how I would launch myself on Donnie and not let him go unless I was prized away from him. Dad would always tell us how Donnie would get teased because of how I was with him. I guess that’s because back then Donnie was known as the bad guy, and yet this cute little blonde girl with pigtails would be all over him.

I was sad when dad had to stop working for them. He hurt his back somehow, and after then we uprooted from Boston and moved across the country to my grandparents in Southern California. We settled there, my parents had two more children and we grew up.. My memories of the New Kids becoming just that.. Memories.

It was now 2011, I had just turned home after finishing school for the summer. It was hot. Too hot to move back home.

I’d parked my beat up car outside our family home before heading up the worn path to our porch. I’d missed home so much, especially with the drama’s of finding my boyfriend in bed with my roommate. Something I was most definitely keeping from my dad.

I climbed up the porch steps and swung the screen door open before letting myself in.

“MOM! DAD! I’M HOME!” I yelled out before letting the door shut behind me. I dumped my purse on the table by the stairs.

<em>“In the kitchen, baby!” </em>

I smiled, hearing my mom’s voice.

“Man I’m so glad to be home, its so hot I’m sweating like a pig..” I swung around the doorframe into the kitchen and stopped in my tracks when I saw we had company. “Uh…” My eyes darted round the room, from person to person.. And with each person I found myself getting more and more embarrassed.

Jon
Joey
Danny
Jordan
Donnie.

“Shut your mouth sweetie. Guys, you remember my daughter, Rosie.”

I looked up at my father as he gave me <I>the look</I>. You know, the one that tells you to quit fucking up and behave. I shut my mouth and gave a small wave before looking at my parents.

“I uh.. Need to get my stuff out the car..” I glanced back at the crowd in the kitchen, Donnie being the last person I looked at before I walked out. Of course I didn’t walk away right away. I hide around the corner and tried to get over the fact that the New Kids On The Block were in MY kitchen.

Donnie was in my kitchen.

I let out a silent squeal before standing up straight as I heard voices.

<em>“That was funny. She do didn’t expect us to be in here.”</em>

Laughter followed, making me frown.

<em>“Wonder if she’ll come back?</em>

<em>“Oh she will. She won’t wanna miss meeting you all again. Especially you, Donnie.</em>

The kitchen erupted in laughter as I felt myself blush. Thanks dad.

<em>“I just can’t believe how grown up she is..”</em>

I heard Donnie’s voice loud and clear. He couldn’t believe how grown up I was.

I grinned to myself before heading back out to my car to grab some of my things.

At least Donnie could see I’d grown up.

***

After three trips to my car and one broken box I was beat. I’d managed to stick it all in my room before rushing back outside to check I’d locked my car. It wasn’t till I was walking back up the path to head inside that I saw someone sat on the porch swing.

Donnie.

I stuck my hands in my shorts pockets as I approached the porch. He smiled at me warmly, making me smile back.

“Damn look at you Rose… when did you lose the pigtails and grow up?”

I chuckled and climbed up the steps. “Around puberty I guess..” I couldn’t help but smile as he laughed.

“Come sit.”

I moved over to the porch swing and sat next to Donnie. What was weird was 15 years ago I would have been jumping all over this guy wanting him to play with me. I still wanted to jump all over him and ask him to play with me, but in a whole new way.

It was no secret that I had a huge crush on Donnie as a kid. And it had never changed. He was my favourite boybander slash actor. I used to have his pictures on my wall, and even back in my dorm room I’d had a picture up. He was the guy I used to daydream about in school, and the guy I had my first sexual thoughts about.

I wondered what he was thinking about me.

“So your parents tell me your in school.”

I looked over at Donnie. “You wanna talk about school? Really? It sucks, I can’t major in what I want to major in because my parents won’t let me.”

Donnie looked at me. “Really? What do you wanna major in?”

“Music.” I replied. “But instead I’m doing business. I hate it. They told me I can’t do music unless I do this course. I don’t wanna waste my life doing what I don’t want to do, you get what I’m saying?”

Donnie nodded. “Sure, but they’re only looking after your well being. I always guessed you’d wanna do music though.”

“Yea?” My eyes pretty much lit up as he smiled at me.

“Sure. You were always singing and dancing around me as a kid. You’d forever tell me you had a song to sing to me, and would then break out in your own version of “Please Don’t Go Girl”. It was hilarious.” Donnie laughed to himself before turning to me.

“So you must have a boyfriend now then.”

I shook my head. “Not anymore.”

“Uh oh.”

“Yup. He cheated on me. With my room mate. In MY bed. Please don’t tell my dad. He thinks we broke up so I could focus on my school work.” I sighed and leant back on the swing.

“Well he’s a fool. Not your pops, but your ex boyfriend.”

“Nah.” I replied. “I’m the fool. I fall for the wrong type of guy. Always want the ones I can’t have so go for the ones that are easy to get with.”

“Wow Rosie, that sounds pretty slutty.”

I burst out laughing. “Yea it does.” I looked at Donnie. “But hey.. I’ve grown up, I’m entitled to be slutty at least once in my life.” I expected Donnie to tell me off, like any other adult in my life would do, but instead he looked me over and grinned.

“You have definitely grown up Rosie, that’s for sure.”

Finding the New Kids on the Block in my kitchen wasn’t the only surprise my parents seem to have in store for us.

It turned out they were staying with us also.

I had no idea why, but I wasn’t about to complain.

Dinner had been fun. Mom had cooked up a storm, and I was almost as excited to eat her home cooked food as I was knowing Donnie was staying in my house.

But of course then came bed time. It was only 11pm, but dad insisted I got an early night as I’d been driving all day, and it had been so embarrassing being ushered to my room by my parents and bid goodnight. I was no where near tired. In fact, I was wide awake and bored.

I got changed, pulling on a skirt and tank top before slipping on some flats. I picked up my car keys and a jacket before quietly exiting my room. I hadn’t snuck out a house in years, so I was sure I had more than likely lost my touch.

I was halfway towards the front door when I heard a creak from behind me. I closed my eyes and sighed softly. I’d been caught.

“Sneaking out?”

I smiled to myself before turning around. “Damn.. You caught me.” I looked over at Donnie, who was leaning up against the wall grinning.

“Where you off to?”

I shrugged. “Anywhere but here. It’s still early for me.”

Donnie chuckled. “Me to. So.. Where to?”

“Huh?” I looked at him confused.

“Where we going?”

“We?”

Donnie nodded. “Sure. If you’re heading out, I’m coming with. I don’t do early nights either.” He disappeared into the downstairs guest room, giving me a moment to smile to myself.

Donnie was sneaking out of my parents house.. With me.

I waited for him to leave the guestroom before opening the front door carefully. We both snuck out, shutting the door quietly before rushing down the front garden and towards my car. I don’t think I relaxed until we had driven out my street.

“So, decided where we’re going yet?”

I glanced at Donnie and shrugged. “Well I was going to meet some friends at this club..”

“Cool! Am I dressed appropriately for that?”

I looked at Donnie again before keeping my eyes on the road. “Uh.. Yea you’re fine.” I bit my lip, wanting to tell him just how fine he looked right then, but didn’t.

My friends didn’t bat an eyelid that I arrived with someone. In fact, Donnie disappeared over to the bar as I went to say hey to everyone.

We did a bunch of shots, making it clear that even though I’d driven there, I wasn’t driving home. I was feeling pretty buzzed by the time we all rushed out on the dance floor to dance.

It felt good to just dance and be around all my old friends. I’d gone to school with a few of them, but most of them I hadn’t seen since I’d been back last time.

I was dancing to a song, totally loving the music pumping through my body when I felt a hand on my lower back. It had been ages since I’d danced so freely, even if a random guy came up behind me to dance. Maybe I was a little slutty, but at least I didn’t give myself to every single guy that paid attention to me. I felt them place their other hand on my hips before I leant back and closed my eyes. The guy behind me started moving against me to the music and I couldn’t help but smile, feeling his body against mine.

“You’re being naughty..”

My eyes flew open as I turned my head to see Donnie smirking at me. I’d been dancing with Donnie.

“Um.. Shit..” I went to move away but his hand gripped at my hip, making me frown.

“What?” It’s not like I said I didn’t like it.” He said against my ear before pulling me back against him.

Had I entered a twilight zone, or was Donnie actually flirting with me?

Still, I was buzzed and confident enough to flirt back. And I did. The pace of the music changed, making me press my ass into his crotch as he held me against him, one hand holding my hip whilst his arm snaked around my waist. I could feel his breath against my neck as we danced and it was driving me crazy.

All thoughts of this being someone I’d know since I was a kid had long gone from my mind, especially when I felt his lips brush across my skin. I knew this was going somewhere I had always fantasized about, which was why I was the person to make the next move.

I turned around, facing him before wrapping my arms around his neck and moving myself closer. His eyes bore into mine as he slid his leg between mine, pulling me closer. I literally had to bite back a moan as his hand brushed against my bare thigh, and then he leant forward. I figured this was it.. He was going to kiss me.. But he didn’t. Instead he moved his lips to my ear.

“I don’t think we should be doing this..”

I stopped moving and felt my stomach sink. I knew it was too good to be true. I looked at Donnie as he moved his head back to look at me. He smiled, bit I just gave him a look before muttering ‘fine’ and walking towards the bar.

He got me hot and bothered then told me he didn’t think we should do what we were doing. How fair was that?

I ordered a drink before turning around to look at the dance floor, only to see Donnie walking over.

“Come on..” He grabbed my hand.

“No.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Rose..come on..”

I sighed softly, just hearing him say my name. “Why?”

“Because..” He tugged on my arm. “..trust me?”

I downed my drink before nodding.

“Good, lets go..”

We rushed out the club, my hand held tightly in Donnie’s as we walked down the street before ducking down an alley. It was so dark I could just make him standing beside me.

“What are we..” I trailed off when I felt myself being pushed up against a wall before his body was against mine.

“Do you know what you do to me?” Donnie murmured, his hands moving along my sides, his fingers dipping under the hem of my tank top to touch my skin.

“No..” I whispered, feeling taken back by his actions. He was turning me on so much, but I thought I’d have to fight for this.

“From the moment you walked into your kitchen.. Damn.. So grown up. So sexy..”

I gasped softly when he brushed my hair off my neck before dipping his head, pressing his lips against my pulse point. I couldn’t help but tip my head to the side to give him better access and bring my hands up to his shoulders. Just feeling the muscle beneath his t-shirt got me hot.

His hands started pushing up the front of my tank top as his lips continued attacking my neck.

My heart was pounding in my chest, and I was holding back moans in fear it would embarrass myself, but when he cupped my boobs through my bra and moaned lowly I couldn’t help it.. I moaned.

“So hot..” Donnie muttered as he looked at me. I was glad it was real dark, for I knew I’d be blushing so red.

I wanted to kiss him, but I wasn’t even sure that was the right thing to do. Donnie removed his hands from my top, making me sigh at the loss of his touch. I bit my lip as I saw his figure move, but then yelped out loudly when I felt him pick me up, pinning me to the wall and wrapping my legs around his waist.

And it was then I felt his erection pressing against me.

“You’re hard..” I whispered, moving my arms around his neck.

“You’re driving me insane.” Donnie whispered back, pushing himself more against me. I was suddenly glad I was wearing a skirt as I took the plunge and leant forward, pressing my lips against his.

The kiss went as I anticipated… it was like an animal inside me had awoken, and I wanted more. Donnie deepened the kiss as his hands gripped at my ass. I was clawing at his back as he slowly started grinding himself against me.

I was breathless by the time he broke the kiss, and I felt like my body was about to explode. “Donnie…”

“Hmmm..” He hummed. I tightened my legs around his waist.

“I want you.”

Donnie lifted his head to look at me. “Then what are we waiting for?”

“Uh…” I took a deep breath as I ran my hand through his hair. “Can you drive?”

“You mean have I drank as much as you? No, and yes.. I can drive.”

I cupped his face and leant in, kissing him deeply again, making sure to nibble on his bottom lip before pulling back. “Then lets go.. I know a place..”

I felt him smile against my mouth before he set me back on the floor.

“Lead the way.”

***

Donnie followed my directions until we parked up in a deserted packing lot, facing an empty beach.

The moment he cut the engine I grabbed his t-shirt and kissed him. Donnie managed to push the chair back before I climbed onto his lap and things started to heat up.

My tank top was removed, as was Donnie’s t-shirt and I was grinding myself against him as he moaned into my mouth.

The sound was like music to my ears. Music I’d been wanting to hear for a long ass time.

“Your jeans need to come off..” I reached between us and unbuckled them before pushing my hand inside. I couldn’t help but grin when my hand brushed against him and he moaned – loudly. “Take them off.. I want you.”

“God damn.”

I giggled and held on to the back of the chair as Donnie pulled his pants down.

“Panties..”

I groaned and looked between us. “Rip them.”

“Rip them?”

I grinned at Donnie and nodded. He pretty much ripped my panties off me before touching me. I moaned loudly and kissed him. “Are we really going to do this?”

Donnie kissed me before moaning. “God I want to..”

“I want you to. I’ve been wanting this forever..”

“You have?” Donnie gripped my hips.

I bit my lip and nodded, making him groan. I smiled at him until he brought me down onto his erection, and I moaned out instead. “Oh god..”

“Damn you’re so tight.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Uh huh..” I rocked my hips against his, loving the feel of him filling me over and over. It had been a while since I’d had sex, yet this was hotter than any sex I’d ever had.

“Damn you really have done this before?” Donnie said, moaning as I stopped moving on him to look at him.

“You thought I was a virgin?”

Donnie grinned. “Well.. Not exactly.”

“You SO did!”

“You’re too naughty to be a virgin.”

I smirked. “I’m only naught for you.” I whispered, moving myself against him again, but this time he gripped my hips, guiding me. I couldn’t help but cry out as he took control of my body, bringing me closer and closer to the edge. “Oh god.. Ohgodohgodohgod!”

“Close?” Donnie muttered.

“FUCK yes! Harder..”

Donnie chuckled before letting out a moan. He kissed me as my orgasm hit and I rocked myself against him, crying out his name. He didn’t stop me moving on him though, and by the time he was cumming, I was on my second orgasm. I lifted myself off his dick as we kissed each other hungrily. My hands were all over him as we slowly came down from the high we’d just experienced.

“Damn Rosie..”

I looked at him and chuckled. “Surprise?”

Donnie chuckled. “You could say that.” He brushed the hair from my face. “Your so grown up.. I can’t believe I just did this with you.”

“Believe it. And you know what?” I climbed off his lap, picking up my top from my chair. “This so isn’t going to be the last time.”

I smiled at Donnie’s reaction, totally amused before pulling my top back on.

Chapter Four

Waking up the next morning and being around Donnie was actually harder than it sounded.

For one, when I came down to the kitchen for breakfast Donnie was stood in there, wearing sweats low on his hips and not much else, and he was talking football with my dad.

I couldn’t help but blush as I walked through and sat at the table beside Joey.

“Morning Rosie! Sleep well?”

I glanced at Joey and smiled. “Like a baby.” I reached for a slice of toast and glanced up at Donnie. He was trying his damned hardest to not watch me as I leant across the table. I smiled to myself before sitting back straight and grabbing the butter.

“You have any plans today, pumpkin?”

I looked up at my dad, who was sat across from me. “Nah. Thought I might take a drive through town and see if anyone’s about.”

“You’re not seeing Kyle then?”

I frowned into my toast and sighed softly. “No dad.”

The chair beside me moved, and I looked up to see Donnie sit beside me, wearing a t-shirt now. I looked back up at my dad, who was looking at me.

“What did he do?”

“Nothing.” I muttered before shoving a mouthful of toast in my mouth. The atmosphere had changed a lot in the room, and I felt like everyone’s eyes were on me.

“We were thinking of heading to the beach if you wanted to come with us. I’d like to catch up with you.”

I turned to Joey and smiled. “Sounds like fun.”

“Great.” Joey grinned and I fought the urge to giggle. Time had been good to him. I knew he was married with kids now, but he still didn’t look a day over 30.

“Rosie?”

I looked up at my dad. “What?”

“You’d tell me if he hurt you, right?”

I rolled my eyes. “Dad.. Seriously.. I can fight my own battles. We broke up. It happens. I’m fine.” I grabbed a glass and poured myself some juice before standing up. “I’m gonna get ready for the beach. Excuse me.” I glanced around the table, my eyes lingering longer on Donnie before I left the room, holding the breath I’d been holding since I’d entered the room and saw Donnie.

***

“Rosie Jean Forrester, What IS that you’re wearing?!”

I looked over at my dad, who was glaring at me. We’d arrived at the beach, where I’d laid my towel down and stripped to my bikini, reading to catch some rays.

“Uh, a bikini.” I said, giving him a look. It seemed he was out to embarrass me today.

“Leave her alone honey..” My mom said softly to my dad, who grumbled to himself before going back to what he was doing.

I let out a loud sigh and slipped my sunglasses on before laying back on my towel and closing my eyes.

“Do you have any idea how hot you look right now?”

I opened my eyes to see Donnie sat beside me on his own towel. He was looking out at the water. “Well, I am in the sun. It is pretty hot right now.”

“You know what I mean.” He glanced at me and smiled before pulling his t-shirt off.

Hot damn.

I tried to pretend I was still sunbathing as Donnie placed his t-shirt beside him and pulled out a bottle of sunscreen. I knew he knew I was watching him, but he acted like I wasn’t, and proceeded to rub cream into his arms and chest. “Want me to do your back?” I heard myself asking before I even realised I was talking. He turned to look at me and smiled cheekily before handing me the bottle.

I sat up on my knee’s beside him as he laid down on his front. I squirted some cream into my hands and gently started spreading it across his back. His muscles were tense under my hands, and it brought me back to the night before. I massaged the cream into his back before reluctantly sitting back against my heels. I could of touched him all day.

“Make sure you put some cream on too, Rosie! Donnie, be a doll and make sure she’s all protected.” I heard my mom shout out at us and blushed.

Donnie lifted his head up and looked at me, a grin on his face. “Sure!” He called out before taking the bottle of sun cream from me. “You heard your mama.” He put some cream in his hands before handing me the bottle. “You do your front, I’ll do your back.”

I bit my lip and looked at him before taking the bottle. I didn’t lay down, Instead I turned my back to him and put some cream in my hands, rubbing the cream into my arms. I visibly jumped when I felt Donnie’s hands on my shoulders. I wanted to close my eyes and lose myself in the feel of his touch, but I couldn’t.

“Your skin is so soft..”

I closed my eyes a moment, thankful for my sun glasses, when I heard his husky whisper. I started rubbing cream into my stomach and chest as Donnie’s hands moved slowly down my back.

“I wish I was rubbing your front. I know where I’d be focusing on.”

I paused and turned my head to look at him. He had a shit eating grin on his face. I so knew he wasn’t going to make this day at the beach easy for me.

Already I wanted to jump him, but my whole family was here. The rest of the band was here.

This was torture.

“All done. Remember to do your legs.”

I finished my arms and looked at him. “If I do the front, you can do the backs?”

Donnie grinned at me. “As much as I’d love to, your dad is right over there.. He already hates that bikini, which, by the way.. I appreciate. A lot!”

I giggled and turned back around. I quickly put cream on my legs before handing him the bottle back and laid on my back.

It was satisfying knowing Donnie liked my bikini.

I just needed my family to disappear at some point so I could steal him away.

Or maybe we could disappear?

Hmmmm….

Chapter Five

I felt over cooked, hot and sweaty and even a swim in the ocean didn’t help. I needed shade, a big bottle of water and a big baggy t-shirt.

“Ugh, I’m gonna go find somewhere to buy water.” I slipped on my tshirt and shorts before reaching for my bag.

“Can you get me a popsicle!”

I glanced down at my younger brother and nodded. “Sure. Anyone else want anything?”

Everyone started shouting out what they wanted, making my head swim. I tried to mentally remember it all before turning around. Donnie was dripping wet, and pulling his t-shirt on.

“I’ll come with you. I’m hungry.”

I felt my stomach do a somersault and nodded before picking up my flip flops and putting them in my bag. I waited for Donnie to grab his wallet before we set of down the beach.

We were silent for a while, just walking along the surf, letting the ocean wash over our feet. I had missed being home.

“You look a little red.” Donnie commented, making me turn to him.

“Yea? I feel like a big sweaty lobster.” I said back with a sigh.

“Well.. You’re not lobster red, I can promise you that.” He winked at me before reaching over and taking my hand.

“What you doing?” I look around us, mainly behind us, but we are long away from everyone on the beach.

“Holding your hand. Is that not allowed?”

I smiled shyly. “No.. it’s allowed.”

“Good.” Donnie smiled at me and squeezed my hand before carrying on walking in silence.

“Where are going to get what they all want?” I had been scanning the beach, and couldn’t see a ice cream truck or anything around.”

“We might have to head on up to the pier. You up for that?”

I shrugged. We had no other choice.

The crowds of people built up the closer we got to the pier. There were fair ground rides, and a dozen ice cream trucks littered around, but further up the pier their were places to get food. I suddenly felt hungry.

I tugged on Donnie’s hand, pulling him a little closer. “Can we get something to eat?”

He nodded and we walked up the pier. I felt him squeeze my hand as we weaved through all the people before stopping at a sea food restaurant. “Here ok?”

I shrugged, not feeling overly fussy. 

We got a table quickly, and sat across from each other before scanning the menu. I was thankful for the menu being huge. I stood it up from the table, blocking Donnie’s view of me and proceeded to think about what was going on.

I was confused. Last night had been pure sexual tension. I knew my feelings stemmed further than just lust, but It was the image of him I’d created growing up that I’d grew feelings for, not for the human being in front of me.

But then again he hadn’t exactly made me see him any different. Up until yesterday I didn’t think I’d ever see him again. And then last night…. Well he clearly wanted me.

Was it just for sex?

Him holding my hand had surprised me a little. That was a term of affection to me. Hell, even my ex Kyle hardly ever held hands with me.

Did he like me more than just a quick fuck? Or was I letting myself get in too far over my head.

“You decided yet?” Donnie pulled down my menu, making me blush.

“Uh.. No.”

Donnie chuckled. “Apparently the scampi is nice here.”

I pulled a face. “I think I’ll have the cod instead.”

Donnie chuckled, and as the waitress came over he ordered for us. A move I found incredibly sexy. The only time I had to speak was when he asked me what I wanted to drink.

The moment the waitress walked away Donnie grabbed my hand. “So…”

“Soo…” I repeated, smiling when he chuckled.

“You feeling awkward?”

I blinked, looking at Donnie. “No. A little confused maybe.. Not awkward.”

Donnie smiled. “I’ve not felt this relaxed in a long time. There’s something about you, Rose.. Your.. Familiar.”

I giggled. “Well, you have known me a long time.”

He smiles, making me want to melt but I don’t.

“You feel it too though, don’t you?” Donnie’s voice was nothing but a low whisper as he leant forward. “I know you do. I can see it in your eyes.”

I was gob smacked. Did Donnie feel how I did? “I.. uh…” I was lost for words as the waitress arrived with our drinks. She silently placed them on the table whilst me and Donnie stared at each other. He waited for her to leave before squeezing my hand.

“Last night was… amazing.”

I feel my cheeks flush. “It was. I’d always…” I trailed off, realising what I was going to say and felt myself blush more.

“No.. tell me. You always..?”

I sighed softly. “I’d always wanted that.”

“Wow, really?”

I nodded and reached for my drink, feeling my mouth get even drier than it was.

“I’ll admit when I arrived at your house yesterday I still pictured that adorable little girl, so full of energy that never left me alone. And then when you walked into the kitchen I just couldn’t believe how far away from that little girl you are.”

I placed my glass down and looked at him. “Imagine my surprise as seeing you sat in my kitchen. I nearly died walking in and seeing you all sat there.”

Donnie snickered. “Yea, that was pretty evident.”

I smiled shyly. “So.. What happens now?”

“Well last night you said we would definitely be doing those activities again.”

My eyes widened. “I did?”

Donnie nodded. “Then again you were a little tipsy and lost in the moment. And totally totally hot.”

I smiled and looked down at our hands. Donnie’s thumb was stroking the back of my knuckles softly. “I want to do it again.. With you.” I looked up to see Donnie smiling.

“Well I won’t object, but.. I think we should go about it properly this time.”

I looked at him. “How?”

“I want to take you out on a date. Tonight.”

I bit my lip before smiling. I went to answer but the waitress came back, placing our food before us and wishing us bon appetite before leaving.

“So?”

I squeezed his hand before smiling wider. “Ok.”

The grin on Donnie’s face said it all.

And it made my stomach swim with excitement.

I was going to date Donnie!

Usually when I got back from a day at the beach I just wanted to be lazy and chill out, but the moment we got home I was up in my room. Mom and Dad didn’t ask, and I was glad. I had no idea what kind of reason I was going to give them for me being excited, let alone going out.

Donnie text me not long after we’d got home and let me know he’d pick me up around the block. I wasn’t bothered I’d have to walk to meet him, I was just excited he was keeping to his word and taking me out.

I put on a pretty dress, one that had been sat in the back of my closet at campus for the past year. One I brought for a date with my ex boyfriend, but was never given the opportunity to wear. Until now. I smoothed down the fabric along my hips and smiled at my reflection.

For once, I looked older than my 23 years.

“I’M GOING OUT!” I yelled out as I ran down the stairs and pulled on my denim jacket. Dad poked his head out the kitchen and looked at me a little startled.

“Where are you going?”

“Out.” I slide my cell into my bag after texting Donnie that I was leaving the house and looked at my dad.

“Well alright then. Don’t be too late.”

I smiled and waved at my dad before skipping out the house, letting the door slam shut behind me before I made my way around the block.

I still couldn’t believe that Donnie wanted to take me out on a real date. Even though last night definitely happened, I didn’t think it would escalade to dates. Still, it made me extremely happy. This is what I’d wanted since I was a little girl.

I waited where Donnie had told me to, and true to his word he drove up not a few minutes after I got there. I climbed in the car and smiled at him. “Hey.”

“Hey yourself. You look beautiful.”

I knew I’d blushed when Donnie chuckled. “Thanks.” I put my seat belt on before sitting back. “Where did you get the car from?”

“Hired it. So, where do you want to go?”

I looked at Donnie. “You not booked anywhere?”

He looked at me and smiled quickly. “Yea, but if you don’t want that then it’s cool.”

I smiled. “I’m down for anything.”

“Steak house is it then.”

We sat in a comfortable silence as Donnie drove us into the city and parked up before helping me out the car. He was being all gentlemanly, something I wasn’t used to. He took my hand as we started walking towards the restaurant.

“What did you tell your parents as you were going out?”

I shook my head. “That I was going out.”

Donnie chuckled. “You dad will flip his shit when he realizes what’s going on.”

I stopped walking, making Donnie stop and look at me. “What is going on?”

“I’m dating his daughter. And I’m sure the age gap isn’t appropriate but..” 

I leant up and pressed my finger against his lips, silencing him. “Age is nothing but a number.” I whispered, moving my finger away. “I don’t feel an age gap, do you?”

Donnie shook his head, a small smile on his lips.

“Good. Lets go, I’m hungry. And no more dad talk.. please.”

Donnie squeezed my hand. “Ok. Come on.”

I didn’t want to talk about my dad. I knew as much as Donnie did that my dad would go mad when he found out. And it would all be to do with the age gap.

We were seated in a private booth in the restaurant, and Donnie ordered us a bottle of wine.

“Wow, for once I wasn’t IDed.” I whispered as she walked away with our order.

“You get IDed a lot?.” Donnie asked.

I smiled. “Some times. I guess I look younger than what I am. Hate it though, wish I actually looked my age.”

“Don’t wish it though. After a while you start to look your age, and then all you wish for it that you look 25 again.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh stop. You do not look your age.”

Donnie chuckled. “That’s good to know.”

The waitress came over and filled our glasses with wine before handing us a menu each. She left us to choose our food, and once she had left after taking our orders Donnie reached across the table and took my hand. 

“So…”

“Soo…” I repeated, cracking up when Donnie grinned at me.

“This is a little awkward?”

I shook my head. “No, just.. I guess this is the time that we talk and, well…”

“You feel like we skipped that stage?”

I shrugged. “No, I mean most people who go on a first date haven’t already… you know, and known each other for a long time.”

“Sure they have. We can pretend like we haven’t though. Hi, I’m Donnie. I’m 42. Your turn.”

I cracked up. “Rosie, 23.”

“You want kids?”

I looked at Donnie and shrugged. “I dunno. I’ve not really thought about it. Why?”

“Just curious. Most girls your age are planning kids and stuff.”

“Yea, well I’m not like most girls my age.” I grinned at Donnie, making him laugh.

“I agree with that.”

****

We left the restaurant after we’d eaten, and for some reason we both silently agreed that ending the date now would be too soon. We both climbed into his car and turned to look at each other.

“Want to go for a drink somewhere?”

I scrunched my nose up and shook my head. “Nah.”

“What do you want to do?”

I smiled and reached forward, running my finger along the buttons on his shirt. “You?”

Donnie laughed. “I had a feeling you would say that.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “I booked a hotel room earlier, so I had somewhere to get ready. We could go there?”

I bit my lip and smiled. “Ok.”

“Ok.” Donnie repeated before turning around in his seat to put his seatbelt on. I did the same and gazed out the window as Donnie drove us the short drive across town. The moment we parked up outside the hotel a valet was waiting at Donnie’s door. Donnie climbed out and tossed him the keys before we made out way inside.

“When you said you booked a hotel room, I was expecting something cheap, not some 5 star hotel.”

Donnie laughed and gripped my hand. “What can I say? I’m used to the high life.” He pressed the button for the elevator.

“So why are you staying at our house?”

He looked at me and smiled. “Well, your dad insisted after our management called him.”

“Why did they call him?”

We paused our conversation when the elevator arrived, and silently walked in. I watched Donnie press the button for the 7th floor before looking at him.

“We’re going on tour, and we all agreed we wanted to get the old crew back.”

I nodded. “But my dad has a back injury. He hasn’t worked since then.”

“We know, but he said he wants to work with us again.”

I looked at Donnie before sighing. “Well.. I guess that settles it then.”

“Settles what?”

The elevator doors opened, and Donnie walked us out.

“Us, or whatever it is.”

He stopped us walking. “Why?”

I sighed softly and looked around. “Where’s your room?”

“Over here..”

“Can we go?”

Donnie nodded and I trailed behind him, still clutching his hand. If my dad worked for them again, then me and Donnie would never be able to carry on whatever this is we’re doing. As much as I wanted my dad to work for them again, I also didn’t. Because I’d been waiting for a chance to be with Donnie for a long time.

He let us in his room, which was more like a suite, and I walked through to the sitting area, running my hand along the back of the couch before placing my jacket there.

“So why would your dad working with us change things? Cos that’s what you mean right?”

I looked at him. “He’s my dad, Donnie. I think we both know he won’t approve of.. whatever this is.”

Donnie walked closer. “I like you, Rosie. It might sound crazy, considering it was only yesterday morning that I saw you for the first time since you were a kid. You are an adult.”

I nodded. “I know, but my dad… he’s protective. Look how he reacted when I wore a bikini earlier. Imagine how he’d react if he knew what we did in my car last night!

“Well I’m not about to tell him the details.” He moved closer and stood before me. “What do you want to do, Rosie?”

I looked at Donnie, who was watching me, almost like he was waiting for my next move. “I want to follow my heart.”

“And what does it tell you?” Donnie’s voice grew quiet, making me sigh.

“To get lost in you.” I whispered back. Donnie stepped closer; making me bit my lip as he took my hands in his. 

“Then why don’t we just forget about what other people are going to think or say, and just focus on how we feel.” Donnie squeezed my hands, making me lean closer to him.

“How do you feel?” I looked up at him as he smiled.

“Well I already said I like you. You make me feel…normal.. comfortable. And right now, I want to kiss you.”

I smiled softly. “Then kiss me..” I carried on smiling until I saw Donnie moving his face closer to mine. I closed my eyes and sighed the moment Donnie’s lips pressed against mine.

 I could totally live in just focusing on how we both feel.

“You’ve been quiet lately.”

I looked up from my kindle to see my best friend Olive, looking at me from over the top of her book.

“I’m reading?” I said with a chuckle, making her roll her eyes.

“Girl, you know what I’m talking about. You’ve been home a week now, and this is the first time I’ve seen you since before you left campus.”

I sat my kindle in my lap before looking at her. “I know, I suck.”

“You do, so.. who stole you away from me? Couldn’t of been Kyle..”

I groaned. “No, not him.” I sat up on my bed and looked at her.

“Well. Who?”

“No one.” I bit my lip and looked away.

“Liar. I know you remember. Who is he? Don’t tell me its Leon from across campus!”

“Ew!” I pulled a face. “I’m not desperate.”

“No, but your boning someone. Who?!”

I laughed and went to reply when a knock at my door made me look up. I expected to see my mom, but Donnie popped his head around the door, making me instantly grin. “Hey..”

“Uh.. Hey..” He looked at Olive before looking back at me. “Bad time? I’ll come back later..” He shut the door, but I still stared at it even after he’d shut the door.

“Oh.. my.. god!”

I looked at Olive. “What?”

“Him!”

“Him?” I frowned, knowing full well what she meant.

“You and him! Oh my god Rosie!”

“What?” I looked at her, But I couldn’t help but laugh. “What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s OLD!” Olive exclaimed, making me snort.

“Olive! He is not old.”

“He is!” Olive started laughing, making me sigh.

“Olive…” She carried on laughing. I rolled my eyes and stood up. “OLIVE!”

“Oh.. sorry.. Rose.. I just.. I can’t believe you are having sex with him.”

“Why not?” I frowned, feeling offended. “Olive, he’s a great guy, he’s kind, fun, he listens to me. And for your information.. we’ve only done it the once.” I glared at her as she stopped laughing and stood up.

“Ok.. your not kidding with this and you’re serious. I’m sorry. So.. for real? You like him?”

I nodded. “I like him a lot.”

“And he likes you?”

I nodded. Me and Donnie had gone out on two dates now, and both times we’d eaten, hung out and just talked. Shared a few kisses here and there, but that was it. It was nothing like that night at the club. I knew it was bad for me, I was falling for him big time.

“Wow.. Rose…” Olive walked over to me and hugged me. “Are you sure this is, like.. ok? I mean…”

I leant back and covered her mouth. “Olive, I’m fine. It’s ok. Me and Donnie are just keeping this on the DL, and I mean.. my parents can’t find out.”

Olive tried to talk under my hand, making me remove it from her mouth. “But.. if you are Donnie are.. dating, won’t they find out eventually?”

I sighed and sat down. “Yes.”

“Your dad will blow his top.”

“I know.” I looked down and sighed. “I don’t want to think about that.”

“Oh Rosie..” Olive sat beside me and wrapped her arm around my shoulder. I leant my head against hers and sighed. We were quiet for a moment before Olive broke the silence. “So, what’s it like having sex with an old man?”

I looked at her and glared before cracking up. “Shut up, Olive.” I hugged her, making her laugh.

***

Once Olive left to go home I laid back on my bed, thinking about me and Donnie, my parents finding out, and Olive’s reaction.

Was it really that crazy that me and Donnie liked each other? Was age really that bad of a factor? Would we even work out?

I had so many questions, that I had no idea how to get the answers to.

I wanted to talk to Donnie about it, but in doing so I’d have to admit that there were feelings there, and I was almost feeling shy over that.

This was crazy considering a week ago I’d got drunk and fucked him in my car.

I groaned and sat up. Our house was empty. Mom was out with the younger kids, and dad had taken the kids out to a golfing range. I was glad to be alone, but it was sending my brain into overdrive.

I needed distraction.

The drive to the local karaoke bar was so familiar in my mind, that I could pretty much drive there with my eye closed. Obviously I didn’t, but the thought alone made me smile.

I walked in, and instantly was greeted by Chloe, who owned the bar with her husband Daryl, who ran the karaoke. I had been here so much in the past, that they gave me a permanent spot in the line up. I didn’t have to turn up, but If I did there was a slot there ready for me.

“Rosie! We haven’t seen you in forever!” Chloe hugged me, making me smile.

“It’s been a while. How’s things been here? Still got the same old people screeching the place down?”

Chloe laughed. “Sure. We also have a lot of people asking for you.”

I smiled and sat on a stool by the bar. “I’ve missed coming here too.” I looked around. “It’s quiet.”

“Well it is mid afternoon. Why don’t you go over to Daryl. He’ll be happy you’re here. You want a soda?”

I nodded and reached for my purse, but Chloe stopped me.

“It’s on the house. Go on, I’ll bring it over.”

I thanked her before jumping off the stool and weaving through the tabled before stepping up onto the small stage. It had been so long since I’d been here, but I felt at home on this stage.

Daryl was sat on the floor behind the Karaoke machine, making me smile.

“Don’t tell me you broke it again?”

Daryl looked up and smiled. “Well lookie here. Miss Rosie! It’s not broken at all. Want me to put you a song on?”

I looked around and chuckled. “The place is empty.”

“It won’t be when they hear you sing. Go on and grab a mic, I’ll set you up..”

I laughed and picked up a microphone, turning it on and making sure it was live before waiting for Daryl to put on a song. He was in his 50’s, as was Chloe, and both of them loved music, loved to hear people sing, whether they were good or bad. Daryl especially loved to see how happy people got with a simple song, whether they were singing it, or listening. He had expressed a long time ago how he had wanted me to pursue into a singing career, and even though I wanted to do music, I’d followed my dads plans for me.

Hearing the opening to Shania Twains “Your Still The One” made me smile. This used to be a song I sang a lot on this stage, so it was no wonder he’d put this on.

I sat myself on a stool and closed my eyes, my voice starting of shakily, but getting stronger as the song went on. This was what I needed, music therapy. A chance to sing out all my frustrations and worries. I knew it wouldn’t solve them, but it made them disappear, even for just a few minutes.

I was surprised to hear clapping once the song was over, and opened my eyes to see a small crowd of people standing at the bar and near the door. I couldn’t help but blush before looking at Daryl.

“Another?”

I shook my head and jumped off the stool. I noticed Chloe had brought me over a soda, and grabbed it before stepping off the stage and sitting myself at a table, my back to the crowd.

As much as I loved singing, I didn’t want to be the center of attention. Not right now anyways.

“You kept that voice a secret.”

I froze, setting my glass down before sighing as a body sat across from me.

“It’s no secret.” I said quietly before looking up, seeing Donnie sat across from me. “What are you doing here?”

“Your dad brought us here for a late lunch. He didn’t even know you sang.”

I looked down at my glass. “I know. Where is he now?”

“At the bar. I think he’s a little miffed. The waitress said you used to come here all the time.”

“I did. Before I went to school anyways. God..” I looked behind me to see my dad watching me. “This isn’t good..”

“It’s not?”

I shook my head and looked Donnie. “No. This is my place. MY place to think, to have some time to myself. Time to be me. And now….” I sighed. “He knows.”

“Rosie..”

“No.. don’t. Ok.” I looked up at Donnie. “I won’t hear the end of it now.”

“Well, you have a fantastic voice.”

“No.. not about that. I sat back. “I won’t hear the end of how I’m wasting my time singing when I should be getting a real career.”

Donnie frowned. “I know you said your dad made you take another class, but babe.. he can’t be that bad..”

“He is. He might work for singers and all that, but he’s convinced that If I follow that route, I’ll be drinking, doing drugs and sleeping around, causing trouble. However, if I work in some office, I’ll be miss good two shoes.” I grabbed my soda and sipped at it.

“Rosie, this is your life. You should be able to do whatever you want to do, no matter what other people think. You only live once.”

I didn’t know whether he was referring to my singing, or to us, but he had a point. I was just too chicken to face up to my dad.

“Rosie.”

I took a deep breath before turning to look at my dad. “Hey dad..” I said softly.

“You want to join us for lunch?”

I looked behind him at the rest of the guys, and smiled seeing them grinning at me before I looked back up at my dad. “Sure..”

“Come on then.”

I climbed out my chair and let my dad lead me back through the bar. I waved at Chloe, who yelled at me to come back soon before we left the bar. I looked around at everyone as we walked into the street.

“Guys, there’s a Italian down the block that serves the best pizza’s in town. If you guys don’t mind, did you want to head on down there and get us a table. I would like to talk to Rosie a moment.”

I felt my stomach drop as Jon said he’d get us all a table before all five of them walked away. I couldn’t help but watch Donnie look back at us quickly before talking to Danny, leaving me alone with my dad watching me.

“You were singing.”

I nodded. “I know.”

“And they knew you in there.”

“I used to come here a lot to sing.”

“I didn’t think you were serious about it.”

I looked at him. “Daddy, I begged you to let me go to music school.”

“I.. thought it was a phase.”

I felt tears sting my eyes, and I wasn’t even sure why. Of course he thought it was a phase. “Why are we talking about this?”

“I just… I’ve missed you baby girl. You’ve been away at school since you were 19. I didn’t even know you sang. I thought you just wanted to dance around and be famous. All those years ago when you’d dance around to the artists I took care off, even those guys staying with us. You craved the attention…”

I shook my head. “I don’t crave the attention. I just love the music, I love the joy it brings people and I like the way it makes me feel. It’s not about the attention. It never has been.”

Dad chuckled. “Funny, I could of swore you were vying for Donnie’s attention when you were younger. Your mom always said how you would tell her you loved him. Bet that was weird seeing him again.”

I chuckled, half nervous and half wondering if dad sensed anything. “Not really. Can we go eat now?”

Dad nodded. “Sure. But we’re having this chat again later. I don’t know why, but I feel like I need to get to know my little girl again. You’ve been away far too long.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and guided me down the street, telling me about his day at the golf course with the guys.

I was barely listening though, for the fact that dad had thought I’d feel awkward with Donnie around was playing on my mind.

Would he really be ok with me and Donnie? Or was it just wishful thinking?

Damn, theres all those questions again.

“Rosie, Can I speak with you?”

I thought I’d escaped the wrath of my father as we all climbed out the car back at the house. I was four steps up the stairs when he called me. No pretending I couldn’t hear him or anything.

“Sure.”

I sighed and walked back down the stairs, passing Donnie, who squeezed my hand gently as I walked past him. I wanted to turn around and bury myself in his arms, but that would only make things worse at this moment.

I followed my dad into his office and sat on his huge office chair as he perched on the edge of his desk.

“Talk to me.”

I looked up at him. “About what?”

“You. Your school. Music. You were being serious?”

I sighed. “It doesn’t matter now dad. I’ve finished school, I did the classes you asked me to do.”

“But you didn’t want to do them?”

I slowly shook my head. “No.”

“And yet you did them anyway?”

I nodded. “Dad, we can’t change the past. I wanted to do music, yes. I still do.. but what can we do? I’m too old for music school now. And I don’t want the last few years of studying, essays and exams wasted for nothing. Can we just drop this?”

Dad looked at me a moment before sighing. “I’m sorry, Pumpkin. I should of listened to you.”

I bit my lip, screaming in my head that, YES, he should of. But I couldn’t bring myself to say it. “Can I go upstairs now?”

Dad nodded, and I quickly bolted out the room and up the stairs. I didn’t let out the breath I’d been holding until I’d shut my door and leant up against it.

Well at least he didn’t ask me about Donnie.

***

I closed my eyes and sighed against the covers before jumping as the bed shifted. I opened my eye a little to see Donnie looking at me.

“You’ve been quiet..”

I rolled onto my side and looked at him. “Why is everyone saying that to me today?”

Donnie chuckled. “Well, if more than one person’s said it then it must be true, what’s wrong?”

I rolled back onto my back and looked up at the stale white ceiling of the hotel room we were in. I’d gone out for a “walk” and Donnie had picked me up twenty minutes later. He’d kept the hotel room he’d booked the week before, and we came straight here. And ever since we’d got here I’d said nothing.

Why did he like me again?

“Just.. thinking.” I felt the bed shift a little more before seeing Donnie’s face over mine.

“Wanna talk?”

I shook my head. “No. I wanna stop thinking.”

Donnie chuckled. “Let me help..”

I looked up at him and smiled before he leant down and pressed his lips against mine. They were soft kisses, his lips barely touching mine. I didn’t think he was going to kiss me any other way until I felt his tongue push my lips apart gently. I sighed softly before wrapping my arms around his neck and letting him deepen the kiss.

I wasn’t going to lie, his kisses always killed me. I’d wanted him since the night I’d first had him, but we hadn’t had sex since then. And in a way it was nice. We had taken the chance to get to know each other, rather than just jumping into bed in any given moment. Still, we’d spent a lot of time making out, and I already knew that the kisses he was now giving me meant business. He wanted more just like I did.

His body has slowly lowered down onto mine, and the more his kisses became hungry and intensified, the more turned on I felt. I could feel him pressing into my thigh and it was driving me crazy.

Donnie moved his lips from mine and trailed them down my neck, giving me a chance to catch my breath. I purposely arched my back into him before letting out a groan.

“Too many clothes..” Donnie muttered, his hand moving up my waist, bringing my tank top with it.

We both silently sat up and helped each other strip down to our underwear before I decided that it was my turn to take over.

I pushed Donnie onto his back before straddling his waist. He chuckled as I ran my hands along his chest and stomach. His hands were on my hips, holding me in place. I hadn’t really had a chance to take everything in last time, being that it was dark and we were in a cramped front seat of a car. Now we were in a heavily lit up hotel room, and I could literally stare at him, and watch him as he pretty much watched me.

“You’re thinking again..” He murmured, making me look at his face.

“I know.. good stuff, I promise.” I gave him a smile, and pretty much melted as he grinned back at me.

“Wanna share?”

I felt myself blush. “I’m just thinking how I never got the chance to look at you before…. Last time was pretty rushed.”

Donnie’s hands moved to my thighs. “It was great, but yes.. it’s nice to get the chance to see each other properly.”

I noticed his gaze move along my body and it sent a shiver through me. It hadn’t even occurred to me that he would look at me too. Suddenly I felt a little vulnerable, and self-conscious. What if my boobs were too small, or my stomach wasn’t flat enough? What if my legs were a little too prickly from not shaving them this morning? I looked down at myself, making Donnie chuckle.

“Baby, you’re beautiful.”

I looked up and smiled bashfully. “Really?”

He nodded and smiled before sitting up, pulling me against him. “Yes. What’s not to like?”

I opened my mouth to talk, but decided against it. Voice what’s not to like would be me voicing what I didn’t like about my body. And I didn’t want to do that. I felt my bra get lose and looked down as Donnie pulled the straps over my arms. I helped him remove my bra before holding my breath as he looked at me.

“See.. beautiful…” He murmured out.

I went to reply when I felt his mouth cover one of my nipples, making me forget everything as he slowly teased me with his tongue. His other hand was massaging my other breast, and it was driving me insane.

I ran my hands through his short hair and let out a soft moan as his teeth grazed my nipple before he began the same assault on the other one. Once he had moved his mouth from my chest I was breathing heavily and had my eyes closed. I felt Donnie kiss along my collar bone before his hands wrapped around my back, pressing our chests together.

“Open your eyes.”

I slowly opened my eyes and looked at Donnie, who was face to face with me and smiling. I felt my heart skip a beat and cursed myself inside for letting myself get carried away. I was falling for him, big time.

We gazed into each other’s eyes for a moment before I couldn’t take it anymore. I cupped his face and kissed him, moaning loudly when his tongue thrust into my mouth against mine. Our hips were pressed together more and more as we kissed, and I knew what needed to happen next.

I reached between us and pushed my hand inside the waistband of Donnie’s boxers. He let out a soft grunt as I took him in my hand, but he didn’t stop kissing me, even as I slowly started to stroke him. I could feel him getting harder in my hand as he moaned into my mouth.

Donnie’s hands were on my ass, pulling at my panties to get them off. I reluctantly let go of Donnie to sit up and removed my panties, and as I did Donnie pulled off his boxers.

Suddenly, I became nervous. I didn’t really even know why. We’d already had sex, and I was nowhere near a virgin. Maybe it was the way Donnie was looking at me as he got me to lay down on the bed. He wasn’t looking at me like I was some object, but looking at me like I was…desirable.

His hands touched my legs, making me jump in anticipation. He grinned at me before placing a single kiss on the tip of my nose. “I wanna see you..”

I smiled. “I think you just did..”

He shook his head and smiled. “Nu uh.” He moved his hands up along my sides before he started a trail of kisses down my face, neck and chest. I was giggling until his kisses moved lower. Down my stomach, nibbling my belly button before moving lower still. My heart was pounding in my chest as he slowly pushed my legs apart and moved his lips lower still.

It’s funny, the fact that I had a boyfriend for a year and a half, and he had never once gone down on me. This was all new to me, and I definitely had been missing out.

I was writhing around on the bed as Donnie teased me with his tongue. I could feel myself getting to the edge of no return already and he’d barely touched me. I dug my hands into his shoulders before reluctantly pushing him off me. He laughed as I made some kind of shrieking sound at the loss of him on me.

“Too much?”

I shook my head and pulled him on top of me. “Not enough..” I whispered, wrapping my legs around his waist as he gripped my thigh and pushed himself inside me.

This was another thing I wasn’t used to. A guy taking his time. A guy, not only having sex for himself, but making sure the person he was having sex with was equally enjoying themselves.

I was pretty much wrapped around Donnie as he moved inside me over and over, his lips on mine, his moans being swallowed up by my own. My nails were digging into his back every time a wave of pleasure washed over me. I was close, and I wished I wasn’t, for I didn’t want this moment to end.

Donnie broke our kiss and moaned as he rest his forehead on mine. We both breathed heavily as he fastened his pace, making me shudder. “You’re close..”

“Shh..” I covered his mouth with his hand and moaned softly. “..don’t stop..”

I felt him move his lips under my hand, but didn’t have a clue what he said as he brought my leg up higher around his waist and pushed deeper inside me. I let out a loud cry as my orgasm hit me hard, and cried out his name as he brought it out more and more with every thrust.

My hips met his with every move he made as he quickly pushed inside me more and more until he found his own release. He kissed me hard, moaning my name into my mouth before his body collapsed down on top of mine, breaking our kiss so we could both catch our breath.

I ran my hand over his hair, which was damp with sweat, as I felt my heart rate continue back to normal. I could feel Donnie’s breath fan over my breasts as his hands slowly brushed my sides. He dropped a kiss on my chest before slowly lifting his head, looking at me. He smiled lazily as I ran my hands down his cheeks. I wanted to speak, but no words came out. In fact, nothing I could say would make this moment any more perfect, so I was glad when Donnie closed the gap between us and kissed me softly.

And really, a kiss can sometimes say it all.

I just wondered if mine told him I was falling for him.

Me time. Something I craved when at school, and something I never seemed to get once I was at home.

But today, It was me time day.

I decided to pack up a lunch and head on out to the beach, bring a blanket, a good book and settle for the day. I didn’t tell anyone where I went, and I turned my cell off the moment I got to the beach. I found myself a place in the shade and relaxed.

Well as much as I could.

I’d tried reading the book, but I’d given up after I’d read the same paragraph a dozen times. So I people watched. Families spending the day together, a father with his young children, a couple in love.

Even people watching reminded me of what I wanted so badly.

There was no denying it, I was falling for Donnie. Hell, I had already fallen. But how do I tell him that without making a fool out of myself? And how does it work when my dad has no clue?

I guess before I could even tell my dad, I’d have to talk with Donnie. I’d need some kind of idea what we were before I could even attempt to tell my dad.

Because even though I knew he’d go mad at the idea of me and Donnie together anyways, I knew it would drive him even more insane if me and Donnie were just sleeping together.

Only I had no idea how I would even begin to bring it up.

I ate my lunch and carried on watching people before getting bored. My so called me time wasn’t as satisfying as I thought it would be. I turned my cell on and sighed when I saw a text from my dad.

I sighed. Being summoned home for dinner wasn’t rare, but it hadn’t happened since I’d been home. Either it meant he just wanted a simple family dinner, or something else was going on.

I packed up my stuff around 2pm, and took the short drive back home. I was surprised to see everyone home, and a bunch of suitcases in the hall.

“Helloooo!” I called out as I shut the door. I could hear talking, but no one answered me. I kicked my shoes off before walking through to the kitchen. “Mom?”

“Hmmn?” Mom hummed a reply, but didn’t turn around from where she was preparing dinner.

“What’s going on?”

She turned around and smiled. “Oh, we’re having a nice dinner. The boys leave tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” I frowned. Donnie hadn’t mentioned them leaving.

“Yes, they have some appearances to attend. Your father is going with them.”

I nodded and left the room. I walked back down the hall and headed towards the stairs when Donnie walked out his room and stopped in his tracks. He was carrying a suitcase. “You’re leaving..”

He put his case down next to the others before walking over to me, shoving his hands in his pockets. “We found out earlier. I was going to call you but.. well I had to pack my stuff up.”

I nodded and looked around before sighing. So much for me getting my feelings out. He was going to be gone in the morning, and we were going to be stuck surrounded by people, meaning we couldn’t just sneak off to talk.

“What’s wrong?” Donnie asked softly.

I looked around. I could hear Joey singing in his guestroom just up the stairs. Dad was in his office watching football, and my mom was cooking with the kitchen door wide open. “We can’t talk here.” I whispered, looking away from him. “Never mind..” I pushed past him and ran up the stairs, locking myself into my bedroom.

Why did nothing ever go smoothly for me?

****

I stayed in my room until Mom called for dinner, and reluctantly left my safe place and headed downstairs. It seemed I was the only person she was calling, for everyone else was already sat at the table.

“Take a seat, sweetie.”

I scanned the table and noticed I’d been sat between my brother, and Joey. I was glad. Sitting next to Donnie would just be awkward.

There was a lot of small talk, which I didn’t really pay attention to. I focused on eating, and lost myself in my thoughts until Joey nudged me.

“Huh?” I looked up to see everyone looking at me. Great.

“We were just saying how awesome you sounded when we heard you sing in that bar.” Joey said, smiling, making me blush.

“Eh, it’s nothing.” I mumbled, and looked at my dad. He gave me a small smile before turning to my mom.

“You should of heard her. She sounded amazing.”

I frowned before putting my knife and fork down. “May I be excused?” I looked at my mom, who shook her head.

“You’ve barely eaten.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Rosie..” My dad started, but mom cut him off.

“Of course you can be excused. I’ll save you some for later.”

I thanked my mom before climbing out my chair and walking out the room. I shut the door behind me and sighed.

”I really don’t know what’s wrong with her. She’s been off since the other day.”

I rolled my eyes, hearing my dad complain. If only he knew.

”Just leave her, honey. She’s probably just sad you are leaving. She did look upset when I said your all going tomorrow.”

Everyone agreed that had to be it,but really.. it wasn’t my dad I was sad about leaving.

I decided to hide out up in my room, not bothering to socialize, and pretty much acting like a bratty teenager. I half wished Donnie would come up and talk to me, and when eventually everyone went to bed I gave up on that idea.

Clearly it was all one sided between me and him.

I crawled into bed, turning my light out and tried to fall asleep. I was between awake and asleep when I heard my door open. “Who is it?” I sat up and tried to see through the darkness.

“It’s me.”

I sighed and sat up in the bed before reaching over and turning my bedside lamp on. Donnie was stood by my closed door, wearing a pair of sweat pants low on his hips.

“Can we talk?”

I shrugged, and Donnie walked over to the bed, sitting in front of me.

“You pissed at me?”

I shook my head. “Nope.”

“Cos, I get the feeling you are. I really didn’t know I was leaving tomorrow until earlier. It came as a shock to us all.”

“But you knew you had appearances.” I stated, folding my arms across my chest.

“Yes, next week. But they added some more. Baby..”

“Don’t call me baby.” I sighed, hating the look on his face. He was confused.

“Rosie.”

I shook my head and looked away. I could feel tears stinging my eyes.

“Rosie, look at me.”

“No..” I muttered, closing my eyes, sending tears down my cheeks. I felt the bed shift and before I knew it my face was in Donnie’s hands.

“This isn’t the end, you know.” He stroked my tears away before smiling at me. “At least, I hope it isn’t.”

“Then what is it?” I croaked out, trying not to cry out loud, even if I had tears rolling down my cheeks.

“A see you later?”

I shook my head. “No. What. Is. It? Us? What is it?”

Donnie looked at me a moment. “You want to know what we are?”

I nodded, and wiped my face.

“I like you a lot, Rosie.,.”

“But?”

Donnie sighed. “No buts.”

“So you just.. like me. Nothing else?” I looked at Donnie and he hesitated a moment before talking.

“Its more than like, but I really don’t know if me voicing any of that is too soon. I feel like I’ve known you forever..”

“You pretty much have.” I cut in, making him smile.

“I know. We connect in ways I’ve never connected with anyone else. I don’t have to be anyone other than myself.”

My heart pounded in my chest. I only had one shot in telling him. I knew now was the time. “I think I’m falling for you.” I whispered, looking down. I all of a sudden felt emotional, and inwardly kicked myself.

“Rosie..” Donnie’s hands were back on my face, making me look at him. I expected him to start telling me how wrong it is, and how we can never be together.

But instead he kissed me.

“Guess it’s not too soon then. Rosie.. I feel the same way.”

“You do?” I looked at him in shock.

“Yes. God damn girl.. you drive me crazy..”

I couldn’t help but giggle, all feelings of doubt dispersing straight away. He was falling for me too! I grabbed his face and kissed him with everything I had. Just knowing he felt the same washed away that grumpy mood I’d been in all day.

We kissed for a few minutes before laying down on my bed.

“I hate that I have to leave you.”

I squeezed my arms around him. “I wish I could go.”

“Me too. But your dad would definitely get suspicious then.”

I groaned. I’d forgotten about them doubts. “I wish I could tell him.”

“You can.” Donnie ran his fingers through my hair, making me close my eyes.

“I know. Just…not yet.”

“Ok, baby.”

I smiled at his words and opened my eyes, seeing him smiling back at me. “Donnie?”

“Hmm?” He tangled his hands in my hair, making me chuckle.

“Make love to me?”

He looked around my room, before looking back at me. “Really?”

I smiled and nodded. “I promise I’ll stay quiet.”

He smirked, before rolling himself ontop of me. “Babygirl, you’ve never been quiet, but I’m open to that challenge.”

He kissed me, and I lost myself in him, pretending he never had to leave, and that we could be like this forever.

***

Saying goodbye to the guys and my dad had been hard. More so because I had to act like I was going to miss my dad more than Donnie, and at that moment it was the complete opposite.

Mom was quiet once they’d left, and I decided to help her strip the linen from the guest rooms and tidy up. We’d got through most of the rooms before heading downstairs and into the room Donnie stayed in.

It smelt like his cologne as we walked in, and I fought the urge to press my face into his sheets as we pulled them off the bed. I busied myself in putting them in the basket we’d brought in when mom broke the silence.

“I saw him last night… leaving your room.”

I froze and dropped the basket before turning to look at my mom. She was placing the throw pillows back on the empty bed. “I uh.. we were hanging out.”

Mom looked at me, and right there I could see she knew. “I wasn’t born yesterday, Rosie.”

I bit my lip and sighed softly. “Mom..”

“He’s twenty years older than you, Rosie. He’s divorced, with a child that’s just a few years younger than you.”

“I know mama.” I answered softly. I watched mom sit on the bed before I joined her.

“Why?”

She looked upset, and that was the last thing I wanted.

“I don’t know.” I looked down into my lap and sighed. “I just know that I have feelings for him, and he has feelings for me too.”

“Of course he does, you are a beautiful young women.”

I shook my head. “Mom, it’s not like that.”

“Then what is it like?”

I looked at her, feeling myself get upset. “He gets me. He listens to me. I can talk to him for hours. I did talk to him for hours. We have so much in common and… I’ve loved him since I was a little girl.”

Mom looked at me a moment. “Did you have sex?”

I bit my lip and nodded. She sighed and looked away.

“In this house?”

“Mama…”

“Rosie.”

“Only last night.” I whispered. “And we only did it three times. Mom… please don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad, Rosie. I’m disappointed.”

I bit my lip and looked down in my lap. I was fighting the urge to burst into tears. Somehow her being disappointed in me hurt much more than the idea of her being mad. “I’m sorry..” I whispered. “I can’t help how I feel…” I let out a sob, feeling my body betray me and buried my face in my hands.

I was surprised when my mom hugged me, and more surprised when she started apologizing profusely. We stayed hugged up on Donnie’s old bed until I couldn’t take it any more. “Can we like.. leave this room.”

“Why?”

I wiped my eyes. “It smells like him and I miss him.” My voice cracked, making my mom look at me.

“Ok. Go in the sitting room. I’ll put this wash on, and then we are going to talk.”

I nodded and left the room as quick as I could, taking a detour to the bathroom to wash my face before heading to the sitting room.

Mom knew, which meant it was a matter of time before my dad found out.

Three days had past. Three days of me walking around the house wondering if mom had told dad yet, three days of me not sleeping, and three days since I’d heard from Donnie.

I was going out of my mind.

Mom was busying herself with work, and I’d barely seen her. She always used to do this when Dad went away, but a part of me was wondering if she was going it also because she was disappointed in me.

We’d had a talk later that day, in which mom just told me that I didn’t need to rush into a relationship, and that I had all the time in the world to settle down. I didn’t say anything, because I knew right away that mom didn’t understand.

She pretty much spoke like I’d had some rancid affair with a married man, and she wouldn’t listen when I’d told her that it was more than that.

It was so much more than that.

“Hellloooo!”

I looked up from the couch, where I’d been laying across lost in a day dream to see Olive skip into the room and jump on the couch, straight on my legs. “I was ignoring your texts.” I mumbled, laying back down and closing my eyes.

“I know, so I called you’re mom. She sent me around.”

I opened my eyes and looked at her. “She did?”

Olive nodded. “She said something about me sorting you out. What’s going on?”

I sighed. “She saw Donnie leaving my room.”

“Oh shit, you slept with him at home! You’re dad know?”

I shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. I wanna say no, but I have no idea. She acted like we had a fling or something.”

“Well, you kinda did.”

I glared at Olive. “It was more than that.”

“I know! But Rosie, you had a fling. Have you heard from him?”

“No.” I muttered. “And I hate that.”

“So call him. Where’s your cell?” Olive stood up, leaving me to sit up and grab for my phone before she did, only she got it first.

“Olive…”

“Where’s his number..” Olive said to herself and walked away from me as I jumped up and tried to get my cell back. “AH found it!”

“Olive please can I have my cell back?” I held my hand out, giving her a chance to hand it back, but I watched in horror as she hit call and put the phone up to her ear. “OLIVE!”

“SHHH! It’s ringing!” She gave me a shit eating grin before backing away from me.

“Olive!” I said through gritted teeth, and went for her, but her smile widened and I knew what that meant. He’d answered.

“Hey Donnie, this is Olive. We’ve never met, but Rosie was whining about not hearing from you, so I thought I’d help you both out…” Olive chuckled before looking at me. “Sure..” She held the phone out and smirked. “It’s for youuuu.” She sang to me, making me roll my eyes and take my phone from her.

I reluctantly put the phone against my ear and took a deep breath before speaking. “Hey..”

“Hey you.” Donnie sounded amused. I felt my cheeks redden, making Olive giggle before she ran out the room.

“I’m gonna kill her..” I whispered, making Donnie laugh.

“So you didn’t want to talk to me then?” His voice was quiet, and then it dawned on me my dad was probably around.

“No, I did..” I sat back down and sighed. “My mom knows.”

“What?”

I bit my lip. “She saw you leaving my room.”

“Shit.. well, your dad definitely doesn’t know.”

“He doesn’t?” I felt a surge of relief rush through me.

“Not at all. He was planning on flying you out.”

I looked around the room, shocked. “Why?”

“He said he missed you the past year or so, and thought you’d have fun in New York with us.”

“You’re in New York…” I smiled. I’d always loved New York.

“Yup. So, if he asks, will you come out?”

I smiled. “Do you want me to?”

“What do you think?” The noise in the background got louder, and I could hear loud chatter.

“I want you to say it.”

Donnie chuckled. “I want you here.”

“Then when dad asks I’ll say yes.”

“And you’re mom?”

I groaned. I’d forgot about that. “I’ll deal with that.”

“I gotta go, Rosie.”

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Ok.”

“Text me, let me know when your dad calls.”

“Ok.” I whispered, wondering when I’d hear from him next.

“Bye Rosie.”

“Bye..” I waited for the phone to beep in my ear, signaling the call was over before I pulled my phone away from my ear and turned around. “OLIVE!”

“Yesss…” She walked into the room, a bottle of soda in one hand and a cookie in the other.

“I should be mad at you, but I’m not..” I walked over to her and hugged her. “Thanks..”

“No problem! Now can we do something fun, cos you’re hella boring when your all moping.”

I chuckled and nodded. “Sure. Lets go to the mall.”

“Now you’re talking…”

****

Me and Olive had spent the afternoon at the mall, going into clothes stores and trying on random clothes before having a late lunch. It was nice to just get out and laugh with my best friend, but the same thought was on my mind the whole time.

When was my dad going to ask me out to New York?

A part of me wondered if I should just go on my own. I mean I was 23, I wasn’t a kid anymore. I could go. Couldn’t I?

I came home to a full house. My mom was home with my brothers and sisters, who were upstairs no doubt making a mess. The smell of dinner was flooding my senses, making me hungry. I walked through to the kitchen and smiled softly when I saw my mom turn around.

“Rosie.. where you been?”

“Out with Olive.” I walked over to her and leant my back against the counter, watching mom as she prepared dinner. “She told me you sent her over.”

“You were moping.”

I groaned. “I was not.”

“Well you hadn’t left the house in days. I knew you were ignoring her, and I knew you needed a distraction.” Mom glanced at me before wiping her hands. “Anyways, I have something for you.”

I watched mom cross the kitchen before picking up her purse. She pulled out an envelope and held it out to me. I walked over and took it. “What is this?”

“Take a look. It’s from me and your father.”

I looked at her before opening the envelope and pulling out what was inside. I gasped when I saw what they had got me. “Mom! Really?”

“Yes, really.” She gave me a smile before carrying on preparing food.

“You’re letting me go to New York, even though… you know.” I looked down at the plane tickets in my hand.

“Your father wants you to go. I trust you’ll do the right thing.”

I looked up. “Which is?” I watched her as she purposely didn’t look at me.

“I can’t tell you that, Rosie. But trust me when I say that your father will not be happy if he finds out about you and Donnie.”

“But mom..”

“No buts. He will not be happy, and I will have to tell him everything if he even asks me. Its bad enough I haven’t told him already.”

I bit my lip. They had brought me tickets to New York, to see my dad.. and hang with the New Kids, but I couldn’t go near Donnie?

As excited as I was, this was going to be hard. I knew I had to sort this out. Either I was going to tell my dad that me and Donnie were together, or I was going to have to hide it.

Either way I was excited.

New York, here I come!

I stepped off the plane and fought the urge to push through the crowd of people walking towards the exit. The flight had been uneventful, and the whole time I’d been sat there wondering just what waited for me in New York.

I pulled my case behind me after retrieving it at baggage claim before walking through to arrivals. I had no idea who was meeting me, as dad had informed me he would be busy with the band, but I’d been promised someone would be there.

Arrivals was cramped with people as I walked out. I scanned the line of people holding up signs for those arriving from all over the country, and stopped when I saw my name, written on a piece of paper. My eyes scanned the person holding it and smiled softly before making my way over.

“When my dad said he was sending someone out, I never in a million years thought it would be you.” I grinned at Donnie as I got swatted with the piece of paper.

“You have no idea what strings I had to pull to come meet you here.” He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close. “How was the flight?”

“Alright I guess. So what strings did you pull?”

Donnie picked up my case before walking us slowly towards the exit. “Well, you dad was going to pick you up and surprise you, but I told him a better surprise would be to send one of us in to meet you and he’ll be waiting in the car.”

“And let me guess… he’s outside waiting in the car.”

Donnie grinned. “Yup. So uh…” He looked around a moment before dipping his head down and kissing me softly, taking me off guard. “…Hi.”

I giggled and shook my head before walking towards the exit. I heard Donnie chuckle before following me.
“Just make sure you act surprised when you see him.” Donnie hissed at me as we approached the car.

I quickly straightened my expression out before glancing at a blacked out people van as someone climbed out.

“Donnie..” The guy nodded his head at me before taking my case from Donnie and walking around the car.

“Who’s that?” I whispered, glancing at Donnie.

“Victor. He’s one of out other guards. Here..” Donnie stepped forward and opened the door for me.
I stole another glance at him before going to climb in, and as I did everyone inside yelled surprise.

My dad looked super excited to see me, so I made an effort to sit beside him and get pulled into a hug. “I thought you were busy!” I said into his chest. He laughed, making me smile.

“Yea well, I had to surprise my pumpkin.”

I heard the car door shut and looked beside me to see Donnie sit down. “Well he kept the secret well.”

“Good. So, how was the flight?” I looked up at my dad and told him about my flight, which wasn’t that eventful, and he told me all about their time in New York so far. I’ll admit I lost interest half way through his conversation when we started to drive into the city. I hadn’t been here in years, and the skyline always took my breath away.

“You hungry?”

I looked at my dad. “Yea, a little.”

“Well me and you are going to get some food, the boys are doing their own thing tonight. We’ll drop your things off at the hotel then go get some food. Pizza?”

I smiled and nodded before sitting back in my chair and taking in the passing scenery.
As much as I was looking forward to some father daughter bonding time, I couldn’t wait to be alone with Donnie.

****

My hotel room overlooked Times Square. I was surprised I’d gotten my own room, but I had, and the view was amazing. I had no idea how I’d sleep with the busy streets bustling with life 20 floors below.

“You ready pumpkin?”

I turned around from where I was stood at the window and smiled at my dad. “Sure. I can’t believe this view.”

“Amazing, huh? I knew you’d like it. Come on..”

I picked up my purse from off the bed and made sure I had my room key before following my dad out my room. We were quiet in the elevator down, and as we hit the lobby dad took my hand. “Dad, I’m not 5 years old anymore.” I went to pull my hand away, but he squeezed it.

“I know, but its busy in here, and those girls over there.. Well they know who I work with. I don’t want you getting lost in that crowd.”

I glanced over to where my dad nodded to and saw a bunch of around 20 girls sat and stood in the lobby. “They waiting for the New Kids?”

“Yup. Day and night. I don’t know why the hotel haven’t kicked them out yet. Most of them don’t seem to move.”

“Weird..” I muttered as we past them, leaving the hotel without being bothered. As soon as we hit the street I dug into my purse and pulled my camera out. We took a bunch of touristy pictures before walking away from the busy streets and down a more quiet road. We walked into a quiet Italian restaurant and got seated right away.

Dad looked like he wanted to say something the whole time we were waiting for our food. We were talking, but… well I couldn’t put my finger on it. A part of me felt like he was suspicious of me and Donnie, but then if he had been he wouldn’t of sent Donnie in the airport to meet me.

“So…”

I looked up as dad spoke, breaking me from my thoughts. “So?”

“How’s school?”

I snorted. “Really? That’s what you want to ask me?”

Dad laughed. “Well no, I just didn’t know what else to say..”

“Schools fine, Dad.” I sipped at my soda before looking at him. “So you liking being back out on the road?”

“It’s… different.” Dad smiled. “For one those boys are a lot older now, so a lot less bad behaviour. Most of the time they have their families there with them, so the only time I’m going places is if they want to head on out. But we’re not touring at the moment. It’s just recording for now. But their fans have figured out where they are, which you saw earlier.”

I nodded. “Any of them have their families here now?”

Dad nodded. “Jordan has, and Joey. Donnie’s sons were here, but they’ve gone back to LA now.”

I froze. Donnie had kids? Why didn’t I know this? How old were they? And as he had kids, was he married?

It made me realise that there was a lot I didn’t know about Donnie.

***

I leant against my hotel room door the moment I shut it on my dad after bidding him goodnight. I’d had a great evening, but my mind was all over the place, thinking of everything I’d found out from my dad.

He’d started telling me stories about the tours from back when I was younger. All the stuff I never got to see, like the parties, the drinking.. and worse. Dad told me about the time Donnie set fire to a carpet in a hotel, and the time Joey went missing from the hotel and they’d later found him wandering around some mall with a trail of girls behind him.

He’d laughed at the stories, but I could only imagine how annoying it had to of been at the time.
I walked over to my bed and sat on it before kicking my shoes off. I was suddenly feeling exhausted, and the urge to crawl into bed was strong, yet so was the urge to see Donnie. I dug my cell out my pocket before going to text Donnie, but was surprised when I saw one already there from him.

I couldn’t help but beam to myself before hitting reply.

I hit send before climbing off the bed and opening my case, I dug out a pair of PJ shorts and a matching tank top before quickly changing. I was just untying my hair from the ponytail that it had been in all day when I heard a tapping at my door.

I quickly rushed over and opened it, but before I could even register that it was Donnie, he was in my room and shutting the door behind him. I stepped back and looked at him amused before smiling softly.

“Hi.” Donnie grinned back at me. “Nice outfit.”

I shuffled from one foot to the other. “Hi yourself. So.. I’m here..”

“Yes, you are.” Donnie moved closer and wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. “Are you still sleepy?”

“Actually..” I wrapped my arms around his neck and tried to fight back a yawn, but it slipped out before I could stop it, making us both chuckle. “..I am.”

“Clearly.. come on..” He let go of me and took my hand before walking me over to the bed. My heart was beating in my chest as he turned down the covers and straightened my pillows out. I didn’t know what he was expecting, and even though I was tired, I probably would have been able to still sleep with him.

Only it was clear that wasn’t his plan when he ushered me into bed. He tucked me in before laying beside me on the other. I rolled onto my side so I could face him and smiled when I caught him smiling to himself.

“Why you all smiley?”

“Because you are here.” He stroked my cheek softly before sighing softly. “We really need to figure this all out.”

I bit my lip. “My dad?”

Donnie nodded. “We can’t keep it from him forever.”

I nodded. I suddenly wanted to ask him all the questions that plagued my mind, but I yawned again, making Donnie chuckle.

“Go sleep.”

“Don’t wanna. Not whilst you’re in here.” I snuggled closer to him, and sighed in comfort when he pulled me into his arms.

“I’m not going anywhere… go to sleep. I might not be here when you wake up, but I’ll be here for now. Sleep.”

I looked up at him and smiled. “I’ve missed you.”

Donnie leant down and kissed me softly before brushing my hair back off my face. “I’ve missed you too. Now close those eyes.”

I giggled and snuggled my head down onto his chest before closing my eyes. I pretty much fell asleep with a smile on my face.

I was on Day 3 in New York. Nothing much had happened. Dad had been going to the studio with the New Kids, pretty much leaving me to myself. Of course the first thing I wanted to do was go site seeing, but I’d been told I wasn’t allowed to.

Really? I was 23 and not allowed to venture out.

I had breakfast with my dad that morning before he left with the guys. I’d told him I would be visiting the hotel spa, but the moment he left I got dressed, grabbed my camera and headed out to explore.

I’d been to New York a few times. Once with my high school, and a few times with my family when we used to travel around with dad. I hadn’t been since I was a young teen though, and this was the first time I’d really had the chance to take it all in.

First on my list was the Empire State Building. I paid the $23 and walked with the crowds to the elevators. We climbed in and took the two short elevator rides to the 86th floor. My ears popped as we flew up the building, but I soon forgot about that when I stepped outside and saw the view.

I’d never been in a building so tall, and the view was amazing. I snapped picture after picture, walking around the viewing observatory, taking pictures the whole way round. I must of spent a good hour up there when my cell buzzed in my pocket. I quickly pulled my cell out to see it was Donnie calling.

“Hey! Guess where I am?”

Donnie chuckled. “Well you’re not in your room, I just knocked there.”

“Nope. I’m on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.”

“For real? Your dad might have kittens if he knows you’re out.”

I rolled my eyes. “I don’t care. So, you’re back at the hotel?”

“Yea, I got done at the studio and thought we could hang out.”

I smiled, heading back inside the building. “We still can. Want to meet for lunch? I can walk back to Times Square.”

“Sure. I’ll meet you in the hotel lobby. Call me when you’re there.”

I smiled to myself before cutting the call and putting my cell and camera away. Spending the afternoon with Donnie was just what I wanted.

***

I walked into the hotel lobby and frowned at the amount of people hanging around. There were more than usual, and it didn’t look like they were waiting for a room or anything. In fact, they looked a lot like the girls that had been hanging around since I’d been here, the same people my dad had pointed out.

They were here for Donnie, it was plainly obvious.

I dialled Donnie’s number as I walked through the lobby and towards the elevators.

“You here?”

I looked around. “Yea, but there’s a ton of girls hanging around. I think they are here for you.” I whispered the last part, not wanting anyone to overhear.

“Shit.. I forgot about them. Ok, you head out on the street, I’ll meet you.”

“Ok.” I walked back the way I came, and swore one of the girls watched me. Still, I ignored them as I stepped back outside and walked away from the hotel a little. There was a small band playing on the street, so I walked over to watch them play. I must have been there a few minutes when I felt someone standing close behind me. I couldn’t help but smile before turning my head slightly. I caught Donnie watching me before turning around. “You got away quick!”

“Back exit.” Donnie said before taking my hand. “Come on, lets go.”

I gripped Donnie’s hand as he walked us swiftly through the crowds of tourists before taking us down a street and over to a door. He pulled out a key, surprising me. “A key?”

“Yup…” He grinned at me before opening the door and guiding me inside. There was a couple of flights of stairs, which Donnie guided me up before we came across another door. He unlocked that and pushed it open before looking at me. “Ladies first..”

I looked up at him before walking inside the door. I gasped, seeing that it was someones house. “Who lives here?” I turned to look at Donnie as he shut the door.

“A friend. He gave me a key for whenever I’m in town, but I haven’t actually been here to stay yet. It’s nice, right?”

I looked around. It was a spacious studio apartment, with a huge window that gave a view of the buildings behind. It wasn’t an amazing view, other than the fact down below there was a garden, which I guessed was one of New York’s treasures, hidden from the tourists and a place for the locals to relax. “It’s nice. I thought we were going for lunch?”

“We are.” Donnie walked over to the kitchen and pulled open the fridge. “I just gotta cook it first.”

I grinned, walking over to the breakfast bar and climbing onto one of the stools. “You’re cooking?”

“Is that a problem?” Donnie pulled out a pizza from the fridge before sitting it down on the counter.

“No, I just didn’t know you cooked? Unless this is pre-brought?” I eyed up the pizza before looking at Donnie.

“Might be pre-brought, or I might of made it.. I’m not telling.” He turned the oven on before sliding the pizza inside and shutting the door. “Drink?”

I nodded and watched him as he pulled us both out a soda before he joined me at the breakfast bar. I took the can of soda he offered me before looking at him. “So the rest of the guys at the studio still?”

Donnie nodded. “I manage to convince your dad and Victor that I didn’t need chaperoning back to the hotel, which was good.”

I smiled and sipped at my drink. It was the perfect time to talk to Donnie, find out more about him. But I was nervous, and I had no idea how to start.

“You ok? You’re quiet.”

I looked up at Donnie. “I’m fine.. just..thinking.”

“About? Me?” Donnie looked at me, an amused look on his face.

“Is it that obvious?”

Donnie laughed. “No, but it was a damn lucky guess.”

I felt myself blush a little. “I guess I’m just… curious.”

“About me?” Donnie looked interested as I pretty much sat there and squirmed.

“Yes, like.. I didn’t know you had kids. And then it got me thinking that in a way we really don’t know that much about each other and that scares me a little.”

Donnie looked at me all serious, and I thought for a minute that I’d pissed him off, but he just reached over and took my hand. “Ask away.”

“I don’t want to ask.” I whispered. “Tell me..”

He smiled. “I have two sons. Xavier, and Elijah. Elijah is Eleven, and Xavier is Eighteen.”

“Eighteen?!” I looked at Donnie in shock, and he started laughing.

“Yes, why?”

“You have an eighteen year old son? NO WAY!”

Donnie cracked up, making me shake my head and chuckle.

He had a son when I used to follow him around as a kid. It just didn’t seem right. I don’t remember there being a baby around.

“Why is that so unbelievable?”

I bit my lip before smiling shyly. “Well.. for one you don’t look old enough..”

“That I like to hear.” He winked, making me giggle.

“… and.. damn Eighteen! He’s not that much younger than me! Was he ever on tour?”

Donnie shook his head. “No. And even now he shy’s away from it all. He wants to do his own thing. Elijah joined the band on the last few tours we’ve done, but he’s still young. You really didn’t know I had kids?”

I shook my head, feeling a little stupid. “I knew you’d been married, but that was it really.”

Donnie just smiled. “Anything else you want to know?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know.. ..”

“Well what about you?”

I smiled. “I have no children.”

Donnie laughed. “I know. Why don’t you tell me something about you that I won’t know.”

I leant back on the chair and looked at him. He already knew what I was going to school for, and what I wanted to major in. He knew I was crushing on him.. I really didn’t know what I could tell him. At least nothing was as big as him having kids. “Uh… I don’t know..”

“There must be something…”

I sighed softly and thought for a moment before looking back at him. “I want us to be together, like properly.”

Donnie looked at me a moment before smiling. “Rosie…”

“What? I do. You told me to tell you something. I did.” It suddenly dawned on me that he might not want that, and that I’m probably setting myself for heartbreak, but Donnie pulled my hand up to his mouth and kissed it.

“I want us to be together too, but we have the matter of telling your dad to get out of the way first. It’ll happen, it just needs to be done properly.” He let go of my hand before standing up and walking around the counter. “But you need to think of something else, because that doesn’t count.” He poked his tongue out at me before opening the oven door to check on the pizza.

Whilst I sat there, completely stunned.

***

The pizza Donnie made us was definitely pre-brought. I teased him about it over lunch before helping him clean up. He got a call shortly after from Jordan, telling him the rest of the guys were heading back, which meant we had to cut short our afternoon.

I used the bathroom before we left, and wondered just how I’d tell my dad about me and Donnie. I knew I’d have to call mom before. She knew my dad so well, that she’d know a way to tell him. But then, of course, she was hoping I wasn’t still “fooling around” with him. It was going to be tough.

“You ready?” Donnie called out as I flushed the toilet and washed my hands. I unlocked the door and walked out to see Donnie leant against the wall waiting for me.

“I am now.”

“Good. Come on.” He held his hand out for me, and I took it before following him out the apartment. He locked it up before letting me go in front of him down the flights of stairs. I pushed the door open to see rain pouring down.

“Crap.” I didn’t have a jacket, or anything to protect myself from the rain. Donnie quickly thrust his jacket at me, which he’d been holding. I pulled it on and silently smiled as his scent filled my scenses. I stepped outside and waited for Donnie to lock the door. He shoved the keys in his pocket, and I went to start walking when he grabbed me by the waist and pushed me against the door.

“You look hot in my clothes.”

I went to reply when he pushed himself against me and kissed me deeply. I couldn’t think as his hands pushed inside the jacket to hold me close. Instead I wrapped my arms around his neck and moaned into the kiss. I wanted him. Right there, and right then.

We must of stood there kissing for a good ten minutes when Donnie pulled back and rest his forehead against mine. My eyes were still closed, and my body was alive with want. His arms were still wrapped around me, holding me tight. I don’t think I’d ever felt as safe as I did that moment.

“We really need to tell your dad, baby.” Donnie whispered, making me open my eyes. I gasped, seeing his dark eyes so close to mine.

“I know. I just wish I knew how..”

Donnie leant in and kissed me softly on the lips. His arms unwrapped themselves from around me, making me pout at the loss. He gently grabbed the zipper on the jacket and zipped it up before smiling at me. “Lets head back, the rains calmed down a little now.”

I smiled at him before linking my fingers in his and walked beside him.

I think I was falling in love.

Sneaking around wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. Apart from visiting Donnie’s friend’s apartment, and Donnie lying beside me the first night I arrived, we’d barely spent any time together.
To say I was frustrated was an understatement.

Dad had at least loosened is reigns on me a little, and was “allowing” me to venture out during the day. Maybe he realised I didn’t fly all the way to New York just to stay in my hotel room. Hell, I didn’t fly all that way to spend most of the time by myself, but here I had been… walking around New York city on my lonesome.

Today I decided to stay in the hotel. The day before I have visited the 9/11 memorial, and took a ferry out to the Statue of Liberty. I’d caught the sun walking around Libery Island and felt like I was on fire by the time I’d gotten home. I’d made dad buy me Aloe, and it appeared to be better, but I was feeling sluggish and tired.

I channel hopped for a while, finishing off my room service lunch, which wasn’t that bad. I hadn’t even showered or anything. I was feeling completely lazy. I decided to nap, so once I shoved the empty plate back in the hall, I turned the tv off and crawled back under my covers. I was somewhere between earth and dream land when a knock on the door woke me up.

“I’M SLEEPING!” I yelled out, not caring who it was on the other side.

“Fancy a snuggle buddy?”

I smiled, and rolled out the bed and over to the door. I opened it a little and peeked out, seeing Donnie stood there. “That depends..”

“On what?”

“Whether you just want to snuggle, or…” I wiggled my eyebrows, making him laugh.

“Let me in and you’ll see.”

I opened my door wider and backed up as Donnie walked in and shut the door. He took one look at my sunburnt shoulders and winced.

“That looks painful.”

I looked at my shoulders. “Eh, it was. Just red now. So…?”

Donnie chuckled. “Throw some clothes on, and we can head on out.”

I pulled a face. “I don’t want tooo.” I sat on the bed and pouted.

“No? I still have the key to the apartment.. and he’s still away… He has a bed..”

I smiled slowly before rolling my eyes. “Fine.”

Donnie chuckled as I climbed off the bed and walked over to my suitcase. I pulled out some shorts and a t-shirt before disappearing into the bathroom.

***

“So where is your friend who owns this place?” I waited beside Donnie as he unlocked the door to the apartment.

“Hawaii… with his girlfriend. He travels a lot.”

I walked inside and looked around before turning towards Donnie. “So where’s this bed you were referring to before?”

Donnie took my hand and walked me across the open plan apartment, and over to one of two doors in the whole place. I knew the other was the bathroom, so it was obvious this would be the bedroom. He opened the door and walked us inside. “This ok?”

The room was bright, the sun shining through the huge window. The bed was covered in white sheets, making it look even brighter inside. I walked over to the bed and touched the fabric before looking back at Donnie.

“Perfect.” I smiled at him before pulling my t-shirt over my head. I’d not bothered with underwear, and it was obvious Donnie liked that when I threw my t-shirt to the ground and he was right there, his arms pulling me close.

“You know just what to do to get under my skin, don’t you?”

I ran my hands along his chest. “Maybe… I’ve just been waiting for this moment since I’ve got here. Do you know how frustrating it is not to just go to your room in the middle of the night..”

Donnie chuckled. “It’s just as frustrating as knowing your down the hall from me and alone…” He leant down and kissed me deeply, making me moan and grip his t-shirt in my hands. His tongue thrust into my mouth, making me groan as his tongue explored my mouth.

“Too.. many.. clothes..” I whispered between kisses as I lifted the hem of his t-shirt off. He got the hint and pulled it over his head before pulling me back against him. I undid the button on his jeans as his lips kissed and sucked along my neck, torturing me. The moment I had his jeans undone I pushed them over his hips, only to feel he wasn’t wearing underwear. “Great minds..” I sighed out before feeling my own shorts drop to the floor. He pushed me onto the bed before crawling over me.

“We have all afternoon.. I intend to take this slowly.” Donnie murmured before taking my foot in his hand.

I pretty much squirmed as he placed tiny kisses along each of my toes before moving them up my foot and onto my leg. His hands were leading the way for his kisses, and by the time his lips reached my inner thigh I was panting. I let out a groan when he put my leg down and moved to my other foot, giving me the same torture, yet missing the spot I wanted him the most.

“Donnie…” I whined in frustration as he put my other leg down and started kissing along my stomach.

“…all afternoon..” He mumbled, dipping his tongue into my belly button before kissing higher.

I figured he’d tease me completely and avoid kissing my nipples, but when his mouth covered one and sucked eagerly I let out a sound of pleasure. My hands were in his hair, and I couldn’t help but beg him to touch me. Yet the only touching he did was pinching and rolling my other nipple in his other hand as his mouth teased the other.

“Please… god, please!” I arched my back, desperate for him. He chuckled against my skin before moving up my body to kiss me on the mouth.

“Patience..”

“I don’t have any.” I retorted, holding on to his shoulders. I pushed on them gently, making him laugh.

“I can tell.” He smiled at me before licking his lips. “What do you want?”

“You.. your mouth..” I couldn’t help but stare at his lips as he licked them slowly, deliberately.

“Where? Tell me?” His voice lowered, and I visibly shuddered.

“On me…” I moaned as he bit his lip before chuckling.

“As you wish..” He lowered himself down my body, spreading my legs making me pant with want. I felt his fingers brush over me, making me shriek with want.

“Damn baby..” Donnie murmured before lowering his mouth to me. I closed my eyes and groaned in pleasure as he licked and sucked, bringing me closer and closer to the edge. I was about to see stars when he stopped completely.

“Why did you stop!” I screeched at him, making him chuckle.

“Not yet..”

“WHAT?” I leant up on my elbows and pretty much glared at him. He seemed to get more amused by the minute as he climbed off the bed and walked over to his jeans. I watched him retrieve something from his pocket before he walked back over to the bed. He tossed it down beside me before climbing back on. A condom.

I looked over at him as he laid on his back and let my eyes travel over his body. He was hard as a rock, and it was all for me. I sat up and moved closer to him before taking him in my hands. “All for me?”

“All for you..” Donnie replied, his breath raspy as I stroked him slowly, but firmly. I could tell he was fighting to move his hips against my hands and it made me smile. He hadn’t been just teasing me, he’d been teasing himself.

I grabbed the condom with my spare hand and let go of him before tearing the packet open. I rolled it down onto his erection before climbing on top of him. “We have all afternoon, right?”

Donnie nodded and gripped hold of my hips.

“So we can do this… all afternoon..” I reached inbetween us and took him in my hand before guiding myself on top of him. We both moaned in unison as he filled me. I moved on him, making him fill me deeper and deeper. I kept trying to go faster, but Donnie had a grip on my hips.

“Slow…”

“No… faster..” I moaned out, desperate to move faster, but every time I tried he stopped me. I leant down and kissed him deeply, feeling him start to guide me. It was erotic, him holding me so tight, moving me on him. I moaned into his mouth as he wrapped his arms around me before rolling us over. I anticipated him about to give in to me, and go faster, but instead he carried on his slow torture, teasing me enough to feel an impending orgasm, but never letting it rear its head.

I want panting with want as Donnie slowly made love to me. His mouth was everyone. My neck, my shoulders, my lips. His soft moans and grunts were driving me insane. “Faster..”

“Shhh.” He grinned as me before pushing deeper inside me. I felt my eyes roll back in my head as a wave of warmth hit me. He carried on thrusting deeper inside me, making me feel a new wave of pleasure.

“Oh god…” I dug my nails into his back as he slowly brought me to the edge.

“Come for me baby.. I can feel it.. now!”

I cried out as the most powerful orgasm I’d ever had washed over me. I shuddered and cried his name out as every thrust me made sent more pleasure through me. I felt tears sting my eyes as the pleasure got too much, but I didn’t want it to end at the same time. “Donnie…”

He grunted and collapsed on top of me, panting hard after feeling his own orgasm. I moaned at the feel of his weight on me before running my hand through his damp hair. “Good god..” He whispered, rolling onto his back beside me.

I looked beside me to see him with his hand on his chest. He was breathing heavily, almost panting. I rolled onto my side and ran my hand over his stomach. His skin was wet with sweat.

We laid together a few minutes, catching our breathes. Donnie pulled me closer and kissed the top of my head, making me look up at him. “Still wanna go faster?” He had a cheeky grin on his face.

“Already?”

Donnie chuckled and rolled on top of me. Sure enough, I could feel him getting hard again. “I’m always ready around you.”

I giggled as he kissed me before spreading my legs.

I think we would be making up for lost time.

***

I sighed as I laid my head down on Donnie’s chest. We were recovering after an afternoon of intense love making. I felt like I was on cloud nine, totally relaxed and totally all sexed out.

“I’m hungry..” I announced, making Donnie chuckle.

“I think it’s safe to say we worked up an appetite.” Donnie stretched before running his hand along my back. We were lying naked on the bed, too tired to even cover ourselves up.

“You going to cook for me again?” I looked at Donnie, who smiled.

“Nah. I think it’s your turn to cook for me.”

I snorted, making Donnie laugh. “I don’t really cook… Take out menu’s I do.” I looked up at him and smirked. “We could order in?”

“I really don’t care what we do… I’d rather eat you anyways.”

I smiled before finding myself on my back as he lay on top of me. How he could be ready again? “You’re a machine..” I giggled as he grinned back.

“You make me like that. You drive me crazy.” He leant down and kissed me, making me smile against his lips.

I was lost in his kisses when I heard the quiet sound of my cell ringing from the other room. “Mmm my phone..”

“Ignore it..” Donnie murmured before nibbling on my bottom lip.

“It’s my dad..” I could tell it was him, as it was his assigned ring tone.

“Ugh mood kill.” Donnie rolled off me, making me laugh. I leant down on the floor and picked up his t-shirt, sliding it over my head before walking out the room. I dug my phone out my bag before answering it.

“Hey dad..”

“Where are you?”

I froze, realising that he must of known I wasn’t at the hotel. I looked around. “Um, shopping.”

“Get back here.”

“Why?” I frowned. Something about his tone didn’t sit right with me.

“Rosie.. it’s in your best interest if you get back to this hotel.. now.” The call ended, making me frown. He was mad. He never spoke like that. He’d certainly never spoke like that to me before.

“What did he want?”

I looked up from the floor to see Donnie walk in wearing only his boxers. “Me back at the hotel.”

“Really? Damn, I was just about to give in to your take out menu deal.”

I sighed and put my phone back. “Rain check?” I climbed off the floor and walked over to him, wrapping my arms around him from behind as he looked in the fridge.

“Sure baby.”

I sighed and leant against his back, not wanting the afternoon to end. We awkwardly shuffled back into the bedroom, making me giggle.

“Wanna shower?”

I nodded. “Yea, but my dad thinks I’m shopping.”

“So don’t wash your hair. Come on.” Donnie grabbed my hand and grabbed me out the bedroom and over to the bathroom, giving me no choice but to follow.

***

We left the apartment and walked hand in hand until we hit the populated streets. The sun was out high again, and I found myself wishing I was in the shade as the heat hit my skin. I followed closely behind Donnie as he walked us through the crowds, only I stopped short as we walked past a news stand.

A news stand, with a magazine that had my face on it.

And not just my own either.

I walked over and picked it up, seeing that it was the only cover picture on the magazine. I looked up as Donnie walked back, realising that I’d fallen behind.

“Now isn’t the time to buy your girlie magazines. Your dads waiting.”

I didn’t speak, but instead showed him the magazine front.

“Boybander dates girl half his age – shocking pictures inside.” He read out loud before flicking through to the page it said the pictures were on. “Oh…”

“What?” I moved beside him and gasped. One full page had pictures of me and Donnie kissing outside his friends apartment, then there were pictures of us walking through the city, and one of us in the hotel lobby. Whoever had sold these pictures had been at the hotel. “Oh no.. oh no! He knows! My dad knows!” I looked at Donnie, wide eyed.

“You think he’s seen this?” Donnie held up the magazine.

“He must of! Oh god..” I backed away from Donnie before turning around and walking in the opposite direction. I could hear Donnie calling out for me, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t go back. If I went back my dad would tell me I couldn’t see Donnie anymore, and I couldn’t do that.

I’d rather run away than hear my dad tell me I couldn’t see Donnie.

I knew I was pretty much a coward, running away from my dad rather than facing him. It was pretty shitty of me to leave Donnie to deal with him, but I couldn’t face him.

I couldn’t face being told I couldn’t be with Donnie anymore. So rather than be told that, and suffer for the rest of my life, I decided to run.

It sounded like a good idea at the time, anyways.

I’d walked as far as Central Park before finding myself sat in the park itself, watching the sun go down. It then dawned on me I was alone, it was dark and I had to walk back to the hotel without being spotted.

I somehow managed it, going to my room, getting my stuff and leaving. I didn’t hear no shouting in the hall, or any loud voices for that matter. I just packed my stuff, left my room key at the front desk and left.

I hailed a taxi to New York Penn station and contemplated where I would go. I didn’t have much money.. a hundred dollars or so, and I probably should of invested that in going home, but then I’d had to face my mom. So I got on the next train that was leaving the city. Atlantic City, New Jersey.

I spent the next few days holed up in some dirty hostel type hotel. I never left the room once I arrived, other than to get food. I was too scared I’d come back to find my stuff gone. I pretty much spent my time sleeping and crying. I’d been curious to turn my cell on, which I’d turned off the moment I hit Central Park, wondering if anyone had even tried to contact me.

It was on the fourth day or being in Atlantic City when I was thrown out for not being able to pay the bill. I had 40 bucks to my name, and no where to go.

I walked along the broadwalk, dragging my suitcase behind me and tried to ignore all the people walking past wearing tiny bikini’s and drinking. I wanted to be back in that apartment in New York with Donnie, forgetting everything but us.

I sat on a bench and dug through my bag before finding my cell phone. I took a deep breath before turning it on, and watched it boot up before holding my breath.

16 text messages, 42 missed called and 5 voicemails.

Most of the calls were from my mom and dad, but there were a great deal from Donnie also. I decided to save the voicemails till last and opened the text messages. Only 5 of the texts were from my dad, telling me to get back to the hotel room, then getting progressively angrier the more they went on. I skimmed them before opening Donnie’s messages.

”Where are you baby? Tell me and I’ll come meet you. You don’t have to be scared. X

“I’m worried, call me.”

“You’re mom called, she said she you haven’t been home yet. She and your dad were convinced I knew where you are, so I showed him the texts I’d sent you. I’ve convinced your dad not to call the cops, so you best call me!”

The rest of the messages had been from my mom, but I didn’t even read them. I kept reading the same text over and over.

Donnie telling me he loves me.

I came out my messages and went through my contacts, finding Donnie’s number. I could call him and let him know I’m safe. I wanted to hear his voice. I went to hit call when the screen went black.

My battery was dead.

Suddenly I was fighting back tears. I had been stupid to run away. I should have been more grown up and faced my dad, telling him that whether he liked it or not I would be with Donnie.But instead I act like a stupid little girl, running away from my problems.

I needed to get back to New York City.

***

“That’ll be $56.”

I looked at the women in the ticket booth and sighed. “Is there no discounts?”

“Sorry Ma’am. $56, or no ticket.”

I looked at the money in my hand before swallowing hard. I didn’t even have enough money to get back. “I..uh.. I can’t afford that.” I looked up at the woman, but clearly she’d heard enough sob stories and wasn’t fazed.

“Sorry Ma’am. NEXT!” She called out to the next person in the queue, leaving me to grab my case and move away from her window.

I looked around, wondering what the hell I was supposed to do. I could probably get a bus to the city, but I had no idea where the bus depot was. I scanned the people before my eyes stopped on a payphone.

I had enough change to make a call.

I dragged my case over to the payphone and picked up the huge phone book, flicking through the pages before finding the number for the hotel in New York. I shoved a bunch of quarters in the payphone before hurriedly dialling the number.

The snooty voice of the women on the front desk answered, making my heart leap. “Can you transfer me to room 2025 please?”

“One moment.”

I heard the hold tone before the phone started ringing again. I pretty much held my breath and fed the payphone a few more quarters as I waiting for the phone to be picked up.

“Hello?”

I let out a squeak before my emotions got the better of me. I found myself crying rather than speaking.

“Hello? Who is this?”

“D..Donnie…” I choked out, closing my eyes.

“Rosie! Where are you?”

I leant against the phone. “Atlantic City. I can’t get home!”

“Geez Rosie!” Donnie let out a sigh. “Why not?”

“The ticket is $56 and I only have less than $40 now! I’m stuck here and I miss you! I’m sorry…” I bit back a sob, feeling so stupid.

“It’s ok baby… it’s ok. I’ll send you some money, or I’ll come get you..”

“I’m sorry…” I whispered again.

“Ok baby, stay in the station ok. I’ll be a while, but I’ll come get you. Do not move from there. Promise me you won’t leave.”

Beeping in my ear told me the call was ending shortly. “I promise! I promise!!”

“Good girl. I won’t tell your dad, ok. I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

I nodded even though he couldn’t see me.

“I’m so glad you called, Rosie…” The sound of the dial tone hitting my ear made me sigh.

“I love you too.” I whispered before putting the phone back down.

***

I’d been moved from the station after a while. The security in there were convinced I was begging, and even after I told him I was waiting for someone he didn’t believe me. I sat outside the station, watching the sun set and wondered just how long Donnie would be. I was hungry, thirsty, and so emotional.

I’d definitely learnt my lesson. I was never running away again.

Wave after wave of people left the station with each train arriving. I watched hoping that one of them would Donnie, and each time I found myself getting more upset knowing he wasn’t here yet.

I leant against my case and closed my eyes, feeling tired. I knew he’d find me here. I knew Donnie wouldn’t stop until he found me.

Someone touching my arm made me jump and swat them away. I opened my eyes to see two police officers looking at me.

“Sorry Miss, you can’t sleep here.”

I sat up. “I’m waiting for someone.”

“You can’t wait here.”

I felt tears sting my eyes. “But I HAVE to! My cell is dead and someones meeting me! If I leave they won’t find me and I’ll be stuck here!”

“Come on Miss.. you need to move.” The officer looked irritated with me, and it upset me more.

“NO!” I glared at them both before turning my head away.

“Miss, if you don’t leave we’ll have move you ourselves.”

I looked up at them and didn’t even bother wiping the tears away. I slowly climbed off the floor and picked my case up. The officers followed me as I walked away from the station. I felt like I was a trouble maker, or worse when all I was doing was waiting for someone.

They left me when I crossed the street and went back into the station. I stayed where I was, watching the station hoping I’d still be found. Luckily there was a bus stop right there. They couldn’t remove me from there.

I sat down and counted to ten, willing myself to calm down. It was dark now, and the temperature had dropped. I was starting to feel cold, and I only had a thin jacket on.

I watched the people come and go, cars arriving to pick up loved ones, and hotel shuttle buses coming on time to pick up the people heading on vacation.

A black escalade tore into the station car park, making me watch it. Someone was no doubt late for their train, or picking someone up. Two people rushed out the car, and straight into the station. That lost my attention, and I ended up looking at one of the shuttle buses as people climbed off.

Suddenly I heard my name, loud and clear, being yelled out. I stood up and looked towards the station and my heart leapt into my throat when I saw Donnie rushing down the steps. I couldn’t even call out to him, but I could see he had seen me. He rushed across the main road and before I knew it I was in his arms sobbing loudly.

“It’s alright.. you’re safe.. you’re ok.” Donnie soothed my hair down, dropping kisses on the top of my head as I clung to him. I didn’t want to let him go.

“She ok?”

I looked up, hearing a voice I didn’t recognise and saw a guy standing a small distance away from us.

“Yea I think so. Bring the car over.”

The guy nodded and walked away, leaving us alone. I buried my face into Donnie’s chest and breathed him in. His arms were holding me tightly, and I was so glad.

I never wanted him to let me go.

“You scared me so much.” Donnie murmured, moving one of his hands to my chin, tilting my face up to look at him. “Why did you run?”

I sniffled. “I was scared. I didn’t want to lose you..”

“So you ran away from me? Baby you could of given me a heads up, I would of come with you.” He smiled at me, letting me know he wasn’t mad. But it didn’t matter, I already felt stupid.

“I’m sorry..” I choked out, and was pulled back against his chest.

“It’s ok.”

I heard a call pull up beside us before Donnie guided me into the back. He put my case in the trunk before joining me on the back seat. It only dawned on me as I saw in the car that I was in the black escalade.

“You drove here?” I looked at Donnie, who smiled.

“No, flew. Eric is a pilot.”

I looked at the driver of the car before looking back at Donnie. “I thought you were getting a train.”

Eric laughed, making me frown. I sat back in my chair and sighed.

“I did contemplate it. Luckily Eric had offered to fly me wherever you were.”

I looked back over at the back of Eric head and bit my lip. “Thanks Eric.”

“You’re welcome little lady. That guy is nuts about you.”

I looked up at Donnie before smiling a little. “Good, cos I’m nuts about him too.”

Donnie pulled me close and kissed my forehead. I relaxed completely, and found myself fall into the most comfortable sleep I’d had in nearly a week.

The flight from Atlantic City to a small airport outside of Manhattan had taken just 20 minutes. As soon as we arrived Donnie walked us over to a car and we climbed in.

“Eric not coming?” I asked as Donnie sat me in the front passenger seat before he climbed into the drivers seat.

“He’s got to sort the plane out. Plus it’s the middle of the night. He’ll head home.”

I nodded and leant back against the chair. Donnie drove us out the airport and onto the highway. “Was my dad mad?”

He glanced at me before sighing softly. “He threatened to kill me.”

I looked out the window and sighed. “Great..”

“But then he was worried about you, especially when I told him you’d run off. He was convinced I knew where you were. I had to show him my messages.”

“What did he say… about us?” I looked back over at Donnie.

“He didn’t really say anything. I guess he wanted to talk to you. He just kept saying for my sake you’d best be safe somewhere.”

I stayed quiet, thinking about how things would be when we got back to the hotel. Donnie had said he hadn’t told my dad he’d found me, and I was glad. I at least wanted to sleep before facing him.
The city loomed ahead, making me gaze at the huge buildings in the distance. “Donnie?” I looked beside me at him as he glanced at me.

“Yea?”

“That text you sent… did you mean it?” I watched him, the street lamps casting an orange glow over him every now and then. I waited for him to answer, but instead he turned the car into a lay by and cut the engine before turning to me.

“I meant it, Rosie.”

I bit my lip and felt tears build up in my eyes, but for once they weren’t sad tears. “I love you too.” I whispered, reaching for him the same time he reached for me. He brushed the tears off my cheeks before leaning in and kissing me deeply. I couldn’t help but whimper into the kiss and clung to him. He kissed me until I couldn’t breathe anymore. We broke apart and caught our breath back. I stroked his face, memorizing every feature. “What’s gonna happen if my dad flips out?” I whispered, looking into Donnie’s eyes as they bore into mine.

“I don’t know, but either way I’m not losing you.”

I smiled. “So if he flips, then we’ll just leave?”

Donnie chuckled. “No more leaving. We face this, and we prove that we are grown up enough to face the consequences.”

“You mean me, right? It was childish of me to run off, I know.”

“You’re not a kid, Rosie. We all make mistakes. And I know you know that. We’ll get through this, I promise.”

I moved my arms around his neck and sighed. “I’m scared.”

“Don’t be.” Donnie murmured, kissing me softly.

I melted into his embrace and felt a surge of love wash through me. I broke the kiss and gripped his face in my hands. “I love you.”

The smile that spread across Donnie’s face made me love him even more. “I love you too, Rosie.”

***

The hotel was quiet as me and Donnie walked through the lobby, hand in hand. He was pulling my case behind him, which I was glad he was, as I felt so tired I didn’t think I could carry anything. We climbed into the elevator and silently made our way up to the 20th floor.

I was nervous as we stepped out the elevator. I had some vision of my dad stood there waiting, but the hallway was quiet, which it would be being that it was nearing 3am.

Donnie unlocked his hotel room door before guiding me inside. He shut the door and placed my case down before looking at me. “I’ll run you a bath.” He disappeared into the bathroom, leaving me to walk over to the bed.
I crawled onto it, feeling drained. I could hear the water running in the bathroom, but the sound was relaxing and I felt my eyelids getting heavy. I was on the brink of sleep when I felt my shoes being pulled off.

“You can sleep soon baby. You’ll feel better after a nice relaxing bath.”

I opened my eyes and looked at Donnie before slowly sitting up. I won’t lie, he pretty much had to undress me and get me in the bathroom. I felt so weak, yet the moment I sunk down in the warm water in the tub I was glad he’s suggested the bath. He left me alone for a while, and I took my time washing my hair and making myself feel more human. I had no idea how long I’d been in the tub, but Donnie walked in on me falling asleep with my head against my bent up knee’s.

“Come on sleepy head.”

I looked up and noticed he was in a tank top and his boxers. I yawned and took the towel Donnie held out to me before standing up and wrapping it around me. I went to climb out when Donnie lifted me out and carried me into the other room. He sat me down on the bed and pointed at some clothes beside me.

“Laid you out one of my t-shirts..” he smiled before walking back into the bathroom.

I looked beside me at the t-shirt and noticed a pair of boxers there too. I couldn’t help but smile, remembering how crazy he said it drove him when I wore his clothes. I dried myself off, slipping his t-shirt and boxers on before brushing and braiding my hair. I was under the covers when Donnie walked back in.

“Feel better?”

I nodded and watched him as he turned off the main light before he climbed in the bed beside me. He leant over and kissed me softly before turning the lamp off beside the bed.

“Sweet dreams baby. I love you.”

I smiled and shifted closer to him, laying my head against his chest. “I love you too.”

Despite feeling exhausted I laid awake for a while, wondering if I would fall asleep against Donnie every night from now on, or would we be torn apart by my dad? I was also nervous about seeing him in the morning.

“Go to sleep…” Donnie mumbled, making me shift to look up at him. I could just see his face in the dark.

“I can’t..” I whispered, sighing softly. Donnie’s arms tightened around me.

“Don’t worry about your dad. I have a feeling it will all be ok. Sleep baby girl..”

I closed my eyes and listened to Donnie’s heartbeat, willing it to lull me to sleep.

Eventually, it did.

***

A pounding on the hotel room door woke me and Donnie. I sat up and looked at Donnie, and we both knew who it was.

”Donnie! Open this door!”

I climbed out the bed and grabbed my suitcase, quickly opening it up and pulling my own pyjamas out. I knew my dad would flip seeing me in Donnie’s clothes. I quickly disappeared into the bathroom as Donnie made his way to the door. I locked the door behind me before quickly changing.

”Where is she?”

“And you didn’t think to tell me you found her!”

Dads voice was angry. It made me feel nervous.

”We got back real early this morning. She was tired.”

I slowly unlocked the door before opening it and stepping out. Dad was ranting at Donnie and didn’t see me leave the bathroom. I crossed my arms across my chest.

“Dad…”

He spun around and looked at me. “Rosie! Out.. now!” He moved forward, taking my arm.

“No, dad..” I shrugged his grip off me and walked over to Donnie.

“Rosie! We need to talk.” He looked at me, almost disgusted as I took Donnie’s hand in my own.

“Yes, we do. But I’m not talking when you’re shouting and throwing your weight around. Dad you need to listen to me when I talk to you.” I spoke softly, surprising myself. I felt Donnie squeeze my hand and I knew I had his full support.

“Stop acting like a child, Rosie.”

I sighed and looked at my dad. “I have, dad. I came home to talk to you, rather than continue to hid.”

“Rosie..”

“I love him, dad. “ I interrupted him. “I love Donnie, and nothing you can do or say will change that. I’d rather have you support…”

“Support? Rosie…” Dad ran his hand through his hair. “He’s over half your age!”

Donnie sighed. “Gee, thanks..” He muttered, making me squeeze his hand.

“Dad, age doesn’t matter..”

“Of course it does!! You’re barely in your twenties! You’re still at school!”

“So?”

“So… there’s plenty of guys your age!”

“I DON’T WANT THEM!” I shouted. “They are nothing but immature little boys. All they want is alcohol, sex with nameless sluts and nothing meaningless. I caught Kyle in bed with my roommate! I don’t want that! I want something real… I HAVE something real!” I leant against Donnie, who let go of my hand to wrap his arm around me. I waited for dad to yell, to shout and to tell me why I was wrong. But instead he just looked at me.

“I’m disappointed in you, Rosie.”

I snorted. “No, dad.. I’m disappointed in you. At least Mom took the time to listen.”

“Your mom? She knew!” Dad looked at me before storming out the room, letting the door slam shut behind him.
I looked up at Donnie and sighed. “Can we leave? Please?”

“And go where?” Donnie asked, pulling me close.

“Home. I need to talk to my mom.”

Donnie nodded, making me lean against him and hold him.

It was raining in California when we landed. The weather suited my mood. I was fed up and stressed out over my dad.

We took a taxi home, and mom was waiting on the porch when we arrived.

“Rosie!”

I looked up at mom as I climbed out the car to see her rushing down the porch steps. I near enough started crying the moment she pulled me into her arms and held me. “I’m sorry, Mom.”

“Shhhh, it’s ok.” She stroked my hair before looking at me. “Let’s all head inside.” She glanced up at Donnie, and to my surprise gave him a smile before she walked me inside.

Mom never said anything as she made us sit at the table in the kitchen before pouring us all a coffee. I took Donnie’s hand and squeezed it before taking the mug from my mom. She sat across from us after handing Donnie his own. I sipped at my drink before sighing softly.

“Rosie?”

I looked up at Mom, who was looking at me. “Yea..”

Mom was quiet for a moment before she put her coffee mug down. “This is for real?” She waved between me and Donnie, making us look at each other a moment. I turned back to my mom and nodded. “As real as ever, Mom.”

“I love her.”

My heart pounded in my chest as Donnie told my mom he loved me. I smiled wider before gulping down some coffee.

“You really do?”

“Yes.” Donnie spoke softly before squeezing my hand, making me looking at him.

I felt a little embarrassed at the way he was looking at me, so I lent against him and closed my eyes.

“I wish my husband could see what I see.” Mom sighing made me open my eyes and look at her.

“Did he call you?” I asked softly.

“He did. I couldn’t get much out… you know what your fathers like. He’s mad you didn’t tell him, and went behind his back. He’s mad I know.. and he’s mad you chose Donnie.”

I sighed. “I couldn’t tell him, Mom. You only knew because you figured it out. And It’s not like I chose Donnie….” I glanced up at him. “…It just happened.”

“I know.” Mom whispered. “Why don’t you both go get some sleep. I have to go to work myself before picking up the kids from school.”

I looked at mom. “You don’t mind Donnie staying here?”

Mom smiled. “Not at all. Just no funny business under this roof, understand?”

I blushed and nodded whilst Donnie laughed and promised my mom. “No worries about that. I’ll take the guest room, like before.. if you don’t mind.”

Mom stood up. “You can, but the bed isn’t made for now. I’ve been cleaning the rooms out. You can nap with Rosie for now.”

I watched mom leave the room before looking at Donnie. “She seems ok about us.”

“She’s had time to think about it. Your dad will come around.” He wrapped his arm around me, kissing the top of my head.

“I hope so.” I sighed softly, wondering if my dad had noticed we’d gone yet. “I’m gonna go talk to my mom.”

“Ok baby.”

I lent up and kissed him before walking out the kitchen and in search of my mom. She wasn’t downstairs so I headed up, and saw her in her bedroom sorting through bed sheets. “Mom..”

She looked up. “Rosie..”

I walked in the room and sat on her bed. “What did Dad say?”

“Rosie… you really don’t want to know.” Mom sighed before sitting down beside me.

“I do, because I need to know if I have your support or not. Either way, me and Donnie will be together.”

Mom nodded. “I know. And I do support you. I want you to be happy and safe. Same as you’re father. He just has a different way of showing it.”

I snorted and shook my head. “If dad wanted me to be happy he’d at least try and see how I feel about Donnie.”

“You have to see things from his point of view too though. He thinks Donnie is too old for you.”

“That’s just his opinion, Mom. No one ever said that age had to matter. It’s not like I’ve gone for some 80 year old man. It’s Donnie.” I picked at the polish on my nails and sighed. “I just want to be happy, and I want you and dad to be happy for me.”

Mom wrapped her arm around me and pulled me close. “I just want you to be happy. You’re my baby girl, and I love you. If Donnie makes you happy, then I’m happy. I’ll talk to your father when he gets here.”

I looked at mom. “When he gets here?”

Mom nodded. “He said he’s making his way here.. I don’t know when, but he’ll be home soon.”

“He knows I’m here?”

“Of course he does. Where else would you go?” Mom stroked my cheek. “Go sleep baby. I’ll get Donnie’s room ready for him.”

“I love you, mom.” I hugged her tight, feeling a little relaxed knowing she was ok with Me and Donnie.

“I love you too.”

***

A door shutting downstairs woke me up a few hours later. I went to move but an arm tightened around my waist, making me smile.

“Sleep..” Donnie mumbled, making me chuckle. I held his hand that was resting on my stomach and closed my eyes. Sleeping next to Donnie came easy. It was like we were always meant to be together.

I was half asleep when I heard voices in the hall, making me open my eyes.

”Where are they?”

I froze, hearing my dads voice.

”Hush, they are sleeping.”

”In there!?”

I jumped when I heard my door handle turn, only I’d remembered that I’d locked it when coming in.

”Stop it! They are sleeping.”

There were footsteps back up the hall before my mom and dads bedroom door slammed shut. I knew mom had pulled him away, but It didn’t stop their voices being heard.

”Don’t tell me you support that… that.. fling! He’s old enough to be her dad!”

”No he is not! Stop it. If you just opened your eyes you will see how happy she is. He makes her happy. Don’t you remember how that feels?”

It was silent for a while before my father spoke.

”This isn’t what we had planned for her.”

I sat up, looking down at Donnie, who was fast asleep.

”So we’d planned on her meeting a nice guy and getting married.. isn’t that what’s happened? She’s met a nice guy, a guy we both know and trust. She’s happy and in love.. who knows how this relationship will go. But you have to give her a chance. She’s not 12, she’s an adult.”

I smiled, stroking Donnie’s hair before laying back down. I didn’t hear them talk anymore, so I hoped that meant mom had gotten through to dad.

I really hoped he saw things how she saw them.

I walked quietly down stairs the next morning. Hunger had gotten to me and after waking up and finding the bed empty I succumbed to the fact that I’d have to leave my bedroom and face the music.

With Donnie missing I expected to hear shouting, harsh words and worse, but there was nothing, not a sound. I walked through the downstairs hall and pushed the kitchen door open, surprised to see Donnie and my parents sat around the table.

“Morning..” I mumbled, walking over to the coffee pot and pouring myself a mug before turning around. Mom was flicking through a magazine, and Donnie was on his cell. My dad was staring right at me. “What?”

“Sit down.”

I sighed and moved around the table before sitting next to Donnie.

“Not next to him.”

I looked up at my dad. “Really?” I glanced at mom who rolled her eyes.

“Why don’t you just talk to her instead of ordering her about?” Mom said before standing up.

I sighed softly and reached for Donnie’s hand under the table. He took it and squeezed my hand. “Dad, I love Donnie…”

Dad snorted, “You’re too young to know what love is.”

“You were married to mom at my age!” I retorted back, feeling myself get mad.

“Rosie…”

“NO! I’ve had enough of this. At least mom was gracious enough to consider my feelings. You’ve done nothing but go off on me and treat me like a child. Don’t you even wonder why I ran when I realized you knew? I was scared you’d push me away and stop me from seeing Donnie. You can push me away all you like, but I am staying with Donnie. I love him!” I stood up, letting go of Donnie’s hand. “Come talk to me when you want to listen to what I have to say!” I turned around and stormed out the room, feeling completely angry. I heard a chair scrape behind me, but I didn’t turn around. I stormed up the stairs and went into my room. I knew it was Donnie that followed me when the door shut softly.

“You ok?”

I spun around and sighed. “I’m so MAD! Why can’t he just UNDERSTAND?”

Donnie stepped closer to me and pulled me close. “Shhh. I know. I think you got to him though. He didn’t stop me when I followed you.” He rubbed his hands up and down my back as I leant against him.

“I just want him to want me to be happy. That’s all.” I wrapped my arms around his waist and sighed as he held me close.

“He does. He just doesn’t want it to be with me.” Donnie said softly, making me look up at him.

“I want it to be with you.”

Donnie smiled. “I know. And you will…” He leant down and kissed me softly, making me sigh. I melted into his embrace, feeling him deepen the kiss. Moments like this made me wish we could just disappear forever. Slowly we moved closer to the bed, our lips never leaving each others. Donnie was half crawled on top of me when there was a knock on the door, sending us both moving as far away from each other and possible.

”Rosie… Donnie… I want to speak with you both.”

I looked at Donnie as he moved to sit at my desk. I crossed my legs and sighed before looking up at the door. “Come in..” I looked down at the bed when my door opened and listened to my dad walk in.

“Can I sit?”

I nodded and glanced up at him as he sat down. “Firstly, I want to apologize.”

“For what?”

“For everything.”

I sighed. “No.. say it.. what for?” I stared at my dad as he sighed and stayed quiet for a moment.

“For losing my temper. I shouldn’t off…”

I nodded. “Anything else?”

“Rosie, you have to try understand…”

“NO, you need to! And you said you wanted to talk to me and Donnie…” I sat up straight as dad turned and looked at Donnie.

“I do.” He turned to look at Donnie. “If you ever hurt my daughter..”

“DAD!” I stood up, feeling irritated.

“Look, I don’t want you hurt.” Dad started, looking at me. I moved around to Donnie and sat on his lap.

“THIS is hurting me! Why can’t you just be happy for us!” I buried my face into Donnie’s chest and sobbed. I melted into him when he wrapped his arms around me and held me tightly. I closed my eyes and clutched at Donnie, wishing that everything would just be good for a change. That me and Donnie could be together, and my mom and dad accepted that. I heard Donnie speak softly, but couldn’t make out what he was saying as I was trying my best to calm down, but the sound of the door shutting softly made me look up. “He’s gone?”

Donnie wiped my face. “I told him to leave us be. “

“Why? I want this all sorted.”

“It will be. Baby you were crying, and it was obvious how much he hated that he’d caused that. Calm down, and then go speak to him. Just you and him.”

“But..” Donnie covered my mouth with his hand.

“You two need to talk on your own. No shouting, crying..”

I sighed. “You think I’m acting childish?”

Donnie smiled. “No, but I think you two need the time together to get everything out. Shouting and crying.. whilst it helps release anger and frustration… well it doesn’t sort a situation out.” He pulled me close. “He’ll come around. I know he will… I mean, he hasn’t killed me yet.” He smiled at me before kissing my forehead.

“What if you’re wrong though?” I bit my lip and looked up at Donnie.

“We don’t know that. But we’ll cross that bridge if we have to.” Donnie stood up, scooping me up in his arms making me chuckle.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and let him carry me over to my bed. He sat me down on it before moving beside me. I followed his lead and laid back, pulling him closer to me. “I hope we never have to cross that bridge..” I mumbled before burying my face into his chest.

***

I left my room and walked downstairs. I knew dad would be home, and I was right when I found him in his office, staring at the computer screen. I tapped on the open door and waited for him to turn around.

“Rosie.”

“Can I come in?”

Dad nodded and stood up, waving the seat at me. I walked over and sat down before looking at him. He was perched against his desk, looking everywhere but at me.

“Dad?”

His gaze fell on me and he gave me a little smile. “Rosie..”

“I love him, Dad. I just want you to accept that.” I whispered, keeping eye contact with him. He didn’t look mad, or angry. He just looked… defeated.

“Rosie.. I just want you to be happy.”

I smiled. “I am.. well at least I will be once we have your approval.” I sighed softly and looked up at him. I noticed that he wasn’t clean shaven, and I didn’t think I’d ever seen him like that before.

“It’s going to take time for me to get used to the idea of you and… Donnie. You forget baby, I’ve known him a long time, almost as long as you’ve been alive.”

“So you must realise that because you’ve known him all that time that he’s trustworthy.”

“Well yes, but..”

“No buts, Dad. I love him. LOVE him.” I felt tears sting my eyes and I sighed softly, wishing I could just get through to him. I walked around his desk and sat in his chair before reaching out, picking up a picture frame he had with a family portrait inside. “I just want us all to be happy. Is that so much to ask?” I glanced back up at my dad to see him watching me.

“You really are in love with him?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“And he loves you?” Dad was watching me intently.

“Yes, I do.”

We both looked over at the doorway, where Donnie was stood. Instantly my dad stiffened up, but he didn’t say anything.

“Sorry… I wasn’t listening in, I promise. Just… I do. I love her. I don’t want to hurt her or mess her around. I want to love her, take care of her… I understand you’re anxious. You want the best for your daughter, but that’s what we have in common. I do too.” Donnie glanced at me and gave me a soft smile before looking back at my dad. “I’ll leave you guys to it though. Sorry again..” Donnie walked past, and my dad walked over to the door and shut it softly.

“He always did have to get his point across…” Dad muttered before looking at me.

I didn’t know what to say, so I stayed quiet, placing the picture frame back on the desk before leaning back against the chair.

“Ok.” Dad sighed loudly, getting my attention.

“Ok, what?”

“Ok. I’m… somewhat.. Ok with this.”

I sat up straight. “What?!”

“I will work on it… but I don’t want it flaunted in front of me. He doesn’t stay here without permission.. and you are NOT moving in with him, or giving up school to be with him. You finish with school and go to work, do you understand me?”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Really, daddy? You’re… ok?”

Dad nodded, making me leap out the chair and rush around the desk before leaping into my dads arms. I hugged him tightly, the smile never leaving my face. I felt my dad hold me just as tightly back before he kissed the top of my head.

“But just so you know.. he hurts you, I hurt him. Understand?”

I lifted my head up to look at him and chuckled. “It’s a deal.”

***

I pretty much ran back to my room after leaving my dads office. I wanted to laugh, cry and dance all at once. But first I needed to find Donnie.

He was sat on my bed, blackberry in hand. I don’t think he even notice me until I shut the door and climbed onto my bed, straddling his stomach. I pulled his phone from his hand and tossed it on the bed beside us.

“What are you..”

I lent down and kissed him deeply, cupping his face in my hands. I deepened the kiss as Donnie’s hands moved around my waist, holding me against him. We kissed for a moment before I broke the kiss and lent my forehead against his. I couldn’t stop smiling.

“What was that for? Not that I’m complaining…”

I giggled and stroked his cheeks. “My dad..”

He blinked and looked at me a moment. “He’s ok with us?”

“He said he can work on it…” I couldn’t get the rest out. Donnie had flipped us over and was kissing me. I was giggling too much to kiss him back, and I knew Donnie was happy because I could feel him smiling against my lips.

“I love you.” He whispered, making my stomach flip with butterflies.

“I love you too, Wahlberg.” I pulled his face down and kissed him with everything I had.

“Happy Birthday to Rosie, Happy Birthday too youuu!”

I cracked up before leaning down and blowing out the candles on the cake. My mum instantly picked the cake up and walked it into the kitchen, my younger brothers and sisters going after her begging for cake. I looked up and smiled, seeing my dad watching me. “What?”

“You’re 24.” He stated, moving closer.

“Yea, I think I know.” I chuckled and moved beside him. “Feeling old?”

“A little.” He admitted before pulling me close. “Enjoying your birthday?”

I thought back to the day. The whole family had spent the day at the beach before coming home to my favourite home cooked meal. It was nearly perfect. What would have made it perfect was if my boyfriend was here with us. But he was in New York, working. “It’s been amazing.” I hugged him, and smiled as he kissed the top of my head.
“Really?” He sounded surprised.

I looked up at him. “Yes, why are you so surprised?”

Dad squeezed me. “Well… for one you are usually moping around missing that boy of yours.”

I sighed. “Well I do. But that hasn’t made today bad. I love it when we spend time as a family.” I hugged myself to dad, not wanting them to think I wasn’t having a good time because Donnie wasn’t here.
“Here’s some cake, Rosie!” My little sister walked over and handed me a plate with some cake on before running back over to my mom.

“Eat that, then come see me, ok?”

I looked up at my dad and nodded before watching him leave the room. What did he want to see me about?

***

I made my cake last me what felt like a life time before I plucked up the courage to find my dad. He’d looked so serious when he’d told me to go find him, that I was fully expecting one of his lectures. I braced myself for what was to become when I found my dad sat in the living room.

“You took your time.” He smiled and patted the couch beside him. I walked over and sat beside him.

“The cake was good.” I replied, looking at dad, who was still smiling.

“Or nervous?”

I chuckled and shrugged. “Maybe…”

“You’re not in trouble, Rosie. I just have a gift for you.”

I blinked and looked at him, feeling shocked. My face must have showed that, for he laughed at me.

“You should see your face. Here…” He reached beside him and picked up an envelope, handing it to me. “You shouldn’t have taken so long to come in here… you’ll see why when you see what’s inside.”

I looked at him with a small smile before opening the envelope. I expected a birthday card, or gift certificate, not what was inside. “Dad…” I looked up at him before glancing back down at what I was holding. A ticket to New York.”

“I know you miss him, and you complied with everything I said about not letting yourself get in over your head. So I and your mom decided to give you what you want.”

I felt tears sting my eyes. “Which is?”

Dad pulled me close and kissed the top of my head. “To go be with the man you love.”

I hugged dad tightly and fought against my emotions, but failed miserably.

“Now now.. No crying. Your flight is in less than two hours. Go pack a bag!”

I lifted my head and looked at him. “Two hours! Does he know?”

Dad smiled and shook his head. “Nope, that’s what makes it better. You’ll get there in time for the club performance he and the rest of the guys are doing tonight. There’s passes and tickets in there, courtesy of Joey. Now go pack, I’ll get the car running.”

I smiled widely and hugged dad before rushing out the room and up the stairs.

This just might be the best birthday ever.

***

I rushed through JFK airport and flagged down a taxi outside. Dad had laughed when I’d literally packed a change of clothes in a purse and told him I’d get what I need in New York. I was so excited to see Donnie; I didn’t care what it would take.

Plus I had a feeling clothes wouldn’t be important once we were together.

It had been nearly a month since we’d seen each other. He’d been busy working in New York, and recording the new album with the New Kids. It was pretty much done, and tonight they were starting their small club tour promotion for the new record. I’d wanted to join him, but I also respected my dad’s wishes.

Now I had my dad’s blessing to go be with Donnie, well… excited wasn’t even the word.

The club had girls queuing all around the building, and the atmosphere was crazy. I had the pass dad had got from Joey in my pocket, and once I paid the cab driver I rushed over to the entrance. Instantly the doorman waved me off.

“Join the queue with your ticket.”

“I don’t have a ticket.” I replied, and flinched when he waved me away.

“Sorry, then leave.”

“I have a pass.” I pulled it out my pocket and showed it to him. He eyed me up a moment before reluctantly letting me in. I breathed a sigh of relief once I got inside and looked around, but as I did my cell rang.
It was Donnie.

My heart skipped a beat and I quickly answered. “Hey!”

“Hey birthday girl! How’s your day been?”

I remembered he had no clue I was here and smiled. “Great. I spent the day with the family, had some cake and now I’m at this club.” I stayed in the lobby just in case he was in the main hall.

“I wish I was with you.” He whispered, making me smile.

“I do too. You nervous for the show?”

“Not at all. Excited. I really would have loved it if you were here to see it.”

I smiled widely. “Me too. Listen, I gotta go.. Good luck for tonight, you’ll be great, and I am there.. In your heart.”

I heard Donnie sigh. “I love you.”

“I love you too baby.”

I quickly cut the call and looked around. I needed to surprise him good. I could easily just turn up in the dressing room, or wait for the show to begin, but that would be too easy. I shoved my phone in my pocket and walked through the doors that opened up into the club.

It wasn’t big, but it wasn’t small either. The show was going to be intimate, that was for sure. I walked further in and looked at all the crew members putting the finishing touches to the stage and lighting. A tap on my shoulder made me shriek and turn around.

“You came then!”

I smiled at Joey before hugging him. “Yes! Where is he?”

“He’s sulking in the dressing room. It’s quite entertaining.” Joey laughed, making me smile. “Wanna go back there?”

I shrugged. “I wanna surprise him.”

Joey smiled. “I know just how to as well. Come on!” Joey took my hand and pulled me towards the stage.

Suddenly I was nervous.

***

Joey has me wait in the small hallway behind the stage and by the dressing room. He was going to make Donnie run into me before heading on stage, and completely throw him off.

It seemed everyone would be in on it, all but Donnie himself.

The atmosphere backstage was electric. People were walking back and forth, some talking into walkie talkie headsets, other carrying various items. It had been so long since I’d been backstage, I’d almost forgotten what it was like.

Suddenly the volume got loud backstage. Music started playing out in the club, and the crowd noise got loud. I had no idea how long I’d been standing in the hall when Joey walked out and winked at me.

“He’ll be out last… after Jon.” Joey walked past, and I watched him before feeling my heart skip a beat.

Jordan was out next, he gave me a short wave before going in the same direction as Joey. Danny followed, but he was surrounded by people as he walked past. When I saw Jon leave the room I felt my nerves peak. Jon quickly hugged me before rushing off. I turned my gaze to the doorway and smiled when I saw Donnie walk out.

I knew he hadn’t spotted me. They’re manager was walking alongside him talking, and Donnie was fidgeting with his pants.

It was perfect.

He was looking down at his belt as I walked in front of him. His manager smiled at me, so I knew she’d been there to keep him occupied. I stopped walking and Donnie literally ploughed into me, but before he could say anything I had cupped his cheeks in my hands and kissed him.

I knew it would go one way or another. He’d either kiss me back, or push me away in shock.

So I wasn’t surprised when he pushed me back and held me at arm’s length.

“Hey.” I smiled, loving the way he was looking at me, totally in shock.

“Rosie…” A smile slowly spread across his face before he pulled me back into his arms. And when I kissed him this time, there was no pushing away. He held my face in his hands as he deepened the kiss. I’d missed him so much.

“Donnie.. You got 2 minutes!”

We broke apart at Danny’s announcement. I looked around to find that apart from a bodyguard, we were alone.

“You’re here..” Donnie stroked my cheeks as I pretty much beamed under his gaze.

“I’m here..” I replied, and pulled him closer. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” He leant down and kissed me softly. “Happy Birthday, baby.”

I giggled and hugged myself to him. I could have stayed there forever, but Danny yelling that it was time for Donnie to move made me sigh.

“You gonna watch the show?” Donnie asked as he squeezed me before letting me go.

“Yes. I can’t wait.” I walked him to the steps leading to the stage and watched him walk up them. He turned to look at me when he reached the top.

“How long have I got you for?”

I stood at the bottom of the stairs and smiled. “How long do you want me for?”

Donnie went to reply but Danny grabbed his arm, pulling him onto the stage. I smiled at the sound of the crowd going crazy and followed their manager out to the side of the stage, where we could watch the show.

The show was amazing. There wasn’t any new choreography, or special affect. The guys improvised dances for the new songs, and did the old dances to the few old songs they did. The show lasted no more than 45 minutes, and once they were done I was whisked backstage with their management and sat in a small room beside their dressing room.

I’d barely walked into the small room when a pair of sweaty arms wrapped around me from behind. I couldn’t help but laugh as he kissed into my neck.

“I want you forever..” Donnie murmured, making me turn in his arms.

“Huh?” I smiled, taking in his appearance. He was flushed from the lighting on the stage, and had a layer of sweat on his face. Yet to me he was still hot.

“You asked me how long I want you for. I want you forever.”

I cuddled myself to him and smiled. “Guess what?” I looked up at him as he waited for me to speak. “You got me forever.”

“No going home?”

I shook my head and smiled.

“Here on tour with me, staying with me… living with me?”

I smiled wider and nodded slowly. “That’s if you want me..”

“Baby, I wouldn’t want it any other way.” He leant down and kissed me deeply.

I finally was where I belonged, in my man’s arms, in love, and happy.