When You Look Me In The Eyes ~sequel to *Burnin' Up*~ Chapter 1 *Embarrassment, Twice*

It was getting late and it was about time to be getting to bed. It was about 11 o’clock and Frankie had gone to bed a little over an hour ago. Kevin, Paul, and Nick all got up to go get changed and ready.

“Shouldn’t you go change too?” I asked Joe.

“Fine.” He said with a sigh. “See you in a minute.”

“So Denise, what time should I get up to help you make breakfast?”

“Rachel, you don’t have to.” She said. “For this tour you are my daughter and I am going to treat you like I would my boys.”

“Denise I want to. For this tour you are my mother and I’m offering to help you to make things easier. You already take care of five men all the rest of your time, with my help it will seem easier. Please, let me help.” I said, giving her a pout.

“Ha-ha. Alright, alright, you win.” she said, laughing. “I was thinking of making pancakes so why don’t we wake up at 8 o’clock and let the boys sleep until 9. By that time we should have everything ready for when they’re up.”

“Sounds good.” I said, smiling at her.

“Rachel, the bathroom’s free.” said Joe, walking out in a pair of boxers and a wife beater.

I got up and grabbed my pajamas from the foot of my bed and went to the bathroom to change and brush my teeth. I pulled on my plaid pajama pants and my senior shirt from high school. I walked back out to put my clothes in the laundry bag and saw Nick and Kevin with the curtains on their bunks half closed.

“Goodnight guys.” I said, standing on my tiptoes to give each of them a kiss on the cheek.

“Night Rachel.” they chorused. I walked out to the lounge and saw Paul, Denise, and Joe sitting around the table talking. They were smiling and laughing.

“What’s so funny?” I asked sitting down next to Joe. He put his arm around my waist and kissed my temple.

“Nothing. Just laughing about what Frankie did earlier.”

“Aww the little guy. It was pretty cute.”

“Well, you two should be off to bed now.” said Paul, indicating me and Joe.

“Alright.” said Joe and all four of us stood up.

“Goodnight Paul… Denise.” I said, giving each of them a hug.

“Goodnight mommy.” said Joe, giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Night Dad” he said, giving his father a hug.

Then he grabbed my hand and we walked to the bunks. We stood in the aisle with our arms wrapped around each other. Our foreheads were touching and we were both smiling.

“I could get used to this.” He said softly.

“Me too.” I said smiling wider. He tipped his head and closed his eyes, his lips searching for mine. I connected mine with his and closed my eyes as we kissed.

“Goodnight.” He said, giving me one last quick kiss.

“Goodnight.” I said, biting my lip as we pulled away.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Go to sleep already.” said Kevin. Joe winked at me and turned towards Kevin’s bunk and opened the curtain then smacked the back of his head.

“Goodnight Kevin.” Joe said.

“Night.” He grumbled.

I laughed and climbed into my bunk. I made sure the alarm on my phone was set for 8 o’clock so I could get up to help Denise in the morning. I turned so I was facing the aisle and saw Joe was looking at me. I smiled at him and then pulled the curtain of my bunk shut.

“Seriously?” he whispered.

“Goodnight Joe.” I whispered back, giggling. Then I laid my head down and fell asleep almost instantly.