Chapter 1

Chapter 1


"Summer air reminds me of,
all the feelings of your love,
and what it was like when we were together..."
- Good Charlotte
*~~***~~*

I remember the day clearly in my mind. He had a little time off between shows, and we told the rest of the guys that we’d see them later and headed off for a weekend alone. Being on tour with my best friends was the most awesome thing that had ever happened to me: seeing the world, getting to sing every night, cheering on my boys. I couldn’t ask for more. But Benji and I needed some time alone. So we decided to head for South Beach. With the top down on a rented convertible, we sped straight to the beach, forgetting even looking for a hotel. We just headed for the sun and the sand, two things we missed so much.

Suddenly he tackled me, and we both tumbled to the sand. He sat above me and gave me a lopsided smile. I laughed as I wriggled out from under him and ran down the beach. I hadn’t got very far before I felt those arms around me and we crashed down again. “Tried to get away from me, huh?” he smiled, “I think that means someone needs to be tickled!” His smile broadened as I protested, “No, no! Anything but that. Come on, no!” I squirmed as he went straight for my ribcage. “Benj, oh my God, stop!” I was yelling and scrambling, trying desperately to get away. “I give up! I give up!” He finally relaxed and collapsed on top of me chuckling. I glared at him and he gave me that lopsided grin again, sticking out his bottom lip and pouting. “I hope you enjoyed that, because you are next. And that puppy-dog look is NOT going to get you out of it.” I grinned wickedly and rolled over, pinning him beneath me. “You wouldn’t.” “Oh but I would.” I ran my hands lightly up his sides, teasing him, before I attacked his armpits. He tried his hardest to get out from under me, but I held him down, straddling him with my legs. “Katie, stop! No, not…ah, I’m sorry; I’m sorry, just stop!”

I moved my hands down to his ribs and continued my assault, but stopped when he leaned up and pressed his lips to mine. My mood went from playful to hungry and wanting in a millisecond. I gave in to the warmth of his kiss and the feel of his hands on my back. I could feel how turned on he was, and I knew I was too. He let his lips travel down over my chin and onto my neck. He nibbled down into the neck of my shirt, letting his tongue dip down into my bra, before he lay back and just watched me. “What?” He blushed. “Nothing, you’re just so beautiful. I love you.” His sincerity made me smile, “I love you too. Now let’s go find us a place to stay, you looooove machine.” His smile widened at that comment, before he rolled over so he was on top of me. He put his hands on either side of me, giving me a quick kiss before he pushed himself up. He grabbed my hand and yanked me to my feet before helping me brush the sand off my clothes. We headed back to the car and found a place to stay for the night.

Benji insisted on going out to find us some food. He said he’d be right back, that I didn’t have to go. He insinuated that I ought to make myself as comfortable as possible. Always the joker. I was standing in the doorway when he went to leave. He leaned in towards me, pressing his lips hungrily to mine, pulling me close to him. He backed me against the wall, holding me tight to him, his hands roaming down the curve of my back. “I love you,” he moaned against my lips. I finally pulled back, locking my eyes on his. “I love you too, ya big lug.” He gave me that lopsided smile again, his lip piercings glinting in the light, before he stepped out the door and into the night. Little did I know that was the last time I’d ever see my beloved.