Chapter 2
Lissa sat at the table, and took a sip of water to hide the grin on her face. Alex was sitting across from her, sending anxious glances her way. A pained smile curled his lips as the petite young blonde kissed his cheek, then left their table with his autograph clutched tightly to her budding chest. "Sorry," he murmured, his pained smile turning apologetic.She set the glass down, reached across the table, and curled her fingers around his. "Not a problem. I was pretty sure something like this was bound to happen anyway."
His thumb ran across her knuckles, sending shivers down her spine. "So, you know who I am?"
"Doesn't that sound pompous?" she chuckled, then grinned at him. "Yes, I know who you are." She cleared her throat. "You are...AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys." Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she added with a chuckle, "As if anyone not living under a rock wouldn't know who you are."
The pained smile was back. He slouched back in the seat, and let go of her hand.
Unwilling to end the night this way, Lissa leaned forward, and said softly, "Look, Alex, it doesn't matter."
"If it doesn't matter," he began.
"It wouldn't matter if you were a bee keeper. I'm here tonight because...because...okay, what's so funny?"
"Bee keeper?" he asked, unable to keep the laughter out of his voice.
Lissa gave him an irritated glare, then continued as if he hadn't interrupted, "I'm here because I like you...you, Alex...the same guy who accidentally kicked sand in my face today at the beach, and actually apologized for it."
"Bee keeper?" he asked again, still chuckling.
Lissa rolled her eyes. "Yes, Alex, a bee keeper. It wouldn't matter if you were a bee keeper...it also wouldn't matter if you shoveled shit for a living..."
His full throated laughter drew the attention of another couple of teenaged girls at a nearby table. As the pubescent duo rose and started over, Lissa asked, "can we leave now?"
Catching the line of her gaze, he nodded. "Let's see how fast we can make it to the door."
"This is much better," Lissa said, her head pillowed on Alex's shoulder as they watched the moonlight dance on the waves. A soft breeze tugged at her hair, twining it around them as they sat on the beach.
"Mmm," Alex agreed, nuzzling her ear.
She wriggled so a space appeared between them. "Alex..."
His finger under her chin turned her to face him. "Lissa..." he teased, then drew closer.
She hesitated as she felt his lips touch hers. Suddenly, everything was much clearer. The pounding of her heart drowned out the roar of the surf. She was vividly aware of his heart beneath her hand, drumming out the same rhythm as hers. Warning bells went off in her head as his tongue traced her lips.
Lissa pulled back, her breath harsh in her ears. "Alex, stop."
"But, Lissa," he whispered, his lips tracing a path over her cheek.
She tugged free of his embrace, "Whoa, Alex, slow down."
"Maybe I don't want to slow down," he said, trying to pull her back into his arms.
She stood up and started dusting the sand off. "That would be unfortunate, Alex, because I do like you."
"But not enough?" he asked, rising.
Her hands stilled as he moved toward her. An image of a cat stalking its prey flashed through her mind. One hand raised placatingly, "Not on the first date."
Alex paused, then, "Okay, consider that our kiss goodnight, and this is our second date."
She laughed in spite of herself. "Nice try, but...ah, no, don't think so."
He shrugged. "I tried."
She nodded. "Yes, you did, but I think I should go home now."
"Sure I can't change your mind?" he asked, taking her hand in his.
The warmth of his lips beckoned hers, and she was tempted...very tempted. She swallowed hard, cast her gaze to the cresting waves. "Tide's coming in."
Alex followed her gaze, then leaned close. The kiss he placed on her lips was soft, sweet. "Guess not," he answered his own question, then smiled down at her. "When can I see you again?"
Lissa returned his smile. "Well, that depends..."
"On what?" he asked as she trailed off.
Her eyes sparkled as she asked, "When do you want to see me again?"