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He turned the shower off, wrapped up in a robe and dried his hair. Nick walked to the bed, sat down and set his alarm clock. He fell back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling, with thoughts of Olivia on his mind. "What?" Nick said as the phone startled him out of a dead sleep. "'Ello?" he said.
"Hi."
"'Ello, luv." he replied.
"Did you get my message?" asked Olivia.
"umm-hmmm." he purred.
"Were you sleeping?" she asked.
"I dozed off."
"I'm sorry I woke you."
"It's ok...what time is it?" he asked.
"Ummm..it's 12:00am there, 7:00pm here." she replied. "I'm glad you called."
"You are?" she teased.
"Ummm-hmmm...I miss you." he purred.
"I miss you too."
"I wish you were here with me mow." he said. "Me too." she whispered.
He knew she was crying. It was killing him to be away from her, and to hear her cry broke his heart.
"I didn't mean to make you cry, sweetheart." "You didn't Nick, I just miss you."
"Just think it's almost Wednesday and you'll be here Friday." he said. "I know and I can't wait."
"Are you packed yet?" he asked.
"Oh yeah!" she laughed.
"That's better. I like to hear you laugh." he said. "I know it's late there. I just wanted to call and tell you good night." "I'm glad you did." he replied.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight, sweetheart."
"I miss you." she said.
"I miss you too."
"Bye." she whispered.
"Bye, sweetheart." he purred.
He hung the phone up and closed his eyes. He saw her face and he could hear her sweet voice. He wanted to hold her and kiss away the tears she cried.
"Good God!" Nick yelled as his alarm clock sounded. "That's loud enough to wake LeBon." he laughed.
The phone rang as he finished getting dressed. "'Ello?"
"You're up, I assume?" John chuckled.
"I'm dressed and ready." Nick replied.
"See you there."
"What about Simon?" Nick asked.
"Already talked to him, he'll be there." John said. "I'll be there in 10 minutes." Nick reported.
He hung up the phone, headed out the door got in his car and drove to the studio, where John and Simon were waiting on him when he pulled up.
"Well, what do you know?" laughed John as he and Simon stood waiting on Nick.
"And he's on time even." Simon added with a smirk. "Ha Ha....very funny you two. Let's get in there and get to work, shall we?" Nick said as he walked past and into the studio. "Aye, Aye Captain." replied both John and Simon in a fit of laughter. It was well after dinner time before they decided to stop. Simon opted to go home, while Nick and John went to the little Indian place around the corner for dinner.
"I think we got a lot of really great stuff down today." John said between bites of Curry.
"Hmm? Oh yeah."
"Are ya with me Nick? Or is your mind on a certain lovely young lady?" "A little of both.....well.......more the latter." he admitted with a smile.
"Ah....that's what I figured.Just a few more days mate. Then she will be here for a couple weeks."
"I know Johnny. I just wish it would get here already. I haven't felt like this in a long while."
"Uh oh, Nick. Are you trying to tell me you are in love with her?" "I dunno John. All I know is that I want to get to know her more. I want to hear her laugh, see her smile. Sit and talk for hours about anything and everything. Just be with her, y'know?"
"I know." John began "You've definitely got if for her Nick. You can't deny it."
"I like her a lot, you know that."
"Yes,but I think there's more." John said.
"Could be." Nick said with a smile.
"Well, we know she likes you."
Nick glanced at his watch.
"John, would you excuse me? I want to get home so I can talk to Olivia."
"Sure, mate. What time is it?"
"Ummm...it's 11:00pm." Nick reported.
"Remember-studio in the morning."
"What time?"
"Be there at 9:00am. Still lots to do." John said.
"See you then."
"Tell Olivia hi for me."
"I will." Nick said as he walked to the door.
Nick walked to his car, got in and started for home. It had been a long day, and right now he wanted to hear Olivia's voice. He parked the car and entered his house. He was grateful for the silence that surrounded him. He loved making music, but right now, he wanted to relax and talk to Olivia.
He went upstairs, showered and relaxed on the bed. He was beginning to doze off when the phone rang.
"'Ello?"
"Nick!" she sighed.
"How are you luv?"
"I'm fine. I miss you so much."
"I miss you too."
"How are you?" she asked.
"I'm fine. Actually, I'm better now."
"Are you now?" she teased.
"Ummm-hmmm....I'm talking to you." he purred.
"Oh, I see." she laughed.
"Hmmm...it's almost Thursday."
"I know. It won't be over soon enough."
"What time are you scheduled to arrive in London?"
"Ummm....7:00am. I told you it was early." she laughed.
"Not early enough."
"I can't wait to get there. I......"
He could hear her crying on the other end.
"Olivia? What is it, sweetheart?"
"I just can't wait to see you." she sobbed.
To hear her cry was breaking his heart. He wanted to comfort her, hold her and kiss her sad tears away.
"I can't wait to see you either, luv. We only have one more day."
"I know. I'm sorry, Nick. I didn't mean to break down and cry."
"Don't apologize, luv."
"Are you in the studio tomorrow?"
"Oh yeah." he sighed.
"Early day again?"
"Not as early- 9:00am."
"That's not too bad." she laughed.
"Yeah, it could be worse, I suppose."
"I know you need to get some sleep, but I don't want to get off the phone."
"I'm fine. I'm not really all that tired, and I'd rather talk to you."
They discussed her finalized travel plans. Nick told her he'd be waiting for her at the airport.
"I guess I should let you get some sleep. It's late." she said.
"Call me before you leave?"
"I will." she promised.
"I miss you, Olivia."
"I miss you too."
"Goodnight, sweetheart."
"Goodnight, Nick."
He hung up the phone. He wanted her there with him now. "Just one more day." he thought.
"Dammit!" Nic groaned as his alarm sounded. He stretched and yawned, trying to wake up. A smile came to his lips as he remembered Olivia would be there in less than 24 hours. Nick sprang out of bed and started getting ready for his day at the studio.
"I'm ready." he said as he answered the phone.
"How'd you know it was me?" John asked.
"Just had a feeling." Nick laughed. "I'll be there in about 10-15 minutes."
Nick hung the phone up and grabbed his keys. He smiled as he walked out the door and got in his car. "She'll be here in the morning." he said to himself.
A feeling of excitment filled him as he drove to the studio. Nick entered the studio, where John and Simon were warming up.
"What are you all smiles about, Rhodes?" questioned John.
"Ummm...I have no idea." Nick replied with just a hint of sarcasm.
"You don't know why you're smiling?" Simon asked.
"Aaah...I get it." John began "Today's Thursday."
"Wot does Thursday have to do with him smiling?" Simon asked.
"LeBon, were you with us on our trip to the States? Remember Olivia?" John asked.
"Uh-huh."
"Olivia will be here tomorrow." Nick offered as Simon went back to warming up.
"When will she be here?" John asked.
"She's scheduled to be here at 7:00am."
John put his hand on Nick's shoulder and laughed. "I'll bet you'll be at the airport long before then, won't you?
CHAPTER 10
Could we try it again?" asked John as he tuned his bass. "Again?" Simon groaned "Are you mad, Taylor?" "Only slightly." Nick said with a laugh. "Just one more time then we will call it a day, yeah?" stated John, as Nick counted down the intro to the song. "Oh alright." laughed Simon over the music. They finished up for the evening and were headed out the door. Nick was almost to his car when Simon caught up with him. "So, should we expect to see you at all tomorrow?" he asked with a wicked smile.
"Umm......I suppose. But not too terribly early. I want to get Olivia settled in first. Then we will see. I will let you guys know tomorrow. "Good enough. Have fun." Simon said with a wiggle of his eyebrows, as he dashed in the direction of his car.
Nick got home and poured himself a glass of wine "This time tomorrow night" he thought "I won't be alone."
He set about straightening the house and making sure everything was in proper order.
He wanted things to be perfect for her.
It was the middle of the night when the phone woke Nick from his slumber.
" 'Ello?" he asked still half asleep.
"Hi. Sorry I woke you." Olivia said with a laugh. "Don't be sorry luv. Are you at the airport?" "Yep! My plane will be boarding in a few minutes! Can't wait to see you!" "Me either luv. I will be waiting for you at the terminal." "See you soon, Nick."
"Ok luv. Can't wait. Bye." Nick put the receiver back in it's cradle. He closed his eyes and tried to fall back asleep.
"This is rediculous." Nick laughed. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep now, knowing she was in the air and would be there in a matter of hours. Nick went downstairs, found a magazine and went back upstairs. A smile played on his lips as he thought about Olivia's arrival.
He awoke with a smile when his alarm clock sounded. He got out of bed, showered, dried his hair and got ready. He glanced at his watch-5:30am. "Oh well, I suppose I'll be a little early." he said aloud.
Nick descended the stairs, went into his kitchen and got a bottle of water. He made a stop by the table in the foyer and grabbed his keys. "Hmmmm..." Nick said as he surveyed his car. "Could use a washing." he chuckled. He got in his car and headed towards the airport, stopping along the way to have his car washed. By the time he got to the airport and walked to the gate where Olivia would be, it was a little after 6:30am. He was very anxious to see her again.
Nick took a seat and watched through the windows for her plane. Finally, the moment he never thought would get here. Her plane was there. He rose and walked over to the terminal where she would be exiting. His nerves were on edge as he watched all the other passengers walk out.
"Nick!" she called as she ran toward him.
He held his arms out to her, she ran into them and wrapped her arms around him.
"Oh Nick!" she cried. "I'm so happy to see you."
"I'm happy to see you too, luv."
He held her tight in his embrace and kissed her over and over again. He pulled away and held her face in his hands, kissing her tears away.
"I missed you sweetheart."
"I missed you too." she cried.
He wiped her tears.
"Let's go get your luggage and get out of here." he suggested.
"Sounds great." she agreed.
He took her hand and they walked to the baggage conveyer to get her things. They loaded up her luggage and walked to his car. He put her things in the trunk and opened her door for her. Nick took her in his arms and hugged her tight.
"I'm so glad you're here. " he whispered.
"Me too." she replied as tears streamed down her face.
"Don't cry sweetheart." he whispered, kissing her tears away.
He helped her into his car, closed the door and entered the car. His hand seemed almost shaky as he put the key in the ignition and started the car.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Ummm-humm.."She purred.
They talked non-stop on the ride to his house. He parked the car, shut off the ignition, got out and opened Olivia's door for her. Nick opened the door and led her into the house.
"It's beautiful." she said as he showed her around.
"Thank you. Are you hungry? Would you like something to drink?"
"Hmm...some coffee would be great."
"Very well." he replied as they walked into the kitchen.
He kissed her softly before he rounded up what he needed to make her coffee.
"Damn!" he laughed whilst he tried to get the coffee maker ready.
"Something wrong?"
"I honestly don't know how to work this bloody thing." he laughed "Simon gave it to me for Christmas one year....why? I don't know."
"Let me give it a try."
Olivia and Nick put the machine together and got it going.
"Viola! coffee." he said, handing her the cup.
He led her to the living room. They got cozy on the sofa and talked. Nick and Olivia continually gazed into each other's eyes. She put her coffee on the table and got closer to Nick. He kissed her hungrily. He'd longed to kiss her for days. Olivia returned his kisses with a passion that wasn't there before. When Olivia pulled away, they were both breathless.
"Come here, sweetheart." Nick said as he extended his arms and invited her into them.
She laid against him, he stroked her hair and whispered into her ear. Olivia relaxed and began to doze off. Nick gently kissed her. Olivia's eyes fluttered open.
"Are you tired, luv?"
"No, just very relaxed right now."
"Would you like to lie down for awhile?"
"Hmm....I suppose I could go check into my hotel."
"A hotel? Olivia, you're more than welcome to stay here with me. I have more than enough room and I'd love to have you here."
"Are you sure?"
"Very sure."
"Alright, if you're sure it's no trouble."
"Olivia, I want you here." he said as he tightened his embrace.
"Ok. I'll stay." she purred and snuggled closer to him.
"I'm glad." he said "I really want you here with me."
Olivia cuddled closer and looked up at his face. His eyes met hers as he leaned in to kiss her.
"I'm so happy you're here." he whispered.
"Me too."
"What would you like to do today?"
"Hmmm...well, since I've never been in London, perhaps you could show me around?"
"I'd love to. Let me get your luggage, then I'll show you to your room and we'll go."
"Sounds good." she replied.
Nick unloaded all her luggage from his car and brought it in. Olivia followed him upstairs to her room.
"It's gorgeous." she said, looking around the room.
"Do you like it? Is it ok?"
"Do I like it? I love it!"
He put her suitcases on the bed as she continued to look around the room.
"Would you like some time to get settled before we go?"
"Thank you, Nick. I think I would."
"I'll be downstairs if you need anything."
"Thanks, Nick."
"You're welcome, luv." He closed the door and walked downstairs. He looked up toward Olivia's room and smiled. He still couldn't believe she was finally there. Nick relaxed on the sofa with a magazine. He looked up at the staircase just as Olivia was coming down. She looked ravishing. She'd changed clothes and taken her hair down.
"Wow." was all Nick could say.
"What?" she laughed.
"You look great."
"Nick...really..." she managed as the blush covered her cheeks.
"Ready, luv?"
"I am."
He offered his arm to her and led her to the car. Olivia was so taken aback by his manners. He opened doors for her, offered his arm for her to hold while walking, he even held her hand. She looked over at him as he got in the car. She couldn't deny the fact she was very attracted to him, or the fact that she liked him a lot.
"What are you smiling about over there?" he asked.
"Just thinking." she replied.
"Oh...about what?"
"Umm...about being here and you."
"Me?" he asked.
"Mmmm-hmmm...." she purred.
"I'm intrigued. What about me?"
"Well, ummm....why do I suddenly feel like a teenager?"
"It's ok, Olivia. You can tell me anything."
She drew a breath. "Ok..I was just thinking about how sweet you are and how much I like you."
Nick started the car and looked over at her. "Olivia, you know how I feel about you, and I like you a lot too."
He reached over and stroked her soft cheek.
"Ready to tour London, luv?"
"Yes." she purred.
He backed the car out and started out.
"So, where are we going?" she asked.
"It's a surprise.....Do you mind if we stop by the studio first?"
"No. I'd love to."
"John will be happy to see you."
Nick parked in front of the studio, got out of the car and opened Olivia's door for her.
"Shall we?" he asked, taking her hand.
They entered the studio to find John and Simon working on a song.
"Well, look who decided to show up before noon." John joked.
"Very funny." Nick laughed.
"Hello, Olivia. It's good to see you again. How was your trip over?" John asked.
"Hi, John. It's good to see you too. The flight was just fine."
"Hi, Olivia." Simon called from the mixing board.
"Hello, Simon."
"What are your plans for the day?" asked John.
"I'm going to show Olivia around London."
"Watch out Olivia, don't let him take you shopping." John laughed.
"Hmm...shopping, that sounds great." she replied.
"Oh no. Now I know you two are perfect together, you're both shoppers." joked John.
"We just wanted to stop by and say hi. We have lots to do today."
"You two have fun. Don't buy out all the stores."
"Thanks, John. It's good to see you again."
"It's good to see you too, Olivia. Let's get together soon."
"Sounds good." she replied.
"Bye Simon."
Simon looked up from the mixing board. "Bye Olivia, have fun."
"Ready?" asked Nick.
"Ready." she replied.
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