Chapter 12: Hot Tub
I’ve been broken, shot down and useless
Feet above me, hands in the air
You’ve got me falling, over and over
You got me twisted, tied up and tangled
I’d do it all for you
You know I’ve been a fool for you…
“All right…what’s the most embarrassing moment of your life?”
“That’s easy…Riley and I had the day off so we decided to go shopping. We’re making our way into the first store…and I have no idea how it happened, but I tripped on something and fell flat on my face in front of about fifty people. Not only did I land on my face, but I managed to take out a bunch of clothes racks in the process. I wanted to die right then and there. Riley couldn’t stop laughing.” Hayden said blushing.
The last month had been crazy for Justin and Hayden. They spent every day being ushered around to radio stations, television appearances, and store signings. Hayden loved to watch him promote his album…it only confirmed that being a part of this industry was exactly what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Today seemed to be the only day that they had a bit of time to relax and even that wasn’t a lot of time. Both Hayden and Justin were sitting in Johnny’s office, asking silly questions. Johnny had asked them to come in to discuss Justin’s schedule.
“Your turn…favorite thing to do on your downtime?”
“Play basketball without a doubt.” Justin said. “What about you?”
“I can’t play basketball if my life depended on it. I’d rather go skiing.” Hayden said flipping through some notes for her project.
“You ski?”
“Yeah…I used to race all the time. Being from Minnesota…there are definitely places to go. There’s nothing better than just putting your iPod on and cruising. Helps me clear my head…I usually go out by myself since no one I know likes to ski.”
“Well let’s go sometime…I don’t ski…but I can snowboard.” Justin said sitting up in his chair.
“That’d be awesome…but with your schedule the way it is…I doubt we’ll be able to go anytime soon.” Hayden said while putting her notes away.
“I know we can’t right now…but someday I’d like too.”
“Yeah...definitely.”
Just then Johnny opened the door and made his way into the office with hundreds of papers in his hands. Hayden could tell Johnny was under pressure with Justin’s album finally out. The release had gone extremely well and Justin flew to number one on the charts. Needless to say everyone wanted a piece of Justin right now. She was so proud of him and thankful she’d been a part of everything.
“Hey Justin…Hayden…how are you guys doing?” Johnny said sitting down in his chair.
“Pretty well Johnny…how about yourself?” Justin asked.
“Good…” Johnny said flipping through his papers in search of something. “Found it…here’s the newest itinerary for the upcoming weeks. You guys know the VMA’s are next week. What have you guys decided to do about it?”
Johnny knew about the romance going on between Hayden and Justin. He was well aware of their feelings for each other even before they went to Minnesota. He was happy for both of them but he worried about Hayden…the press is something that he didn’t think she’d be ready for.
“I really want Hayden to be there…I think it’d be great for her to see what goes on at the award shows and I want her there for support. But I understand since we’re already getting attention…it might not be a good idea.” Justin said.
Hayden could feel her stomach rolling while she sat in the chair. Everything with Justin had been going so well. It wasn’t fair…she was finally moving on and she wanted to scream it from the top of her lungs. But was she ready for the cameras and questions that would soon follow? She just wanted to be able to walk with him there, hold his hand and kiss him before he performed. She wanted to be the supportive girlfriend and she was realizing just how hard that was going to be when it came to his fame.
“Well you guys know that I don’t have any issue with you dating. I’ll support both of you either way…whether you decide to go public or not.” Johnny said looking at both of them.
Justin looked at Hayden, trying to give her his best reassuring smile that everything would be ok. “Maybe it’d be best if I took my mom…”
“No…well…I mean…if you want to take her that’s ok. But if you want me to go…I’ll be there…” Hayden said softly.
Justin couldn’t believe what she was saying. She wanted to be there for him. “Hayden…you don’t have to…”
“No, I want too…I mean we don’t have to answer any questions about us right?”
“Right…You don’t have to say anything you don’t want too…” Justin said searching Hayden’s eyes for any signs of doubt, he was surprised to see something else…it couldn’t be love, could it?
“Wow…I can’t believe…this is awesome!” Justin excitedly said while getting up and pulling Hayden into a hug.
Hayden’s face erupted into a huge smile and she couldn’t stop laughing at his antics. Johnny just smiled knowingly.
“I didn’t know it’d make you this happy…” Hayden said once Justin finally let her go.
“Are you kidding me…this is going to be great…I can’t wait to be able to have you there with me and not have to hide anything.” Justin gave Hayden a quick kiss before turning back to Johnny.
“Well…now that, that’s settled, I’ll make sure and get everything ready for you two.” Johnny said picking up his phone. “That’s all I had for today…you’re free to do whatever you want the rest of the day…” With that, Johnny had his phone permanently attached to his ear within a matter of seconds.
Hayden and Justin made their way out to their cars. She was trying to calm her nerves, this would be it, and next week she’d be with Justin out in the public eye. Was she really ready for what would soon follow?
“I’ve got to go out to lunch with Tyler…he wants to talk…you know sibling love. But after that…let’s do something.” Hayden said throwing her purse in the car.
“Why don’t you come over to my house…bring your swim suit and a change of clothes.” Justin said wiggling his eyebrows up and down.
Hayden gently shoved him. “You’re sick…I’ll call you later.” She gave him a quick kiss, got into her car and speed off to meet up with Tyler.
Once she was successfully away from Justin she let out a huge sigh of relief. Hayden was officially freaking out about going with him to the VMA’s. She knew it would make him happy to go but she was still scared. She’d be giving up her freedom and anonymity for him. She was even more worried about people digging into her past. She was just coming to grips with it herself and she surely didn’t need it being spread all over the news. Hayden tried to push all those negative thoughts out of her mind and turned on the radio. The smooth sounds of Akon’s “Don’t Matter” came through the speakers. She laughed softly realizing how perfect those lyrics really were when it came to her relationship with Justin.
Nobody wants to see us together
But it don’t matter, no
Cause I got you babe
Nobody wants to see us together
But it don’t matter, no
Cause I got you babe
Cause we’re going to fight
Oh yes, we’re going to fight
Believe, we’re going to fight
Fight for our right to love…
The drive didn’t take long to get back home. Hayden slowly pulled her car into their driveway and made her way into the house. Quickly, she spotted Tyler sitting by their island reading something in a magazine.
“Hey Ty…” Hayden said throwing her purse and keys down onto the table.
“Hey Hayden…how was your meeting?” Tyler said putting the magazine away and turning towards her.
“It went…well. Johnny wanted to talk about the VMA’s coming up and whether I was going to go with or not.”
“Are you?”
“Yeah…” Hayden said pulling some food out of the refrigerator, trying her best to avoid any stares from Tyler.
“Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
“I think so…Justin and I have been together now for over a month and it’s been great. But I’m sick of hiding everything. It’s like if we go to an appearance, he goes in first and I have to wait and walk in with Johnny. I have to keep my distance whenever we’re at public places and I’m tired of it. It sucks even more to hear him lie and say he’s single. I mean, if any other person in the world is dating…nobody has to hide their relationship just to appease others.”
“Yeah…but he’s not like any other guy Hayden. He comes with millions of other girls that would kill to be in your shoes.”
“I know…what do you think I should do?”
“I think you should do whatever you feel in your heart is the right thing. I can’t tell you if you’re ready or not to deal with that side of him. But from everything I’ve seen…and the way he treats you…I know he’ll do anything in his power to protect you and so will I.”
“Thanks Ty…”
They enjoyed the rest of their lunch talking about home and how Tyler’s job was going. In his own way, he was helping Hayden feel better about what she was getting herself into and she couldn’t be more thankful to have such a great big brother to look out for her. ________________________________________________________________________
Hayden knocked on Justin’s door at least twenty times to no avail. Getting fed up with standing outside his house…surely looking like a lunatic to his neighbors, she pulled out her cell phone and quickly dialed the familiar numbers.
“Hey there Hayd…” Justin said before getting cut off.
“Will you answer your goddamn door? The lady next door is looking at me like I’m some obsessed fan.”
“Oh…sorry…I was upstairs and didn’t hear you. I’ll be right there.” Justin said flipping his cell phone off and bounding down the stairs. Once he opened the door Hayden couldn’t help but smile. Damn he looked good in a pair of shorts and just a t-shirt.
Justin walked outside and turned to his neighbor’s house. “Hey there Mrs. Smith…nothing to be alarmed of…she’s my girlfriend. This is Hayden, I’m sure she’ll be around a lot.”
“Nice to meet you dear…I was just a little worried that someone made it through your security gate without your knowledge.” Mrs. Smith said.
“Thank you for looking out for me. Well have a great day!” Justin said before pulling Hayden into his house. “Sorry about that…it’s like having my mother living next door to me. She’s always on the lookout for fans.”
“Nothing to apologize for…” Hayden said laughing while putting her bag down on his couch.
“Did you bring your suit?” Justin said walking into the kitchen and pulling out a water bottle.
“Yeah…isn’t it a little cool to go swimming?” Hayden said.
“Umm…yeah. I thought we’d get in the hot tub later.”
“Are you trying to seduce me…Mr. Timberlake?” Hayden said winking at him.
“Maybe…” Justin said before taking a drink of water.
“You don’t have to get me into a hot tub to seduce me.” Hayden said rubbing her hand across his chest and walking through the sliding doors into his backyard.
Justin nearly choked on the water. Hayden had never been very forward about anything. He knew she was definitely experienced in that department…hell she was with a guy for years and was ready to get married. But they hadn’t taken that step yet; he’d be lying if he said he didn’t think about it. Trying to regain his composure, he followed Hayden out the door.
“That was mean Hayden…”
“What?!” Hayden said batting her eyelashes innocently.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about…”
“I seem to be confused Justin.”
“Whatever…I’ll get you back. Want to play b-ball?” Justin asked picking up his basketball.
“I already told you…I can’t play if my life depended on it. I’m terrible.”
“You can’t be that bad…here…just try…” Justin said putting the ball in her hands and moving Hayden closer to the basket. Hayden pulled the ball back next to her head and threw it up towards the basket. The ball went sailing past the backboard and landed with a thud onto the grass behind it.
“Ok…maybe you are that bad.” Justin said chasing after the ball.
“Gee thanks…I told you, I suck at basketball.” Hayden pouted.
“Yeah…but usually people say they’re bad at something when in reality they’re pretty good. But you…yeah…you are definitely bad at basketball.”
“Gee thanks, I love you too. Do you always treat your girlfriends that way?”
“No…only you!” Justin said leaning in to kiss her.
“Thanks babe…”
“Anytime…” Justin said before shooting the ball for a three pointer. They both watched as the ball effortlessly sailed through the net.
“Where did you learn to play like that?” Hayden asked before turning on her heels and heading back inside.
“My best friend Trace, who you still have to meet, and I always used to play back in Tennessee. It started out as a hobby and kind of turned into an obsession. You know how you said you go skiing when you want to clear your head…well I play basketball.”
Hayden made herself comfy on the couch, listening intently to everything he was saying. “Well if you’re good at it…I can see where it would help you relax.”
“Yeah…it’s like free therapy for me.” Justin said putting a movie on and then cuddling up to Hayden.
“What are we watching?”
“I’m done watching Pirates, so I thought I’d switch it up and put in Wedding Crashers.”
“Ohhh…I love this movie!” Hayden said relaxing into his arms.
________________________________________________________________________
Hayden and Justin had spent the entire afternoon watching movies and vegging out. They finished Wedding Crashers and moved onto Meet the Fockers a little bit later. Today was all about having a good time, kicking back, laughing, and relaxing. Justin knew that once they appeared at the VMA’s together, things would definitely start to get crazy. So today was all about chilling at home.
“What do you want to do now?” Hayden asked once the movie ended.
“Go get your suit on…let’s go sit in the hot tub. It’s such a nice night…what do you want to drink?”
“If you have it, Miller Lite. Just give me a couple of minutes.” Hayden said grabbing her bag and searching for her swim suit. Grabbing it and towel she made her way into the bathroom to change. Justin headed up to his room quick to put his trunks on as well.
A couple of minutes later Justin was back downstairs grabbing the two bottles of Miller Lite. Making his way outside he uncovered the hot tub and turned the jets on, allowing the water to run before stepping in. He was just getting settled in when Hayden appeared in the doorway. Her towel was wrapped snuggly around her body but he could still see the white straps of her swimsuit ties around her neck. Her hair was now pulled up high on her head in a messy bun and Justin couldn’t believe how beautiful she looked just standing there.
Hayden slowly made her way over to the hot tub and put her towel on the chair next to Justin’s. Hesitantly, she put her feet in and gradually submerged the rest of herself in the hot water. Reaching for her beer and taking a drink she allowed herself to fully relax. Their feet tangled underneath the water and Hayden couldn’t imagine anything better than this moment.
“So are you sure you want to go with me to the VMA’s?” Justin asked.
“Yeah, I’m not going to lie to you and tell you I am 100% completely comfortable with the public knowing about me. But that’s a part of you and I’m tired of only getting 50% of you, I’m ready for it all.”
“You know I will do everything in my power to protect you as much as possible but some people just don’t know when to stop. I just want you to be aware of that.” Justin said before taking a drink of his beer.
Hayden felt the butterflies in her stomach at that and she swam over to him, positioning her knees on either side of him. She used her hands to steady herself on his lap and Justin swallowed hard when he felt her hands run over his stomach. This could definitely spin out of control very fast he thought.
“I know that if I truly want to be with you, I’m going to have to accept everything that comes with it. People are always going to talk and I’m ok with that. I haven’t felt this way about anyone since Josh and I will do everything I can to hold onto it.”
Justin couldn’t help but smile, everything about Hayden just felt right to him. He couldn’t wait to be able to take her to dinner and not wonder if anyone saw or be able to hold her hand when they go shopping, he just wanted to have a normal relationship with his girlfriend.
“You know you’re amazing right…” Justin said brushing his hand against her cheek and letting it fall back into the water.
“Nah…I think I’m pretty normal. You, on the other hand, are the amazing one.” Hayden said before touching her lips to his. The kiss started off slow and tender but was quickly becoming one of need and desperation. Hayden felt his hands wrap around her waist and pull her closer to him. His fingers were gently kneading into her sides. Justin’s tongue playfully rolled across her bottom lip, begging her to let him in. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she tilted her head to the side allowing him full access to her mouth. When their tongues met for the first time that night, Justin couldn’t stop the moan that escaped his lips. His need for Hayden was starting to overtake his body and Hayden could feel his growing tension underneath her.
“Come on…” Hayden said standing up and getting out of the hot tub. She grabbed both of their towels and handed Justin his before she made her way back inside. “I don’t think Mrs. Smith would be too fond of what we were doing outside.”
Justin laughed at that and followed Hayden upstairs towards his bedroom. “I think she would freak out.”
“Exactly…so I figured we should probably cool it before we got a bit out of hand.” Hayden said reaching for her bag, pulling out some clothes. “Tyler’s probably wondering where I’m at…I should really get going.”
Justin reached for her arms and pulled her into his chest. “Stay…”
Hayden couldn’t stop the butterflies in her stomach again. He was the most beautiful man she’d ever seen and the look in his eyes was enough to halt her world. “Justin…”
“Please Hayden…”
Hayden didn’t need to hear anything else. She grabbed her cell phone to call Tyler and let him know she wouldn’t be home tonight.
Stay with me
Don’t let me go
Cause I can’t be without you
Just stay with me
Hold me close
Because I’ve built my world around you
And I don’t
Want to know what it’s like without you
So stay with me
_______________________________________________________________________
Song Credits-
Darren Hayes "Like It Or Not"
Akon "Don't Matter"
Danity Kane "Stay With Me"
Author's Chapter Notes:
Ok so things are definitely going to get a little steamy! :) haha! Hope you like it!! Please review!!
Story Tags: justin college
