Playing With Fire

++++++++



"So, how'd it go?" Carrie asked as she sat on the countertop in front of Kelly while Ashley did the Texan's hair.



"I think it went well," Kelly replied. "We'll just have to wait and see, right?"



"Yea," Carrie nodded, smiling at her.



"Ugh," Ashley rolled her eyes before covering them with her hand. "Hurry up. Get it over with."



Carrie grinned as she hopped down from the counter. She leaned forward, kissing the short Texan gently, "Thank you."



"For what?" Kelly smiled.



"For putting our relationship first. I know that may be selfish of me, but it really means a lot."



"Well, you mean a lot to me," she pointed out.



Ashley made a gagging motion.



"Oh hush it," Carrie laughed at her before looking back at her girlfriend. "Things are gonna be great now, huh?"



"They're not already?" Kelly questioned, feeling Ashley start back on her hair.



"No, they are, but now it's just going to be completely just right, you know?"



"And if my mom wouldn't have agreed, it wouldn't have been?" Kelly asked, not upset, just curious as to how the other girl felt.



"It would've been eventually, but first you would've had to deal with that, which I totally understand. I'm just so happy that you don't, because I hate having to see you hurt or upset, and now you don't have to be, so it's gonna be great."



"Yea," Kelly nodded, pulling her back for another kiss.



"No sudden motions," Ashley warned with a laugh. "I don't want to hear you fussing when you have a huge red mark on your forehead because I burned you with the curling iron."



"You better not burn her," Carrie warned, pulling back.



"Blondie, I could throw you in the trashcan, don't start with me."



Carrie laughed, "True."



++++++++++



"So..."



Carrie jumped at the sound of Jeanne beside her as she stood on the side of the stage, watching the show, "Shoot, you scared me. I thought you were watching from the floor."



"I was," Jeanne nodded. "Although I couldn't help but wonder why you always watch from here when the floor is obviously a better view."



"I prefer this one," Carrie smiled, watching as Kelly faced the crowd, giving her a perfect view of the Texan's side profile. "Besides, like you said last night, her hugs are amazing."



"I had an interesting talk with her this morning."



"Oh yea?"



"You seem surprised," Jeanne raised an eyebrow. "Something makes me seriously doubt that you didn't know about it. In fact, something makes me seriously doubt that you didn't have anything to do with it."



"It was Kelly's idea to talk to you," Carrie replied honestly, keeping her eyes on the stage.



"Yes, but I really don't think we would have ever had that conversation if it weren't for you running to her every time you have a problem with me."



Carrie frowned.



"You know, you two keeping saying how y'all are grown up, but if that's the case you wouldn't go tattle every time I say something that upsets you."



"The thing is Jeanne, you say a lot of things that upset me, and the reason that they upset me is because I know they would hurt Kelly, and I believe she has a right to know how the people around her really feel."



"It wouldn't hurt her, if you wouldn't complain about it to her."



Carrie sighed, turning to her, "Why are you here?"



"To spend time with me daughter."



"Ok, now why are you really here? Is it to break us up? You know, slowly come between us, because that will never work. Or is it to maybe get some more information to sell your daughter out with? Because you and I both know that you were the one to send those private photos to the magazine, and if you don't stop this right now, I will make sure that Kelly knows it was you as well."



Jeanne just smiled, "I'm only here to spend time with Kelly."



"I bet," Carrie nodded, turning back to the stage. "You may want to go unless you want to see me undress your daughter."



"Excuse me?"



"It's time for the encore. The only reason she went to her dressing room to change last night was because you were here, and it ended up taking her way too long."



"Hey," Kelly smiled as she rushed to the side of the stage, kissing her quickly, pushing her further into the backstage area, out of the audience's view. "Help me with my mic pack."



Carrie turned her around, her eyebrows furrowing, "How the heck you did that?"



"I don't know," Kelly looked over her shoulder.



Carrie shook her head laughing as she struggled with the mic pack that was some how hooked on the back of Kelly's jeans through her long black tank top that she was wearing.



"Hey Mom," Kelly smiled at her breathlessly. "Can you turn around for a sec?"



"Turn around?"



"Got it," Carrie smiled, finally able to unhook the mic pack. She started lot lift the hem of Kelly's tank top.



Kelly turned around in her arms. If her mom wasn't going to turn away, she surely wasn't going to watch her watching them with that shocked look on her face. Carrie took the shirt completely off of her, smiling.



"Behave," Kelly laughed softly at the look in her eyes.



"I don't have to behave when she's not here," Carrie whispered with a grin.



Kelly shook her head, smiling as Carrie handed her a simple black spaghetti strap top to slip on, before handing her the shiny one that went over it. Carrie turned her around once more as she knelt down, rehooking her mic pack. She smiled, at the small inch or two of skin peeking out between the short singer's jeans and tops. She leaned forward, kissing the small of Kelly's back softly, before pulling her shirts down for her.



Kelly laughed as she turned back, helping her to her feet.



"Hey," Ashley smiled, walking to them. "Let me see."



Kelly turned around slowly as Ashley examined her hair.



"Y'all are getting good at this," she nodded.



"Practice makes perfect," Carrie smiled.



Ashley laughed as she did a few touch-ups to Kelly's makeup, "Ok, you're good to go."



"Thanks y'all," Kelly smiled.



"Have fun," Carrie reached up, kissing her forehead.



"Always," Kelly beamed before rushing to meet Reba on the lift that brought them to the top of the stairs on the stage.



"Practice makes perfect?" Ashley elbowed Carrie playfully.



"Undressing someone takes a lot of practice," she smirked.



Ashley laughed, shaking her head, "Did Kelly know when y'all started dating that you were such a horn dog?"



"If she didn't, I made it clear very soon."



"That's true, I remember those conversations," Ashley smiled. "I felt sorry for you. I wasn't sure if she'd ever break."



"How come you never got mad at me for pressuring her like some people did?"



"Because you never did pressure her," Ashley shrugged. "Trust me, if you would have, I would've seriously kicked your ass. Alyssa and them were just worried, and they just jumped to conclusions. I know you would never do that to her."



"Thanks," Carrie smiled, looking around.



"What's up?"



"Jeanne...was she here when you came?"



"Yea."



"She must've gone back to her seat," Carrie frowned.



"You pissed her off?"



"Probably, but I hey, I totally warned her I was about to strip Kelly."



Ashley laughed, "Nice."



"Yea, well, I'm sure I'll be hearing about it when Jeanne complains to her about it. Speaking of, she totally came over here to call me out on telling Kelly the things she's been saying."



"Really?"



"Yea, she pretty much called me a tattle tale."



"What did you say?"



"I asked why she was really here. If it was to break Kelly and I up, because that would never work, or if it was to get more info for magazines because we both knew she was the one that sent the pictures in, and if she didn't back off, I'd make sure that Kelly knew too."



"How did she react?"



"Just smiled and said she was here for Kelly."



"She didn't deny it?" Ashley's eyebrows raised.



"Nope."



"Well...guess we were right after all. What do you think we should do?"



"I'm not telling Kelly," Carrie shook her head. "She won't believe me, and me bringing it up again will just make her upset."



"You don't think not telling her would make her even more upset?"



"I already told her once. Things seem to be good between her and Jeanne right now. I think we should just wait and see what happens."



"Yea," Ashley nodded, patting her shoulder. "I'll see y'all on the bus."



"Later," Carrie smiled as she walked away. She turned back to the stage to watch Kelly's knee bouncing as she sang to the crowd. Dang, did she ever love the view from the side.



++++++++



"And what are we drinking to?" Carrie asked curiously as Tim went around backstage filling their glasses with champagne after the Illinois show.



"A sold out tour," he grinned.



"A what?" Kelly's jaw dropped. "Are you sure? I mean, we still have another weekend left."



"Yep, Narvel just told me," he nodded.



"Oh my God, thank you," Kelly pulled him into a hug, along with the rest of her band members.



Carrie smiled as the short Texan turned to her for her hug. Carrie wrapped her arms around her waist tightly, lifting her off the ground slightly as she kissed her. She giggled at the playful cat calls. "Congrats."



"Thank you," Kelly beamed. "And thanks for being here. I'm so glad I get to share this with you."



"I wouldn't miss this for nothing," Carrie replied, smiling over Kelly's shoulder at Reba who was walking towards them.



Kelly turned around, letting out a slight scream as she pulled the music legend into a hug, "Reba! Thank you so much."



"Shoot, I was coming to thank you," Reba laughed. "And as a treat, Narvel and I wanted to throw a little party after the last show next weekend for all the band and crew members and girlfriends," she winked at Carrie.



"Care, tell me you'll be able to come," Kelly turned to her quickly. "I want you to be there."



"Where's the show?"



"Missouri."



"And what's the date?"



"The sixteenth."



Carrie frowned.



"No..." Kelly pouted.



"I have a show in Virginia," Carrie admitted. "But..."



"But?" Kelly's eyes lit up.



"Well, there's an hour time difference, and being I don't even have to stay for our whole show, just until I'm done my part, I'll be able to make it. Probably be a few minutes late, but I'll be there."



"Really?"



"Definitely."



"I love you," Kelly pulled her into another hug.



"I love you too," Carrie laughed, kissing her cheek.



++++++++++



"So, what's this about a party this weekend?" Jeanne asked as they sat down for breakfast in the Tennessee home.



Kelly beamed, "The tour's sold out, so Reba and Narvel are throwing a party. You're gonna go, right?"



"When is it?"



"Right after the last show."



"That's a little late at night, isn't it?"



"Mom, please?"



Jeanne smiled, "Oh, alright. I'll be there. I guess you could use the extra support, right?"



"For what?"



"Well, isn't Carrie on tour? She won't be able to be with you for the party. Shame too, since it's such a big thing for you."



"I'm gonna be there," Carrie replied from behind her, fixing a cup of coffee.



"Oh, Carrie, dear, I didn't hear you come in," Jeanne forced a smile.



"Yea, Carrie's going to fly in after her show," Kelly explained.



"But won't you be tired?" Jeanne questioned.



"I've been tired before," Carrie shrugged. "Besides, it's not everyday someone has a sold out tour with their musical hero."



Kelly smiled as Carrie kissed the top of her head, "You're going to your interview?"



"Yea, then that meeting. Call me later and tell me what y'all wanna do for supper?"



"Sure," Kelly nodded, tilting her head up to give her a quick kiss before she left.



"So," Jeanne drew her attention back. "Does this mean I have you all to myself for the day?"



"Yea," Kelly replied. "I talked Narvel into giving me the day off so we could spend some time together."



+++++++++



"I think this one is very nice," Jeanne nodded as she and Kelly stood in front of a painting.



"I don't know. It's not really my taste," Kelly turned her head to the side.



"I think it would look good in the living room."



"We're going to be painting the living room," she reminded.



"Why don't you let me help you with that?"



"I'd love for you to help, Mom, but this is something the four of us agreed we'd do together."



"It's going to be hard for you to find time to do that."



"There's no hurry," Kelly shrugged. "None of us are going anywhere."



"The people that work here aren't very helpful," Jeanne frowned as they continued to browse through the artwork. "Maybe if you'd put on a little makeup when you go out..."



"Mom," Kelly laughed. "It's not like people just bow down to me or something."



"They should."



Kelly patted her arm, "You're my mother. You're supposed to think that."



"So, why are we looking for stuff, if you're not ready to start decorating?"



"Just looking for ideas."



"How about I treat you to a nice lunch after this?"



"Mom, no I'm the one treating you today."



"Nonsense, I'm your mother. I still get to take you out for lunch, no matter how famous you are."



Kelly smiled, "Alright. But I'm totally paying for dessert."



"Ok," Jeanne laughed.



++++++++++



"Hey beautiful."



"Aw, hey Care," Kelly smiled as she answered her cell phone. "How was your day?"



"It was good. Just wanted to know what y'all wanna do for dinner? I'm gonna be home in about an hour and a half, wanna wait and I'll make us something?"



"Well, my mom suggested pizza," Kelly replied. "That way you can just come home and relax. How does that sound?"



"That sounds really good," Carrie smiled, leaning back in her chair. "So how were things with your mom today?"



"I think it went really well. Everything was relaxed. We went shopping--mostly just looked around. So, yea, it was good."



"That's good."



"Although...I really did miss you today."



"Aw, I missed you too, Kell."



"So, hour and a half?"



"No later."



"Good," Kelly smiled. "Love you."



"Love you too."



++++++++++



"Hmm..." Kelly heard a voice behind her in the kitchen as she dug for the paper plates. "Now it surely looks like my girlfriend."



Kelly giggled as she turned around.



"And it certainly sounds like my girlfriend."



"Care..." Kelly smiled as Carrie sidled up to her, wrapping her arms around her.



"And it certainly feels like my girlfriend...but what the heck would my girlfriend be doing in the kitchen when heaven knows she can't cook without setting the house on fire."



Kelly grinned as Carrie pulled her closer.



"Oh, I know. It's a clone. A very hot...lifelike clone...sent here just for me to fulfill one of my fantasies," her eyes lit up.



"Your wish is my command," Kelly whispered, running a finger along the country singer's jaw line.



"You have any idea how hot you look in a kitchen?"



"Oh yea?"



"You know where you'd look even hotter?"



"Where?"



"On the kitchen countertop...beneath me."



Kelly's face flushed at the feeling of Carrie kissing her firmly, pressing her against the counter behind them. She moaned softly as Carrie tugged on her bottom lip, breaking the kiss. "So, in the kitchen, huh?"



Carrie nodded, her hand following the curve of the Texans back before slipping into the back pocket of her jeans. "God, you're beautiful..." she whispered, her eyes slowly moving over the features of her face.



"Care..." she blushed.



"What?" Carrie asked softly. "I'm not allowed to tell the person I love most in the world just how insanely beautiful they are?"



Kelly's heart melted.



"Those eyes," Carrie shook her head, nearly breathless. "And your lips...and you're adorable nose..."



"Ok, ok, we get the picture," Kelly rolled her eyes.



Carrie laughed, "One day. I'll teach you how to take a compliment."



"And until then?"



"Until then I get to have my way with you in the kitchen," her eyes danced.



"Ooo," Kelly grinned, kissing her again.



They broke apart at a knock on the door.



Kelly raised an eyebrow with a smile, "Yes?"



"Can I come in?" Jeanne questioned.



"Pretty cool," Carrie whispered, kissing Kelly's forehead as the short Texan turned around, but allowed her to keep her arms around her.



"Yea, come on Mom."



"Hey," Jeanne's smile faltered slightly at the sight of Carrie still holding her, but she quickly masked it. "Just wanted to say the pizza's here."



"Ok, we're coming," Kelly smiled before her mother walked back out. She turned to face Carrie excitedly, "See?"



"That worked well."



"Guess things are gonna turn out great after all, huh?"



"Guess so," Carrie nodded, pulling her head down playfully to kiss the top of it. "Now let's get going. I'm starved."



Kelly laughed, grabbing the plates before following her out of the kitchen.



+++++++++



Kelly sat cross legged on the bed, wearing a huge pout as she watched Carrie pack her bag.



"Baby," Carrie laughed. "I gotta go."



"Take me with you."



"You're welcome to come," she replied.



"Uh..." Kelly groaned, lying back on the bed. "I can't. My mom's here, and I think asking her to come with me to watch your show is pushing it a little."



"Well, I'm going to see you Saturday night," Carrie reminded. "And then I'm off for nearly two weeks."



"That's a long time," Kelly smiled as Carrie climbed onto the bed, laying on her stomach beside her.



"Very long."



"You know what we can do in that time?"



"Sleep."



"Exactly," Kelly nodded as she wrapped an arm around the country singer, pulling her closer. "Lots and lots of sleep."



Carrie smiled as she rested her head on the Texan's chest, her eyes closing at the feeling of Kelly's nails softly scratching her back.



Kelly kissed the top of her head.



"This is what I miss the most when you're gone," Carrie admitted softly.



"Yea?"



"Yea," she nodded, drawing small circles on the shorter girl's stomach. "Just this warmth, and this light, and this ease you carry about you that just makes everything a hundred times better than it is without you."



Kelly tightened her arms around her, hugging her close.



"I mean, normally when I lay in bed there are a million things going on in my mind, just tons of lists of things that I need to be doing, and I can't relax, but when I lay with you...it's just me and you, nothing else."



"You're the only person I can be still with," Kelly replied.



Carrie smiled, "Yea, I bet your teachers had a rough time getting you to sit still in class, huh?"



Kelly laughed, "Completely."



Carrie wrapped her arm around the other singer's stomach, snuggling closer, "I also miss the way you look at me...when you're not with me."



"The way I look at you?"



"Yea...you look at me, almost as if I'm more than myself. And at times, that's hard because I don't know if I'll ever be able to live up to your expectations, but that look in your eyes...as if you know some huge secret that I don't, like you know that I'll be able to do something even when I don't think I can...that look, coming from someone as remarkable as you...you give me so much strength."



Kelly kissed the top of her head once more at the sound of her voice cracking.



"And I miss that, so much when you're not with me," she sniffed.



"Baby," Kelly whispered into her hair. "It's not some huge secret. You are so amazingly talented, and you are such a great person. Everyone knows that."



Carrie wrapped her arms around her tighter.



"Are you ok?" Kelly asked carefully.



"I'm just gonna miss you."



"I'm gonna miss you too, but are you sure that something else isn't bothering you?"



Carrie nodded.



"Care," she said gently. "You promised you'd talk to me."



"It's the band," she admitted softly.



"My band?"



"Mine," she sighed. "It's just not the same as it used to be."



"They're giving you a hard time?"



"Not really...more like ignoring me."



"Aw, Care," Kelly frowned, pulling her up so that they were eye level. "I am so sorry."



"It's ok. I'll just start looking for replacements after the tour."



"But you shouldn't have to deal with that."



"Just promise me you'll call a lot?" Carrie looked at her hopefully. "I know it's just a few days, but it sucks not having someone to talk to."



"Every free chance I have, I'll be on the phone with you," Kelly assured her, brushing her bangs out of her eyes before leaning forward to kiss her gently. "I love you."



"I love you too," Carrie smiled.



"We have a little while before you have to go catch your flight. Do you wanna take a nap with me?"



"Yea," she nodded, allowing her to move them up the bed and pull the covers up around them snugly.