didn't yell, because Kaylee had heard enough of that this morning, but he was stern and Brandon knew he meant business.
"My girlfriend is in here, and I want to know why." Brandon whined.
Ashton opened his mouth to deliver a smart remark, but Kaylee beat him to it. "Because he had the balls to take care of me. And because he was here to comfort me. Where were you when I needed you?" Kaylee suddenly turned from confused to angry as the memories flooded back.
Ashton put his hand on Kaylee's shoulder, and gave it a little push so that she laid back down. She went willingly, still glaring at Brandon. "I think you need to leave. Now. Before I get really mad and kick the living shit out of you," he told Brandon. There wasn't a hint of teasing in his voice; Ashton meant business. He wrapped his arms around Kaylee and ran his hand over her hair in a comforting gesture.
Kaylee closed her eyes again, letting the peaceful feeling return. "I'll talk to you later, Brandon. I need some time." Her voice held no emotion at all.
Brandon was about to say something else, but when Ashton's eyes shot him a warning look, he turned and left. His footsteps stomped through the bus, showing exactly how angry he was. Ashton didn't give a shit. He closed the partition again, and held Kaylee while she slipped off to sleep again.
The three guys sitting in the front room of the bus all laughed as Brandon left. He was sure heated that Kaylee was with Ashton at the moment, and he wasn't given a chance for explanations. They all thought he got what he deserved. Actually, he got less than he deserved, but at least it was something.
Later that day, Kaylee opened her eyes to see Ashton staring at her. Any other day, that would have made her cringe and wonder what he was going to pull next. But today, it was strangely comforting.
"Hi," she whispered.
"Hi. How're you feeling?" he asked softly.
"Like I was almost raped last night while my boyfriend watched and did nothing to help me." She softly touched her face at the spot where the man had hit her. She winced, as even the slightest touch sent her into a whole world of hurt. Her arms ached from where he had his grasp on her, and she was sure if she looked, there would be bruises in the shape of fingers. "But thank you for letting me sleep here last night. I don't think I would have made it through the night without you here."
"I know, you've just been dreaming of ways to get into my bed." Ashton teased. Kaylee tried to smile, but the cut on her lip split and she groaned in pain.
Ashton looked almost horrified, as if he had been the one to hurt her. "Sorry, I won't joke anymore."
"I should probably get up and face the day," Kaylee said, a little hesitant. The last thing she wanted to do was face the day.
Ashton understood, for the most part. "Hey, if you need me, just let me know."
"I will. Thanks." She rolled out of the bunk and went to her drawers to grab some clothes.
Ashton followed her out of the bunk. He stretched his arms over his head, trying to work out the kinks. He scratched his stomach and walked to the front room where the other guys were.
Kaylee looked up at him, and for the first time, she realized that he was wearing nothing but a thin pair of boxers. Her cheeks flushed, remembering how close they had been just a few minutes ago. Then, something hit her.
"Hey Ashton?" she asked, her voice shaking.
He turned, standing at the threshold between the front room and the hallway to the bunks. She picked her clothes up and walked over to him. "Thanks. For everything. You're my hero," she told him, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. Then she did something that no one would ever have expected. She raised herself up on her tiptoes and softly, gently kissed his cheek.
Before Ashton could say anything, Kaylee disappeared into the bathroom. Instead, he looked to his band mates for answers.
"Man, the look on your face!" Colton laughed.
"I think we need to write this date down. This is the first time since Kaylee and Ashton met that they've gotten along," Jayden said in awe.
"I don't think I've ever seen the two of you that close without Kaylee's fists swinging," Noah said, joining