I won't lose you.

Chapter 10.

James's P.O.V.

When Melanie finished performing her last song, she ran off of the stage carrying her guitar and into my arms. I pulled her into a tight hug and kissed her forehead.

"How did I do?" she asked.

"You were so awesome!" Sarah said.

"Amazing!" said Carlos.

"Phenomenal!" exclaimed Logan, Kendall, and I at the same time.

"Wow, Melanie you were great!" Kendall exclaimed.

I blushed.

"Melanie, I must say that I have never seen such showmanship and talent from anybody-" Death glares from Big Time Rush. "Besides these boys," Kenny added quickly. Yeah, that's right. You should put that on there. Be very afraid, I thought, chuckling to myself. "How would you feel about going on tour with these guys and performing as the opening act?"

"Well, I have to think about it…" Melanie replied.

"Wha-" Kenny started.

"I'm just kidding! I would love to!"

"Ah, a sense of humor! I love her. Welcome to the world of fame, Melanie," Kenny said, grinning.

"How about we go out and celebrate?" I suggested to everyone.

"Sure! Where are we going?" asked Melanie.

"How about the Village Idiot?" Kendall suggested.

"Yeah, they make the best burgers," Sarah said.

"Ok, let's go," I said, heading towards my silver Audi.

"Meet you there Alice!" Melanie called over her shoulder as she ran behind me.

Melanie rode shotgun again next to me.

"Everyone ready?" I asked, glancing in the mirror to look at the guys.

"Yes we are," said Logan.

"Wait a minute, where's Carlos?" I asked.

"Oh…he said something about 'going with his hot new friend'," Kendall said putting air quotes around Carlos's exact words.

Typical Carlos. Oh well, if he wants to do that, so be it.

I drove to the Village Idiot and pulled into the parking lot behind it. Kendall was having some debate with Logan over who had the best hair in our band.

"Me, obviously," I chimed in.

"Melanie, what do you think?" asked Logan.

"James," Melanie said, smirking.

"Of course she'd pick James. He is her boyfriend. No fair!" Kendall said, pouting.

"Sorry boys, but he trumps all," Melanie said with a laugh.

Kendall and Logan stuck their tongues out at her.

"Really mature, guys," I said.

"And this is coming from the guy who thinks that dinosaur chicken is the most amazing food ever," said Kendall.

Laughing it off, I responded, "Well, it is pretty tasty. Since that one episode of Big Time Rush, I became completely hooked. I mean what's not to love? It's chicken, and it's shaped like dinosaurs!"

Alice stepped out of her yellow Mustang with Carlos next to her. She was laughing.

"Carlos, you're so funny!" giggled the tall, strawberry-blonde, tan girl.

"Hey, I'm glad I can make you laugh," Carlos said with a smile.

Look what the cat dragged in," Melanie said, trying to keep a straight face.

"Haha funny," Sarah replied sarcastically. "I'm so proud of you, hun!" She pulled Melanie into a warm embrace.

"Sorry guys, hate to interrupt this fun, but are we going to stand in the parking lot and shoot the breeze for the rest of the night or are we actually going to go inside and eat something?" asked Logan.

"Alright, Oh-Impatient-One, let's head in," I said.

We went inside, grabbed a table, and sat down. After we placed our orders, we continued talking about the events of the night.

I caught a glimpse of Alice and Carlos holding hands underneath the table. I probably sound like a hypocrite, but they were really rushing into this.

I nudged Melanie's foot with my own. She stared at me. I made a motion with my head towards the entrance.

"I'll be right back, I'm going to the bathroom," Melanie said to Alice.

"I'm-uh…going to the bathroom too," I said.

Melanie and I got up and left the restaurant for a little. I needed to get her alone. I led her to my car.

"Melanie, I wanted you alone for a little bit," I said.

"Couldn't this have waited until the guys were back at their houses?"

"No," I replied.

I cupped Kaitlin's face with my hands. I kissed her softly on the lips. She began to deepen the kiss. I was a little surprised. Yesterday she said it was too soon…now she wanted to jump into it? Girls are so confusing. My tongue grazed her lower lip. She parted her lips slightly to let me in to explore her mouth. I continued to kiss her until I was certain that my lungs had no more air left in them. I pulled away, my chest heaving.

I took Kaitlin's hand and placed it over my heart. Without thinking, I blurted out, "Kaitlin, I love you."