KATELisa was sitting to my right, and Brad and Matt to my left. They were incredibly cheerful. I should be too, but knowing that Ryan was here today stirred up an unusual feeling in me. I couldn't feel anger anymore, didn't know if I really believed in it or if I still cared. But when I saw him arrive and sit with the other guests on stage, my heart raced. And when he looked in my direction, I had to look away. But I could still feel his gaze on me, and I loved that somehow.We listened to Mr. Spencer's speech and all the other guests, and when Nathan walked to the center of the stage, I heard whispers behind me. Some girls giggled, making me think, he's all mine. But my conscience screamed: No, he's not, you idiot! Thanks to yourself! I tried to convince myself that I was better now and that I would never let a man make a fool of me again.Lisa squeezed my knee with a tender look."Are you okay?""Of course!" I smiled.When it was time to

KATEIt was dark, there was only a faint light coming from the lamp and the window, where the street seemed to be calm. I lifted my head from his chest, trying not to wake him up. Were we really sleeping on the floor of my living room? How long had it been? I got up, trying to clear my thoughts. He held my hand, stopping me from taking a step."Hi," he said."Hi."Damn. What did I do? He was here, naked, sitting in my living room with a smile."I want to see your new room.""It's time for you to leave," I said, trying not to be rude but apparently failing, judging by his surprised expression."Tomorrow is Saturday, I'm not in a hurry." Damn. What should I do now?"Yeah, but you have to go." I offered a weak smile."Are you playing hard to get now?""It's not that..." I didn't know what to say to him, I didn't even know why I did this. No, I knew, I wanted this so much. And now I think I've lost myself. "I don't know what you're thinking... It was amazing, thank you, but... it was just

Two months agoKATEMary and I had arranged to go to a bar on Friday after work. We were sitting at a corner table. I was sure I would be left alone there at any moment because the guys at the counter and tables couldn't stop looking at her. I had noticed that men always looked her up and down, even when we walked down the street.But how could they not? She had told me she worked out practically every day when I asked her how she maintained her incredible body; her black hair matched her incredibly blue eyes, making her utterly sexy."So, what about your friend from University?" She raises a curious eyebrow."Huh?""Don't play dumb. The one who sent you messages this week, the one from the pool, the guy you didn't sleep with because you're a fool.""Oh, thanks, Mary.""Come on, Kate. I really don't understand you. How long has it been since you had sex with someone?""Oh, my God! You're worse than Lisa!"

NATHANAfter a whole week of turbulent work, seeing Kate entering the bar next to that jerk Kent was the last straw. Stephen and Ben looked at me apprehensively, wondering why the hell I had agreed to come to this damn bar. It didn't seem like such a bad idea when it all boiled down to checking out the new place. A staff member led them to an outdoor table. I wished I could get up and drag her out of here, far away from him. A staff member led them to an outdoor table."Nat, we should leave," Stephen said."No, Stephan," I replied."You're not going to freak out, are you?""Shut up.""Your brother is right, Ryan," Ben said."Just keep drinking in peace, you idiots."I sent a message to Samantha; she was probably still in town, so I invited her to come to the bar.I spent the next half hour watching Kate give silly smiles until she noticed my presence when she went to the bathroom."If you'll excuse me, I'll go get

NATHANI lost sight of her for a second, and now she was talking to a guy next to the bar. I had to act quickly. A crazy idea popped into my head, but maybe it was my only chance to be alone with her.I approached Ben and Mary."Hello.""Nathan?" Ben was surprised by my approach. And his friend gave me a once-over. "Mary, this is Nathan Ryan, my best friend. Nathan, this is Mary, whom I have already mentioned."Pleasure to meet you.""The pleasure is mine. This may seem strange, but can I talk to you?""With me?" She narrowed her eyes with suspicion. I nodded. "Sure, I guess.""Okay. I'll get a drink then." Ben said goodbye to her with a kiss on the cheek."Alright, I suppose it's about Kate?""Yes. I know you don't know me, but I need a favor. A big favor.""What do you want?""I need to talk to her alone.""I'm not sure if I should help you. Lisa definitely wouldn't.""We both have so