Just as he said, there’s a little black skirt with silver accents and a matching top on the bed. I dont think that was gotten from my closet, when did he have the time to order an outfit? And it's not all I see two black boxes with designer labels at the foot of the bed and another beside the skirt on the bed but much smaller. I’m grinning like mad as I hurry into the room, kneeling to get one of the boxes, I push it open and then soft white tissue to reveal a pair of black low heeled boots.“Awwwn…” I brought them out one after the other, smoothing my finger on the soft shiny leather. How pretty, and kinda edgy. Not my usual style as I was more of a sneaker girl but I loved it. From the length they would likely go up to my calves. I couldn’t wait to try them on. I get the second box wondering what it might be, I’m surprised to see a purse with a long silver chain strap. It was chic and girly and pretty. Now that’s more my speed, “These are all so nice” I exclaimed appreciatively.T

“Ian?” My hand falls a grin splitting across my lips, “You're here!” Then I paused “Wait, but how are you here?” Has he been here all along? I thought he didn't know JBK? “W-what are you doing here?” And I glanced around to see that I hadn’t been magically transported to another place. Yes, still at the arena. And I'm more shocked to see he’s dressed differently, decked out in dark jeans tucked into heavy boots, a black v-neck sweater stretched over his wide chest, the sleeves pushed to expose those muscular forearms, a heavy watch glinting at his wrist. His brows furrowed, eyes on my lips indicated that he couldn’t hear me over the loud music. So I leaned forward, a hand dropped to my hip moved to my back to anchor me closer to him, the crop my of the top had my middle bare, his palm was warm against my skin, a large palm spanning across my back as he pulled me closer has a shiver running down my spine. I gulped. “I said why are you here? Did something happen?” He leans down spe

It’s two am in the morning and there’s not a wink of sleep in my eyes, that’s the thing about having fun, if I had been studying right now, not even putting my feet in hot water would have kept my eyes open. I only managed to eat half of my plate with Ian’s watchful gaze on me, as he discussed football with Kyle and Sam, turns out he might not watch movies but he knew the NFL like the back of his hand. He was different, chatting with my friends than what I was used to from him during those other events we attended. Calmer, less… edgy. It was more handshakes and cutting tones, back pats, and toasts to secrets agreements. I guess discussing business would make one more guarded. Turns out he went to school with a few, knew them personally and they even kept in contact, I think Kyle might have a crush with the number of times he said “What?! No way” while I tried to ignore how hard his muscled thigh felt beneath my butt, how I tried not to squirm as his long fingers subconsciously

**I wake up the next morning with a dry mouth. My tongue felt like a towel that was just in the wash and mouth equally as bitter. I push up slowly, throw legs over the bed, my eyes in my palm. , Recounts the night after wards, drive the rest of the way in silence, stop car, held her hand to the house, says good night, she heads to the kitchen for some water turn around to see his back, towards his office phone at his ear. The glass I dumped on my nightstand is not full and a bottle of pills, painkillers seats beside it. With half closed lids I leaned to the side, popped two pills into my mouth and washed it down with half of the water. Then I return it back into the night stand. Ian. His name immediately comes to mind. Last night was so great, I still can’t believe he joined us for JBK concert. Am I allergic?His words brought a smile to my lips. Now I know he could have a good time like the rest of us. And who knows, maybe there would be more of that, if he

*** “You’re in excellent spirits this morning.” Ian noted as his eyes rolled over me, “Who knew an act of service would put that winning smile on your face?” I wanted to have a good week this week, it’s going to be packed but I intend on taking it one step at a time and keep a level head. I shook my head, knowing he was referring to our agreement last night, and while I feel better that those people will be getting their jobs back it wasn’t what had me smiling. I added more sugar to my sweet tea, “I was just reminded of a conversation I had with Hannah yesterday” He turns giving me his full attention. And I rolled my eyes, “After Friday she was a bit curious about our arrangement. So I told her we were friends” “Friends” he repeats, his eyebrows going up you’d think he didn’t know the meaning of the word. “Yeah, friends” I felt a flush rising up my neck “We’re… friends aren’t we?” “If you think all this time I’ve been trying to become your friend, I must be doing something wr